Influence of the Ag Content on the Natural and Thermal Induced Oxidation of Cu Thin Films.

In this paper, we studied the deposition and characterization of monolithic and silver-doped copper coatings using RF magnetron sputtering. The main objective was to examine the impact of different Ag contents on natural and thermally induced aging when compared with monolithic copper coatings. For this purpose, the as-deposited surfaces were left exposed to normal temperature and humidity conditions during one year (natural) and were annealed at 200 °C in a non-controlled atmosphere.

Low friction hydrogel with diclofenac eluting ability for dry eye therapeutic contact lenses.

When placed in the eye, contact lenses (CLs) disturb the tear fluid and affect the natural tribological behaviour of the eye. The disruption in the contact mechanics between the ocular tissues can increase frictional shear stress and ocular dryness, causing discomfort. Ultimately, continuous CLs wear can trigger inflammation which is particularly critical for people suffering from dry eye.

Free-Standing, Water-Resistant, and Conductivity-Enhanced PEDOT:PSS Films from In Situ Polymerization of 3-Hydroxymethyl-3-Methyl-Oxetane.

Free-standing films based on conducting polymers, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), offer many benefits over traditional metal electrodes for applications in flexible electronics. However, to ensure structural integrity when contacting aqueous environments and high levels of electrical conductivity, solution-processed polymers require additives that act as crosslinking agents and conductivity enhancers. In this work, a new approach is presented to fabricate water-resistant free-standing films of PEDOT:PSS and simultaneously increase their conductivity, using an oxetane compound as an additive.

Tribomechanical Properties of PVA/Nomex Composite Hydrogels for Articular Cartilage Repair.

Due to the increasing prevalence of articular cartilage diseases and limitations faced by current therapeutic methodologies, there is an unmet need for new materials to replace damaged cartilage. In this work, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were reinforced with different amounts of Nomex (known for its high mechanical toughness, flexibility, and resilience) and sterilized by gamma irradiation. Samples were studied concerning morphology, chemical structure, thermal behavior, water content, wettability, mechanical properties, and rheological and tribological behavior.

Hydrogel-Based Novel Biomaterials: Achievements and Prospects.

In recent decades, hydrogels have garnered significant attention, thanks to their extensive biomedical and pharmaceutical applications [...