Objective: To investigate the effect of ZnO nanocoating on mechanical properties of NiTi orthodontic wires and antibacterial activity. Methods: 0.016 x 0.022-in NiTi orthodontic wires were coated with ZnO nanoparticles using an electrochemical deposition method with three electrodes system in 0.1M Zn(NO3)2. Mechanical properties and frictional resistance of the coated wires were investigated using an universal testing machine. Antibacterial effect of ZnO coating was also investigated. Results: A stable adhered ZnO nanocoating on NiTi wires was obtained. The coated wires have a significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. pyogens and E. coli, and a reduction of frictional forces by 34%. Conclusion: ZnO nanocoating may improve the antibacterial effects of NiTi wires and reduce the frictional resistance. Coating may be implanted in orthodontic practice for faster and safer treatment.

Experiments are done for different combinations of Fe+2 and Mn+2 concentrations. The obtained results show that Potassium Permanganate (PP) gives good results in iron and manganese removal. By using PP dose near to half of the theoretically required one, it can remove up to 100 % and 90 % of iron and manganese, respectively over different tested concentrations at pH=7.0. Increasing rate of filtration influences the Mn+2 removal process obviously. Sedimentation is required when combined concentrations of iron and manganese are greater than 5.0 ppm to reduce filter rapid clogging. Using conventional treatment with adding alum, flocculation, sedimentation and filtration can remove up to 97% and 18% of iron and manganese, respectively. Using PP in addition to alum enhances manganese removal but decreases iron removal. However, using alum with increasing pH to 10 leads to 100 % and 95 % of Fe+2 and Mn+2 removal and increases filter working period.

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