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Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 Np) exhibiting properties of photocatalyst under ultraviolet light (UV) exposition related with destruction of some hazardous organic moieties. To enhance the antibacterial characteristics of this material in our works, we developed a new method of TiO 2 Np doping with silver nanoparticles (Ag 0 Np), whose biocidal properties are well defined. The obtained products, Ag 0 Np/TiO 2 Np, in the form of suspensions and powders were characterized from chemical, physical and antimicrobial activity point of view. In addition, a mechanism of Ag + ions reduction reaction to Ag 0 Np has been proposed. The developed method of the Ag 0 Np/TiO 2 Np synthesis consists of the in situ chemical deposition of the Ag 0 Np on the dispersed TiO 2 Np in the form of anatase, using aqueous solutions of poly(acrylic acid sodium salt) (PAS) and NaBH 4. The Ag 0 Np synthesis was carried out both in the presence and absence of TiO 2 Np. The chemical composition of Ag 0 Np/TiO 2 Np was assessed by atomic absorption spectrometrical method (AAS). The physical properties were evaluated as follows: crystallite structure and dimensions of nanopowders by X-ray diffraction method (XRD), UV-Vis absorption of colloidal suspensions and UV-Vis reflectance of nanopowders by spectrophotometrical method, grain size distribution of nanoparticles by dynamic light scattering method (DLS), stability of colloidal suspensions by zeta potential measurements, forms and shapes of Ag 0 Np and Ag 0 Np/TiO 2 Np by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) respectively. The antimicrobial activity was tested by standard methods against some broad spectra of fungi and bacteria. In suspensions, the concentration of TiO 2 Np was 1 wt. % and the concentration of Ag 0 Np varied in the range of 0.005…0.15 wt. %. The Ag 0 Np suspensions and Ag 0 Np/TiO 2 Np suspensions were stable from the physical and chemical point of view. The physical characterization test results were in accordance, proving the achievement of colloidal solutions containing Ag 0 Np and TiO 2 Np spherical nanocrystallite with average diameters of 4.1 nm and 7.8 nm, respectively. The results of the biological tests showed the high fungistatic and antibacterial activities of both products in form of colloidal suspensions and powders. The developed "one pot method" is efficient, ecological and easy to be scaled-up. The obtained products have biological activity but it depends on the nature of the tested germs, lowering in the series: Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria and fungi. Also, a synergistic action was proved at destroying of Trichoderma viride fungus, which was not obtained either for Ag 0 Np or for TiO 2 Np, independently.

Tungsten copper composites with 70±3 wt.% W, maximum 1.5 wt.% Ni, and balance Cu were achieved as disks (diameter × height of 50×6 mm) by copper infiltration process of tungsten skeletons. Elemental analysis was assessed by WDXRF spectroscopy. Hydrostatic density was evaluated in ethanol. Vickers hardness and Young's modulus were determined in ambient air by instrumented indentation technique and Oliver&Pharr computation method. Tribological behavior was investigated under 30 N up to 400 m sliding distance and naphthenic mineral oil lubricant with a standard tribometer of ball-on-disk type. The results yielded highly dense materials with relative density over 96%, Vickers hardness (HV IT ) of 244…323, Young's modulus (E IT ) of 156…185 GPa, mean coefficient of friction of 0.11…0.22 and specific wear rate up to 8×10 -6 mm 3 /(Nm). The developed composites with low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance for use as arcing contacts in oil circuit breakers will endow high performance in service.

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