Investigation of the matrix effect in Zr-based two-element alloys under continuous bombardment of a Ga+ primary ion beam in a study of ionization probability towards exploring the potential and limitations of gas-assisted TOF-SIMS.

Metal-anodic aluminum oxide (AAO)–Al nanostructures have been deposited by using sputtering for the metal layer deposition and a two-step anodization process in different electrolytes to produce self-ordered anodic aluminum oxide films. The effect of the morphological parameters of AAO films (such as thickness, pore diameter, interpore distance, and porosity) on the optical properties was studied. The UV–vis reflectance properties as a function of the thickness for the different electrolytes of metal-AAO–Al films were analyzed in order to obtain the color diagrams and the effective refractive indexes of the films. The effective refractive index was found to depend on the thickness and porosity of AAO films. The change in color observed in metal-AAO–Al nanostructures is due to the thickness and porosity of the AAO films. In order to verify the experimental results, UV–vis reflectance spectra of AAO–Al films were simulated using commercially available finite element simulation software.

Composite bilayer coatings on Ti6Al4V substrates were prepared by electrophoretic deposition, a simple and fast low temperature coating technique. Biocompatible yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) in the form of nanoparticles and bioactive Bioglass (45S5) in the form of microparticles were chosen as coating materials. The first layer consisted of 5 microm of YSZ, deposited with the intention to avoid any metal tissue contact. The second layer consisted of 15-microm thick 45S5-YSZ composite, supposed to react with the surrounding bone tissue and to enhance implant fixation. The adsorption of YSZ nanoparticles on 45S5 microparticles in organic suspension was found to invert the surface charge of the 45S5 particles from negative to positive. This enabled cathodic electrophoretic deposition of 45S5, avoiding uncontrolled anodization (oxidation) of the substrate. The coatings were sintered at 900 degrees C for 2 h under argon flow. The characterization was performed using SEM, EDX, and nanoindentation (cross section). Potential applications in the orthopedics field are discussed.

ZnO nanowires electrodeposited into anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates exhibit a high filling ratio and aspect ratio. A diffusion mechanism, which depends on electrodeposition parameters is proposed.