No abstract

The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of hot–rolled Mg–xSn–1Zn–0.5Ca (x = 1, 3 and 5 wt.%) alloys were investigated for possible application as biodegradable implants. The hot–rolled Mg–xSn–1Zn–0.5Ca alloys consisted of α-Mg matrix and Mg2Sn phase. The number of the Mg2Sn particles significantly increased and the grains were gradually refined (14.2 ± 1.5, ~10.7 ± 0.7 and ~6.6 ± 1.1 μm), while the recrystallized fraction significantly decreased with the increase in the Sn content, the Mg–1Sn–1Zn–0.5Ca alloy was almost completely recrystallized. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and tensile yield strength (TYS) increased slightly, reaching maximum values of 247 MPa and 116 MPa, respectively, for the Mg–5Sn–1Zn–0.5Ca alloy, and the elongation decreased with the increase in the Sn content; the Mg–1Sn–1Zn–0.5Ca alloy showed the highest elongation (15.3%). In addition, immersion tests and electrochemical measurements in Hank’s solution revealed that the corrosion rates of Mg–xSn–1Zn–0.5Ca alloys increased with the increase in the Sn content. A model of the corrosion behavior was discussed for hot–rolled Mg–xSn–1Zn–0.5Ca alloys in Hank’s solution. Among the Mg–xSn–1Zn–0.5Ca (x = 1, 3 and 5 wt.%) alloys, Mg–1Sn–1Zn–0.5Ca alloy exhibits optimal corrosion resistance and appropriate mechanical properties.

Shape memory polymers are a promising class of stimuli-responsive materials that have dual-shape capability. This kind of materials can recover their shape in a predefined way from temporary shape to desired permanent shape when exposed to an appropriate stimulus. In the development and extensive application of synthetic shape memory polymers on textile industrials, the thermal and hygrothermal effects of wool materials have attracted considerable attention. In this article the fundamental concept of the shape memory polymers and the fundamental aspects of the shape-memory effect were reviewed. The thermal and hygrothermal effects of wool materials were also summarized to discuss the shape memory behavior of wool materials. Besides the effects of synthetic shape memory polymers on the thermal and hygrothermal of the woven wool fabrics were introduced to show the shape memory behavior of treated wool further.

Among all types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA rays are the most prevalent and can penetrate clouds and glass. In this article, we report the fabrication of a novel silicone/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposite that has outstanding performance in shielding the harmful UVA light. We prepared wurtzite ZnO nanoparticles of three growth durations and dispersed them in a transparent silicone matrix via solution mixing. Our results exhibit a red shift in the absorption peak of the nanocomposites when compared with ZnO colloidal dispersions and decreasing the growth duration of ZnO nanoparticles could improve the UVA-shielding properties of the nanocomposite. In addition, the nanocomposite presents good shear adhesion strength over 10.5 MPa on glass substrate. The excellent optical and mechanical properties of the novel nanocomposite make it highly promising for automobile window coatings.

A fluorine‐free and multifunctional superhydrophobic coating (r‐MSC) was prepared by the one‐step spraying method. The coating had superhydrophobic and low‐adhesion properties with the water contact angle of 161.5° ± 1° and the sliding angle of 3.2° ± 0.5°. It could be prepared by spraying while maintaining superhydrophobic surface characteristics on any substrates. The coating owed outstanding mechanical durability and chemical stability. Moreover, the coating also possessed the ability of self‐cleaning, anti‐fouling, anti‐icing, and flame retardant ability. Importantly, the presence of multifunctional coating endowed the substrate with both water‐resistant and fireproof properties. Besides, it also showed excellent oil‐water separation ability, which presented the oil‐water separation efficiency of over 90% for different types of oils after 10 separation cycles. Furthermore, the coating could improve corrosion inhibition performance and the corrosion current density was reduced by two orders of magnitude from the polarization curve. The r‐MSC had the advantages of simple preparation, fluorine‐free, environmentally friendly and appropriate for large‐area fabrication, which could be applied to various fields.