scholarly journals Chemical, Thermo-Mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties of DBD Plasma Treated Disinfectant-Impregnated Wipes during Storage

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song ◽  
Cvelbar ◽  
Strazar ◽  
Vossebein ◽  
Zille

Disinfectant-impregnated wipes are broadly used in hospitals, as an important approach for infection prevention and control. But their ageing performance has rarely been studied. Untreated and Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma pre-treated wiping materials made of nonwoven 100% polyester (W1), nonwoven 55% cellulose/45% polyester (W2) and woven cotton (W3) were impregnated with a quaternary ammonium compound solution (ADBAC) for 30 min, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days of storage time and characterized in term of chemical, thermo-mechanical and antimicrobial efficacy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis on the plasma-treated polyester wipes demonstrates the incorporation of reactive oxygen species on the fiber surface. Laser scanning microscopy demonstrates the plasma etching effect in smoothing the surface of the cotton wipe reducing the adsorption of ADBAC. The result showed no significant changes in breaking force and elongation during storage for W1 and W2. However, plasma treatment affects W3 in weft direction reducing the force at break in water and ADBAC treated wipes. Dynamic mechanical analysis results show that ADBAC and plasma treatment have a significant influence in W1 and W3 viscoelastic properties improving the elastic response limiting the polymeric chains mobility and the non-elastic response due to the etching effect, respectively. Overall, the plasma pre-treatment of ADBAC-impregnated wipes is able to enhance the antimicrobial performance and the storage time of polyester-containing wipes.

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 4673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Sauerbier ◽  
Robert Köhler ◽  
Gerrit Renner ◽  
Holger Militz

Wood-plastic composite (WPC) based on a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix is a promising material since it is biobased, degradable, sustainable, and 3D printable. However, due to its coloring, visible layers after 3D-printing, and small build volumes of these printers, a coating or gluing of parts might be required. This study investigates the influence of a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment of PLA-based WPC to activate the surface and improve, e.g., coating capabilities. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements showed the oxidation of the surface due to the formation of carbonyl and carboxyl groups. Laser scanning microscopy revealed a surface roughening after the treatment. Contact angles of water and diiodomethane decreased significantly after the plasma treatment and the consecutively calculated surface free energy increased. Finally, two practical adhesion tests revealed an improvement of the applied acrylic dispersion coating’s adhesion to the WPC surface: The assigned cross-cut class improved, and the pull-off strength increased from 1.4 to 2.3 N/mm2.


Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1933
Author(s):  
Philipp Sauerbier ◽  
Robert Köhler ◽  
Gerrit Renner ◽  
Holger Militz

In this study, a polypropylene (PP)-based wood–plastic composite with maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) as a coupling agent and a wood content of 60% was extruded and specimens were injection molded. The samples were plasma treated utilizing a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) setup with three different working gases: Ar/O2 (90%/10%), Ar/N2 (90%/10%), and synthetic air. This process aims to improve the coating and gluing properties of the otherwise challenging apolar surface of PP based wood–plastic composites (WPC). Chemical analysis with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the formation of oxygen-based functional groups on the surface, independently from the working gas used for the treatment. Laser scanning microscopy (LSM) examined the surface roughness and revealed that the two argon-containing working gases roughened the surface more than synthetic air. However, the contact angle for water was reduced significantly after treatment, revealing measurement artifacts for water and diiodomethane due to the severe changes in surface morphology. The adhesion of acrylic dispersion coating was significantly increased, resulting in a pull-off strength of approximately 4 N/mm2, and cross-cut tests assigned the best adhesion class (0), on a scale from 0 to 5, after plasma treatment with any working gas.


Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 464
Author(s):  
Simona Liliana Iconaru ◽  
Mihai Valentin Predoi ◽  
Patrick Chapon ◽  
Sofia Gaiaschi ◽  
Krzysztof Rokosz ◽  
...  

In this study, the cerium-doped hydroxyapatite (Ca10−xCex(PO4)6(OH)2 with xCe = 0.1, 10Ce-HAp) coatings obtained by the spin coating method were presented for the first time. The stability of the 10Ce-HAp suspension particles used in the preparation of coatings was evaluated by ultrasonic studies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface morphology of the 10Ce-HAp coating was studied by SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The obtained 10Ce-HAp coatings were uniform and without cracks or unevenness. Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used for the investigation of fine chemical depth profiling. The antifungal properties of the HAp and 10Ce-HAp suspensions and coatings were assessed using Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (C. albicans) fungal strain. The quantitative antifungal assays demonstrated that both 10Ce-HAp suspensions and coatings exhibited strong antifungal properties and that they successfully inhibited the development and adherence of C. albicans fungal cells for all the tested time intervals. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) visualization of the C. albicans fungal cells adherence to the 10Ce-HAp surface also demonstrated their strong inhibitory effects. In addition, the qualitative assays also suggested that the 10Ce-HAp coatings successfully stopped the biofilm formation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. Ciobanu ◽  
A. Groza ◽  
S. L. Iconaru ◽  
C. L. Popa ◽  
P. Chapon ◽  
...  

The goal of this study was the preparation, physicochemical characterization, and microbiological evaluation of novel hydroxyapatite doped with silver/polydimethylsiloxane (Ag:HAp-PDMS) composite layers. In the first stage, the deposition of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer layer on commercially pure Si disks has been produced in atmospheric pressure corona discharges. Finally, the new silver doped hydroxyapatite/polydimethylsiloxane composite layer has been obtained by the thermal evaporation technique. The Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layers were characterized by various techniques, such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GDOES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The antimicrobial activity of the Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layer was assessed againstCandida albicansATCC 10231 (ATCC—American Type Culture Collection) by culture based and confirmed by SEM and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) methods. This is the first study reporting the antimicrobial effect of the Ag:HAp-PDMS composite layer, which proved to be active againstCandida albicansbiofilm embedded cells.


2013 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Danko ◽  
Matej Mičušík ◽  
Mária Omastová ◽  
Juraj Bujdák ◽  
Dušan Chorvát

AbstractNew fluorescence dyes with an alkoxysilane moiety were synthesised by the condensation of 3-(triethoxysilyl)-1-propanamine (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) with 4,10-benzothioxanthene-3,1′-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (BTXA) and N,N-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1,8-dicarboxylic acid anhydride (DMANA), which was accompanied by the formation of an imidic bridge. The compounds N-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)-thioxantheno[2,1,9-dej]isoquinoline-1,3-dione (BTX-S) and 4-(N′, N′-dimethyl)-N-(triethoxysilyl)propyl-1,8-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid imide (DMAN-S) were characterised by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in chloroform and ethanol. Both conjugates (BTX-S and DMAN-S) exhibited absorption and emission bands in the same region as the un-substituted BTXA and DMANA. An important Stokes shift was observed for DMAN-S in ethanol. A high fluorescence quantum yield was observed for BTX-S in both solvents and for DMAN-S in chloroform. In addition, the newly developed fluorescent silane dyes were covalently attached to the microscopic particles of layered silicates and on the surface of SiO2 wafers as a proof of concept for fluorescence particle (surface) visualisation. The surface wafer modification was precisely characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Successful covalent linkage onto the particles of layered silicates was proved by confocal laser scanning microscopy technique.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
László Trif ◽  
Abdul Shaban ◽  
Judit Telegdi

AbstractSuitable application of techniques for detection and monitoring of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of the interactions and for selecting inhibition and control approaches. This paper presents a review of the application of electrochemical and surface analytical techniques in studying the MIC process of metals and their alloys. Conventional electrochemical techniques, such as corrosion potential (Ecorr), redox potential, dual-cell technique, polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), electrochemical noise (EN) analysis, and microelectrode techniques, are discussed, with examples of their use in various MIC studies. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, which is newly used in MIC study, is also discussed. Microscopic techniques [scanning electron microscopy (SEM), environmental SEM (ESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), confocal laser microscopy (CLM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), confocal Raman microscopy] and spectroscopic analytical methods [Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)] are also highlighted. This review highlights the heterogeneous characteristics of microbial consortia and use of special techniques to study their probable effects on the metal substrata. The aim of this review is to motivate using a combination of new procedures for research and practical measurement and calculation of the impact of MIC and biofilms on metals and their alloys.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 712-722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Wang ◽  
Layun Deng ◽  
Zhihong Xiao ◽  
Xianjun Li ◽  
Youhua Fan ◽  
...  

The objective of this paper aimed to develop a novel method to prepare enhanced bamboo-based materials. Furfuryl alcohol (FA) was used as the modification agent with maleic anhydride (MA) as the catalyst. Different bamboo samples were prepared with different FA addition level (10 wt%, 20 wt% and 30 wt%). The furfurylated bamboo samples were characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, the physical and mechanical properties including weight percent gain (WPG), water uptake (WU), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elastic (MOE) were investigated in detail. Additionally, the decay resistance of pristine and furfurylated bamboo samples was also investigated. The results showed that FA resins were incorporated into bamboo and polymerized within cell walls. The WPG, WU, and TS were dependent on FA addition level. When the FA addition level reached 30 wt%, the physical properties were all improved significantly. However, due to acidic MA as the catalyst, MOR of furfurylated bamboo samples was enhanced only 2.5% while MOE was weakened. The thermal stability and decay resistance of furfurylated bamboo were all enhanced significantly compared to pristine bamboo. Especially, furfurylated bamboo treated with 30 wt% FA achieved Class I Strong Decay Resistance (<10%) with 5.3% of mass loss.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena M. Wallenhorst ◽  
Sebastian Dahle ◽  
Matej Vovk ◽  
Lisa Wurlitzer ◽  
Leander Loewenthal ◽  
...  

We report on the characteristics of aluminium trihydrate filled poly(methyl methacrylate) composite (PMMA/ATH) coatings realised by plasma deposition at atmospheric pressure. For this purpose, PMMA/ATH powder was fed to a plasma jet where the process and carrier gas was compressed air. The deposited coatings were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. Further, the raw material was characterised before deposition. It was found that, with respect to the raw material, aluminium was uncovered in the course of the plasma deposition process which can be explained by plasma-induced etching of the PMMA matrix. As a result, the wettability of plasma-deposited PMMA/ATH was significantly increased. Even though a uniform coating film could not be realised as ascertained by confocal laser scanning microscopy, the deposited coatings feature notably enhanced characteristics which could be advantageous for further processing.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Rokosz ◽  
Tadeusz Hryniewicz ◽  
Wojciech Kacalak ◽  
Katarzyna Tandecka ◽  
Steinar Raaen ◽  
...  

To fabricate porous copper coatings on titanium, we used the process of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with voltage control. For all experiments, the three-phase step-up transformer with six-diode Graetz bridge was used. The voltage and the amount of salt used in the electrolyte were determined so as to obtain porous coatings. Within the framework of this study, the PEO process was carried out at a voltage of 450 VRMS in four electrolytes containing the salt as copper(II) nitrate(V) trihydrate. Moreover, we showed that the content of salt in the electrolyte needed to obtain a porous PEO coating was in the range 300–600 g/dm3. After exceeding this amount of salts in the electrolyte, some inclusions on the sample surface were observed. It is worth noting that this limitation of the amount of salts in the electrolyte was not connected with the maximum solubility of copper(II) nitrate(V) trihydrate in the concentrated (85%) orthophosphoric acid. To characterize the obtained coatings, numerous techniques were used. In this work, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), conducted surface analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and studied the surface layer chemical composition of the obtained coatings by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), glow discharge of optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES), and biological tests. It was found that the higher the concentration of Cu(NO3)2∙3H2O in the electrolyte, the higher the roughness of the coatings, which may be described by 3D roughness parameters, such as Sa (1.17–1.90 μm) and Sp (7.62–13.91 μm). The thicknesses of PEO coatings obtained in the electrolyte with 300–600 g/dm3 Cu(NO3) 2∙3H2O were in the range 7.8 to 10 μm. The Cu/P ratio of the whole volume of coating measured by EDS was in the range 0.05–0.12, while the range for the top layer (measured using XPS) was 0.17–0.24. The atomic concentration of copper (0.54–0.72 at%) resulted in antibacterial and fungicidal properties in the fabricated coatings, which can be dedicated to biocompatible applications.


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