Investigation of Two Immiscible Liquids Wetting at Elevated Temperature: Interaction Between Liquid FeMn Alloy and Liquid Slag

The goal of the current work is to develop a methodology to study the wetting behaviour of two immiscible liquids at high temperatures, and to investigate the parameters which influence the wetting properties. The wetting behaviour between synthetic FeMn alloy and synthetic slag has been investigated using the sessile drop technique. Two experimental procedures were implemented under both Ar and CO atmospheres: (a) FeMn alloy and slag placed next to each other on a graphite substrate; and (b) one droplet dropped on top of the other. FactSage is applied to calculate reactions and their equilibrium. The current work presents and demonstrates the suggested methodologies. The results indicate that the wetting between slag and FeMn alloy is relatively stable at temperatures up to 100 K above their melting points, regardless of the droplet size and atmosphere. MnO reduction is accelerated at higher temperature, especially in CO, thus increasing the wetting between FeMn alloy and slag, eventually fusing together. At even higher temperature, slag separates from FeMn alloy due to changing chemical composition during non-equilibrium MnO reduction.

Synthesis, Characterization and Wettability of Cu-Sn Alloy on the Si-Implanted 6H-SiC

The wettability of the metal/SiC system is not always excellent, resulting in the limitation of the widespread use of SiC ceramic. In this paper, three implantation doses of Si ions (5 × 1015, 1 × 1016, 5 × 1016 ions/cm2) were implanted into the 6H-SiC substrate. The wetting of Cu-(2.5, 5, 7.5, 10) Sn alloys on the pristine and Si-SiC were studied by the sessile drop technique, and the interfacial chemical reaction of Cu-Sn/SiC wetting couples was investigated and discussed. The Si ion can markedly enhance the wetting of Cu-Sn on 6H-SiC substrate, and those of the corresponding contact angles (θ) are raised partly, with the Si ion dose increasing due to the weakening interfacial chemical reactions among four Cu-Sn alloys and 6H-SiC ceramics. Moreover, the θ of Cu-Sn on (Si-)SiC substrate is first decreased and then increased from ~62° to ~39°, and ~70° and ~140°, with the Sn concentration increasing from 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% to 10%, which is linked to the reactivity of Cu-Sn alloys and SiC ceramic and the variation of liquid-vapor surface energy. Particularly, only a continuous graphite layer is formed at the interface of the Cu-10Sn/Si-SiC system, resulting in a higher contact angle (>40°).

The Surface Anodization of Titanium Dental Implants Improves Blood Clot Formation Followed by Osseointegration

The anodization of titanium dental implant influences the biologic processes of osseointegration. 34 grit-blasted and acid-etched titanium specimens were used to evaluate micro- and nano-roughness (Ra), contact angle (θ) and blood clot extension (bce). 17 samples were anodized (test) while the remaining were used as control. The bce, was measured using 10 µL of human blood left in contact with titanium for 5 min at room temperature. The micro- and nano-scale Ra were measured under CLSM and AFM, respectively, while the θ was analyzed using the sessile drop technique. The bone-implant contact (BIC) rate was measured on two narrow implants retrieved for fracture. bce was 42.5 (±22) for test and 26.6% (±13)% for control group (p = 0.049). The micro-Ra was 6.0 (±1.5) for the test and 5.8 (±1.8) µm for control group (p > 0.05). The θ was 98.5° (±18.7°) for test and 103° (±15.2°) for control group (p > 0.05). The nano-Ra was 286 (±40) for the test and 226 (±40) nm for control group (p < 0.05). The BIC rate was 52.5 (±2.1) for test and 34.5% (±2.1%) for control implant (p = 0.014). (Conclusions) The titanium anodized surface significantly increases blood clot retention, significantly increases nano-roughness, and favors osseointegration. When placing dental implants in poor bone quality sites or with immediate loading protocol anodized Ti6Al4V dental implants should be preferred.

Wetting and Interfacial Behaviors of Molten Ag, Cu and Ag-28Cu on WC-8Co Cemented Carbide

The wetting and spreading of molten Cu, Ag and Ag-28Cu (wt.%) on the WC-Co cemented carbide were investigated by the sessile drop technique at different temperatures, and the interfacial behaviors of the metal/WC-Co couples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The experimental results showed that the testing temperature and the composition of drop can play a key role in the wetting and spreading, and the good wettability with contact angle of less than 40o can be obtained. Moreover, the strongest interactions can be produced between the molten Cu and the WC-Co substrate at the higher temperature of 1100 oC due to the strong interdiffusion and solid solution between Cu and Co, resulting in the lowest equilibrium contact angle of ~0o. In addition, smooth and clean interfaces, without formation of visible interfacial reaction layer, were observed in all the three wetting systems. This work may also provide guidance to brazing of the cemented carbide.

Effect of Various Types of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Films on Surface Free Energy and Contact Angle

The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of various viscosity grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for mucoadhesive buccal films. The HPMC used in this study was K4M, K15M and K100M which their viscosity were 4000, 15000 and 100000 mPas respectively. Using HPMC as film forming base matrix, all intrinsic characteristics of each HPMC grade is required as basic knowledge for the development of mucoadhesive buccal films. To understand the primary essential parameters, surface free energy and contact angle of various HPMC grades were determined. Sessile drop technique was used in this study to determine contact angle of HPMC and surface free energy was then evaluated by using the Wu’s equation. The results showed that the increase in viscosity of HPMC film tended to decrease the polar force and total surface free energy but increased the contact angle. These parameters indicated that the hydrophilic character of HPMC was influenced by its viscosity. Our study suggested that the polar and dispersive force detected by sessile drop technique could be beneficial for the further design and development of mucoadhesive buccal films.

The Effect of Sulfur on the Contact Angle between Liquid Eutectic Fe-V-C Alloy and VC Substrate and on the Microstructure of the Alloy

The sessile drop technique was used to evaluate the contact angle between liquid eutectic Fe-11wt%V-2.3wt%C alloy and VC substrate. This alloy solidifies through a eutectic reaction that starts at 1320°C and leads to the formation of the faceted/non-faceted austenite-VC eutectic. The effect of sulfur on the contact angle and on morphology of the austenite-VC eutectic in both non-directionally and unidirectionally solidified specimens was investigated. It was shown that sulfur increases the contact angle and modifies the eutectic morphology, thus indicating a relationship between eutectic morphology and liquid eutectic/faceted phase VC interfacial energy.