Improvement of Tribological Performance of TiAlNbN Hard Coatings by Adding AlCrN.

In tribological applications, the degradation of alloy nitride coatings is an issue of increasing concern. The drawbacks of monolayer hard coatings can be overcome using a multilayer coating system. In this study, single-layer TiAlNbN and multilayer TiAlNbN/AlCrN coatings with AlCrN layer addition into TiAlNbN were prepared by cathodic arc evaporation (CAE). The multilayer TiAlNbN/AlCrN showed B1 NaCl structure, and the columnar structure continued from the bottom interlayer of CrN to the top multilayers without interruption. After AlCrN addition, the TiAlNbN/AlCrN coating consisted of TiAlNbN and AlCrN multilayers with a periodic thickness of 13.2 nm. The layer thicknesses of the TiAlNbN and AlCrN were 7 nm and 6.2 nm, respectively. The template growth of the TiAlNbN and AlCrN sublayers stabilized the cubic phases. The introduction of bottom CrN and the TiAlNbN/CrN transition layers possessed com-position-gradient that improved the adhesion strength of the coatings. The hardness of the deposited TiAlNbN was 30.2 ± 1.3 GPa. The TiAlNbN/AlCrN had higher hardness of 31.7 ± 3.5 GPa and improved tribological performance (wear rate = 8.2 ± 0.6 × 10-7 mm3/Nm) than those of TiAlNbN, which were because the multilayer architecture with AlCrN addition effectively resisted abrasion wear.

Biocompatibility and Microstructure-Based Stress Analyses of TiNbZrTa Composite Films.

BACKGROUND: the clinical application of orthopedic or dental implants improves the quality of the lives of patients. However, the long-term use of implants may lead to implant loosening and related complications. The purpose of this study is to deposit titanium (Ti)-niobium (Nb)-zirconium (Zr)-tantalum (Ta) alloys on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V to increase structural strength and biocompatibility for the possible future application of implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ti, Nb, Zr, and Ta served as the materials for the surface modification of the titanium alloy. TiNbZr and TiNbZrTa coatings were produced using cathodic arc evaporation, and a small amount of nitrogen was added to produce TiNbZrTa(N) film. Annealing and oxidation were then conducted to produce TiNbZrTa-O and TiNbZrTa(N)-O coatings. In this study, biological tests and finite element analyses of those five alloy films, as well as uncoated Ti-6Al-4V, were performed. Human osteosarcoma cells (MG-63) and mouse fibroblast cells (L-929) were used to analyze cytotoxicity, cell viability, and cell morphology, and the bone differentiation of MG-63 was evaluated in an alkaline phosphatase experiment. Furthermore, for measuring the gene expression level of L-929, reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted. The three-dimensional (3D) computational models of the coated and uncoated sample films were constructed using images of transmission electron microscopy and computer-aided design software and, then, the stress distributions of all models were evaluated by finite element analysis. RESULT: the cytotoxicity test revealed that the surface treatment had no significant cytotoxic effects on MG-63 and L-929 cells. According to the results of the cell viability of L-929, more cell activity was observed in the surface-treated experimental group than in the control group; for MG-63, the cell viability of the coated samples was similar to that of the uncoated samples. In the cell morphology analysis, both MG-63 and L-929 exhibited attached filopodia and lamellipodia, verifying that the cells were well attached. The alkaline phosphatase experiment demonstrated that the surface treatment did not affect the characteristics of early osteogenic differentiation, whereas RT-qPCR analysis showed that surface treatment can promote better performance of L-929 cells in collagen, type I, α1, and fibronectin 1. Finally, the results of the finite element analysis revealed that the coated TiNb interlayer can effectively reduce the stress concentration inside the layered coatings. CONCLUSIONS: TiNbZrTa series films deposited using cathodic arc evaporation had excellent biocompatibility with titanium alloys, particularly in regard to soft tissue cells, which exhibited an active performance. The finite element analysis verified that the TiNb interlayer can reduce the stress concentration inside TiNbZrTa series films, increasing their suitability for application in biomedical implants in the future.

Effect of Plasma Nitriding Pretreatment on the Mechanical Properties of AlCrSiN-Coated Tool Steels.

Surface modification of steel has been reported to improve hardness and other mechanical properties, such as increase in resistance, for reducing plastic deformation, fatigue, and wear. Duplex surface treatment, such as a combination of plasma nitriding and physical vapor deposition, achieves superior mechanical properties and resistance to wear. In this study, the plasma nitriding process was conducted prior to the deposition of hard coatings on the SKH9 substrate. This process was done by a proper mixture of nitrogen/hydrogen gas at suitable duty cycle, pressure, and voltage with proper temperature. Later on, the deposition of gradient AlCrSiN coatings synthesized by a cathodic-arc deposition process was performed. During the deposition of AlCrSiN, CrN, AlCrN/CrN, and AlCrSiN/AlCrN were deposited as gradient interlayers to improve adhesion between the coatings and nitrided steels. A repetitive impact test (200k⁻400k times) was performed at room temperature and at high temperature (~500 °C) to assess impact resistance. The results showed that the tribological impact resistance for the synthesized AlCrSiN increased because of a progressive hardness support. The combination of plasma nitriding and AlCrSiN hard coatings is capable of increasing the life of molding dies and metal forging dies in mass production.

Effects of Laser Texture Oxidation and High-Temperature Annealing of TiV Alloy Thin Films on Mechanical and Antibacterial Properties and Cytotoxicity.

Titanium dioxide and vanadium oxides have been applied extensively in industrial and medical fields. The objective of this study was to develop various composite structures of titanium and vanadium oxide (Ti-V-O) coatings on pure titanium through high-temperature annealing and laser texturing oxidation, separately; additionally, surface morphologies, tribological and hydrophilic properties, and antibacterial and biocompatibility abilities of these Ti-V-O coatings were evaluated. TiV alloy thin films were deposited on pure titanium and then annealed to form Ti-V-O coatings through thermal oxidation and laser texturing oxidation. Ball-on-disc wear tests and contact angle tests were conducted to evaluate the tribological properties and wettability of the coatings, respectively. The antibacterial activity of the coatings was estimated by SYTO9 nucleic acid staining with Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria). The cell cytotoxicity of the coatings was analyzed following the ISO 10995-5:2009 standard with human skin fibroblast cells. The Ti-V-O coatings, subjected to annealing at 700 °C, demonstrated higher hardness (Hv 1171) and a lower friction coefficient (0.6). The highest hardness (Hv 2711) and the lowest friction coefficient (0.52) were obtained for the Ti-V-O after laser surface texturing oxidation at 100 kHz. The oxide coating obtained from 100 kHz laser texturing oxidation exhibited the lotus effect because of its systematic textured microstructures, and displayed superhydrophobic surface properties. Compared with the unannealed TiV coating, both the samples with high-temperature annealing and laser surface texturing oxidation had excellent antibacterial properties to Staphylococcus aureus. However, the Ti-V-O thin films exhibited notable cell cytotoxicity. Although the cell viability on Ti-V-O coatings were not ideal, this study confirmed improvement in surface hardness, tribology, and antibacterial performance in Ti-V-O coatings, which may have potential for use in biomedical tools, devices, and equipment.

Problems and countermeasures of physician multi-sited license based on the Grounded Theory:A perspective of the doctors / 中国卫生政策研究

Objective:Based on Grounded Theory,the objective of this study is to explore the problems of Phy-sician multi-sited license in Zunyi, Guizhou Province from the perspective of doctors and putting forward the corre-sponding countermeasures. Methods:From January to July,2017,based on purposive sampling and Grounded Theo-ry,43 doctors from nine medical institutions in Zunyi of Guizhou Province were interviewed using semi-structural in-terview syllabus. With the help of open coding, axial coding, selective coding, multi-sited licensed Physician were integrated to explore existing problems, and putting forward corresponding countermeasures. Results:After three-grade coding,105 concepts,17 categories,7 main categories and 5 core categories of multi-sited licensed Physicians were concluded. Then, 5 lines of Physician multi-sited license were formed, including development prospect and doctors aspiration, the factors that could stimulate development, development difficulties, relative supporting poli-cies,service needs and practice condition. Conclusion:The majority of doctors are willing to carry out multi-sited prac-tice,the relevant laws and regulations,the specific implementation details,salary distribution system and the improve-ment of treatment scheme of medical negligence,the support of medical institutions,the transformation of medical insti-tutions management,the necessary medical conditions that the second place of practice should provide,the distance of second place of practice which should be fully considered,the convenience of traffic conditions and corresponding team-work support are necessary requirements to be taken into consideration to carry out physician multi-sited license.

Improving smoking cessation outcomes in secondary care: Predictors of hospital staff willingness to provide smoking cessation referral.

Since implementation of the New Smoking Cessation Policy in Taiwan, more patients are attending smoking cessation clinics. Many of these patients were referred by hospital staff. Thus, factors which influence the hospital staff's willingness to refer are important. In this study, we aim to understand the relation between smoking cessation knowledge and willingness for referral. A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted with staff of a community hospital during the year 2012-2013. Willingness to provide smoking cessation referral and relevant correlated variables including demographic data, knowledge of basic cigarette harm, and knowledge of resources and methods regarding smoking cessation were measured. A total of 848 of 1500 hospital staff returned the questionnaire: 249 physicians (29.4%), 402 nursing staff (47.4%), and 197 administration staff (23.2%). 790 (93.2%) staff members have never smoked, 19 (2.2%) had quit smoking, and 39 (4.6%) still smoke. 792 (93.4%) members had interest in receiving smoking cessation education. The mean total score (highest potential score of 6) of basic cigarette harm knowledge was 4.56 (± 1.25). The mean total score (highest potential score of 7) of resources and methods about smoking cessation was 4.79 (± 1.35). The significant variable correlated with willingness to refer was total score of resources and methods about smoking cessation. Hospital staff who knew more about resources and methods about smoking cessation were more willing to refer smoking patients to the smoking cessation service. Thus, continuing medical education for hospital staff should include resources and methods about smoking cessation to promote smoking cessation.

Biological characteristics of the MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells on composite tantalum carbide/amorphous carbon films.

Tantalum (Ta) is a promising metal for biomedical implants or implant coating for orthopedic and dental applications because of its excellent corrosion resistance, fracture toughness, and biocompatibility. This study synthesizes biocompatible tantalum carbide (TaC) and TaC/amorphous carbon (a-C) coatings with different carbon contents by using a twin-gun magnetron sputtering system to improve their biological properties and explore potential surgical implant or device applications. The carbon content in the deposited coatings was regulated by controlling the magnetron power ratio of the pure graphite and Ta cathodes. The deposited TaC and TaC/a-C coatings exhibited better cell viability of human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 than the uncoated Ti and Ta-coated samples. Inverted optical and confocal imaging was used to demonstrate the cell adhesion, distribution, and proliferation of each sample at different time points during the whole culture period. The results show that the TaC/a-C coating, which contained two metastable phases (TaC and a-C), was more biocompatible with MG-63 cells compared to the pure Ta coating. This suggests that the TaC/a-C coatings exhibit a better biocompatible performance for MG-63 cells, and they may improve implant osseointegration in clinics.

Analyses of antibacterial activity and cell compatibility of titanium coated with a Zr-C-N film.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to verify the antibacterial performance and cell proliferation activity of zirconium (Zr)-carbon (C)-nitride (N) coatings on commercially pure titanium (Ti) with different C contents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reactive nitrogen gas (N(2)) with and without acetylene (C(2)H(2)) was activated by Zr plasma in a cathodic-arc evaporation system to deposit either a zirconium nitride (ZrN) or a Zr-C-N coating onto Ti plates. The bacterial activity of the coatings was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus with the aid of SYTO9 nucleic acid staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell compatibility, mRNA expression, and morphology related to human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) on the coated samples were also determined by using the MTT assay, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and SEM. RESULTS: The Zr-C-N coating with the highest C content (21.7 at%) exhibited the lowest bacterial preservation (P<0.001). Biological responses including proliferation, gene expression, and attachment of HGF cells to ZrN and Zr-C-N coatings were comparable to those of the uncoated Ti plate. CONCLUSIONS: High-C-content Zr-C-N coatings not only provide short-term antibacterial activity against S. aureus but are also biocompatible with HGF cells.

Antibacterial properties and human gingival fibroblast cell compatibility of TiO2/Ag compound coatings and ZnO films on titanium-based material.

Titanium (Ti)-based materials are widely used in biomedical implant components and are applied successfully in various types of bone-anchored reconstructions. However, in dental implants the Ti materials contact not only bone but also gingival tissues, and are partially exposed to the oral cavity that includes bacteria. This study used titania and silver (TiO(2)/Ag) compound coatings and zinc oxide (ZnO) films to enhance the antibacterial activity of the Ti-based implant. The hydrophobicity of each sample was examined by measuring the contact angle. Streptococcus mutans and human gingival fibroblast (HGF) was cultured on the coated samples, and the antibacterial effects and cell compatibility were determined using a Syto9 fluorescence staining and MTT methods. For the TiO(2)/Ag samples, depositing Ag on the plate at a higher power (which increased the proportion of Ag) increased the contact angle and the hydrophobicity. The bacterial count was lowest for the 50 W TiO(2)/Ag sample, which contained 5.9% Ag. The contact angles of the ZnO samples did not show the same tendency. The antibacterial effect was higher on ZnO-coated samples since bacterial count was threefold lower on ZnO samples as compared to control samples (Ti plate). From the MTT assay test, the mean optical density values for TiO(2)/Ag-coated samples after 72 h of HGF adhesion were similar to the value obtained from the uncoated Ti. However, biocompatibility was lower on ZnO films than in control samples. Conclusively, the antibacterial activity was higher but the cell compatibility was lower on ZnO films than on TiO(2)/Ag coatings.

Initial stability and bone strain evaluation of the immediately loaded dental implant: an in vitro model study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cortical bone thickness and trabecular bone elastic modulus on the strain in the bone surrounding an immediately loaded implant. We also examined the correlations between bone structure and the following indices of primary implant stability: insertion torque value (ITV), Periotest value (PTV), and implant stability quotient (ISQ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ITV, PTV, and ISQ were measured in 24 artificial jaw bone models representing cortical bone with four thicknesses (0, 1, 2, and 3 mm) and trabecular bone with four elastic moduli (137, 47.5, 23, and 12.4 MPa). Two loading conditions were applied (force of 130 N applied vertically and at 45° laterally), and the strains in the crestal region were measured by rosette strain gauges with a data acquisition system. RESULTS: When the cortical bone thickness and the elastic modulus of trabecular bone decreased, the bone strains increased by 10.3-52.1% and 39-73.1%, respectively, for vertical loading and by 35-62% and 42.4-56.2% for lateral loading. The cortical bone thickness has a stronger correlation (R(2) =0.95-0.71) with ITV, PTV, and ISQ than the elastic modulus of trabecular bone (R(2) =0.89-0.59). CONCLUSIONS: The initial stability at the time of implant placement is influenced by both the cortical bone thickness and the elastic modulus of trabecular bone; however, these parameters are not totally linearly correlated with ITV, PTV, and ISQ. The placement of an immediately loaded implant in cases with thin cortical bone and/or weak trabecular bone can induce extreme bone strains and may increase the risk of implant failure.

High temperature stability of multicomponent TiAlSiN and CrAlSiN coatings.

The high temperature oxidation behavior of TiAlSiN and CrAlSiN coatings was studied. These coatings were deposited on silicon substrates by using a cathodic-arc deposition system with lateral rotating arc cathodes. Titanium, chromium and Al88Si12 cathodes were used for the deposition of TiAlSiN and CrAlSiN coatings. All the deposited Ti(0.49)Al(0.44)Si(0.07)N, Ti(0.41)Al(0.51)Si(0.08)N and Cr(0.50)Al(0.440Si(0.06)N coatings showed B1-NaCl crystal structure and possessed nano-grain sizes of 6-8 nm. For the high temperature oxidation test, the coated samples were annealed at 900 degrees C in air for 2 hours. The Ti(0.41)Al(0.51)Si(0.08)N with higher Al and Si contents possessed lower oxidation rate than that of Ti(0.49)Al(0.44)Si(0.07)N. The oxide layer formed on the Ti(0.49)Al(0.44)Si(0.07)N coatings consisted of large TiO2 and TiAlSiN grains at the oxide-coating interface, followed by a layer of Al2O3 in the near-surface region. The oxidation rate of the Cr(0.50)Al(0.44)Si(0.06)N coated sample was much lower than that of the Ti(0.49)Al(0.44)Si(0.07)N and Ti(0.41)Al(0.51)Si(0.08)N. The dense Al2O3 with amorphous top layer at the oxide-coating interface retarded the diffusion of oxygen into the Cr(0.50)Al(0.44)Si(0.06)N. The deposited Cr(0.50)Al(0.44)Si(0.06)N showed a high temperature performance superior to those of the Ti(0.49)Al(0.44)Si(0.07)N and Ti(0.41)Al(0.51)Si(0.08)N.

Early biological markers of manganese exposure / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the biomarker of manganese exposure by analyzing the relationship between manganese exposure and concentration in some biomaterials.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The air samples were collected through the individual air sample. According to the manganese levels in the air, workers were assigned to control group, low concentration group and high concentration group, and manganese in the hair, urine, serum, blood cell and saliva from different group were measured respectively. The correlations between concentration of external manganese exposure and manganese concentrations in biomaterials, and years of employment and concentrations in biomaterials were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the high concentration group, saliva manganese was 32.17 µg/L, hair manganese was 37.39 mg/kg, urine manganese was 2.50 µg/L, plasma manganese was 29.61 µg/L, blood manganese was 14.49 µg/L, were higher than those in the control group (10.40 µg/L, 1.60 mg/kg, 0.77 µg/L, 10.30 µg/L, 4.56 µg/L respectively) (P < 0.01). The manganese concentration in the saliva was significantly correlated with airborne manganese concentration (r = 0.649, P < 0.01), with the years of employment (r = 0.404, P < 0.01), with the total exposure of manganese (r = 0.342, P < 0.01), with the manganese concentration of plasma (r = 0.303, P < 0.01) and with the manganese concentration in blood cells (r = 0.359, P < 0.01), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The concentration of manganese in saliva could work as a biomarker of manganese internal exposure.</p>

Thermal stability of TiAlN and nanocomposite TiAlSiN thin films.

TiAlN and TiAlSiN coatings were synthesized by a cathodic arc deposition process. Titanium, Ti50Al50 alloy and AlSi (88 at.% of Al and 12 at.% of Si) alloy targets were adopted as the cathode materials. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that Ti0.5Al0.5N and Ti49Al0.44Si0.07N possess a B1-NaCl crystal structure. The lattice constants of the Ti0.5Al0.5N and Ti0.49Al0.44Si0.07N calculated from XRD pattern were 0.418 nm and 0.422 nm, respectively. For the high temperature oxidation test, the coated samples were annealed at 900 degrees C in air atmosphere for 2 hours. In this study, the deposited Ti0.5Al0.5N had completely transformed to TiO2 and Al2O3, and Ti0.49Al0.44Si0.07N remained the as-deposited structure after oxidation treatment. It indicated that Ti0.49Al0.44Si0.07N possesses superior oxidation resistance than Ti0.5Al0.5N, due to the amorphous SiNx phase existed in the nanocomposite structure. The different oxidation mechanisms of Ti50Al50N and Ti0.49Al0.44Si0.07N at high temperature of 900 degrees C are developed in this study.

Microstructure characterization of multilayered TiSiN/CrN thin films.

Monolayered TiSiN and multilayered TiSiN/CrN coatings were synthesized by a cathodic arc deposition process. The chromium and Ti/Si (80/20 at.%) alloy targets were adopted as the cathode materials, altering the ratio of cathode current (I[TiSi]/I[Cr]) to obtain various multilayer periodic thicknesses of multilayered TiSiN/CrN coatings. X-ray diffraction and TEM analyses showed that all the deposited monolayered TiSiN and multilayered TiSiN/CrN films possessed the B1-NaCl structure. In this study, it was shown that the multilayer periods (Lambda) of the TiSiN/CrN deposited at I[TiSi]/I[Cr] cathode current ratios of 1.8, 1.0, and 0.55 were 8.3 nm, 6.2 nm, and 4.2 nm, respectively, with multilayer periodic thicknesses decreasing with smaller I[TiSi]/I[Cr] cathode current ratios. An amorphous phase was found at the boundaries of the TiN/CrN column grains. In addition, the multilayered TiSiN/CrN coatings displayed a lamellar structure that was well-defined and nonplanar between each TiN and CrN layer.