Atmospheric pressure plasma oxidation of AA6061-T6 aluminum alloy surface for strong and durable adhesive bonding applications

AA 6061-T6 aluminum alloy surface has been treated using atmospheric pressure helium-oxygen plasma at room temperature prior to bonding with a bi-component epoxy resin. The adhesive joint strengths were evaluated via single lap shear tests as prepared (pristine conditions) as well as following degradation by exposure to extreme temperature and humidity conditions (cataplasma conditions). Very high adhesion strength of 24 \ub1 1 MPa was achieved on surfaces after a very short exposure of the He/O2 plasma of only 15 s under pristine conditions resulting in cohesive failure of the adhesive itself. Best results were obtained under cataplasma conditions with adhesion strength of 22.6 \ub1 1 MPa by introducing a very simple pretreatment with scotch brite\uae prior to plasma exposure. With many different surface treatment methods being predominantly tested and evaluated, the adhesive bonding community may highly benefit from the present work as the treatment method uses very simple, economical and safe procedures in obtaining results comparable to benchmark methods such as Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) etch, anodization and so on.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Electrochemical synthesis of highly ordered polypyrrole on copper modified aluminium substrates

Fabrication of highly ordered conducting polymers on metal surfaces has received a significant interest owing to their potential applications in organic electronic devices. In this context, we have developed a simple method for the synthesis of highly ordered polypyrrole (PPy) on copper modified aluminium surfaces via electrochemical polymerization process. A series of characteristic peaks of PPy evidenced on the infrared spectra of these surfaces confirm the formation of PPy. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of PPy deposited on copper modified aluminium surfaces also confirmed the deposition of PPy as a sharp and intense peak at 2\u3b8 angle of 23\ub0 attributable to PPy is observed while this peak is absent on PPy deposited on as-received aluminium surfaces. An atomic model of the interface of PPy/Cu has been presented based on the inter-atomic distance of copper-copper of (1 0 0) plane and the inter-monomer distance of PPy, to describe the ordering of PPy on Cu modified Al surfaces.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

A versatile cost-effective and one step process to engineer ZnO superhydrophobic surfaces on Al substrate

Multifunctional superhydrophobic surfaces based on photocatalytic material, ZnO have generated significant research interest from both fundamental and potential applications. Superhydrophobic ZnO surfaces are usually made in multi steps by creating rough surface and subsequent hydrophobization by low-surface-energy materials. Herein, a simple and one step chemical bath deposition has been developed to prepare superhydrophobic ZnO surfaces on aluminum substrate. The aluminum surfaces covered with randomly distributed ZnO particles can not only present multiscale surface roughness, but also readily coordinate with fatty acid, leading to special wettability. The contact angle of the resulting superhydrophobic surface reaches up to 165 \ub1 2\ub0 and contact angle hysteresis of 4\ub0. The contact angle and contact angle hysteresis variation as a function of particle size has been discussed systematically based on surface morphology.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Chemical nature of superhydrophobic aluminum alloys surfaces produced via a one-step process using fluoroalkyl-silane in a base medium

Various surface characterization techniques were used to study the modified surface chemistry of superhydrophobic aluminum alloy surfaces prepared by immersing the substrates in an aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and fluoroalkyl-silane (FAS-17) molecules. The creation of a rough micronanostructure on the treated surfaces was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) confirmed the presence of low surface energy functional groups of fluorinated carbon on the superhydrophobic surfaces. IRRAS also revealed the presence of a large number of OH groups on the hydrophilic surfaces. A possible bonding mechanism of the FAS-17 molecules with the aluminum alloy surfaces has been suggested based on the IRRAS and XPS studies. The resulting surfaces demonstrated water contact angles as high as ~166\ub0 and contact angle hystereses as low as ~4.5\ub0. A correlation between the contact angle, rms roughnesses, and the chemical nature of the surface has been elucidated.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Talking Trials: An arts‐based exploration of attitudes to clinical trials amongst minority ethnic members of the South Riverside Community of Cardiff

Abstract Introduction Clinical trials must include diverse participants to ensure the wide applicability of results. However, people from ethnic minorities are included in clinical trials at rates lower than expected given their share of the population. Working with South Riverside Community Development Centre (SRCDC), Talking Trials used public engagement to foster discussions around the underrepresentation of those from minority ethnic communities in clinical trials and to identify and address concerns surrounding trial participation. Methods We conducted three workshops with 13 co‐researchers from minority ethnic backgrounds. We explored perceptions and understanding of clinical trials alongside participatory art activities to help move away from verbocentric methods of communication. These artworks formed an exhibition that was presented to the community, prompting further discussions and engagement. Findings Co‐production workshops were an effective tool to introduce the public to trial research. With little knowledge of clinical trials at the beginning of the process, our co‐researchers formed a cohesive group, sharing initial fears and mistrust towards trials. As conversations progressed these attitudes clearly shifted. Artwork produced during the workshops was incorporated into an exhibition. Quotes and creative pieces from the group were included to reflect the themes identified. Presenting the exhibition at Riverside Festival enabled further engagement with a wider diverse community. The focus on co‐production helped build a network of individuals new to research and keen to become involved further. Conclusion Inclusive and democratic co‐production, enriched by participatory art practices, provided a powerful means of enabling our group to create new insights and foster new relationships. Projects like Talking Trials can diversify the research process itself—for example, four co‐researchers have commenced lay research partner roles on trial management groups and a lay advisory group is in development. Patient or Public Contribution Three members of staff at SRCDC were on the project delivery group and involved in the initial project design, subsequently helping to connect us with members of the Riverside community to work as co‐researchers. Two of the SRCDC staff are co‐authors of this manuscript. The project had 13 public co‐researchers guiding the direction of this research and creating the artwork displayed in the art exhibition