Nanoscale phenomena in lubrication: from atomistic simulations to their integration into continuous models

In modern lubricated contacts the thickness of the oil film separating the surfaces can decrease to a few molecular diameters. These confined lubricants were studied using Molecular Dynamics. Wall slip was quantified as a function of the materials and local conditions in a contact interface, and then integrated into a macroscopic lubrication model where it caused a severe modification of the film thickness and friction. Local film breakdown was also explored through atomistic simulations

Visible light 3D printing with epoxidized vegetable oils

Stereolithography is a 3D printing technique in which a liquid monomer is photopolymerized to produce a solid object. The most widely used materials usually belong to the family of acrylate monomers, and photopolymerization occurs through a radical pathway. Photoinitiators can absorb UV or (less often) visible light, producing radicals for direct decomposition or hydrogen abstraction. Due to the toxicity of acrylates, vegetable oil-derived monomers were used in this study. In fact, vegetable oils contain unsaturations, and thus, they can be exploited as monomers. In particular, linseed oil, tung oil or edible oils (soybean, sunflower or corn) could be good candidates as raw materials. Unfortunately, the photoinduced radical polymerization of these oils either does not occur or is too slow for 3D printing applications. For this reason, the oils were modified as epoxides. Epoxides are monomers that are more reactive than natural oils, and they can be polymerized via a cationic mechanism. The aim of this work was to exploit visible light generated by a common digital projector (like those used in classrooms) as a light source. Since the tested photoacid generators working under visible light are ineffective for the polymerization of epoxidized oils, a multi-component photo-initiating mixture was used

Pyrolytic Formation of TiO2/Carbon Nanocomposite from Kraft Lignin: Characterization and Photoactivities

This article reports on the formation of pyrolytic carbon/TiO2 nanocomposite (p-C/TiO2) by pyrolysis of a mixture of the P25 TiO2 and kraft lignin at 600 °C. The result was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry (EPR), thermogravimetry (TGA) and SEM microscopy. Its photocatalytic activity was ascertained using three classes of chemical probes, namely (i) degradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine-B (RhB) dyes in UV light-irradiated aqueous suspensions, (ii) depletion of phenol and (iii) degradation of antibiotics. The p-C/TiO2 nanocomposite is a strong phisisorbent of both MB and RhB nearly twofold with respect to neat TiO2. Although it is nearly twofold more photoactive toward the degradation of MB (0.091 min−1 versus 0.047 min−1), it is not with regard to RhB degradation (0.064 min−1 versus 0.060 min−1). For the degradation of phenol in aqueous media (pH 3), pristine TiO2 was far more effective than p-C/TiO2 for oxygenated suspensions (17.6 × 10−3 mM min−1 versus 4.3 × 10−3 mM min−1). Under an argon atmosphere, the kinetics were otherwise identical. The activity of the material was tested also for a real application in the degradation of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as enrofloxacin (ENR) in tap water. It is evident that the photoactivity of a semiconductor photocatalyst is not a constant, but it does depend on the nature of the substrate used and on the experimental conditions. It is also argued that the use of dyes to assess photocatalytic activities when suspensions are subjected to visible light irradiation is to be discouraged as the dyes act as electron transfer photosensitizers and or can undergo photodegradation from their excited states

Concept selection and interactive design of an orthodontic functional appliance

Demand for innovation represents a driver not only in the industrial field but also in niche markets such as orthodontics. Among different type of orthodontic devices, functional appliances are used for the correction of class II skeletal malocclusion, mostly in young patients. In a previous study based on a systematic design approach, several concepts were generated for this device. This work shortly introduces the concept selection and the interactive design process of the device. The concept consisting of two-side guiding surfaces, obtained by TRIZ inventive principles, has been selected by the decision matrix. This concept consists in guiding the jaw movements without any connections between the parts of the device. Operating on patient morphometrics parameters, the proposed approach allows to establish a virtual interaction during the design of the device by facilitating the collaboration between orthodontist, dental technician, designer and the software, through a dedicated user interface. Dedicated algorithms were also developed to simulate the occlusion correction and the mandible path, and to support the geometric modelling in a virtual environment. As a result, the proposed approach allows manufacturing patient-customized devices using a digital interactive workflow in an innovative way

A New Methodology for the Digital Planning of Micro-Implant-Supported Maxillary Skeletal Expansion

Introduction: Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances utilize the skeletal anchorage to expand the maxilla. One type of MARPE device is the Maxillary Skeletal Expander (MSE), which presents four micro-implants with bicortical engagement of the palatal vault and nasal floor. MSE positioning is traditionally planned using dental stone models and 2D headfilms. This approach presents some critical issues, such as the inability to identify the MSE position relative to skeletal structures, and the potential risk of damaging anatomical structures. Methods: A novel methodology has been developed to plan MSE position using the digital model of dental arches and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A virtual model of MSE appliance with the four micro-implants was created. After virtual planning, a positioning guide is virtually designed, 3D printed, and utilized to model and weld the MSE supporting arms to the molar bands. The expansion device is then cemented in the patient oral cavity and micro-implants inserted. A clinical case of a 12.9-year-old female patient presenting a Class III malocclusion with transverse and sagittal maxillary deficiency is reported. Results: The midpalatal suture was opened with a split of 3.06 mm and 2.8 mm at the anterior and posterior nasal spine, respectively. After facemask therapy, the sagittal skeletal relationship was improved, as shown by the increase in ANB, A-Na perpendicular and Wits cephalometric parameters, and the mandibular plane rotated 1.6\ub0 clockwise. Conclusion: The proposed digital methodology represents an advancement in the planning of MSE positioning, compared to the traditional approach. By evaluating the bone morphol-ogy of the palate and midface on patient CBCT, the placement of MSE is improved regarding the biomechanics of maxillary expansion and the bone thickness at micro-implants insertion sites. In the present case report, the digital planning was associated with a positive outcome of maxillary expansion and protraction in safety conditions