1. Noise evaluation of S-polymer gearsBoštjan Trobentar, Matija Hriberšek, Simon Kulovec, Srečko Glodež, Aleš Belšak, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In this study, an acoustic behaviour of S-polymer gears made of the material combination
POM/PA66 was investigated and compared to the standardised involute gears (E-gears). Basic
evaluating characteristics included noise during operation, which is of particular significance when
noise reduction is expected. The measured signals were analysed in time and frequency domains
and the levels of acoustic activity were compared. The experimental results have shown that the
sound pressure level of both E- and S-polymer gears are proportional to the torque. However, the
comprehensive noise evaluation has shown some advantages of S-polymer gears if compared to the
E-polymer gears. In that respect, S-polymer gears were found more appropriate for noise reduction
of gear drive systems in the case of normal loading and typical drive speed. Future studies in the
operating behaviour of S-polymer gears could also cover noise evaluation using new methods of
sound signal analysis at different temperatures of gears. Ključne besede: polymers, S-gears, sound, noise analysis Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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2. Statistical modeling and optimization of the drawing process of bioderived polylactide/poly(dodecylene furanoate) wet-spun fibersDaniele Rigotti, Giulia Fredi, Davide Perin, Dimitrios Bikiaris, Alessandro Pegoretti, Andrea Dorigato, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Drawing is a well-established method to improve the mechanical properties of wet-spun
fibers, as it orients the polymer chains, increases the chain density, and homogenizes the microstructure. This work aims to investigate how drawing variables, such as the draw ratio, drawing speed,
and temperature affect the elastic modulus (E) and the strain at break (εB) of biobased wet-spun fibers
constituted by neat polylactic acid (PLA) and a PLA/poly(dodecamethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)
(PDoF) (80/20 wt/wt) blend. Drawing experiments were conducted with a design of experiment
(DOE) approach following a 24
full factorial design. The results of the quasi-static tensile tests on
the drawn fibers, analyzed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and modeled through the response
surface methodology (RSM), highlight that the presence of PDoF significantly lowers E, which instead
is maximized if the temperature and draw ratio are both low. On the other hand, εB is enhanced
when the drawing is performed at a high temperature. Finally, a genetic algorithm was implemented
to find the optimal combination of drawing parameters that maximize both E and εB. The resulting
Pareto curve highlights that the temperature influences the mechanical results only for neat PLA
fibers, as the stiffness increases by drawing at lower temperatures, while optimal Pareto points for
PLA/PDoF fibers are mainly determined by the draw ratio and the draw rate. Ključne besede: fibers, poly(lactic acid), furanoate polyesters, drawing, response surface methodology, genetic algorithms Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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3. Supercritical fluid and conventional extractions of high value-added compounds from pomegranate peels waste: production, quantification and antimicrobial activity of bioactive constituentsKaja Kupnik, Maja Leitgeb, Mateja Primožič, Vesna Postružnik, Petra Kotnik, Nika Kučuk, Željko Knez, Maša Knez Marevci, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This study is focused on different extractions (Cold Maceration (CM), Ultrasonic Extraction
(UE), Soxhlet Extraction (SE) and Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE)) of bioactive compounds from
pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) fruit peels using methanol, ethanol, and acetone as solvents in
conventional extractions and changing operating pressure (10, 15, 20, 25 MPa) in SFE, respectively.
The extraction yields, total phenols (TP) and proanthocyanidins (PAC) contents, and antioxidant
activity of different extracts are revealed. TP and PAC recovered by extracts ranged from 24.22 to
42.92 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and 2.01 to 5.82 mg PAC/g, respectively. The antioxidant
activity of extracts ranged from 84.70% to 94.35%. The phenolic compound identification and
quantification in selective extracts was done using the LC-MS/MS method. The contents of different
flavonoids and phenolic acids have been determined. SFE extract, obtained at 20 MPa, contained
the highest content (11,561.84 µg/g) of analyzed total polyphenols, with predominant ellagic acid
(7492.53 µg/g). For the first time, Microbial Growth Inhibition Rates (MGIRs) were determined at
five different concentrations of pomegranate SFE extract against seven microorganisms. Minimal
Inhibitory Concentration (MIC90) was determined as 2.7 mg/mL of SFE pomegranate peel extract in
the case of five different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Ključne besede: antimicrobial activity, antioxidants, bioactive compounds, extraction, LC-MS/MS, phenolics, phytochemistry, pomegranate, Punica Granatum L., secondary metabolites Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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4. Unraveling the antibiofilm activity of a new nanogold resin for dentures and epithesisVera Ivanović, Danica Popović Antić, Sanja Petrović, Rebeka Rudolf, Peter Majerič, Miloš Lazarević, Igor Djordjević, Vojkan Lazić, Milena Radunović, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Dentures and epitheses are mostly made from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which
does not show antimicrobial properties. They present reservoirs of microorganisms grown in
biofilms. The aim of this study is to prepare a PMMA enriched with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-
PMMA/AuNPs and the examination of its physical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties. The
AuNPS were synthetized from HAuCl4 using the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method with lyophilization. The PMMA/AuNP samples were compared to PMMA samples. Density was measured by
pycnometer. Microhardness was evaluated using the Vickers hardness test. Monomicrobial biofilm
formation (Streptococcus mitis, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) was measured by colony-forming units (CFUs) and MTT test and visualized by SEM. AuNP release was
measured indirectly (the CFUs of the medium around the sample). The density and microhardness
of the PMMA/AuNPs were similar to those of the PMMA. CFU and MTT values for the biofilms
formed on the PMMA for each of the tested species were higher than those of the biofilms formed on
the PMMA/AuNPs. The CFUs of the medium around the sample were similar for both materials.
PMMA/AuNPs showed a significant reduction in the monomicrobial biofilms of all tested species.
AuNPs are not released from PMMA/AuNPs. Density, indirect measurement of residual monomer
and dentures weight were similar between PMMA and PMMA/AuNPs. Microhardness, as a measure
of the wear resistance, was also similar between tested discs. Ključne besede: PMMA, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), biofilm, antibiofilm effect Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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5. Compatibilization of polylactide/poly(ethylene 2,5-furanoate) (PLA/PEF) blends for sustainable and bioderived packagingGiulia Fredi, Andrea Dorigato, Alessandro Dussin, Eleftheria Xanthopoulou, Dimitrios Bikiaris, Luigi Botta, Vincenzo Fiore, Alessandro Pegoretti, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Despite the advantages of polylactide (PLA), its inadequate UV-shielding and gas-barrier
properties undermine its wide application as a flexible packaging film for perishable items. These
issues are addressed in this work by investigating the properties of melt-mixed, fully bioderived
blends of polylactide (PLA) and poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF), as a function of the PEF weight
fraction (1–30 wt %) and the amount of the commercial compatibilizer/chain extender Joncryl ADR
4468 (J, 0.25–1 phr). J mitigates the immiscibility of the two polymer phases by decreasing and
homogenizing the PEF domain size; for the blend containing 10 wt % of PEF, the PEF domain size
drops from 0.67 ± 0.46 µm of the uncompatibilized blend to 0.26 ± 0.14 with 1 phr of J. Moreover,
the increase in the complex viscosity of PLA and PLA/PEF blends with the J content evidences
the effectiveness of J as a chain extender. This dual positive contribution of J is reflected in the
mechanical properties of PLA/PEF blends. Whereas the uncompatibilized blend with 10 wt % of
PEF shows lower mechanical performance than neat PLA, all the compatibilized blends show higher
tensile strength and strain at break, while retaining their high elastic moduli. The effects of PEF
on the UV- and oxygen-barrier properties of PLA are also remarkable. Adding only 1 wt % of PEF
makes the blend an excellent barrier for UV rays, with the transmittance at 320 nm dropping from
52.8% of neat PLA to 0.4% of the sample with 1 wt % PEF, while keeping good transparency in the
visible region. PEF is also responsible for a sensible decrease in the oxygen transmission rate, which
decreases from 189 cc/m2
·day for neat PLA to 144 cc/m2
·day with only 1 wt % of PEF. This work
emphasizes the synergistic effects of PEF and J in enhancing the thermal, mechanical, UV-shielding,
and gas-barrier properties of PLA, which results in bioderived blends that are very promising for
packaging applications. Ključne besede: polylactide, furanoates, poly(ethylene furanoate), blends, compatibilization, gas-permeability, UV-shielding Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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6. Decontamination efficiency of thermal, photothermal, microwave, and steam treatments for biocontaminated household textilesBranko Neral, Selestina Gorgieva, Manja Kurečič, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, textile laundering hygiene has proved to be
a fundamental measure in preventing the spread of infections. The first part of our study evaluated
the decontamination efficiency of various treatments (thermal, photothermal, and microwave) for
bio contaminated textiles. The effects on textile decontamination of adding saturated steam into
the drum of a household textile laundering machine were investigated and evaluated in the second
part of our study. The results show that the thermal treatment, conducted in a convection heating
chamber, provided a slight reduction in efficiency and did not ensure the complete inactivation of
Staphylococcus aureus on cotton swatches. The photothermal treatment showed higher reduction
efficiency on contaminated textile samples, while the microwave treatment (at 460 W for a period of
60 s) of bio contaminated cotton swatches containing higher moisture content provided satisfactory
bacterial reduction efficiency (more than 7 log steps). Additionally, the treatment of textiles in the
household washing machine with the injection of saturated steam into the washing drum and a mild
agitation rhythm provided at least a 7 log step reduction in S. aureus. The photothermal treatment
of bio contaminated cotton textiles showed promising reduction efficiency, while the microwave
treatment and the treatment with saturated steam proved to be the most effective. Ključne besede: household textiles, thermal treatment, decontamination, reduction efficiency Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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7. Experimental investigation of the biofunctional properties of nickel–titanium alloys depending on the type of productionMinja Miličić Lazić, Peter Majerič, Vojkan Lazić, Jelena Milašin, Milica Jakšić, Dijana Trišić, Katarina Radović, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Nickel–titanium alloys used in dentistry have a variety of mechanical, chemical, and
biofunctional properties that are dependent on the manufacturing process. The aim of this study
was to compare the mechanical and biofunctional performances of a nickel–titanium alloy produced
by the continuous casting method (NiTi-2) with commercial nitinol (NiTi-1) manufactured by the
classical process, i.e., from remelting in a vacuum furnace with electro-resistive heating and final
casting into ingots. The chemical composition of the tested samples was analyzed using an energy
dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
quantitative microstructural analysis was performed to determine phase distribution in the samples.
As part of the mechanical properties, the hardness on the surface of samples was measured with
the static Vickers method. The release of metal ions (Ni, Ti) in artificial saliva (pH 6.5) and lactic
acid (pH 2.3) was measured using a static immersion test. Finally, the resulting corrosion layer was
revealed by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which allows the detection and direct
measurement of the formatted oxide layer thickness. To assess the biocompatibility of the tested
nickel–titanium alloy samples, an MTT test of fibroblast cellular proliferation on direct contact with
the samples was performed. The obtained data were analyzed with the IBM SPSS Statistics v22
software. EDX and XRF analyses showed a higher presence of Ni in the NiTi-2 sample. The EBSD
analysis detected an additional NiTi2
-cubic phase in the NiTi-2 microstructure. Additionally, in the
NiTi-2 higher hardness was measured. An immersion test performed in artificial saliva after 7 days
did not induce significant ion release in either group of samples (NiTi-1 and NiTi-2). The acidic
environment significantly increased the release of toxic ions in both types of samples. However, Ni
ion release was two times lower, and Ti ion release was three times lower from NiTi-2 than from
NiTi-1. Comparison of the cells’ mitochondrial activity between the NiTi-1 and NiTi-2 groups did
not show a statistically significant difference. In conclusion, we obtained an alloy of small diameter
with an appropriate microstructure and better response compared to classic NiTi material. Thus, it
appears from the present study that the continuous cast technology offers new possibilities for the
production of NiTi material for usage in dentistry. Ključne besede: nickel–titanium, continuous casting, characterization, biofunctional properties, biocompatibility Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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8. A nonlinear probabilistic pitting corrosion model of Ni–Ti alloy immersed in shallow seawaterŠpiro Ivošević, Gyöngyi Vastag, Nataša Kovač, Peter Majerič, Rebeka Rudolf, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: The degradation of metal materials in a marine environment represents the consequence
of the electrochemical corrosion of metals under the influence of the environment. The application
of new materials in the maritime industry requires experimental, real-world research on the form
of corrosive damage and the intensity of the corrosion. This paper analyses the pitting corrosion of
a rod-shaped nickel–titanium (Ni–Ti) alloy that was produced by means of the continuous casting
method. In total, three samples were posted in a real seawater environment and analysed after 6,
12, and 18 months. Pits were detected on the Ni–Ti alloy after 18 months of exposure to the marine
environment. The database on pitting corrosion was created by measuring depth in mm, which was
performed by means of a nonlinear method, and by the generation of an artificial database of a total
of 120, gauged in critical pit areas. The data were obtained by the application of a nonlinear model,
and under the assumption that corrosion starts after 12 months of exposure in the corrosive marine
environment. The EDX analysis of the Ni–Ti alloy composition inside the pits and on the edges of the
pits indicated that the corrosion process in the hole of the pit occurs due to the degradation of the Ni. Ključne besede: Ni–Ti alloy, pitting corrosion, seawater, EDX analysis, nonlinear, probabilistic Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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9. Microstructure and indentation properties of single-roll and twin-roll casting of a quasicrystal-forming Al-Mn-Cu-Be alloyFranc Zupanič, Matjaž Macerl, Toshio Haga, Tonica Bončina, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In this investigation, strips of an experimental Al-Mn-Cu-Be alloy were manufactured by
high-speed single-roll and twin-roll casting to stimulate the formation of a quasicrystalline phase
during solidification. The strips were characterised by light microscopy, scanning and transmission
electron microscopy, microchemical analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Indentation testing was used to
determine the mechanical responses of the strips in different areas. A smooth surface was achieved
on both sides of the twin-roll-cast strip, while the free surface of the single-roll-cast strip was rough.
The microstructures in both strips consisted of an Al-rich solid solution matrix embedding several
intermetallic phases Θ-Al2Cu, Be4Al (Mn, Cu), Al15Mn3Be2 and icosahedral quasicrystalline phase
(IQC). The microstructure of the single-roll-cast strip was more uniform than that of the twin-roll-cast
strip. Coarse Al15Mn3Be2 particles appeared in both alloys, especially at the centre of the twinroll strip. These coarse particles adversely affected the strength and ductility. Nevertheless, both
casting methods provided high-cooling rates, enabling the formation of metastable phases, such as
quasicrystals. However, improvements in alloy composition and casting procedure are required to
obtain enhanced microstructures and properties. Ključne besede: single-roll casting, twin roll casting, microstructure, quasicrystal, hardness, aluminium, characterisation Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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10. Mechanism elucidation of high-pressure generation in cellular metal at high-velocity impactMasatoshi Nishi, Shigeru Tanaka, Akihisa Mori, Matej Vesenjak, Zoran Ren, Kazuyuki Hokamoto, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Cellular metals exhibit diverse properties, depending on their geometries and base materials. This study investigated the mechanism of high-pressure generation during the high-velocity
impact of unidirectional cellular (UniPore) materials. Cubic UniPore copper samples were mounted
on a projectile and subjected to impact loading using a powder gun to induce direct impact of samples.
The specimens exhibited a unique phenomenon of high-pressure generation near the pores during
compression. We elucidate the mechanism of the high-pressure phenomenon and discuss the pore
geometries that contribute to the generation of high pressures. Ključne besede: cellular metal, high-pressure, high-velocity impact, computational simulation, metal jet Objavljeno v DKUM: 24.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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