Design of Chemical Surface Treatment for Laser-Textured Metal Alloys to Achieve Extreme Wetting Behavior

Laser-assisted surface alloying of titanium with silver to enhance antibacterial and bone-cell mineralization properties of orthopedic implants

Orthopedic device-related infection (ODRI) poses a significant threat to patients with titanium-based implants. The challenge lies in developing antibacterial surfaces that preserve the bulk mechanical properties of titanium implants while exhibiting characteristics similar to bone tissue. In response, we present a two-step approach: silver nanoparticle (AgNP) coating followed by selective laser-assisted surface alloying on commonly used titanium alumina vanadium (TiAl6V4) implant surfaces. This process imparts antibacterial properties without compromising the bulk mechanical characteristics of the titanium alloy. Systematic optimization of laser beam power (8-40 W) resulted in an optimized surface (32 W) with uniform TiAg alloy formation. This surface displayed a distinctive hierarchical mesoporous textured surface, featuring cauliflower-like nanostructures measuring between 5-10 nm uniformly covering spatial line periods of 25 μm while demonstrating homogenous elemental distribution of silver throughout the laser processed surface. The optimized laser processed surface exhibited prolonged superhydrophilicity (40 days) and antibacterial efficacy (12 days) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, there was a significant twofold increase in bone mineralization compared to the pristine Ti6Al4V surface (p < 0.05). Rockwell hardness tests confirmed minimal (<1%) change in bulk mechanical properties compared to the pristine surface. This innovative laser-assisted approach, with its precisely tailored surface morphology, holds promise for providing enduring antibacterial and osteointegration properties, rendering it an optimal choice for modifying load-bearing implant devices without altering material bulk characteristics.

Modulating Friction by the Phase of the Vertical Vibrational Excitation at Washboard Frequency

Applying external vibrations at the resonant frequencies of the frictional system has been a highly effective approach to suppress friction but usually requires additional energy consumption. In this study, we find that in addition to exerting the vibration at the resonant frequency of the frictional system, the friction force on the atomically flat silicon surface can also present a local minimum when the oscillation frequency of the vertical vibrational excitation equals the washboard frequency with respect to the sliding velocity. Moreover, compared with the additional energy consumption at the resonant frequency, applying vertical vibrational excitation at the washboard frequency requires much less energy consumption. The study further shows that the friction force under the washboard frequency can be effectively mediated depending on how the initial phase angle of the vertical vibrational excitation affects the effective substrate potential barrier at the slip moment of the tip. We have also extended the proposed friction modulation technique on atomically flat surfaces to periodic textured surfaces and confirmed its practicality and great potential for controlling friction.

Natural components as surface engineering agents for CRISPR delivery

This perspective article discusses the potential of using natural and environmentally friendly components as surface engineering agents for CRISPR delivery. Traditional delivery methods for CRISPR components have limitations and safety concerns, and surface engineering has emerged as a promising approach. The perspective provides an overview of current research, including the use of lipids, proteins, natural components (like leaf extracts), and polysaccharides to modify the surface of nanoparticles and improve delivery efficiency. The advantages of using natural components include biocompatibility, biodegradability, engineered functionality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. The author also discusses the challenges and future perspective of this field, such as a better understanding of underlying mechanisms and optimization of delivery methods for different cell types and tissues, as well as the generation of novel inorganic nanomaterials, including MOF and MXene, for CRISPR delivery, and their synergistic potentials using leaf extracts and natural components. The use of natural components as surface engineering agents for CRISPR delivery has the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional delivery methods, eliminating the biological challenges, and represents a promising area of research.

Interface Wetting Driven by Laplace Pressure on Multiscale Topographies and Its Application to Performance Enhancement of Metal-Composite Hybrid Structure

Surface topography reconstruction is extensively used to address the issue of weak bonding at the polymer-metal interface of metal-composite hybrid structure, while enhancement from this approach is seriously impaired by insufficient interface wetting. In this study, the wetting behavior of polymer on aluminum surfaces with multiscale topographies was theoretically and experimentally investigated to realize stable and complete wetting. Geometric dimensions of multiscale surface topographies have a notable impact on interfacial forces at the three-phase contact line of polymer/air/aluminum, and a competition exists between Laplace pressure and bubble pressure in dominating the wetting behavior. Laplace pressure facilitates the degassing of trapped air bubbles in grooves, bringing more robust interfacial wettability to grooves than dimples and grids. Conversely, dimples with excessive dimensions generate interfacial pores, and this intrinsic mechanism is theoretically unraveled. Moreover, different degrees of interface wetting cause variations in bonding strength of polymer-aluminum interface, which changes from ∼18% improvement to ∼17% reduction compared to original strength. Finally, groove topography perfectly achieved complete wetting between polymer and aluminum and consequently improved flexure performance by over 11% for the aluminum-carbon fiber hybrid side impact bar, which verifies the importance of complete wetting at a part scale. This study deepens the understanding of wetting behavior and clarifies the intrinsic correlation between interfacial bonding performance and surface topography.

A Superhydrophilic Silicon Surface Enhanced by Multiscale Hierarchical Structures Fabricated by Laser Direct Writing

Many biological surfaces with hierarchical structures exhibit super wetting properties, but a multiscale hierarchical metal surface with superhydrophilic performance is difficult to be fabricated using a simple method. In this work, we report a large area micro/nanotextured superhydrophilic silicon surface fabricated by a laser direct writing technique. The combination of a microscale column structure and randomization-distributed nano-bumps decorated on the column enhances the superhydrophilic properties, with the contact angle reduced substantially from about 46° to 0°, where the droplets are able to spread rapidly within 591 ms. The water wetting orientation can be regulated by controlling the shape of microcolumns on the surface. Moreover, our results show that the fabricated surface with the hierarchical structure has better droplet shape control performance and higher fog collection efficiency compared to a smooth surface. These surfaces have potential applications in heat exchangers, biosensors, cell adhesives, and self-cleaning solar cells.

Laser-Induced Slippery Liquid-Infused Surfaces with Anticorrosion and Wear Resistance Properties on Aluminum Alloy Substrates

Slippery liquid-infused surfaces (SLISs) are developed as a potential alternative to superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) to resolve the issues of poor durability in corrosion protection and wear resistance. In this work, we used a simple laser processing technology to prepare a SLIS on the aluminum alloy (7075) surface. The superhydrophobicities of the modified surface and the oil film formed by liquid injection make the corrosive medium difficult to directly contact the surface and thus have a significant effect on corrosion resistance. The water and oil repellent SLIS exhibits durable corrosion resistance and excellent tribological properties compared with the SHS. The anticorrosion and wear resistance performances provided by the composite film have been assessed by multiple methods including the electrochemical test, immersion test, and friction wear test. The results indicate that compared to the bare surface, laser-ablated surface (LAS), and fluoroalkyl silane-modified SHS, the SLIS composite coating has better corrosion resistance and wear resistance, which is of great significance to expand the potential applications of 7075 aluminum alloys. The work provides a research basis for expanding the practical application of SLISs in complex environments.

Titania nanospikes activate macrophage phagocytosis by ligand-independent contact stimulation

Macrophage phagocytosis is an important research target to combat various inflammatory or autoimmune diseases; however, the phenomenon has never been controlled by artificial means. Titania nanospikes created by alkaline etching treatment can tune macrophage polarization toward a M1-like type and might regulate macrophage phagocytosis. This in vitro study aimed to determine whether the two-dimensional titania nanosurfaces created by alkaline etching treatment activated the macrophage phagocytosis by nanospike-mediated contact stimulation. On two-dimensional pure titanium sheets, alkaline etching treatments with different protocols created superhydrophilic nanosurfaces with hydroxyl function groups and moderate or dense nanospikes. Both types of titania nanosurfaces promoted the phagocytic activity of the mouse macrophage-like cell line, J774A.1, through upregulation of M1 polarization markers and phagocytosis-related receptors, such as toll-like receptors (TLR2 and 4). In contrast, the hydrophobic smooth or micro-roughened titanium surfaces did not activate macrophage phagocytosis or the expression of related receptors. These phenomena remained unchanged even under the antibody blockade of macrophage TLR2 but were either suppressed or augmented for each surface excited by ultraviolet irradiation. Titania nanospikes induced paxillin expression and provided physical stimuli to macrophages, the extent of which was positively correlated with TLR expression levels. Ligand stimulation with lipopolysaccharide did not upregulate macrophage TLR expression but further enhanced M1 marker expression by titania nanosurfaces. These results showed that the two-dimensional titania nanosurfaces activated macrophage phagocytosis by enhancing expression of phagocytosis-related receptors through nanospike-mediated contact stimulation, in assistance with physical surface properties, in a ligand-independent manner.

Femtosecond Laser Treatment for Improving the Corrosion Resistance of Selective Laser Melted 17-4PH Stainless Steel

Currently, laser surface treatment (LST) is considered the most promising method available within the industry. It delivers precise control over surface topography, morphology, wettability, and chemistry, making the technique suitable for regulating the corrosion behavior of alloys. In this paper, femtosecond laser texturing with different parameters and atmosphere environments was adopted to clarify the effect of surface treatment on the corrosion resistance of selective laser melted (SLM-ed) 17-4PH stainless steel (SS) in a NaCl solution. The experimental results show that, after the heat treatment, the corrosion resistance of the laser-treated samples was enhanced. With the further laser treatment in an argon atmosphere, the oxidation of nanostructural surfaces was avoided. The Cr, Cu, and other alloying elements precipitated on the laser-ablated surface were beneficial to the formation of a passivation film, leading to an improved corrosion resistance performance.

On-Demand Wettability via Combining fs Laser Surface Structuring and Thermal Post-Treatment

Laser surface texturing (LST) is one of the surface modification methods that increase or provide new abilities for the material surface. Textured surfaces could be applied in different industrial areas to reduce wear and friction, promote anti-fouling, improve osseointegration, and other similar uses. However, LST is still in development and for reaching industrial level further optimization is required. In this paper, different metal alloy surfaces were fabricated with several patterns using the same laser parameters on each material and the results were compared. This could lead to possible optimization on the industrial level. Furthermore, research on the wettability properties of material and texture patterns depending on heat treatment in different temperatures was performed, showing complete control for wettability (from hydrophilic to hydrophobic).

Robust and durable liquid-repellent surfaces

This review provides a comprehensive summary of characterization, design, fabrication, and application of robust and durable liquid-repellent surfaces.

Enabling Superhydrophobicity-Guided Superwicking in Metal Alloys via a Nanosecond Laser-Based Surface Treatment Method

Enabling capillary wicking on bulk metal alloys is challenging due to processing complexity at different size scales. This work presents a laser-chemical surface treatment to fabricate superwicking patterns guided by a superhydrophobic region over a large-area metal alloy surface. The laser-chemical surface treatment generates surface micro/nanostructures and desirable surface chemistry simultaneously. The superhydrophobic surface was first fabricated over the whole surface by laser treatment under water confinement and fluorosilane treatment; subsequently, superwicking stripes were processed by a second laser treatment in air and cyanosilane treatment. The resultant surface shows superwicking regions surrounded by superhydrophobic regions. During the process, superwicking regions possess dual-scale structures and polar nitrile surface chemistry. In contrast, random nanoscale structures and fluorocarbon chemistry are generated on the superhydrophobic region of the aluminum alloy 6061 substrates. The resultant superwicking region demonstrates self-propelling anti-gravity liquid transport for methanol and water. The combination of the capillary effect of the dual-scale surface microgrooves and the water affinitive nitrile group contributes toward the self-propelling movement of water and methanol at the superwicking region. The initial phase of wicking followed Washburn dynamics, whereas it entered a non-linear regime in the later phase. The wicking height and rate are regulated by microgroove geometry and spacing.

Effect of silver electrode wetting state on oxygen reduction electrochemistry

Surface wettability plays an important role in heterogeneous electrocatalysis. Here we report a facile laser ablation strategy to directly modify the wettability of the silver catalyst surface and investigate its effect on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). A broad range tuning of 2e^-/4e^- ORR pathways was achieved, with hydrophilic silver surfaces (contact angle (θ_w) 31.1°± 0.6°) showing high activity and selectivity towards 4e^- reduction of oxygen to water.

Stretchable and Superwettable Colorimetric Sensing Patch for Epidermal Collection and Analysis of Sweat

Stretchable and wearable sensors allow intimate integration with the human body for health and fitness monitoring. In addition to the acquisition of various physical parameters, quantitative analysis of chemical biomarkers present in sweat may provide vital insights into the physiological state of an individual. A widely investigated system utilizes electrochemical techniques for continuous monitoring of these biomarkers. The required supporting electronics and batteries are often challenging to form a deformable system. In this study, an intrinsically stretchable sensing patch is developed with compliant mechanical properties for conformal attachment to the skin and reliable collection of sweat. In these patches, superhydrophilic colorimetric assays consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane nanofiber textiles decorated with silica nanoparticles are assembled over a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene-based superhydrophobic substrate, thereby generating a large wettability contrast to efficiently concentrate the sweat. The system supports multiplexed colorimetric analysis of sweat to quantify pH and ion concentrations with images acquired using smartphones, in which the influence of ambient lighting conditions is largely compensated with a set of reference color markers. Successful demonstrations of in situ analysis of sweat after physical exercises effectively illustrate the practical suitability of the sensing patch, which is attractive for advanced health monitoring, clinical diagnostics, and competitive sports.

On the Insignificant Role of the Oxidation Process on Ultrafast High-Spatial-Frequency LIPSS Formation on Tungsten

The presence of surface oxides on the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) is regularly advocated to favor or even trigger the formation of high-spatial-frequency LIPSS (HSFL) during ultrafast laser-induced nano-structuring. This paper reports the effect of the laser texturing environment on the resulting surface oxides and its consequence for HSFLs formation. Nanoripples are produced on tungsten samples using a Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser under atmospheres with varying oxygen contents. Specifically, ambient, 10 mbar pressure of air, nitrogen and argon, and 10⁻⁷ mbar vacuum pressure are used. In addition, removal of any native oxide layer is achieved using plasma sputtering prior to laser irradiation. The resulting HSFLs have a sub-100 nm periodicity and sub 20 nm amplitude. The experiments reveal the negligible role of oxygen during the HSFL formation and clarifies the significant role of ambient pressure in the resulting HSFLs period.

Icephobic Performance of Multi-Scale Laser-Textured Aluminum Surfaces for Aeronautic Applications

Ice-building up on the leading edge of wings and other surfaces exposed to icing atmospheric conditions can negatively influence the aerodynamic performances of aircrafts. In the past, research activities focused on understanding icing phenomena and finding effective countermeasures. Efforts have been dedicated to creating coatings capable of reducing the adhesion strength of ice to a surface. Nevertheless, coatings still lack functional stability, and their application can be harmful to health and the environment. Pulsed laser surface treatments have been proven as a viable technology to induce icephobicity on metallic surfaces. However, a study aimed to find the most effective microstructures for reducing ice adhesion still needs to be carried out. This study investigates the variation of the ice adhesion strength of micro-textured aluminum surfaces treated using laser-based methods. The icephobic performance is tested in an icing wind tunnel, simulating realistic icing conditions. Finally, it is shown that optimum surface textures lead to a reduction of the ice adhesion strength from originally 57 kPa down to 6 kPa, corresponding to a relative reduction of ~90%. Consequently, these new insights will be of great importance in the development of functionalized surfaces, permitting an innovative approach to prevent the icing of aluminum components.

Stable Superhydrophobic Aluminum Surfaces Based on Laser-Fabricated Hierarchical Textures

Laser-microtextured surfaces have gained an increasing interest due to their enormous spectrum of applications and industrial scalability. Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) and the well-established direct laser writing (DLW) methods are suitable as a powerful combination for the fabrication of single (DLW or DLIP) and multi-scale (DLW+DLIP) textures. In this work, four-beam DLIP and DLW were used independently and combined to produce functional textures on aluminum. The influence of the laser processing parameters, such as the applied laser fluence and the number of pulses, on the resulting topography was analyzed by confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The static long-term and dynamic wettability characteristics of the laser-textured surfaces were determined through water contact angle and hysteresis measurements, revealing superhydrophobic properties with static contact angles up to 163° and hysteresis as low as 9°. The classical Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel models were applied, permitting a deeper understanding of the observed wetting behaviors. Finally, mechanical stability tests revealed that the DLW elements in the multi-scale structure protects the smaller DLIP features under tribological conditions.

Design of Chemical Surface Treatment for Laser-Textured Metal Alloys to Achieve Extreme Wetting Behavior

Extreme wetting activities of laser-textured metal alloys have received significant interest due to their superior performance in a wide range of commercial applications and fundamental research studies. Fundamentally, extreme wettability of structured metal alloys depends on both the surface structure and surface chemistry. However, compared with the generation of physical topology on the surface, the role of surface chemistry is less explored for the laser texturing processes of metal alloys to tune the wettability. This work introduces a systematic design approach to modify the surface chemistry of laser textured metal alloys to achieve various extreme wettabilities, including superhydrophobicity/superoleophobicity, superhydrophilicity/superoleophilicity, and coexistence of superoleophobicity and superhydrophilicity. Microscale trenches are first created on the aluminum alloy 6061 surfaces by nanosecond pulse laser surface texturing. Subsequently, the textured surface is immersion-treated in several chemical solutions to attach target functional groups on the surface to achieve the final extreme wettability. Anchoring fluorinated groups (-CF₂- and -CF₃) with very low dispersive and nondispersive surface energy leads to superoleophobicity and superhydrophobicity, resulting in repelling both water and diiodomethane. Attachment of the polar nitrile (-C≡N) group with very high nondispersive and high dispersive surface energy achieves superhydrophilicity and superoleophilicity by drawing water and diiodomethane molecules in the laser-textured capillaries. At last, anchoring fluorinated groups (-CF₂- and -CF₃) and polar sodium carboxylate (-COONa) together leads to very low dispersive and very high nondispersive surface energy components. It results in the coexistence of superoleophobicity and superhydrophilicity, where the treated surface attracts water but repels diiodomethane.