ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | APRIL 2025 7 other catalysts required. As part of the process, vat temperature must be kept above 90°C and the light must remain on the entire time. Once complete, the result is a vat filled with monomers and other chemicals, which can be easily separated and recycled. The technique was discovered by accident, so the team tried to explain why it worked so well. They found that dichlorobenzene, when exposed to the polymer, produced chlorine radicals under the light. The radicals then pulled hydrogen atoms from seemingly random parts of the polymer backbone, causing it to break. In addition, when it broke, a new radical was formed, kicking off even more reactions. The researchers acknowledge that the reaction is slow, but note that it has a high yield and that it is simple, easy, and inexpensive to conduct. Further, they believe it could transform the recycling of plastics around the world. www.ethz.ch/en. COPPER NANOPARTICLE COATINGS FOR IMPLANTS Scientists at Nottingham Trent University, (NTU) U.K., developed copper oxide nanoparticles that can be coated onto implanted medical devices to reduce the risk of infection. As part of their study, the team created the nanoparticles as an anti- pathogenic coating suitable for use on a range of medical-grade materials, including silicone, stainless steel, and titanium. Research results show that both dip and spray coating techniques are effective at protecting against a range of clinically relevant bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. The new coating also remained non- toxic to human cells. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in nanoparticle technologies and the application of anti- microbial metals, particularly silver nanomaterials, which have applications ranging from food storage to wound dressings. The scientists report that copper has emerged as a viable alternative to silver, which is susceptible to oxidation and a related reduction in antimicrobial properties. On a global scale, several million implants are placed in patients each year, including intravascular and cardio- vascular devices as well as ortho- pedic and dental implants. The researchers say that these medical materials within the body provide an ideal scaffold for microbial contamination and infection. “Nanoparticles offer excellent surface area to volume ratios, as well as having excellent interaction rates with bacterial cells,” says researcher Gareth Cave. “Our coating method can be applied during manufacturing, or for ad hoc modifications, enhancing the antimicrobial properties of medical devices.” www.ntu.ac.uk. Copper oxide nanoparticles shown in solid and solution form. Courtesy of NTU. WORLD-LEADING ELECTRON BEAM TECHNOLOGY pro-beam.com PRECISE. QUICK. HIGH QUALITY. Welding with the electron beam offers these and many other advantages - find out more about it here: Electron microscope image of copper oxide nanoparticles. Courtesy of NTU.
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