Biodegradable polymer coatings on magnesium alloys are attractive, as they can provide corrosion resistance as well as additional functions for biomedical applications, e.g., drug delivery. A gelatin nanospheres/chitosan (GNs/CTS) composite coating on WE43 substrate was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition with simvastatin (SIM) loaded into the GNs. Apart from a sustained drug release over 28 days, an anticorrosion behavior of the coated WE43 substrates was confirmed by electrochemical tests. Both the degradation and corrosion rates of the coated substrate were significantly minimized in contrast to bare WE43. The cytocompatibility of the coated samples was analyzed  both quantitatively and qualitatively. Additionally, the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells on SIM-containing coatings was assessed by measuring the expression of osteogenic genes and related proteins, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and extracellular matrix mineralization, showing that the SIM-loaded composite coating could upregulate the expression of osteogenic genes and related proteins, promote ALP activity, and enhance extracellular matrix mineralization. In summary, the SIM-loaded GNs/CTS composite coatings were able to enhance the corrosion resistance of the WE43 substrate and promote osteogenic activity, thus demonstrating a promising coating system for modifying the surface of magnesium alloys targeted for orthopedic applications.

Two generations of monazite were identified in one mica schist sample from the central zone of the eastern Kunlun Orogen at the northern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The first generation was found in the cores of garnet porphyroblasts with relatively high Y 2 O 3 contents (averaging 1.012±0.088 wt%). The second generation occurs either as inclusions in the rims of garnet porphyroblasts, matrix kyanite, plagioclase and quartz, or as separate crystals associated with matrix biotite and muscovite mostly having a relatively low Y 2 O 3 content (averaging 0.479±0.100 wt%). Electron microprobe (EMP) Th-U-Pb total chemical dating for two grains of the first generation monazite yields average ages of 455 ± 18 Ma and 420 ± 20 Ma, respectively; six grains of the second generation gave an average age of 246.1 ± 3.8 Ma. These ages suggest that the core and rim of the garnet porphyroblasts and their associated assemblages record two events of significant tectonometamorphism. The formation of the Ordovician monazite is related to the tectonometamorphic event responsible for continuous amalgamation of the Gondwanaland in the Late Pan-African period or for consumption of the Proto-Tethys, whereas the development of the Triassic monazite is related to the tectonometamorphic event for consumption of the Paleo-Tethys.

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Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a powerful technique to assemble carbon nanotube (CNT) coatings and composite films with controlled architectures. This comprehensive review of the EPD of CNTs and CNT-containing composites focuses on achievements within the last 15 years and ongoing challenges. Stable CNT suspensions are a prerequisite for successful EPD and have been prepared by a variety of strategies, discussed here. The resulting film microstructure is determined by the initial feedstock, the suspension, and the EPD approach applied, as well as a variety of EPD processing parameters. Nanocomposites can be prepared via co-deposition, sequential deposition, or post-deposition treatments, to introduce metallic, ceramic or polymeric phases. There are numerous potential applications for both homogeneous and patterned CNT films, including as structural reinforcements for composites, as field emission, energy storage and conversion devices, as well as in biomedical applications. The advantages and disadvantages of EPD processing in these contexts are discussed.

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