Objectives In tissue regeneration research, the term “bioactivity” was initially used to describe the resistance to removal of a biomaterial from host tissues after intraosseous implantation. Hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSCs) are putatively accepted as bioactive materials, as exemplified by the increasing number of publications reporting that these cements produce an apatite-rich surface layer after they contact simulated body fluids. Methods In this review, the same definitions employed for establishing in vitro and in vivo bioactivity in glass–ceramics, and the proposed mechanisms involved in these phenomena are used as blueprints for investigating whether HCSCs are bioactive. Results The literature abounds with evidence that HCSCs exhibit in vitro bioactivity; however, there is a general lack of stringent methodologies for characterizing the calcium phosphate phases precipitated on HCSCs. Although in vivo bioactivity has been demonstrated for some HCSCs, a fibrous connective tissue layer is frequently identified along the bone–cement interface that is reminiscent of the responses observed in bioinert materials, without accompanying clarifications to account for such observations. Conclusions As bone-bonding is not predictably achieved, there is insufficient scientific evidence to substantiate that HCSCs are indeed bioactive. Objective appraisal criteria should be developed for more accurately defining the bioactivity profiles of HCSCs designed for clinical use.

X. ( 2021). An on-demand plant-based actuator created using conformable electrodes. Nature Electronics, 4(2), 134-142.

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The utilization of phosphorus slag (PHS) to replace the fly ash in the construction of hydraulic projects has attracted a growing attention in China. In this study, the influence of PHS fineness and content on cement hydration, mechanical strength, permeability as well as the pore structure and fractal dimension (Ds) of concrete have been discussed. The results indicate that the PHS addition retards the cement hydration and hence decreases the hydration heat within 3 days. The incorporation of PHS with a Blaine specific surface area of 505 m 2 /kg (PHS) could participate in the early pozzolanic reaction and consequently offsets the retarding effect to some extent. The incorporation of 20-40 w% PHS declines the early strength of concrete, but this reduction effect on strength can be eliminated to some degrees by mechanically grinding the PHS. The compressive strengths of concrete added with PHS with a high fineness of 505 m 2 /kg

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Multiple-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were employed as a reinforcing filler to study the synergistic effect between CNTs and rPET/TPU composites.

Due to the long-standing challenge to realize underwater adhesion, there are a few commercially available underwater pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), which are, however, ubiquitously used for dry adhesion. Herein, a dry underwater PSA is developed on the basis of a simple, low-cost, and easily commercial formulation, which only involves the copolymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) and acrylic acid (AA). By tuning the ratios between the hydrophobic BA unit and H-bonding AA unit, we optimize the viscoelastic properties of the PSA to maximize the underwater adhesion performance. The PSA exhibits high underwater bonding strength (e.g., >115 kPa) for diverse substrates (e.g., glass, metals, plastics), at the preload (e.g., 250 kPa) easily accessed by finger pressing. Moreover, the PSA exhibits dry adhesion capability, rendering it conveniently adhered to a backing material to form an underwater adhesive tape. The dry PSA can well-maintain its underwater adhesion performance even after long-term storage in air or incubation in water.

Flexible and multifunctional sensors that continuously detect physical information are urgently required to fabricate wearable materials for health monitoring. This study describes the fabrication and performance of a strong and flexible vessel-like sensor. This electronic vessel consists of a self-supported braided cotton hose substrate, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/ZnO@polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) function arrays and a flexible PVDF function fibrous membrane, and it possesses high mechanical property and accurate physical sensing. The rationally designed tubular structure facilities the detection of the applied temperature and strain and the frequency, pressure, and temperature of pulsed fluids. Therefore, the flexible electronic vessel holds promising potential for applications in wearable or implantable materials for the monitoring of health.