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Here the authors propose integrating magnetic iron (II) oxide nanoparticles into the high-density polyethylene linings of disposable paper cups to create a waterproof, magnetically responsive composite liner. Their findings demonstrate that these nanoparticles successfully bond with the plastic layer without disrupting its structural integrity, offering a viable method to improve plastic recovery through magnetic recycling and mitigate global microplastic pollution.

This study investigates the dynamic reaction between liquid gallium and aluminum, which poses a challenge when using high-performance gallium-rich thermal interface materials for electronic cooling. Through the usage of in-situ microscopy, we show that while aluminum oxide coatings slow gallium-induced damage, nanometer-thick iridium coatings effectively prevent reaction and surface degradation at device-operating temperatures. These findings highlight a promising thermal-cooling architecture for extending the lifespan and reliability of high-power electronic heat dissipation systems.

The authors test whether coating stainless steel orthopedic screws in silver will promote calcium precipitation to improve orthopedic implant integration into bone.

In the aerospace industry, various surface processing or coatings are widely used. However, no detailed research on the aerospace fastener tensile and double shear strength variation due to surface processing has been conducted. Thus, the purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the effect of surface processing on the standard aerospace fastener's tensile and shear properties.

This paper looks at the antibacterial and toxic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on Escherichia coli bacteria and Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies. They modified the AgNPs size, concentration, and surface coating to determine the effects on each of the organisms. For both organisms, increased AgNP concentration demonstrated increased toxicity but particle size and surface coating had opposing effects.

In this study, the authors investigate the crystallization kinetics of vanillin thin films from a solution or a melt, as well as how a silane coating on the glass surface affects these properties.

Here the authors explored the development of biodegradable bioplastic films derived from mango peels as a sustainable solution to plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from fruit waste. They optimized the film's mechanical properties and water resistance through adjusting processing conditions and incorporating plasticizers and a hydrophobic coating, ultimately demonstrating its potential as a bacteriostatic and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic food wrap.

Here, recognizing the need to improve the efficiency of the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy, the authors used MATLAB to mathematically simulate a multi-layered thin film with an without an antireflective coating. They found that the use of alternating ZnO-SiO₂ multilayers enhanced the transmission of light into the solar cell, increasing its efficiency and reducing the reflectivity of the Si-Air interface.

In this study, the authors were interested in developing a hydrophobic surface that will extend the lifespan of metals by reducing water exposure and other damage. The used a zinc coating on steel to pursue this effort.

Wafers, essential in microchip production, can develop issues like leveling problems and wafer slip due to the formation of silanol bonds on their backside, which attract silica particles and oil. Authors tested addressing this issue with a coating of [acetoxy(polyethyleneoxy)propyl]triethoxysilane (APTS) applied to the wafer’s backside, preventing particle binding and oil adherence.