The article discusses the grain morphology of the natural filler from hazelnut and walnut shell flour. It was observed that the geometry of both meals is similar to each other and resembles uneven balls in shape. The heterogeneity and well-developed outer surface of the flour grains allow for filling the voids with the polymer matrix. The analysis of the surface of the SEM images allowed to observe the presence of natural filler flour grains in the entire volume of the produced polymer composites, uneven distribution and small agglomerates, as well as the presence of voids, distributed in the matrix and in the matrix/filler interface. As a result of the visual evaluation of the activity of microorganisms (mycelium) on the surface of the produced polymer composite materials PP/hazelnut and walnut shell flour with a different % share, different fraction, it was found that the best fungistatic effect was shown by the samples marked with the symbol hazelnut at the fraction 315–443 µm. The least fungistatic material was found to be the samples with walnut shell meal filler at the fraction 315–443 µm (F2 and F4), on which the microorganisms achieved significant growth (more than 50% of the test area). The highest value of contact angle was obtained for samples with hazelnut filler fraction 315–443 (C2 and C4), which also confirms its best fungistatic effect.

The research presented in this paper focuses on the utilization of 3D printing technology in the design and manufacture of a prosthetic hand, equipped with a digit replicator. The subject of this study was a young man who had undergone the amputation of two fingers on his right hand. The electronic control of the movement of the finger copy was developed using Arduino language. A concept and outline drawings were developed in ProCreate. Three-dimensional scan of the hand and forearm was made using an EinScan PRO HD SHINING 3D scanner. Using CAD software—Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Meshmixer, the prosthesis was designed. Printing was carried out on a 3D printer of the i3 MK3 and MK3+ series using a PLA (polylactic acid) filament. It was determined that PLA is an optimal material for printing, as it is considered to be safe for future patients’ skin. Work on the electronic circuitry started in Autodesk TinkerCad simulation software, allowing the code to be verified and ensuring the safety of the control system. The prosthesis’s design demonstrates the potential to reach as many people in need as possible by using readily available, low-cost, and easy-to-use components.

The aim of the work is to design and numerically analyse a personalised knee protector shell for sports applications. The subject of this research is the outer protective shell, a key element responsible for transferring and dissipating loads from impacts or falls.The work included 3D scanning, geometric modelling of the protector shell, and numerical analysis using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The analysis enables assessment of stress distribution, strain, displacement, and structural behaviour under applied loads, thereby verifying the adopted design assumptions.The protector’s shell is designed as a composite element, made of fibreglass and epoxy resin, with a constant thickness of 3 mm. The use of composite materials is due to their favourable mechanical properties, such as a high strength-to-weight ratio, damage resistance, and the ability to shape complex geometries. Simulation results showed that at a load of At 10 kN, the permissible stress state of the material was exceeded locally at the point where the force was applied, which could initiate composite damage. Based on additional analyses, a safe operating force of 7.5 kN was determined. In this case, the shell layers do not fail, and stresses and displacements remain within safe limits.The obtained analysis results indicate that the designed structure fulfils its protective function under real-world conditions. They can serve as a basis for assessing the effectiveness of the designed shell and its suitability for sports applications.The obtained results confirm the validity of using 3D scanning technology and numerical analyses in the design process for personalised sports protectors and can serve as a basis for further development work, including dynamic analysis, experimental studies, and layered optimisation of the composite.

An huge interest is observed in last years in metal matrix composite, mostly light metal based, which have found their applications in many industry branches, among others in the aircraft industry, automotive-, and armaments ones, as well as in electrical engineering and electronics, where one of the most important issue is related to the corrosion resistance, especially on the surface layer of the used aluminium alloys. This elaboration presents the influence of ceramic phase on the corrosion resistance, quality of the surface layer its thickness and structure of an anodic layer formed on aluminium alloys. As test materials it was applied the aluminium alloys Al-Si-Cu and Al-Cu-Mg, for which heat treatment processes and corrosion tests were carried out. It was presented herein grindability test results and metallographic examination, as well. Hardness of the treated alloys with those ones subjected to corrosion process were compared.

The study focuses on the antibacterial activity of WPC polymer composite materials manufactured with walnut and hazelnut shell flour fillers against the reference strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.The antibacterial activity of the manufactured WPC polymer composite materials with natural fillers was determined in accordance with the PN-EN ISO 20645:2006 standard. Two reference bacterial strains were used in the tests: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.An agar medium (tryptone peptone – 15 g/l, phyton peptone – 5 g/l, sodium chloride – 5 g/l, agar-agar – 15 g/l) was poured onto each Petri dish and allowed to gel. The medium was then inoculated with cultures of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria at a concentration of 1.5 x 108 cfu/ml. The WPC samples to be tested and the control samples, in the shape of a circle with a diameter of 255 mm, were placed centrally on the prepared dishes. The plates were incubated for 20 hours at 371C. After the incubation period, the presence or absence of zones of inhibition of microorganism growth on the tested samples was determined.Based on the conducted tests, a lack of efficacy was observed, as required by the standard. Analysis of the results shows that none of the tested samples met the required criteria for a "good" antibacterial effect. The absence of inhibition zones (0 mm) and the presence of bacterial colonies under the tested samples disqualify the samples as materials with full antibacterial properties. The key reason for the absence of inhibition zones (0 mm) is likely the lack of diffusion of the active ingredient into the agar. It is worth noting that for the E. coli strain, "weak growth" was observed with the tested sample, suggesting partial, albeit insufficient, bacteriostatic activity. In the case of St. aureus, the effect was completely unsatisfactory, indicating that several issues need to be addressed.The article summarises research on improving the antibacterial properties of manufactured polymer composite materials to support their further development and use.The presented results may constitute material for further research on the antibacterial resistance of WPC composites.

The aim of the work is to develop a business model for a startup related to the creation of a system supporting the strength of upper limbs for elderly and disabled people. The planned company will utilise the fashionable and constantly evolving 3D printing technology, combined with significantly easier control of electric motors using increasingly popular microcontrollers.Based on available technological knowledge from the electronics, automation, and IT sectors, the product in question has been proposed and characterised. Then, the company’s strategy, the product’s market launch, and a forecast for the success of the entire project have been determined.The article includes a technical description of the device under development, including its physical components, software, sensors, and electronic devices. A business analysis, including market and environmental analyses, that defines the target customer group and their preferences, is also discussed.The largest target group for the proposed system will be older adults who experience difficulties performing even the simplest tasks, such as lifting and carrying objects. The device can also be used for rehabilitation purposes or to relieve pressure on a joint, muscle, or bone weakened by an injury. In this case, the target group – although significantly smaller – will be younger people, i.e., those of working age.Exoskeletons and similar products have business potential in the medical industry due to an ageing population – the number of target recipients for the proposed product will increase in the coming years.