Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are amongst the most commonly-used biomaterials in orthopedic and dental applications. The Ti-aluminum-vanadium alloy (Ti6Al4V) is widely used as a biomaterial for these applications by virtue of its favorable properties, such as high tensile strength, good biocompatibility and excellent corrosion resistance. TiO₂ nanotube (NTs) layers formed by anodization on Ti6Al4V alloy have been shown to improve osteoblast adhesion and function when compared to non-anodized material. In his study, NTs were grown on a Ti6Al4V alloy by anodic oxidation for 5 min using a super-oxidative aqueous solution, and their in vitro biocompatibility was investigated in pig periosteal osteoblasts and cartilage chondrocytes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize the materials. Cell morphology was analyzed by SEM and AFM. Cell viability was examined by fluorescence microscopy. Cell adhesion was evaluated by nuclei staining and cell number quantification by fluorescence microscopy. The average diameter of the NTs was 80 nm. The results demonstrate improved cell adhesion and viability at Day 1 and Day 3 of cell growth on the nanostructured material as compared to the non-anodized alloy. In conclusion, this study evidences the suitability of NTs grown on Ti6Al4V alloy using a super-oxidative water and a short anodization process to enhance the adhesion and viability of osteoblasts and chondrocytes. The results warrant further investigation for its use as medical implant materials.

The brewing industry generates, as the primary coproduct, brewers’ spent grain (BSG). In Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, there are 17 companies that generated 282 tons of BSG by 2016. Cattle feeding is the most common type of disposal for this waste. However, it can be valorized for the production of bioenergy or as a source of added-value products. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to assess the physicochemical properties of the brewers’ spent grain from a local craft brewery, to choose the most appropriate exploitation route. Chemical and morphological analyses were carried out by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy, and the higher heating value determination. The results of the proximate analyses were 72.32% moisture, 78.47% volatile matter, 17.48% fixed carbon, and 4.05% ash. The results of the chemical analysis for extractables were 5.23% using organic solvent and 50.25% using hot water. The content determination were 17.13% lignin, 26.80% cellulose, and 37.17% hemicellulose. The results of the ultimate analysis were 43.59% C, 6.18% H, 3.46% N, and 37.22% O. The higher heating value experimentally obtained was 18.70 MJ/kg. Moreover, in the EDX analysis, Ca, P, K, and S were mainly found. It is recommendable to valorize the BSG through the xylitol, bioethanol or biogas production, because of its high moisture, hemicellulose and cellulose content.

Purpose: The aim of this work is to study the corrosion and scaling factors, mechanisms and processes affecting the materials, equipment and installations of the Cerro Prieto geothermal field (GTF).Design/methodology/approach: The physicochemical characteristics of the geothermal well and fluids were analysed, recorded and related to the corrosion and scaling phenomena.Findings: The high temperature and salinity of the steam‐brine mixture and the presence of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide impart a severe level of corrosivity.Originality/value: Corrosion and scaling control assure an efficient production regime, provide for the durability of the GTF engineering materials and equipment and contribute to environmental quality.

Purpose – Aggressive environments that enhance indoor corrosion in industrial plants decrease the yielding of electronic equipment, causing electrical failures. The purpose of the present paper is to evaluate corrosion rates in metals used in electronic devices as a function of temperature, humidity and the concentrations of some air pollutants in order to predict the optimal conditions preventing or minimizing corrosion. Design/methodology/approach – Atmospheric pollutants mainly sulphur oxides, penetrating through small crevices and holes into electronic plants in combination with climatic factors such as humidity and heat, promote corrosion. The corrosion rate of the five most used metals in the electronics industry: carbon steel, copper, nickel, silver, and tin, were studied gravimetrically as a function of variations in humidity, temperature and air pollutant concentrations from 2003 to 2005. The samples were exposed in an instrumented boot to indoor conditions and gravimetric measurements were performed together with measurements of the above-mentioned parameters. Mathematical simulation applying Math Lab software was carried out as well. The ternary diagrams for pollutants, temperature and relative humidity were applied as a useful tool to correlate these parameters in indoor conditions with the corrosion rate of metals applied in the electronics industry. Findings – The obtained results have shown that the presence of even small concentrations of air pollutants promoted corrosion processes when time of wetness conditions were reached. Practical implications – The study was carried out in order to minimize the corrosion losses of the electronic plants situated especially in Mexicali City located on a semi-desert zone in the Northwest of Mexico. Originality/value – This paper establishes the relationship of variations of pollutants concentration, temperature and the relative humidity with the corrosion rate of metals in indoor conditions in the electronics industry located in the semi-arid zone of Mexicali. Design was characterized and simulated using the MathLab software.

Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) is considered one of the most corrosive atmospheric pollutants. It is a weak, diprotic, reducing acid, readily soluble in water and dispersed into the air by winds when emitted from natural, industrial, and anthropogenic sources. It is a pollutant with a high level of toxicity impairing human health and the environment quality. It attacks copper forming thin films of metallic sulphides or dendrite whiskers, which are cathodic to the metal substrate, enhancing corrosion. H₂S is actively involved in microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) which develops in water, involving sulphur based bacteria, in oxidizing and reducing chemical reactions. H₂S is found in concentrated geothermal brines, in the atmosphere of geothermal fields, and in municipal sewage systems. Other active atmospheric pollutants include SO_X, NO_X, and CO. This investigation reports on the effects of H₂S on copper in microelectronic components of equipment and devices, with the formation of nonconductive films that lead to electrical failures.