XPS and ARXPS characterization of surface layers resulting from the functionalization of polymers such as PVC modified with MPTMS and APTES is challenging due to the signals overlap, deriving both from the substrate and the functionalized layers. In this work, a freshly cleaved, ideally flat gold surface was used as carbon-free model substrate functionalized with MPTMS and subsequently grafted with APTES. Avoiding the overlap of signals from carbon atoms present in the substrate, the signals in the C1s, O1s, Si2p, S2p and N1s high-resolution spectra could be assigned to the MPTMS / APTES functionalized layer only and the curve fitting parameters could be determined. Quantitative analysis was in very good agreement with the expected stoichiometry of the functionalized layer, confirming the adopted curve fitting procedure. In addition, it was found that one molecule of APTES grafted two MPTMS via silane groups. ARXPS allowed determining the thickness of the functionalized layers: MPTMS thickness was found to be 0.5 (0.2) nm, MPTMS + APTES thickness 1.0 (0.2) nm in good agreement with Avogadro model calculations. This approach can be considered a powerful tool for characterising functionalized surfaces of more complex systems by XPS.

The silane (3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), possesses one terminal amine group and three ethoxy groups extending from each silicon atom, serving as a crucial interface adherent between organic and inorganic materials. In corrosion prevention, APTES is frequently employed as a primer, with subsequent topcoat as an extra protective layer. This topcoat is particularly useful in covering sites where APTES may exhibit poor bonding, such as those involving Cu or Cu-rich alloying elements. In our study, we applied a thin layer of APTES to cleaned AA2024-T3 samples using concentrated vapor deposition, followed by spin-coating with a diluted PS/acetone solution. Through combinatorial experimentation, we investigated the impact of APTES on the corrosion resistance of the coating system on AA2024-T3. Our findings indicate that a higher surface energy of the APTES primer contributes to better corrosion resistance in the overall coating system. This improvement can be attributed to enhanced wettability achieved by the PS/acetone solution on the cured APTES primer, leading to a more uniform coverage of the dried PS topcoat. Additionally, our research revealed that, in the early stages of exposure to the corrosion solution, a thinner APTES primer enhances protection against corrosion. This effect is attributed to hydrolytic stability mechanisms, and the interactions between hydrolyzation/condensation in soaked APTES and the dissolution of naturally formed aluminum oxide pre-existing in the bare samples. Finally, we observed that an APTES primer subjected to additional heat treatment before topcoating exhibits superior performance in corrosion resistance.

Chen, et al., compared two modified polyurethane-based wound dressings (PUE and PUESi), both intended for use in chronic wounds, with a negative control (gauze) and a positive control (PolyMem) via a series of preliminary in vitro and rodent model tests. Future studies may find that one or both of these two new dressings are beneficial. However, the results of this first study cannot be relied upon. Although they exhibited in-depth knowledge of manufacturing techniques, the study designers seem far less familiar with the science of wound healing and with PolyMem wound dressings. This helps explain the flaws in the methods that lead to many of their tests not being translatable to real-world settings. In addition, the interpretation of some of the test results is questionable.