Madalina Simona Baltatu

By Petrică Vizureanu, Mădălina Simona Bălțatu and Andrei Victor Sandu

The use of titanium and titanium-based alloys with applications in implantology and dentistry has made remarkable progress in the promotion of new technologies and new materials that have been developed in recent years. This is justified thanks to their excellent mechanical, physical, and biological performance. Today’s generation promotes new titanium alloys, with nontoxic elements and long-term performance and without rejection of the human body. This book chapter describes new original compositions of Ti-based alloys for medical applications, with improved properties compared to existing classical alloys (C.p. Ti, Ti6Al4V, CoCrMo, etc.). The addition of nontoxic elements such as Mo, Si, Zr, and Ta brings benefits as reduced modulus of elasticity, increased corrosion resistance, and improved biocompatibility.

Part of the book: Biomaterials

By Petrica Vizureanu, Dumitru Doru Burduhos Nergis, Andrei Victor Sandu, Diana Petronela Burduhos Nergis and Madalina Simona Baltatu

Mine tailings are waste materials that resulted from the extraction and processing of raw materials to form mineral products. These dusty particles present negative environmental effects after being deposited in different types of dumping areas. Based on the circular economy concepts and the presently pushing need of identifying wastes as a potential replacement for natural resources, this chapter aims to present the physical (density, microstructure) and mechanical (compressive strength, flexural strength) characteristics of different types of geopolymers which use mine tailings as precursors or blended systems (mixes of different raw materials). The main reasons of approaching this topic are the need to decrease the consumption of natural resources, reduce environmental pollution and create an economic system aimed to capitalize the mining wastes. Accordingly, this chapter includes information regarding the availability of this waste and its potential utilization as a raw material in civil engineering applications. Therefore, reports of specific agencies and multiple research studies which approach tailing based geopolymers or blended systems have been summarized.

Part of the book: Advances in Geopolymer-Zeolite Composites

By Petrică Vizureanu, Mădălina Simona Bălțatu, Andrei Victor Sandu, Dragos Cristian Achitei, Dumitru Doru Burduhos Nergis and Manuela Cristina Perju

Bioactive glasses are very attractive materials, used for tissue engineering materials, usually to fill and restore bone defects. This category of biomaterials, show considerable potential for orthopaedic surgery because they can promote bone tissue regeneration. Many trace elements have been incorporated in the glass network, an example is metallic glasses to obtain the desired properties. Because of tolerable mechanical properties, and because they are able to bond to living bone and stimulate its regeneration, this bioactive glasses have a particular interest and are in a continuous research and improvement. The chapter presents the history of bioactive glasses, classification, include a summary of common fabrication methods, applications, surface coatings, applications and future trends in relation to human bone. This review highlight new trends and areas of future research for bioactive glasses.

Part of the book: Current Concepts in Dental Implantology

By Petrica Vizureanu, Madalina-Simona Baltatu, Andrei-Victor Sandu, Dragos-Cristian Achitei, Dumitru-Doru Burduhos-Nergis and Manuela-Cristina Perju

The solar furnace works by using the electric energy produced by a photovoltaic system, which converts solar energy, solar radiation, into electric energy. The performances of the solar furnace used in various applications from industry are influenced by various factors. One of these factors imposes the acquisitions of certain large densities of the radiant power, and it requires a geometric form of the concentrator. The research is based on the behavior of some metallic alloys at elevated temperatures, for purifying some materials and for the achievement of some chemical synthesis. An important technological condition is a temperature which is achieved by concentrating solar radiation. This temperature is necessary to produce metallic material in the crucible, without other complementary energy for the thermal process. Steel or aluminum production requires very high quantities of thermal energy. Usually, this energy is given by electric power, natural gases, or conventional fuels. The solar furnace uses the energy given by the sun. For the manufacturing of the electrothermal furnaces, a series of specific materials are used, which are necessary for the obtaining of the furnace chamber, for the heating elements, as well as for the measurement systems of the temperature.

Part of the book: Latest Research on Energy Recovery

By Petrica Vizureanu, Madalina Simona Baltatu and Andrei Victor Sandu

Taking into account the speed of industrial development and market request for novel biocompatible alloys, the urge of creating sustainable materials pushes the research forward. Among the many biomaterials that can be incorporated into the human body, in the class of metal alloys, titanium and titanium alloys are regarded as some of the most important biomaterials because of their resistance to the effects of body fluids, high tensile strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, as well as their unique combination of strength and biocompatibility. In present chapter several novel recipes for titanium alloys are presented and characterized (Ti-Mo-Si and Ti-Mo-Zr-Ta-Si systems).

Part of the book: Novel Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering

By Mihaela Claudia Spataru, Madalina Simona Baltatu, Andrei Victor Sandu and Petrica Vizureanu

The field of biomaterials has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, with increasing applications in various medical disciplines. This book chapter provides an overview of the trends in biomaterials applications, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Biomaterials play a critical role in improving patient outcomes, enabling the development of innovative medical devices, and enhancing the quality of life. They find extensive use in orthopedics, esthetic surgery, ophthalmology, maxillofacial surgery, cardiology, urology, neurology, and other medical specialties. While biomaterials offer numerous benefits, their selection and design depend on specific medical applications. Biocompatibility, adequate mechanical properties, physical and chemical characteristics, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and osseointegration are important considerations. However, the complexity of the biological environment and the lack of detailed knowledge about in vivo conditions pose challenges. The success of an implant replacement relies on the tissue-material interface, which varies based on the desired outcome. Hemocompatible behavior is necessary for implants in contact with blood, whereas osseointegrated implants require a strong interaction for high adhesion force. This chapter also discusses the limitations of biomaterials, including immune reactions, limited biocompatibility, durability issues, interactions with the surrounding environment, lack of regeneration, high costs, and design constraints. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and development to overcome these limitations and advance the field of biomaterials.

Part of the book: Novel Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering

By Madalina Simona Baltatu, Petrică Vizureanu, Andrei Victor Sandu, Dragos Cristian Achitei, Manuela Cristina Perju, Dumitru Doru Burduhos-Nergis and Marcelin Benchea

Titanium, a considerable metal renowned for its exceptional properties, has found its way into numerous industrial, medical, and aerospace applications. This chapter provides an overview of titanium’s unique characteristics, which include high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, making it an ideal choice for diverse engineering and medical purposes. In the aerospace industry, titanium’s low density and remarkable strength make it an essential material for aircraft components, from engine components to structural parts. Its resistance to corrosion in aggressive environments also renders it invaluable for marine applications. Medical fields have accepted titanium for orthopedic implants, dental fixtures, and surgical instruments due to its biocompatibility and ability to integrate seamlessly with living tissues. In addition to its medical and aerospace applications, titanium is used in the automotive industry for lightweight components that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Part of the book: Titanium-Based Alloys - Characteristics and Applications [Working title]