Contact angle testing on a magnesium-boron nitride nanocomposite
Author: Thomas McGehee | Major: Biomedical Engineering | Semester: Fall 2023
At the end of the Spring 2023 semester, I reached out to Dr. Mostafa Elsaadany after completing his biomedical engineering course, biomechanical engineering, with an interest in pursuing biomaterials undergraduate research. Biomaterials have always been of great interest to me, as the design of prosthetics is an area of research that I would love to pursue as a professional career. The goal of my research project was to analyze the mechanical, microstructural, and biocompatibility capabilities of magnesium-based nanocomposites for use in orthopedic applications. Previous research proved that magnesium serves as a promising novel biomaterial, and when combined with certain nanoparticles, its properties could be improved to become more beneficial for use within the human body.
Previously studied nanocomposites included different volume percentages of boron nitride (BN) magnesium samples, so the next step in the research process was to use different nanocomposites such as titanium oxide and zirconium oxide, comparing the results of various tests to the original data. The samples were fabricated at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) by a graduate student and his mentor, Vipul Patil and Dr. Ibrahim, respectively. Most of my research consisted of preparation for different testing methods and analyses including contact angle testing, biocompatibility/cytotoxicity assays, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray and x-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction tests. The ultimate goal in this preparation was to draft procedures for these tests after extensive research, as well as to understand why we conduct these tests and what they tell us. Dr. Elsaadany was extremely helpful in this section of research, as he guided me through the process of literature searches, how to determine the crucial information from academic papers, and how to compile this information into useful summaries. The influx of information was overwhelming at first, but through biweekly meetings with my team at UTC and one-on-one meetings with Dr. Elsaadany, the preparation process was simplified into ways undergraduate students could grasp these complex topics. I was provided with numerous papers from which I could derive any answers for why the tests are conducted, how to conduct the tests, and how to read and analyze the data.
In the fabrication process, Vipul faced issues in the sintering process with the titanium and zirconium nanoparticles – the samples were not up to the standards of the previous BN samples, so we had to plan on using different nanoparticles. Although I was unable to test samples for my project, another student’s project consisted of studying the effects of coatings on magnesium coupons. His samples were successfully fabricated, so we worked together to figure out a solid, working procedure for contact angle testing, as well as experimenting with different methods of statistical analysis to compare the sample groups. We also had the opportunity to test the leftover BN samples, providing even more practice with contact angle testing and statistical analysis of the resulting data. Even though I was unable to work directly on my samples, Dr. Elsaadany ensured that I understood that preparation for research is the most important part of the process and that conducting the tests, while equally as important, is not the focus of undergraduate research.
Because of the delays in the fabrication of my samples, I had the opportunity to assist two other students in their engineering education projects, allowing me to discover new methods of extensive qualitative analysis utilizing a software called NVivo. Using this software allowed the organization of lengthy surveys into simpler, visually pleasing word clouds and sentiment analysis (positive, negative, or neutral connotations). Through this software, we were able to determine students’ feelings towards certain aspects of their courses and how these could be improved. This side project was an excellent way to spend my time, as it allowed me to perceive a completely different side of engineering as a whole, focusing less on quantitative data and material testing and more on the subjective thoughts of students which could benefit future students in the same courses that we take now.
Next semester, I hope to work with Vipul and his team at UTC to expedite the fabrication process of my samples, as well as continue to discover new ways to collaborate with external institutions with different points of view and priorities than my own. In such a short time, this project has increased my ability to work collaboratively and introduced me to scientific research in a professional manner. I am very excited to continue working with my team to overcome the challenges we face in our biomaterials research and discover the potential benefits of magnesium nanocomposites, as well as the ever-expanding field of engineering education.