Provided is a nitrided metal surface functionalized with molecules, each molecule comprising at least one binding group and an antimicrobial moiety. The molecules are immobilized on the surface by only covalent interactions between the binding groups of the molecules and nitrogen atoms within the nitrided metal surface. Articles comprising the functionalized nitrided surface find use in inhibiting or reducing the growth of microorganisms on surfaces that are frequently touched. A method for preparing the functionalized nitrided surface comprises contacting a nitrided metal surface with molecules so as to form covalent bonds between the binding groups of the molecules and the nitrogen atoms in the surface, thereby immobilising the molecules on the metal surface.

A valve is provided, in particular an injection valve, having a valve seat and a valve needle which extends along a closing direction for the most part, the valve seat having a valve-seat surface, and a valve-closing element is mounted on an end of the valve needle facing the valve seat, the valve-closing element being able to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and the valve-closing element together with the valve-seat surface forming a sealing seat in the closed position, the valve-closing element having a greater core hardness and/or surface hardness than the valve-seat surface.

A valve is provided, in particular an injection valve, having a valve seat and a valve needle which extends along a closing direction for the most part, the valve seat having a valve-seat surface, and a valve-closing element is mounted on an end of the valve needle facing the valve seat, the valve-closing element being able to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and the valve-closing element together with the valve-seat surface forming a sealing seat in the closed position, the valve-closing element having a greater core hardness and/or surface hardness than the valve-seat surface.

For providing a structural material having improved fatigue strength and abrasion resistance, provided is a structural material containing iron and carbon, including: a first layer formed of pearlite; a second layer formed of a mixed phase of martensite and a carbide; and a third layer formed of a carbide, in order from a center to a surface of the structural material. The carbide of the third layer is represented by MC (where M is one element among Ti, V, Nb, Mo, Ta, and W), and the structural material has a concentration gradient in which an M element concentration is decreased from the surface to the center of the structural material.

A valve is provided, in particular an injection valve, having a valve seat and a valve needle which extends along a closing direction for the most part, the valve seat having a valve-seat surface, and a valve-closing element is mounted on an end of the valve needle facing the valve seat, the valve-closing element being able to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and the valve-closing element together with the valve-seat surface forming a sealing seat in the closed position, the valve-closing element having a greater core hardness and/or surface hardness than the valve-seat surface.

A valve is provided, in particular an injection valve, having a valve seat and a valve needle which extends along a closing direction for the most part, the valve seat having a valve-seat surface, and a valve-closing element is mounted on an end of the valve needle facing the valve seat, the valve-closing element being able to be moved between an open position and a closed position, and the valve-closing element together with the valve-seat surface forming a sealing seat in the closed position, the valve-closing element having a greater core hardness and/or surface hardness than the valve-seat surface.

The present invention relates to alloy compositions for 3D metal printing procedures which provide metallic parts with high hardness, tensile strengths, yield strengths, and elongation. The alloys include Fe, Cr and Mo and at least three or more elements selected from C, Ni, Cu, Nb, Si and N. Ni may be replaced with Mn. As built parts indicate a tensile strength of at least 1000 MPa, yield strength of at least 640 MPa, elongation of at least 3.0% and hardness (HV) of at least 375.

Alloy compositions for 3D metal printing procedures which provide metallic parts with high hardness, tensile strengths, yield strengths, and elongation. The alloys include Fe, Cr and Mo and at least three or more elements selected from C, Ni, Cu, Nb, Si and N. As built parts indicate a tensile strength of at least 1000 MPa, yield strength of at least 640 MPa, elongation of at least 3.0% and hardness (HV) of at least 375.

Alloy compositions for 3D metal printing procedures which provide metallic parts with high hardness, tensile strengths, yield strengths, and elongation. The alloys include Fe, Cr and Mo and at least three or more elements selected from C, Ni, Cu, Nb, Si and N. As built parts indicate a tensile strength of at least 1000 MPa, yield strength of at least 640 MPa, elongation of at least 3.0% and hardness (HV) of at least 375.

Provided is a nitrided metal surface functionalized with molecules, each molecule comprising at least one binding group and an antimicrobial moiety. The molecules are immobilized on the surface by only covalent interactions between the binding groups of the molecules and nitrogen atoms within the nitrided metal surface. Articles comprising the functionalized nitrided surface find use in inhibiting or reducing the growth of microorganisms on surfaces that are frequently touched. A method for preparing the functionalized nitrided surface comprises contacting a nitrided metal surface with molecules so as to form covalent bonds between the binding groups of the molecules and the nitrogen atoms in the surface, thereby immobilising the molecules on the metal surface.