Effective Properties Evaluation for Smart Composite Materials

The purpose of this article is to present a method which consists in the development of unit cell numerical models for smart composite materials with piezoelectric fibers made of PZT embedded in a non-piezoelectric matrix (epoxy resin). This method evaluates a globally homogeneous medium equivalent to the original composite, using a representative volume element (RVE). The suitable boundary conditions allow the simulation of all modes of the overall deformation arising from any arbitrary combination of mechanical and electrical loading. In the first instance, the unit cell is applied to predict the effective material coefficients of the transversely isotropic piezoelectric composite with circular cross section fibers. The numerical results are compared to other methods reported in the literature and also to results previously published, in order to evaluate the method proposal. In the second step, the method is applied to calculate the equivalent properties for smart composite materials with square cross section fibers. Results of comparison between different combinations of circular and square fiber geometries, observing the influence of the boundary conditions and arrangements are presented.

Effective properties evaluation for smart composite materials

The purpose of this article is to present a method which consists in the development of unit cell numerical models for smart composite materials with piezoelectric fibers made of PZT embedded in a non-piezoelectric matrix (epoxy resin). This method evaluates a globally homogeneous medium equivalent to the original composite, using a representative volume element (RVE). The suitable boundary conditions allow the simulation of all modes of the overall deformation arising from any arbitrary combination of mechanical and electrical loading. In the first instance, the unit cell is applied to predict the effective material coefficients of the transversely isotropic piezoelectric composite with circular cross section fibers. The numerical results are compared to other methods reported in the literature and also to results previously published, in order to evaluate the method proposal. In the second step, the method is applied to calculate the equivalent properties for smart composite materials with square cross section fibers. Results of comparison between different combinations of circular and square fiber geometries, observing the influence of the boundary conditions and arrangements are presented.

Eroded dentin does not jeopardize the bond strength of adhesive restorative materials

This in vitro study evaluated the bond strength of adhesive restorative materials to sound and eroded dentin. Thirty-six bovine incisors were embedded in acrylic resin and ground to obtain flat buccal dentin surfaces. Specimens were randomly allocated in 2 groups: sound dentin (immersion in artificial saliva) and eroded dentin (pH cycling model - 3x / cola drink for 7 days). Specimens were then reassigned according to restorative material: glass ionomer cement (Ketac (TM) Molar Easy Mix), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Vitremer (TM)) or adhesive system with resin composite (Adper Single Bond 2 + Filtek Z250). Polyethylene tubes with an internal diameter of 0.76 mm were placed over the dentin and filled with the material. The microshear bond test was performed after 24 h of water storage at 37 degrees C. The failure mode was evaluated using a stereomicroscope (400x). Bond strength data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (alpha = 0.05). Eroded dentin showed bond strength values similar to those for sound dentin for all materials. The adhesive system showed the highest bond strength values, regardless of the substrate (p < 0.0001). For all groups, the adhesive/mixed failure prevailed. In conclusion, adhesive materials may be used in eroded dentin without jeopardizing the bonding quality. It is preferable to use an etch-and-rinse adhesive system because it shows the highest bond strength values compared with the glass ionomer cements tested.

A new damage model for composite laminates

Aircraft composite structures must have high stiffness and strength with low weight, which can guarantee the increase of the pay-load for airplanes without losing airworthiness. However, the mechanical behavior of composite laminates is very complex due the inherent anisotropy and heterogeneity. Many researchers have developed different failure progressive analyses and damage models in order to predict the complex failure mechanisms. This work presents a damage model and progressive failure analysis that requires simple experimental tests and that achieves good accuracy. Firstly, the paper explains damage initiation and propagation criteria and a procedure to identify the material parameters. In the second stage, the model was implemented as a UMAT (User Material Subroutine), which is linked to finite element software, ABAQUS (TM), in order to predict the composite structures behavior. Afterwards, some case studies, mainly off-axis coupons under tensile or compression loads, with different types of stacking sequence were analyzed using the proposed material model. Finally, the computational results were compared to the experimental results, verifying the capability of the damage model in order to predict the composite structure behavior. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The influence of different co-catalysts in Pt-based ternary and quaternary electro-catalysts on the electro-oxidation of methanol and ethanol in acid media

One of the key objectives in fuel cell technology is to reduce Pt loading by the improvement of its catalytic activity towards alcohol oxidation. Here, a sol-gel based method was used to prepare ternary and quaternary carbon supported nanoparticles by combining Pt-Ru with Mo, Ta, Pb, Rh or Ir, which were used as electro-catalysts for the methanol and ethanol oxidation reactions in acid medium. Structural characterization performed by XRD measurements revealed that crystalline structures with crystallites ranging from 2.8 to 4.1 nm in size and with different alloy degrees were produced. Tantalum and lead deposited as a heterogeneous mixture of oxides with different valences resulting in materials with complex structures. The catalysts activities were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and by Tafel plots and the results showed that the activity towards methanol oxidation was highly dependent of the alloy degree, while for ethanol the presence of a metal capable to promote the break of C-C bond, such as Rh, was necessary for a good performance. Additionally, the catalysts containing of TaOx or PbOx resulted in the best materials due to different effects: the hi-functional mechanism promoted by TaOx and a better dispersion of the catalysts constituents promoted by PbOx. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Composite connections in slim-floor system: An experimental study

This paper reports the results of full-scale tests in beam-to-column connections for composite slim floor systems, including tests on Bare Steel connection and composite connection. The tested system consists of a concrete-filled composite column and a composite floor where an asymmetric steel beam is connected to a composite column by shear steel plates. Tests results previously obtained on partially encased composite beams were used to define the position of the headed studs in the slim floor system. Based on the obtained results of connections, the composite and Bare Steel connection behaved as semi-rigid and nominally pinned respectively. The tests results also indicated a significant contribution of the slim floor to the moment capacity of the connection. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gold ion implantation into alumina using an “inverted ion source” configuration.

We describe an approach to ion implantation in which the plasma and its electronics are held at ground potential and the ion beam is injected into a space held at high negative potential, allowing considerable savings both economically and technologically. We used an “inverted ion implanter” of this kind to carry out implantation of gold into alumina, with Au ion energy 40 keV and dose (3–9) × 1016 cm−2. Resistivity was measured in situ as a function of dose and compared with predictions of a model based on percolation theory, in which electron transport in the composite is explained by conduction through a random resistor network formed by Au nanoparticles. Excellent agreement is found between the experimental results and the theory.

Evaluation of perforated steel plates as connection in glulam-concrete composite structures

This paper shows the results of an experimental investigation carried out on a connection element of glulam and concrete composite structures, through double-sided push-out shear tests. The connection system was composed of perforated steel plates glued with epoxy adhesive. Five specimens were made and tested under shear forces. This innovative connection system showed an average initial slip modulus equivalent to 339.4 kN/mm. In addition, the connection system was evaluated by means of numerical simulations and the software ANSYS was used for this purpose. The numerical simulations demonstrated good agreement with the experimental data, especially in the regime of elastic-linear behavior of materials. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fiber Post Cementation Strategies: Effect of Mechanical Cycling on Push-out Bond Strength and Cement Polymerization Stress

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of mechanical cycling and cementation strategies on the push-out bond strength between fiber posts and root dentin and the polymerization stresses produced using three resin cements. Materials and Methods: Eighty bovine mandibular teeth were sectioned to a length of 16 mm, prepared to 12 mm, and embedded in self-curing acrylic resin. The specimens were then distributed into 8 groups (n = 10): Gr1 - Scotchbond Multi Purpose + RelyX ARC; Gr2 - Scotchbond Multi Purpose + RelyX ARC + mechanical cycling; Gr3 - AdheSE + Multilink Automix; Gr4 - AdheSE + Multilink Automix + mechanical cycling; Gr5 - phosphoric acid + RelyX U100 (self-adhesive cement); Gr6 - phosphoric acid+ RelyX U100 + mechanical cycling; Gr7 - RelyX U100; Gr8 - RelyX U100 + mechanical cycling. The values obtained from the push-out bond strength test were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p = 0.05), while the values obtained from the polymerization stress test were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Mechanical cycling did not affect the bond strength values (p = 0.236), while cementation strategies affected the push-out bond strength (p < 0.001). Luting with RelyX U100 and Scotch Bond Multi Purpose + RelyX ARC yielded higher push-out bond strength values. The polymerization stress results were affected by the factor "cement" (p = 0.0104): the self-adhesive cement RelyX U100 exhibited the lowest values, RelyX ARC resulted in the highest values, while Multi link Automix presented values statistically similar to the other two cements. Conclusion: The self-adhesive cement appears to be a good alternative for luting fiber posts due to the high push-out bond strengths and lower polymerization stress values.

Influence of Ozone Gas and Ozonated Water Application to Dentin and Bonded Interfaces on Resin-Dentin Bond Strength

Purpose: To assess the influence of ozone gas and ozonated water application to prepared cavity and bonded interfaces on the resin/dentin bond strength of two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive systems (Adper Single Bond 2 [SB2] and XP-Bond [XP]). Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human third molars were sectioned perpendicularly to their long axes to expose flat occlusal dentin surfaces. In experiment 1, dentin was treated with ozone before the bonding procedure, while in experiment 2, ozone was applied to resin/dentin bonded interfaces. In experiment 1, dentin surfaces were treated either with ozone gas (2100 ppm), ozonated water (3.5 ppm), or distilled water for 120 s, and then bonded with SB2 or XP according to manufacturers' instructions. Hybrid composite buildups were incrementally constructed and the teeth were sectioned into resin-dentin sticks (0.8 mm(2)). In experiment 2, dentin surfaces were first bonded with SB2 or XP, composite buildups were constructed, and bonded sticks obtained. The sticks were treated with ozone as previously described. Bonded sticks were tested under tensile stress at 1 mm/min. Silver nitrate impregnation along the resin/dentin interfaces was also evaluated under SEM. Results: Two-way ANOVA (adhesive and ozone treatment) detected no significant effect for the cross-product interaction and the main factors in the two experiments (p > 0.05), which was confirmed by the photomicrographs. Conclusion: Ozone gas and ozonated water used before the bonding procedure or on resin/dentin bonded interfaces have no deleterious effects on the bond strengths and interfaces.

Micro-mechanical bond strength tests for the assessment of the adhesion of GIC to dentine

Background. The aim of this study is to critically evaluate the bond strength (BS) of Glass-Ionomer Cements (GIC) to dentine with microtensile (mu TBS) and microshear (mu SBS) BS tests by assessing their rankings and failure patterns. Methods. Samples were made on flat dentine surfaces and submitted to mTBS and mSBS. The materials used were: high viscosity GIC (Ketac (TM) Molar Aplicap-KM), resin-modified GIC (Fuji II-FII), nano-filled resin-modified GIC (Ketac (TM) N100-N100) and an etch-and-rinse adhesive system with a composite resin (Adper (TM) Single Bond 2 and Z100 (TM)-Z100). All tests were performed with a Universal Testing Machine (24 h water storage, crosshead speed of 1 mm/min). Debonded surfaces were examined with a stereomicroscope (x40) to identify the failure mode. The data was analyzed with two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) and LSD test. Results. Means were statistically different regarding the tests and materials, indicating that values for BS obtained for each material depend on the test performed. Failure analysis revealed that failures produced by mTBS were mainly cohesive for KM and FII. mu SBS failures were mainly adhesive or mixed for all materials. For the mTBS, the rank was Z100 > FII > KM = N100, whereas for the mSBS it was Z100 = FII = KM > N100. Conclusion: It may be concluded that distinct micro-mechanical tests present different failure patterns and rankings depending on the material to be considered.

Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation of Etched/Unetched Dentin Through an Uncured Two-step Etch-and-Rinse Adhesive and its Effect on Microtensile Bond Strength

Purpose: To evaluate whether Nd:YAG laser irradiation of etched and unetched dentin through an uncured adhesive affected the microtensile bond strength (pTBS). Materials and Methods: Flat dentin surfaces were created in 19 extracted human third molars. Adper Single Bond (SB) adhesive was applied over etched (groups 1 to 3) or unetched dentin (groups 4 to 6). The dentin was then irradiated with a Nd:YAG laser through the uncured adhesive, using 0.75 or 1 W power settings, except for the control groups (groups 1 and 4). The adhesive was light cured and composite crowns were built up. After 24 h, the teeth were sectioned into beams, with cross-sectional areas of 0.49 mm(2), and were stressed under tension. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 5%). Dentin surfaces of fractured specimens and the interfaces of untested beams were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Acid etching, laser irradiation, and their interaction significantly affected bonding (p < 0.05). Laser irradiation did not improve bonding of etched dentin to resin (p > 0.05). However, higher pTBS means were found on unetched lased dentin (groups 5 and 6), but only in comparison to group 4, where neither lasing nor etching was performed. Groups 4 to 6 showed the lowest pTBS means among all groups tested (p < 0.05). Laser irradiation did not change the characteristics of the hybrid layers created, while solidification globules were observed on lased dentin surfaces under SEM. Conclusion: Laser irradiation of dentin through the uncured adhesive did not significantly improve the pTBS in comparison to the suggested manufacturer's technique.

Shear bond strength between different materials bonded with two resin cements

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength between Ni-Cr alloy specimens bonded to air-abraded Ni-Cr, bur-abraded Ni-Cr, etched ceramic and etched enamel substrates using the resin cements RelyX ARC or Enforce. Materials and methods: Ni-Cr specimens were made and sandblasted with Al2O3 airborne-particles. Disc-shaped patterns were made for each of the four experimental substrates: Ni-Cr treated with Al2O3 airborne-particles, Ni-Cr treated with diamond bur abrasion, etched enamel and etched ceramic. Results: Significant differences in shear bond strength were found between the different materials and luting agents evaluated. The Ni-Cr alloy cylinders bonded to Ni-Cr surfaces sandblasted with 50 lm Al2O3 particles and bonded with Enforce achieved the highest bond strength when compared with other substrates (28.9 MPa, p < 0.05). Bur-abraded metal discs had lowest values, regardless the cement used (2.9 and 6.9 MPa for RelyX and Enforce, respectively). Etched enamel and etched ceramic had similar shear bond strengths within cement groups and performed better when RelyX was used. Conclusions: Bonding Ni-Cr to Ni-Cr and ceramic may result in similar and higher bond strength when compared to Ni-Cr/enamel bonding. For metal/metal bonding, higher shear bond strength was achieved with resin cement Enforce, and for metal/ceramic and metal/enamel bonding, RelyX had higher results.

Microtensile bond strength of resin composite to dentin treated with Er:YAG laser of bleached teeth

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Er:YAG laser (lambda = 2.94 mu m) on microtensile bond strength (mu TBS) and superficial morphology of bovine dentin bleached with 16% carbamide peroxide. Forty bovine teeth blocks (7 x 3 x 3 mm(3)) were randomly assigned to four groups: G1- bleaching and Er:YAG irradiation with energy density of 25.56 J/cm(2) (focused mode); G2 - bleaching; G3 - no-bleaching and Er:YAG irradiation (25.56 J/cm(2)); G4 - control, non-treated. G1 and G2 were bleached with 16% carbamide peroxide for 6 h during 21 days. Afterwards, all blocks were abraded with 320 to 600-grit abrasive papers to obtain flat standardized dentin surfaces. G1 and G3 were Er:YAG irradiated. Blocks were immediately restored with 4-mm-high composite resin (Adper Single Bond 2, Z-250-3 M/ESPE). After 24 h, the restored blocks (n = 9) were serially sectioned and trimmed to an hour-glass shape of approximately 1 mm(2) at the bonded interface area, and tested in tension in a universal testing machine (1 mm/ min). Failure mode was determined at a magnification of 100x using a stereomicroscope. One block of each group was selected for scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. mu TBS data was analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (alpha = 0.05). Mean bond strengths (SD) in MPa were: G1- 32.7 (5.9)(A); G2- 31.1 (6.3)(A); G3- 25.2 (8.3)(B); G4- 36.7 (9.9).(A) Groups with different uppercase letters were significantly different from each other (p < .05). Enamel bleaching procedure did not affect mu TBS values for dentin adhesion. Er:YAG laser irradiation with 25.56 J/cm(2) prior to adhesive procedure of bleached teeth did not affect mu TBS at dentin and promoted a dentin surface with no smear layer and opened dentin tubules observed under SEM. On the other hand, Er:YAG laser irradiation prior to adhesive procedure of non-bleached surface impaired mu TBS compared to the control group.

Microtensile bond strength of composite resin to glass-infiltrated alumina composite conditioned with Er,Cr:YSGG laser

Tribochemical silica-coating is the recommended conditioning method for improving glass-infiltrated alumina composite adhesion to resin cement. High-intensity lasers have been considered as an alternative for this purpose. This study evaluated the morphological effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on aluminous ceramic, and verified the microtensile bond strength of composite resin to ceramic following silica coating or laser irradiation. In-Ceram Alumina ceramic blocks were polished, submitted to airborne particle abrasion (110 mu m Al(2)O(3)), and conditioned with: (CG) tribochemical silica coating (110 mu m SiO(2)) + silanization (control group); (L1-L10) Er,Cr:YSGG laser (2.78 mu m, 20 Hz, 0.5 to 5.0 W) + silanization. Composite resin blocks were cemented to the ceramic blocks with resin cement. These sets were stored in 37A degrees C distilled water (24 h), embedded in acrylic resin, and sectioned to produce bar specimens that were submitted to microtensile testing. Bond strength values (MPa) were statistically analyzed (alpha a parts per thousand currency sign0.05), and failure modes were determined. Additional ceramic blocks were conditioned for qualitative analysis of the topography under SEM. There were no significant differences among silicatization and laser treatments (p > 0.05). Microtensile bond strength ranged from 19.2 to 27.9 MPa, and coefficients of variation ranged from 30 to 55%. Mixed failure of adhesive interface was predominant in all groups (75-96%). No chromatic alteration, cracks or melting were observed after laser irradiation with all parameters tested. Surface conditioning of glass-infiltrated alumina composite with Er,Cr:YSGG laser should be considered an innovative alternative for promoting adhesion of ceramics to resin cement, since it resulted in similar bond strength values compared to the tribochemical treatment.