Interaction of the nonionic surfactant C12E8 with high molar mass poly(ethylene oxide) studied by dynamic light scattering and fluorescence quenching methods

Dynamic light scattering has been used to investigate ternary aqueous solutions of n-dodecyl octaoxyethylene glycol monoetber (C12E8) with high molar mass poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The measurements were made at 20 °C, always below the cloud point temperature (Tc) of the mixed solutions. The relaxation time distributions are bimodal at higher PEO and surfactant concentrations, owing to the preacute of free surfactant micelles, which coexist with the slower component, representing the polymer coil/micellar cluster comptex. As the surfactant concentration is increased, the apparent hydrodynamic radius (RH) of the coil becomes progressively larger. It is suggested that the complex structure consists of clusters of micelles sited within the polymer coil, as previously concluded for the PEO-C12E8-water system. However. C12E8 interacts less strongly than C12E8 with PEO; at low concentrations of surfactant the complex does not contribute significantly to the total scattered intensity. The perturbation of the PEO coil radius with C12E8 is also smaller than that in the C12E8 system. The addition of PEO strongly decreases the clouding temperature of the system, as previously observed for C12E8/PEO mixtures in solution Addition of PEO up to 0.2% to C12E8 (10 wt %) solutions doss not alter the aggregation number (Nagg) of the micelles probably because the surfactant monomers are equally partitioned as bound and unbound micelles. The critical micelle concentration (cmc), obtained from the I1/I3 ratio (a measure of the dependence of the vibronic band intensities on the pyrene probe environment), does not change when PEO is added, suggesting that for neutral polymer/surfactant systems the trends in Nagg and the cmc do not unambiguously reflect the strength of interaction.

Oxygen related defects excitation and photoconductivity dependence of SnO2 sol-gel films with several light sources

Since oxygen vacancies act as donors in SnO2, the electrical properties are related to deviation from stoichiometric composition. Depending on stoichiometry SnO2 can be highly insulating or may exhibit fairly high n-type conductivity. Since bandgap transitions are in the ultraviolet range, its photoconductivity is strongly dependent on the excitation source. We have measured variation of photoconductivity excitation with wavelength for tin dioxide grown by dip-coating sol-gel technique using several light sources: tungsten lamp, xenon, mercury and deuterium, and present selected results. The main band is obtained in the range 3-4eV according to light source spectrum in the ultraviolet range. The presence of oxygen in the cryostat also affects the spectrum since electron-hole pairs react with adsorbed oxygen specimens. © 1999 OPA (Overseas Publishers Association) N.V. Published by license under the Gordon and Breach Science Publishers imprint.

Design studies of the magnetic properties of structural materials affecting the magnetic field of high-homogeneity superconducting magnets

Austenitic stainless steel presents phase changes caused by heat treatment and welding processes. Because it represents a problem in the design of high-homogeneity magnets, we have been studying the magnetic properties of Ti alloys for their use instead of stainless steel as structural material for superconducting magnet construction. In this work, we present the comparative study of the influence of magnetic properties of steel and Ti alloys on the magnetic-field homogeneity of a superconducting coil through numerical calculation using the measured magnetic properties. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical limiting behavior of tungstate fluorophosphate glasses

Nonlinear absorption measurements were performed on fluorophosphate glasses with high concentration of tungsten oxide. Large two-photon absorption coefficients, α2, were determined at 660 nm using nanosecond laser pulses. It was observed that α2 increases for increasing tungsten oxide concentrations and therefore the optical limiting performance of this new glass composition can be controlled.

Influence of chromate, molybdate and tungstate on pit formation in chloride medium

It has been characterized and evaluated the 2024-T351 and 7050-T7451 aluminum alloys pitting corrosion in naturally aerated chloride aqueous solutions containing chromate, molybdate and tungstate. It has been carried out electrochemical and non-electrochemical immersion corrosion tests accompanied by surface metallography analysis using an optical microscopy. Chromate for the two alloys and in molybdate for 7050 has corrosion inhibiting effects, whereas tungstate promotes the pitting corrosion for these alloys. Quantitative surface analysis upon the alloys after immersion has indicated that pits are predominantly conical or quasi-conical and irregular. In general, pits have been wider than deep and the widest have been also the deepest. Despite inhibitor presence, when pits have been nucleated, they grow with the same intensity. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of Cd and Pb in antibiotics used in sugar-cane fermentation process by GFAAS

A method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of Cd and Pb in antibiotics used in sugar-cane fermentation by GFAAS. The integrated platform of transversely heated graphite atomizer was treated with tungsten to form a coating of tungsten carbide. Six samples of commercial solid antibiotics were analyzed by injecting 20 μL of digested samples into the pretreated graphite platform with co-injection of 5 μL of 1000 mg L-1 Pd as chemical modifier. Samples were mineralized in a closed-vessel microwave-assisted acid-digestion system using nitric acid plus hydrogen peroxide. The pyrolysis and atomization temperatures of the heating program of the atomizer were selected as 600°C and 2200°C, respectively. The calculated characteristic mass for Cd and Pb was 1.6 pg and 42 pg, respectively. Limits of detection (LOD) based on integrated absorbance were 0.02 μg L -1 Cd and 0.7 μg L-1 Pb and the relative standard deviations (n = 10) for Cd and Pb were 5.7% and 8.0%, respectively. The recoveries of Cd and Pb added to the digested samples varied from 91% to 125% (Cd) and 80% to 112% (Pb).

Dielectric properties of Pb Nb2 O6 ferroelectric ceramics at cryogenic temperatures

Complex dielectric permittivity measurements in Pb Nb2 O6 ceramics were performed in a frequency and temperature range of 1 kHz-1 MHz and from 15 to 900 K, respectively. The results revealed two dielectric anomalies showing typical characteristics of relaxor ferroelectric materials at cryogenic temperatures. Comparison with other tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) structure-type materials suggests the existence of successive phase transitions, which until now were not reported. The observed low temperature dielectric behaviors seem to be due to intrinsic physical characteristics related to the TTB structure. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.

Optical excitation of charge carriers from intra-bandgap states in Ce-doped SnO2 thin films

Optical excitation of Ce3+-doped SnO2 thin films, obtained by the sol-gel-dip-coating technique, is carried out and the effects on electrical transport are evaluated. Samples are doped with O. lat% of Ce, just above the saturation limit. The excitation is done with an intensity-controlled halogen-tungsten lamp through an interference filter, yielding an excitation wavelength of 513nm, 9 nm wide (width at half intensity peak). Irradiation at low temperature (25K) yields a conductivity increase much lower than above bandgap light. Such a behavior assures the ionization of intra-bandgap defect levels, since the filter does not allow excitation of electron-hole pairs, what would happen only in the UV range (below about 350nm). The decay of intra-bandgap excited levels in the range 250-320 K is recorded, leading to a temperature dependent behavior related to a thermally excited capture cross section for the dominating defect level. © 2008 American Institute of Physics.

Avaliação de desempenho do microaspersor amanco em bancada de testes

The need for a rational use of water and supply of food for a growing world population have led to the development of research in the area of irrigation systems. Thus, some irrigation systems which join efficiency with low cost of material have been developed. Although some technical characteristics are provided by the manufacturers, tests are required to verify functioning of the system and uniformity of water distribution. Continuous research on uniformity, characteristics of the materials and design of water distribution systems is essential for system improvement. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the CV (manufacturer's coefficient of variation) of Amanco microsprinkler (1.0 mm light green nipple) using bench testing in the laboratory of Irrigation at UNESP - FCA campus of Botucatu-SP. Twenty-five microsprinklers in a sequential design were used in the tests. Three flow systems were tested as follows: a Coil system based on serial connected pipes; a Lateral system, the most common system in which secondary lines are fed by a main line; and a Mesh system used in the urban water supply. The results showed that 4.17% CVf met the production standards and the Lateral and Mesh systems were similar regarding outflow using bench testing. The Mesh system presented the highest mean value of outflow and the lowest range of variation.

Determination of copper in fish feed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using slurry sampling

The present work develops and optimizes a method to determine copper in samples of feces and fish feed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) through the direct introduction of slurries of the samples into the spectrometer's graphite tube coated internally with metallic rhodium and tungsten carbide that acts as chemical modifiers. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) calculated for 20 readings of the blank of the standard slurries (0.50% m/v of feces or feed devoid of copper) were 0.24 and 0.79 μg L -1 for the standard feces slurries and 0.26 and 0.87 μg L -1 for the standard feed slurries. The proposed method was applied in studies of absorption of copper in different fish feeds and their results proved compatible with that obtained from samples mineralized by acid digestion using microwave oven. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008.

Influence of pre-heat treatment and different light-curing units on Vickers hardness of a microhybrid composite resin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hardness of a dental composite resin submitted to temperature changes before photo-activation with two light-curing unite (LCUs). Five samples (4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) for each group were made with pre-cure temperatures of 37, 54, and 60°C. The samples were photo-activated with a conventional quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and blue LED LCUs during 40 s. The hardness Vickers test (VHN) was performed on the top and bottom surfaces of the samples. According to the interaction between light-curing unit and different pre-heating temperatures of composite resin, only the light-curing unit provided influences on the mean values of initial Vickers hardness. The light-curing unit based on blue LED showed hardness mean values more homogeneous between the top and bottom surfaces. The hardness mean values were not statistically significant difference for the pre-cure temperature used. According to these results, the pre-heating of the composite resin provide no influence on Vickers hardness mean values, however the blue LED showed a cure more homogeneous than QTH LCU. © 2009 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.

Shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets bonded using halogen light and light-emitting diode at different debond times

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the photoactivation effects of QTH (Quartz-Tungsten-Halogen) and LED (Light-Emitting Diode) on the SBS (Shear Bond Strength) of orthodontic brackets at different debond times. Seventy-two bovine lower incisors were randomly divided into two groups according to the photoactivation system used (QTH or LED). The enamel surfaces were conditioned with Transbond self-etching primer, and APC (Adhesive Pre-Coated) brackets were used in all specimens. Group I was cured with QTH for 20 s and Group II with LED for 10 s. Both groups were subdivided according to the different experimental times after bonding (immediately, 24 h and 7 days). The specimens were tested for SBS and the enamel surfaces were analyzed according to the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). The statistical analysis included the Tukey's test to evaluate the main effects of photoactivation and debond time on SBS. The Chi-square test was used to compare the ARI values found for each group, and no statistically significant difference was observed. The debond time of 7 days for QTH photoactivation showed statistically greater values of SBS when compared to the immediate and 24 h periods. There was no statistically significant difference between the QTH and LED groups immediately and after the 24 h period. In conclusion, bonding orthodontic brackets with LED photoactivation for 10 s is suggested because it requires a reduced clinical chair time.

Effect of light energy density on conversion degree and hardness of dual-cured resin cement

This study evaluated the effect of different light energy densities on conversion degree (CD) and Knoop hardness number (KHN) of RelyX ARC (RLX) resin cement. After manipulation according to the manufacturer's instructions, RLX was inserted into a rubber mold (0.8 mm X 5 mm) and covered with a Mylar strip. The tip of the lightcuring unit (LCU) was positioned in contact with the Mylar surface. Quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) and light-emitting diode (LED) LCUs with light densities of 10, 20 and 30 J/cm2 were used to light-cure the specimens. After light curing, the specimens were stored dry in lightproof containers at 37°C. After 24 hours, the CD was analyzed by FT-Raman and, after an additional 24-hours, samples were submitted to Knoop hardness testing. The data of the CD (%) and KHN were submitted to two-way ANOVA and the Tukey's test (α=0.05). QTH and LED were effective light curing units. For QTH, there were no differences among the light energy densities for CD or KHN. For LED, there was a significant reduction in CD with the light energy density set at 10 J/cm2. KHN was not influenced by the lightcuring unit and by its light energy density. © Operative Dentistry.

In vitro lingual bracket evaluation of indirect bonding with plasma arc, LED and halogen light

Authors - Magno AFF, Martins RP, Vaz LG, Martins LP Objectives - Evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of indirect bonded lingual brackets using xenon plasma arc light, light-emitting diode (LED) and conventional quartz-tungsten-halogen light. Material and Methods - Lingual brackets were bonded indirectly to 60 premolars divided to three groups according to the curing light used: Group 1, plasma arc for 6 s; Group 2, LED for 10 s; and Group 3, halogen light for 40 s. After bonding, the specimens were subjected to a shear force until debonding. The debonding pattern was assessed and classified according to the ARI scores. The mean shear bond strengths were accessed by anova followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test for multiple comparisons. ARI scores were assessed using the chi-square test. Results - The three groups showed significant differences (p < 0.001), with the averages of group 1 < group 2 < group 3. Groups showed no differences regarding ARI scores. Conclusion - Bonding lingual brackets indirectly with plasma arc, during 60% of the time used for the LED, produced lower SBS than obtained with the latter. Using LED during 25% of the time of the halogen light produced lower SBS than obtained with the latter. These differences did not influence the debonding pattern and are clinically acceptable according to the literature. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Temperature rise during adhesive and composite polymerization with different light-curing sources

AIM: This study evaluated the temperature rise of the adhesive system Single Bond (SB) and the composite resins Filtek Z350 flow (Z) and Filtek Supreme (S), when polymerized by light-emitting diode (LED XL 3000) and quartz-tungsten halogen (QTH Biolux). METHODS: Class V cavities (3 yen2 mm) were prepared in 80 bovine incisors under standardized conditions. The patients were divided as follows: G1: Control; G2: SB; G3: SB + Z; G4: SB + S. The groups were subdivided into two groups for polymerization (A: QTH, B: LED). Light curing was performed for 40 s and measurement of temperature changes during polymerization was performed with a thermocouple positioned inside the pulp chamber. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests. RESULTS: The factors material (P<0.00001) and curing unit (P<0.00001) had significant influence on temperature rise. The lowest temperature increase (0.15 degrees C) was recorded in G2 B and the highest was induced in G1 A (0.75 degrees C, P<0.05). In all groups, lower pulp chamber temperature measurements were obtained when using LED compared to QTH (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: QTH caused greater increases in tooth temperature than LED. However, both sources did not increase pulpal temperature above the critical value that may cause pulpal damage.