Tuning the nanostructure of DODAB/nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine bilayers in LbL films

Nanostructured films of dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) and nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (NiTsPc) were layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled to achieve a synergistic effect considering the distinct properties of both materials. Prior to LbL growth, the effect of NiTsPc on the structure of DODAB vesicles in aqueous medium was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Therefore, DODAB/NiTsPc LbL films were prepared using NiTsPc at concentrations below and above the limit concentration of vesicle formation according to our DSC experiments. As a result, LbL films with distinct nanostructures were obtained, which were studied at micro and nanoscales by micro-Raman and atomic force microscopy, respectively. A linear growth of the LbL films was observed by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. However, the bilayer thickness and the surface morphology of the LbL films were radically affected depending on NiTsPc concentration. The electrostatic interaction between DODAB and NiTsPc was identified via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorption spectroscopy as the main driving force responsible for LbL growth. Because LbL films have been widely applied as transducers in sensing devices, DODAB/NiTsPc LbL films having distinct nanostructures were tested as proof-of-principle in preliminary sensing experiments toward dopamine detection using impedance spectroscopy (e-tongue system). The real capacitance vs. dopamine concentration curves were treated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and an equivalent electric circuit, revealing the role played by the LbL film nanostructure and the possibility of building calibration curves. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Effects of high temperature plasma immersion ion implantation on wear resistance of Ti-Si-B sintered alloys

Although titanium and its alloys own good mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance, these materials present poor tribological properties for specific applications that require wear resistance. In order to produce wear-resistant surfaces, this work is aimed at achieving improvement of wear characteristics in Ti-Si-B alloys by means of high temperature nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). These alloys were produced by powder metallurgy using high energy ball milling and hot pressing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction identified the presence of α-titanium, Ti6Si2B, Ti5Si3, TiB and Ti3Si phases. Wear tests were carried out with a ball-on-disk tribometer to evaluate the friction coefficient and wear rate in treated and untreated samples. The worn profiles were measured by visible light microscopy and examined by SEM in order to determine the wear rates and wear mechanisms. Ti-7.5Si-22.5B alloy presented the highest wear resistance amongst the untreated alloys produced in this work. High temperature PIII was effective to reduce the wear rate and friction coefficient of all the Ti-Si-B sintered alloys. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Correlative light-electron fractography for fatigue striations characterization in metallic alloys

The correlative light-electron fractography technique combines correlative microscopy concepts to the extended depth-from-focus reconstruction method, associating the reliable topographic information of 3-D maps from light microscopy ordered Z-stacks to the finest lateral resolution and large focus depth from scanning electron microscopy. Fatigue striations spacing analysis can be precisely measured, by correcting the mean surface tilting with the knowledge of local elevation data from elevation maps. This new technique aims to improve the accuracy of quantitative fractography in fatigue fracture investigations. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:909-913, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effect of the solute on the structure, selected mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of Ti-Zr system alloys for dental applications

New titanium alloys have been developed with the aim of utilizing materials with better properties for application as biomaterials, and Ti-Zr system alloys are among the more promising of these. In this paper, the influence of zirconium concentrations on the structure, microstructure, and selected mechanical properties of Ti-Zr alloys is analyzed. After melting and swaging, the samples were characterized through chemical analysis, density measurements, X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, Vickers microhardness, and elasticity modulus. In-vitro cytotoxicity tests were performed on cultured osteogenic cells. The results showed the formation essentially of the α′ phase (with hcp structure) and microhardness values greater than cp-Ti. The elasticity modulus of the alloys was sensitive to the zirconium concentrations while remaining within the range of values of conventional titanium alloys. The alloys presented no cytotoxic effects on osteoblastic cells in the studied conditions. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Utilização de técnicas do planejamento de experimentos na otimização de um processo de torneamento da superliga NIMONIC 80A

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estudo in vitro de braquetes ortodônticos: avaliação biomecânica e liberação de íons

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Estudo do uso de ferramentas cerâmicas na usinagem de inconel 718

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Influência do tratamento de superfície na força friccional de fios ortodônticos de NiTi-estudo in vitro

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito do oxigênio intersticial nas propriedades mecânicas e biocompatibilidade da Liga Ti-5Ni

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

The fortaleza de minas nickel, copper and platinoids deposit: ore types, tectonics and volcanological aspects

Pós-graduação em Geologia Regional - IGCE

Estudo da corrosão das ligas Ni-Cr-Mo para próteses dentárias fixas em solução aquosa de NaF 0,05% , NaCl 0,05% e em colutórios comerciais

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Resistência à corrosão de ligas Ni-Cr-Mo em meios fluoretados para aplicações odontológicas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Interstitial oxygen's influence on the corrosion behavior of Ti-9Mo alloys

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Ti-Mo alloys employed as biomaterials: Effects of composition and aging heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical behavior

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Tribocorrosion response of the Ti6Al4V alloys commonly used in femoral stems

In prosthesis, tribochemical reactions occur at the stem/bone interface. When coupled with micromotions it can lead to the loosening of the implant, osteolysis, release of metal ion and wear particles. The effect of these movements and the underlying mechanisms are quite unknown. This work investigates the tribocorrosion behavior of etched Ti6Al4V alloys under reciprocating sliding. Tests were performed in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) containing proteins. A normal load of 1 N and anodic potentials of -0.1 and +0.5 V/SCE were applied. The destruction pathways of the top surface layers (adsorbed proteins, passive film) were studied. The results showed that the favorable/undesired effect of proteins in solution depends on the characteristics of the passive film under a mechanical stress. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.