Electrical properties of individual and small ensembles of InAs/InP nanostructures

We investigate electrical properties of InAs/InP semiconductor nanostructures by conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) and current measurements at low temperatures in processed devices. Different conductances and threshold voltages for current onset were observed for each type of nanostructure. In particular, the extremity of the wire could be compared to a dot with similar dimensions. The processed devices were used in order to access the in-plane conductance of an assembly of a reduced number of nanostructures. Here, fluctuations on I-V curves at low temperatures (<40 K) were observed. At these low temperatures and for a suitable range of applied voltages, random telegraph noise (RTN) in the current was observed for devices with dots. These fluctuations can be associated to electrons trapped in dots, as suggested by numerical simulations. A crossover from a semiconductor-like to a metallic transport behavior is also observed for similar parameters. © 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

The thermal, rheological and structural properties of cassava starch granules modified with hydrochloric acid at different temperatures

Starch is arguably one of the most actively investigated biopolymer in the world. In this study, the native (untreated) cassava starch granules (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) were hydrolyzed by standard hydrochloric acid solution at different temperatures (30 °C and 50 °C) and the hydrolytic transformations were investigated by the following techniques: simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as non-contact atomic force microscopy (NC-AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) powder patterns, and rapid viscoamylographic analysis (RVA). After the treatment with hydrochloric acid at different temperatures, the thermal stability, a gradual loss of pasting properties (viscosity), alterations in the gelatinization enthalpy (ΔHgel), were observed. The use of NC-AFM and XRD allowed the observation of the surface morphology and topography of the starch granules and changes in crystallinity of the granules, respectively. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of diamond-like carbon thin film coated acrylic resin on candida albicans biofilm formation

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of diamond-like carbon thin films doped and undoped with silver nanoparticles coating poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on Candida albicans biofilm formation. The control of biofilm formation is important to prevent oral diseases in denture users. Materials and Methods: Forty-five PMMA disks were obtained, finished, cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, and divided into three groups: Gc, no surface coating (control group); Gdlc, coated with diamond-like carbon film; and Gag, coated with diamond-like carbon film doped with silver nanoparticles. The films were deposited using a reactive magnetron sputtering system (physical vapor deposition process). The specimens were characterized by optical profilometry, atomic force microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy analyses that determined differences in chemical composition and morphological structure. Following sterilization of the specimens by γ-ray irradiation, C. albicans (ATCC 18804) biofilms were formed by immersion in 2 ml of Sabouraud dextrose broth inoculated with a standardized fungal suspension. After 24 hours, the number of colony forming units (cfu) per specimen was counted. Data concerning biofilm formation were analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey test (p < 0.05). Results: C. albicans biofilm formation was significantly influenced by the films (p < 0.00001), reducing the number of cfu, while not affecting the roughness parameters (p > 0.05). The Tukey test showed no significant difference between Gdlc and Gag. Films deposited were extremely thin (∼50 nm). The silver particles presented a diameter between 60 and 120 nm and regular distribution throughout the film surface (to Gag). Conclusion: Diamond-like carbon films, doped or undoped with silver nanoparticles, coating the base of PMMA-based dentures could be an alternative procedure for preventing candidosis in denture users. © 2013 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Análise morfológica de filmes finos de óxido de zinco

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

Fabricação e caracterização estrutural de filmes evaporados de ftalocianinas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Obtenção e caracterização de filmes finos de Bi3NbO7 pelo método dos precursores poliméricos

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEG

Effect of bleaching agents and soft drink on titanium surface topography

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

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of drug-delivery systems: Pectin and mefenamic acid films

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Estudo das propriedades estímulo responsivas dos polímeros escovas

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

Effect of ceramic etching protocols on resin bond strength to a feldspar ceramic

This study sought to evaluate the resin micro-tensile bond strength (MTBS) stability of a leucite-reinforced ceramic after different ceramic etching protocols. The microtensile test had 40 ceramic blocks (5x5x6 mm) assigned to five groups (n=8), in accordance with the following surface etching protocols: NE nonetched (control); 9HF: hydrofluoric (HF) acid etching (9% HF)+wash/dry; 4HF: 4%HF+wash/dry; 5HF: 5%HF+wash/dry; and 5HF+N: 5%HF+neutralizer+wash/dry+ultrasonic-cleaning. Etched ceramic surfaces were treated with a silane agent. Next, resin cement blocks were built on the prepared ceramic surface and stored for 24 hours in distilled water at 37 degrees C. The specimens were then sectioned to obtain microtensile beams (32/block), which were randomly assigned to the following conditions, nonaged (immediate test) and aged (water storage for 150 days plus 12,000 thermal cycles), before the microtensile test. Bond strength data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (alpha=0.05). Additional ceramic samples were subjected to the different ceramic etching protocols and evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (n=2) and atomic force microscopy (n=2). Aging led to a statistically significant decrease in the MTBS for all groups, except the untreated one (NE). Among the groups submitted to the same aging conditions, the untreated (NE) revealed inferior MTBS values compared to the 9HF and 4HF groups. The 5HF and 5HF+N groups had intermediate mean values, being statistically similar to the higher values presented by the 9HF and 4HF groups and to the lower value associated with the NE group. The neutralization procedure did not enhance the ceramic/resin cement bond strength. HF acid etching is a crucial step in resin/ceramic bonding.

Nano- and macroscale structural and mechanical properties of in situ synthesized bacterial cellulose/PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO biocomposites

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Multiscale sensing of antibody - antigen interactions by organic transistors and single-molecule force spectroscopy

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

Morphological, thermal and physicochemical characteristics of small granules starch from Mirabilis jalapa L

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Obtenção e caracterização de nanofibras eletrofiadas via solução de quitosana com e sem inclusão de hidroxiapatita

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Preparação e caracterização de híbridos orgânico-inorgânicos à base de epoxí-silica

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)