Air-particle abrasion on zirconia ceramic using different protocols: Effects on biaxial flexural strength after cyclic loading, phase transformation and surface topography

This study evaluated the effect of different air-particle abrasion protocols on the biaxial flexural strength and structural stability of zirconia ceramics. Zirconia ceramic specimens (ISO 6872) (Lava, 3M ESPE) were obtained (N=336). The specimens (N=118, n=20 per group) were randomly assigned to one of the air-abrasion protocols: Gr1: Control (as-sintered); Gr2: 50 μm Al2O3 (2.5 bar); Gr3: 50 μm Al2O3 (3.5 bar); Gr4: 110 μm Al2O3(2.5 bar); Gr5: 110 μm Al2O3 (3.5 bar); Gr6: 30 μm SiO2 (2.5 bar) (CoJet); Gr7: 30 μm SiO2(3.5 bar); Gr8: 110 μm SiO2 (2.5 bar) (Rocatec Plus); and Gr9: 110 μm SiO2 (3.5 bar) (duration: 20 s, distance: 10 mm). While half of the specimens were tested immediately, the other half was subjected to cyclic loading in water (100,000 cycles; 50 N, 4 Hz, 37 °°C) prior to biaxial flexural strength test (ISO 6872). Phase transformation (t→m), relative amount of transformed monoclinic zirconia (FM), transformed zone depth (TZD) and surface roughness were measured. Particle type (p=0.2746), pressure (p=0.5084) and cyclic loading (p=0.1610) did not influence the flexural strength. Except for the air-abraded group with 110 μm Al2O3 at 3.5 bar, all air-abrasion protocols increased the biaxial flexural strength (MPa) (Controlnon-aged: 1030±153, Controlaged: 1138±138; Experimentalnon-aged: 1307±184-1554±124; Experimentalaged: 1308±118-1451±135) in both non-aged and aged conditions, respectively. Surface roughness (Ra) was the highest with 110 μm Al2O3(0.84 μm. FM values ranged from 0% to 27.21%, higher value for the Rocatec Plus (110 μm SiO2) and 110 μm Al2O3 groups at 3.5 bar pressure. TZD ranged between 0 and 1.43 μm, with the highest values for Rocatec Plus and 110 μm Al2O3 groups at 3.5 bar pressure. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Titanate nanotubes produced from microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis: Photocatalytic and structural properties

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Effects of aging procedures on the topographic surface, structural stability, and mechanical strength of a ZrO2-based dental ceramic

Objective. To determine the effects of different aging methods on the degradation and flexural strength of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP)Methods. Sixty disc-shaped specimens (0, 12 mm; thickness, 1.6 mm) of zirconia (Vita InCeram 2000 YZ Cubes, VITA Zahnfabrik) were prepared (ISO 6872) and randomly divided into five groups, according to the aging procedures (n=10): (C) control; (M) mechanical cycling (15,000,000 cycles/3.8 Hz/200N); (T) thermal cycling (6,000 cycles/5-55 degrees C/30 s); (TM) thermomechanical cycling (1,200,000 cycles/3.8 Hz/200N with temperature range from 5 C to 55 C for 60s each); (AUT) 12h in autoclave at 134 degrees C/2 bars; and (STO) storage in distilled water (37 degrees C/400 days). After the aging procedures, the monoclinic phase percentages were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and topographic surface analysis was performed by 3D profilometry. The specimens were then subjected to biaxial flexure testing (1 mm/min, load 100 kgf, in water). The biaxial flexural strength data (MPa) were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). The data for monoclinic phase percentage and profilometry (Ra) were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests.Results. ANOVA revealed that flexural strength was affected by the aging procedures (p = 0.002). The M (781.6 MPa) and TM (771.3 MPa) groups presented lower values of flexural strength than did C (955 MPa), AUT (955.8 MPa), T (960.8 MPa) and STO (910.4 MPa). The monoclinic phase percentage was significantly higher only for STO (12.22%) and AUT (29.97%) when compared with that of the control group (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.004). In addition, the surface roughnesses were similar among the groups (p = 0.165).Signcance. Water storage for 400 days and autoclave aging procedures induced higher phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic; however, they did not affect the flexural strength of Y-TZP ceramic, which decreased only after mechanical and thermomechanical cycling. (C) 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Key participants of the tumor microenvironment of the prostate: An approach of the structural dynamic of cellular elements and extracellular matrix components during epithelial-stromal transition

Cancer is a multistep process that begins with the transformation of normal epithelial cells and continues with tumor growth, stromal invasion and metastasis. The remodeling of the peritumoral environment is decisive for the onset of tumor invasiveness. This event is dependent on epithelial–stromal interactions, degradation of extracellular matrix components and reorganization of fibrillar components. Our research group has studied in a new proposed rodent model the participation of cellular and molecular components in the prostate microenvironment that contributes to cancer progression. Our group adopted the gerbil Meriones unguiculatus as an alternative experimental model for prostate cancer study. This model has presented significant responses to hormonal treatments and to development of spontaneous and induced neoplasias. The data obtained indicate reorganization of type I collagen fibers and reticular fibers, synthesis of new components such as tenascin and proteoglycans, degradation of basement membrane components and elastic fibers and increased expression of metalloproteinases. Fibroblasts that border the region, apparently participate in the stromal reaction. The roles of each of these events, as well as some signaling molecules, participants of neoplastic progression and factors that promote genetic reprogramming during epithelial–stromal transition are also discussed.

Photoluminescence of BaZrO3 explained by a order/disorded transformation

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Fabrication and structural characterization of bismuth niobate thin films grown by chemical solution deposition

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)