Magnetic response of superconducting mesoscopic-size YBCO powder

In this work it is reported the magnetic behavior of submicron and mesoscopic-size superconducting YBCO powders, prepared by a modified polymeric precursors method. The grain size and microstructure were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy ( SEM). Measurements of magnetization and AC-susceptibility as a function of temperature were performed with a quantum design SQUID magnetometer. Our results indicated significant differences on the magnetic propreties, in connection with the calcination temperature and the pressure used to pelletize the samples. This contribution is part of an effort to study vortex dynamics and magnetic properties of submicron and mesoscopic-size superconducting samples. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Heat-treatment effects on the magnetic response of superconducting mesoscopic samples

The use of chemical methods in the synthesis of high-quality and small-size polycrystalline samples has been increased in recent years. In this work, a chemical route based on an aqueous precursor solution of metals followed by the addition of a water-soluble polymer formed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ethylene glycol (EG) was tested to produce superconducting mesoscopic YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-gamma) samples. Different conditions of heat treatments and the effects of argon and oxygen atmospheres during the calcination steps were traced using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and magnetic measurements. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Magnetic response and critical current properties of mesoscopic-size YBCO superconducting samples

In this contribution superconducting specimens of YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) were synthesized by a modified polymeric precursor method, yielding a ceramic powder with particles of mesoscopic-size. Samples of this powder were then pressed into pellets and sintered under different conditions. The critical current density was analyzed by isothermal AC-susceptibility measurements as a function of the excitation field, as well as with isothermal DC-magnetization runs at different values of the applied field. Relevant features of the magnetic response could be associated to the microstructure of the specimens and, in particular, to the superconducting intra- and intergranular critical current properties.

Optical and electrical diagnostics measurements of plasmas generated in aromatic compounds

Plasmas generated in de discharges in aromatic compounds have been used for several years in polymerization processes. The chemical kinetics developed in such a plasma environment are extremely complicated. Therefore it is extremely important to set up optical and electrical diagnostics in order to establish the kinetics of the film growth, In this work we studied de plasmas generated ill low-pressure atmospheres of benzene for different values of gas pressure and power coupled to the discharge. The pressure range varied from 0.2 to 1.0 mbar for electric power running from 4 to 25 W, the main chemical species observed within the discharge were CH, H and C. It was observed that the CH relative concentration increases continuously with the power in the range investigated. The electron temperature varied from 0.5 to 2.0 eV with the increase of the power, for a fixed value of gas pressure. The relative dielectric constant of the plasma polymerized benzene was kept around 4.8 from 100 Hz to 10 kHz, presenting a resonance near 25 kHz. This electric behaviour of the film was the same fur different conditions of polymeric film deposition, (C) 1997 Elsevier B.V. S.A.

Treatment of PET and PU polymers by atmospheric pressure plasma generated in dielectric barrier discharge in air

Plasma treatments are frequently employed to modify surface properties of materials such as adhesivity, hydrophobicity, oleophobicity etc. Present work deals with surface modification of common commercial polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethane (PU) by an air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure. The DBD treatment was performed in a plain reactor in wire-duct geometry (non-uniform field reactor), which was driven by a 60 Hz power supply. Material characterization was carried out by water contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The plasma-induced modifications are associated with incorporation of polar oxygen and nitrogen containing groups on the polymer surface. The AFM analysis reveals that the plasma treatment roughens the material surface. Due to these structural and morphological changes the surface of DBD-treated polymers becomes more hydrophilic resulting in enhanced adhesion properties. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surface modification of siloxane containing polyurethane polymer by dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure

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

Dielectric spectroscopy and thermally stimulated discharge current in PEEK film

A permissividade complexa de filmes de poli(eter-eter-cetona) (PEEK) foram investigados num grande intervalo de frequência. Não foram observados picos de relaxação no intervalo de frequência de 1,0 Hz a 10(5) Hz, mas no intervalo de baixa frequência (10-4 Hz) há uma evidência de pico, o qual também pode ser observado com medidas de corrente de despolarização termo-estimulada (TSDC). Este pico está relacionado com a transição vítrea do polímero. A energia de ativação relacionada a esta relaxação dipolar foi obtida e ovalor é Ea = 0,44 eV, que é similar à energia de ativação de muitos polímeros sintéticos. As cargas espaciais se mostraram importantes no mecanismo de condução como evidenciado nas medidas da corrente de despolarização.

Surface characteristics analysis of polypropylene treated by dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure

Polypropylene (PP) samples were treated by Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) in order to modify their surface characteristics. The XPS analysis reveals that the DBD treatment added oxygen atoms to the PP surface. These polar groups cause increase in the wettability as shown by water contact angle measurements. The formation of low-molecular-weight oxidized materials (LMWOMs) in the form of small nodules on the PP surface was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The presence of oxygen polar groups on the PP surface was also confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). All analysis were performed before and after rinsing the treated samples in water and showed that the LMWOM can be removed from the surface by polar solvents.

Dielectric relaxation of vegetable-based polyurethane

Vegetable-based polyurethane (PU) was prepared in the thin film form by spin coating. This polymer is synthesised from castor oil, which can be extracted from the seeds of a native plant in Brazil called mamona. This polymer is biocompatible and is being used as material for artificial bone. The PU was characterised by dielectric spectroscopy in a wide range of frequency (10(-5) Hz to 10(5) Hz) and by thermally stimulated discharge current (TSDC) measurements. The glass transition temperature (T-g=39degreesC) was determined and using the initial rise method the activation energy was found to be 1.58 eV. (C) 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Structural and dielectric properties of relaxor Sr0.5Ba0.5Bi2Nb2O9 ceramic

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

DC Electric Field Dependence of the Dielectric Constant of Pzt Thin Films Prepared by Polymeric Precursor Method

This work reports dielectric measurements performed on Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 (PZT) thin films prepared by a polymeric precursor method. The -E curves obtained for the PZT film measured at 100 kHz, under a small ac 0.2 kV/cm signal-test and a dc scan featured a typical butterfly curve. However, the -E curves obtained for PZT film under a dc scan, with a scan rate of 0.003 V/s, shows a pronounced asymmetry. The absence of a symmetric secondary peak in -E curves could be an indication of essentially 180 domain switching.

Effect of intravenous propofol and remifentanil on heart rate, blood pressure and nociceptive response in acepromazine premedicated dogs

ObjectiveTo investigate the cardiorespiratory, nociceptive and endocrine effects of the combination of propofol and remifentanil, in dogs sedated with acepromazine.Study designProspective randomized, blinded, cross-over experimental trial.AnimalsTwelve healthy adult female cross-breed dogs, mean weight 18.4 +/- 2.3 kg.MethodsDogs were sedated with intravenous (IV) acepromazine (0.05 mg kg-1) followed by induction of anesthesia with IV propofol (5 mg kg-1). Anesthesia was maintained with IV propofol (0.2 mg kg-1 minute-1) and remifentanil, infused as follows: R1, 0.125 mu g kg-1 minute-1; R2, 0.25 mu g kg-1 minute-1; and R3, 0.5 mu g kg-1 minute-1. The same dogs were administered each dose of remifentanil at 1-week intervals. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (f(R)), end tidal CO(2) (Pe'CO(2)), arterial hemoglobin O(2) saturation, blood gases, and rectal temperature were measured before induction, and 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 minutes after beginning the infusion. Nociceptive response was investigated by electrical stimulus (50 V, 5 Hz and 10 ms). Blood samples were collected for plasma cortisol measurements. Statistical analysis was performed by anova (p < 0.05).ResultsIn all treatments, HR decreased during anesthesia with increasing doses of remifentanil, and increased significantly immediately after the end of infusion. MAP remained stable during anesthesia (72-98 mmHg). Antinociception was proportional to the remifentanil infusion dose, and was considered satisfactory only with R2 and R3. Plasma cortisol concentration decreased during anesthesia in all treatments. Recovery was smooth and fast in all dogs.Conclusions and clinical relevanceInfusion of 0.25-0.5 mu g kg-1 minute-1 remifentanil combined with 0.2 mg kg-1 minute-1 propofol produced little effect on arterial blood pressure and led to a good recovery. The analgesia produced was sufficient to control the nociceptive response applied by electrical stimulation, suggesting that it may be appropriate for performing surgery.

Electroluminescence and electric current response spectroscopy applied to the characterization of polymer light-emitting electrochemical cells

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

Effect of oxidizing atmosphere on ferroelectric and piezoelectric response of CaBi2Nb2O9 thin films

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

Grain size effect on the electrical response of SnO2 thin and thick film gas sensors

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