Optical, mechanical and surface properties of amorphous carbonaceous thin films obtained by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition and plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition

Diverse amorphous hydrogenated carbon-based films (a-C:H, a-C:H:F, a-C:H:N, a-C:H:Cl and a-C:H:Si:O) were obtained by radiofrequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIIID). The same precursors were used in the production of each pair of each type of film, such as a-C:H, using both PECVD and PIIID. Optical properties, namely the refractive index, n, absorption coefficient, α, and optical gap, ETauc, of these films were obtained via transmission spectra in the ultraviolet-visible near-infrared range (wavelengths from 300 to 3300 nm). Film hardness, elastic modulus and stiffness were obtained as a function of depth using nano-indentation. Surface energy values were calculated from liquid drop contact angle data. Film roughness and morphology were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The PIIID films were usually thinner and possessed higher refractive indices than the PECVD films. Determined refractive indices are consistent with literature values for similar types of films. Values of ETauc were increased in the PIIID films compared to the PECVD films. An exception was the a-C:H:Si:O films, for which that obtained by PIIID was thicker and exhibited a decreased ETauc. The mechanical properties - hardness, elastic modulus and stiffness - of films produced by PECVD and PIIID generally present small differences. An interesting effect is the increase in the hardness of a-C:H:Cl films from 1.0 to 3.0 GPa when ion implantation is employed. Surface energy correlates well with surface roughness. The implanted films are usually smoother than those obtained by PECVD. ©2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Structural and electrical properties of LaNiO3 thin films grown on (100) and (001) oriented SrLaAlO4 substrates by chemical solution deposition method

LaNiO3 thin films were deposited on SrLaAlO4 (1 0 0) and SrLaAlO4 (0 0 1) single crystal substrates by a chemical solution deposition method and heat-treated in oxygen atmosphere at 700° C in tube oven. Structural, morphological, and electrical properties of the LaNiO 3 thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and electrical resistivity as temperature function (Hall measurements). The X-ray diffraction data indicated good crystallinity and a structural preferential orientation. The LaNiO3 thin films have a very flat surface and no droplet was found on their surfaces. Samples of LaNiO3 grown onto (1 0 0) and (0 0 1) oriented SrLaAlO4 single crystal substrates reveled average grain size by AFM approximately 15-30 nm and 20-35 nm, respectively. Transport characteristics observed were clearly dependent upon the substrate orientation which exhibited a metal-to-insulator transition. The underlying mechanism is a result of competition between the mobility edge and the Fermi energy through the occupation of electron states which in turn is controlled by the disorder level induced by different growth surfaces. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.

Influence of ethanol and glycerol concentration over functional and structural properties of zein-oleic acid films

This study was performed in order to determine the effect of the addition of different concentrations of glycerol and ethanol over functional and structural properties of zein-oleic acid films. Films were prepared from zein and oleic acid formulations, containing: 0, 10, 20 and 30% (w/w) of glycerol as plasticizer and 75, 80, 85, 90 and 95% (v/v) of ethanol as zein solvent. Water vapor permeability (WVP) at 4 and 24 C, opacity, water solubility and structural behavior of the film were assessed. The film water barrier properties, WVP and water solubility, were increased when higher ethanol concentration and lower glycerol concentration were used. Furthermore, WVP at 4 C was lower than WVP at 24 C due to the crystalline solid state of oleic acid at lower temperatures. Likewise, opacity, homogeneity and structure of the composite film were improved as ethanol increased and glycerol lowered. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical modification of the surface of alumina with alkaline earth metal oxides using the polymeric precursor method for catalysis application

In this study, modifications of alumina surface with of alkaline earth metal oxides were studied, using the polymeric precursor method. The modified compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption and scanning electron microscopy. The catalytical properties of these new catalysts were evaluated for the transesterification reaction of babassu oil. It is observed that the transesterification reaction of babassu oil with methanol was successfully carried out using the modified alumina samples.

Structural and optical properties of brominated plasma polymers

Novel brominated amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H:Br) films were produced by the plasma polymerization of acetylene-bromoform mixtures. The main parameter of interest was the degree of bromination, which depends on the partial pressure of bromoform in the plasma feed, expressed as a percentage of the total pressure, R-B. When bromoform is present in the feed, deposition rates of up to about 110 nm min(-1) may be obtained. The structure and composition of the films were characterized by Transmission Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (IRRAS) and X-ray Photo-electron Spectroscopy (XPS). The latter revealed that films with atomic ratios Br:C of up to 0.58 may be produced. Surface contact angles, measured using goniometry, could be increased from similar to 63 degrees (for an unbrominated film) to similar to 90 degrees for R-B of 60 to 80%. Film surface roughness, measured using a profilometer, does not depend strongly on R-B. Optical properties the refractive index, n, absorption coefficient, alpha(E), where E is the photon energy, and the optical gap, E-g, were determined from film thicknesses and data obtained by Transmission Ultraviolet-Visible Near Infrared Spectroscopy (UVS). Control of n was possible via selection of R-B. The measured optical gap increases with increasing F-BC, the atomic ratio of Br to C in the film, and semi-empirical modeling accounts for this tendency. A typical hardness of the brominated films, determined via nano-indentation, was similar to 0.5 GPa. (C), 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A magnetically drivable nanovehicle for curcumin with antioxidant capacity and MRI relaxation properties

Curcumin possesses wide-ranging anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and its biological activity can be linked to its potent antioxidant capacity. Superparamagnetic maghemite (gamma-Fe2O3), called surface-active maghemite nanoparticles (SAMNs) were surface-modified with curcumin molecules, due to the presence of under-coordinated Fe-III atoms on the nanoparticle surface. The so-obtained curcumin-modified SAMNs (SAMN@curcumin) had a mean size of 13 +/- 4 nm. SAMN@curcumin was characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, UV/Vis, FTIR, and Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, bulk susceptibility (SQUID), and relaxometry measurements (MRI imaging). The high negative contrast proclivity of SAMN@curcumin to act as potential contrast agent in MRI screenings was also tested. Moreover, the redox properties of bound curcumin were probed by electrochemistry. SAMN@curcumin was studied in the presence of different electroactive molecules, namely hydroquinone, NADH and ferrocyanide, to assess its redox behavior. Finally, SAMN@curcumin was electrochemically probed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, demonstrating the stability and reactivity of bound curcumin.

An investigation into the influence of zinc precursor on the microstructural, photoluminescence, and gas-sensing properties of ZnO nanoparticles

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Transport properties of polycrystalline boron doped diamond

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

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

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Structure and properties of chemically synthesized BiFeO3. Influence of fuel and complexing agent

Perovskite, single multiferroic bismuth ferrite was prepared by two chemical methods: auto-combustion and soft chemical route. Influence of different fuels and complexing agents and thermal treatment on purity of bismuth ferrite powders and density of bismuth ferrite ceramics were investigated. X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) indicated that optimal temperatures and times for calcination and sintering are 600 degrees C for 2 h and 800 degrees C for 1 h with quenching, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that soft route synthesized samples formed softer agglomerates and smaller grains with less secondary phases. Powders and pellets were characterized by Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) specific surface area analysis, particle size distribution, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dilatometry, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dielectric and magnetic measurements. Resistivity and origin of electrical resistance were studied by means of impedance measurements. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

Gas sensor properties of zno nanorods grown by chemical bath deposition

The present work shows a study about the growing of ZnO nanorods by chemical bath deposition (CBD) and its application as gas sensor. It was prepared ZnO nanorods and Au decorated ZnO nanorods and the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and gas sensing response measurements. The results obtained by XRD show the growth of ZnO phase. It was possible to observe the formation of uniform dense well-aligned ZnO nanorods. The results obtained also revealed that Ag nanoparticles have decorated the surface of ZnO nanorods successfully. Au nanoparticles with diameter of a few nanometers were distributed over the ZnO surface nanorods. The gas sensing response measurements showed a behavior of n type semiconductor. Furthermore, the Au-functionalized ZnO nanorods gas sensors showed a considerably enhanced response at 250 and 300 °C.

Analysis of implants with laser irradiated surface and silicate deposition

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the surfaces of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) implants surface modified by laser beam (LS), by laser beam associated with sodium silicate deposition (SS) and compare them with surfaces modified by dual-acid etched (AS) and with machined surface (MS). Methods: thirty rabbits received two implants each (one for each tibia). After 30, 60 and 90 days postoperative, the implants were removed by reverse torque for biomechanical analysis and surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Results: the mean values of reverse torque at 30, 60 and 90 days postoperative were respectively 24.60, 43.60 e 60.40 N.cm to MS, 43.00, 68.20 e 63.80 N.cm to AS group, 59.80, 76.60 e 78.00 N.cm to LS group and 63.00, 75.40 e 76.60 N.cm to SS group. At 30 days, LS and SS groups showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) compared to the other groups. At 60 days, LS and SS groups showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) when compared to MS. Conclusions: it was concluded that SL and SS implants' biomechanical and topographical properties increased bone-implant interaction when compared to the AS and MS implants.

Incorporation of chlorhexidine gluconate or diacetate into a glass-ionomer cement: porosity, surface roughness, and anti-biofilm activity

To evaluate the porosity, surface roughness and anti-biofilm activity of a glass-ionomer cement (GIC) after incorporation of different concentrations of chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate or diacetate. Methods: For the porosity and surface roughness tests, 10 test specimens were fabricated of the GIC Ketac Molar Easy Mix (KM) and divided into the following groups: Control, GIC and 0.5% CHX diacetate; GIC and 1.0% CHX diacetate; GIC and 2.0% CHX diacetate; GIC and 0.5% CHX gluconate; GIC and 1.0% CHX gluconate; GIC and 2.0% CHX gluconate. To evaluate porosity, the test specimens were fractured. The fragments were photographed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the images analyzed with the aid of the software program Image J. The surface roughness (Ra) was obtained by the mean value of three readouts performed on the surface of each specimen, always through the center. To analyze the anti-biofilm activity, strains of S. mutans ATCC 35688 were used, and the groups control and GIC +CHX diacetate 1% were divided as follows: GIC (1 day); GIC (7 days), GIC (14 days), GIC (21 days); GIC+CHX (1 day), GIC+CHX (7 days), GIC+CHX (14 days), GIC+CHX (21 days); GIC+ CHX (1 day), GIC+ CHX (7 days), GIC+ CHX (14 days) and GIC+ CHX (21 days) using 10 test specimens per group. For biofilm growth, the specimens were placed in a vertical position in 24-well plates and incubated overnight 10 times. The culture medium was renewed every 24 hours. The suspension was diluted and seeded on BHI agar for quantification of the bacteria present. For evaluation of all the tests the two-way ANOVA was used, and if necessary, the Tukey test was applied, with a level of significance of 5%. Results: Regarding GIC porosity, the ANOVA showed that the presence of CHX increased the porosity (P< 0.001) proportionally to the increase in concentrations (P= 0.001), without however, presenting interaction between material and concentration (P= 0.705). Regarding the number of pores, a significant increase in pores was observed with the increase in CHX concentration (P= 0.003). The surface roughness test demonstrated no statistically significant effect as to increase or reduction in roughness at any of the CHX concentrations used (P> 0.05). Anti-biofilm activity analysis pointed out a significant effect of the factors material (P= 0.006) and time (P< 0.001), with CHX diacetate CHX presenting greater effectiveness in reducing microorganisms.

Calcium silicate-based cements associated with micro-and nanoparticle radiopacifiers: physicochemical properties and bioactivity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and bioactivity of two formulations of calcium silicate-based cements containing additives (CSCM) or resin (CSCR), associated with radiopacifying agents zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and niobium oxide (Nb2O5) as micro- and nanoparticles; calcium tungstate (CaWO4); and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3). MTA Angelus was used as control. Methods. Surface features and bioactivity were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and the chemical composition by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS-X). Results. CSCM and CSCR presented larger particle sizes than MTA. Hydroxyapatite deposits were found on the surface of some materials, especially when associated with the radiopacifier with ZrO2 nanoparticles. All the cements presented calcium, silicon, and aluminum in their composition. Conclusion. Both calcium silicate-based cements presented composition and bioactivity similar to MTA when associated with the radiopacifiers evaluated.

Surface properties and color stability of an acrylic resin combined with an antimicrobial polymer

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)