Corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviour of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy and its composites reinforced with B4C particles in 0.05M NaCl solution

The corrosion behaviour of metal matrix composites (MMCs) is strictly linked with the presence of heterogeneities such as reinforcement phase, microcrevices, porosity, secondary phase precipitates, and interaction products. Most of the literature related to corrosion behaviour of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) is focused on SiC reinforced AMCs. On the other hand, there is very limited information available in the literature related to the tribocorrosion behaviour of AMCs. Therefore, the present work aims to investigate corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviour of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy matrix composites reinforced with B4C particulates. Corrosion behaviour of 15 and 19% (vol) B4C reinforced Al-Si-Cu-Mg matrix composites and the base alloy was investigated in 0.05M NaCl solution by performing immersion tests and potentiodynamic polarisation tests. Tribocorrosion behaviour of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy and its composites were also investigated in 0.05M NaCl solution. The tests were carried out against alumina ball using a reciprocating ball-on-plate tribometer. Electrochemical measurements were performed before, during, and after the sliding tests together with the recording of the tangential force. Results suggest that particle addition did not affect significantly the tendency of corrosion of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy without mechanical interactions. During the tribocorrosion tests, the counter material was found to slide mainly on the B4C particles, which protected the matrix alloy from severe wear damage. Furthermore, the wear debris were accumulated on the worn surfaces and entrapped between the reinforcing particles. Therefore, the tendency of corrosion and the corrosion rate decreased in Al-Si-Cu-Mg matrix B4C reinforced composites during the sliding in 0.05M NaCl solution. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Repair bond strength of microhybrid, nanohybrid and nanofilled resin composites: Effect of substrate resin type, surface conditioning and ageing

Objectives: This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of non-aged and aged resin-based composites (RBC) (nanohybrid and nanofilled) after two surface conditioning methods, repaired using the composite of the same kind or a microhybrid composite. Materials and methods: Nanohybrid (Tetric EvoCeram-TE) and nanofilled (Filtek Supreme-FS) RBC blocks (5 × 5 × 6 mm) (N = 128) were fabricated and randomly divided into two groups: (a) no ageing (control group) and (b) ageing (5.000 thermocycling, 5-55 °C). RBC surfaces were polished by up to 1,200-grit silicone carbide papers and conditioned with either (a) air abrasion with 30-μm SiO2 particles (CoJet Sand) for 4 s + silane coupling agent (ESPE-Sil) + adhesive resin (VisioBond) (n = 16) or (b) adhesive application only (Multilink A+B for TE; Adper ScotchBond 1XT for FS) (n = 16). In half of the groups, repair resin of the same kind with the RBC and, in the other half, a different kind of composite (microhybrid, Quadrant Anterior Shine-AS) with its corresponding adhesive (Quadrant UniBond) was used. The specimens were submitted to MTBS test (0.5 mm/min). Data were analysed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Degree of conversion (DC) of non-aged and aged resin composites (TE, FS) (n = 3 per group) was measured by micro-Raman analyses. Results: RBC type (p = 0.001) and ageing affected the MTBS results significantly (p = 0.001). Surface conditioning type did not show significant difference (p = 0.726), but less number of pre-test failures was experienced with the CoJet system compared to adhesive resin application only. Repair strength on aged TE showed significantly less (p < 0.05) MTBS than for FS. FS repaired with the same kind of RBC and adhesive resin presented the highest cohesive failures (43 %). DC was higher for TE (71 %) than for FS (58 %) before ageing. Conclusion: On the aged RBCs, less favourable repair strength could be expected especially for nanohybrid composite. For repair actions, RBC surface conditioning could be accomplished with either adhesive resin application only or with CoJet system, providing that the latter resulted in less pre-test failures. Clinical relevance: Clinicians could condition the resin surface prior to repair or relayering with either CoJet system or adhesive resin application only, depending on the availability of the system. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Methods for obtaining reabsorbable composites, composites, membrane, scaffold and its uses

The present invention relates to novel methods of obtaining reabsorbable composites, based on bacterial cellulose and collagen, for application in tissue repairing Additionally, the present invention relates to the composites obtained by the methods described herein and their uses.

Experimental RTM manufacturing analysis of carbon/epoxy composites for aerospace application

The success of manufacturing composite parts by liquid composite molding processes with RTM depends on tool designs, efficient heat system, a controlled injection pressure, a stabilized vacuum system, besides of a suitable study of the preform lay-up and the resin system choice. This paper reports how to assemble a RTM system in a laboratory scale by specifying heat, injection and vacuum system. The design and mold material were outlined by pointing out its advantages and disadvantages. Four different carbon fiber fabrics were used for testing the RTM system. The injection pressure was analyzed regarding fiber volume content, preform compression and permeability, showing how these factors can affect the process parameters. The glass transition temperature (Tg) around 203 ºC matched with the aimed temperature of the mold which ensured good distribution of the heat throughout the upper and lower mold length. The void volume fraction in a range of 2% confirmed the appropriate RTM system and parameters choice.

Free radical entrapment and crystallinity of resin composites after accelerated aging as a function of the expiration date

This study evaluated the spin concentration and the crystallinity in different classifications of dental composites as a function of the material condition (new, aged and expired). Specimens were obtained according to the factors: composites: Filtek P60, Filtek Z250, Filtek Z350XT, and Filtek Silorane; and material conditions: new, aged, and expired. The syringe composites underwent an accelerated aging protocol (Arrhenius model). The magnetic properties of the composites were characterized using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and the concentration of spins (number of spins/mass) was calculated. The crystallinity of the composites tested was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD). Filtek P60 and Filtek Z250 presented similarities in terms of spin concentration and crystallinity, irrespective of the material condition. The aging protocol influenced the composite Filmic Z350XT that exhibited a significant increase in the spin concentration. Besides, lower intensity peaks of the organic matrix and amorphous silica were also observed for both aged and expired Filtek Z350XT. Although a significant lower spin concentration was observed for the silorane composite in comparison to that of the methacrylates, a decrease in the relative intensity of peaks of the amorphous region related to the organic components in the diffractograms was observed. The material conditions tested influence the crystallinity and the magnetic properties of the composites evaluated. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of Zinc Oxide Nanowires/Polymer Composites by Two-Photon Polymerization

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

Effect of resin composites with sodium trimetaphosphate with or without fluoride on hardness, ion release and enamel demineralization

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the addition of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) with or without fluoride on enamel demineralization, and the hardness and release of fluoride and TMP of resin composites. Methods: Bovine enamel slabs (4x3x3 mm) were prepared and selected based on initial surface hardness (n= 96). Eight experimental resin composites were formulated, according to the combination of TMP and sodium fluoride (NaF): TMP/NaF-free (control), 1.6% sodium fluoride (NaF), and 1.5%, 14.1% and 36.8% TMP with and without 1.6% NaF. Resin composite specimens (n= 24) were attached to the enamel slabs with wax and the sets were subjected to pH cycling. Next, surface and cross-sectional hardness and fluoride content of enamel as well as fluoride and TNT release and hardness of the materials were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA (P< 0.05). Results: The presence of fluoride in enamel was similar in fluoridated resin composites (P> 0.05), but higher than in the other materials (P< 0.05). The combination of 14.1% TMP and fluoride resulted in less demineralization, especially on lesion surface (P< 0.05). The presence of TMP increased fluoride release from the materials and reduced their hardness.

Time reduction of light curing: Influence on conversion degree and microhardness of orthodontic composites

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of curing time and power on the degree of conversion and surface microhardness of 3 orthodontic composites. Methods: One hundred eighty discs, 6 mm in diameter, were divided into 3 groups of 60 samples according to the composite used-Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif), Opal Bond MV (Ultradent, South Jordan, Utah), and Transbond Plus Color Change (3M Unitek)-and each group was further divided into 3 subgroups (n = 20). Five samples were used to measure conversion, and 15 were used to measure microhardness. A light-emitting diode curing unit with multiwavelength emission of broad light was used for curing at 3 power levels (530, 760, and 1520 mW) and 3 times (8.5, 6, and 3 seconds), always totaling 4.56 joules. Five specimens from each subgroup were ground and mixed with potassium bromide to produce 8-mm tablets to be compared with 5 others made similarly with the respective noncured composite. These were placed into a spectrometer, and software was used for analysis. A microhardness tester was used to take Knoop hardness (KHN) measurements in 15 discs of each subgroup. The data were analyzed with 2 analysis of variance tests at 2 levels. Results: Differences were found in the conversion degree of the composites cured at different times and powers (P < 0.01). The composites showed similar degrees of conversion when light cured at 8.5 seconds (80.7%) and 6 seconds (79.0%), but not at 3 seconds (75.0%). The conversion degrees of the composites were different, with group 3 (87.2%) higher than group 2 (83.5%), which was higher than group 1 (64.0%). Differences in microhardness were also found (P < 0.01), with lower microhardness at 8.5 seconds (35.2 KHN), but no difference was observed between 6 seconds (41.6 KHN) and 3 seconds (42.8 KHN). Group 3 had the highest surface microhardness (35.9 KHN) compared with group 2 (33.7 KHN) and group 1 (30.0 KHN). Conclusions: Curing time can be reduced up to 6 seconds by increasing the power, with a slight decrease in the degree of conversion at 3 seconds; the decrease has a positive effect on the surface microhardness.

Marginal adaptation of class II cavities restored with bulk-fill composites

Objectives: To determine the marginal adaptation of bulk-fill composites in class II MO cavities.Methods: Standardized class II MO cavities with bevelled enamel margins were prepared in 40 extracted human molars. The teeth were randomly assigned to one of the five experimental groups (n = 8). The teeth were restored with two horizontal increments of composite (4 mm and 2 mm thickness). The experimental groups were (1st/2nd increment): Gr. A - Venus Bulk-Fill/Venus Diamond; Gr. B - Tetric EvoCeram BulkFill/Tetric EvoCeram; Gr. C - Surefil SDR/Ceram-X; Gr. D - SonicFill; Gr. E - Ceram-X/Ceram-X (control). After finishing procedures, impressions were made using a polyvinyl siloxane and epoxy resin replicas were obtained. Thermo-mechanical stressing was carried out 24 h after the restorative procedure. All specimens were submitted to 240,000 occlusal loading and simultaneous 600 thermal cycles in water at 5 degrees C and 50 degrees C. After loading, a new set of epoxy resin replicas was obtained. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out at 200x magnification. Results for the marginal adaptation were expressed as percentages of continuity relative to the exposed interface and analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan post hoc test (p < 0.05).Results: In enamel, no significant differences were detected before and after thermo-mechanical loading between groups. In dentine, the worst results were observed in Gr. A.Conclusion: By applying simple layering techniques, bulk-fill materials do not allow better marginal adaptation than a standard composite. Clinical significance: A new class of resin-base composite (bulk-fill) was recently launched on the market. The bulk-fill composites exhibited adequate marginal adaptation and similar to the results of the standard composite. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A split-mouth randomized clinical trial of conventional and heavy flowable composites in class II restorations

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 2-year clinical performance of class II restorations made with a composite resin with two different viscosities.Methods: 47 patients received two class II restorations (n = 94), one made with GrandioSO (conventional viscosity CV), and the other with GrandioSO Heavy Flow (flowable viscosity FV), subjecting both materials to the same clinical conditions. The self-etching adhesive Futurabond M was used for all restorations. The composites were inserted using the incremental technique. The restorations were evaluated using the modified USPHS criteria according to the periods: baseline, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after restorative procedures.Results: After 24 months, 40 patients attended the recall and 78 restorations were evaluated. In all periods, no secondary caries was observed. After 6 months, there were slightly overall changes of scores for most parameters. After 24 months, the higher number of changes from score Alfa to Bravo was observed for marginal discolouration (32.5% CV and 39.5% FV) and colour match (15% CV and 31.6% FV), followed by proximal contact (25% CV and 23.7% FV) and marginal adaptation (20% CV and 21.1% FV). For wear, surface texture and postoperative sensitivity the changes were very small. Just two restorations were lost during the 24-month follow up. Less than 5% of all restorations showed postoperative sensitivity. Chi-square test showed no significant differences between the two materials for all parameters analysed.Conclusion: After 2 years of clinical service, no significant differences were observed between GrandioSO conventional and GrandioSO Heavy Flow for the parameters analysed. Both materials provided acceptable clinical behaviour in class II restorations. Clinical Significance: This study presents the possibility of using a flowable composite with high filler content, for performing class II restorations. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhanced photoabsorption properties of composites of Ti/TiO2 nanotubes decorated by Sb2S3 and improvement of degradation of hair dye

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

Nanostructured Composites Based on Carbon Nanotubes and Epoxy Resin for Use as Radar Absorbing Materials

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Benzoxazine resin and their nanostructured composites cure kinetic by DSC

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Environmental effects on viscoelastic behavior of carbon fiber/PEKK thermoplastic composites

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Sugarcane bagasse cellulose fibres and their hydrous niobium phosphate composites: synthesis and characterization by XPS, XRD and SEM

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