Effects of high temperature plasma immersion ion implantation on wear resistance of Ti-Si-B sintered alloys

Although titanium and its alloys own good mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance, these materials present poor tribological properties for specific applications that require wear resistance. In order to produce wear-resistant surfaces, this work is aimed at achieving improvement of wear characteristics in Ti-Si-B alloys by means of high temperature nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). These alloys were produced by powder metallurgy using high energy ball milling and hot pressing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction identified the presence of α-titanium, Ti6Si2B, Ti5Si3, TiB and Ti3Si phases. Wear tests were carried out with a ball-on-disk tribometer to evaluate the friction coefficient and wear rate in treated and untreated samples. The worn profiles were measured by visible light microscopy and examined by SEM in order to determine the wear rates and wear mechanisms. Ti-7.5Si-22.5B alloy presented the highest wear resistance amongst the untreated alloys produced in this work. High temperature PIII was effective to reduce the wear rate and friction coefficient of all the Ti-Si-B sintered alloys. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Improvements of plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) and deposition (PIII&D) processing for materials surface modification

Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) process is a three dimensional surface modification method that is quite mature and well known to the surface engineering community nowadays, especially to those working in the field of plasma-materials interaction, aiming at both industrial and academic applications. More recently, deposition methods have been added to PIII, the PIII&D, opening possibilities of broader range of applications of these techniques. So, PIII&D is becoming a routine method of surface modification, with the advantage of pushing up the retained dose levels limited by the sputtering due to ion implantation. Therefore, well adherent, thick, three-dimensional films without stress are possible to be achieved, at relatively low cost, using PIII&D. In this paper, we will discuss about a few PIII and PIII&D experiments that have been performed recently to achieve surface improvements in different materials: 1 - high temperature nitrogen PIII in Ti6Al4V alloy in which a deep nitrogen rich treated layer resulted in surface improvements as increase of hardness, corrosion resistance and resistance to wear of the Ti alloy; 2 - nanostructures in ZnO films, obtained by PIII&D of vaporized & ionized Zn source; 3 - combined implantation and deposition of calcium for biomaterial activity of Ti alloy (PIII&D), allowing the growth of hydroxyapatite in a body solution; 4 - magnetron sputtering deposition of Cr that was enhanced by the glow discharge Ar plasma to allow implantation and deposition of Cr on SAE 1070 steel (PIII&D) resulting in surfaces with high resistance to corrosion; and 5 - implantation of nitrogen by ordinary PIII into this Cr film, which improved resistance to corrosion, while keeping the tribological properties as good as for the SAE 1070 steel surface. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

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.

Controle de doenças fúngicas e de danos por frio em pós-colheita de lima ácida Tahiti

The Tahiti lime appears very susceptible to attack by post-harvest diseases, primarily by the fungi Penicillium and Phomopsis, and also because of its high sensitivity to storage at low temperatures. In order to reduce such damage, the present study aimed to verify the efficiency of heat treatment and disinfection of pathogens in the prevention of post-harvest chilling injury of this cultivar and to compare this treatment with other products using the conventional fungicides. The heat treatments were studied with hot-water temperatures ranging between 48 and 56° C. Water at room temperature was used as a control treatment. After treatment, the fruits were kept under cold temperature at 10° C and RH 90% for about 45 days. For comparison, three other treatments were carried out simultaneously, one using imazalil, one with baking soda, and a third with sodium carbonate, these three products being applied by baths in cold water. Two groups of fruit were evaluated, one treated by immersion considering pathogens coming from the field and another by inoculation with spores of the previously isolated pathogens. For the evaluation of physical and chemical parameters of fruits, determinations were made of the skin color, texture, weight loss, size, juice yield, soluble solids, total acidity and vitamin C content. The determination of the sensitivity of the fruit to cold was made by their exposure at temperatures inducing cold damage. The design was a randomized block design with nine treatments, analyzed by the Statgraphics statistical package. Heat treatments, especially at 52° C, were shown to be more promising in the control of pathogenic fungi and cold damage, surpassing the conventional fungicides. No changes were found in the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters in relation to the application of the different treatments.

Soluble sugars and germination of Annona emarginata (Schltdl.) H. Rainer seeds submitted to immersion in GA3 up to different water contents

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Aging of plasma-activated copper and gold surfaces and its hydrophilic recovery after water immersion

A significant increase of surface hydrophilicity of copper and gold surfaces was obtained after atmospheric pressure plasma treatment using the surface dielectric barrier discharge with specific electrode geometry, the so-called diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge. Surface wettability was estimated using the sessile drop method with further calculation of the surface free energy. After the plasma treatments, it was observed that the treated surfaces exhibited hydrophobic recovery (or aging effect). The aging effect was studied in different storage environments, such as air, low and high vacuum. The role of plasma and the reasons of the following aging effect are discussed with respect to the observed hydrophilic recovery after immersing the aged surfaces into deionized water. The changes in the surface morphology, composition and bond structure are presented and discussed as well. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Chilling curves for Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) embryos stored at-8 degrees C

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Study of magnetic field enhanced plasma immersion ion implantation in Silicon

A comparison between experimental measurements and numerical calculations of the ion current distribution in plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) with external magnetic field is presented. Later, Silicon samples were implanted with nitrogen ion to analyze the effect on them. The magnetic field considered is essentially non-uniform and is generated by two magnetic coils installed on vacuum chamber. The presence of both, electric and magnetic field in PIII create a crossed ExB field system, promoting drift velocity of the plasma around the target. The results found shows that magnetized electrons drifting in ExB field provide electron-neutral collision. The efficient ionization increases the plasma density around the target where a magnetic confinement is formed. As result, the ion current density increases, promoting significant changes in the samples surface properties, especially in the surface wettability.

Amorphous silicon carbonitride films modified by plasma immersion ion implantation

Amorphous silicon carbonitride (a-SiCN:H) films were deposited from hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) organic compounds via radio-frequency (RF) glow discharges. Afterwards the films were bombarded, from 15 to 60 min, with nitrogen ions using Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) technique. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that O-containing groups increased, while C-C and/or C-H groups decreased with treatment time. This result indicates chemical alterations of the polymeric films with the introduction of polar groups on the surface, which changes the surface wettability. In fact, the hydrophobic nature of a-SiCN:H films (contact angle of 100 degrees) was changed by nitrogen ion implantation and, and after aging in atmosphere air, all samples preserved the hydrophilic character (contact angle <80 degrees) independently of treatment time. The exposure of the films to oxygen plasma was performed to evaluate the etching rate, which dropped from 24% to 6% while the implantation time increased from 15 to 60 min. This data suggests that Pill increased the film structure strength, probably due to crosslinking enhancement of polymeric chains. Therefore, the treatment with nitrogen ions via Pill process was effective to modify the wettability and oxidation resistance of a-SiCN:H films. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of light source and immersion media in surface roughness and hardness of a nanofilled composite resin

The study evaluated the influence of light curing units and immersion media on superficial roughness and microhardness of the nanofilled composite resin Supreme XT (3M/ESPE). Light curing units used were: XL 3000 (3M/ESPE), Jet Lite 4000 Plus (JMorita) and Ultralume Led 5 (Ultradent) and immersion media were artificial saliva, Coke®, tea and coffee, totaling 12 experimental groups. Specimens (10mm x 2mm) were immersed in each respective solution for 5 seconds, three times a day, during 60 days and so, were submitted to measure of superficial roughness (Ra) and Vickers hardness. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA test (p<0.05). Results showed that only the light source factor showed statistically difference for hardness. It was observed that the hardness of the composite resin Filtek Supreme XT (3M/ESPE) was influenced by the light source (p<0.01) independently of the immersion media (p= 0.35) and the Jet Lite 4000 Plus (JMorita) was the light curing unit that presented lower values. In relation to surface roughness, it was noted no-significant statistical difference for light source (p=0.84), when specimens were immersed in different beverages (p=0.35).

Chemical and morphological features of dental composite resin: influence of light curing units and immersion media

Aims: The study evaluated the influence of light curing units and immersionmedia on superficial morphology and chemistry of the nanofilled composite resin Supreme XT (3M)through the EDX analysis and SEM evaluation. Light curing units with different power densitiesand mode of application used were XL 3000 (480 mW/cm2), Jet Lite 4000 Plus (1230mW/cm2), andUltralume Led 5 (790 mW/cm2) and immersion media were artificial saliva, Coke1, tea and coffee,totaling 12 experimental groups. Specimens (10 mm 3 2 mm) were immersed in each respectivesolution for 5 min, three times a day, during 60 days and stored in artificial saliva at 378C 6 18Cbetween immersion periods. Topography and chemical analysis was qualitative. Findings: Groupsimmersed in artificial saliva, showed homogeneous degradation of matrix and deposition of calciumat the material surface. Regarding coffee, there was a reasonable chemical degradation with loss ofload particles and deposition of ions. For tea, superficial degradation occurred in specific areaswith deposition of calcium, carbon, potassium and phosphorus. For Coke1, excessive matrix degra-dation and loss of load particles with deposition of calcium, sodium, and potassium. Conclusion:Light curing units did not influence the superficial morphology of composite resin tested, but theimmersion beverages did. Coke1affected material’s surface more than did the other tested drinks.Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:176–181, 2010.

Effects of immersion media and repolishing on color stability and superficial morphology of nanofilled composite resin

This study evaluated the influence of fluoride mouth rinses and repolishing on the superficial morphology and color stability of nanofilled resin. About 150 specimens were prepared and polished using aluminum oxide discs for 15 s with a pressure of 2 kg. The experimental groups were divided according to the immersion medium (artificial saliva, 0.5% sodium fluoride, Fluordent Reach, Oral B, Fluorgard) and repolishing procedure (without and with). The specimens were continuously immersed for 1 week. Thereafter, half of each sample was repolished. A color reading was performed after 24 h of immersion in the artificial saliva baseline, after continuous immersion, and after repolishing. The superficial morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in a qualitative way. Color change (∆E) data were submitted to a mixed analysis of variance using a Shapiro-Wilk test (p>0.05 for the different immersion media) and Sidak's test (p<0.05 for the differences between groups). In the interaction between the repolishing and the immersion media, Fluorgard showed a statistical difference between the ∆E values with and without repolishing (p<0.0001). On the SEM observations, both Fluordent Reach and Fluorgard caused degradation of the superficial resinous matrix of the composite after continuous immersion. This matrix was removed after repolishing.

Colour stability of acrylic resin denture teeth after immersion in different beverages

The colour stability of acrylic resin denture teeth in beverages was investigated. A spectrophotometer measured the colour (CIE-L*a*b* system) of all specimens after storage in distilled water for 24 h at 37°C (T0). Specimens were then immersed in various beverages. After 15 days (T1) and 30 days (T2), for each material, the mean ∆E values were calculated and compared by two-way ANOVA and Tukey intervals (α=0.05). In the ∆T0T1 period, specimens stored in red wine were significantly discoloured, compared to distilled water (P=0.003). There was no difference between immersion solutions in ∆ET0T2 (P=0.772) and in ∆ET1T2 (P=0.058), and no difference between materials in all immersion periods.

Surface degradation of lithium disilicate ceramic after immersion in acid and fluoride solutions

Purpose: To analyze whether immersion in sodium fluoride (NaF) solutions and/or common acidic beverages (test solutions) would affect the surface roughness or topography of lithium disilicate ceramic. Methods: 220 ceramic discs were divided into four groups, each of which was subdivided into five subgroups (n = 11). Control group discs were immersed in one of four test beverages for 4 hours daily or in artificial saliva for 21 days. Discs in the experimental groups were continuously immersed in 0.05% NaF, 0.2% NaF, or 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel for 12, 73, and 48 hours, respectively, followed by immersion in one of the four test beverages or artificial saliva. Vickers microhardness, surface roughness, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) associated with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) assessments were made. Data were analyzed by nested analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Immersion in the test solutions diminished the microhardness and increased the surface roughness of the discs. The test beverages promoted a significant reduction in the Vickers microhardness in the 0.05% and 0.2% NaF groups. The highest surface roughness results were observed in the 0.2% NaF and 1.23% APF groups, with similar findings by SEM and AFM. Acidic beverages affected the surface topography of lithium disilicate ceramic. Fluoride treatments may render the ceramic surface more susceptible to the chelating effect of acidic solutions.

Effects of short-term immersion and brushing with different denture cleansers on the roughness, hardness, and color of two types of acrylic resin

Purpose: To investigate the cumulative effects of brushing (B) or immersion (I), using different cleansing agents, on the surface roughness, hardness and color stability of a heat-polymerized denture resin, Lucitone 550 (L), and a hard chairside reline resin, Tokuyama Rebase Fast II (T). Methods: A total of 316 specimens (10 x 2 mm) were fabricated. The specimens (n= 9) were divided into brushing or immersion groups according to the following agents: dentifrice/distilled water (D), 1% sodium hypochlorite (Na0C1), Corega Tabs (Pb), 1% chlorhexidine gluconate (Chx), and 0.2% peracetic acid (Ac). Brushing and immersion were tested independently. Assays were performed after 1, 3, 21, 45 and 90 blushing cycles or immersion of 10 seconds each. Data were evaluated statistically by repeated measures ANOVA. Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) post-hoc test was used to determine differences between means (a= 0.05). Results: For L there was no statistically significant difference in roughness, except a significant decrease in roughness by brushing with D. T showed a significant effect on the roughness after 90 immersions with Ac. Hardness values decreased for L when specimens were immersed or brushed in Na0C1 and Pb. The hardness of T decreased with increases in the repetitions (immersion or brushing), regardless of the cleaning method. Values of color stability for L resin showed significant color change after brushing with and immersion in Ac and Pb. Brushing with D exhibited a higher incidence of color change. For T there were no significant differences between cleaning agents and repetitions in immersion. A color change was noted after three brushings with the Ac, Chx, and D. Brushing with dentifrice decreased roughness of L. Immersion in or brushing with Na0C1 and Pb decreased the hardness of L. For T, hardness decreased with increases in immersions or brushing. Color changes after the immersion in or brushing with cleaning agents were clinically acceptable according to National Bureau of Standards parameters for both resins.