Adição de nanopartículas de Ti em matriz de Fe através da deposição por magnetron sputtering

Microalloyed steels constitute a specific class of steel with low amount of carbon and microalloying elements such as Vanadium (V), Niobium (Nb) and Titanium (Ti). The development and application of microalloyed steels and steels in general are limited to the handling of powders with particles of submicron or nanometer dimensions. Therefore, this work presents an alternative in order to construction of microalloyed steels utilizing the deposition by magnetron sputtering technique as a microalloying element addiction in which Ti nanoparticles are dispersed in an iron matrix. The advantage of that technique in relation to the conventional metallurgical processes is the possibility of uniformly disperse the microalloying elements in the iron matrix. It was carried out deposition of Ti onto Fe powder in high CH4, H2, Ar plasma atmosphere, with two deposition times. After the deposition, the iron powder with nanoparticles of Ti dispersed distributed, were compacted and sintered at 1120 ° C in resistive furnace. Characterization techniques utilized in the samples of powder before and after deposition of Ti were Granulometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (DRX). In the case of sintered samples, it was carried out characterization by SEM and Vickers Microhardness assays. The results show which the deposition technique by magnetron sputtering is practicable in the dispersion of particles in iron matrix. The EDX microanalysis detected higher percentages of Ti when the deposition were carried out with the inert gas and when the deposition process was carried out with reactive gas. The presence of titanium in iron matrix was also evidenced by the results of X-ray diffraction peaks that showed shifts in the network matrix. Given these results it can be said that the technique of magnetron sputtering deposition is feasible in the dispersion of nanoparticles of iron matrix in Ti.

Síntese e caracterização de CuNb2O6 e CuNbC através de reação sólido- sólido e gás- sólido a baixa temperatura

The refractory metal carbides have proven important in the development of engineering materials due to their properties such as high hardness, high melting point, high thermal conductivity and high chemical stability. The niobium carbide presents these characteristics. The compounds of niobium impregnated with copper also have excellent dielectric and magnetic properties, and furthermore, the Cu doping increases the catalytic activity in the oxidation processes of hydrogen. This study aimed to the synthesis of nanostructured materials CuNbC and niobium and copper oxide from precursor tris(oxalate) oxiniobate ammonium hydrate through gas-solid and solid-solid reaction, respectively. Both reactions were carried out at low temperature (1000°C) and short reaction time (2 hours). The niobium carbide was produced with 5 % and 11% of copper, and the niobium oxide with 5% of copper. The materials were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinement, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA , BET and particle size Laser. From the XRD analysis and Rietveld refinement of CuNbC with S = 1.23, we observed the formation of niobium carbide and metallic copper with cubic structure. For the synthesis of mixed oxide made of niobium and copper, the formation of two distinct phases was observed: CuNb2O6 and Nb2O5, although the latter was present in small amounts

Compósitos de matriz metálica à base níquel com adição de TaC e NbC produzidos via metalurgia do pó

Carbide reinforced metallic alloys potentially improve some important mechanical properties required for the overall use of important engineering materials such as steel and nickel. Nevertheless, improved performance is achieved not only by composition enhancement but also by adequate processing techniques, such as novel sintering methods in the case of powder metallurgy. The method minimizes energy losses in addition to providing uniform heating during sintering. Thus, the general objective of this study was to evaluate the density, hardness, flexural strength, dilatometric behavior and to analyze the microstructure of metal matrix composites based nickel with addition of carbides of tantalum and / or niobium when sintered in a conventional furnace and Plasma assisted debinding and sintering (PADS). Initially, were defineds best parameters of granulation, screening and mixing procedure. After, mixtures of carbonyl Ni and 5%, 10% and 15 wt.% NbC and TaC were prepared in a Y-type mixer under wet conditions during 60 minutes. The mixtures were then dried and granulated using 1.5 wt. % paraffin diluted in hexane. Granulates were cold pressed under 600 MPa. Paraffin was then removed from the pressed pellets during a pre-sintering process carried out in a tubular furnace at 500 °C during 30 min. The heating rate was 3 ºC/min. The pellets were then sintered using either a plasma assisted reactor or a conventional resistive tubular furnace. For both methods, the heating rate was set to 8 ºC/min up to 1150 °C. The holding time was 60 minutes. The microstructure of the sintered samples was evaluated by SEM. Brinell hardness tests were also carried out. The results revealed that higher density and higher hardness values were observed in the plasma-assisted sintered samples. Hardness increased with the concentration of carbides in the Ni-matrix. The flexural strength also increased by adding the carbides. The decline was larger for the sample with addition of 5% 5% TaC and NbC. In general, compositions containing added carbide 10% showed less porous and more uniform distribution of carbides in the nickel matrix microstructural appearance. Thus, both added carbide and plasma sintering improved density, hardness, flexural strength and microstructural appearance of the composites

Obtenção de pós de tântalo metálico a partir da redução aluminotérmica com ignição a plasma

Metallic tantalum has a high commercial value due to intrinsic properties like excellent ductility, corrosion resistance, high melt and boiling points and good electrical and thermal conductivities. Nowadays, it is mostly used in the manufacture of capacitors, due to excellent dielectric properties of its oxides. In the nature, tantalum occurs in the form of oxide and it is extracted mainly from tantalite-columbite ores. The tantalum is usually produced by the reduction of its oxide, using reductants like carbon, silicon, calcium, magnesium and aluminum. Among these techniques, the aluminothermic reduction has been used as the industrial method to produce niobium, tantalum and their alloys, due to the easy removal of the Al and Al2O3 of the system, easing further refining. In conventional aluminothermic reduction an electrical resistance is used to trigger the reaction. This reaction self-propagates for all the volume of material. In this work, we have developed a novel technique of aluminothermic reduction that uses the hydrogen plasma to trigger the reaction. The results obtained by XRD, SEM and EDS show that is possible to obtain a compound rich in tantalum through this technique of aluminothermic reduction in the plasma reactor

Sinterização de matrizes cerâmicas à base de alumina reforçadas por carbetos a partir de precursores poliméricos

Ceramic composites produced with polymerics precursors have been studied for many years, due to the facility of obtaining a complex shape, at low temperature and reduces cost. The main objective of this work is to study the process of sintering of composites of ceramic base consisting of Al2O3 and silicates, reinforced for NbC, through the technique of processing AFCOP, as well as the influence of the addition of LZSA, ICZ and Al as materials infiltration in the physical and mechanical properties of the ceramic composite. Were produced ceramic matrix composites based SiCxOy e Al2O3 reinforced with NbC, by hidrosilylation reaction between D4Vi and D1107 mixtured with Al2O3 as inert filler, Nb and Al as reactive filler. The specimens produced were pyrolised at 1200, 1250 and 1400°C and infiltred with Al, ICZ and LZSA, respectively. Density, porosity, flexural mechanical strength and fracture surface by scanning electron microscopy were evaluated. The microstructure of the composites was investigated by X-ray diffraction to identify the presence of crystalline phases. The composites presented apparent porosity varying of 31 up to 49% and mechanical flexural strength of 14 up to 34 MPa. The infiltration process improviment of the densification and reduction of the porosity, as well as increased the values of mechanical flexural strength. The obtained phases had been identified as being Al3Nb, NbSi2, Nb5S3, Nb3Si and NbC. The samples that were submitted the infiltration process presented a layer next surface with reduced pores number in relation to the total volume

Estudo de reatores eletroquímicos para remoção de Cu2+ , Zn2+, Fenol e BTEX em água produzida

The production of water has become one of the most important wastes in the petroleum industry, specifically in the up stream segment. The treatment of this kind of effluents is complex and normally requires high costs. In this context, the electrochemical treatment emerges as an alternative methodology for treating the wastewaters. It employs electrochemical reactions to increase the capability and efficiency of the traditional chemical treatments for associated produced water. The use of electrochemical reactors can be effective with small changes in traditional treatments, generally not representing a significant additional surface area for new equipments (due to the high cost of square meter on offshore platforms) and also it can use almost the same equipments, in continuous or batch flow, without others high costs investments. Electrochemical treatment causes low environmental impact, because the process uses electrons as reagent and generates small amount of wastes. In this work, it was studied two types of electrochemical reactors: eletroflocculation and eletroflotation, with the aim of removing of Cu2+, Zn2+, phenol and BTEX mixture of produced water. In eletroflocculation, an electrical potential was applied to an aqueous solution containing NaCl. For this, it was used iron electrodes, which promote the dissolution of metal ions, generating Fe2+ and gases which, in appropriate pH, promote also clotting-flocculation reactions, removing Cu2+ and Zn2+. In eletroflotation, a carbon steel cathode and a DSA type anode (Ti/TiO2-RuO2-SnO2) were used in a NaCl solution. It was applied an electrical current, producing strong oxidant agents as Cl2 and HOCl, increasing the degradation rate of BTEX and phenol. Under different flow rates, the Zn2+ was removed by electrodeposition or by ZnOH formation, due the increasing of pH during the reaction. To better understand the electrochemical process, a statistical protocol factor (22) with central point was conducted to analyze the sensitivity of operating parameters on removing Zn2+ by eletroflotation, confirming that the current density affected the process negatively and the flow rate positively. For economical viability of these two electrochemical treatments, the energy consumption was calculated, taking in account the kWh given by ANEEL. The treatment cost obtained were quite attractive in comparison with the current treatments used in Rio Grande do Norte state. In addition, it could still be reduced for the case of using other alternative energy source such as solar, wind or gas generated directly from the Petrochemical Plant or offshore platforms

Métodos para estudo das respostas metabólicas de cães e gatos a diferentes alimentos

Durante o processo de assimilação e uso dos alimentos, diferentes respostas metabólicas podem ser desenvolvidas pelo organismo dos animais. Estas respostas são fruto da integração de mecanismos complexos, que envolvem os sistemas neuro-endócrino e o funcionamento dos órgãos, sendo influenciadas pela dieta, espécie animal, idade, condição fisiológica e composição corporal. Este trabalho enfoca a importância fisiológica e os métodos de estudo das respostas pós-prandiais aos carboidratos, bem como as alterações fisiológicas conseqüentes ao balanço eletrolítico da dieta. A quantidade, estrutura química e processamento industrial do amido determinam boa parte da resposta pós-prandial de glicose e insulina de cães. em gatos, outros mecanismos parecem ser mais importantes, como a ingestão de aminoácidos. A fibra alimentar também altera a resposta pós-prandial ao alimento, devendo ser consideradas sua quantidade, solubilidade e fermentabilidade no desenvolvimento das dietas. Os métodos de estudo destas respostas incluem avaliação das respostas glicêmica e insulínca pós-prandiais, teste endovenoso de tolerância à glicose e à arginina. O clâmp euglicêmico apresenta-se também como ferramenta de estudo, no entanto revela informações mais relacionadas ao animal do que à dieta. A compreensão do conjunto de alterações metabólicas aos carboidratos é importante no estudo do controle da saciedade, composição corporal e inúmeras doenças degenerativas e endócrinas. A concentração e relação entre os macro-elementos da dieta (Na, Cl, K, P, Ca, Mg e S) e dos aminoácidos sulfurados (metionina, cistina e taurina) interferem em inúmeras funções orgânicas, como a cardiovascular, neuromuscular, metabolismo ósseo, renal e pulmonar, refletindo-se no equilíbrio hidro-eletrolítico e ácido-básico orgânicos. de importância prática para cães e gatos encontram-se a relação destes nutrientes com cardiopatias, nefropatias, osteodistrofias e urolitíases. A relação entre os macro-elementos é estabelecida em mmol/kg de matéria seca da dieta, calculando-se seu balanço cátion-ânion (excesso de bases ou ânions dietéticos não determinados). Suas repostas orgânicas são medidas, dentre outros métodos, pela hemogasimetria, balanço hídrico, mensuração do volume dos espaços extracelular e vascular, supersaturação e pH urinários.

Fisiologia do estresse calórico e a utilização de eletrólitos em frangos de corte

Várias alterações metabólicas e fisiológicas são desencadeadas em frangos de corte submetidos a altas temperaturas ambientais, o que pode acarretar em grandes perdas no desempenho e na imunocompetência destas aves. Além das técnicas de controle ambiental estarem sendo freqüentemente empregadas para a redução do impacto negativo do estresse calórico sobre o desempenho das aves, outras medidas estão constantemente sendo estudadas. Nos últimos anos, o manejo nutricional adequado também tem demonstrado ser efetivo como medida preventiva para o estresse calórico, pois o funcionamento do sistema termorregulador do frango (produção de calor, rotas evaporativas e não evaporativas de dissipação de calor) pode ser influenciado pela dieta, em especial, o estabelecimento de adequados balanços eletrolíticos, devido a sua importância fisiológica no mecanismo do estresse calórico. Assim, os mecanismos nutricionais devem ser reavaliados como uma ferramenta no controle desta disfunção metabólica das aves.

Uso de técnicas de otimização baseadas em derivadas como suporte do planejamento operacional de redes de distribuição de energia elétrica

The usual programs for load flow calculation were in general developped aiming the simulation of electric energy transmission, subtransmission and distribution systems. However, the mathematical methods and algorithms used by the formulations were based, in majority, just on the characteristics of the transmittion systems, which were the main concern focus of engineers and researchers. Though, the physical characteristics of these systems are quite different from the distribution ones. In the transmission systems, the voltage levels are high and the lines are generally very long. These aspects contribute the capacitive and inductive effects that appear in the system to have a considerable influence in the values of the interest quantities, reason why they should be taken into consideration. Still in the transmission systems, the loads have a macro nature, as for example, cities, neiborhoods, or big industries. These loads are, generally, practically balanced, what reduces the necessity of utilization of three-phase methodology for the load flow calculation. Distribution systems, on the other hand, present different characteristics: the voltage levels are small in comparison to the transmission ones. This almost annul the capacitive effects of the lines. The loads are, in this case, transformers, in whose secondaries are connected small consumers, in a sort of times, mono-phase ones, so that the probability of finding an unbalanced circuit is high. This way, the utilization of three-phase methodologies assumes an important dimension. Besides, equipments like voltage regulators, that use simultaneously the concepts of phase and line voltage in their functioning, need a three-phase methodology, in order to allow the simulation of their real behavior. For the exposed reasons, initially was developped, in the scope of this work, a method for three-phase load flow calculation in order to simulate the steady-state behaviour of distribution systems. Aiming to achieve this goal, the Power Summation Algorithm was used, as a base for developing the three phase method. This algorithm was already widely tested and approved by researchers and engineers in the simulation of radial electric energy distribution systems, mainly for single-phase representation. By our formulation, lines are modeled in three-phase circuits, considering the magnetic coupling between the phases; but the earth effect is considered through the Carson reduction. It s important to point out that, in spite of the loads being normally connected to the transformer s secondaries, was considered the hypothesis of existence of star or delta loads connected to the primary circuit. To perform the simulation of voltage regulators, a new model was utilized, allowing the simulation of various types of configurations, according to their real functioning. Finally, was considered the possibility of representation of switches with current measuring in various points of the feeder. The loads are adjusted during the iteractive process, in order to match the current in each switch, converging to the measured value specified by the input data. In a second stage of the work, sensibility parameters were derived taking as base the described load flow, with the objective of suporting further optimization processes. This parameters are found by calculating of the partial derivatives of a variable in respect to another, in general, voltages, losses and reactive powers. After describing the calculation of the sensibility parameters, the Gradient Method was presented, using these parameters to optimize an objective function, that will be defined for each type of study. The first one refers to the reduction of technical losses in a medium voltage feeder, through the installation of capacitor banks; the second one refers to the problem of correction of voltage profile, through the instalation of capacitor banks or voltage regulators. In case of the losses reduction will be considered, as objective function, the sum of the losses in all the parts of the system. To the correction of the voltage profile, the objective function will be the sum of the square voltage deviations in each node, in respect to the rated voltage. In the end of the work, results of application of the described methods in some feeders are presented, aiming to give insight about their performance and acuity

Conversor CC/CA de alta freqüência baseado em inversores ressonantes com comutação seqüencial para excitação de uma tocha indutiva a plasma térmico

This work describes the study, the analysis, the project methodology and the constructive details of a high frequency DC/AC resonant series converter using sequential commutation techniques for the excitation of an inductive coupled thermal plasma torch. The aim of this thesis is to show the new modulation technique potentialities and to present a technological option for the high-frequency electronic power converters development. The resonant converter operates at 50 kW output power under a 400 kHz frequency and it is constituted by inverter cells using ultra-fast IGBT devices. In order to minimize the turn-off losses, the inverter cells operates in a ZVS mode referred by a modified PLL loop that maintains this condition stable, despite the load variations. The sequential pulse gating command strategy used it allows to operate the IGBT devices on its maximum power limits using the derating and destressing current scheme, as well as it propitiates a frequency multiplication of the inverters set. The output converter is connected to a series resonant circuit constituted by the applicator ICTP torch, a compensation capacitor and an impedance matching RF transformer. At the final, are presented the experimental results and the many tests achieved in laboratory as form to validate the proposed new technique

Uso de técnicas de otimização baseadas em derivadas como suporte do planejamento operacional de redes de distribuição de energia elétrica

The usual programs for load flow calculation were in general developped aiming the simulation of electric energy transmission, subtransmission and distribution systems. However, the mathematical methods and algorithms used by the formulations were based, in majority, just on the characteristics of the transmittion systems, which were the main concern focus of engineers and researchers. Though, the physical characteristics of these systems are quite different from the distribution ones. In the transmission systems, the voltage levels are high and the lines are generally very long. These aspects contribute the capacitive and inductive effects that appear in the system to have a considerable influence in the values of the interest quantities, reason why they should be taken into consideration. Still in the transmission systems, the loads have a macro nature, as for example, cities, neiborhoods, or big industries. These loads are, generally, practically balanced, what reduces the necessity of utilization of three-phase methodology for the load flow calculation. Distribution systems, on the other hand, present different characteristics: the voltage levels are small in comparison to the transmission ones. This almost annul the capacitive effects of the lines. The loads are, in this case, transformers, in whose secondaries are connected small consumers, in a sort of times, mono-phase ones, so that the probability of finding an unbalanced circuit is high. This way, the utilization of three-phase methodologies assumes an important dimension. Besides, equipments like voltage regulators, that use simultaneously the concepts of phase and line voltage in their functioning, need a three-phase methodology, in order to allow the simulation of their real behavior. For the exposed reasons, initially was developped, in the scope of this work, a method for three-phase load flow calculation in order to simulate the steady-state behaviour of distribution systems. Aiming to achieve this goal, the Power Summation Algorithm was used, as a base for developping the three phase method. This algorithm was already widely tested and approved by researchers and engineers in the simulation of radial electric energy distribution systems, mainly for single-phase representation. By our formulation, lines are modeled in three-phase circuits, considering the magnetic coupling between the phases; but the earth effect is considered through the Carson reduction. Its important to point out that, in spite of the loads being normally connected to the transformers secondaries, was considered the hypothesis of existence of star or delta loads connected to the primary circuit. To perform the simulation of voltage regulators, a new model was utilized, allowing the simulation of various types of configurations, according to their real functioning. Finally, was considered the possibility of representation of switches with current measuring in various points of the feeder. The loads are adjusted during the iteractive process, in order to match the current in each switch, converging to the measured value specified by the input data. In a second stage of the work, sensibility parameters were derived taking as base the described load flow, with the objective of suporting further optimization processes. This parameters are found by calculating of the partial derivatives of a variable in respect to another, in general, voltages, losses and reactive powers. After describing the calculation of the sensibility parameters, the Gradient Method was presented, using these parameters to optimize an objective function, that will be defined for each type of study. The first one refers to the reduction of technical losses in a medium voltage feeder, through the installation of capacitor banks; the second one refers to the problem of correction of voltage profile, through the instalation of capacitor banks or voltage regulators. In case of the losses reduction will be considered, as objective function, the sum of the losses in all the parts of the system. To the correction of the voltage profile, the objective function will be the sum of the square voltage deviations in each node, in respect to the rated voltage. In the end of the work, results of application of the described methods in some feeders are presented, aiming to give insight about their performance and acuity

Uma proposta de regulador nebuloso para geradores eólicos de indução

This work presents a proposal for a voltage and frequency control system for a wind power induction generator. It has been developed na experimental structure composes basically by a three phase induction machine, a three phase capacitor and a reactive static Power compensator controlled by histeresys. lt has been developed control algorithms using conventional methods (Pl control) and linguistic methods (using concepts of logic and fuzzy control), to compare their performances in the variable speed generator system. The control loop was projected using the ADJDA PCL 818 model board into a Pentium 200 MHz compu ter. The induction generator mathematical model was studied throught Park transformation. It has been realized simulations in the Pspice@ software, to verify the system characteristics in transient and steady-state situations. The real time control program was developed in C language, possibilish verify the algorithm performance in the 2,2kW didatic experimental system

Desenvolvimento de um protótipo para alimentação de pós para aspersão térmica em tocha de plasma

The nanometric powders have special features that usually result in new properties, originating applications or expanding them in various fields of knowledge. Because having a high area/volume ratio, phenomena such as superficial strength of adsorption becomes greater than the weight of the powder which makes more difficult its handling. The high power of agglomeration of these powders requires study and development of equipments to enable its management into the plasma torch. The objective of this work is to develop a powder feeder which can solve the mainly problems about insertion of powder into the thermal spray developed in the laboratory of plasmas, which are carried out with plasma torch arc not transferred (plasma spray). Therefore, it was made a aluminum s powder feeder and tests were performed to verify their operation and determine its rate of deposition by spraying powders of niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) with particle sizes less than 250 mesh (<0.063 mm). We used masses of 0.5 g - 1.0 g and 1.5 g of each powder in tests lasting 15 seconds - 20 to 25 seconds for each mass. The tests were performed in two ways: at atmospheric pressure using argon gas with a flow of 9 l / min as carrier gas and through a Venturi pipe also using argon gas with a flow of 9 l / min as carrier gas and with a flow of 20 l/min as the feed gas passing through the Venturi pipe. The powder feeder developed in this paper is very easy to be handling and building, resulting in feeding rate of 0.25 cm3/min - 1.37 cm3/min. The TiO2 showed higher feeding rates than the Nb2O5 in all tests, and the best rates were obtained with tests using mass 1.5 g and time of 15 seconds, reaching feeding rate of 1.37 cm3/min. The flow of feed had low interference in feeding rate during the tests

Obtenção de pós de Nb a partir da redução aluminotérmica com ignição por plasma

The aluminothermic reduction consists in an exothermic reaction between a metallic oxide and aluminum to produce the metal and the scum. The extracted melted metal of that reaction usually comes mixed with particles of Al2O3 resulting of the reduction, needing of subsequent refine to eliminate the residual impure as well as to eliminate porosities. Seeking to obtain a product in powder form with nanometric size or even submicrometric, the conventional heat source of the reaction aluminothermic , where a resistor is used (ignitor) as ignition source was substituted, for the plasma, that acts more efficient way in each particle of the sample. In that work it was used as metallic oxide the niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) for the exothermal reaction Nb2O5 + Al. Amounts stoichiometric, substoichiometric and superestoichiometric of aluminum were used. The Nb2O5 powder was mixed with aluminum powder and milled in planetarium of high energy for a period of 6 hours. Those powders were immerged in plasm that acts in a punctual way in each particle, transfering heat, so that the reaction can be initiate and spread integrally for the whole volume of the particle. The mixture of Nb2O5 + Al was characterized through the particle size analysis by laser and X-ray diffraction (DRX) and the obtained product of reaction was characterized using the electronic microscopy of sweeping (MEV) and the formed phases were analyzed by DRX. Niobium powders with inferior sizes to 1 mm were obtained by that method. It is noticed, through the analysis of the obtained results, that is possible to accomplish the aluminothermic reduction process by plasma ignition with final particles with inferior sizes to the original oxide

Separating interface state response from parasitic effects in conductance measurements on organic metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitors

A simple model is developed for the admittance of a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitor which includes the effect of a guard ring surrounding the Ohmic contact to the semiconductor. The model predicts most of the features observed in a MIS capacitor fabricated using regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) as the active semiconductor and polysilsesquioxane as the gate insulator. In particular, it shows that when the capacitor is driven into accumulation, the parasitic transistor formed by the guard ring and Ohmic contact can give rise to an additional feature in the admittance-voltage plot that could be mistaken for interface states. When this artifact and underlying losses in the bulk semiconductor are accounted for, the remaining experimental feature, a peak in the loss-voltage plot when the capacitor is in depletion, is identified as an interface (or near interface) state of density of similar to 4 x 10(10) cm(-2) eV(-1). Application of the model shows that exposure of a vacuum-annealed device to laboratory air produces a rapid change in the doping density in the channel region of the parasitic transistor but only slow changes in the bulk semiconductor covered by the gold Ohmic contact. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.