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.

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.

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.

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.

Influence of water immersion and ultraviolet weathering on mechanical and viscoelastic properties of polyphenylene sulfide-carbon fiber composites

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Comparison of microbial load in immersion chilling water and poultry carcasses after 8, 16 and 24 working hours

As atividades dos estabelecimentos de abate de frangos são conhecidas por utilizarem grandes volumes de água durante seus processos, principalmente no processo de resfriamento das carcaças de frangos. Parte desse volume utilizado se faz necessário, em cumprimento à legislação que determina que cada tanque do sistema de pré-resfriadores contínuos por imersão deve ser completamente esvaziado, limpo e desinfetado no final de cada período de trabalho (oito horas). O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a carga microbiana das águas do sistema de resfriamento e das carcaças de frango ao final de oito, dezesseis e vinte e quatro horas de trabalho do abatedouro, para possível redução do número de vezes do completo esvaziamento dos tanques do sistema de resfriamento. Foram avaliadas, por meio de métodos convencionais microbiológicos e físico-químicos, amostras da água de abastecimento (n=69), visando a evitar possível interferência nas contagens das águas do sistema de resfriamento, amostras de carcaças de frango antes (n=345) e após (n=345) sua passagem pelo sistema de resfriamento e amostras de águas do último estágio do sistema de resfriamento de carcaças (n=69). Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que não houve diferença significativa na carga microbiana das amostras entre as três jornadas de trabalho do estabelecimento, sugerindo que a redução é segura, diminuindo assim o volume de águas residuais e seu impacto no meio ambiente, bem como melhorando o uso racional do tempo de processamento.

The crystal field strength parameter and the maximum splitting of the 7F1 manifold of the Eu3+ ion in oxides

We examine, from both the experimental and theoretical point of view, the behavior of the maximum splitting ΔE, of the 7F1 manifold of the Eu3+ ion as a function of the so-called crystal field strength parameter, Nv, in a series of oxides. In connection with the original theory that describes the relation between ΔE and Nv, a more consistent procedure to describe this relation is presented for the cases of small total angular momentum J. Good agreement is found between theory and experiment. © 1995.

Composite resin color stability: influence of light sources and immersion media

This study evaluated the influence of light sources and immersion media on the color stability of a nanofilled composite resin. Conventional halogen, high-power-density halogen and high-power-density light-emitting diode (LED) units were used. There were 4 immersion media: coffee, tea, Coke® and artificial saliva. A total of 180 specimens (10 mm x 2 mm) were prepared, immersed in artificial saliva for 24 h at 37±1ºC, and had their initial color measured with a spectrophotometer according to the CIELab system. Then, the specimens were immersed in the 4 media during 60 days. Data from the color change and luminosity were collected and subjected to statistical analysis by the Kruskall-Wallis test (p<0.05). For immersion time, the data were subjected to two-way ANOVA test and Fisher's test (p<0.05). High-power-density LED (ΔE=1.91) promoted similar color stability of the composite resin to that of the tested halogen curing units (Jet Lite 4000 plus--ΔE=2.05; XL 3000--ΔE=2.28). Coffee (ΔE=8.40; ΔL=-5.21) showed the highest influence on color stability of the studied composite resin. There was no significant difference in color stability regardless of the light sources, and coffee was the immersion medium that promoted the highest color changes on the tested composite resin.

Bond strength of artificial teeth attached to a microwave-polymerized denture base resin after immersion in disinfectant solutions

To evaluate the bond strength between two types of acrylic resin teeth and a microwave denture base resin after immersion in disinfectant solutions for 180 days. Eighty specimens made of acrylic resin teeth (Biotone and Biotone IPN) attached to a microwave polymerized denture base resin (Nature-Cryl MC) were divided into eight groups (n = 10) according to the treatment (distilled water-control, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate, 1% sodium hypochlorite and sodium perborate solution-Corega Tabs). The shear strength tests (MPa) were carried out using a universal testing machine with a 0.5 mm/min speed. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and multiple comparison Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test (α = 0.05). Biotone IPN showed similar results among the groups (distilled water, 8.25 ± 1.81 MPa; chlorhexidine, 7.81 ± 3.34 MPa; hypochlorite, 7.75 ± 3.72 MPa; and Corega Tabs, 7.58 ± 2.27 MPa, whereas Biotone showed significantly lower shear bond strength values for the groups immersed in Corega Tabs (5.25 ± 3.27 MPa) and chlorhexidine (6.08 ± 2.35 MPa). Soaking the dentures in 1% sodium hypochlorite could be recommended as a disinfectant solution for dentures fabricated with conventional acrylic resin denture teeth and microwave denture base resin. For dentures fabricated with IPN teeth and microwave denture base resin, all the soaking solutions evaluated in this study could be suggested to denture wearers.

Composite resin color stability: influence of light sources and immersion media

This study evaluated the influence of light sources and immersion media on the color stability of a nanofilled composite resin. Conventional halogen, high-power-density halogen and high-power-density light-emitting diode (LED) units were used. There were 4 immersion media: coffee, tea, Coke® and artificial saliva. A total of 180 specimens (10 mm x 2 mm) were prepared, immersed in artificial saliva for 24 h at 37±1ºC, and had their initial color measured with a spectrophotometer according to the CIELab system. Then, the specimens were immersed in the 4 media during 60 days. Data from the color change and luminosity were collected and subjected to statistical analysis by the Kruskall-Wallis test (p<0.05). For immersion time, the data were subjected to two-way ANOVA test and Fisher's test (p<0.05). High-power-density LED (ΔE=1.91) promoted similar color stability of the composite resin to that of the tested halogen curing units (Jet Lite 4000 plus--ΔE=2.05; XL 3000--ΔE=2.28). Coffee (ΔE=8.40; ΔL=-5.21) showed the highest influence on color stability of the studied composite resin. There was no significant difference in color stability regardless of the light sources, and coffee was the immersion medium that promoted the highest color changes on the tested composite resin.