Síntese e caracterização de tungstatos de cério e estrôncio para fins catalíticos

The main goal of this work was to produce nanosized ceramic materials of the family of the tungstates (tungstates of cerium and strontium), and test them for their catalytic activity in processes involving the transformation of methane (CH4). The methodology used for the synthesis of the ceramic powders involved the complexation combining EDTA-citrate. The materials characterization was performed using simple and differential thermogravimetry, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The microstructure analysis was performed using the refinement by the Rietveld method, and the crystallite size and distribution of the materials was elucidate by the Scherrer and Williamson-Hall methods. The conditions of the synthesis process for the three envisaged materials (SrWO4, SrWO4 using tungsten oxide concentrate as raw material, and Ce2(WO4)3) were adjusted to obtain a single phase crystalline material. The catalytic tests were carried out in the presence of methane and synthetic air, which is composed of 21% O2 and 79% N2. The analysis of the conversion of the reaction was done with the aid of an fourier transform infrared device (FTIR). The analysis showed that, structurally, the SrWO4 produced using raw materials of high and poor purity (99% and 92%, respectively) are similar. The ideal parameters of calcination, in the tested range, are temperature of 1000 °C and time of calcination 5 hours. For the Ce2(WO4)3, the ideal calcination time and are temperature 15 hours and 1000°C, respectively. The Williamson-Hall method provided two different distributions for the crystallite size of each material, whose values ranged between the nanometer and micrometer scales. According to method of Scherrer, all materials produced were composed of nanometric crystallites. The analyses of transmission electron microscopy confirmed the results obtained from the Williamson- Hall method for the crystallite size. The EDS showed an atomic composition for the metals in the SrWO4 that was different of the theoretical composition. With respect to the catalytic tests, all materials were found to be catalytically active, but the reaction process should be further studied and optimized.

Estudo das ligas titânio-zircônio resultantes do processo de fundição plasma-skull para aplicações como biomateriais

The aim of this work was to study a series of 11 different compositions of Ti-Zr binary alloys resistance to aggressive environment, i. e., their ability to keep their surface properties and mass when exposed to them as a way to evaluate their performance as biomaterials. The first stage was devoted to the fabrication of tablets from these alloys by Plasma-Skull casting method using a Discovery Plasma machine from EDG Equipamentos, Brazil. In a second stage, the chemical composition of each produced tablet was verified. In a third stage, the specimen were submitted to: as-cast microstructure analysis via optical and scanning electron microscopy (OM and SEM), x-ray dispersive system (EDS) chemical analysis via SEM, Vickers hardness tests for mechanical evaluation and corrosion resistence tests in a 0.9% NaCl solution to simulate exposition to human saliva monitored by open circuit potential and polarization curves. From the obtained results, it was possible to infer that specimens A1 (94,07 wt% Ti and 5,93% wt% Zr), A4 (77,81 wt % Ti and 22,19 wt % Zr) and A8 (27,83 wt% Ti and 72,17 wt% Zr), presented best performance regarding to corrosion resistance, homogeneity and hardness which are necessary issues for biomaterials to be applied as orthopedic and odontological prosthesis

Queijo Parmesão: caracterização físico-química, microbiológica e microestrutura

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

Effect of Fe2O3 doping on the electrical properties of a SnO2 based varistor

The effect of Fe2O3 addition on the densification and electrical properties of the (0.9895 - x) SnO2 + 0.01CoO + 0.005Nb(2)O(5) + xFe(2)O(3) system, where x = 0.005 or 0.01, was considered in this study. The samples were sintered at 1300degreesC for 2 h. Microstructure analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed that the effect of Fe2O3 addition is to decrease the SnO2 grain size. J x E curves indicated that the system exhibit a varistor behavior and the effect of Fe2O3 is to increase both, the non-linear coefficient (alpha) and the breakdown voltage (E-r). Considering the Schottky thermionic emission model the potential height and width were estimated. Small amount addition of Fe2O3 to the basic system increases both the potential barrier height and width. (C) 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Influence of the rare-earths oxides doped on the SnO2CoOMnO2Ta2O5 varistor system

The tin dioxide is an n-type semiconductor, which exhibits varistor behavior with high capacity of absorption of energy, whose function is to restrict transitory over-voltages without being destroyed, when it is doped with some oxides. Varistors are used in alternated current fields as well as in continuous current, and it can be applied in great interval of voltages or in great interval of currents. The electric properties of the varistor depend on the defects that happen at the grain boundaries and the adsorption of oxygen. The (98.90-x)%SnO2.0.25%CoO+0.75%MnO2+0.05%Ta2O5+0.05%Tr2O3 systems, in which Tr=La or Nd. Current-voltage measurements were accomplished for determination of the non-linear coefficient were studied. SEM microstructure analysis was made to evaluate the microstructural characteristics of the systems. The results showed that the rare-earth oxides have influenced the electrical behavior presented by the system. (C) 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

A influência da microestrutura e dos tratamentos superficiais na vida em fadiga de aços inoxidáveis martensítico e austenítico usados na fabricação de válvulas para motores a combustão interna

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Biocompatilibidade in vivo de implantes de titânio submetidos ao processo biomimético

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estudo de um sistema varistor à base de 'SN''O IND.2' dopado com terras-raras

Pós-graduação em Química - IQ

Análise morfológica de pites em aços inoxidáveis austeníticos ABNT 304 e 310S submetido à nèvoa salina

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Mecânica - FEG

Análise do perfil de dureza e microestrutura de um aço forjado AISI A2 submetido a tratamento térmico com resfriamento em água

Due to the large use of steel in several processes around the world, there is the increasingly concern to find new materials and/or optimization and improvement of the processes, as the need to reduce the cost and a productivity increase in the primary industry, such as the siderurgy. The rolling is the most used mechanical process in the world and therefore is required the development of new tools in high volume and with optimum characteristics to support the market demand. Forged rolls used are for rolling. These rolls have heat treatment that has the purpose to achieve the appropriated mechanical properties to support the variables of the rolling process. The objective of this work is to analyze the hardness profile and the microstructure a tool steel similar to AISI A2, forged in an opened die process and submitted to heat treatment with water-cooling. The results allowed plotting a hardness profile and performing a microstructure analysis, and whereby to confirm that the heat treatment is not a quenching, but it is a material beneficiation by the hardening of superficial layer, since there is no martensitic microstructure. Therefore, this paper provides the support to future studies about the possibility to perform enhancements in this thermal heat made in the rolls produced at Gerdau Plant in Pindamonhangaba

Análise do perfil de dureza e microestrutura de um aço forjado AISI A2 submetido a tratamento térmico com resfriamento em água

Due to the large use of steel in several processes around the world, there is the increasingly concern to find new materials and/or optimization and improvement of the processes, as the need to reduce the cost and a productivity increase in the primary industry, such as the siderurgy. The rolling is the most used mechanical process in the world and therefore is required the development of new tools in high volume and with optimum characteristics to support the market demand. Forged rolls used are for rolling. These rolls have heat treatment that has the purpose to achieve the appropriated mechanical properties to support the variables of the rolling process. The objective of this work is to analyze the hardness profile and the microstructure a tool steel similar to AISI A2, forged in an opened die process and submitted to heat treatment with water-cooling. The results allowed plotting a hardness profile and performing a microstructure analysis, and whereby to confirm that the heat treatment is not a quenching, but it is a material beneficiation by the hardening of superficial layer, since there is no martensitic microstructure. Therefore, this paper provides the support to future studies about the possibility to perform enhancements in this thermal heat made in the rolls produced at Gerdau Plant in Pindamonhangaba

The Influence of Fractures on Vulnerability to Pollution of a Carbonate Aquifer: Monte Conero (Italy)

The carbonate outcrops of the anticline of Monte Conero (Italy) were studied in order to characterize the geometry of the fractures and to establish their influence on the petrophysical properties (hydraulic conductivity) and on the vulnerability to pollution. The outcrops form an analog for a fractured aquifer and belong to the Maiolica Fm. and the Scaglia Rossa Fm. The geometrical properties of fractures such as orientation, length, spacing and aperture were collected and statistically analyzed. Five types of mechanical fractures were observed: veins, joints, stylolites, breccias and faults. The types of fractures are arranged in different sets and geometric assemblages which form fracture networks. In addition, the fractures were analyzed at the microscale using thin sections. The fracture age-relationships resulted similar to those observed at the outcrop scale, indicating that at least three geological episodes have occurred in Monte Conero. A conceptual model for fault development was based on the observations of veins and stylolites. The fracture sets were modelled by the code FracSim3D to generate fracture network models. The permeability of a breccia zone was estimated at microscale by and point counting and binary image methods, whereas at the outcrop scale with Oda’s method. Microstructure analysis revealed that only faults and breccias are potential pathways for fluid flow since all veins observed are filled with calcite. According this, three scenarios were designed to asses the vulnerability to pollution of the analogue aquifer: the first scenario considers the Monte Conero without fractures, second scenario with all observed systematic fractures and the third scenario with open veins, joints and faults/breccias. The fractures influence the carbonate aquifer by increasing its porosity and hydraulic conductivity. The vulnerability to pollution depends also on the presence of karst zones, detric zones and the material of the vadose zone.

CNT and PDCs: A fruitful association? Study of a polycarbosilane–MWCNT composite

The effect of MWCNT introduction in a polycarbosilane based ceramic on its electrical properties is presented. The electrical conductivity of two MWCNT powders was measured under dynamic compaction up to 20 MPa when it reached 3–5 S/cm. The compaction behavior was also analyzed and modeled. A composite was then realized using allylhydridopolycarbosilane SMP10® and divinylbenzene as matrix. Intact 10 mm MWCNT-SiC ceramic discs samples with 2 wt.% filler load were produced pressure-less via liquid route despite the linear shrinkage of about 30%. Nanotubes microstructure and distribution in the matrix were confirmed after pyrolysis with TEM and SEM analysis. Anyhow similar electrical conductivity values after pyrolysis between the loaded and unloaded samples were measured. The microstructure analysis via XRD and TEM revealed that the percolative carbon network formed through the use of divinylbenzene improves the electric conductivity more than that of MWCNT addition and also simplifies the whole process.

Reactive processing of polymers: structural characterization of products by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy for glycidyl methacrylate grafting onto EPR in the absence and presence of a reactive comonomer

Grafted GMA on EPR samples were prepared in a Thermo-Haake internal mixer by free radical melt grafting reactions in the absence (conventional system; EPR-g-GMA(CONV)) and presence of the reactive comonomer divinyl benzene, DVB (EPR-g-GMA(DVB)). The GMA-homopolymer (poly-GMA), a major side reaction product in the conventional system, was almost completely absent in the DVB-containing system, the latter also resulted in a much higher level of GMA grafting. A comprehensive microstructure analysis of the formed poly-GMA was performed based on one-dimensional H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopy and the complete spectral assignments were supported by two-dimensional NMR techniques based on long range two and three bond order carbon-proton couplings from HMBC (Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Coherence) and that of one bond carbon-proton couplings from HSQC (Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence), as well as the use of Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer (DEPT) NMR spectroscopy. The unambiguous analysis of the stereochemical configuration of poly-GMA was further used to help understand the microstructures of the GMA-grafts obtained in the two different free radical melt grafting reactions, the conventional and comonomer-containing systems. In the grafted GMA, in the conventional system (EPR-g-GMA(CONV)), the methylene protons of the GMA were found to be sensitive to tetrad configurational sequences and the results showed that 56% of the GMA sequence in the graft is in atactic configuration and 42% is in syndiotactic configuration whereas the poly-GMA was predominantly syndiotactic. The differences in the microstructures of the graft in the conventional EPR-g-GMA(CONV) and the DVB-containing (EPR-g-GMA(DVB)) systems is also reported (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of hydroperiod on the life-history parameters of Lucania goodei (fundulidae) in the Florida Everglades

In aquatic ecosystems, hydrological fluctuation may generate a gradient of lifehistory responses associated with marsh drying. This study was conducted in the Florida Everglades to document spatial and temporal variability in growth and survivorship of the bluefin killifish (Lucania goodei) from six populations along a hydroperiod gradient. The otolith-microstructure analysis of field-collected fish was used to estimate growth rate and those data were combined with field-density estimates for survivorship analysis. Otolith analysis revealed that L. goodei is extremely short-lived with no variation in growth rates and very little spatial or temporal variation in survivorship. These results suggest that bluefin killifish populations experience similar life histories across a diversity of hydroperiods either through well-mixed populations homogenizing these vital rates, or more likely, that a multitude of factors force L. goodei to respond to these "stressors" in a similar fashion across hydroperiod gradients.