Development of a micro heat exchanger made with ceramic multi-layers (LTCC) and its setup to gas flow measurements

A green ceramic tape micro heat exchanger was developed using LTCC technology. The device was designed by using a CAD software and 2D and 3D simulations using a CFD package (COMSOL Multiphysics) to evaluate the fluid behavior in the microchannels. The micro heat exchanger is composed of five thermal exchange plates in cross flow arrangement and two connecting plates; heat exchanger dimensions are 26 × 26 × 6 mm3. Preliminary tests were carried out to characterize the device both in atmospheric pressure and in vacuum. The same techniques used in vacuum technology were applied to check the rotameters and to prevent device leakages. Thermal performance of the micro heat exchanger was experimentally tested. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A comparison of the film thickness of two adhesive luting agents and the effect of thermocycling on their microTBs to feldspathic ceramic.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of thermocycling (TC) on the microtensile bond strength (microTBS) of two luting agents to feldspathic ceramic and to measure their film thickness (FT). For the microTBS test, sixteen blocks (6.4 x 6.4 x 4.8 mm) were fabricated using a feldspathic ceramic, etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid, rinsed and treated with the silane agent. The ceramic blocks were divided into two groups (n= 8): Gr1: dual-cured resin cement and Gr2: flowable resin. The luting agents were applied on the treated surfaces. Microsticks (1 +/-0. 1mm2) were prepared and stored under two conditions: dry, specimens immediately submitted to the microTBS test, and TC (6,000 cycles; 5 degrees C-55 degrees C). The microTBS was evaluated using a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). The microTBS data (MPa) were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey' test (5%). For the FT test (ISO 4049), 0.05 ml of each luting agent (n=8) was pressed between two Mylar-covered glass plates (150 N) for 180 seconds and light polymerized. FT was measured using a digital paquimeter (Model 727-2001). The data (mm) were submitted to one-way ANOVA. The luting cement did not influence the microTBS results (p= 0.4467). Higher microtensile bond values were found after TC (20.5 +/- 8.6 MPa) compared to the dry condition (13.9 +/- 4. 7MPa), for both luting agents. The luting agents presented similar film thicknesses: Gr1- 0.052 +/- 0.016 mm; Gr2-0.041 +/- 0.003 mm. The luting agents presented similar film thickness and microTBS values, in dry and TC conditions and TC increased the bond strength regardless of the luting agent.

Color stability after accelerated aging of two silicones, pigmented or not, for use in facial prostheses

One of the greatest challenges faced by buccomaxillofacial prosthetists is to reproduce the patient's exact skin color and provide adequate esthetics. To reach this objective, professionals must use materials with easy characterization and that maintain color over long periods of time. The objective of this study was, thus, to evaluate the color stability of two types of silicones, Silastic 732 and Silastic MDX4-4210. Twenty-four test specimens were made from each type of silicone and were divided into a colorless group and groups intrinsically pigmented with ceramics, cosmetics or iron oxide. The specimens were submitted to an accelerated system of aging for non-metallic materials. Readings were carried out initially and after periods corresponding to 163, 351, 692 and 1,000 hours of aging, using a reflection spectrophotometer analysis, and color alterations were calculated by the CIE L*a*b* system. The data were submitted to variance analysis and Tukey's test at a 5% level of probability. The results demonstrated that, irrespective of the period of time analyzed, all the materials underwent some type of chromatic alteration (ΔE > 0). The test specimens made with Silastic 732 and MDX4-4210, without pigmentation, presented the lowest color alteration values after 1,000 hours of aging. Of the pigments, ceramic presented the lowest color alteration values and cosmetic powder presented the highest values. Thus, it may be concluded that the materials without the incorporation of pigments presented similar color alteration values, and did not differ statistically. The cosmetic powder used in this study was the pigment that most altered the color of the test specimens. © 2009 Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica.

Structural and dielectric properties of relaxor Sr0.5Ba 0.5Bi2Nb2O9 ceramic

Sr0.5Ba0.5Bi2Nb2O 9 ceramic was prepared by a conventional solid state reaction method and studied using X-ray powder diffraction and dielectric measurements. At room temperature, an orthorhombic structure was confirmed and their parameters were obtained using the Rietveld method. Dielectric properties were studied in a broad range of temperatures and frequencies. Typical relaxor behaviour was observed with strong dispersion of the complex relative dielectric permittivity. The temperature of the maximum dielectric constant Tm decreases with increasing frequency, and shifts towards higher temperature side. The activation energy Ea≈0·194±0·03 eV and freezing temperature Ta≈371±2 K values were found using the Vogel-Fulcher relationship. Conduction process in the material may be due to the hopping of charge carriers at low temperatures and small polarons and/or singly ionised oxygen vacancies at higher temperatures. © 2010 Maney Publishing.

Durability of feldspathic veneering ceramic on glass-infiltrated alumina ceramics after long-term thermocycling.

This study compared the bond strength durability of a feldspathic veneering ceramic to glass-infiltrated reinforced ceramics in dry and aged conditions. Disc shaped (thickness: 4 mm, diameter: 4 mm) of glass-infiltrated alumina (In-Ceram Alumina) and glass-infiltrated alumina reinforced by zirconia (In-Ceram Zirconia) core ceramic specimens (N=48, N=12 per groups) were constructed according to the manufacturers' recommendations. Veneering ceramic (VITA VM7) was fired onto the core ceramics using a mold. The core-veneering ceramic assemblies were randomly divided into two conditions and tested either immediately after specimen preparation (Dry) or following 30000 thermocycling (5-55 oC±1; dwell time: 30 seconds). Shear bond strength test was performed in a universal testing machine (cross-head speed: 1 mm/min). Failure modes were analyzed using optical microscope (x20). The bond strength data (MPa) were analyzed using ANOVA (α=0.05). Thermocycling did not decrease the bond strength results for both In-Ceram Alumina (30.6±8.2 MPa; P=0.2053) and In-Ceram zirconia (32.6±9 MPa; P=0.3987) core ceramic-feldspathic veneering ceramic combinations when compared to non-aged conditions (28.1±6.4 MPa, 29.7±7.3 MPa, respectively). There were also no significant differences between adhesion of the veneering ceramic to either In-Ceram Alumina or In-Ceram Zirconia ceramics (P=0.3289). Failure types were predominantly a mixture of adhesive failure between the veneering and the core ceramic together with cohesive fracture of the veneering ceramic. Long-term thermocycling aging conditions did not impair the adhesion of the veneering ceramic to the glass-infiltrated alumina core ceramics tested.

Development of ceramic cutting tools for future application on dry machining

Advanced ceramic materials constitute a mature technology with a very broad base of current and potential applications and a growing list of material compositions. Within the advanced ceramics category, silicon nitride based ceramics are wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant and lightweight materials, and are superior to many materials with regard to stability in high-temperature environments. Because of this combination the silicon nitride ceramics have an especially high potential to resolve a wide number of machining problems in the industries. Presently the Si3N4 ceramic cutting tool inserts are developed using additives powders that are pressed and sintered in the form of a cutting tool insert at a temperature of 1850 °C using pressureless sintering. The microstructure of the material was observed and analyzed using XRD, SEM, and the mechanical response of this array microstructure was characterized for hardness Vickers and fracture toughness. The results show that Si3N4/20 wt.% (AlN and Y 2O3) gives the best balance between hardness Vickers and fracture toughness. The Si3N4/15 wt.% (AlN and Y 2O3) composition allows the production of a very fine-grained microstructure with low decreasing of the fracture toughness and increased hardness Vickers. These ceramic cutting tools present adequate characteristics for future application on dry machining. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications.

Silica coating on alumina ceramic: comparison of three chairside air-abrasion devices working for different times and distances.

This study evaluated, by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and EDS, the effect of different strategies for silica coating (sandblasters, time and distance) of a glass-infiltrated ceramic (In-Ceram Alumina). Forty-one ceramic blocks were produced. For comparison of the three air-abrasion devices, 15 ceramic samples were divided in three groups (N.=5): Bioart, Microetcher and Ronvig (air-abrasion parameters: 20 s at a distance of 10 mm). For evaluation of the time and distance factors, ceramic samples (N.=5) were allocated in groups considering three applied times (5 s, 13 s and 20 s) and two distances (10 mm and 20 mm), using the Ronvig device. In a control sample, no surface treatment was performed. After that, the micro-morphologic analyzes of the ceramic surfaces were made using SEM. EDS analyzes were carried out to detect the % of silica on representative ceramic surface. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to analyze the results. One-way ANOVA showed the silica deposition was different for different devices (P=0.0054). The Ronvig device promoted the highest silica coating compared to the other devices (Tukey test). Two-way ANOVA showed the distance and time factors did not affect significantly the silica deposition (application time and distance showed no statistical difference). The Ronvig device provided the most effective silica deposition on glass-infiltrated alumina ceramic surface and the studied time and distance for air-abrasion did not affect the silica coating.

Effect of hydrofluoric acid etching duration on the roughness and flexural strength of a lithium disilicate-based glass ceramic

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of different acid etching times on the surface roughness and flexural strength of a lithium disilicate-based glass ceramic. Ceramic bar-shaped specimens (16 mm x 2 mm x 2 mm) were produced from ceramic blocks. All specimens were polished and sonically cleaned in distilled water. Specimens were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=15). Group A (control) no treatment. Groups B-E were etched with 4.9% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 4 different etching periods: 20 s, 60 s, 90 s and 180 s, respectively. Etched surfaces were observed under scanning electron microscopy. Surface profilometry was used to examine the roughness of the etched ceramic surfaces, and the specimens were loaded to failure using a 3-point bending test to determine the flexural strength. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). All etching periods produced significantly rougher surfaces than the control group (p<0.05). Roughness values increased with the increase of the etching time. The mean flexural strength values were (MPa): A=417 ± 55; B=367 ± 68; C=363 ± 84; D=329 ± 70; and E=314 ± 62. HF etching significantly reduced the mean flexural strength as the etching time increased (p=0.003). In conclusion, the findings of this study showed that the increase of HF etching time affected the surface roughness and the flexural strength of a lithium disilicate-based glass ceramic, confirming the study hypothesis.

Stress distribution in ceramic restorations over natural tooth using finite element analysis. lithium disilicate x aluminum oxide material

Background: Data on stress distribution in tooth-restoration interface with different ceramic restorative materials are limited. The aim of this chapter was to assess the stress distribution in the interface of ceramic restorations with laminate veneer or full-coverage crown with two different materials (lithium dissilicate and densely sintered aluminum oxide) under different loading areas through finite element analysis. Materials and Methods: Six two-dimensional finite element models were fabricated with different restorations on natural tooth: laminate veneer (IPS Empress, IPS Empress Esthetic and Procera AllCeram) or full-coverage crown (IPS e.max Press and Procera AllCeram). Two different loading areas (L) (50N) were also determined: palatal surface at 45° in relation to the long axis of tooth (L1) and perpendicular to the incisal edge (L2). A model with higid natural tooth was used as control. von Mises equivalent stress (σ vM) and maximum principal stress (σ max) were obtained on Ansys software. Results: The presence of ceramic restoration increased σ vM and σ max in the adhesive interface, mainly for the aluminum oxide (Procera AllCeram system) restorations. The full-coverage crowns generated higher stress in the adhesive interface under L1 while the same result was observed for the laminate veneers under L2. Conclusions: Lithium dissilicate and densely sintered aluminum oxide restorations exhibit different behavior due to different mechanical properties and loading conditions. © 2011 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Glass-ceramic material from the SiO 2-Al 2O 3-CaO system using sugar-cane bagasse ash (SCBA)

Brazil is the world's largest producer of alcohol and sugar from sugarcane. Currently, sugarcane bagasse is burned in boilers to produce steam and electrical energy, producing a huge volume of ash. The major component of the ash is SiO 2, and among the minor components there are some mineralizing agents or fluxing. Published works have shown the potential of transforming silicate-based residues into glass-ceramic products of great utility. This work reports the research results of SCBA use to produce glass-ceramics with wollastonite, rankinite and gehlenite as the major phases. These silicates have important applications as building industry materials, principally wollastonite, due to their special properties: high resistance to weathering, zero water absorption, and hardness among others. The glasses (frits) were prepared mixing ash, calcium carbonate and sodium or potassium carbonates as flux agents, in different concentrations. X-ray fluorescence was used to determine the chemical composition of the glasses and their crystallization was assessed by using thermal analysis (DTA/DSC/TGA) and X-ray diffraction. The crystallization kinetics was evaluated using the Kissinger method, giving activation energies ranging from 200 to 600 kJ/mol. © 2011 Ceramic Society of Japan.

Shear bond strength of resin cement bonded to alumina ceramic after treatment by aluminum oxide sandblasting or silica coating

Purpose: To evaluate the shear bond strength and bond durability between a dual-cured resin cement (RC) and a high alumina ceramic (In-Ceram Alumina), subjected to two surface treatments. Materials and Methods: Forty disc-shaped specimens (sp) (4-mm diameter, 5-mm thick) were fabricated from In-Ceram Alumina and divided into two groups (n = 20) in accordance with surface treatment: (1) sandblasting by aluminum oxide particles (50 μm Al 2O 3) (SB) and (2) silica coating (30 μm SiO x) using the CoJet system (SC). After the 40 sp were bonded to the dual-cured RC, they were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. After this period, the sp from each group were divided into two conditions of storage (n = 10): (a) 24 h-shear bond test 24 hours after cementation; (b) Aging-thermocycling (TC) (12,000 times, 5 to 55°C) and water storage (150 days). The shear test was performed in a universal test machine (1 mm/min). Results: ANOVA and Tukey (5%) tests noted no statistically significant difference in the bond strength values between the two surface treatments (p= 0.7897). The bond strengths (MPa) for both surface treatments reduced significantly after aging (SB-24: 8.2 ± 4.6; SB-Aging: 3.7 ± 2.5; SC-24: 8.6 ± 2.2; SC-Aging: 3.5 ± 3.1). Conclusion: Surface conditioning using airborne particle abrasion with either 50 μm alumina or 30 μm silica particles exhibited similar bond strength values and decreased after long-term TC and water storage for both methods. © 2011 by The American College of Prosthodontists.

Bonding all-ceramic restorations with two resins cement techniques: A clinical report of three-year follow-up

Ceramics have been widely used for esthetic and functional improvements. The resin cement is the material of choice for bonding ceramics to dental substrate and it can also dictate the final esthetic appearance and strength of the restoration. The correct use of the wide spectrum of resin luting agents available depends on the dental tooth substrate. This article presents three-year clinical results of a 41 years old female patient B.H.C complaining about her unattractive smile. Two all-ceramic crowns and two laminates veneers were placed in the maxillary incisors and cemented with a self-adhesive resin luting cement and conventional resin luting cement, respectively. After a three-year follow-up, the restorations and cement/teeth interface were clinically perfect with no chipping, fractures or discoloration. Proper use of different resin luting cements shows clinical appropriate behavior after a three-year follow-up. Self-adhesive resin luting cement may be used for cementing all-ceramic crowns with high predictability of success, mainly if there is a large dentin surface available for bonding and no enamel at the finish line. Otherwise, conventional resin luting agent should be used for achieving an adequate bonding strength to enamel.

Influence of acid-etching and ceramic primers on the repair of a glass ceramic

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different primers on the microtensile bond strength (μT BS) between a feldspathic ceramic and two composites. Forty blocks (6.0 × 6.0 × 5.0 mm 3) were prepared from Vita Mark II . After polishing, they were randomly divided into 10 groups according to the surface treatment: Group 1, hydrofluoric acid 10% (HF) + silane; Group 2, CoJet + silane; Group 3, HF + Metal/Zirconia Primer; Group 4, HF + Clearfil Primer; Group 5, HF + Alloy Primer; Group 6, HF + V-Primer; Group 7, Metal/Zirconia Primer; Group 8, Clearfil Primer; Group 9, Alloy Primer; Group 10, V-Primer. After each surface treatment, an adhesive was applied and one of two composite resins was incrementally built up. The sticks obtained from each block (bonded area: 1.0 mm2 ± 0.2 mm) were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 30 days and submitted to thermocycling (7,000 cycles; 5°C/55°C ± 1°C). The μT BS test was carried out using a universal testing machine (1.0 mm/min). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a Tukey test (α = 0.05). The surface treatments significantly affected the results (P < 0.05); no difference was observed between the composites (P > 0.05). The bond strength means (MPa) were as follows: Group 1a = 29.6; Group 1b = 33.7; Group 2a = 28.9; Group 2b = 27.1; Group 3a = 13.8; Group 3b = 14.9; Group 4a = 18.6; Group 4b = 19.4; Group 5a = 15.3; Group 5b = 16.5; Group 6a = 11; Group 6b = 18; Groups 7a to 10b = 0. While the use of primers alone was not sufficient for adequate bond strengths to feldspathic ceramic, HF etching followed by any silane delivered higher bond strength.

Effect of airborne particle abrasion protocols on surface topography of Y-TZP ceramic

This study aimed to evaluate Y-TZP surface after different airborne particle abrasion protocols. Seventy-six Y-TZP ceramic blocks (5×4×4) mm3 were sintered and polished. Specimens were randomly divided into 19 groups (n=4) according to control group and 3 factors: a) protocol duration (2 and 4 s); b) particle size (30 μm, alumina coated silica particle; 45 μm, alumina particle; and 145 μm, alumina particle) and; c) pressure (1.5, 2.5 and 4.5 bar). Airborne particle abrasion was performed following a strict protocol. For qualitative and quantitative results, topography surfaces were analyzed in a digital optical profilometer (Interference Microscopic), using different roughness parameters (Ra, Rq, Rz, X-crossing, Mr1, Mr2 and Sdr) and 3D images. Surface roughness also was analyzed following the primer and silane applications on Y-TZP surfaces. One-way ANOVA revealed that treatments (application period, particle size and pressure of particle blasting) provided significant difference for all roughness parameters. The Tukey test determined that the significant differences between groups were different among roughness parameters. In qualitative analysis, the bonding agent application reduced roughness, filing the valleys in the surface. The protocols performed in this study verified that application period, particle size and pressure influenced the topographic pattern and amplitude of roughness.

Effect of ceramic surface treatment on the shear bond strength of a resin cement to different ceramic systems

This study evaluated three surface treatments and their effects on the shear bond strength between a resin cement and one of three ceramics. The ceramic surfaces were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM ) as well. Specimens were treated with 50 μm aluminum oxide airborne particles, 10% hydrofluoric acid etching, or a combination of the two. Using a matrix with a center hole (5.0 mm × 3.0 mm), the ceramic bonding areas were filled with resin cement following treatment. The specimens were submitted to thermal cycling (1,000 cycles) and the shear bond strength was tested (0.5 mm/minute). The failure mode and the effect of surface treatment were analyzed under SEM . Data were submitted to ANOVA and a Tukey test (α = 0.05). Duceram Plus and IPS Empress 2 composite specimens produced similar shear bond strength results (p > 0.05), regardless of the treatment method used. Hydrofluoric acid decreased the shear bond strength of In-Ceram Alumina specimens. For all materials, surface treatments changed the morphological surface. All treatments influenced the shear bond strength and failure mode of the ceramic/resin cement composites.