Descarga em barreira dielétrica: construção de um reator DBD e caracterização mediante análises ópticas e elétricas do plasma produzido

The plasma produced by Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) is a promising technique for producing plasma in atmospheric pressure and has been highlighted in several areas, especially in biomedical and textile industry, this is due to the fact that the plasma generated by DBD not reaches high temperatures, enabling use it for thermally sensitive materials. But still it is necessary the development of research related to understanding of the chemical, physical and biological interaction between the non-thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure with cells, tissues, organs and organisms. This work proposes to develop equipment DBD and characterize it in order to obtain a better understanding of the process parameters of plasma production and how it behaves under the parameters adopted in the process, such as distance, frequency and voltage applied between electrodes. For this purpose two techniques were used to characterize distinct from each other. The first was the method of Lissajous figures, this technique is quite effective and accurately for complete electrical characterization equipment DBD. The second technique used was Optical Emission Spectroscopy (EEO) very effective tool for the diagnosis of plasma with it being possible to identify the excited species present in the plasma produced. Finally comparing the data obtained by the two techniques was possible to identify a set of parameters that optimize the production when combined DBD plasma atmosphere in the equipment was built precisely in this condition 0.5mm-15kV 600Hz, giving way for further work

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 sistemático de estrelas variáveis na era dos grandes surveys

The interest in the systematic analysis of astronomical time series data, as well as development in astronomical instrumentation and automation over the past two decades has given rise to several questions of how to analyze and synthesize the growing amount of data. These data have led to many discoveries in the areas of modern astronomy asteroseismology, exoplanets and stellar evolution. However, treatment methods and data analysis have failed to follow the development of the instruments themselves, although much effort has been done. In present thesis, we propose new methods of data analysis and two catalogs of the variable stars that allowed the study of rotational modulation and stellar variability. Were analyzed the photometric databases fromtwo distinctmissions: CoRoT (Convection Rotation and planetary Transits) and WFCAM (Wide Field Camera). Furthermore the present work describes several methods for the analysis of photometric data besides propose and refine selection techniques of data using indices of variability. Preliminary results show that variability indices have an efficiency greater than the indices most often used in the literature. An efficient selection of variable stars is essential to improve the efficiency of all subsequent steps. Fromthese analyses were obtained two catalogs; first, fromtheWFCAMdatabase we achieve a catalog with 319 variable stars observed in the photometric bands Y ZJHK. These stars show periods ranging between ∼ 0, 2 to ∼ 560 days whose the variability signatures present RR-Lyrae, Cepheids , LPVs, cataclysmic variables, among many others. Second, from the CoRoT database we selected 4, 206 stars with typical signatures of rotationalmodulation, using a supervised process. These stars show periods ranging between ∼ 0, 33 to ∼ 92 days, amplitude variability between ∼ 0, 001 to ∼ 0, 5 mag, color index (J - H) between ∼ 0, 0 to ∼ 1, 4 mag and spectral type CoRoT FGKM. The WFCAM variable stars catalog is being used to compose a database of light curves to be used as template in an automatic classifier for variable stars observed by the project VVV (Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy) moreover it are a fundamental start point to study different scientific cases. For example, a set of 12 young stars who are in a star formation region and the study of RR Lyrae-whose properties are not well established in the infrared. Based on CoRoT results we were able to show, for the first time, the rotational modulation evolution for an wide homogeneous sample of field stars. The results are inagreement with those expected by the stellar evolution theory. Furthermore, we identified 4 solar-type stars ( with color indices, spectral type, luminosity class and rotation period close to the Sun) besides 400 M-giant stars that we have a special interest to forthcoming studies. From the solar-type stars we can describe the future and past of the Sun while properties of M-stars are not well known. Our results allow concluded that there is a high dependence of the color-period diagram with the reddening in which increase the uncertainties of the age-period realized by previous works using CoRoT data. This thesis provides a large data-set for different scientific works, such as; magnetic activity, cataclysmic variables, brown dwarfs, RR-Lyrae, solar analogous, giant stars, among others. For instance, these data will allow us to study the relationship of magnetic activitywith stellar evolution. Besides these aspects, this thesis presents an improved classification for a significant number of stars in the CoRoT database and introduces a new set of tools that can be used to improve the entire process of the photometric databases analysis

Thermoanalytical study of purine derivatives compounds

Os métodos térmicos em análises estão sendo atualmente muito utilizados nas investigações cientificas. Neste trabalho a termogravimetria-análise térmica diferencial simultânea (TG-DTA), difratometria de raios X pelo método do pó, espectroscopia de absorção na região do infravermelho foram utilizadas para estudar os compostos derivados da purina. Sendo estes: aminofilina. teofilina, cafeína e ácido úrico. Os resultados forneceram informações com respeito à estabilidade térmica e decomposição térmica sobre esses compostos.

Avaliação de métodos de análises para determinação da contagem de células somáticas no leite cru, mantido em tanque de resfriamento

We analyzed the quality of raw milk from eight dairy farms in Rio Grande do Norte stored in a cooling tank , in order to evaluate methods for determining somatic cell counts (SCC). The Somaticell® kit and a portable Direct Cell Counter (DCC) were compared with each other and with the MilkoScanTM FT+ (FOSS Denmark), which uses Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy). Direct cell counter data were processed for somatic cell scores (log-transformed somatic cell count) and analyzed with the SAS®, statistical package , Statistical Analysis System, (SAS, INSTITUTE, 1998). Comparison of means and correlation of somatic cell scores were conducted using Pearson s correlation coefficient and the Tukey Test at 1 %. No significant difference was observed for comparison of means. The correlation between somatic cell scores was significant, that is, 0.907 and 0.876 between the MilkoScanTM FT+ and the Somaticell® kit and Direct Cell Count (DCC) respectively, and 0.943 between the Somaticell® kit and Direct Cell Count (DCC). The methods can be recommended for monitoring the quality of raw milk kept in a cooling tank in the production unit

Determinação do teor de cálcio através da termogravimetria, em medicamentos utilizados no tratamento da osteoporose: um estudo comparativo

The present study utilized the thermogravimetry (TG) and optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma - ICP / OES to determine the calcium content in tablets of carbonate, citrate and calcium lactate used in the treatment of osteoporosis. The samples were characterized by IR, SEM, TG / DTG, DTA, DSC and XRD. The thermal analysis evaluated the thermal stability and physical-chemical events and showed that the excipients influence the decomposition of active ingredients. The results of thermogravimetry indicated that the decomposition temperature of the active CaCO3 (T = 630.2 °C) is lower compared to that obtained in samples of the tablets (633.4 to 655.2 °C) except for sample AM 2 (Ti = 613.8 oC). In 500.0 °C in the samples of citrate and calcium lactate, as well as their respective active principles had already been formed calcium carbonate. The use of N2 atmosphere resulted in shifting the initial and final temperature related to the decomposition of CaCO3. In the DTA and DSC curves were observed endo and exothermic events for the samples of tablets and active ingredients studied. The infrared spectra identified the main functional groups in all samples of active ingredients, excipients and tablets studied, such as symmetric and asymmetric stretches of the groups OH, CH, C = O. Analysis by X-ray diffraction showed that all samples are crystalline and that the final residue showed peaks indicative of the presence of calcium hydroxide by the reaction of calcium oxide with moisture of the air. Although the samples AM 1, AM 2, AM 3 and AM 6 in their formulations have TiO2 and SiO2 peaks were not observed in X-ray diffractograms of these compounds. The results obtained by TGA to determine the calcium content of the drugs studied were satisfactory when compared with those obtained by ICP-OES. In the AM 1 tablet was obtained the content of 35.37% and 32.62% for TG by ICP-OES, at 6 AM a percentage of 17.77% and 16.82% and for AM 7 results obtained were 8.93% for both techniques, showing that the thermogravimetry can be used to determine the percentage of calcium in tablets. The technique offers speed, economy in the use of samples and procedures eliminating the use of acid reagents in the process of the sample and efficiency results.

Estudo da viabilização do uso da mistura híbrida ferrocarbonila / ferrita de NI0,5Zn0,5Fe2o4 como material absorvedor de radiação eletromagnética

Were synthesized ferrites of NiZn on systems Ni0,5Zn0,5Fe2O4, the precursors citrate method. The decomposition of the precursors was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and spectroscopy in the infrared region, the temperature of 350°C/3h. The evolution of the phases formed after calcinations at 350ºC/3h, 600, 1000 and 1100ºC/2h was accompanied by X-ray diffraction using the Rietveld refinement method for better identification os structures formed. Was observed for samples calcined at different temperatures increased crystallinity with increasing calcination temperature, being observed for the samples calcined at 900 and 1100 º C/2h was the precipitation of a secondary phase, the phase hematite. The ferrocarbonila of industrial origin was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Rietveld for the identification of its structure. The carbonyl iron was added NiZn ferrite calcined at 350ºC/3h, 600, 900, 1000 and 1100ºC/2h to the formation of hybrid mixtures. They were then analyzed by Xray diffraction and Rietveld. The NiZn ferrite and ferrocarbonila as well as the hybrid mixtures were subjected to analysis of scanning electron microscopy, magnetic measurements and reflectivity. The magnetic measurements indicated that the ferrite, the ferrocarbonila, as well as hybrid mixtures showed characteristics of soft magnetic material. The addition of ferrocarbonila in all compositions showed an increase in the results of magnetic measurements and reflectivity. Best result was observed in the increase of the magnetization for the hybrid mixture of Ferrocarbonila / ferrite of NiZn calcined at 600ºC/2h. The mixture Ferrocarbonila / ferrite calcined 1000°C/2h presented better absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the microwave

Obtenção e Caracterização Físico-Química do Sistema Compósito PEG-TiO2

Hybrid systems formed from polymers and transition metals have now their physical and chemical properties extensively investigated for use in electronic devices. In this work, Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) from the precursor of titanium tetrabutoxide and the composite system Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Titanium Dioxide (TiO2-PEG) were synthesized by sol-gel method. The PEG as acquired and TiO2 and composites powders were analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Spectroscopy in the Infrared region with Fourier transform (IRFT), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). In the XRD analysis were observed in the TiO2 crystal faces of one of its polymorphs - anatase phase, crystal planes in Poly (Ethylene Glycol) with considerable intensity and in the composite systems the mixture of crystal faces of their precursors isolated and reduction of crystallinity. The TG / DTG suggested increasing the thermal instability of PEG in the composite powders as TiO2 is incorporated into the system. Spectral analysis presented in the infrared overlapping bands for the polymer and metal oxide, reducing the intensity of symmetric stretching of ligand groups in the main chain polymer and angular deformations; were observed using SEM micrographs of the morphological changes suffered by composite systems with the variation of the oxide concentration. Analyses by impedance spectroscopy indicated that the increased conductivity in composite occurs in line with the addition of the metal oxide concentration in the composite system

Aplicação da parafina e do óleo de linhaça como hidrofobizantes da vermiculita, para remoção de derivados de óleo diesel resentes em água produzida sintética

Produced water has lately aroused interest due to their high degree of salinity, suspended oil particles, chemicals added in various manufacturing processes, heavy metals and radioactivity sometimes. Along with oil and due to its high volume production, water production is one of the pollutants of most concern in the process of oil extraction. PAHs due to their ubiquity and their characteristics carcinogenic or mutagenic and teratogenic even have attracted the attention of every scientific society. Formed from the incomplete combustion of organic matter may be natural or anthropogenic. Some materials have been researched with the goal of cleaning up environmental matrices that may be contaminated by hydrocarbons. Among these materials researched various clays have been employed, of which highlights the vermiculite. The family of phyllosilicates, vermiculite for its potential and its high hydrophobic surface area has been a tool widely used in the decontamination of water in processes of oil spills. However, when it loses its capacity expanded hydrophobic having the necessity of using a hidrofobizante to make it organophilic. Among the numerous hidrofobizantes researched and used the linseed oil was the pioneer. In this study sought to evaluate the capacity of removal of PAHs using the vermiculite hydrofobized with linseed oil and wax also, for it was made use of the 24 full factorial design as the main tool for the experiments. We also evaluated the clay grain size (-20 +48 and -48 +80 #), the percentage of hidrofobizante applied (5 and 10%) and salinity of the water produced synthesized in our laboratory (35,000 and 55,000 ppm). The molecular fluorescence spectroscopy due to its sensitivity and speed was used to verify the adsorption capacity of clay, as well as gas chromatography served as an auxiliary technique to identify and quantify the PAHs in solution. In order to characterize the vermiculite was made use of X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. The infrared and thermogravimetry were essential to note hydrophobization and the amount of coating of clay. According to the fluorescence analysis showed that the test 12 was the best result in about 98% adsorption of fluorescent compounds, however the high salinity, the smallest particle size, the highest percentage of hidrofobizante and the use of linseed oil showed greater efficiency in the removal capacity of these hydrocarbons, in accordance with the trend followed by the analysis of the major factors of the factorial design. To verify the adsorption capacity of clay using a fixed volume of water produced synthetically, used as the test base 12, at their respective levels and factors. Thus, it was observed that after adding about 1 ½ liters of water solution produced synthetically, about 300 times its volume in mass, the vermiculite was able to adsorb 80% of fluorescent species present in solution

Membranas de quitosana micro e macroporosas : preparo, caracterização e estudos de permeabilidade

Two methodologies were proposed to obtain micro and macroporous chitosan membranes, using two different porogenic agents. The methodologies proved to be effective in control the porosity as well as the pore size. Thus, microporous membranes were obtained through the physical blend of chitosan and polyethylene oxide (PEO) on an 80:20 (m/m) ratio, respectively, followed by the partial PEO solubilization in water at 80 ◦C. Macroporous chitosan membranes with asymmetric morphology were obtained using SiO2 as the porogenic agent. In this case, chiotsan-silica ratios used were 1:1, 1:3 and 1:5 (m/m). Membranes characterization were carried out by SEM (scanning electronic microscopy), X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal analysis (TG, DTG , DSC and DMTA). Permeability studies were performed using two model drugs: sodium sulfamerazine and sulfametoxipyridazine. By transmission FTIR it was possible to confirm the complete removal of SiO2. The SEM images confirmed the porous formation for both micro and macroporous membranes and also determined their respective sizes. By thermal analysis it was possible to show differences related with water sorption capacity as well as thermal stability for both membranes. DTG and DSC allowed evidencing the PEO presence on microporous membranes. The absorbance x time curves obtained on permeability tests for micro and macroporous membranes showed a linear behavior for both drugs in all range of concentration used. It was also observed, through P versus C curves, an increase in permeability of macroporous membranes according to the increase in porosity and also a decrease on P with increase in drug concentration. The influences of the drug molecular structure, as well as test temperatures were also evaluated

Análises bromatológicas e fitoquímicas de frutos de Licania tomentosa (Benth) FRITSCH

This study conducted chemical analyzes of the fruits of Licania tomentosa Benth belonging to the Chrysobalanaceae family, order and superorder Rosiflorae Rosales. Samples were collected in February 2011 in the city of Natal - RN. The fruits were separated into peel, pulp and seed, and the samples were analyzed on moisture and ash by thermogravimetric methods, reducing and total sugars, lipids by Soxhlet extraction, minerals by ICP / OES and other analyzes by physical measurements of the fruit. The fruits for the analysis of determination of flavonoids and phenolic compounds were dried at 40 ° C and ground. For the analyzes to determine the content of phenolics and flavonols was used spectroscopy in the visible region, and also performed the characterization of ethanol extracts by high performance liquid chromatography and test for antioxidant activity hydroethanolic extracts. The results obtained are about 83.9% of the fruits have a length between 4.0 to 6.0 cm with respect to the diameter of the fruit about 97.4% of the fruits have a diameter between 2.0 - 4, 0 cm, mean weight of 36.14 g (7.86), the bark showed 60.5 (1.5)% relative humidity, the flesh 72.3 (0.9) and 44.4 seeds (0.4 )%, the bark showed 0.22 (0.00)% ash, the pulp 1.41 (0.01)% and the seed 1.18 (0.01)%, the bark showed 3.73 (0, 09) mg lipids / 100 g sample of the pulp 0.40 (0.04) and the seed 0.05 (0.00). With respect to reducing sugars and total gave the results, 16.23 (0.23) g/100g and 20.70 (0.24) g/100g. The fruit is presented with a good source of nutrients especially carbohydrates and lipids. The analysis for determining the antioxidant activity tests were performed reducing power and antioxidant capacity, the antioxidant capacity of hydroethanolic extracts of peel and pulp showed similar results, with higher concentrations however hydroethanolic bark extract. Regarding the content of phenolics and flavonoids hidroetanílico bark extract showed higher concentration values. The characterization of the extracts by high performance liquid chromatography identified the following compounds by retention time indicated by the race of the standards: galic acid, kaempferol and kaempferol derivatives. Considering the results of the fruit Licania tomentosa Benth may be an alternative food by analysis of their nutritional content and has substances with antioxidant action

Complexos metálicos de cobalto, níquel e cobre com a Pirazina-2-carboxamida e 4- hidrazida ácida piridincarboxílica: síntese e caracterização

This work involved the synthesis, characterization and proposing the molecular structure of coordination compounds involving ligands pyrazine-2-carboxamide (PZA) and 4- hydrazide acidic pyridine carboxylic (INH) and metals of the first transition series (M = Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+). For the characterization of the compounds used were analytical techniques such as infrared absorption spectroscopy average (FT-IR) molar conductivity measurements, CHN elemental analysis, EDTA Complexometric, measurement of melting point, X-ray diffraction by powder method, Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Simultaneous Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The absorption spectra in the infrared region suggested that the ligand coordination to the metal center occurs through the carbonyl oxygen atom and nitrogen alpha pyrazine ring to those complexes formed with PZA. For INH complexes with metal-ligand coordination is through the carbonyl oxygen and nitrogen of the terminal hydrazide grouping. The conductivity measurements of the complexes in aqueous solution they suggest to all behavior of the type 1:2 electrolytes, and conduct of non-electrolytes in acetonitrile. The results obtained by CHN elemental analysis and EDTA Complexometric allowed to infer the stoichiometry of the compounds synthesized. For all of the complexes obtained was possible to record the melting points, neither of which melted near the melting temperature of the free ligands. The X-ray diffraction showed that the complexes of pyrazinamide exhibited diffraction lines, suggesting that these compounds are crystalline, while compounds of isoniazid, with the exception of cobalt, exhibited diffraction lines, indicating that they are crystalline. The results from the TG-DTA and DSC allowed information regarding the dehydration and thermal decomposition of these complexes

Síntese, caracterizaçao e propriedades catalicas da peneira molecular nanoestruturada modificada com lantanio

The nanostructured molecular sieve SBA-15 was synthesized by the hydrothermal method, and modified with lanthanum with Si/La molar ratios of 25, 50, 75 and 100. The materials were evaluated as catalysts for the cracking of n-hexane model reaction. Type SBA- 15 and LaSBA-15 mesoporous materials were synthesized using tetraetilortosilicato as a source of silica, hydrochloric acid, heptahydrate lanthanum chloride and distilled water. Pluronic P123 triblock. polymer was used as structure template. The syntheses were carried out by 72 hours. The obtained SBA-15 samples were previously analyzed by thermogravimetry, in order to check the conditions of calcination for removal of organic template. Then, the calcined materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, adsorption and desorption of nitrogen, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis by dispersive energy. The acidity of the samples was determined using adsorption of n-bulinamina and desorption followed by thermogravimetry. It was found that the hydrothermal synthesis method was suitable for the synthesis of the SBA-15 mesoporous materials, with an excellent degree of hexagonal ordering. The reactions of catalytic cracking of n-hexane were carried out using a fixed bed continuous flow microreactor, coupled on-line to a gas chromatograph. From the catalytic evaluation, it was observed that the mesoporous materials containing lanthanum showed different results for the reaction of cracking of nhexane compared to the unmodified mesoporous material SBA-15. As a result of cracking was obtained as main products hydrocarbons in the range of C1 to C5. The catalyst that showed better properties in relation to the acidity and catalytic activity was LaSBA-15 with the ratio Si/La = 50

Avaliação oxidativa do biodiesel de pinhão manso em diferentes processos de purificação

The objective of this study was to analyze the oxidative stability of biodiesel from jatropha obtained from different purification processes, three wet processes with different drying (in a vacuum oven, conventional oven and in anhydrous sodium sulfate) and dry (purification with magnesium silicate adsorbent). Raw materials of different qualities (jatropha crop ancient and recent crop) were used. The Jatropha oil was extracted by mechanical extraction and refined. The Jatropha biodiesel was obtained by the transesterification reaction in ethyl route using alkaline catalysis. The biodiesel samples were characterized by analysis of water content, carbon residue, Absorption Spectroscopy in the Infrared Region and Thermogravimetry. Thermogravimetric curves of purified PUsv* PUsq* and had higher initial decomposition temperatures, indicating that the most stable, followed by samples PU* and PUSC*. Besides the sample SP* is a smaller initial temperature, confirming the sample without purification to be less thermally stable. The percentage mass loss of the purified samples showed conversion of about 98.5%. The results of analyzes carbon residue and infrared suggested that contamination by impurities is the main factor for decreased oxidative stability of biodiesel. The oxidative stability was assessed from periodic monitoring, using the techniques of Rancimat, peroxide index, acid value and Pressurized Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Samples of biodiesel from jatropha which showed better oxidative stability were of the best quality raw material and wet scrubbing: PUsq* with dry chemical, using anhydrous sodium sulfate and PUsv* with vacuum drying, which had oxidative stability 6 hours in Rancimat time 0 days, within the limits established by the Technical Regulation No. 4/2012 of the ANP, without the addition of antioxidant, suggesting that these procedures the least influence on the oxidative stability of biodiesel

Síntese pelo método pechini e caracterização da zircônia dopada com cério e neodímio

In this study five compositions were synthesized zirconia doped with cerium and neodymium ions in the system Ce10-xNdx Zr90O2 with 0,5 ≤ x ≤ 4,0 using the Pechini method. The powders were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, with application of Rietveld refinement of the calcination temperatures of 350ºC/3h and 30 minutes at 900ºC/3h. All compositions stabilized with a mixture of cubic and tetragonal phase zirconia. The samples were pressed into bars and sintered at 1500°C/3h and 1500°C/6h, being characterized by Xray diffraction, with application of the Rietveld refinement, density and porosity using Archimedes method, scanning electron microscopy and resistance the three point bending. It has been observed the increase in strength with increasing sintering temperature for the compositions x = 2,0 and x = 4,0. For x = 2,0 the main phase was the cubic with 92,56% with crystallite size of 0,56 μm, density and porosity of 96,82% from 1,36%. For x = 4,0 was a mixture of cubic and tetragonal phase with 21% and 37,98%, respectively. The crystallite size was 54,21 nm and 49,64 nm with a density porosity of 97,45% and 1,32% respectively. In the analysis of the fracture surface was observed a greater amount of grain fracture intragranular type, which contribute to increase the mechanical strength of the ceramic. Increased addition of the neodymium ion in the crystal lattice of the zirconium showed a nearly linear behavior with increasing mechanical strength of the zirconia ceramic. Was obtained a bending resistance of 537 ± 38 MPa for the composition x = 2,0 predominantly attributed to cubic phase with 92,56%