Electrical properties of screen printed BaTiO3 thick films

The deposition of thick film pastes by screen-printing is a relatively simple and convenient method to produce thicker layers with thickness up to 100 mum. In the present work, the barium titanate thick films were prepared from mechanically activated powders based on BaC03 and TiO2. After mixing, the powders were calcined at low temperature by slow heating and cooling rates. The thick films were deposited on to Al2O3 substrates through hybrid technology. The obtained films were fired at 850 degreesC together with electrode material (silver/palladium). The electrical properties of thick films: dielectric permittivity, dielectric losses, Curie temperature, hysteresis loop were reported. The obtained BT thick films can be applied in as multilayer capacitors or in gas sensor application. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cracks developed during SrTiO3 thin-film preparation from polymeric precursors

Strontium titanate (SrTiO3) thin films were prepared by dip-coating Si(111) single-crystal substrates in citrate solutions of ethylene glycol, considering several citric acid/ethylene glycol (CA/EG) ratios. Measurements of intrinsic viscosity indicate that increasing the amount of EG increases the precursors' polymeric chains and increases the weight loss. After deposition the substrates were dried on a hotplate (approximate to 150 degrees C); this was followed by heat treatment at temperatures ranging from 500 to 700 degrees C using heating and cooling rates of 1 degrees C min(-1). SEM and optical microscopy investigations of the sintered films obtained from different CA/EG ratios indicate that there is a critical thickness above which the films present cracks. This critical thickness for SrTiO3 films deposited on the Si(111) substrate is about 150 nm, Measurements of crack spacing as a function of film thickness indicate that the origin of cracks cannot be explained by the elastic behavior of the film but rather by the viscoelastic relaxation of the film during pyrolysis and sintering. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Thermostimulated sol-gel transition in suspensions of sulfate zirconium oxychloride

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Barium titanate screen-printed thick films

Barium titanate (BT) thick films were prepared from mechanically activated powders based on BaCO(3) and TiO(2). After homogenization and milling in a high-energy vibro mill, the powders were calcined at 700 degreesC for 2 h by slow heating and cooling rates. A thick film paste was prepared by mixing BT fine powders with small amount of low temperature sintering aid and organic binder. The thick films were screen-printed on alumina substrates electroded with Ag-Pd. The BT films were sintered at 850 degreesC for 1 h. The thickness was 25-75 mum depending of number of layers. The microstructure of thick films and the compatibility between BT layers and substrate were investigated by SEM Results of dielectric property measurements are also reported. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.

Ferroelectric state analysis in grain boundary of Na0.85Li0.15NbO3 ceramic

The electric and dielectric properties of the grain boundary of Na0.85Li0.15NbO3 lead-free ferroelectric-semiconductor perovskite were investigated. The impedance spectroscopy was carried out as a function of a thermal cycle. The sodium lithium niobate was synthesized by a chemical route based on the evaporation method. Dense ceramic, relative density of 97%, was prepared at 1423 K for 2 h in air atmosphere. ac measurements were carried out in the frequency range of 5 Hz-13 MHz and from 673 to 1023 K. Theoretical adjust of the impedance data was performed to deriving the electric parameters of the grain boundary. The electric conductivity follows the Arrhenius law, with activation energy values equal to 1.55 and 1.54 eV for heating and cooling cycle, respectively. The nonferroelectric state of the grain boundary and its correlation with symmetry are discussed in the temperature domain. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

Hot-pressed 9.5/65/35 PLZT prepared by the polymeric precursor method

A 9.5/65/35 PLZT ceramic with a Pb-0.905 La-0.095 (Zr-0.65 Ti-0.35)(0.976) O-3 + 35 w% PbO formula was prepared using the Pechini method for powder preparation and two-step sintering in an oxygen atmosphere. Thr first step consisted of sintering at 1200 degrees C for 4 h with slow heating and cooling rates. The second step consisted of hot pressing at 1200 degrees C for 3 h, with slow heating and cooling rates and pressing pressures of 20 MPa (initial pressure) and 40 MPa (at sintering temperature). Investigations were made of the powder phase formation and powder morphology, i.e. The structure of sintered and hot-pressed PLZT ceramics. SEM microstructural analyses were carried out on the sintering and hot-pressing processes. (C) 2000 Elsevier B.V. Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.

Urea-Based Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures at Low Temperature

The preparation of nanometer-sized structures of zinc oxide (ZnO) from zinc acetate and urea as raw materials was performed using conventional water bath heating and a microwave hydrothermal (MH) method in an aqueous solution. The oxide formation is controlled by decomposition of the added urea in the sealed autoclave. The influence of urea and the synthesis method on the final product formation are discussed. Broadband photoluminescence (PL) behavior in visible-range spectra was observed with a maximum peak centered in the green region which was attributed to different defects and the structural changes involved with ZnO crystals which were produced during the nucleation process.

Rugosidade superficial de ligas com alto conteúdo de cobre, em função do aquecimento acima da temperatura de fusão.

Being the surface roughness a fundamental property in the fit of the castings, it was determined the roughness of 5 high-copper casting alloys, according to the heating over their melting temperature. That way, the specimens made with smooth plastic in the shape of a rectangular plate, 2 mm x 7 mm x 11 mm were invested into a cristobalite investment. After heating and elimination on the plastic, the molds were filled by 3 g of molten alloy, casted in a electrical casting machine at the casting temperature at 25 degrees C and 50 degrees C overheating. The surface roughness was measured in a roughness analyser, Talysurf. As a result, it was verified that there is a variation of surface roughness among the alloys tested, and the heating of the alloys until 50 degrees C over the melting temperature does not interfere in the roughness.

Metal-insulator transitions in pressed pellets of BF4 - doped poly(3-methylthiophene)

From Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) data in pressed pellets of BF4 - doped Poly(3-methylthiophene) (P3MT) we obtained simultaneously the paramagnetic susceptibility and. the microwave conductivity. We observed a transition from a high-temperature insulator state to a room-temperature metallic state. Around 240K. evidence of a Peierls transition is observed, but if the sample is slowly cooled, this transition is partially suppressed. DC conductivity data taken with the sample quenched to 79 K show a non-linear I-V response for very small electric fields, suggesting depinning of Charge-Density Wave (CDW). The data for heating and cooling the system above room temperature, indicate the formation of bipolarons.

Investigation into the use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway in pentobarbital anesthetized dogs

Objective - To investigate the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in dogs. Study Design - Prospective experimental study. Animals - Eight healthy adult mixed breed dogs weighing from 15 to 20 kg. Methods - The dogs were anesthetized with intravenous pentobarbital. An LMA was introduced after the induction of anesthesia and 1 L/min O2 plus 1 L/min air was delivered using a circle anesthetic system. Respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial O2 saturation (pulse oximetry), end tidal CO2, inspired fraction of O2, pulse rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured after the insertion of the LMA and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes afterwards. Results - There were no changes in respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial O2 saturation, and pulse rate during anesthesia. End tidal CO2 decreased significantly by the end of anesthesia and ventilation appeared satisfactory. Conclusions - An LMA appeared to be an alternative option to maintain the patency of the airway in dogs. Clinical Relevance - This device may allow safe maintenance of an airway in dogs when intubation is difficult or when it interferes with the procedure (eg, cervical myelography). ©Copyright 1999 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Uso do óxido nítrico em pediatria

Objective: To review the literature on inhaled nitric oxide and to describe its main clinical applications in pediatrics. Sources of data: A 10 year literature review with selection of the most important publications on inhaled nitric oxide, using the Medline and Cochrane Systematic Review databases. Summary of the findings: This review was organized as follows: introduction; metabolism and biological effects; clinical applications; dosage, gas administration and weaning; precautions and side-effects. Inhaled nitric oxide use was described in persistent pulmonary hypertension and hypoxia of the newborn, acute respiratory distress syndrome, primary pulmonary hypertension, heart surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sickle cell anemia, and bronchospastic disease. Conclusions: Inhaled nitric oxide is a therapeutic approach with wide clinical applications in pediatrics. Its use is safe when administered in pediatric intensive care units under strict monitoring. As a pulmonary vasodilator, nitric oxide has beneficial effects on gas exchange and ventilation. Controlled trials, focusing on early gas administration should be performed under many clinical conditions, especially acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Influence of light curing source on microhardness of composite resins of different shades

Introduction: The evolution of light curing units can be noticed by the different systems recently introduced. The technology of LED units promises longer lifetime, without heating and with production of specific light for activation of camphorquinone. However, further studies are still required to check the real curing effectiveness of these units. Purpose: This study evaluated the microhardness of 4 shades (B-0.5, B-1, B-2 and B-3) of composite resin Filtek Z-250 (3M ESPE) after light curing with 4 light sources, being one halogen (Ultralux - Dabi Atlante) and three LED (Ultraled - Dabi Atlante, Ultrablue - DMC and Elipar Freelight - 3M ESPE). Methods: 192 specimens were distributed into 16 groups, and materials were inserted in a single increment in cylindrical templates measuring 4mm x 4mm and light cured as recommended by the manufacturer. Then, they were submitted to microhardness test on the top and bottom aspects of the cylinders. Results: The hardness values achieved were submitted to analysis of variance and to Tukey test at 5% confidence level. It was observed that microhardness of specimens varied according to the shade of the material and light sources employed. The LED appliance emitting greater light intensity provided the highest hardness values with shade B-0.5, allowing the best curing. On the other hand, appliances with low light intensity were the least effective. It was also observed that the bottom of specimens was more sensitive to changes in shade. Conclusion: Light intensity of LED light curing units is fundamental for their good functioning, especially when applied in resins with darker shades.

Metal-insulator transition in Nd1-xEuxNiO 3 compounds

Polycrystalline Nd1-xEuxNiO3 (0≤x≤0.5) compounds were synthesized in order to investigate the character of the metal-insulator (MI) phase transition in this series. Samples were prepared through the sol-gel route and subjected to heat treatments at ∼1000 °C under oxygen pressures as high as 80bar. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD), electrical resistivity ρ(T), and magnetization M(T) measurements were performed on these compounds. The NPD and XRD results indicated that the samples crystallize in an orthorhombic distorted perovskite structure, space group Pbnm. The analysis of the structural parameters revealed a sudden and small expansion of ∼0.2% of the unit cell volume when electronic localization occurs. This expansion was attributed to a small increase of ∼0.003 of the average Ni-O distance and a simultaneous decrease of ∼-0.5° of the Ni-O-Ni superexchange angle. The ρ(T) measurements revealed a MI transition occurring at temperatures ranging from TMI∼193 to 336K for samples with x ≤ 0 and 0.50, respectively. These measurements also show a large thermal hysteresis in NdNiO3 during heating and cooling processes, suggesting a first-order character of the phase transition at TMI. The width of this thermal hysteresis was found to decrease appreciably for the sample Nd 0.7Eu0.3NiO3. The results indicate that cation disorder associated with increasing substitution of Nd by Eu is responsible for changing the first-order character of the transition in NdNiO3. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Ammonia emissions in tunnel-ventilated broiler houses

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

Institutional requirements for market-led development in Latin America

Includes bibliography