Processing and characterization of ablative composites used in rocket motors

The main objective of this research work was to obtain two formulations of ablative composites. These composites are also known as ablative structural composites, for applications in atmospherically severe conditions according to the high-temperature, hot gaseous products flow generated from the burning of solid propellants. The formulations were manufactured with phenolic resin reinforced with chopped carbon fiber. The composites were obtained by the hot compression molding technique. Another purpose of this work was to conduct the physical and chemical characterization of the matrix, the reinforcements and the composites. After the characterization, a nozzle divergent of each formulation was manufactured and its performance was evaluated through the rocket motor static firing test. According to the results found in this work, it was possible to observe through the characterization of the raw materials that phenolic resins showed peculiarities in their properties that differentiate one from the other, but did not exhibit significant differences in performance as a composite material for use in ablation conditions. Both composites showed good performance for use in thermal protection, confirmed by firing static tests (rocket motor). Composites made with phenolic resin and chopped carbon fiber showed that it is a material with excellent resistance to ablation process. This composite can be used to produce nozzle parts with complex geometry or shapes and low manufacturing cost.

Análise estatística da vida em fadiga de compósitos estruturais pela distribuição de Weibull

Nowadays technological trend is based on finding materials that could support low weight with satisfactory mechanical properties and for this reason composite material became a very attractive topic in research projects all over the world. Due to its heterogenic properties, this type of material shows scatter in mechanical test results, especially in cyclic loading. Therefore it is important to predict its fatigue strength behaviour by statistic analysis, once fatigue causes approximately 90% of the failure in structural components. The present work aimed to investigate the fatigue behaviour of the Twill/Cycom 890 composite, which is carbon fiber reinforced with polymeric resin as matrix and manufactured via RTM process (Resin Transfer Molding). All samples were tested in different tensile level in triplicate in order to associate these values. The statistical analysis was conducted with Two-Parameter Weibull Distribution and then evaluated the fatigue life results for the composite. Weibull graphics were used to determine the scale and shape parameters. The S-N curve for the Twill/Cycom composite was drawn and indicated the number of cycles to occur the first damages in this material. The probability of failure was associated with material reliability, as shown in graphics for the different tensile levels and fatigue life. In addition, the laminate was evaluated by ultrasonic inspection showing a regular impregnation. The fractographic analysis conducted by SEM showed failure mechanisms for polymeric composites associated to cyclic loadings ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Characterization and thermal study of organic extracts of urban solid waste

The urban residues put in landfill of the city of Sa˜o Carlos-SP, Brazil, in 2004 represent 58.7 % of decomposed organic material. The aim of this research was to characterize samples of urban solid waste and its organic extracts targeting the use of this residue without damaging the environment. The curves were obtained in a nitrogen atmosphere, a heating rate of 20 C min-1 , the temperature of 30–600 C. In the original sample after humidity loss, an event occured concerning the water constitution in the TG curve with an endothermic peak in the DTA curve. There was a presence of inorganic residue in the ashes. The organic matter present in the USR sample disposed in the landfill is constituted by several polarity, organics compounds from the degradation of lignin, cellulose, lipids, and other materials which thermal stabilities are distinct. The hexane extract features in its constitution two fatty acids, stearic and triacontano´ic, which are nonpolar compounds originating from bacteria present in the residue. The acids groups in extract hexane also were evidenced by X-ray diffraction and FTIR.

Production and Characterization of Composite Material Useful as a Protective Barrier in Electronic Applications

This work describes the production and characterization of a selective membrane useful for electronic devices. The membrane was a composite made by a thin film of plasma-polymerized HFE (methyl nonafluoro(iso)butyl ether) immersed in plasma-polymerized HMDS (hexamethyldisilazane) film, a third phase being 5 µm starch particles included in this matrix. The film was deposited on silicon substrates and its physical, chemical and adsorption characteristics were determined. Infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed fluorine and carboxyl groups on the bulk and the surface, respectively. SEM results indicate the film is conformal even if starch is present. Optical microscopy analysis showed good resistance toward acid and base solutions. Quartz crystal microbalance indicated adsorption of polar organic compounds on ppm range. This thin film is environment-friendly and can be used as a protective layer or in electronic devices due to adsorption of volatile organic compounds.

Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of methylcellulose/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposites

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Novel solid state nitric oxide sensor using siloxane-poly (oxypropylene) (PPO)

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

Long-term surface hardness and monomer conversion of a nonofilled and a microhybrid composite resin

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) and hydrolytic degradation through the Vickers hardness test (HV) of a nanofilled (Filtek™ Z-250, 3M) and a microhybrid (Filtek™Supreme-XT, 3M) composite resin. Materials and methods: Eight disk-shaped specimens (4 mm diameter × 2 mm thick, ISO 4049) of each material were prepared for each test. Composites were inserted into single increment in a metallic matrix and light-cured for 40 seconds. VH readings were performed for each specimen at predetermined intervals: immediately after polymerization (control), 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 30 and 180 days. After curing, initial hardness measurements were performed and the specimens were immersed in artificial saliva at 37°C. For DC (%), specimens were ground, pressed with KBr and analyzed by FT-IR spectrophotometer. Results: Student t-test showed that there was no difference between the resins for DC (p = 0.252). ANOVA analysis revealed that Z-250 VH means were all greater than S-XT, for both top and bottom surfaces, whatever the storage-period in artificial saliva (p < 0.001). After 180 days of storage, the hardness obtained for S-XT was similar with that at the baseline, for both top and bottom surfaces. While for Z-250 hardness was not significantly different from baseline only for top surface, but there was a significant decrease observed in hardness for bottom surface. Conclusion: The materials tested showed no evidence of hydrolytic degradation in a significant way, in a 6-month storagetime in artificial saliva. Nanofilled resin presents a monomer conversion comparable to the conventional microhybrid.

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.

Unravelling the reaction mechanism of matrix metalloproteinase 3 using QM/MM calculations

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

In situ sonochemical synthesis of ZnO particles embedded in a thermoplastic matrix for biomedical applications

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

Anodization mechanism on SiC nanoparticle reinforced al matrix composites produced by power metallurgy

Specimens of aluminum-based composites reinforced by silicon carbide nanoparticles (Al/SiCnp) produced by powder metallurgy (PM) were anodized under voltage control in tartaric-sulfuric acid (TSA). In this work, the influence of the amount of SiCnp on the film growth during anodizing was investigated. The current density versus time response and the morphology of the porous alumina film formed at the composite surface are compared to those concerning a commercial aluminum alloy (AA1050) anodized under the same conditions. The processing method of the aluminum alloys influences the efficiency of the anodizing process, leading to a lower thicknesses for the unreinforced Al-PM alloy regarding the AA1050. The current density versus time response is strongly dependent on the amount of SiCnp. The current peaks and the steady-state current density recorded at each voltage step increases with the SiCnp volume fraction due to the oxidation of the SiCnp. The formation mechanism of the anodic film on Al/SiCnp composites is different from that occurring in AA1050, partly due the heterogeneous distribution of the reinforcement particles in the metallic matrix, but also to the entrapment of SiCnp in the anodic film.

Thermal and spectroscopic study of the 3,4-(methylenedioxy) cinnamate compounds of transition metals in the solid state

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

Solid-state 2-methoxybenzoates of light trivalent lanthanides : SSSynthesis, characterization and thermal behaviour

Solid-state LnL(3) compounds, where L is 2-metboxybenzoate and Ln is light trivalent lanthanides, have been synthesized. Thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetty (DSC), X-ray powder diffractometry, infrared spectroscopy and elementary analysis were used to characterize and to study the thermal behaviour of these compounds. The results led to information on the composition, dehydration, thermal stability and thermal decomposition of the isolated compounds. on heating these complexes decompose in three (Ce, Pr) or five (La, Nd, Sm) steps with the formation of the respective oxide: CeO2, Pr6O11 and Ln(2)O(3) (Ln=La, Nd, Sm) as final residues. The theoretical and experimental spectroscopic study suggests predominantly the ionic bond between the ligand and metallic center.

Cellulose acetate membranes for osmosedimentation: Performance and morphological dependence on preparation conditions

Osmosedimentation is a new membrane-assisted separation technique, based on the rapid approach to sedimentation equilibrium when macromolecular solutions are contained within dialysis cells, in contact with solvent via a permselective membrane. Cellulose acetate membranes, cast from ternary solvent (acetone, acetic acid, water) solutions are suitable for osmosedimentation of proteins at low (2000 rpm) centrifugation speeds. Solute retention is improved when acetone-rich casting solutions are used. These membranes were examined by electron and optical microscopy, showing considerable morphological changes in the membrane support layer as the casting solution composition is changed. © 1986.