Effects of alloying elements on the cytotoxic response of titanium alloys

Titanium alloys, alloys, especially beta-type alloys containing beta-stabilizing elements, constitute a highly versatile category of metallic materials that have been under constant development for application in orthopedics and dentistry. This type of alloy generally presents a high mechanical strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance and low elastic modulus. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cytotoxicity and adhesion of fibroblast cells on titanium alloy substrates containing Nb, Ta, Zr, Cu, Sn and Mo alloying elements. Cells cultured on polystyrene were used as controls. In vitro results with Vero cells demonstrated that the tested materials, except Cu-based alloy, presented high viability in short-term testing. Adhesion of cells cultured on disks showed no differences between the materials and reference except for the Ti-Cu alloy, which showed reduced adhesion attributed to poor metabolic activity. Titanium alloys with the addition of Nb, Ta, Zr, Sn and Mo elements show a promising potential for biomedical applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Extrusion and characterization of functionalized cellulose whiskers reinforced polyethylene nanocomposites

The surface of ramie cellulose whiskers has been chemically modified by grafting organic acid chlorides presenting different lengths of the aliphatic chain by an esterification reaction. The occurrence of the chemical modification was evaluated by FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, elemental analysis and contact angle measurements. The crystallinity of the particles was not altered by the chain grafting, but it was shown that covalently grafted chains were able to crystallize at the cellulose surface when using C18. Both unmodified and functionalized nanoparticles were extruded with low density polyethylene to prepare nanocomposite materials. The homogeneity of the ensuing nanocomposites was found to increase with the length of the grafted chains. The thermomechanical properties of processed nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests. A significant improvement in terms of elongation at break was observed when sufficiently long chains were grafted on the surface of the nanoparticles. It was ascribed to improved dispersion of the nanoparticles within the LDPE matrix. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Análise mecânica e microestrutural das ligas de cobalto-cromo de uso odontológico após sucessivas refundições

The cobalt-chromium alloy is extensively used in the Odontology for the confection of metallic scaffolding in partial removable denture. During the last few years, it has been reported an increasing number of premature imperfections, with a few months of prosthesis use. The manufacture of these components is made in prosthetic laboratories and normally involves recasting, using parts of casting alloy and parts of virgin alloy. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to analyze the mechanical properties of a commercial cobalt-chromium alloy of odontological use after successive recasting, searching information to guide the dental prosthesis laboratories in the correct manipulation of the cobalt-chromium alloy in the process of casting and the possible limits of recasting in the mechanical properties of this material. Seven sample groups were confectioned, each one containing five test bodies, divided in the following way: G1: casting only with virgin alloy; G2: casting with 50% of the alloy of the G1 + 50% of virgin alloy; G3: casting with 50% of the alloy of the G2 + 50% of virgin alloy; G4: casting with 50% of the alloy of the G3 + 50% of virgin alloy; G5: 50% of alloy of the G4 + 50% of virgin alloy; G6: 50% of alloy of the G5 + 50% of virgin alloy and finally the G7, only with recasting alloy. The modifications in the mechanical behavior of the alloy were evaluated. Moreover, it was carried the micro structural characterization of the material by optic and electronic scanning microscopy, and X ray diffraction.and fluorescence looking into the correlatation of the mechanical alterations with structural modifications of the material caused by successive recasting process. Generally the results showed alterations in the fracture energy of the alloy after successive recasting, resulting mainly of the increasing presence of pores and large voids, characteristic of the casting material. Thus, the interpretation of the results showed that the material did not reveal significant differences with respect to the tensile strength or elastic limit, as a function of successive recasting. The elastic modulus increased from the third recasting cycle on, indicating that the material can be recast only twice. The fracture energy of the material decreased, as the number of recasting cycles increased. With respect to the microhardness, the statistical analyses showedno significant differences. Electronic scanning microscopy revealed the presence of imperfections and defects, resulting of the recasting process. X ray diffraction and fluorescence did not show alterations in the composition of the alloy or the formation of crystalline phases between the analyzed groups. The optical micrographs showed an increasing number of voids and porosity as the material was recast. Therefore, the general conclusion of this study is that the successive recasting of of Co-Cr alloys affects the mechanical properties of the material, consequently leading to the failure of the prosthetic work. Based on the results, the best recommendadition is that the use of the material should be limited to two recasting cycles

Processamento e caracterização da blenda poli (metacrilato de metila) (PMMA) elastomerico e poli (tereftalato de etileno) (PET) pós-consumo

This work studied the immiscible blend of elastomeric poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottle grade with and without the use of compatibilizer agent, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate - co-ethyl acrylate) (MGE). The characterizations of torque rheometry, melt flow index measurement (MFI), measuring the density and the degree of cristallinity by pycnometry, tensile testing, method of work essential fracture (EWF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed in pure polymer and blends PMMA/PET. The rheological results showed evidence of signs of chemical reaction between the epoxy group MGE with the end groups of the PET chains and also to the elastomeric phase of PMMA. The increase in the concentration of PET reduced torque and adding MGE increased the torque of the blend of PMMA/PET. The results of the MFI also show that elastomeric PMMA showed lower flow and thus higher viscosity than PET. In the results of picnometry observed that increasing the percentage of PET resulted in an increase in density and degree crystallinity of the blends PMMA/PET. The tensile test showed that increasing the percentage of PET resulted in an increase in ultimate strength and elastic modulus and decrease in elongation at break. However, in the phase inversion, where the blend showed evidence of a co-continuous morphology and also, with 30% PET dispersed phase and compatibilized with 5% MGE, there were significant results elongation at break compared to elastomeric PMMA. The applicability of the method of essential work of fracture was shown to be possible for most formulations. And it was observed that with increasing elastomeric PMMA in the formulations of the blends there was an improvement in specific amounts of essential work of fracture (We) and a decrease in the values of specific non-essential work of fracture (βWp)

Novos monômeros obtidos a partir do metacrilato de glicidila, bisfenol A e 4, 4 isopropilidenodicicloexanol : síntese, caracterização estrutural e propriedades de compósitos para utilização em resinas de restauração dental

Nowadays, composite resins are the direct restorative materials more important in dental clinical performance, due to their versatility and aesthetic excellence. Bis-GMA (2,2-bis[4(2-hydroxy-3-metacryloxypropoxy)phenil]propane) is the base monomer more frequently used in restorative composite resins. However, this monomer presents some disadvantages, such as high viscosity and two aromatic rings in its structure that can promote allergic reactions to the humans. In this work, the main purpose was to synthesize new monomers from glycidyl methacrylate to use in dental restorative materials. Structural characterization of the monomers was carried out through FTIR and NMR 1H, and eight composites were produced from the new monomers, by addition of silane-treated alumino silicate particles (inorganic filler) and a photocuring system (camphorquinone and ethyl 4-dimethylaminebenzoate). The composites were analyzed by environmental scanning electronic microscopy and the water sorption and solubility, compressive strength and elastic modulus were determined. A commercial composite resin [Z100 (3M)] was used to comparison effect. The new composites presented general characteristics similar to the commercial ones; however, they didn t present the properties expected. This behavior was attributed to the lower degree of monomer reaction and to the granulometry and size distribution of the mineral filler in the polymeric matrix

Pastas compósitas cimento/sílica/polímero para cimentação de poços de baixa profundidade sujeitas à injeção de vapor

The production of heavy oil fields, typical in the Northeastern region, is commonly stimulated by steam injection. High bottom hole temperatures are responsible not only for the development of deleterious stresses of the cement sheath but also for cement strength retrogression. To overcome this unfavorable scenario, polymeric admixtures can be added to cement slurries to improve its fracture energy and silica flour to prevent strength retrogression. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the addition of different concentrations of polyurethane (5-25%) to cement slurries containing 40% BWOC silica flour. The resulting slurries were characterized using standard API (American Petroleum Institute) laboratory tests. In addition to them, the mechanical properties of the slurries, including elastic modulus and microhardness were also evaluated. The results revealed that density, free water and stability of the composite cement/silica/polyurethane slurries were within acceptable limits. The rheological behavior of the slurries, including plastic viscosity, yield strength and gel strength increased with the addition of 10% BWOC polyurethane. The presence of polyurethane reduced the fluid loss of the slurries as well as their elastic modulus. Composite slurries also depicted longer setting times due to the presence of the polymer. As expected, both the mechanical strength and microhardness of the slurries decreased with the addition of polyurethane. However, at high bottom hole temperatures, the strength of the slurries containing silica and polyurethane was far superior than that of plain cement slurries. In summary, the use of polyurethane combined with silica is an interesting solution to better adequate the mechanical behavior of cement slurries to heavy oil fields subjected to steam injection

Efeito da adição de microfibras de lã de vidro na tenacidade à ruptura de pastas de cimento para poços de petróleo

Although there are a wide variety of additives that act in fresh state, to adjust the properties of cement, there is also a search by additions that improve the tenacity of the cement in the hardened state. This, in turn, can often be increased by inserting fibers, which act on the deflection of microcracks. This study aimed to use a microfiber glass wool (silica-based) as an additive reinforcing the cement matrix, improving the rupture tenacity, in order to prevent the propagation of microcracks in the cement sheath commonly found in oil wells submitted to high temperatures. The fibers were added at different concentrations, 2 to 5% (BWOC) and varied average sizes, grinding for 90 s, 180 s, 300 s, 600 s. The cement slurries were made with a density of 1,90 g/ cm3 (15,6 lb/gal), using Portland cement CPP- Special Class as the hydraulic binder and 40% silica flour. The characterization of the fiber was made by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size by sieving, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry (TG / DTG). Were performed technological tests set by the API (American Petroleum Institute) by rheology, stability, free water, compressive strength, as well as testing rupture energy, elastic modulus and permeability. The characterization results showed good thermal stability of the microfiber glass wool for application in oil wells submitted to steam injection and, also, that from the particle size data, it was possible to suggest that microfibers milled up to 300 s, are ideal to act as reinforcement to the cement slurries. The rheological parameters, there was committal of plastic viscosity when larger lengths were inserted of microfiber (F90). The values obtained by free water and stability were presented according to API. The mechanical properties, the incorporation of microfiber to the cement slurries gave better rupture tenacity, as compared to reference cement slurries. The values of compressive strength, elastic modulus and permeability have been maintained with respect to the reference cement slurries. Thus, cement slurries reinforced with microfiber glass wool can ensure good application for cementing oil wells submitted to steam injection, which requires control of microcracks, due to the thermal gradients

Compósito Polimérico Híbrido: Comportamento Mecãnico, Descotinuidade Geométrica e Resistência Residual

The growing demand in the use of hybrid composite materials makes it essential a better understanding of their behavior face of various design conditions, such as the presence of geometric discontinuities in the cross section of structural elements. This way, the purpose of this dissertation is a study of the mechanical response (strength and stiffness), modes (characteristics) of fracture and Residual Strength of an hybrid polymeric composite with and without a geometric discontinuity in its longitudinal section (with a reduction in the cross section) loaded by uniaxial tension. This geometric discontinuity is characterized by central holes of different diameters. The hybrid composite was fabricated as laminate (plate) and consisting of ortho-tereftalic polyester matrix reinforced by 04 outer layers of Jute fibers bidirectional fabrics and 01 central layer of E-glass bidirectional fabric. The laminate was industrially manufactured (Tecniplas Nordeste Indústria e Comércio Ltda.), obtained by the hand lay-up technique. Initially, a study of the volumetric density of the laminate was made in order to verify its use in lightweight structures. Also were performed comparative studies on the mechanical properties and fracture modes under the conditions of the specimens without the central hole and with the different holes. For evaluating the possible influence of the holes in the structural stability of the laminate, the Residual Strength of the composite was determined for each case of variation in hole diameter. As a complementary study, analyses of the macroscopic final fracture characteristic of the laminates were developed. The presence of the central hole of any sizes, negatively changed the ultimate tensile strength. Regarding the elastic modulus, moreover, the difference found between the specimens was within the range of tests displacement, showing the laminate stability related to the stiffness

Metal-insulator transition in Nd1-x Eu-x NiO3 probed by specific heat and anelastic measurements

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

Effect of abutment's height and framework alloy on the load distribution of mandibular cantilevered implant-supported prosthesis

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Finite-Element Analysis of Stress on Dental Implant Prosthesis

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

Processing and hygrothermal effects on viscoelastic behavior of glass fiber/epoxy composites

Fiber reinforced epoxy composites are used in a wide variety of applications in the aerospace field. These materials have high specific moduli, high specific strength and their properties can be tailored to application requirements. In order to screening optimum materials behavior, the effects of external environments on the mechanical properties during usage must be clearly understood. The environmental action, such as high moisture concentration, high temperatures, corrosive fluids or ultraviolet radiation (UV), can affect the performance of advanced composites during service. These factors can limit the applications of composites by deteriorating the mechanical properties over a period of time. Properties determination is attributed to the chemical and/or physical damages caused in the polymer matrix, loss of adhesion of fiber/resin interface, and/or reduction of fiber strength and stiffness. The dynamic elastic properties are important characteristics of glass fiber reinforced composites (GRFC). They control the damping behavior of composite structures and are also an ideal tool for monitoring the development of GFRC's mechanical properties during their processing or service. One of the most used tests is the vibration damping. In this work, the measurement consisted of recording the vibration decay of a rectangular plate excited by a controlled mechanism to identify the elastic and damping properties of the material under test. The frequency amplitude were measured by accelerometers and calculated by using a digital method. The present studies have been performed to explore relations between the dynamic mechanical properties, damping test and the influence of high moisture concentration of glass fiber reinforced composites (plain weave). The results show that the E' decreased with the increase in the exposed time for glass fiber/epoxy composites specimens exposed at 80 degrees C and 90% RH. The E' values found were: 26.7, 26.7, 25.4, 24.7 and 24.7 GPa for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of exposure, respectively. (c) 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.

Uso da palha de carnaúba em revestimento de dutos

In this work, the plant species Copernicia prunifera (Miller) H. E. Moore (carnauba), naturally occurring which prevails in the northeast region of Brazil was the subject of studies aiming its use as external coating of pipelines used in petroleum industry. The part of the plant worked were the leaves, also called straw, which were coated with resinous material. For this purpose, it was necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of acrylic resins in the straw carnauba coating. The properties of the untreated carnauba straw and chemically treated with sodium hydroxide, hexane and carbon tetrachloride were investigated by ATRFTIR, SEM and thermal analysis. The first two techniques showed that treatment with solvents has caused major changes in the straw surface, while the thermal analysis indicated that the sodium hydroxide caused variations in thermal stability of straw constituents. Water absorption measurements showed that treatments have accelerated the absorption process and the reduction of contact angle values for treated samples with solvents indicated higher hidrophilicity of straw. The tensile tests showed lower values of elastic modulus and tensile strength for treated samples. Furthermore, coatings using pure commercial resins A and B as well as the formulations with clay were applied in straw and they were examined once again through thermal analysis, water absorption measurements, contact angle and mechanical tests. To analyze the effect of heat ageing, samples were subjected to tensile tests again in order to assess its resistance. The results showed that the resins/clay formulations increased thermal stability of straw, they promoted a good impermeabilization and caused significant decrease in the values of elastic modulus and tensile strength. Evaluating the ageing effect on the mechanical properties, it has been showed good recovery to the coated straw with the formulations A 60 and A 80% in modulus and tensile strength values and elongation at break values have remained very close. It is thus concluded that the carnauba straw can be used as a coating of pipelines with significant cost savings, since there is no need for pretreatment for its use and shows itself as a viable biotechnology alternative, contributing to the quality of coatings material and environment preservation.

Preparation and Characterization of Ti-15Mo Alloy used as Biomaterial

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

Changes in the stiffness of demineralized dentin following application of tooth whitening agents

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