Scaffolds of PDLLA were produced to be implemented in maxilofacial surgeries inducing bone repair and regeneration. To prepare these scaffolds, bioglass (BG58S) was synthesized by sol-gel method, in order to be applied as osteoconductive dispersed particles in PDLLA matrix. Once presenting greater facility on parts fabrication, this polymeric matrix enables complex geometries production besides presenting compatible degradation rate for scaffold absorption and bone regeneration. Scaffolds production was performed by selective laser sintering in order to obtain tailored-made parts. FTIR and XRD analyses were carried out to observe the composition and evaluate the presence of crystalized phases in bioglass, obtaining Wollastonite. SEM was used to observe the BG particle distribution in PDLLA matrix and flexural test was performed to evaluate the composite mechanical properties. Results showed that was possible to obtain pieces using SLS method and with addition of 10%wt BG to polymeric matrix, flexural modulus and strength increased regarding to pure polymer.

The importance of self-reinforced bioabsorbable polymers has been growing due to their use in orthopedic and dental implants. Bioabsorbable polymeric implants manufactured only by the processes of injection or extrusion without the post processing of self-reinforcing leave a great deal on presenting an appealing alternative in terms of the mechanical strength suitable for use in the fixation of bone fractures. One of the most promising ways to promote the increase of mechanical properties of bioresorbable polymers is through the self-reinforcing technique. Self-reinforcing occurs when the internal structure of the polymer is strongly oriented in the direction of the deformation. Knowing the levels of mechanical strength obtained is essential to determine the sites of application of the component. The objective of this work was to study the method and the influence of self-reinforcing conditions, such as reduction ratio, temperature and deformation speed, on the quality and mechanical properties of small cylindrical bars obtained from the bioresorbable polymer P (L/DL) LA 70:30. The different processing conditions led to distinct levels of mechanical strength. Resistance values obtained in this work are the highest ever recorded for this material. It is important to stress that the values of mechanical strength achieved are within the limits accepted as safe for utilization in the fixation of craniofacial fractures, a fact that significantly enhances the prospects in this area.

O presente trabalho diz respeito à investigação do comportamento mecânico de materiais compósitos reforçados com fibras curtas e partículas. É apresentado um modelo simples com o intuito de prever a resistência à ruptura desta classe de materiais compósitos. O modelo consiste na modificação da Lei da Mistura, com a introdução de um termo referente à fase partícula presente no compósito. É introduzido e investigado um fator de correção (gama) nesse termo, para ajustar a magnitude de contribuição efetiva da fase partícula para a resistência do compósito. É desenvolvido, ainda, um equacionamento simplificado para correção do fator beta - de alinhamento de fibras - presente na equação da Lei das Misturas, que é preciso ser feita por causa do alinhamento preferencial das fibras que ocorre durante a etapa de compactação do material durante o processamento. Foram produzidos três materiais compósitos diferentes entre si, empregando as mesmas matérias-primas. Os materiais foram ensaiados pelo método de flexão a três pontos, a fim de determinar suas propriedades mecânicas. A comparação entre as propriedades mecânicas obtidas experimentalmente e as propriedades previstas através do modelo indicam boa concordância do modelo com o comportamento real dos materiais compósitos reforçados com fibras curtas e partículas.

The present work presents the investigation of the mechanical behavior of the composite materials, strengthened with short fibers and particles. A simple model is presented, with purpose for prediction of the breaking stress of this class of composite material. The model consists in the modification of the Rule of Mixture, with the introduction of a term, referring to the particle phase, present in the composite material. It is introduced and investigated a correction factor (gamma), to adjust the magnitude of the phase particle contribution to composite material strength. It is developed, still, a simplified equation to correct the factor (beta) - of fiber alignment - present in the equation of the Rule of Mixtures. This correction needs to be made because of the preferential alignment of the fibers that occurs in the stage of material compaction process. Three different composite materials were produced, varying only the ratios of materials, maintaining the raw materials. The composite materials produced were tested by the three-point flexural method, in order to determine their mechanical properties. The comparison between mechanical properties obtained experimentally and the theoretical results demonstrate good agreement with the real behavior of the composite material strengthened with short fibers and particles.

The rheological behavior of alumina molding feedstocks containing polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylbutyral (PVB) and stearic acid (SA) and having different powder loads were analyzed using a capillary rheometer. Some of the feedstocks showed a pseudoplastic behavior of n < 0, which can lead to the appearance of weld lines on molded parts. Their viscosity also displayed a strong dependence on the shear rate. The slip phenomenon, which can cause an unsteady front flow, was also observed. The results indicate that the feedstock containing a lower powder load displayed the best rheological behavior. The 55 vol. % powder loaded feedstock presented the best rheological behavior, thus appearing to be more suitable than the formulation containing a vol. 59% powder load, which attained viscosities exceeding 10³ Pa.s at low shear rates, indicating its unsuitability for injection molding.

Sintered nickel powder is proposed to be used as porous wicks in heat pipes and capillary pumps. In this work the manufacturing procedure for tubular wicks for capillary pump application is discussed. The porosity, mechanical resistance and roundness of tubular wicks made of carbonila powder, atomized powder and a powder mixture of both are analyzed. A powder mixture was selected as the best raw material. In this case, pore size in the range of 2 to 24 <FONT FACE="Symbol">m</font>m and porosity about 50% were measured. First tests carried out in the laboratory, using acetone as the working fluid, show capillary pumping pressures up to 4 kPa and heat fluxes of about 1 W/cm2 in a two-phase heat transfer loop.