Abstract Introduction Biomechanical assessment of trabecular bone microarchitecture contributes to the evaluation of fractures risk associated with osteoporosis and plays a crucial role in planning preventive strategies. One of the most widely clinical technics used for osteoporosis diagnosis by health professionals is bone dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). However, doubts about its accuracy motivate the introduction of congruent technical analysis such as calcaneal ultrasonometry (Quantitative Ultrasonometry - QUS). Methods Correlations between Bone Quality Index (BQI), determined by calcaneal ultrasonometry of thirty (30) individuals classified as normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic, and elastic modulus (E) and ultimate compressive strength (UCS) from axial compression tests of ninety (90) proof bodies from human vertebrae trabecular bone, which were extracted from cadavers in the twelfth thoracic region (T12), first and fourth lumbar (L1 and L4). Results Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences for E (p = 0.001), for UCS (p = 0.0001) and BQI. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rho) between BQI and E (r = 0.499) and BQI and UCS (r = 0.508) were moderate. Discussion Calcaneal ultrasonometry technique allowed a moderate estimate of bone mechanical strength and fracture risk associated with osteoporosis in human vertebrae.

Duplex stainless steels have a large number of industrial applications and may replace high cost materials, especially in chloride-containing environments like seawater in off-shore platforms due to their high mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance. The influence of the ferrite content on the performance of duplex stainless steels in these corrosive environments is not well known. For the present paper, new superduplex stainless steels with ferrite between 30 and 60% were developed and their microstructure and corrosion resistance were evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests in NaCl 3.5% (wt %) at 26°C and 78°C. The results obtained at 26°C showed that the pitting potential (Epitt) is little affected by the ferrite content, but for the materials with higher ferrite it was possible to observe an increase in the repassivation potential with a decrease in the corrosion potential and passive currents due to the presence of more resistive passive films. Tests performed at 78°C indicated a high decrease in the Epitt for all the samples, independently of the ferrite percentage, although maintaining superiority in higher ferrite content. Alloys with a 55% ferrite phase content, i.e. less dependent of Ni element, present a superior performance of corrosion resistance.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of a material are dependent on its microstructure and can be modified by phase transformation. When a phase transformation occurs in a material it usually forms at least one new phase, with physical-chemical characteristics that differ from the original phase. Moreover, most phase transformations do not occur instantly. This paper presents an evaluation of the phase transformation of martensitic stainless steels ASTM 420A and ASTM 440C when submitted to different thermal processes. METHODS: Dilatometry tests were performed with several continuous heating and cooling rates in order to obtain the profiles of the continuous heating transformation (CHT) and continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams for these two types of steel. Also, the temperature ranges for the formation of the different phases (ferrite and carbides; ferrite; austenite and carbides; non-homogeneous and homogeneous austenite phases) were identified. Rockwell hardness (HRC) tests were performed on all thermally treated steels. Anodic and cathodic potential dynamic polarization measurements were carried out through immersion in enzymatic detergent as an electrolyte for different samples submitted to the thermal processes in order to select the best routes for the heat treatment and to recommend steels for the manufacture of surgical tools. RESULTS: The martensitic transformation temperature tends to increase with increasing temperature for the initiation of cooling. The 440C steel had a higher hardness value than the 420A steel at the austenitizing temperature of 1100 °C. Above the austenitizing temperature of 1100 °C, the material does not form martensite at the cooling rate used, which explains the sharp decline in the hardness values. CONCLUSION: The study reported herein achieved its proposed objectives, successfully investigating the issues and indicating solutions to the industrial problems addressed, which are frequently encountered in the manufacture of surgical instruments.

This study presents an innovative and original biomaterial designed to substitute for articular cartilage and mimic its mechanical behavior, including elastic cushioning and the characteristics of fiber-reinforced gel. The material was composed of polyurethane and bioglass microfiber 45S5. It was designed to present a tribological surface to the cartilage of the tibial plateau, and to convert over a functional gradient to an osteointegrable region for self-anchorage to the subchondral bone. The biomaterial samples showed no toxicity and promoted cell spreading. Subsequent in vivo studies in rabbits demonstrated the formation of a rigid structure similar to bone trabeculae in the distal region of the tribological surface of the implant. The tribological surface of the proximal region showed a fibrocartilaginous tissue with highly vascularized chondrocytes, thus validating the proposed concept for the design of the implant incorporating a functional gradient and auto-stability.

INTRODUCTION: Increased production and disorders in the circulation or absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leads to increased intracranial pressure and causes a condition called hydrocephalus. The most common treatment for this disorder is the implantation of a ventricle-peritoneal shunt, which consists of the insertion of a ventricular catheter in the cerebral ventricle, a neurological valve for drainage control and a peritoneal catheter that leads the CSF to the abdominal region. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7197 introduced requirements for the design and production of the shunts and neurological valve, including in vitro hydrodynamic tests, which are indispensable for evaluating the performance of the CSF drainage systems. METHODS: A testing rig built in accordance with ISO 7197 was evaluated for the uncertainty of flow and opening and closing pressure measurements, the pressure-flow relationship and reflux neurological valve resistance. The infusion pump and pressure measurement system were evaluated for calibration, hysteresis behavior and stability to determine the experimental uncertainties from hydrodynamic testing of two commercial products. RESULTS: The equipment showed uncertainties of less than 1% in the infusion pump, less than 4% in the pressure sensor and adequate performance for the hydrodynamic tests. CONCLUSION: The hydrodynamic test rig allowed the opening and closing pressures and the resistance to reflux to be obtained, and it also allowed the determination of the pressure and flow rate characteristics of two neurological commercial valves with experimental uncertainties that do not impact the results and the evaluation of in vitro performance of a shunt.

O presente trabalho consistiu em implementar e avaliar um modelo matemático empírico que reproduz analiticamente o comportamento dilatométrico dos aços inoxidáveis martensíticos ASTM 420A e ASTM 440C, utilizados em ferramental cirúrgico. Aços inoxidáveis martensíticos podem ser subdivididos em três subgrupos, ou seja, baixo carbono; médio carbono e alto carbono. A microestrutura de cada grupo é caracterizada por martensita em forma de agulha; martensita fina e martensita ultra-fina contendo carbetos. A elaboração do método matemático se baseou em dados extraídos de ensaios dilatométricos sob baixas taxas de aquecimento. Foi possível determinar a formação dos campos de fase próximos às condições de equilíbrio. Os resultados obtidos garantiram boa aproximação com os valores experimentais, evidenciando que o modelo aplicado é um instrumento útil na avaliação dos tratamentos térmicos industriais para ferramental cirúrgico.

This research consisted of implementing and evaluating an empirical mathematical model to reproduce analytically the dilatometric behavior of ASTM 420A and ASTM 440C martensitic stainless steels, widely used for manufacturing surgical tools. Martensitic stainless steels can be subdivided into three subgroups: low-carbon, medium-carbon and high-carbon steels. The microstructure of each group is also characteristic as needlelike martensitic; very fine martensitic; and ultra-fine martensitic containing carbides. The proposed method was based on experimental data obtained from the dilatometric testing of the steel samples applying low heating rates. It was possible to determine the formation of phase fields near the equilibrium conditions. The method, being based on empirical data, ensured a greater approximation to the experimental values, verifying that it can be applied as a useful tool in the evaluation of industrial heat treatments for surgical tools.

Até o presente momento, o aço inoxidável martensítico do tipo AISI-420 é muito utilizado na confecção de ferramentas cirúrgicas. Tais ferramentas vêm apresentando corrosão prematura, identificada após processo de limpeza e esterilização, perda de corte e/ou quebra durante os processos cirúrgicos. Esse trabalho avalia esse aço sobre à composição química, dureza, microestrutura e resistência à corrosão por pite em solução de detergente enzimático diluída em água por polarização cíclica anódica. Essa mistura é utilizada na limpeza das ferramentas que são submersas por 2h nessa solução antes da lavagem e esterilização. Os resultados mostram aços com microestrutura composta de martensita com fase ferrita e impurezas. Os referidos aços apresentam baixos valores de potencial de pite em comparação aos aços com microestrutura totalmente martensítica que possuem maiores valores.

Until now the martensitic stainless steel type AISI-420 is widely used in the manufacture of surgical implements. These implements present premature corrosion problems identified after cleaning, , sterilization and cutting edge loss and/or rupture during the surgical processes. This study evaluates the steel as to the chemical composition, hardness, microstructure and pitting corrosion resistance in a solution of enzyme detergent diluted in water by anodic cyclic polarization. This mixture is used in the cleaning of surgical implements that are submerged in this solution for 2 h before cleaning and sterilization. The results show steels with martensite microstructures in the ferrite phase, together wth impurities. These presented low pitting potential values in compariston to steels with a fully martensitic microstructure.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the metal-ceramic bond strength (MCBS) of 6 metal-ceramic pairs (2 Ni-Cr alloys and 1 Pd-Ag alloy with 2 dental ceramics) and correlate the MCBS values with the differences between the coefficients of linear thermal expansion (CTEs) of the metals and ceramics. Verabond (VB) Ni-Cr-Be alloy, Verabond II (VB2), Ni-Cr alloy, Pors-on 4 (P), Pd-Ag alloy, and IPS (I) and Duceram (D) ceramics were used for the MCBS test and dilatometric test. Forty-eight ceramic rings were built around metallic rods (3.0 mm in diameter and 70.0 mm in length) made from the evaluated alloys. The rods were subsequently embedded in gypsum cast in order to perform a tensile load test, which enabled calculating the CMBS. Five specimens (2.0 mm in diameter and 12.0 mm in length) of each material were made for the dilatometric test. The chromel-alumel thermocouple required for the test was welded into the metal test specimens and inserted into the ceramics. ANOVA and Tukey's test revealed significant differences (p=0.01) for the MCBS test results (MPa), with PI showing higher MCBS (67.72) than the other pairs, which did not present any significant differences. The CTE (10-6 oC-1) differences were: VBI (0.54), VBD (1.33), VB2I (-0.14), VB2D (0.63), PI (1.84) and PD (2.62). Pearson's correlation test (r=0.17) was performed to evaluate of correlation between MCBS and CTE differences. Within the limitations of this study and based on the obtained results, there was no correlation between MCBS and CTE differences for the evaluated metal-ceramic pairs.

Nas últimas décadas, foram desenvolvidas novas classes de aços inoxidáveis martensíticos, com composição química 0,01-0,1%C, 11-13%Cr e 2-6%Ni, com o objetivo de atender às necessidades das indústrias de petróleo, por apresentarem boa resistência à corrosão em ambientes de média agressividade associada à boa resistência mecânica. Contudo o seu uso tem sido restrito pelo fato de ser um desenvolvimento recente e muitas de suas propriedades ainda serem motivos de investigações. Esse trabalho estuda as transformações de fases pela técnica dilatométrica de resfriamento rápido, obtendo-se os dados para a construção das curvas de transformação tempo-temperatura-transformação (TTT), em aços inoxidáveis martensíticos fundidos e analisa a influência da adição do níquel nessas transformações. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foram selecionadas as condições dos tratamentos térmicos de têmpera e revenido. Determinaram-se os valores das temperaturas inicial (Ac3) e final (Ac1) da transformação austenítica e as temperaturas de início (Mi) e fim (Mf) da transformação martensítica por resfriamento contínuo, obtendo uma estrutura final martensítica que apresente, simultaneamente, as propriedades de resistência à corrosão e mecânicas recomendadas quando em serviço.

In the last decades, new classes of martensitic stainless steels were developed with chemical composition 0,01-0,1%C, 11-13%Cr, 2-6%Ni, with the objective of attending mainly the petroleum industry needs because they present good corrosion resistance in medium aggressive environments associated to good mechanical resistance. However, its use has been restricted by the fact of being a recent development and many of its properties are still under investigation. This work studies phase transformations by the dilatometry technique with fast cooling in order to construct the transformation time-temperature-transformation (TTT) curves in cast martensitic stainless steels and to analyze the nickel addition influence on the transformations. Based on the results the quenching and tempering conditions were selected. By continuous cooling, the austenitic transformation temperatures (Ac3) and (Ac1) and martensitic transformation temperatures (Mi) and (Mf) respectively were obtained, which provided the final martensitic structure that presents simultaneously the mechanical and corrosion resistance properties, recommended when in service.

Este estudo avaliou a redução da taxa de kerma no ar, o espectro de energia dos raios X e alterações na qualidade da imagem radiográfica. Comparações com várias espessuras do filtro de liga de alumínio-cobre em três diferentes porcentagens foram feitas com o filtro de alumínio. Os experimentos foram feitos utilizando-se um aparelho de raios X odontológico convencional, obtendo radiografias com auxílio de um fantoma de segmento de mandíbula e de uma escala de densidade confeccionada com alumínio laminado. Dependendo da espessura da filtração da liga de alumínio-cobre, o feixe de raios X pôde ser endurecido em relação ao filtro de alumínio. O uso do filtro de liga de alumínio-cobre resultou em 8,40% a 47,33% de redução da taxa média de kerma no ar e indicou contraste da imagem radiográfica sem alteração, quando comparado com a filtração de alumínio, mostrando que os filtros de liga de alumínio-cobre tornam-se alternativas aceitáveis em relação aos filtros de alumínio.

This study evaluated the performance of aluminum-copper alloy filtration, without the original aluminum filter, for dental radiography in terms of x-ray energy spectrum, air kerma rate and image quality. Comparisons of various thicknesses of aluminum-copper alloy in three different percentages were made with aluminum filtration. Tests were conducted on an intra-oral dental x-ray machine and were made on mandible phantom and on step-wedge. Depending on the thickness of aluminum-copper alloy filtration, the beam could be hardened and filtrated. The use of the aluminum-copper alloy filter resulted in reductions in air kerma rate from 8.40% to 47.33%, and indicated the same image contrast when compared to aluminum filtration. Aluminum-copper alloy filtration may be considered a good alternative to aluminum filtration.

Uma das aplicações tecnológicas em que é necessário haver compatibilidade entre um material cerâmico e um material metálico é a confecção de restaurações odontológicas do tipo metalocerâmica. Neste caso, uma porcelana é fundida sobre um substrato metálico para obtenção da prótese de um dente. O requisito fundamental para o sucesso da união metalocerâmica é a adequação dos coeficientes de expansão térmica de cada um dos materiais, de forma a se obter um estado de tensão de compressão adequado na camada cerâmica. Este trabalho propôs-se a levantar as curvas de expansão térmica de ligas Ni-Cr e porcelanas odontológicas, através da técnica de dilatometria e verificar a possível compatibilidade térmica dos pares metal/cerâmica. Simulando a entrada de um novo produto no mercado, desenvolveu-se uma liga Ni-Cr experimental denominada SR, que foi comparada a uma liga comercial de Ni-Cr bastante utilizada em restaurações metalocerâmicas. A partir da análise das curvas de expansão térmica, foi possível verificar a compatibilidade dos pares metal/cerâmica quanto à dilatação térmica, segundo os conceitos preconizados por YAMAMOTO7 (1985). Sob este aspecto, a liga experimental apresentou valores que a incluem como mais uma opção na família de ligas Ni-Cr para utilização em restaurações metalocerâmicas. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o equipamento e a metodologia utilizados são adequados para análise comparativa da compatibilidade térmica entre ligas metálicas Ni-Cr e porcelanas odontológicas.

One of the technological applications where a metal-ceramic compatibility is necessary, is the dental restoration build-up, known as metaloceramic. In this case, a porcelain is fused on a metal substructure to have a dental prosthesis. The basic requirement for the success of this dental restoration is the adjustment of the thermal expansion coefficient of each material to achieve a compression stress on the ceramic layer. This study was carried out to obtain the thermal expansion curves for Ni-Cr alloy and dental porcelains to analyze the thermal compatibility between metal-ceramic. Simulating the introduction of a product on the market, an experimental Ni-Cr alloy was developed and compared with another largely commercialized Ni-Cr alloy. By analyzing these data, it was possible to verify the compatibility of each metal-ceramic pair regarding the thermal expansion behavior, using the Yamamoto’s (1985) methods. In conclusion, the results of the new experimental alloy showed values that can include it as one more option inside the Ni-Cr alloy family used in metaloceramic dental restoration. The results clearly indicate that the methodology and equipment applied to this work are adequate to proceed a comparative study on thermal compatibility of Ni-Cr alloys and dental porcelains.

Neste trabalho, foi estudado o efeito do berílio sobre a microestrutura e a temperatura de fusão em ligas Ni-Cr-Mo-Co e suas propriedades de corrosão. O estudo consistiu na obtenção das diversas ligas através de fusão sob vácuo, seguidas de forjamento em condições industriais. Após o forjamento, as ligas foram tratadas termicamente em diversas temperaturas e resfriadas em água, ar e forno. Nas ligas Ni-Cr-Mo-Co, a presença do Be altera a microestrutura, proporcionando a formação de fases intermetálicas. Foi constatado que, nas ligas estudadas, o Be abaixa a temperatura de fusão e as torna susceptíveis à corrosão por pite

In the present work, the effect of beryllium on microstructure, corrosion and melting temperatures in Ni-Cr-Mo-Co alloys was studied. The study consisted in obtaining several alloys through meltings under vacuum, followed by wrought in industrial conditions. After wrought, the alloys were thermally treated under several temperatures and cooled in water, air and furnace. The presence of beryllium in the Ni-Cr-Mo-Co alloys changes the microstructure, producing intermetallic phases. It was observed that in the studied alloys the presence of beryllium decreases melting temperatures and promotes pite corrosion