Abstract The aim of this work was to use the Washburn capillary rise method to evaluate changes in surface energy promoted by the insertion of CuO in a 58S glass and its implication in bioactivity. The presence of CuO decreased the surface wettability by decreasing the Lewis acid-base component γSAB and increasing the Lifshitz-van der Waals component γSLW. The insertion of CuO also diminished the value of the electron donor parameter γS-; i.e., the number of negative groups. This was accompanied by a nonuniform apatite formation on the surface, likely because the presence of CuO-rich regions with lower electron donor values impaired the adsorption of Ca2+, preventing uniform apatite precipitation. Therefore, surface energy was extremely sensitive to small physical and chemical changes in the glass structure and the behavior of the electron donor parameter could be used as an adequate probe to predict glass bioactivity.

ABSTRACT The accelerated carbonation during the early cure age is a process used to improve the physical and mechanical properties of cement-based composites. In this work, cement-based composites with coir pith particles addition were subjected to the accelerated carbonation process during the first 48 hours of cure in a rich CO2 environment. After curing, the samples were dried and subjected to curing conditions until saturated at 28 days. Thermogravimetric analyses, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction patterns were used to analyze the impact of accelerated carbonation during the early cure age in cement-coir pith composite. The results of the physical properties show an increase in bulk density and surface density of the carbonated samples, as well as reduced water absorption. The reduction of the Ca(OH)2 resulting in the increasing of CaCO3 content was observed by thermogravimetric analysis. The carbonated samples had a 41% increase in compression strength and 28% in the modulus of rupture as compared to non-carbonate samples. The results showed the potential of the accelerated carbonation cure process in cement-based composites with vegetable coconut waste addition.

RESUMO As composições de alumina-reforço foram preparadas para avaliar o efeito da fase vítrea como auxiliar de sinterização. Os compósitos apresentaram densificação abaixo de 1100 ° C. Os maiores valores de densidade (~ 95%) foram obtidos para composições baseadas respectivamente em vidros de borossilicato (G2 e G3) e soda e cal (G4), todos contendo Na no pó precursor. As amostras G1 (à base de K) e G5 (sem K ou Na no pó do vidro precursor) apresentaram morfologia irregular com presença de porosidade intergranular. As composições G2, G3 e G4 apresentaram morfologia uniforme, correspondendo a uma maior densificação.

ABSTRACT Alumina-Glass compositions were prepared to evaluate the effect of glass as sintering aids. The composites showed densification below 1100°C. The highest density values (~95%) were obtained for compositions based respectively on borosilicate (G2 and G3) and soda lime glasses (G4), all [A1] [A2] containing Na in the precursor powder. Samples G1 (K-based) and G5 (no K or Na in the precursor glass powder) presented irregular morphology with the presence of intergranular porosity. The composition G2, G3, and G4 presented uniform morphology corresponding to higher densification.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência de união, razão base/topo de microdureza, adaptação marginal e nanoinfiltração interfacial de resinas compostas bulk fill (BF) e tradicional (RT) de viscosidade regular.: Duas BF (Filtek Bulk Fill e Aura Bulk Fill) e duas RT (Filtek Z250XT e Aura) foram testados. Quarenta cavidades cônicas (4,8×2,8×4,0) foram preparadas em dentina bovina e restauradas com os compósitos (n=10). Depois de 24 h em água, a adaptação marginal foi avaliada por meio do corante com detector de cárie. As faces de topo e base das restaurações cônicas foram coradas por cinco segundos e a porcentagem de fendas na interface compósito/dentina foi determinada utilizando-se imagens analisadas num programa (ImageTool). A microdureza Vickers foi mensurada e a razção base/topo de microdureza (B/T) foi determinada. A resistência de união por push-out foi executada numa máquina de ensaios universal (0,5mm/min) e o padrão de fratura avaliado num estereomicroscópio (20x). Espécimes adicionais (n=3) foram confeccionados para avaliação da nanoinfiltração interfacial. Os dados foram analisados por meio de ANOVA a dois fatores e teste de Tukey (a=0,05). A porcentagem de fendas foi maior na base que no topo. A B/T da Aura Bulk Fill foi estatisticamente menor que os demais compósitos. A resistência de união por push-out foi similar entre os compósitos. As BF apresentaram menos nanoinfiltração que as RT na base das restaurações cônicas e não houve diferenças entre os materiais no topo. Conclui-se que a Filtek Bulk Fill comportou-se melhor que a Aura Bulk Fill considerando-se as propriedades analisadas.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength, bottom/top hardness ratio, marginal adaptation, and interfacial nanoleakage of regular viscosity bulk fill composites (RVBFC) and regular viscosity traditional composites (RVTC). Two RVBFC (Filtek Bulk Fill and Aura Bulk Fill) and two RVTC (Filtek Z250XT and Aura) were assessed. Forty conical cavities (4.8×2.8×4.0) were prepared in bovine dentin and restored with composites (n=10). After 24h in water, marginal adaptation was evaluated by staining with a caries detector. The top and bottom surfaces of the conical restorations were stained for five seconds and the gap percentage in the composite/dentin interface was determined using digital images on a measurement program (ImageTool). The Vickers microhardness was measured and the bottom/top microhardness ratio (B/T) was determined. Push-out bond strength test was performed in a universal testing machine (0.5mm/min) and failure modes were evaluated in a stereomicroscope (20×). Other specimens (n=3) were produced for interfacial nanoleakage evaluation. Data were analyzed using one and two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α=0.05). The gap percentage was higher in the bottom compared to the top. The B/T ratio of the Aura Bulk Fill was statistically lower than other composites. Push-out bond strength were similar among composites. The RVBFC presented lower nanoleakage than the RVTC in the bottom of the conical restoration and there was no difference among the materials in the top surfaces. In conclusion, Filtek Bulk Fill performed better than Aura Bulk Fill regarding the analyzed properties.

ABSTRACT In the last years many efforts have been expended to develop colloidal process that uses water instead of organic solvents in the tape casting process. In present work, alumina/zirconia laminated nanocomposites were fabricated by layer-by-layer method and using water-based tape casting process. Physical and mechanical properties as well as the fracture mode were investigated. The laminates consisted of stacked alumina and zirconia green sheets produced by thermopressing. The ceramic laminates were first heated at 450°C (organic elimination) and subsequently sintered in air at 1500°C during 1 h. The ceramic laminates showed a mechanical strength of approximately 103 MPa (AZAZA) and 44 MPa (ZAZAZ), respectively and an intergranular-transgranular mixed fracture mode.

ABSTRACT Studies have been developed in last decades in order to produce NiO-based material to be used as anode in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Aqueous-based tape casting was used to produce NiO-GDC substrates with smooth and homogeneous surfaces and good flexibility. Physical and mechanical properties were obtained in green tapes sintered at temperatures ranging from 1200 to 1400 ͦ C. The tapes sintered in 1400 ͦ C showed the best density and porosity values and mechanical strength between 7 and 25 MPa. SEM micrographs show a dense material with cracks and pores. The sintered material shows the presence of nickel oxide and gadolinium cerium oxide.

The incorporation of ceramic waste (CW) into solid bricks made with soil-cement mixtures has been studied in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of solid bricks made with soil-cement mixtures uniaxially pressed with the addition of construction waste, having hydrated lime and CPII F-32 Portland cement as binding agents to be used in formulations. Raw materials were characterized by particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, XRF and XRD. Solid bricks were made with soil-cement mixtures and CW, which were cured for 7, 28 and 56 days and submitted to compressive strength, water absorption and modified durability tests. The best results obtained were for percentages of 12% cement and 4% incorporated CW.

Doped lanthanum chromite-based ceramics are the most widely used interconnector material in solid fuel cells (SOFC) since they exhibit significant electrical and thermal conductivity, substantial corrosion resistance and adequate mechanical strength at ambient and high temperatures. The disadvantage of this material is its high cost and poor ductility. The aim of this study is to determine the mechanical and oxidation behavior of a stainless steel (AISI 444) with a LaCrO3 deposition on its surface obtained through spray pyrolisis. Coated and pure AISI 444 materials were characterized by mechanical properties, oxidation behavior, X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy. Results indicated that the coated material displays better oxidation behavior in comparison to pure stainless steel, but no improvement in mechanical strength. Both materials indicate that deformation behavior depends on testing temperatures.

The incorporation of refractory hard particles in Al2O3-based composites may inhibit grain growth of the matrix, which could significantly contribute to mechanical performance of the composite. The present study aimed to investigate the potential use of NbC as alumina reinforcing material, as an alternative to other carbides such as TiC and WC. Alumina was mixed with a fixed carbide concentration of 30 wt.(%) in a ball mill and uniaxially hot-pressed at 1650 ºC under a load of 30 MPa in an inert atmosphere. X-ray diffraction revealed no oxidation products were present after the sintering process. Microstructure analyses indicate a homogeneous carbide distribution in the alumina matrix. Results obtained in this study show that alumina reinforced with NbC is a composite material with properties comparable to those of alumina reinforced with WC and TiC, thereby making it good reinforcing material.

The use of an infiltration process to improve the properties of sintered materials has been widely investigated. This work describes the research carried out in the manufacturing of lithium glass-infiltrated alumina. The infiltration material consisted of a mixture of elements such as Li2O, ZrO2, SiO2 Al2O3, CaO and La2O3. Alumina specimens were sintered in air at 1400 °C for 2 hours. A number of samples were then submitted to the infiltration process at 1400 °C for 15 minutes. Sintered and infiltrated specimens were characterized by X ray diffraction, apparent density, open porosity, flexural strengths and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the infiltration process considerably improves the properties of alumina bodies.

Active filler controlled pyrolysis of polymers (AFCOP) is a recent method for obtaining near-net shaped ceramic bodies. Alumina based composites have been developed for use as cutting tools, so knowledge of the surface composition is extremely important because it is directly related to the hardness and wear resistance Samples containing a fixed concentration of 60 wt. (%) of polysiloxane and a mixture of metallic niobium and alumina powder were homogenized, uniaxially warm pressed at 80 °C and subsequently pyrolyzed in flowing argon at 1200, 1400 and 1500 °C. Analysis of the surface composition was carried out by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results have indicated that the formation of the phases on the surface depends strongly on the niobium/carbon ratio in the raw materials.

Recent studies published in the literature have focused on reinforcing alumina with different refractory carbides and nitrides in order to improve hardness, fracture toughness and wear resistance. The incorporation of hard particles as WC, (Ti,W)C and NbC on alumina matrix has shown to be a good alternative in improving the mechanical properties of the composite material. The present work reports some preliminary results obtained reinforcing alumina with 20 wt. (%) (Ti,W)C and 10 wt. (%) NbC. Alumina, (Ti,W)C and NbC powders were homogenized and mixed in a planetary ball mill and subsequently hot-pressed at 1650 °C under 20 MPa in flowing argon. Specimens were characterized by Vicker's microhardness (H V), fracture toughness (K IC), X ray diffraction and scanning microscopy. The composite material showed hardness values of 19.5 GPa and fracture toughness values <FONT FACE=Symbol>»</FONT> 5.2 MPa.m½. The high fracture toughness encountered in this work is related to the crack deflection mechanism.

Alumina-based composites have been developed in order to improve the mechanical properties of the monolithic matrix and to replace the WC-Co material for cutting tool applications. Al2O3 reinforced with refractory carbides improves hardness, fracture toughness and wear resistance to values suitable for metalworking applications. Al2O3-NbC composites were uniaxially hot-pressed at 1650 °C in an inert atmosphere and their mechanical properties and microstructures were analyzed. Sintered density, average grain size, microhardness and fracture toughness measurements and microstructural features were evaluated. Results have shown that the mechanical properties of alumina-NbC are comparable to other carbide systems. Microstructural analysis has shown that the niobium carbide particles are mainly located at the grain boundaries of alumina grains, which is an evidence of the "pinning effect", produced by NbC particles.

Cemented carbides such as tungsten carbide-cobalt WC-Co composites have been widely used as cutting tool materials. Several reports have shown the influence of different factors such as grain size, type and amount of binder phase and the addition of hard particles on the properties of WC-Co. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of niobium carbide on the microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-Co. Specimens of WC-Co reinforced with NbC were mixed and subsequently hot-pressed in a inert atmosphere. The WC-Co-NbC composite material exhibited high hardness values (18.9 GPa), flexural strength (2100 MPa) and fracture toughness (11.2 MPa.m½ ). TEM analysis has shown a bimodal grain size distribution of WC.

The effect of heat treatment on illite in air at temperatures ranging from 750 to 1150 °C was studied using the Mössbauer effect in 57Fe. The dependence of the Mössbauer parameters and relative percentage of the radiation absorption area was measured as a function of the firing temperature. The onset of thermal structural decomposition occurred at 800 °C. With rising temperature, the formation of hematite (Fe2O3) increased at the expense of the silicate mineral.