Moderne Methoden der Oberflächenbehandlung können Oberflächen mit besonderen Eigenschaften versehen. Diese Eigenschaften werden zunehmend durch ultradünne Schichten mit Schichtdicken von einigen Nanometern erzeugt, da mit minimalem Materialaufwand definierte Resultate erreichbar sind. Die meisten Metalle überziehen sich mit einer Oxidschicht, deren Eigenschaften von den herrschenden Umgebungsbedingungen bestimmt werden. Diese Oxidschicht bildet die Oberfläche des Festkörpers, und weist andere Eigenschaften auf als der Festkörper selbst. Darüber hinaus beeinflussen die Rauhigkeit sowie eventuell vorliegende Legierungsbestandteile die Oberflächenbeschaffenheit. Besonders geeignet zum Erzeugen ultradünner oder monomolekularer Schichten ist der Prozess der Selbstorganisation, bei dem man sich zu Nutze macht, dass oberflächenaktive Moleküle mit sich selbst und einem Substrat in Wechselwirkung treten können. Zum Verständnis der ablaufenden Vorgänge ist die Kenntnis der Prozesskinetik sowie die Charakterisierung der Substratoberfläche vor und nach der Adsorption erforderlich. Die Größenverhältnisse zwischen den adsorbierten Molekülen und der Rauheit der Oberfläche erschweren die Charakterisierung der vorliegenden Ordnung und Orientierung der erzeugten dünnen Schichten. In dieser Arbeit sind Untersuchung des Schichtbildungsverhaltens und die Charakterisierung der erzeugten Schichten aus Phosphon- und Phosphorsäurederivaten in Abhängigkeit verschiedener Eigenschaften der Substratoberflächen vorgenommen worden. Dabei kamen oberflächensensitive Methoden wie AFM, REM, SPR und XPS zum Einsatz. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass sich die untersuchten Moleküle wie erwartet auf den Oberflächen orientieren und dabei einen Bedeckungsgrad von etwa 60% erreichen. Der Einfluss von unterschiedlichen Vorbehandlungsmethoden konnte ebenso charakterisiert werden.

Die Synthese von Kohlenstoffnanoröhren mit maßgeschneiderten Morphologien stellt bis heute eine große Herausforderung dar. In der vorliegenden Arbeit liegt der Fokus zunächst auf gerade gewachsene MWCNTs, welche insbesondere mit N-Dotierung erhalten werden können. Im Allgemeinen führt eine Dotierung mit Stickstoff zu Defekten im Kohlenstoff-Gitter und verursacht dadurch eine gekrümmte MWCNT-Morphologie. Dennoch konnten in dieser Arbeit gerade gewachsene, nadelförmige MWCNTs insbesondere unter Verwendung der N-haltigen Präkursoren Acetonitril sowie Pyrazin (30 Ma.-% in Toluol) bei einer Temperatur von 750 °C erfolgreich synthetisiert werden. Dafür eignete sich besonders eine CVD-Methode, bei welcher der Fe-Katalysatorpräkursor Ferrocen in einem separaten Ofen sublimiert wurde. Es stellte sich heraus, dass sich in einer stickstoffhaltigen Gasphase bevorzugt einkristalline Fe3C-Katalysatorpartikel bilden. Im Fall einer homogenen Katalysatormorphologie, d.h. ohne Krümmungen, scheiden sich Kohlenstoffwände an einer bestimmten Facette des Katalysatorpartikels ab. Nicht nur die Zusammensetzung und Beschaffenheit des Katalysatorpartikels bestimmen die MWCNT-Morphologie, die Konzentration an Stickstoff sowie dessen Bindungszustand sind ebenso von großer Bedeutung. Für eine gerade MWCNT-Morphologie sollte daher das Vorkommen pyridinischer sowie pyrrolischer N-Bindungen möglichst gering gehalten werden, da diese Defekte im Kohlenstoff-Gitter verursachen. Die Art der Stickstoffbindung beeinflusst nicht nur die MWCNT-Morphologie, sondern ebenso die Oberflächenpolarität von MWCNTs. Grundsätzlich wird angenommen, dass Stickstoff die Polarität an der MWCNT-Oberfläche erhöht. Jedoch weisen in dieser Arbeit selbst MWCNTs mit bis zu 2,5 at.-% Stickstoff hydrophobe Oberflächen auf, im Vergleich zu hydrophilen MWCNTs, welche bis zu 3,7 at.-% Stickstoff enthalten. XPS-Messungen ergaben dabei nur einen signifikanten Unterschied bezüglich des Anteils an molekularen Stickstoff innerhalb beider MWCNT-Typen. Mit Hilfe von DFT-Berechnungen konnte anschließend nachgewiesen werden, dass zwischen den CNT-Wänden interkalierter molekularer Stickstoff, im Vergleich zu pyridinisch und graphitisch gebundenen Stickstoff, den größten Einfluss auf die π-Elektronendichte der Röhrenoberflächen besitzt. Die Anwesenheit des Stickstoffs verursacht dabei eine signifikante Verschiebung der π-Elektronendichte in Richtung der Stickstoffmoleküle hin. Ist die Konzentration an molekularen Stickstoff zudem so hoch, dass sich die Stickstoffmoleküle ebenso zwischen den äußeren CNT-Wänden anreichern, so können diese die Oberflächenpolarität der äußersten CNT-Wand begünstigen. Pyridinische und graphitische N-Bindungen verursachen nur eine geringfügige Verschiebung der π-Elektronendichte der CNT-Wände. Da sie sich zudem bevorzugt in den inneren CNT-Wänden befinden, beeinflussen sie die Polarität der äußersten MWCNT-Oberfläche nur unzureichend. Aufgrund der vielfältigen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von MWCNTs in Abhängigkeit von ihrer Morphologie und Oberflächeneigenschaften, wurde zusätzlich das toxische Potential verschiedener MWCNT-Typen untersucht. Die toxikologischen Untersuchungen ergaben dabei, dass insbesondere lange und hydrophobe MWCNTs, ähnlich wie Amosit Asbest, ein hohes toxisches Potential aufweisen. / The synthesis of carbon nanotubes with tailor-made morphologies is still a challenge. First of all, this thesis is focused on the synthesis of straight MWCNTs, especially obtained with N doping. In principle, N doping causes defects in the carbon lattice, leading to a curved MWCNT morphology. Nevertheless, straight and needle-like MWCNTs were successfully synthesized especially when using N-containing precursors like acetonitrile and pyrazine (30 wt.-% in toluene) at 750 °C. Therefore, a CVD method, allowing a separate sublimation of the Fe catalyst precursor ferrocene, was suitable for the synthesis of such straight MWCNTs. It could be emphasized that single crystalline Fe3C catalyst particles were formed in the presence of nitrogen before the beginning of the MWCNT synthesis. In case of a homogeneous catalyst morphology (without curvatures), the tube walls will grow on a specific facet. Not only the composition and constitution of the catalyst particle have a strong influence on the MWCNT morphology, but also the concentration of nitrogen and it’s kind of incorporation in the carbon lattice. Meaning, the presence of pyridinic or pyrrolic nitrogen should be minimized to decrease the defects in the carbon lattice. Furthermore, the kind of nitrogen bond has also a strong influence on the surface polarity of the MWCNTs. As a dopant, nitrogen should generally increase the polarity of the MWCNT surfaces. In contrast, even MWCNTs containing up to 2.5 at.-% N in this work exhibit hydrophobic surfaces, whereas surfaces of MWCNTs containing up to 3.7 at.-% N are very hydrophilic. The only significant difference between both MWCNT types is the amount of molecular nitrogen intercalated between the tube walls, confirmed by XPS measurements. Using DFT calculations it could be highlighted that molecular nitrogen has the strongest influence on the π-electron density of the tube walls, compared to pyridinic and graphitic nitrogen. The presence of nitrogen causes a significant shift of the π-electron density from the tube walls towards the nitrogen molecules. In case of a high concentration of molecular nitrogen, the nitrogen molecules can be intercalated more between the outer tube walls, so they are able to enhance the polarity of the outermost tube wall. The pyridinic and graphitic nitrogen are preferentially incorporated between the inner tube walls and thus cause only a slight π-electron density shift. So their influence on the polarity of the outermost tube wall is not sufficient enough. Due to the various application possibilities of MWCNTs depending on their morphology and surface properties, the toxic potential of different MWCNT types was additionally investigated in this work. The toxicological investigations revealed that especially long MWCNTs with hydrophobic surfaces, similar to amosite asbestos, exhibit a high toxic potential.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Objective: Zinc-reinforced glass ionomer restorative material (ZRGIC) has been proposed as an improved restorative material. The study compared the mechanical properties of a ZRGIC restorative material (ChemFil Rock, (Dentsply)), with three commercially available glass ionomers (GICs); Fuji IX GP Extra (GC America), Ketac Molar (3M ESPE) and EQUIA Fil (GC America). A resin composite, Premise (Kerr), was included as a control group except for fracture toughness. Methods: Fracture toughness (KIC) testing was done according to ISO 13586, using single edge notched-beam specimens (n=10), loaded until failure in a three-point bending test device. Specimens (n=9) for the hardness, roughness and abrasive wear testing were made by mixing and inserting the restorative materials into individual stainless steel molds followed by flattening and polishing. Knoop microhardness (KHN) was performed (25 g, 30 s),on pre-determined areas of the polished surfaces. For toothbrushing wear resistance and roughness, specimens were brushed in an automated brushing machine (200 g) with a suspension of dentifrice and water (1:1, w/v) for 20,000 strokes. Specimen surfaces were scanned in an optical profilometer before and after brushing to obtain surface roughness (Ra) and mean height (surface) loss using image subtraction and dedicated software. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests (α=0.05). Results: ChemFil Rock had the highest change in surface roughness (Ra)(0.79±0.14; p<0.001) and the lowest microhardness (KHN) values (52.39±2.67; p<0.05) among all GICs. Its wear resistance was comparable to other GICs (p>0.05). ChemFil Rock had lower fracture toughness (0.99±0.07, KIC) compared to Equia Fil (p<0.01) and higher compared to the other GICs (p<0.01). Conclusion: The new ZRGIC restorative material showed intermediate fracture toughness, high change in surface roughness, and low microhardness compared to three other commercial GICs. All materials were supplied by respective manufacturers.

An AFM relative stiffness technique was applied to reconstituted Beta vulgaris L. wax films. Consecutive force arrays (n=100) made on the waxy surface at the same locations showed that there was no relative change in surface elasticity and this information was used as a reference to further experimental measurements. A surfactant solution was subsequently dropped on the waxy surface and the same array of indents was made at the same location as the reference test. The plant wax surface showed a reduction in its surface elasticity properties. The study has demonstrated that the AFM technique could be used to undertake a systematic assessment of the plasticising effects of agrochemicals on native and reconstituted plant wax films.

One of the most important objectives for transportation engineers is to understand pavement surface properties and their positive and negative effects on the user. This can improve the design of the infrastructure, adequacy of tools, and consistency of methodologies that are essential for transportation practitioners regarding macrotexture characterization. Important pavement surface characteristics, or tire-pavement interactions, such as friction, tire-pavement noise, splash and spray, and rolling resistance, are significantly influenced by pavement macrotexture. This dissertation compares static and dynamic macrotexture measurements and proposes and enhanced method to quantify the macrotexture. Dynamic measurements performed with vehicle-mounted lasers have the advantage of measuring macrotexture at traffic speed. One drawback of these laser devices is the presence of 'spikes' in the collected data, which impact the texture measurements. The dissertation proposes two robust and innovative methods to overcome this limitation. The first method is a data-driven adaptive method that detects and removes the spikes from high-speed laser texture measurements. The method first calculates the discrete wavelet transform of the texture measurements. It then detects (at all levels) and removes the spikes from the obtained wavelet coefficients (or differences). Finally, it calculates the inverse discrete wavelet transform with the processed wavelet coefficients (without outliers) to obtain the Mean Profile Depth (MPD) from the measurements with the spikes removed. The method was validated by comparing the results with MPD measurements obtained with a Circular Texture Meter (CTMeter) that was chosen as the control device. Although this first method was able to successfully remove the spikes, it has the drawback that it depends on manual modeling of the distribution of the wavelet coefficients to correctly define an appropriate threshold. The next step of this dissertation proposes an enhanced to the spike removal methodology for macrotexture measurements taken with high-speed laser devices. This denoising methodology uses an algorithm that defines the distribution of texture measurements by using the family of Generalized Gaussian Distributions (GGD), along with the False Discovery Rate (FDR) method that controls the proportion of wrongly identified spikes among all identified spikes. The FDR control allows for an adaptive threshold selection that differentiates between valid measurements and spikes. The validation of the method showed that the MPD results obtained with denoised dynamic measurements are comparable to MPD results from the control devices. This second method is included as a crucial step in the last stage of this dissertation as explained following. The last part of the dissertation presents an enhanced macrotexture characterization index based on the Effective Area for Water Evacuation (EAWE), which: (1) Estimates the potential of the pavement to drain water and (2) Correlates better with two pavement surface properties affected by macrotexture (friction and noise) that the current MPD method. The proposed index is defined by a three-step process that: (1) removes the spikes, assuring the reliability of the texture profile data, (2) finds the enveloping profile that is necessary to delimit the area between the tire and the pavement when contact occurs, and (3) computes the EAWE. Comparisons of current (MPD) and proposed (EAWE) macrotexture characterization indices showed that the MPD overestimates the ability of the pavement for draining the surface water under a tire. / Ph. D.

No / PURPOSE: To explore the use of crystal inter-planar d-spacings and slip-plane interaction energies for predicting and characterising mechanical properties of crystalline solids. METHODS: Potential relationships were evaluated between mechanical properties and inter-planar d-spacing, inter-planar interaction energy, and dispersive surface energy as determined using inverse gas chromatography (IGC) for a set of pharmaceutical materials. Inter-planar interaction energies were determined by molecular modelling. RESULTS: General trends were observed between mechanical properties and the largest inter-planar d-spacing, inter-planar interaction energies, and IGC dispersive surface energy. A number of materials showed significant deviations from general trends. Weak correlations and outliers were rationalised. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the highest d-spacing of a material could serve as a first-order indicator for ranking mechanical behaviour of pharmaceutical powders, but with some reservation. Inter-planar interaction energy normalised for surface area shows only a weak link with mechanical properties and does not appear to capture essential physics of deformation. A novel framework linking mechanical properties of crystals to the distinct quantities, slip-plane energy barrier and inter-planar interaction (detachment) energy is proposed.

No / Caffeine/oxalic acid 2:1 cocrystal exhibited superior stability to humidity over caffeine, but compressional behavior is not studied yet. To compare compressional properties of caffeine/oxalic acid 2:1 cocrystal obtained by different cocrystallization techniques. Cocrystal was obtained by solvent precipitation and ultrasound assisted solution cocrystallization (USSC) and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Compaction study was carried out at different compaction forces. Compact crushing strength, thickness and elastic recovery were determined. Compaction was in order, caffeine > solvent precipitation cocrystal > USSC cocrystal. Caffeine exhibited sticking and lamination, where solvent precipitation compacts showed advantage. Caffeine and solvent precipitation compacts showed sudden drop in compactability, higher elastic recovery with severe lamination at 20,000 N. This was due to overcompaction. Crystal habit of two cocrystal products was same, but USSC cocrystals were difficult to compact. Uniform needle shaped USSC cocrystals must be difficult to orient in different direction and fracture during compression. Elastic recovery of USSC cocrystals was also more compared to other powders indicating less fracture and poor bonding between particles resulting in poor compaction. Cocrystal formation did not improve compressional property of caffeine. Cocrystals exposed to different crystallization environments in two techniques may have resulted in generation of different surface properties presenting different compressional properties.

Die Siliciumauflösung in Flusssäure-Wasserstoffperoxid- und Flusssäure-Ozon-Lösung ist aufgrund der, aus der Oxidation des Siliciums, formal resultierenden Reaktionsprodukte Wasser und Sauerstoff interessant. Der Auflösungsprozess, speziell die Oxidation des Siliciums / Elektronenlochinjektion ins Siliciumvalenzband, wird – verglichen mit anderen Ätzsystemen für Silicium – massiv kinetisch gehemmt. Ätzprozesse auf Basis dieser Mischungen sind hinsichtlich der geringen bzw. moderaten erzielbaren Siliciumabtragsraten (rSi < 0,02 nm s-1 mit Rissaufweitung in Flusssäure-Wasserstoff-peroxid-Lösungen bzw. rSi < 0,61 nm s-1 mit Oberflächenpolitur in Flusssäure-Ozon-Lösungen) wenig effektiv. Eine Erhöhung der Siliciumabtragsraten gelingt prinzipiell durch die Erhöhung der Konzentrationen siliciumoxidierender Spezies in der Silicium / Elektrolyt-Grenzfläche oder durch Zufügen geeigneter grenzflächenaktiver Elektronenüberträgerspezies. In stark sauren Lösungen wird der Elektronentransfer zusätzlich durch stabilisierende Wasserstoffaustauschprozesse inhibiert. Die Mischungen sind zur Reinigung von Siliciumwaferoberflächen oder feinteiligem Silicium geeignet.

Cette thèse porte sur l’étude de couches minces ferroélectriques à base de BaTiO3 déposées par pulvérisation cathodique. Ces matériaux permettent par exemple de réaliser des condensateurs accordables ou encore des mémoires non-volatiles pour le stockage d’informations. Cependant, leurs propriétés diélectriques sont considérablement dégradées par des effets extrinsèques d’interfaces; film/substrat ou encore film/électrode. Dans ce contexte, la spectroscopie de photoémission (XPS) a été utilisée pour quantifier les états électroniques et chimiques de ces interfaces avec une approche in-situ. L’étude sur la formation du contact film/électrode a permis de mesurer la hauteur de barrière de Schottky partiellement responsable des caractéristiques capacités – tensions des couches. Des phénomènes de ségrégation ont été mis en évidence révélant une profonde instabilité de la stoechiométrie de surface. Enfin, la conséquence d’un dopage au niobium dans les couches minces de BaTiO3 est discutée du point de vue des modes de compensation, de la solubilité du dopant et des propriétés diélectriques. / The aim of this work was to better understand the surface and interface properties of sputtered ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin films. They are typically used as dielectrics in integrated capacitors, electromechanical sensors and so. This thesis studies the chemical and electronic structures of the interface of BaTiO3 in order to understand basic mechanisms of contact formation with the substrate and the electrode like the Schottky barrier height. Furthermore, the surface stoichiometry of such films has been investigated under different thermal preparation revealing significant instability through segregation phenomenon. Finally, the doping effect with niobium is studied regarding compensation mode, dopant solubility and dielectric properties. The experimental setup allows for in-situ analysis of surface and interface properties using photoelectron spectroscopy.

No presente estudo, a proposta foi avaliar a ação antimicrobiana sobre o biofilme de Candida albicans (SC 5314) e determinar a mínima concentração inibitória (MCI) de cinco fármacos utilizados no tratamento de estomatite protética (nistatina, miconazol, cetoconazol, itraconazol e diacetato de clorexidina), quando incorporados em reembasadores resilientes temporários à base de resina acrílica (Trusoft e Softone) bem como o efeito dessa modificação sobre as propriedades de dureza Shore A e rugosidade superficial dos materiais. Para determinação das MCIs, o biofilme fúngico foi formado sobre corpos de prova circulares (10 mm x 1 mm) dos materiais (n = 6) modificados (experimentais) ou não (controle) pela adição dos fármacos. Diferentes concentrações dos antimicrobianos foram testadas e a viabilidade celular determinada espectrofotometricamente pelo ensaio de redução de sais de tetrazólio- XTT, nos períodos de 24 h, 48 h, 7 e 14 dias. As medidas espectrofotométricas foram convertidas em porcentagens de redução fúngica e as MCIs determinadas como aquelas suficientes para inibir 90% ou mais do crescimento de C. albicans. Para os ensaios de dureza e rugosidade, corpos de prova retangulares (36 mm x 7 mm x 6 mm) dos materiais resilientes (n= 8) foram confeccionados sem (controle) ou com incorporação dos fármacos nas MCIs previamente definidas. Após armazenamento em água destilada a 37°C por 24 h, 7 e 14 dias, foram realizados os testes de dureza em durômetro Shore A (Woltest, GSD-709A) e de rugosidade superficial em rugosímetro (Surftest SJ-301). Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente por ANOVA 3 fatores, seguida pelo teste de Tukey (=0,05). De acordo com os resultados, as MCIs determinadas para fármacos incorporados aos materiais resilientes foram: 0,032, 0,256, 0,128, 0,256 e 0,064 g/mL para nistatina, miconazol, cetoconazol, itraconazol e clorexidina, respectivamente. A adição dos antimicrobianos em ambos os materiais não alterou os valores de dureza, ou resultou na sua diminuição em relação ao controle, exceto para a incorporação de miconazol ao Softone, que demonstrou maiores médias após 14 dias (P=0,0035). A incorporação de nistatina aos dois materiais, de clorexidina ao Trusoft e de cetoconazol ao Softone não alterou os valores de rugosidade em relação ao controle após 7 e 14 dias (P>0,05). Nesses períodos, o itraconazol aumentou a rugosidade dos materiais (P<0,0001). Em relação às 24 h iniciais, o período de 14 dias mostrou que a rugosidade com a adição de nistatina, miconazol e cetoconazol foi reduzida para o Trusoft (P<0,05) e não apresentou alteração para o Softone (P>0,05). Foi possível concluir que a incorporação dos antimicrobianos testados inibiu o crescimento de C. albicans nos materiais ao longo de 14 dias de avaliação. A adição de todos os fármacos testados, exceto o miconazol no Softone, não causou alterações deletérias à dureza dos materiais resilientes no período avaliado. No período final, a adição de nistatina, miconazol e cetoconazol em ambos os reembasadores e de clorexidina no Trusoft não resultou em efeitos adversos na rugosidade. / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial action on Candida albicans biofilm (SC5314) and determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of five drugs for denture stomatitis\' treatment (nystatin, miconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and chlorhexidine diacetate) incorporated into temporary denture relines (Trusoft e Softone) as well the effect of this addition on the Shore A hardness and surface roughness of the materials. For MIC determination, the fungal biofilm was formed on disc specimens (10mm x 1 mm) of the materials (n= 6) modified (experimental) or not (control) by the addition of drugs. Different dosages of the antimicrobials were tested and cellular viability was determined by spectrophotometric tetrazolium salt XTT reduction assay at 24 h, 48 h, 7 and 14 days of incubation. The spectrophotometric measurements were converted to percentage reduction in candidal growth and the MICs were determined as the concentrations necessary to inhibit 90% or more of fungal viability. For hardness and surface tests, rectangular specimens (36 mm X 7 mm X 6 mm) of the resilient materials (n= 8) were made without (control) or with incorporation of the MIC drugs. After storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24h, 7 and 14 days, the hardness tests were performed using a Shore A hardness tester (Woltest, GSD-709A) and the roughness assay was conducted in a surface roughness tester (Surftest SJ-301). Data were statistically analyzed by 3-way ANOVA followed by Tukeys test (=.05). According to the results, MICs of the drugs incorporated into the material were: 0.032, 0.256, 0.128, 0.256 e 0.064 g/mL for nystatin, miconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole and chlorhexidine, respectively. The addition of the tested antimicrobial agents in both materials demonstrated no evident hardness change or resulted in its decrease compared to the control, except for miconazole incorporation into Softone, which increased the hardness values after 14 days (P = .0035). The addition of nystatin into the two materials, chlorhexidine into Trusoft and ketoconazole into Softone resulted in no significant changes of roughness values compared to the control after 7 and 14 days (P>.05). In these periods, itraconazole promoted increase of the roughness for both materials (P<.0001). Compare to the 24- h period, the roughness at 14- day time with the addition of nystatin, miconazole and ketoconazole was reduced for Trusoft (P<.05) and remained unaffected for Softone (P> .05). It can be concluded that the incorporation of antimicrobial agents inhibited the C. albicans growth on the materials up to 14 days. The addition of all tested drugs, except for the miconazole into Softone, resulted in no deleterious effects on hardness of the resilient materials over the evaluation time. At the end period, the incorporation of nystatin, miconazole and ketoconazole into both denture relines and chlorhexidine into Trusoft resulted in no detrimental changes on the roughness.