Neste estudo avaliou-se, in vitro, por meio do teste de Push Out, a influência das técnicas obturadoras, condensação lateral, McSpadden modificada e sistema Beefill, na adesividade dos materiais obturadores em canais achatados. Foram utilizados 40 incisivos inferiores instrumentados com o sistema rotatório Hero de acordo com a técnica Free Tip (Pécora, et al., 2002), utilizando como solução irrigante o hipoclorito de sódio a 1%, alternado com EDTA a 17% e irrigação final com água destilada, para os grupos I, II E IV. Para o grupo III, foi utilizado somente soro fisiológico, e este serviu como o grupo controle. Após o preparo de acordo com as soluções irrigantes os dentes, foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos (n=10), de acordo com o sistema de obturação: GI - condensação lateral, GII - Beefill, GIII - condensação lateral (controle) e G IV - McSpadden modificada Os grupos foram obturados com o cimento resinoso AH Plus. Após esse processo, cada raiz foi seccionada transversalmente de modo a se obter seis corpos-de-prova de aproximadamente 1,0 mm de espessura, que foram submetidos ao teste de Push Out, em Máquina Universal de Ensaios (Instron 3345). Os dados de tensão (MPa) foram submetidos à análise estatística de Kruskal Wallis e o teste de Tukey. Os resultados demonstraram diferença estatisticamente significante (p<0,05) entre as técnicas de obturação. A técnica de condensação lateral obteve os maiores valores de tensão (3,98±2,03), seguido pela técnica de McSpadden modificada (3,44±1,73), controle (2,62±1,34) e Beefill (2,16±1,10). Pode-se concluir que a força necessária para o deslocamento do material obturador dos dentes obturados com a técnica de condensação lateral foi maior quando comparada com as demais técnicas. A técnica de McSpadden apresentou um comportamento intermediário ora pertencendo ao grupo da condensação lateral e ora ao grupo controle, já o Beefill, foi à técnica que se apresentou com os menores valores para o deslocamento do material obturador. O grupo controle situou-se numa condição também intermediaria podendo pertencer tanto ao grupo da Beefill quanto da McSpadden. Em relação aos terços, a porção apical foi a que apresentou os maiores valores em relação aos dois outros terços, que são estatisticamente semelhantes. A análise da microtomografia evidenciou que o sistema Beefill teve um melhor comportamento em relação ao preenchimento do canal radicular, seguido na ordem pela McSpadden modificada, condensação lateral e controle. / This study evaluated in vitro by means of the Push Out the influence of the obturation techniques, lateral condensation, Mc Spadden modified, Beefill system and in adhesion of filling materials in flat canals. Forty mandibular incisors were instrumented with the rotary system of Hero according to technique Free Tip (Pécora, et al., 2002), as irrigating solution using sodium hypochlorite 1% alternating with 17% EDTA and final irrigation with distilled water, for groups I, II and IV. For Group III, only saline solution was used, and this served as the control group. After preparation according to the irrigating solutions teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10), according to the shutter system: GI - lateral condensation, GII - Beefill, GIII - lateral condensation (control) and G IV - McSpadden modified. The groups were filled with AH Plus resin cement. After this process, each root was sectioned transversely so as to obtain six sample of approximately 1.0 mm thick, which was tested using the Push Out in a universal testing machine (Instron 3345). The data of stress (MPa) were statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Tukey\'s test. The results showed statistically significant difference (p <0.05) between the techniques of filling. The lateral condensation technique achieved the highest voltage (3.98 ± 2.03), followed by McSpadden modified technique (3.44 ± 1.73), control (2.62 ± 1.34) and Beefill (2.16 ± 1.10). It can be concluded that the force required for displacement of the filling material of the teeth obturated with lateral condensation technique was higher compared with other techniques. The technique of McSpadden presented an intermediate behavior belonging to either the lateral condensation group and either control group. Befilll, the technique was performed with the lowest values for the displacement of the filling material. The control group was situated in an intermediate condition also can belong to both the group Beefill and McSpadden. Regarding thirds, the apical portion showed the highest values in relation to the other two thirds, which are statistically similar. The analysis showed that microtomography system Beefill had a better behavior in relation to filling the root canal, followed in order by McSpadden modified lateral condensation and control.

O LED infravermelho tem sido considerado uma alternativa efetiva para o laser na bioestimulação. Entretanto, o efeito na remodelação óssea durante o movimento ortodôntico ainda deve ser esclarecido. Oitenta ratos machos com 10 semanas de idade, foram divididos em dois grupos de 40 animais cada: grupo LED (GLED) e grupo controle (GCON), e tiveram seu 1ºmolar superior esquerdo submetido a força de 10 g com uma mola helicoidal fixada entre o 1ºmolar superior esquerdo e incisivo superior esquerdo. Durante os primeiros cinco dias de movimentação dentária foi aplicada a luz infravermelha LED (850nm, 30mW) durante 5 minutos no GLED. O GCON não foi irradiado. Em 0, 7, 14 e 21 dias, 5 animais de cada grupo foram submetidos a microtomografia computadorizada. Para a avaliação histológica, todos os ratos foram subdivididos em subgrupos de 20 animais cada de acordo com a o dia da eutanásia 4, 7, 14 e 21 dias e as maxilas foram dissecadas e processadas para a microscopia de luz (HE e TRAP). A quantidade de movimento, segundo as microtomografias computadorizadas, foi maior no grupo LED em T1 (intervalo entre os dias 0 e 7) e em T3 (intervalo entre os dias 14 e 21). No dia 4 foi observada hialinização na área de pressão em ambos os grupos; nos períodos posteriores, 7, 14, a área hialina foi vista apenas no grupo controle. A reabsorção radicular ocorreu em ambos os grupos após o dia 7. A fototerapia LED melhora a movimentação dentária e minimiza a hialinização durante o movimento ortodôntico. Entretanto, não reduz o risco de reabsorção da superfície radicular. / Infrared LED has been considered an effective alternative to infrared LASER for biostimulation purposes. However, its effect on bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is unknown. Eighty 10 week-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of forty animals each: LED group (GLED) and control group (GCON) and had a coiled spring bonded to the first upper molar and upper incisor exerting 10g force to mesially move the molar. During the first five days of OTM the maxillae were daily irradiated with infrared LED (850nm, 30mW) during 5 minutes (LED group). The controls were not irradiated (GCON). At 0, 7, 14 and 21 days, 5 LED group and 5 CON group rats were submitted to ?CT. For the histological study, all rats were subvided into subgroups of 20 animal each according to the euthanasia day 4, 7, 14 e 21 days. The rats were euthanized after 4, 7, 14 and 21 days and the maxillae were processed to light microscopy and TRAP histochemistry. The amount of tooth movement was greater in the GLED on days 7 and 14. At 4 day, hyalinization was seen at the pressure areas in both groups; on the subsequent days it was seen only in the GCON. Root resorption occurred in both groups after 7 days. LED phototherapy enhances early tooth movement and minimizes periodontal hyalinization during OTM. However, it does not reduce the risk of tooth resorption.

Aim: To analyse the influence of novel ultrasonic tips on the instrumentation and removal of filling material in flattened/oval-shaped canals. Methodology: Forty-five mandibular incisors were selected and randomly divided into three experimental groups according to different protocols. For the instrumentation procedures, the following protocols were used: Group PFCP: ProDesign Logic 25/.05 + Flatsonic + Clearsonic + Prodesign Logic 40/.01, Group FCP: Flatsonic + Clearsonic + ProDesign Logic 40/.01 and Group PP: Prodesign Logic 25/.05 + Prodesign Logic 40/.05. After the instrumentation procedures, the samples were randomly divided into three experimental groups for the removal of filling material: Group R: Reciproc R25/.08, Group RC: Reciproc R25/.08 + Clearsonic tip and Group CR: Clearsonic tip + Reciproc R25/.08. The teeth were scanned pre and post-operatively by the means of a micro-computed tomography system. The percentage values for increase in volume, non-instrumented surface area, dentine removal, degree of canal transportation, centering ratio and percentage of residual filling material between the experimental groups were examined. Data were analysed using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn\'s tests. The significance level was of P<0.05. Results: The instrumentation technique applied in group PFCP provided the greatest volume increase in the total portion of the root canal, showing the lowest percentage of noninstrumented surface area. Regarding the degree of transportation in the buccolingual direction, statistically significant differences between groups PFCP and PP were observed in the coronal third of the canal. In the mesio-distal direction, no statistically significant differences in the coronal, middle and apical thirds were observed. As for the centering ratio, statistically significant differences were found in the bucco-lingual direction. In the mesio-distal direction, no statistically significant differences in the coronal, middle and apical thirds were observed between the instrumentation protocols used in this study. Statistically significant differences between the experimental groups were found in the total portion of the root canal, where group R provided the highest percentage of residual root canal filling material when compared to groups RC and CR. In group C, the lowest percentage of residual root canal filling material was observed. Concerning the percentage of residual root canal filling material in the apical third of the root canal, statistically significant differences were found between the different protocols used in this study. The technique used in group CR, provided the lowest percentage of residual root canal filling material. Conclusions: The protocol used in the PFCP group provided a significant increase in volume and reduced the percentage of non-instrumented walls during the shaping of oval-shaped canals. The use of the ClearSonic tip as the first instrument followed by the Reciproc 25/.08 file for the removal of filling material, resulted in the lowest percentage of residual filling material in the total portion and in the apical third of the root canal. / Objetivo: Analisar a influência de novos insertos ultrassônicos para o preparo e remoção de material obturador em canais achatados. Metodologia: Quarenta e cinco incisivos inferiores foram selecionados e divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos experimentais dependendo da técnica de preparo e remoção de material obturador. Para o preparo dos espécimes, os seguintes protocolos foram utilizados: Group PFCP: ProDesign Logic 25/.05 + Flatsonic + Clearsonic + Prodesign Logic 40/.01, Group FCP: Flatsonic + Clearsonic + ProDesign Logic 40/.01 and Group PP: Prodesign Logic 25/.05 + Prodesign Logic 40/.05. Posteriormente, os espécimes foram redistribuídos em três grupos experimentais para a remoção do material obturador: Group R: Reciproc R25/.08, Group RC: Reciproc R25/.08 + Clearsonic tip and Group CR: Clearsonic tip + Reciproc R25/.08. Os espécimes foram escaneados antes e após os procedimentos operatórios por meio de micro-tomografia computadorizada. Foram examinados os valores de aumento de volume, área de superfície não tocada, remoção de dentina, grau de transporte do canal, centralização do preparo e material obturador remanescente entre os grupos experimentais. Os dados foram analisados com os testes estatísticos não paramétricos de Kruskal-Wallis e Dunn. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados: A técnica de preparo aplicada no grupo PFCP promoveu o maior aumento de volume na porção total do canal radicular, mostrando a menor porcentagem de área não tocada. Em relação ao grau de transporte no sentido vestíbulo-lingual, diferenças estatísticas significantes foram encontradas no terço cervical entre o grupo PCFP e PP. No sentido mesio-distal, não houve diferença estatística significante nos terços cervical, médio e apical. No que diz respeito a centralização do preparo, diferenças estatísticas significantes foram encontradas no sentido vestíbulo-lingual. Considerando a porcentagem de material obturador remanescente, foram observadas diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os grupos experimentais na porção total do canal radicular, onde o grupo R apresentou a maior porcentagem de material obturador remanescente, quando comparado aos grupo RC e CR. No grupo CR, a menor porcentagem de material obturador remanescente foi constatada. Diferenças estatísticas significantes foram encontradas entre os grupos experimentais na porção apical do canal radicular. Desse modo, a técnica usada no grupo CR, promoveu a menor porcentagem de material obturador remanescente no terço apical. Conclusões: O protocolo utilizado no grupo PFCP promoveu a maior porcentagem de aumento de volume e reduziu a porcentagem de áreas não tocadas durante o preparo de canais achatados. A associação do inserto ultrassônico ClearSonic antes da utilização do instrumento reciprocante R25 para a remoção de material obturador, promoveu a menor porcentagem de material obturador remanescente na porção total e apical do canal radicular.

A remodelação do processo alveolar após a exodontia é um fenômeno fisiológico que resulta em alterações das dimensões ósseas e que podem interferir na reabilitação protética. Para minimizar a perda óssea, estratégias de preservação do rebordo vêm sendo empregadas e a terapia por fotobiomodulação (TFBM) se destaca como uma opção de baixo custo e morbidade. Estudos prévios evidenciaram o impacto positivo da TFBM no reparo ósseo. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito TFBM no reparo alveolar. Vinte pacientes com indicação clínica de exodontia dos primeiros ou segundos molares bilateralmente foram selecionados e os lados direito e esquerdo de cada paciente distribuídos em um dos grupos experimentais: (1) TFBM, tratado com laser de baixa frequência, e (2) Controle, que recebeu o mesmo tratamento com o equipamento desligado; a aplicação foi realizada no pós-operatório imediato, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 e 15 dias. Aos 45 dias pós-exodontia, espécimes de tecido do interior dos alvéolos foram coletados para análise microtomográfica e histológica. Os dados foram comparados utilizando o Teste-t pareado e o nível de significância foi de 5%. A análise morfométrica evidenciou diferenças estatisticamente significante entre os grupos para os seguintes parâmetros: superfície óssea (p=0,029), superfície óssea/volume total (p=0,028), número de trabéculas (p=0,025) e densidade de conectividade (p=0,029), maiores no grupo TFBM em relação ao Controle. O volume ósseo, volume ósseo/total, espessura e separação trabecular não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p=0,054; p=0,082; p=0,598 e p=0,109, respectivamente). Esses dados foram confirmados na análise histológica, onde foi identificado maior quantidade de tecido trabecular no grupo TFBM, enquanto no Controle fica evidente maior quantidade de tecido conjuntivo. Os resultados evidenciaram que a terapia de fotobiomodulação tem efeito positivo no reparo de alvéolos humanos. / The process of bone repair after tooth extraction is a physiological phenomenon which results in alterations of the bone dimensions and could interfere in prosthetic rehabilitation. To minimize bone loss, strategies for border preservation have been used and photobiomodulation therapy (TFBM) stands out as a low cost option and morbidity. Previous studies have shown the positive impact of TFBM on bone repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TFBM on alveolar repair. Twenty patients with exodontia indication of the first or second molar bilaterally were chosen, right and left sides were distributed in one of the following experimental groups: (1) TFBM, treated with low frequency laser, and (2) Control group, who received the same treatment with the equipment off; besides, laser application was applied right after the post-operatory, after 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 15 days. After 45 days from the extraction, tissue samples from the alveoli were collected for micro-tomographic and histological analysis. Data were compared using the paired t-test and the accuracy level was 5%. A morphometric analysis showed statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the following parameters: bone surface (p = 0.029), bone surface / total volume (p = 0.028), trabeculae number (p = 0.025) and connectivity density (p = 0.029), higher in the TFBM group than in Control. The bone volume, bone / total volume, trabecular thickness and separation did not present statistically significant differences (p = 0.054, p = 0.082, p = 0.598 and p = 0.109, respectively). These data were confirmed in the histological analysis, where a greater amount of trabecular tissue was identified in the TFBM group, while in control group, a high amount of connective tissue was evident. The results showed that photobiomodulation therapy has a positive effect on the repair of human alveoli.

Equisetum spp. (horsetail / “Schachtelhalm”) is the only surviving genus of the primitive Sphenopsids vascular plants which reached their zenith during the Carboniferous era. It is an herbaceous plant and is distinguished by jointed stems with fused whorl of nodal leaves. The plant has been used for scouring kitchen utensils and polishing wood during the past time due to its high silica encrustations in the epidermis. Equisetum hyemale (scouring rush) can accumulate silica up to 16% dry weight in its tissue, which makes this plant an interesting candidate as a renewable resource of silica for the synthesis of biomorphous ceramics. The thesis comprises a comprehensive experimental study of silica accumulations in E.hyemale using different characterisation techniques at all hierarchical levels. The obtained results shed light on the local distribution, chemical form, crystallinity, and nanostructure of biogenic silica in E.hyemale which were quite unclear until now. Furthermore, isolation of biogenic silica from E.hyemale to obtain high grade mesoporous silica with high purity is investigated. Finally, syntheses of silicon carbide (b-SiC) by a direct thermoconversion process of E.hyemale is attempted, which is a promising material for high performance ceramics. It is found that silica is deposited continuously on the entire epidermal layer with the highest concentration on the knobs. The highest silicon content is at the knob tips (≈ 33%), followed by epidermal flank (≈ 17%), and inner lower knob (≈ 6%), whereas there is almost no silicon found in the interior parts. Raman spectroscopy reveals the presence of at least two silica modifications in E.hyemale. The first type is pure hydrated amorphous silica restricted to the knob tips. The second type is accumulated on the entire continuous outer layer adjacent to the epidermis cell walls. It is lacking silanol groups and is intimately associated with polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin) and inorganic compounds. Silica deposited in E.hyemale is found to be mostly amorphous with almost negligible amounts of crystalline silica in the form of a-quartz (< 7%). The silica primary particles have a plate-like shape with a thickness of about 2 nm. Pure mesoporous amorphous silica with an open surface area up to 400 m2/g can be obtained from E.hyemale after leaching the plant with HCl to remove the inorganic impurities followed by a calcination treatment. The optimum calcination temperature appears to be around 500°C. Calcination of untreated E.hyemale causes a collapse of the biogenic silica structure which is mainly attributed to the detrimental action of alkali ions present in the native plant. Finally, pure b-SiC with a surface area of about 12 m2/g is obtained upon direct pyrolysis of HCl-treated E.hyemale samples in argon atmosphere. The original structure of native E.hyemale is substantially retained in the biomorphous b-SiC. The results of this thesis lead to a better understanding of the silicification process and allow to draw conclusions about the role of silica in E.hyemale. In particular, a templating role of the plant biopolymers for the synthesis of the nanostructured silica within the plant body can be deduced. Moreover, the high grade ultrafine amorphous silica isolated from E.hyemale promises applications as adsorbent and catalyst support and as silica source for the fabrication of silica-based composites. The synthesis of biomorphous b-SiC from sustainable and low-cost E.hyemale is still in its initial stage. The present thesis demonstrates the principal possibility of carbothermal synthesis of SiC from E.hyemale with the prospect of potential applications, for instance as refractory materials, catalyst supports, or high performance advanced ceramics. / Equisetum spp. (Schachtelhalm) ist die einzige überlebende Gattung der Schachtelhalmgewächse, die ihren Zenit während der Karbon Ära erreichten. Der Schachtelhalm ist eine krautartige Pflanze und wird durch verbundene Stämme mit fixiertem Wirtel der Knotenblätter unterschieden. Aufgrund seiner hohen Siliciumdioxid Bedeckung in der Epidermis sind Winterschachtelhalmen lange Zeit zur Reinigung von Küchegeräten und zum Polieren von Holz verwendet worden. Der Winterschachtelhalm (auch Scheuerkraut genannt) kann Siliciumdioxid bis zu 16% Trockengewicht in seinem Gewebe ansammeln. Dies macht aus dieser Pflanze einen interessanten Kandidaten als erneubare Ressource von Siliciumdioxid für die Synthese von biomorphen Keramiken. Die vorliegende Doktorarbeit beinhaltet eine ausführliche experimentelle Studie der Siliciumdioxidansammlungen in Winterschachtelhalmen mittels unterschiedlicher Charakterisierungstechniken auf allen hierarchischen Ebenen. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit werfen neues Licht auf die lokale Verteilung, die chemischen Form, die Kristallinität und die Nanostruktur des biogenen Siliciumdioxids, die bisher ziemlich unklar waren. Außerdem werden Möglichkeiten zur Isolierung des biogenen Siliciumdioxids aus Winterschachtelhalmen untersucht, um hochgradig reines Siliciumdioxid zu erhalten. Auch wird die direkte carbothermale Synthese von Siliciumkarbid (b-SiC) aus Schachtelhalmen untersucht, mit dem Ziel einer kostengünstigen Herstellung von Hochleistungskeramiken aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen Es wird gezeigt, dass das Siliciumdioxid in einer kontinuierlichen Schicht in der Epidermis vorliegt, mit der höchsten Siliciumkonzentration in den auffälligen knopfartigen Ausbuchtungen. Den höchsten Siliciumgehalt zeigen die Knopfspitzen (≈ 33%), gefolgt von der epidermalen Flanke (≈ 17%) und inneren unteren Teile der Knöpfe (≈ 6%), während es in den inneren Teilen der Pflanze praktisch kein Silicium gibt. Ramanspektroskopie beweist eindeutig, dass mindestens zwei Siliciumdioxid Modifikationen vorhanden sind. Der erste Typ ist reines hydratisiertes amorphes Siliciumdioxid, das auf den Bereich der Knopfspitzen beschränkt ist. Der zweite Typ wird in der gesamten kontinuierlichen äußeren Schicht angesammelt, weist keine Ramanbanden von Silanolgruppen auf, und ist örtlich eng verknüpft mit Banden von Polysacchariden (Zellulose, Hemizellulose, Pektin) sowie anorganischen Verbindungen. Der Großteil des Siliciumdioxids in Winterschachtelhalmen ist amorph mit unwesentlichen Mengen an kristallinem a-Quarz (< 7%). Die primären Siliciumdioxidpartikel haben eine plattenähnliche Form mit einer Dicke von ungefähr 2 nm. Hochreines mesoporöses amorphes Siliciumdioxid mit offener Porosität und innerer Oberfläche bis zu 400 m2/g kann aus Winterschachtelhalmen isoliert werden. Dies wird erreicht indem man die Pflanze mit Salzsäure behandelt um die anorganischen Verunreinigungen zu entfernen, gefolgt von einer Kalzinierung, wobei die optimale Temperatur bei etwa 500°C liegt. Im Gegensatz zu den chemisch vorbehandelten Schachtelhalmen, verursacht die Kalzinierung von unbehandelten Winterschachtelhalmen einen Kollaps der biogenen Siliciumdioxidstruktur, und es werden nur sehr kleine innere Oberflächen erzielt. Dies wird hauptsächlich dem Einfluss der Alkaliionen zugeschrieben die in der unbehandelten Pflanze vorhanden sind. Es wird schließlich gezeigt, dass durch direkte Pyrolyse der HCl-behandelten Winterschachtelhalme in Argonatmosphäre reines b-SiC mit einer Oberfläche von ungefähr 12 m2/g erzeugt werden kann. Die ursprüngliche Struktur von natürlichen Winterschachtelhalmen bleibt dabei im Wesentlichen im biomorphen b-SiC erhalten. Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit führen zu einem besseren Verständnis des Silicifizierungsprozesses und erlauben es auch, Aussagen über die mögliche Rolle von Siliciumdioxid in E.hyemale zu treffen. Insbesondere kann den Pflanzenpolymeren die Rolle eines Templates bei der Synthese des biogenen Siliciumdioxids im Pflanzengewebe zugeschrieben werden. Das aus den Pflanzen isolierte ultrafeine amorphe Siliciumdioxid mit hoher Reinheit verspricht potentielle Anwendungen, z.B. als Adsorbent oder Katalysatorsupport, und auch als Füllmaterial für die Herstellung von Komopositmaterialien. Die Synthese von biomorphem b-SiC aus erneubaren und preiswerten Winterschachtelhalmen steht zwar erst am Anfang, jedoch konnte die vorliegende Arbeit die prinzipielle Machbarkeit aufzeigen. Dieses Material scheint sehr vielversprechend für eine Reihe technischer Anwendung, zum Beispiel als Refraktärmaterial, Katalysatorsupport oder neuartige Hochleistungskeramik.

A hygroexpansimeter, cockling tester and a novel x-ray microtomography technique were employed to characterize hygroexpansivity as well as macro- and micro-scale cockling of wood-free paper sheets containing varying amounts of aspen high yield pulp (HYP) in order to validate its potential applicability in inkjet printing. Results from the hygroexpansimeter confirm previous findings that substitution levels of 30% and above lead to a slight deterioration of hygroexpansivity; however, contrary to the expected outcome, aspen HYP did not necessarily result in a higher tendency to form cockles. In fact, a comparison of the cockling behaviour between various paper samples and commercial paper substantiates that up to 40% of aspen HYP can replace hardwood bleached Kraft pulp. The preservation of out-of-plane dimensional stability in non-coated samples is most likely due to the increase in bending stiffness of the paper as it became bulkier with more aspen HYP.

A hygroexpansimeter, cockling tester and a novel x-ray microtomography technique were employed to characterize hygroexpansivity as well as macro- and micro-scale cockling of wood-free paper sheets containing varying amounts of aspen high yield pulp (HYP) in order to validate its potential applicability in inkjet printing. Results from the hygroexpansimeter confirm previous findings that substitution levels of 30% and above lead to a slight deterioration of hygroexpansivity; however, contrary to the expected outcome, aspen HYP did not necessarily result in a higher tendency to form cockles. In fact, a comparison of the cockling behaviour between various paper samples and commercial paper substantiates that up to 40% of aspen HYP can replace hardwood bleached Kraft pulp. The preservation of out-of-plane dimensional stability in non-coated samples is most likely due to the increase in bending stiffness of the paper as it became bulkier with more aspen HYP.

This work examines the impact of a viscosity force parameter, fluid velocity, and a capillary force parameter, interfacial tension, on the saturation, morphology, and topology of NW fluid in Bentheimer sandstone after primary imbibition, drainage, and secondary imbibition. Brine and air (used as a proxy for supercritical CO₂) flow experiments were performed on 6 mm diameter Bentheimer cores and were quantified via imaging with x-ray computed microtomography (x-ray CMT), which allows for three dimensional, non-destructive, pore-scale analysis of the amount and distribution of NW phase fluid within the sandstone cores. It was found that trapped NW phase saturation decreases with increases in capillary number, average blob size decreases with increases in capillary number, and the number of NW blobs increases with increases in capillary number. In addition, it was found that NW phase trapping is dependent on initial NW phase connectivity within the porous medium; with more negative values of initial NW phase Euler number resulting in less trapping. We suggest that the Euler number-saturation and the capillary number-saturation relationships for a given medium should be taken into consideration when designing a CO₂ sequestration scenario. / Graduation date: 2013

Thesis (M.S.D.)--Indiana University School of Dentistry, 2009. / Title from PDF t. p. (viewed Feb. 10, 2010) Advisor(s): Masatoshi Ando, Chair of the Research Committee, Carlos Gonzalez-Cabezas, Melvin Lund, Tien-Min Gabriel Chu, Michael Cochran. Curriculum vitae. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 64-70).

Current oil production technologies recover only about one‐third to one‐half of the oil originally present in an oil reservoir. Given current oil prices, even a modest increase in oil recovery efficiency is fiscally attractive. One novel approach to increase oil recovery efficiency is a process called microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), where microorganisms are either used as a clogging agent to redirect flow or to produce biosurfactant that reduces interfacial tension. This dissertation aims to understand the MEOR pore‐scale mechanisms relevant to oil recovery by taking a two‐fold approach where transparent 2‐dimensional micromodel experiments imaged with stereo microscopy and 3‐dimensional column experiments imaged with x‐ray computed microtomography (CMT) are utilized. Micromodel experiments allow for direct visualization of the biological phase (i.e. biofilm), however, only 2‐dimensional information is provided. Conversely, CMT experiments provide 3‐dimensional pore‐scale information, but lack the ability to image the biological phase. With this two‐fold approach, it is possible to distinguish multiple fluid interfaces, quantify fluid phase saturations, measure oil blob size distributions, and visualize the biological phase. Furthermore, a method to measure interfacial curvature from 3‐dimensional images is developed, providing researchers a new perspective from which to study multiphase flow experiments. Overall, the presented research utilizes pore‐scale imaging techniques to study the interfacial interactions occurring during MEOR in an effort to better explain the physics, and thus, increase the efficacy of MEOR. / Graduation date: 2012