The present work investigates the tribological properties of solid particles as lubricant additives in lubricants. Two types of solid particles, Ceria nanoparticles (CeO2) and Zinc borate ultrafine powders (ZB UFPs), were used as the lubricant additives in this study. The friction and wear behaviours of these lubricant additives in different base lubricants were identified. With an appropriate application of these solid lubricant additives, the friction reduction and wear resistance properties of the lubricant have been successfully improved. Without assistance of surfactant or surface modification, the two types of solid particles behave very differently. Evident performance was observed that pure ZB UFPs were capable of considerably reducing the friction coefficient of sunflower oil and liquid paraffin when they were used as a lubricant additive without further treatment. On the contrary, CeO2 nanoparticles did not show noticeable contribution to friction reduction when they were used as the only additive in water. Only when surfactant Sorbitan monostearate was employed to enhance the dispersibility of CeO2 nanoparticles in water, the application of this additive was capable of reducing friction coefficient of the water based lubricant effectively. Surface modification of the solid particles was carried out to improve the dispersibility of these particles in base lubricants. Oleic acid (OA) and Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMOS) were selected as the modification agents. Modified CeO2 nanoparticles and ZB UFPs revealed outstanding wear resistance property. An improvement of up to 15 times was identified although this improvement on wear resistance, in this case, was often companied by a rise in friction coefficient. Tribo-films generated by tribo-chemical reaction were observed on most of the worn surfaces and the formation of this tribo-film appeared to have played an important role in the friction and wear behaviours of a system. A tenacious tribo-film with good surface coverage was only generated on the worn surface when HDTMOS modified solid particles were used as lubricant additives. The mechanical properties and elemental composition of the tribo-film were studied with nano-indentation and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Finally, based on the experimental evidence, different functionalities of CeO2 nanoparticles and ZB UFPs as solid lubricant additives were recognized.

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing industry of global economic importance, with new technologies exploiting the novel characteristics of materials manufactured at the nanoscale being developed for use within the biomedical, electronic, energy production and environmental sectors. The unusual properties of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) that make them useful in such applications have led to concerns regarding their potential impact on the environment. The aquatic environment is particularly at risk of exposure to ENPs, yet, there is currently little known about their behaviour in aquatic systems, their capacity to be taken up by aquatic organisms or their potential toxic effects. The studies that were conducted during this work sought to investigate the ecotoxicology of a range of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles using fish as a vertebrate model. In order to gain a better understanding of the uptake and effects of ENMs in fish, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to nanoparticulate (34 nm) and bulk (>100 nm) titanium dioxide particles via the water column (500 and 5000 µg L-1), and to titanium dioxide nanoparticles via the diet (0.1 and 1 mg g-1 food) and via intravenous injection (1.3 mg kg-1 body weight). Uptake of titanium dioxide into the tissues of trout after waterborne and dietary exposure was found to be very low, suggesting limited bioavailability of the nanoparticles to the fish, although small amounts of uptake of titanium dioxide across the gill epithelial membrane were observed using coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering. Intravenously injected titanium dioxide accumulated and was retained in the kidneys for up to 21 days, but no adverse effect on kidney function was detected. Silver nanoparticles are already in widespread use in a variety of consumer products such as wound dressings, food containers, sock fabrics and paints, principally for their antimicrobial activity. Despite its growing commercialisation, there is little known about the environmental effects of the use of nanoparticulate silver in these products. In order to investigate these potential effects, rainbow trout were also exposed to 10 nm, 35 nm and bulk (0.6-1.6 µm) silver particles via the water column at concentration of 10 and 100 µg L-1. Uptake of silver in the gills and liver of trout occurred, with smaller nanoparticles showing a greater propensity for association with gill tissue, but with no significant differences in uptake between particles of different sizes in the liver. No increases in lipid peroxidation were detected in gills, liver or blood plasma of trout, however, expression of cyp1a2 was significantly up-regulated in exposures to 10 nm silver particles in the gill, suggesting an increase in oxidative metabolism. In an attempt to develop an effective high through-put in vitro screening assay for ENMs, the suitability of isolated rainbow trout primary hepatocytes was examined as a potential model for in vitro screening of a range of toxicological endpoints in response to nanoparticles and for studying uptake of nanoparticles into cells. The hepatocytes retained a good level of functionality after culturing as evidenced by vitellogenin production in response to the synthetic oestrogen, 17β-oestradiol. The cultured hepatocytes, however, showed limited responses on exposure to titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, cerium oxide and silver nanoparticles for lipid peroxidation and glutathione-s-transferase activity assays. Furthermore, the hepatocytes were unresponsive to the induction of these biological responses in the positive controls, suggesting they are not a good model for investigating the potential toxic effects of ENMs in terms of these endpoints. Uptake of the nanoparticles into the cells, however, was demonstrated by coherent anti-stokes Raman spectroscopy, indicating that this in vitro assay may provide a useful model for studying uptake of ENPs into cells. The studies conducted in this thesis contribute the science base regarding the bioavailability of ENPs in aquatic media as well as highlighting the importance of characterisation of ENPs in understanding their behaviour, uptake and effects in aquatic systems and in fish.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) are being investigated for several anti-oxidant applications in medicine. One of their most promising applications is as a radioprotective drug, an area of research in need due to the severe side effects from radiation therapy. In this work, the potential of CONPs as a radioprotective drug is examined using four criteria: favorable biodistribution/pharmacokinetics, low toxicity, ability to protect normal tissue from radiation damage, and lack of protection of tumor. The mechanisms of action of CONPs are also studied. Biodistribution was determined in radiolabeled CONPs with surface coatings including citrate, dextran T10-amine (DT10-NH2), dextran T10-polyethylene glycol (DT10-PEG), dextran T10-sulfobetaine (DT10-SB) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and compared to uncoated. 89Zr was incorporated into CONPs for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and ex vivo tissue analysis in tumor bearing mice. Compared to uncoated [89Zr]CONPs, coated [89Zr]CONPs showed improved biodistribution, including significantly enhanced renal clearance of PAA- [89Zr]CONPs. The toxicity of CONPs was evaluated in vitro and in vivo, with low toxicity at therapeutic doses. After clinically mimetic radiation therapy, pre-treatment of mice with coated and uncoated CONPs showed greater than 50% reduction of cell death in normal colon tissue, comparable to the clinically available radioprotective drug amifostine. Tumor control after irradiation of spontaneous colon tumors was unchanged with PAA-CONP pre-treatment, while citrate, DT10-PEG, and uncoated CONP pre-treatment had slightly less tumor control. Xenograft tumors were irradiated after pH normalizing treatment with sodium bicarbonate and PAA-CONP pre-treatment. Treatment of these tumors showed slightly less tumor control than irradiation alone or PAA-CONP plus irradiation, demonstrating that the acidic pH of the tumor microenvironment may be the basis of preventing CONPs’ radioprotective properties in tumor. These studies show that, among the variations of CONPs tested, PAA-CONP shows the most promise for its good biodistribution and quick clearance, low toxicity, ability to protect normal tissue, and lack of protection of tumor, meeting all the criteria set forth for an ideal radioprotective drug. Further studies on the effects of pH on CONPs actions may further elucidate their mechanisms of action, advancing them as a candidate for use as a radioprotective drug during radiation therapy.

A luz do sol possui radiação ultravioleta (UV) que pode ser dividida em luz UVA, com comprimentos de onda na região de 400 a 320 nm; luz UV-B, na região de 320 a 290 nm e luz UV-C para radiações com comprimento de onda menor do que 290 nm, sendo esta última absorvida na atmosfera pelo ozônio. O ser humano dispõe de mecanismos protetores naturais contra as radiações solares, tal como a melanogênese. Entretanto, estes são insuficientes e, por isso, torna-se necessário proteger adequadamente a pele utilizando protetores solares, a fim de minimizar as lesões cutâneas causadas pela radiação solar. Quimicamente, a função dos protetores solares é a absorção da radiação UV, protegendo a pele dos efeitos da exposição à luz solar. Este trabalho visa a preparação de compostos de cério, via método Pechini, com a finalidade de utilizá-los como um componente inorgânico de protetores solares de elevado FPS, juntamente ou substituindo substâncias tais como ZnO e TiO2. A caracterização dos compostos deverá ser realizada por difratometria de raios X, microscopias de eletrônicas de varredura e transmissão, espectroscopia eletrônica de reflectância difusa (ERD) e testes de atividade catalítica e fotocatalítica, pelo método da determinação condutométrica (adaptação RANCIMAT®). / Sunlight emits ultraviolet radiation (UV) which is subdivided into three different UV wavelengths: UV-A band in the range of 400-320 nm; UV-B band in the range of 320-290 nm and UV-C band for radiations lesser than 290 nm. The latter is absorbed in the atmospheres ozone layer. Human beings have natural protective mechanisms against solar radiations, such as melanogenys. However, it has been reported that these mechanisms are insufficient to prevent skin damage. Thus, adequate the use of sunscreen (or UV filters) is needed in order to minimize cutaneous injuries caused by solar radiation. Chemically, the function of solar protectors relies on the absorption of UV radiation, which protects the skin from the effect of the exposition to solar light. The present study reports on the synthesis of CeO2-ZnO systems according to Pechini\'s method. Our objective is to further understand how ZnO modifies the CeO2 nanostructured as we search for a new UV filter material. The characterization of composites will be carried through by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopic and tests of catalytic activity and photocatalytic activity, for the method of the conductometric determination (RANCIMAT adaptation).

A crescente preocupação com o desenvolvimento sustentável, aliada com uma maior conscientização com relação à preservação do meio ambiente, tem incentivado pesquisas com a finalidade de encontrar substitutos ambientalmente amigáveis para os eficientes sistemas à base de cromo hexavalente (Cr6+), que são empregados como pré-tratamento em ligas de alumínio de alta resistência utilizadas na indústria aeronáutica. Neste trabalho, o desempenho do silano BTSE (Bis-1,2-(trietoxisilil) etano) como método de proteção contra a corrosão da liga de alumínio 2024-T3 foi investigado utilizando técnicas de caracterização eletroquímicas, microestruturais e químicas. Para melhorar as propriedades anticorrosivas do sistema, a camada de silano foi modificada pela introdução de aditivos, tendo sido estudados também sistemas em bi-camada. Efeitos das condições de cura (tempo e temperatura) do BTSE e da quantidade de modificantes sobre as propriedades dos substratos revestidos também foram avaliados. Para os estudos eletroquímicos, realizados em solução de NaCl 0,1 M, foram empregadas a espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) e curvas de polarização potenciodinâmica anódica e catódica. As técnicas de caracterização morfológica e microestrutural foram microscopia de força atômica (AFM), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e medidas de ângulo de contato. A caracterização da composição e do estado químico da camada foi realizada usando as espectroscopias por energia dispersiva de Raios-X (EDS), de infravermelho (IR) e de fotoelétrons excitados (XPS). Os resultados dos ensaios de corrosão mostraram que a adição dos modificantes à camada de BTSE melhora o desempenho anticorrosivo do sistema, o qual também teve seu comportamento melhorado quando utilizado em forma de bi-camada. Verificou-se que um excesso de aditivos tende a deteriorar as propriedades protetoras do silano, e que o aumento do tempo e da temperatura de cura é benéfico para as propriedades anticorrosivas dos diferentes sistemas. Os resultados dos ensaios de caracterização química e microestrutural também detectaram que os modificantes contribuem para uma melhor cobertura do substrato pela camada de silano, assim como para uma maior reticulação da mesma, sem, no entanto, modificar sua estrutura química e física. / The increasing concern with sustainable development, allied with a stronger awareness with environmental preservation, has stimulated researches in order to find environmentally friendly substitutes to replace the efficient hexavalent chromium-based pre-treatment systems (Cr6+) used to protect high-strength aluminium alloys employed in the aircraft industry. In this work, the performance of BTSE (bis-1, 2-(triethoxysilyl) ethane) as a protection method against corrosion of aluminium alloy 2024-T3 was investigated using electrochemical, microstructural and chemical characterization techniques. In order to improve the system anticorrosion properties, modifiers were added to the silane layer, and bi-layers systems were also tested. The effects of the silane curing conditions (time and temperature) and of the modifiers amounts on the properties of the layers were also evaluated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anodic and cathodic potentiodynamic polarization curves were employed for the electrochemical studies, which were performed in 0.1 M NaCl solution. For microstructural and morphological characterization, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurements were used. The chemical state and the composition of the different layers were evaluated using X-ray photoelectrons (XPS), infrared (IR) and X-ray dispersive energy (EDS) spectroscopy. The results of the corrosion studies have shown that the addition of modifiers to the BTSE layer improves its anticorrosion performance, which was also improved in the bi-layers systems. It was also verified that addition of modifiers excess hinders the performance of the layers, as well as that increasing curing time and temperature are beneficial to the anticorrosion properties of the systems. The results of the different chemical and microstructural analyses showed that the modifiers contribute to better substrate coverage by the silane layer, as well as to a more complete reticulation. However, this does not imply in modifications of the chemical and physical structure of the layer.

Devido a estabilidade e capacidade de armazenar oxigênio (oxygen storage capacity) óxidos de cério (CeO2, CeO2 - x, 0 < x < 1/2, Ce2O3) possuem muitas aplicações, tais como catalisadores e suporte para metais de transição (Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, etc.). A capacidade do átomo de cério alterar reversivelmente seu estado de oxidação entre Ce4+ e Ce3+ é crucial em suas aplicações e pode ser induzida por metais de transição ou outra espécie químicam (átomos, moléculas) depositados sobre suas superfícies. Porém, não se tem conhecimento de estudos da adsorção de metais transição sobre clusters neutros de óxido de cério, nem mesmo estudos de clusters de composição fixa e carga variável. Portanto, neste projeto são estudadas as propriedades físico-químicas dos clusters de (CeO2)6- , (CeO2)6 e (CeO2)6+ e da adsorção dos ametais F e Na e dos metais de transição Ni, Pd e Pt sobre (CeO2)6. Os resultados foram obtidos mediante cálculos ab initio da teoria do funcional da densidade (do inglês - Density Functional Theory, DFT), onde os funcionais PBE e HSE06 foram utilizados para descrição do funcional de troca-correlação. Os resultados apontam divergências dos funcionais PBE e HSE06 na sequência de energia total relativa das 22 configurações representativas de (CeO2)6. As energias de ionização e afinidade eletrônica indicam que as configurações (CeO2)6 de maior energia perdem um elétron mais facilmente que as de menor energia, que acomodam melhor o elétron. O pGMC (do inglês -putavive Global Minimum Configuration) aniônico é derivado do pGMC neutro pela localização do elétron no orbital Ce fz3 e consequnete mudança do estado de oxidação Ce4+ para Ce3+. O pGMC catiônico não é derivado do pGMC neutro, esse cluster não possui ligações Ce-O terminais e o elétron é removido de um orbital com maior contribuição do estado O p. Nas configurações de adsorção apenas ligações iônicas Ce-X ou O-X com maior diferença de eletronegatividade são formadas, nas quais ocorre transferência de carga para o elemento mais eletronegativo. Análises das configurações de menor energia mostram que, ao contrário da adsorção de flúor, os átomos de Na, Ni, Pd e Pt transferem carga para o cluster. Contudo, as configurações Pd/(CeO2)6 e Pt/(CeO2)6 não possuem momento magnético resultante. Apenas nas configurações Na/(CeO2)6 e Ni/(CeO2)6 o elétron se localiza no orbital Ce fz3 com a concomitante mudança do estado de oxidação Ce4+ para Ce3+. Nas configurações de menor energia a adsorção de sódio é favorecida em 0,05 eV em relação a adsorção de flúor. Por sua vez, o níquel é o metal de transição que se adsorve mais fortemente ao cluster, ao passo que o paládio apresenta a menor energia de adsorção. / Due to the stability and oxygen storage capacity, cerium oxides (CeO2, CeO2 - x, 0 < x < 1/2 , Ce2O3) have many applications, such as catalysts and support for transition metals (Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, etc.). The ability of the cerium atom to reversibly change its oxidation state between Ce4+ and Ce3+ is crucial in its applications and can be induced by transition metals or another chemistry species (atoms, molecules) deposited on their surfaces. However, no studies of the transition metals adsorption on cerium oxide neutral clusters, nor studies of clusters of fixed composition and variable charge are known. In this project, the physicochemical properties of the (CeO2)6- , (CeO2)6 and CeO2)6+ clusters and the adsorption of the F and Na ametals and Ni, Pd and Pt transition metals on (CeO2)6.The results were obtained by ab initio calculations of the density functional theory (DFT), where the PBE and HSE06 functionals were employed for the exchange-correlation functional. The results point out divergences of the PBE and HSE06 functional in the 22 representative (CeO2)6 configurations relative total energy sequence. Ionization and electron affinity energies indicate that the higher energy (CeO2)6 configurations lose an electron more easily than the lower energy ones, which better accommodate the electron. The anionic pGMC (putavive Global Minimum Configuration) is derived from the neutral pGMC by the location of the electron in the Ce fz3 orbital and consequent oxidation state change from Ce4+ to Ce3+. The cationic pGMC is not derived from the neutral pGMC, this cluster has no terminal Ce-O bonds and the electron is removed from an orbital with the highest contribution of the Op state. In the adsorption configurations only ionic bonds Ce-X or O-X with the greatest difference in electronegativity are formed, in which charge transfer occurs to the most electronegative element. Unlike fluorine adsorption, lower energy configurations analyses show that Na, Ni, Pd e Pt atoms transfer charge to the cluster. However, the Pd/(CeO2)6 and Pt/(CeO2)6 configurations have no resulting magnetic moment. Only in the Na/(CeO2)6 and Ni/(CeO2)6 configurations the electron is located in the Ce fz3 orbital with the concomitant oxidation state change from Ce4+ to Ce3+. In the lower energy configurations the sodium adsorption is favored in 0,05 eV in relation to the fluorine adsorption. In turn, nickel is the transition metal that most strongly adsorbs on cluster, while palladium has the lowest adsorption energy.

Neste trabalho, a investigação das propriedades de proteção proporcionadas por novos tratamentos de preparação da superfície do alumínio visando substituição de tratamentos prejudiciais ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana, foi realizada. Foram avaliados os seguintes tratamentos: passivação à base de cromo trivalente, tratamento com moléculas auto-organizáveis (Self Assembling Molecules-SAM), tratamento de imersão em água em ebulição para crescimento de óxido sobre o alumínio, imersão em água em ebulição com aditivos, especificamente, partículas de zircônia (ZrO2) e íons de cério. A combinação destes últimos tratamentos com o tratamento com moléculas autoorganizáveis também foi estudada. Foi também testado o efeito do tratamento da superfície do alumínio comercialmente puro (AA1050) com complexos de Flúor/Zircônio [ZrF6]-2. A resistência à corrosão do alumínio com os vários tratamentos foi avaliada por diversas técnicas, especificamente ensaios acelerados em câmara de névoa salina, segundo norma ASTM B-117, técnicas eletroquímicas e de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). As técnicas eletroquímicas adotadas foram medidas de potencial de circuito aberto (PCA) em função do tempo, espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIE) e curvas de polarização, anódica e catódica. Os resultados mostraram que os tratamentos à base de Zr, seja com partículas nanocerâmicas (ZrO2) ou complexos de Flúor/Zircônio [ZrF6]-2, não resultaram em aumento na resistência à corrosão do alumínio, o que ficou evidente pelos ensaios de névoa salina. O tratamento com moléculas auto-organizáveis da superfície desengraxada e desoxidada também não mostrou efeito favorável na proteção contra a corrosão do alumínio. O tratamento de imersão em água em ebulição causou a formação de um filme de óxi-hidróxido poroso que favoreceu o ataque localizado na forma de corrosão por pites nas regiões de defeitos/porosidades. O tratamento com moléculas auto-organizáveis após tratamento de imersão em água fervente, por sua vez, produziu melhoria nas propriedades de proteção da camada superficial mostrando a importância da camada de oxi-hidróxido na adsorção de moléculas auto-organizáveis. O tratamento de passivação à base de cromo trivalente adotado resultou em superfície com maior resistência à corrosão que a superfície do alumínio tratada com passivante à base de cromo hexavalente mostrando que a passivação com cromo trivalente é uma alternativa viável e equivalente àquela associada com substância tóxica e poluente, como é o caso do cromo hexavalente. O tratamento associado com as melhores características de proteção contra a corrosão do alumínio AA1050 foi o de imersão em água fervente contendo íons de cério, os quais foram incorporados ao filme de oxi-hidróxido. A presença destes íons na camada de oxi-hidróxido levou à formação de precipitados de hidróxido de cério nas regiões catódicas devido ao aumento localizado da alcalinidade. A combinação deste tratamento com o tratamento com moléculas auto-organizáveis causou a deterioração das propriedades da camada superficial ao diminuir a tendência à formação dos precipitados de cério que conferem proteção nas regiões de atividade de corrosão. A combinação de ensaios acelerados de névoa salina, técnicas eletroquímicas e avaliação por microscopia eletrônica de varredura permitiram a seleção de tratamentos de modificação da superfície do alumínio que resultam em maior resistência à corrosão. / In this study, the protective properties provided by new surface treatments for aluminum aiming the replacement of treatments that are harmful to the environment and human health, have been evaluated. The following treatments were investigated: passivation in solution with trivalent chromium ions, surface modification with self assembling molecules (SAM), immersion in boiling water for oxide growth, immersion in boiling water with additives, specifically zirconia (ZrO2) particles and cerium ions. The combination of these latter treatments along with the treatment with self assembling molecules was also investigated. The effect of surface treatment of commercially pure aluminum (AA1050) with fluor/zirconium complexes [ZrF6]-2 was also tested. The corrosion resistance of the various surface treatments was evaluated by various techniques, specifically, salt spray test according to ASTM B-117 standard, electrochemical techniques and scanning electron microscopy, (SEM). The electrochemical techniques used were open circuit potential measurements as a function of immersion time, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curves, both anodic and cathodic. The results showed that the treatment based on Zr, either with nanoceramic zirconia particles (ZrO2) or fluor/zirconium complexes [ZrF6]-2, did not increase the aluminum corrosion resistance, and this was evidenced by the salt spray tests. Immersion of degreased and deoxidized aluminum surface in solution with selfassembling molecules did not increase corrosion resistance. The treatment of immersion in boiling water for oxide growth resulted in the formation of a porous oxy-hydroxide film that assisted localized attack as pitting corrosion at the surface. The surface treatment with self-assembling molecules after immersion in boiling water for oxide growth, in turn, produced a surface layer with improved corrosion protection properties that showed the importance of an oxy-hydroxide surface layer for adsorption of self-assembling molecules. The passivation treatment based on trivalent chromium led to a surface with better corrosion resistance than that treated in a passivating solution based on hexavalent chromium. This result shows that the former is a viable alternative to replace hexavelent chromium process that is toxic and environmentally harmful. The surface treatment that produced the best corrosion performance of the aluminum AA1050 among the tested ones was the immersion in boiling water with cerium ions added which were incorporated in the oxy-hydroxide layer. The presence of the cerium ions in the surface layer led to the precipitation of cerium hydroxide at the cathodic areas due to the localized increase in alkalinity. The association of this treatment with self-assembling molecules caused deterioration of the properties of the surface layer due to the decreased susceptibility to form cerium precipitates that offer corrosion protection at the active corrosion sites. The use of salt spray tests associated with electrochemical methods and scanning electron microscopy permitted the selection of treatments for surface modification of aluminum that lead to increased corrosion resistance.

Neste trabalho buscou-se otimizar a obtenção de três diferentes filmes polissilânicos, a base de bis-1,2-(trietoxisilil)etano (BTSE), bis-(-trimetoxisililpropil)amina (BTSPA) e bis-1,2-[(trietoxisilil)propil]tetrassulfeto (BTESPT), com o intuito de proporcionar maior resistência à corrosão para o aço carbono e para o aço galvanizado. Foi variada a concentração do silano, o tempo de hidrólise e dopantes (íons de cério (III) e cério (IV)), sendo estes últimos adicionados na solução precursora. Estes parâmetros foram testados sobre dois tipos de superfícies: uma a base de ferro (aço carbono) e outra a base de zinco (aço galvanizado) obtendo, desta forma, condições para que cada filme polissilânico fornecesse a melhor proteção contra corrosão do substrato. As técnicas eletroquímicas usadas para esta avaliação foram espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIE), resistência de polarização linear (Rp) e curvas de polarização (CP); também foram utilizadas a microscopia de força atômica (AFM) e a microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Com a otimização do processo de obtenção dos filmes de silano, foram pré-tratados os corpos-de-prova (cdp) e submetidos ao processo de pintura, objetivando a comparação entre o pré-tratamento a base de silano e o de fosfatização, ambos atuando como promotores de resistência à corrosão e aderência entre os substratos e a camada de tinta. Os cdps pintados foram avaliados por EIE, testes físicos de aderência e flexibilidade e também por ensaios acelerados de corrosão atmosférica (névoa salina). Os resultados mostraram que todas as camadas a base de polissilanos estudadas proporcionaram ao aço carbono e ao aço galvanizado aumento em suas respectivas resistências à corrosão em solução de NaCl 0,1 mol.L-1 e que, pela adição de íons de Ce3+ ou Ce4+, é observada uma maior eficiência no efeito barreira do filme devido à formação de óxidos e/ou hidróxidos de cério e pela melhor reticulação do filme de silano, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que a utilização de pré-tratamentos a base de polissilanos em aço carbono e em aço galvanizado em processos de pintura industrial é possível, sendo esta uma potencial alternativa no aumento da resistência à corrosão para o aço e na minimização de impactos ambientais gerados nos processos de tratamentos de superfícies e de pintura. / The aim of the present study was to optimize the process to obtain three different silane films, based on the bis-1,2-(trietoxysilyl)ethane (BTSE), bis-(-trimetoxysilylpropyl)amine (BTSPA) and bis-1,2-[(trietoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulphide (BTESPT), seeking superior corrosion resistance for carbon and galvanized steel. Silane concentration, time of hydrolysis and dopant (Ce3+ and Ce4+ ions) addition the latter being added in the precursor solution -were varied. These parameters were tested in two different surfaces: iron based (steel) and zinc base (galvanized steel), to obtain conditions for each silane film providing superior corrosion protection for the substrate. The electrochemical techniques used were electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (Rp) and polarization curves; also was used the atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. In order to compare silane and phosphate based, pre-treated panels were painted with both acting as adhesion and corrosion resistance promoters between the substrate and the paint. Painted panels were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, adhesion and flexibility tests and also accelerated atmospheric corrosive tests (salt spray). The results showed that all the silane based films studied provided an increase of corrosion resistance in 0.1 mol.L-1 NaCl solution to the carbon and galvanized steel; with the addition of Ce3+ or Ce4+ ions better efficiency was observed for the barrier effect of the film due to the formation of cerium oxides and/or hydroxides and the better crosslinking of silane film, respectively. In addition, the experiences results that the use of silane based pre-treatments on carbon and galvanized steel in industrial painting processes is feasible and could be one of the potential alternative processes to increase the corrosion resistance for steel, reducing the environmental impacts generated in surface pretreatment and painting processes.

Thesis (Elec.E)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Bibliography: leaves 172-176. / by Chon Meng Wong. / Elec.E

Luz e oxigênio induzem reações de degradação (foto-oxidação) que modificam as propriedades físicas e químicas da matéria, efeitos nocivos da radiação ultravioleta (UV) podem causar descoloração de corantes e pigmentos, amarelamento de plásticos, perda de brilho e da propriedade mecânica (cracking) de materiais, queimaduras, câncer de pele, entre outros problemas relacionados à luz UV. A fim de reduzir os efeitos nocivos da radiação UV e alcançar uma adequada conservação das propriedades dos materiais surgem os absorvedores ou filtros UV. Uma vez que materiais nanométricos a base de cério apresentam atividade fotocatalítica menor e elevada absorção na região do UV tornam-se filtros solares com aplicabilidade em diversas áreas quando comparados aos óxidos utilizados atualmente com função de filtros solares (ZnO e TiO2). Fosfatos de cério (III) (CePO4) foram preparados por Pechini (modificado), síntese hidrotermal e microemulsão reversa; as amostras foram submetidas a tratamento térmico em distintas temperaturas com o intuito de averiguar a estrutura do CePO4 e influência desta na capacidade da absorção UV. Sistemas de óxidos metálicos contendo cério também foram estudados, sendo sintetizados por sol-gel não-alcoóxido e aplicados na forma de pó e filme fino sobre substrato de vidro. A preocupação com a morfologia e o tamanho dos materiais motivou a escolha pelas metodologias de síntese empregadas. Neste trabalho foram exploradas e elucidadas as propriedades dos materiais a base de cério em absorver luz UV, devido às transições 4f-5d dos íons Ce3+ e/ou às transições entre banda de condução e banda de valência. As amostras foram analisadas por espectroscopia de absorção no UV-Vis e na região do infravermelho (FTIR), difração de raios X (XRD), difração de elétrons, susceptibilidade magnética (MS), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM), microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (TEM), espectroscopia de reflectância difusa (DRS), atividade fotocatalítica (AF) e ressonância paramagnética de elétrons (EPR). As excelentes propriedades morfológicas, ópticas e fotocatalíticas indicam a possível aplicação dos materiais à base de cério, foco de investigação do presente trabalho, como filtros solares em proteção cosmetológica (cremes, shampoos, sprays etc) ou de materiais (tintas, vernizes, vidros e outros). / Light and oxygen induce degradation reactions (photo-oxidation) that modify the physical and chemical properties of the matter. The damaging UV radiation is responsible for the discoloration of dyes and pigments, weathering, yellowing of plastics, loss of gloss and mechanical properties (cracking), sunburnt skin and other problems associated to UV light. UV absorbers or UV filters have been used in order to reduce these damaging effects and achieve an adequate conservation of the properties of the materials. In front of this problem, cerium based nanomaterials are promising inorganic UV absorbers for the substitution of zinc and titanium oxide, once it presents high UV absorptivity, a lower refraction index than TiO2 and ZnO, and a higher chemical inertia (and thus a lower photocatalytic activity). Nanostructured cerium phosphates (CePO4) were prepared by Pechini, hydrothermal and reverse microemulsion synthesis, and some parameters (calcinations temperature and reactants rate) employed in each synthesis were investigated. Cerium metal oxide systems synthesized by sol-gel (non-alcooxide) and applied as powder and thin films materials were investigated too. The methodology of the synthesis were chosen aiming ideal morphology and particles size. In this work we explored and elucidated the properties of UV absorber cerium based nanomaterials , due to 4f-5d transitions of Ce3+ ions, charge transference of Ce4+ and, a little portion is due to the contribution of valence and conduction band. The samples were characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy , Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron diffraction, magnetic susceptibility (MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photocatalytic activity (PA) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The excellent morphological, optical and photocatalytic properties indicate the possible application of cerium based materials in solar protection for cosmetics (creams, shampoos, sprays etc.) or materials (paints, varnishes, glass and others).