O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de avaliar o efeito de tratamentos por calor nas propriedades mecânicas de resistência flexional e microdureza Knoop de três marcas comerciais de resinas compostas para uso direto (FillMagic, P60 e TPH), na condição de incluída ou não em revestimento durante um tratamento térmico (calor seco/170°C), por três períodos (5, 10 e 15 min). A temperatura adotada para os tratamentos foi baseada em análises prévias (termogravimetria e calorimetria exploratória diferencial) com a finalidade de se determinar a temperatura de início de perda de massa e de transição vítrea das resinas. Os corpos-de-prova (n=7) foram confeccionados com o auxílio de uma matriz metálica (10 mm x 2 mm x 2 mm), sendo o compósito inserido em bloco único e irradiado numa única superfície (600mW/cm 2 por 40s). Foram obtidos, no total, sete grupos experimentais por resina, sendo o controle a condição de apenas fotoativada. Os espécimes foram submetidos ao ensaio de resistência à flexão, com distância entre apoios de 8 mm, em uma velocidade constante de 0,5 mm/min e célula de carga de 1000N. A dureza Knoop foi obtida com carga de 100 g e tempo de penetração de 15 s. As médias de resistência flexional, em MPa, foram de 174,80 para a resina FillMagic, 182,64 para a P60 e 172,22 para a TPH. Na mesma ordem, as médias de microdureza Knoop foram de 73,1; 102,0 e 74,0.A análise de variância dos resultados obtidos permitiram concluir que os tratamentos experimentais aumentaram a resistência flexional das resinas indistintamente. Os valores de microdureza também aumentaram, mas houveram diferenças de suscetibilidade ao tratamento térmico entre as resinas / The aim of this study was to assess the effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties of flexure strength and Knoop micro hardness of three commercially available brands of resin composites for direct use (FillMagic, P60 and TPH) included or not in investments during heat treatment (dry heat/170ºC) by three periods (5, 10 and 15 min.) The temperature adopted for the treatments was based on previous analysis (thermo gravimetric and differential exploratory heating) in order to determine the initial temperature of mass loss and glass transition of resin composites. The samples (n=7) were prepared with a metallic matrix (10 mm x 2mm x 2mm) in which the resin composite was inserted in a single block and only one surface was irradiated (600mW/cm 2 40s). Seven experimental groups were obtained for each resin composite in which the control group was solely light-cured. The flexure strength test was performed with a support distance of 8 mm, cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. and 1000 N load. Knoop micro hardness was obtained with a load of 100 g and penetration time of 15 s. The flexure strength averages in MPa were 174.80 for FillMagic, 182. 64 for P60 and 172. 22 for TPH. Thus, Knoop micro hardness means were 73.1; 102.0 and 74.0. The analysis of variance indicated that the experimental treatments increased flexure strength of resin composites. Micro hardness values also increased, but there were differences in the resin composites susceptibility to the heat treatment

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: 1) avaliar o efeito do envelhecimento por ciclagem mecânica (3 milhões de ciclos a uma freqüência de 1 Hz) na resistência à flexão de quatro materiais cerâmicos utilizadas na confecção de próteses parciais fixas livre de metal: a) uma zircônia tetragonal policristalina estabilizada por ítria (Y-TZP); b) uma alumina policristalina (AL); c) compósito de alumina infiltrado por vidro (ICA) e d) um compósito de alumina e zircônia infiltrado por vidro (ICZ) e, 2) determinar o efeito da ciclagem mecânica no conteúdo de fase monoclínica de duas cerâmicas odontológicas contendo zircônia: a) zircônia tetragonal policristalina estabilizada por ítria e b) compósito de alumina e zircônia infiltrado por vidro. Material e método: Discos cerâmicos (12 mm x 1 mm) foram confeccionados conforme as recomendações dos fabricantes e testados em resistência à flexão biaxial. O grupo controle (sem ciclagem) de todos os materiais estudados foi submetido à estatística de Weibull para determinação da resistência característica (0) e módulo de Weibull (m). Os grupos envelhecidos mecanicamente foram fraturados em flexão biaxial e os valores obtidos foram comparados com seus respectivos grupos controle. A análise de difração de raios X (DRX) foi realizada para verificar do conteúdo de zircônia monoclínica. Resultados: Os valores médios de resistência à flexão apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante para ambos os compósitos estudados, sendo que ICA apresentou diminuição no valor médio de resistência após a ciclagem mecânica (controle: 309,5 MPa; ciclado: 257,1 MPa) e ICZ, por outro lado, mostrou aumento da resistência após aplicação do protocolo de envelhecimento (controle: 315,6 MPa; ciclado: 359,1 MPa). As médias obtidas para materiais policristalinos foram semelhantes entre seus respectivos grupos ciclado e controle, com valores de 786,1 MPa (controle) e 841,7 MPa (ciclado) para Y-TZP e 383,5 MPa (controle) e 405,4 MPa (ciclado) para AL. Nos padrões de DRX das superfícies polidas de amostras de Y-TZP e ICZ dos grupos controle e ciclado foram observados apenas picos de difração correspondentes à fase da zircônia tetragonal. Conclusão: apenas o compósito ICA apresentou diminuição significativa nos valores de resistência à flexão após a aplicação do protocolo de ciclagem. Os outros materiais testados não sofreram degradação significativa da resistência mostrando, portanto, um melhor desempenho mecânico após uma simulação de três anos de utilização clínica. A ciclagem não causou aumento no conteúdo de zircônia monoclina nos materiais Y-TZP e ICZ / The objectives of this study were: 1) To evaluate the effect of aging by mechanical cycling (3 million cycles at a frequency of 1 Hz) on the biaxial flexural strength of four dental ceramics used as framework for the manufacture of metal free fixed partial dentures: a) yttria partially stabilized zirconia tetragonal polycrystals (Y-TZP), b) alumina polycrystals (AL), c) alumina glass infiltrated ceramic (ICA) and d) alumina-based zirconia-reinforced glass infiltrated ceramic (ICZ); and 2) to determine the effect of mechanical cycling on the monoclinic zirconia content of two dental ceramics: a) yttria partially stabilized zirconia tetragonal polycrystals (Y-TZP) and b) alumina-based zirconia-reinforced glass infiltrated ceramic. Materials and Methods: Disc-shaped specimens (12 mm x 1 mm) were prepared according to manufacturer\'s recommendations and tested in biaxial flexure strength. The control group (no cycling) of all materials studied was subjected to Weibull statistics to determine the characteristic strength (0) and Weibull modulus (m). After mechanical aging, the specimens were fractured and the values obtained were compared with their respective control groups. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to analyze the monoclinic zirconia content. Results: The mean values of flexural strength showed statistically significant differences for both composites studied, being that the ICA showed a decrease in the average value of resistance after mechanical cycling (control: 309.5 MPa; cycled: 257.1 MPa) and ICZ, on the other hand, showed increase in the resistance after application of the cycling protocol (control: 315.6 MPa; cycled 359.1 MPa). The means obtained for polycrystalline materials were similar between the respective groups cycled and control, with values of 786.1 MPa (control) and 841.7 MPa (cycled) for Y-TZP and 383.5 MPa (control) and 405.4 MPa (cycled) for AL. In the XRD patterns of the polished surfaces of Y-TZP and ICZ samples both cycled and control groups were observed only diffraction peaks corresponding to the tetragonal phase of zirconia. Conclusion: Only the composite ICA showed significant decrease in flexural strength values after applying the cycling protocol. The other materials tested did not suffer significant degradation resistance showing great mechanical performance after a simulated three years of clinical use. The mechanical cycling did not cause increase in the content of monoclinic zirconia in Y-TZP and ICZ.

La resistencia a flexión y la resistencia a la compresión representan parámetros fundamentales en el correcto desarrollo de los pavimentos rígidos, porque definen la calidad del concreto, principal componente de los pavimentos rígidos, después de cumplir satisfactoriamente su ciclo de fraguado y curado. En nuestro enfoque cuantitativo, el problema principal radica en intentar efectuar ensayos de rotura a la flexión en zonas alejadas, como en el centro poblado San Cristóbal de Chupán, reconociendo que sólo es posible realizarlo en pocos laboratorios a nivel nacional. Por esta razón se determinó, en base a ensayos realizados en laboratorio, un factor de correlación que vincula el Módulo de Rotura a la flexión y la Resistencia a la Compresión, siendo el resultado experimental el factor (k) expresado por la ecuación Mr = (k)*√f’c, que identifica rápidamente resultados del Módulo de Rotura a la flexión, aplicable a proyectos de condiciones similares, ante las altas exigencias del control de calidad en los proyectos de construcción. The flexural strength and the compressive strength are fundamental parameters in the correct development of rigid pavements, because they define the quality of concrete, principal component of rigid pavements, after performing successfully their setting and curing cycle. In our quantitative approach, the principal problem has roots in realizing flexural strength tests in remote rural areas such as San Cristobal de Chupán populated, recognizing could only do it in a few laboratories nationwide. Therefore written, it is determined a correlation factor, based on laboratory tests, what can relating Flexural strength and compressive strength. The experimental result express a factor (k), what is on the equation Mr = (k)*√f'c, which quickly identifies results of Flexural Strength, applicable to projects of similar conditions, to the demands of quality control in construction projects.

Le but de cette étude est d’explorer la possibilité d’utiliser trois argiles dans l’industrie céramique locale au Sénégal. Une argile rouge (NM) et deux argiles grises (MN1) et (MN2) proviennent respectivement de la région de Ziguinchor à Néma et de Tambacounda à Malème Niani. L'étude concernant les caractéristiques physico-chimiques des argiles, indique que les compositions chimique et minéralogique contiennent la présence de quartz, de kaolinite, d’illite, de montmorillonite et de goethite. Leurs caractéristiques structurales et leurs surfaces spécifiques sont similaires. Leur caractéristiques minéralogiques mènent à un classement dans les groupes des argiles kaolino-illite ou kaolino-smectique. Par des analyses thermiques, les températures de transformations thermiques caractéristiques des phases ont été bien identifiéesLa mise en forme par pressage uniaxial des poudres humidifiées et granulées de ces argiles a été optimisée. Les propriétés d’usage des produits frittés ont été mesurées indiquant que les propriétés mécaniques sont limitées, bien que la mullite et la cristobalite constituent les phases minérales majoritaires des microstructures. La porosité a été mesurée après frittage à différentes températures (1000°C, 1100°C et 1200°C), variant de 25% à 30% et diminuant peu avec l’augmentation de la température de frittage. Dans l’ensemble, les résultats révèlent que ces argiles prises à l’état brut nepossèdent pas toutes les caractéristiques satisfaisantes pour la production de briques et tuiles. Pour améliorer les propriétés mécaniques, une substance éco-durable organique, le Cola Cordifolia, a été ajoutée aux argiles. Cet additif induit une augmentation de 28% de la résistance mécanique de l’argile rouge (NM) après cuisson à 1000°C, atteignant la valeur minimale de la norme concernant les briques. Finalement, d’autres pistes d’amélioration des propriétés d’usage ont été explorées telles que l’ajout de l’urée et de fondants potassique et sodique. Ces ajouts ont permis d’accentuer la densification des matériaux de terre cuite pour la production de briques. / The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of using three clays for the local ceramic industry in Senegal. We used a red clay (NM) and two gray clays (MN1) and (MN 2) from the region of Ziguinchor in Nema and Tambacounda in Niani Maleme, respectively. The study of the physicochemical characteristics of clays indicates that the chemical and mineralogicalcompositions contain the presence of quartz, kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite and goethite. Their structural characteristics and their surface areas are similar. Their mineralogical characteristics lead to a classification in groups of Kaolino-illite clays or Kaolino-smectite. By thermal analysis, typical phase transformation temperatures were well identified. The shaping by uniaxial pressing of moistened and granulated powders of clays was optimized. The properties in use of the sintered products were measured indicating that the mechanical properties are limited, although cristobalite and mullite constitute the major mineral phases in microstructures. Porosity was measured after sintering at different temperatures (1000°C, 1100°C and 1200°C), ranging from 25% to 30% and with a little lowering with increasing the sintering temperature. Overall,results indicate that these clays do not attain satisfactory characteristics for the production of bricks. To improve the mechanical properties, an organic eco-sustainable substance, the Cola Cordifolia, has been added to clays. This additive induces a 28% increase of the mechanical strength of the red clay (NM) after firing at 1000°C, reaching the minimum value of the standard for bricks. Finally, other areas for improvement of properties in use were explored such as the addition of urea and potassium or sodium fluxes. These additions have helped the increase of densification of clay materials for the production of bricks.

The present study considers the dependence of mechanical properties in composite laminates on the fibre architecture. The objective is to characterise the mechanical properties of composite plates while varying the fibre distribution but keeping the constituent materials unchanged. Image analysis and fractal dimension have been used to quantify fibre distribution and resin-rich volumes (RRV) and to correlate these with the mechanical properties of the fibre-reinforced composites. The formation, shape and size of RRV in composites with different fabric architectures is discussed. The majority of studies in literatures show a negative effect of the RRV on the mechanical behaviour of composite materials. RRV arise primarily as a result of (a) the clustering of fibres as bundles in textiles, (b) the stacking sequence, and/ or stacking process, (c) the resin properties and flow characteristics, (d) the heating rate as this directly affects viscosity and (e) the consolidation pressure. Woven glass and carbon/epoxy fabric composites were manufactured either by the infusion or the resin transfer moulding (RTM) process. The fractal dimension (D) has been employed to explore the correlation between fabric architecture and mechanical properties (in glass or/ carbon fibre reinforced composites with different weave styles and fibre volume fraction). The fractal dimension was determined using optical microscopy images and ImageJ with FracLac software, and the D has been correlated with the flexural modulus, ultimate flexural strength (UFS), interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and the fatigue properties of the woven carbon/epoxy fabric composites. The present study also considers the dependence of fatigue properties in composite laminates on static properties and fibre architecture. Four-point flexural fatigue test was conducted under load control, at sinusoidal frequency of 10 Hz with amplitude control. Using a stress ratio (R=σmin/σmax) of 0.1 for the tension side and 10 for the compression side, specimens were subjected to maximum fatigue stresses of 95% to 82.5% step 2.5% of the ultimate flexural strength (UFS). The fatigue data were correlated with the static properties and the fibre distribution, in order to obtain a useful general description of the laminate behaviour under flexural fatigue load. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was applied to the results obtained to identify statistically the significance of the correlations. Composite strength and ILSS show a clear dependence on the fibre distribution quantified using D. For the carbon fabric architectures considered in this study, the fatigue properties of composite laminates have significant correlations with the fibre distribution and the static properties of the laminates. The loss of 5-6 % in the flexural modulus of composite laminates indicates an increasing risk of failure of the composite laminates under fatigue loads. The endurance limits, based on either the static properties or the fibre distribution, were inversely proportional to the strength for all laminates.

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / Statement of the problem: Fibre reinforcement of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base material is known to improve the strength, as well as the fatigue behavior, of the material. The powder liquid (P/L) ratio of PMMA is often changed to modify the handling properties of the material. Little is known about the effect of this deviation from manufacturer’s guidelines on the fatigue behaviour of the fibre reinforced product. Purpose: This study compared the flexural strength (FS) of PMMA reinforced with glass fibre using different P/L ratios, before and after cyclic loading. Methods and materials: Three groups, with 50 glass fibre reinforced (everStick nonimpregnated fibers) heat-cured PMMA resin (Vertex Rapid Simplified) specimens each, were prepared using a custom-made template (dimensions 10x9x50mm). Each group had a different P/L ratio: the control group (100%) had the manufacturer’s recommended ratio; the 90% and 80% groups had reduced P/L ratios (by weight).Twenty five specimens from each group were subjected to a 3-point bending compression test using a universal testing machine. The remaining 25 specimens from each group were subjected to cyclic loading (104 cycles) before compression testing. The (FS) was calculated using the highest force (Fmax) before specimen failure. Flexural strength was calculated using the equation: FS=3WL/2bd2. Within each group, median FS values before and after cyclic loading were compared by means of a non-parametric analysis of variance. The Aligned Ranks Transform method was used for the analysis. Statistical significance was set at p=0.05. Results: The Fmax (N) of the control (100%), 90% and 80% groups fatigued and unfatigued were 100%: 1665 (fat), 1465 (unfat); 90%: 1679 (fat), 1548 (unfat) and 80%: 1585 (fat), 1467 (unfit) respectively. There was no significant interaction between Mix ratio and Fatigue state, and the 80% mix had a significantly higher mean than either the 90% or 100% mix (with differences of about 0.3 units for both). The Fatigued state had a higher mean than the Un- fatigued state by about 6.0 units. Using FS (MPa) it was found that the fatigued 80% mix specimens had the highest value. The FS MPa of the control (100%), 90% and 80% groups fatigued and un-fatigued were 64.3, 60.6; 66.9, 65.6 and 70.2, 69.3 respectively. The fact that fatiguing strengthened the specimens merits further research. When observing the broken specimens it was found that there was a complete debonding of the fibres and the PMMA. Conclusion and clinical relevance: a) Fibre: The benefit of using glass fibre bundles to reinforce prostheses fabricated using heat cured PMMA is questionable due to problems with bonding between the fibre bundles and the heat cured PMMA resin. b) Fatiguing: An average person chews 107 times during a 3 year period. A limited period of average masticatory forces should not have a detrimental effect on prostheses made from heat cured PMMA resin. c) Mix ratio: Within the normal parameters of laboratory techniques the mix ratio of PMMA resin had no significance on the fracture resistance of the prostheses. Due to the high cost of the fibres used for the reinforcement and the limited success and insignificant results achieved in this study, this researcher cannot recommend using Stickbond or Stick fibers for the reinforcement of dentures made with heat cured PMMA resin.

Traditional prosthetic socket fabrication is a laborious and time consuming process that involves physical measurements, plaster wrapping of the stump, plaster casting for positive mold preparation, and a thermoforming process. During the mold preparation stage, significant modifications are performed subjectively based on the prosthetist's experience to transmit an optimum load to the residual limb through the socket. Rapid Prototyping techniques have advanced rapidly during the recent decades emerging as a computer aided socket design alternative which promises a potential reduction in the fabrication time, and a more systematic design approach. In addition, 3-D scanning provides accurate and fast virtual replica of the stump which can be imported in CAD environments. Within 3-D CAD software, prosthetists are able to perform modifications precisely and store files indefinitely. This work examines the potential use of ZCorp 3-D printers to directly manufacture the thermoforming mold required for prosthetic socket manufacture. This work analyses the performance of Rapid Tooling molds for thermoformed socket based on three main parameters: pneumatic permeability, flexural strength and wear rate. The traditional material for mold casting, Plaster of Paris, is compared to materials used for three dimensional printing by Zcorp printers: zp130 and zp140 untreated as well as using them with custom and novel post treatments. To obtain the flexural strength of the different materials, three point bend tests were performed in a universal test machine using ASTM Standard D790-03 requirements. In addition, pneumatic permeability tests were performed to cylindrical specimens of the different materials following ASTM Standard D6539-00. Thermoforming tests confirm that Zcorp 3-D printed parts can serve as effective molds for thermoforming of prosthetic socket.

Drywall board-based structures, a competent and cost-effective method of providing flexible partitioning assemblies in commercial and residential houses, are now widely used as walls or ceilings. However, the gypsum-based drywall that has been used in construction is not water-resistant and can create problems such as mold growth and structural defects. The aim of this study is 1) to develop a new sandwich panel with better physical and mechanical properties using locally sourced materials 2) to investigate the long-term hygrothermal performance of the new sandwich panel through using a numerical simulation. The sandwich panel is composed of two different thicknesses of kraft-paper honeycomb core bonded to two cementitious panels with silicone-based adhesive. The experimental results show that the sandwich panel with a thicker core has lower thermal conductivity and higher flexural strength compared to the gypsum-based drywall. The heat and moisture performance of two wall structures were performed using the WUFI Pro simulation program. The results of the modeling analysis present that wall assembly with gypsum-based drywall has higher water content than multilayer sandwich panel. In addition, the multilayer sandwich panel shows a 4.6% lower annual heat flow compared to the reference wall.

No description available.

No description available.