Xu Yan = 納米銅(銅的氧化物)與三氧化二鋁復合物薄膜的製備和特性研究 / 許燕. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 50-51). / Text in English; abstracts in English and Chinese. / Xu Yan = Na mi tong (tong de yang hua wu) yu san yang hua er lv fu he wu bo mo de zhi bei he te xing yan jiu / Xu Yan. / Abstract --- p.i / 摘要 --- p.ii / Acknowledgements --- p.iii / Table of Contents --- p.iv / List of Figures --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.xi / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Nanostructured Materials --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Objective of this Work --- p.1 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- Background / Chapter 2.1 --- Correlation of AES-CuLMM spectrum and Cu nanocluster size --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Typical AES-CuLMM spectra --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- A simplified model --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- correlation of AES-CuLMM spectra and the simplified model --- p.4 / Chapter 2.2 --- Previous works --- p.5 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- Instrumentation / Chapter 3.1 --- Sputtering --- p.6 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Principles of sputtering --- p.6 / Chapter 3.1.1.1 --- Concepts of sputtering --- p.6 / Chapter 3.1.1.2 --- Initiating the plasma --- p.8 / Chapter 3.1.1.3 --- Depositing a film onto the substrate --- p.8 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering --- p.9 / Chapter 3.1.2.1 --- RF sputtering --- p.9 / Chapter 3.1.2.2 --- Magnetron Sputtering --- p.10 / Chapter 3.2 --- Deposition system --- p.10 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Instrumentation --- p.11 / Chapter 3.2.1.1 --- Vacuum system --- p.11 / Chapter 3.2.1.2 --- Sputter target and power supplies --- p.12 / Chapter 3.2.1.3 --- Substrate mounting --- p.13 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Experimental --- p.13 / Chapter 3.3 --- X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) --- p.14 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Basic Principles --- p.14 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Instrumentation --- p.17 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Qualitative and quantitative analysis --- p.17 / Chapter 3.3.3.1 --- Spectra interpretations --- p.17 / Chapter 3.3.3.2 --- X-ray emission line width --- p.18 / Chapter 3.3.3.3 --- Qualification --- p.18 / Chapter 3.3.3.3.1 --- Chemical composition --- p.18 / Chapter 3.3.3.3.2 --- Sputter depth profiling --- p.18 / Chapter 3.3.3.3.3 --- Auger parameter --- p.19 / Chapter 3.4 --- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) --- p.19 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- An overview of TEM --- p.19 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Imaging mode and diffraction mode --- p.21 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Electron-Specimen interactions --- p.21 / Chapter 3.4.3.1 --- Elastic scattering --- p.22 / Chapter 3.4.3.2 --- Inelastic scattering --- p.22 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Imaging mechanisms for TEM --- p.23 / Chapter 3.4.4.1 --- Mass-thickness contrast --- p.23 / Chapter 3.4.4.2 --- Diffraction contrast --- p.23 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- TEM sample preparation --- p.25 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- Chemical and Structure Characterization of Cu(CuOx)/Al2O3 Composite Thin Films / Chapter 4.1 --- Overview --- p.26 / Chapter 4.2 --- Results and discussions --- p.26 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Set I: Achieving the stoichiometry of A1203 matrix --- p.26 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Set II: keeping A1203 stoichiometry and studying on the correlation of CuLMM spectra and average Cu cluster size --- p.32 / Chapter 4.2.2.1 --- Chemical information obtained by XPS --- p.32 / Chapter 4.2.2.2 --- Nanostructure studied by TEM --- p.38 / Chapter 4.2.2.3 --- Mechanical properties inspected by nano-indentation --- p.43 / Chapter 4.2.2.4 --- Optical properties --- p.43 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Set III: Duration of deposition --- p.44 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Set VI: Pressure effect on the average size of Cu nanoclusters --- p.45 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- Conclusions --- p.48 / References --- p.50

Orientador: João Neudenir Arioli Filho / Resumo: A interação física direta entre o consultório odontológico e o laboratório de prótese representa um enorme obstáculo para um controle eficaz de infecção cruzada entre estes ambientes. Com isso, neste trabalho foi proposto analisar a influência das técnicas alternativas de desinfecção no tempo de presa, estabilidade dimensional linear e reprodução de detalhes de modelos em gesso. Para isso, foram confeccionadas amostras em gessos pedra tipo IV (Fugi Rock - GC América) com soluções desinfetantes (hipoclorito de sódio 1,0%, glutaraldeído 2% e clorexidina 2%) incorporadas à sua composição em duas concentrações (50 e 100%). Com base nos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que a adição das soluções desinfetantes alterou de maneira estatisticamente significante o tempo de presa, porém a alteração encontrada no grupo com adição de hipoclorito de sódio demonstrou-se fora dos padrões exigidos pela I.S.O. Com relação à reprodução de detalhes e estabilidade dimensional, a adição de glutaraldeído e clorexidina comportou-se de maneira semelhante ao grupo controle, já o grupo com hipoclorito de sódio provou alterar negativamente tais características. / Abstract: The direct physical interaction between the dental Office and the prosthetics lab represents an enormous obstacle for the efficient control of the cross infection between those two places. The aim of this paper was to analyze the influence of the alternative disinfection techniques during the cast die stone setting time, the linear dimension stability and the reproduction details on cast model. For that samples of die stone type IV Fugi Rock - GC America) with disinfection solutions (Sodium Hypochlorite 1%, Glutaraldeído 2,0% and clorhexidine 2%) incorporated into its compositions in two concentrations (50 and 100%). It was concluded, with base on the results obtained, that the addition of glutaraldeído and clorhexidine did not promote significant alterations on the evaluated properties, however, the addition of sodium hypochlorite in both dilutions significantly altered negatively all the evaluated properties. It was concluded that the incorporation of glutar and clorhexidine, on the evaluated concentrations, can be used on the disinfection of cast model, not promoting alterations on the setting time, dimensional linear alteration and detail reproduction. / Mestre

Lai, Kim Fung = 幼樑之振動與力學特性 / 黎劍鋒. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-102). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Lai, Kim Fung = You liang zhi zhen dong yu li xue te xing / Li, Jianfeng. / Chapter I --- Vibrations of Timoshenko Beams --- p.1 / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1 --- Overview --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2 --- Simple theory of static beam bending --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3 --- Foundation of problem --- p.7 / Chapter 1.4 --- Literature review --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Euler-Bernoulli Beam Theory (EBBT) --- p.12 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Timoshenko Beam Theory (TBT) --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5 --- Preview of our results --- p.20 / Chapter 2 --- 3-D problem --- p.22 / Chapter 2.1 --- Elastic theory --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2 --- Boundary conditions --- p.24 / Chapter 2.3 --- Plane waves in uniform thin beams --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4 --- Solving order-by-order analytically --- p.26 / Chapter 2.5 --- Minimization approach --- p.36 / Chapter 3 --- 2-D problem --- p.50 / Chapter 3.1 --- Boundary conditions and effective moduli --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2 --- Expansion for thin beams --- p.54 / Chapter 3.3 --- Plane waves in uniform thin beam --- p.56 / Chapter 3.4 --- Boundary conditions --- p.57 / Chapter 3.5 --- Truncation --- p.58 / Chapter 3.6 --- Numerical solution --- p.58 / Chapter 3.7 --- Analytic results for soft mode --- p.60 / Chapter 3.8 --- EBBT and TBT for 2-D problem --- p.62 / Chapter 3.9 --- Analytic results for hard mode at q = 0 --- p.64 / Chapter 3.10 --- Higher-order corrections for hard mode --- p.66 / Chapter 4 --- Summary --- p.71 / Chapter II --- Vibrations of Single-Walled Carbon nanotubes --- p.73 / Chapter 5 --- Introduction --- p.74 / Chapter 5.1 --- General properties --- p.74 / Chapter 5.2 --- Graphene sheet --- p.76 / Chapter 5.3 --- Rolling up a graphene sheet --- p.78 / Chapter 5.4 --- Foundation of problem --- p.79 / Chapter 5.5 --- Literature review --- p.79 / Chapter 5.6 --- Preview of our results --- p.80 / Chapter 6 --- Structure and strain energy under zero stress --- p.81 / Chapter 6.1 --- Description of the structure --- p.81 / Chapter 6.2 --- Description of the strain energy --- p.83 / Chapter 6.3 --- Minimization of energy --- p.86 / Chapter 7 --- SWCNT under strain --- p.89 / Chapter 7.1 --- Subject to an axial strain --- p.89 / Chapter 7.2 --- Subject to a radial strain --- p.94 / Chapter 7.3 --- Subject to a torsional strain --- p.95 / Chapter 8 --- Summary --- p.98 / Bibliography --- p.99 / Chapter A --- "Expressing elastic moduli G, λ and M in terms of Y andv" --- p.103 / Chapter B --- Simplification of the functional E to a neat expression --- p.105 / Chapter C --- Expressing effective elastic moduli G' and M' in terms of Y' and v' --- p.106 / Chapter D --- Illustration of the lowest non-trivial truncation --- p.107 / Chapter E --- The proof of Self-adjointness of H(q) --- p.109 / Chapter F --- Proof of the identity KeVec= KeVel --- p.112

Despite the advent of alternative dosage forms, solid dosage forms constitute a major proportion of dosage forms not only on the market, but also in many pharmaceutical companies’ pipelines. This is because of their superior stability and ease of manufacturing relative to other dosage forms. Although solid dosage forms have been the topic of discussion for decades, the process of compaction of these dosage forms is considered an art rather than science because of the empiricism that exists in this area. With the introduction of Quality by Design (QbD), it is imperative that the drug development process is guided by structured scientific principles. It has been hypothesized that crystal structure of organic solids plays a pivotal role in understanding the properties, processing and eventually performance of solids. In this regard, the intermolecular interactions within a solid play a paramount role in dictating the materials response to stress. One important parameter that is weakly addressed in the literature is the concept of strength of intermolecular interactions. In the current work, we utilize the concept of elasticity as a metric for strength of intermolecular interactions. We introduce powder Brillouin light scattering; an inelastic light scattering technique to measure the elasticity of organic solids and try to correlate the mechanical moduli extracted from the spectra to the compaction performance of solids. We hypothesize that any redistribution of intermolecular interactions would be reflected in the BLS spectrum of these materials and the material properties can be used to explain the differences in compaction performance. Before we tested our hypothesis, we validated our powder BLS technique using aspirin as model system. We then applied the same analysis to four model systems that involved different ways of reorganizing the intermolecular interactions upon subtle modifications to the molecular structure. In Chapter 4, we investigated the effect of alkyl chain length and crystal structure on the mechanical properties and compaction performance of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and its esters. For the entire ester series, a similar hydrogen bonding pattern was observed with strong N-H…O (carbonyl) and supportive N-H…N interactions. While the ethyl and butyl esters exhibited a layered structure, the methyl ester displayed a 3-D isotropic structure. The crystal structure for PABA exhibited a three-dimensional, quasi-isotropic distribution of the hydrogen-bonding interactions that connected the PABA dimers. The powder BLS spectra for these materials revealed low velocity shear modes for the layered structures and a spectrum consistent with an isotropic structure for Me-PABA and PABA. This was in good agreement with the compressibility behavior under load, with Et-PABA and Bu-PABA more compressible than PABA. However, due to greater particle-particle adhesion, PABA compacts showed greater tensile strength at higher pressures. The moduli calculated also showed that both Et-PABA and Bu-PABA had lower shear and Young’s modulus relative to the other materials. Attachment energies corroborated the above results. These studies showed that weak dispersive forces play an important role in understanding material properties. In Chapter 5, a series of nitrobenzoic derivatives were used to study the effect of secondary interactions on the crystal reorganization and material properties. The materials used in the study include p-nitrobenzoic acid (4-NBA), m-nitrobenzoic acid (3-NBA, 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid (Cl-NBA), 4-bromo-3-nitrobenzoic acid (Br-NBA), and 4-methyl-3-nitrobenzoic acid (Me-NBA). Crystal structures of the materials revealed different organization of C-H…O interactions. Two types of C-H…O interactions were prevalent namely C-H…O (nitro) and C-H…O (carboxy). The reorganization of these two types of interactions led to different packing motifs and different mechanical behavior. These structural features were reflected in their mechanical properties assessed by powder Brillouin light scattering. Cl-NBA and Br-NBA displayed an isotropic spectrum similar to polystyrene and aspirin. 3-NBA, 4-NBA and Me-NBA displayed different spectra from Cl-NBA and Br-NBA with high frequency tailing in the longitudinal mode distribution indicating a specific direction of extended molecular interactions. The Young’s modulus and shear modulus followed the order: 3-NBA < Me-NBA< 4-NBA < Cl-NBA < Br-NBA. The maximum longitudinal modulus Mmax was the highest for 3-NBA and was significantly greater than rest of the materials. From the compaction studies, it was observed that the tabletability followed the rank order 3-NBA > 4-NBA > Me-NBA ≈ Br-NBA ≈ Cl-NBA which is the same order as Mmax. 3-NBA by virtue of its low shear and Young’s modulus to be the most compressible material, but the compressibility rank order was 4-NBA > Me-NBA ≈ 3-NBA > Cl-NBA > Br-NBA. However, 3-NBA by virtue of its greater particle-particle adhesion was the most compactable material. The yield pressures obtained from Heckel plots revealed that 4-NBA and Me-NBA were relatively more plastic when compared to the other materials. This study demonstrated that subtle changes to the molecular structure can result in drastically different crystal packing which in turn would influence the mechanical properties and the compaction performance of organic solids. In Chapter 6, we investigated the effect of cocrystallization on the compaction performance of caffeine(CAF). The series of halo-nitrobenzoic acids (F-NBA, Cl-NBA and 3-NBA) were used as coformers. The cocrystals CAF: F-NBA, CAF: Cl-NBA and CAF: NBA Form 1 adopted a flat layered structure that can undergo deformation with ease. This increased the compressibility of the cocrystals relative to CAF. In addition to the improved compressibility, by virtue of increased particle-particle contacts, the cocrystals also displayed superior tabletability. In contrast to the layered structures adopted by the three cocrystals, the CAF: NBA Form 2 displayed a columnar structure that exhibited resistance to stress. The compressibility and the tabletability of CAF: NBA Form 2 was significantly compromised when compared to that of Form1. All the compaction characteristics of the cocrystals were in good agreement with moduli and parameters obtained from powder BLS spectra. The layered materials showed the presence of low velocity shear modes corroborating the earlier studies. There was a clear difference in the spectra of the polymorphs, indicating that powder BLS can be used for mechanical screening of polymorphs. In Chapter 7, we examined the effects of crystal structure and coformer functionality on the compaction performance of theophylline (THY). The coformers employed include 4-fluoro-3-nitrobenzoic acid (FNBA), acetaminophen (APAP), and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). While THY-APAP and THY-FNBA exhibited layered structures, the THY-PABA displayed a interdigitated columnar structure. Powder BLS spectra showed the presence of low frequency shear modes relative to THY for all the three cocrystals. However, the order of frequencies followed: THY-FNBA < THY-APAP < THY-PABA. The shear modulus calculated followed the order THY-APAP≈ THY-FNBA < THY < THY-PABA which is in agreement with the crystal structures discussed. The Young’s modulus followed the order THY-FNBA < THY-APAP < THY < THY-PABA. The two layered structures (THY-APAP, THY-FNBA) showed distinct compaction performance (similar compressibility but different compactability and tabletability). The layered structures were more compressible than THY which is hypothesized to undergo deformation through multiple mechanisms. THY-PABA showed poor compaction properties. This highlights the fact that although the coformer (PABA) is molecularly similar to FNBA, the resultant cocrystals are structurally and mechanically distinct. These observations were well supported by the moduli calculated from powder BLS studies. The order of yield pressures obtained from Heckel analysis followed the same order as shear modulus. The tensile strength of the compacts of the cocrystals level off at around 150 MPa but the tensile strength of THY compacts continues to increase. From a manufacturing perspective the cocrystals can prove to be a better option as they as more compactable at higher porosities or they possess greater tabletability at low compaction pressures. Overall, we have used model systems to demonstrate that the redistribution of intermolecular forces upon point substitution or cocrystallization have a dramatic effect on the material properties. It is also worth noting that elasticity along with plasticity can provide important information about the strength of interactions which would help in understanding the role of weak intermolecular forces in the performance of organic materials. To gain a better perspective of the compaction process and move towards a QbD approach, it is also imperative to understand the link between crystal structures, intermolecular interactions which is possible with the help of novel characterization techniques (BLS, AFM).

Supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering seek to control molecular packing in the solid state to influence the physical and chemical properties of crystalline solid materials. A goal of supramolecular chemistry that seeks to control molecular packing in the solid state focuses on exploiting non-covalent interactions to assemble molecules into desirable arrangements. Strategies implemented to control molecular packing rely on strong, directional interactions such as hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, and metal coordination to direct localized arrangement of molecules in solids. In this context, small molecules can be used as linear templates in co-crystals to assemble reactive alkenes into specific geometries allowing reactivity in the solid state. A linear template method has been used to achieve [2+2] photocycloadditions of discrete assemblies containing alkenes to afford cyclobutanes in high stereospecificity and in quantitative yield. Herein, we describe the use of a nonlinear template, in the form of 1,4-butynediol (1,4-bd), to pre-organize alkenes in the solid state. The nonlinear template of 1,4-bd hydrogen-bonds to the alkene 1,2-bis(N-pyridyl)ethene (where N = 3 or 4) to form 1D hydrogen-bonded polymers. The hydrogen-bonded polymer chains form infinite stacks which are sustained by C-H···O interactions occurring between polymer chains. The stacked alkenes undergo a UV-induced [2+2] photocycloaddition to produce rctt-tetrakis(N-pyridyl)cyclobutane photoproducts (where N = 3 and 4) in non-quantitative yields. The yield of the photoreaction is increased to nearly quantitative by applying a supramolecular catalysis approach with the 1,4-bd template. Functional groups on reactant molecules can compete via non-covalent interactions with templates employed for the self-assembly process. One method to inhibit competition between functional groups involves chemically modifying a functional group employing a supramolecular protecting group. Here, we describe an acetyl supramolecular protecting group approach employed to mask alkenes containing phenolic and pyridyl functional groups. The acetyl protecting group prevents the phenolic substituents of the targeted alkene from participating in non-covalent interactions employed for the template-mediated self-assembly process. Thus, a cyclobutane molecule was obtained using the novel acetyl supramolecular protecting group strategy applied to a solid-state [2+2] photodimerization that affords a head-to-head cyclobutane. After deprotection, the resulting cyclobutane possessed tetrahedrally-disposed cis-hydrogen-bond-donor and cis-hydrogen-bond-acceptor groups. Thus, a purely organic three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network based on a rare Michael O'Keeffe (mok) topology was constructed using an organic molecule synthesized in the organic solid state. The phenolic substituents of the cyclobutane adopt different orientations (syn-, anti-, and gauche-) to conform to the structural requirements of the mok net. A challenge surrounding template-directed solid-state reactivity requires alkenes to be lined with functional groups that coordinate (or bind through other non-covalent interactions) to the template. Herein, we describe a dual approach of supramolecular assistance to covalent bond formation that utilizes a combination of imine and metal-organic chemistry to generate cyclobutanes lined with aldehyde groups. Specifically, dynamic imine chemistry was implemented to install a temporary recognition site on an aldehyde-containing alkene of cinnamaldehyde for a template-directed [2+2] photocycloaddition in the solid state. The resulting modified alkene aligns using Ag(I) ions into desirable arrangements for the covalent-bond-forming [2+2] photocycloaddition. The result is a 1D coordination polymer undergoes a UV-induced, regio-controlled [2+2] photocycloaddition in the solid state. The photoreaction proceeds stereospecifically with quantitative yield of the corresponding aldehyde-functionalized photodimer, α-truxilaldehyde. Additionally, we investigate the influence of the Ag(I) counterions on the assembly of imine containing alkenes to generate reactive assemblies for the purpose of producing aldehyde-containing cyclobutanes. This dissertation also encompasses research pertaining to pharmaceutical solids and mechanical properties of organic molecular crystals. Specifically, we describe the discovery of two polymorphic co-crystals containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) combined with 4,4’-bipyridine. The initial discovery of the form I polymorph was aided by mechanical dry-grinding, while an additional form II polymorph was revealed by rapid cooling in ethanol. The polymorphs differ by relative twists of carboxylic acid groups of the aspirin molecules and of the pyridyl rings of 4,4’-bipyridine. Additionally, the form I polymorph contains aspirin molecules that are linked via discrete catemeric methyl C-H···O interactions, while the form II polymorph is linked via both infinite methyl C-H···O catemers and centrosymmetric dimers. These results demonstrate the importance of dry mechanical grinding for the discovery of pharmaceutical co-crystals and polymorphs.

Sclerostin, a protein coded for by the SOST gene, is an osteocyte-expressed negative regulator of bone formation. The absence of SOST in the genome may have an effect on bone formation both during skeletal maturation and full maturity. This study attempts to determine significant differences in the mechanical properties of bone that expresses SOST compared to bone that does not. One hundred femur samples from 6, 8, and 12 month old mice were obtained from Lawrence Livermore National Labs and loaded until failure using three-point bending. Results showed significant differences in treatment group effects for cross sectional area, yield force, and ultimate force. SOST knockout (KO) mice were found to have significantly higher values for these properties in comparison to transgenic (TG) and wildtype (WT) littermates. In addition, there was a noted effect dependent on the primary axis of loading, anterior-posterior versus medial-lateral. Lastly, data from this study support the existing hypothesis that there is no systematic side-to-side (left-right) difference in bone formation. This data may aid understanding of the role SOST has in bone formation. If the structural integrity and quality of bone resulting from the removal of the SOST gene is shown to be comparable to that of normal, healthy bone, the use of gene therapy to combat diseases/disorders such as osteoporosis may lead to important contributions to medical therapy.

This dissertation describes the development of a device capable of suspending a microscale object in a controlled flow. The uPIVOT is a system integrating two laser-based techniques: micron particle image velocimetry (uPIV) and optical tweezers (OT). The OT allows the suspension and manipulation of micron-sized objects such as microspheres or biological cells. uPIV provides imaging of the suspended object and velocity measurements from which fluid induced stresses can be determined. Using this device, we measured fluid velocities around an optically suspended polystyrene microsphere (an experimental first) and studied the interaction between two particles suspended in a uniform flow. The results were consistent with theoretical low Reynolds number, Newtonian flow predictions. Additionally, we analyzed a single cell's mechanical response to a controlled and measurable multiaxial external force (fluid flow) without the cell being physically attached to a surface. The cell's mechanical response was monitored by observing its morphology and measuring its deformation. The results show significant deformations of optically suspended cells at substantially smaller stresses than previously reported and demonstrate the opportunity to optically distinguish a cell by its trapping efficiency. These initial applications of the uPIVOT demonstrate the potential of this unique device as a research tool for novel studies in the fields of fluid/particle(s) interactions, non-Newtonian fluid mechanics, and single cell biomechanics.

Natural fibers show potential to replace glass fibers in thermoset and thermoplastic composites. Kenaf is a bast-type fiber with high specific strength and great potential to compete with glass fibers. In this research kenaf/epoxy composites were analyzed using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). A three-point bend apparatus was used in the DMA testing. The samples were tested at 1 hertz, at a displacement of 10 μm, and at room temperature. The fiber volume content of the kenaf was varied from 20%-40% in 5% increments. Ten samples of each fiber volume fraction were manufactured and tested. The flexural storage modulus, the flexural loss modulus, and the loss factor were reported. Generally as the fiber volume fraction of kenaf increased, the flexural storage and flexural loss modulus increased. The loss factor remained relatively constant with increasing fiber volume fraction. Woven and chopped fiberglass/epoxy composites were manufactured and tested to be compared with the kanaf/epoxy composites were manufactured and tested to be compared with the kenaf/epoxy composites. Both of the fiberglass/epoxy composites reported higher flexural storage and flexural loss modulus values. The kenaf/epoxy composites reported higher loss factor values. The specific flexural storage and specific flexural loss modulus were calculated for both the fiberglass and kenaf fiber composites. Even though the kenaf composites reported a lower density, the fiberglass composites reported higher specific mechanical properties.

A liga de alumínio AA 5182 é utilizada para a fabricação de tampas de latas de bebidas, além de aplicada também no setor automotivo. Essa liga tem elevada resistência mecânica devido à presença de Mg. O presente trabalho visa estudar os efeitos da anisotropia desta liga laminada a frio e submetida a diferentes tipos de tratamento de estabilização e pintura. Nesse estudo, foram comparadas amostras com teores de magnésio e cobre variando dentro da faixa dessa liga nas condições: laminada a frio, pintada e tratada termicamente a 150 °C / 1 hora, 165 °C / 1 hora e a 180 °C / 1 hora. Foram analisadas e comparadas a microestrutura, tamanho médio de grão, dureza e propriedades mecânicas nas condições citadas. Observou-se que não há alteração nas partículas de segunda fase em nenhuma das condições testadas. As propriedades mecânicas do material pintado são semelhantes às do material tratado termicamente a 150 °C / 1 hora. Para todas as condições testadas, as propriedades mecânicas reduzem em 3 a 6% a 45° do sentido de laminação e as propriedades dos materiais tratados termicamente ou pintado são reduzidas em 4 a 10% quando comparadas às amostras na condição laminado a frio. Para as duas amostras, observou-se que os efeitos da anisotropia são reduzidas com o aumento da temperatura de tratamento. / The aluminum alloy AA 5182 is used for the production of lids for beverage cans, besides this it is also applied at the auto market. This alloy has an enhanced resistance due to Mg presence. This work aim to evaluate the effect on the anisotropy of this alloy cold rolled submitted to different heat treatments and coated. At this study it was compared samples with different Mg and Cu content varying within the specification of the alloy at the following conditions: cold rolled, coated, and heat treated at 150 °C / 1 hour, 165 °C / 1 hour; 180 °C / 1 hour. It was analyzed and compared the microstructure, average grain size, hardness and mechanical properties on the conditions mentioned. It was not observed any differences at the second phase particles at this conditions. The mechanical properties of the painted material are similar to the heat treated at 150 °C / 1 hour. For all the conditions tested, the mechanical properties decrease around 3 - 6% at 45° of the rolling direction and the mechanical properties of the heat treated or painted material decrease around 4 - 10% compared to the cold rolled. For both samples it was observed that the anisotropy reduces with the increase of the temperature of the heat treatment.

The sport and leisure industry in New Zealand (NZ) has the potential to become a major user of composite materials. Given the size of NZ industry, design and manufacturing strategies based on virtual engineering should be developed to suit NZ requirements. Virtual methods use computer aided engineering capabilities to find faults, explore alternatives and optimise product performance before detailed design or prototyping. When doing computer aided simulation the required mechanical properties of individual reinforcement and matrix components are well documented. However, the mechanical properties of composite materials are not as simple to obtain. Micro-mechanical modelling could therefore be used to aid the design and development of composite equipment, where mechanical properties are unknown. In this study, solids modelling was used to produce an analog model of a composite, and it was found that it lead to reductions in file size and simulation time. Representing a composite with an analog model implies that the behavioural characteristics are modelled, but not the physical characteristics of the individual components. Three micro-mechanical models were developed to predict the flexural modulus of composite materials, based on perfect, partial and no adhesion. It was found that the partial adhesion model was both practical and consistently accurate. The partial adhesion model accounted for adhesion between components by considering an 'effective shear value' at the interface. Validation of the models was done by flexural testing injection moulded samples of glass, wood and carbon fibre reinforced polyethylene. It was shown that the adhesion coefficient range was 0.1 for carbon fibre, 0.5 for glass fibre and 0.9 for the wood fibre composites. It was concluded that the adhesion coefficient is crucial and it is recommended that further work is done to validate effective shear values by empirical means. The predicted flexural modulus values were used to enable finite element simulation of modelled analog beams as well as commercial kayak paddles. It was determined that accurate simulation is possible for composite equipment using the partial adhesion model.