Novel surgical strategies for spinal disc repair are currently being developed that require materials that (1) possess the appropriate mechanical properties to mimic the tissue the material is replacing or repairing and (2) maintain their mechanical function for long durations without negatively affecting the tissue response of adjacent tissue (i.e. bone). Polymers formed through photopolymerization have emerged as candidate biomaterials for many biomedical applications, but these materials possess limited toughness in vivo due to the presence of water inherent in most tissues. Therefore, the overall objective of this research was to develop photopolymerizable (meth)acrylate networks that are both mechanically and biologically compatible under physiological conditions to be implemented in spinal repair procedures. The fundamental approach was to determine structure-property relationships between toughness and network structure in the presence of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) using several model copolymer networks in order to facilitate the design of photopolymerizable networks that are tough in physiological solution. It was demonstrated that networks toughness could be optimized in PBS by tailoring the Tg of the copolymer network close to body temperature and incorporating the appropriate "tough" chemical structures. The ability to maintain toughness up to 9 months in PBS was dependent upon the viscoelastic state and overall hydrophobicity of the network. In tandem, the effect of network chemistry and stiffness on the response of MG63 pre-osteoblast cells was assessed in vitro. The ability of MG63 cells to differentiate on (meth)acrylate network surfaces was found to be primarily dependent on surface chemistry with PEG-based materials promoting a more mature osteoblast phenotype than 2HEMA surfaces. Amongst each copolymer group, copolymer stiffness was found to regulate osteoblast differentiation in a manner dependent upon the surface chemistry. In general, photopolymerizable (meth)acrylate networks that were deemed "tough" were able to promote osteoblast differentiation in a manner comparable if not exceeding that on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). This research will impact the field of biomaterials by elucidating the interrelationships between materials science, mechanics, and biology.

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<p>The fascinating optical properties of metallic nanostructures, dominated by collective oscillations of free electrons known as plasmons, open new opportunities for the development of devices fabrication based on noble metal nanoparticle composite materials. This thesis demonstrates a low-cost and versatile technique to produce stimuli-responsive ultrafast plasmonic nanostructures with reversible tunable optical properties. Albeit challenging, further control using thermal external stimuli to tune the local environment of gold nanoparticles embedded in VO2 host matrix would be ideal for the design of responsive functional nanocomposites. We prepared Au-VO2 nanocomposite thin films by the inverted cylindrical reactive magnetron sputtering (ICMS) known as hollow cathode magnetron sputtering for the first time and report the reversible tuning of surface plasmon resonance of Au nanoparticles by only adjusting the external temperature stimuli. The structural, morphological, interfacial analysis and optical properties of the optimized nanostructures have been studied. ICMS has been attracting much attention for its enclosed geometry and its ability to deposit on large area, uniform coating of smart nanocomposites at high deposition rate. Before achieving the aforementioned goals, a systematic study and optimization process of VO2 host matrix has been done by studying the influence of deposition parameters on the structural, morphological and optical switching properties of VO2 thin films. A reversible thermal tunability of the optical/dielectric constants of VO2 thin films by spectroscopic ellipsometry has been intensively also studied in order to bring more insights about the shift of the plasmon of gold nanoparticles imbedded in VO2 host matrix.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D.); Submitted to Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (US); 19 Dec 2004. / Published through the Information Bridge: DOE Scientific and Technical Information. "IS-T 2309" Mangui Han. US Department of Energy 12/19/2004. Report is also available in paper and microfiche from NTIS.

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Orientador: Celso Costa Lopes / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-09T15:17:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Hofsetz_Kelly_D.pdf: 10880310 bytes, checksum: a6cd1fb5002b3963054fc23a04552ed4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: Neste trabalho estudou-se a secagem de banana utilizando um pulso inicial a alta temperatura e curto tempo, combinado com uma etapa de secagem convencional a ar quente a 70°C. Numa primeira etapa, foram analisadas as mudanças de encolhimento, porosidade e estrutura ao longo da secagem com bananas de origem portuguesa e brasileira. Esses resultados foram comparados com os de uma secagem convencional feita somente a 70°C. Na segunda etapa, estudaram-se as isotermas de sorção e as transições de fase nas amostras das duas origens (Portugal e Brasil) através de Calorimetria Diferencial de Varredura. Os resultados da primeira parte mostraram que o grau de encolhimento da banana foi maior para a secagem convencional a 70°C, na qual o volume apresentou um decréscimo linear com o conteúdo de umidade, chegando a 30%, enquanto que a porosidade aumentou progressivamente até 32%. A secagem combinada resultou na formação de um produto com uma estrutura altamente porosa (45,5% a 57,5%) e menor grau de encolhimento (42% a 68,5%), quando comparada com a secagem convencional a 70°C. As observações estruturais nas amostras de banana ajudaram a explicar as mudanças na porosidade e encolhimento. Os resultados das isotermas de sorção tiveram um bom ajuste para o modelo de BET e de GAB para as amostras frescas de origem portuguesa e, para as amostras secas das duas origens, o modelo de GAB foi o mais adequado. A ocorrência da temperatura de transição vítrea foi verificada em todas as amostras estudadas e decresceu com o aumento do conteúdo de umidade, comprovando o efeito plasticizante da água. O modelo de Gordon-Taylor permitiu uma boa predição da dependência da temperatura de transição vítrea com o conteúdo de água para as amostras de origem portuguesa. No caso das amostras de origem brasileira, foi encontrada uma relação de dependência linear do parâmetro kGT do modelo de Gordon-Taylor com a temperatura de transição vítrea experimental / Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the drying of bananas by a high temperature and short time drying pulse combined with hot air-drying process stage at 70°C. Firstly, Portuguese and Brazilian bananas samples were dried and the changes of shrinkage, porosity and structure during drying were analyzed. This results were compared with those obtained in a conventional air-drying process at 70°C. After that, sorption isotherms of samples from Portugal and Brazil, as well the phase transitions of the Brazilian banana, were studied. The results of the first part showed that shrinkage changes during drying was more intense to the conventional air-drying process at 70°C, and a line ar decrease in volume with the decrease in moisture ratio was observed reaching 30%, while the porosity increased uniformly reaching values of about 32%. The high temperature and short time drying pulse combined with hot air- drying process stage at 70°C resulted in the formation of a highly porous structure (45,5% to 57,5%) and reduced shrinkage (42% to 68,5%) when compared with the conventional air-drying process. Structural observations of the banana samples during the processes studied were able to explain the volume and porosity changes. The BET and GAB equations gave the best fit to the experimental sorption data for Portuguese fresh bananas and the GAB model was found to be the best-fitted equation for all dried bananas (Portuguese and Brazilian samples) and both models gave information about the shelf-stability for the samples. The glass transition temperature occurred for all samples studied and decreased as water content increased, confirming the water plasticization effect. The Gordon-Taylor equation was able to predict the dependence of the glass transition temperature on moisture content for the Portuguese fresh samples. A linear dependence of the kGT (Gordon-Taylor equation¿s constant) and the experimental glass transition temperature was found for the Brazilian samples / Doutorado / Doutor em Engenharia de Alimentos

Orientadores: Rafael Augustus de Oliveira, Kil Jin Park / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agrícola / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T10:54:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 SanchezSaenz_CarolinaMaria_D.pdf: 5939209 bytes, checksum: 43efccade58fb536d9e9c45782a43cc3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: As pesquisas atuais em secagem de alimentos levam em consideração a qualidade do produto e a eficiência energética do processo, já que este processo consome cerca de 20-25% da energia utilizada pelo processamento na indústria de alimentos. Isto faz com que sejam exploradas novas técnicas e combinações de métodos de secagem e avaliação da intermitência do processo. Assim, realizou-se mais um estudo com o secador agitador/misturador (patente PI 0506639-5), iniciando pela adequação das pás do eixo misturador e adaptação do sistema de controle de velocidade e aquecimento do ar. O tempo de residência foi determinado considerando a rotação do eixo das pás e a rotação do eixo de alimentação do secador. Foi avaliada a influência dos parâmetros de secagem sobre o processo, de modo que foi possível determinar as melhores condições de pré-secagem HTST (High Temperature and Short Time) combinada com a secagem convectiva contínua com aplicação de radiação infravermelha, para obtenção de um produto de qualidade e com baixa demanda de energia elétrica no processo. Foi feito também o estudo da influência desses processos nas propriedades físicas e mecânicas de raízes de chicória. A redução da demanda de energia elétrica foi obtida considerando a intermitência da aplicação de radiação infravermelha. Os testes e análises realizados nestas condições resultaram em uma série de dados que garantem que a combinação de métodos de secagem e de técnicas de intermitência são eficientes energeticamente e resultam em um produto de boa qualidade / Abstract: In recent research works, food drying takes into account product quality and energy efficiency of process, since drying process consumes about 20-25 % of the energy used by the food processing industry. This fact indicates that new techniques combining drying methods and intermittency of the process must be evaluated. Thus, a study with the agitator / mixer dryer (patent PI 0506639-5) was performed, beginning with the mixer blades adequacy and velocity control and air heating systems adaptation. Residence time distribution determination has been conducted, considering rotation of blades and feed rotation of dryer. The influence of dying parameters on the process was evaluated, so that it was possible to determine the best conditions of HTST (High Temperature and Short Time) drying combined with the continuous drying with pulse of infrared radiation application, to obtain a good quality dried product and electric energy efficiency of the process. Study the influence of these processes was also done on the physical and mechanical properties of chicory roots. Finally, the electric energy efficiency was obtained considering the intermittency of pulse infrared radiation application. The experimental runs and analyses under these conditions have generated data which ensure that the combination of drying methods and intermittency techniques are energy efficient and result in a good quality product / Doutorado / Tecnologia Pós-Colheita / Doutora em Engenharia

Orientador: Edison Bittencourt / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Quimica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-01T10:14:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Trochmann_JoseLuizLino_M.pdf: 3861994 bytes, checksum: 5b3f668441856f2e55953e941160192b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2000 / Resumo: Existem fortes demandas por novos materiais poliméricos para lentes oftálmicas, com melhores propriedades físicas e menores custos. As resinas de policarbonatos são de longe as mais utilizadas comercialmente, porém apresentam baixo índice de refração, resistência ao calor e ao impacto. Alternativas aos policarbonatos são necessárias. A compatibílização das especificações de resistência ao calor e de resistência ao impacto é um dos maiores desafios na obtenção destas resinas. Neste trabalho investigou-se o uso de modelos de predição de propriedades físicas, como ferramenta no desenvolvimento de resinas ópticas. Foram estudadas as copolimerizações altemada e em bloco do estireno com di - metacrilatos do etileno glicol. Fazendo uso de modelos e com as especificações de: massa específica P I índice de refração n20o, temperatura de transição vítrea Tg, módulo de cisalhamento G, resistência ao calor e ao impacto foram selecionados os agentes de reticulação, que atendiam a todas especificações ao mesmo tempo. Foram estimadas as frações de alimentação dos agentes de reticulação da mistura reacional. O processo de cura escolhido foi o fotoquímico, por ser mais rápido e de menor custo que os processos de cura termoquímica convencionais. Diversos tipos e concentrações de fotoiniciadores foram testados. Os índices de refração foram medidos em refratômetro de Abbe e comparados com os valores previstos pelo modelo de Lorentz Lorenz. As temperaturas de transição vítrea foram medidas por análise termo e foto calorimétrica, DPC / Abstract: There is a large demand form new polymeric material for use in ophthalmic lens with improved physical properties and lower costs. The polycarbonates resins are by far the most used in the industry. To meet the heat and strength resistance specífications at the same time is one of the most challenges in the development of those resins. There is a large demand form new polymeric material for use in ophthalmic lens with improved physical properties and lower costs. The polycarbonates resins are by far the most used in the industry. To meet the heat and strength resistance specífications at the same time is one of the most challenges in the development of those resins. The photochemical process was elected due to the simplicity and general lower costs compared with the conventional thermochemical processo Several different photoinitiators and concentrations were tested. The refractive index of comonomers separately, cured and uncured resins were measured in an Abbe's refratometer and compared with the data trom the Lorentz - Lorenz prediction model. The glass transition temperature of cured resins were measured using the thermo - calorimetric techniques analyses, DSC-DPC, and compared with data from the van Krevelen's prediction model, for addictive contribution groups. The shear moduli of cured resins were measured with DMA and compared with data trom Treloar - Smith's prediction model, for the respective crosslinking density and length. The formulations selected by using the models, were casting and UV - irradiated with several different UV-light and dark period ratios at constant temperature. Samples were take at predefined curing times for analysis of: conversion, Shore "D" hardness, refractive index, glass transition temperature, shear modulus, softening temperature, strength resistance, heat resistance and visual inspection for defects. The deviation between lhe predicted density data and measured values was about + 1.5%. lhat can be considered a good approximation; for the refractive indexdeviation was about +0,4% Ihat is an excellent approximation; . the glass transition temperature deviations were around +5%. Ihat is also excellent approximation considering the nature of Ihis physical property and finally for lhe shear modulus deviation were between + 1 O a 20% for the less rich in di- melhaaylates, 0.33 til! 0.5. Above those values the model showed a much larger deviation due to lhe entropy elasticity associated to the thennal movements of the bridged segments of the crosslinking agents in the network / Mestrado / Ciencia e Tecnologia de Materiais / Mestre em Engenharia Química

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The fascinating optical properties of metallic nanostructures, dominated by collective oscillations of free electrons known as plasmons, open new opportunities for the development of devices fabrication based on noble metal nanoparticle composite materials. This thesis demonstrates a low-cost and versatile technique to produce stimuli-responsive ultrafast plasmonic nanostructures with reversible tunable optical properties. Albeit challenging, further control using thermal external stimuli to tune the local environment of gold nanoparticles embedded in VO2 host matrix would be ideal for the design of responsive functional nanocomposites. We prepared Au-VO2 nanocomposite thin films by the inverted cylindrical reactive magnetron sputtering (ICMS) known as hollow cathode magnetron sputtering for the first time and report the reversible tuning of surface plasmon resonance of Au nanoparticles by only adjusting the external temperature stimuli. The structural, morphological, interfacial analysis and optical properties of the optimized nanostructures have been studied. ICMS has been attracting much attention for its enclosed geometry and its ability to deposit on large area, uniform coating of smart nanocomposites at high deposition rate. Before achieving the aforementioned goals, a systematic study and optimization process of VO2 host matrix has been done by studying the influence of deposition parameters on the structural, morphological and optical switching properties of VO2 thin films. A reversible thermal tunability of the optical/dielectric constants of VO2 thin films by spectroscopic ellipsometry has been intensively also studied in order to bring more insights about the shift of the plasmon of gold nanoparticles imbedded in VO2 host matrix. / South Africa