Physical property data was used to test two hypotheses pertaining to the impact of a chemical pre-treatment on the qualities of low consistency refined pulp. The first objective was to determine whether the addition of a chemical treatment would effectively accelerate the refining process when compared to a regular pulp. This involved the measurement of the physical property data and how it changed with increased refining energy. The second objective was to determine how the chemical treatment affected fibre development during refining, and whether its implementation could result in enhancement of inter-fibre bondability. Theoretical models for the physical properties of paper were used to study the fibre-to-fibre bonding properties of the tested paper samples. Additionally, SEM images were obtained to study the deferences in morphology of the tested pulp samples.

Physical property data was used to test two hypotheses pertaining to the impact of a chemical pre-treatment on the qualities of low consistency refined pulp. The first objective was to determine whether the addition of a chemical treatment would effectively accelerate the refining process when compared to a regular pulp. This involved the measurement of the physical property data and how it changed with increased refining energy. The second objective was to determine how the chemical treatment affected fibre development during refining, and whether its implementation could result in enhancement of inter-fibre bondability. Theoretical models for the physical properties of paper were used to study the fibre-to-fibre bonding properties of the tested paper samples. Additionally, SEM images were obtained to study the deferences in morphology of the tested pulp samples.

No description available.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de uma solução à base de mamona (Ricinus communis) na remoção do biofilme de próteses totais, comparando-a com dois produtos disponíveis no mercado (hipoclorito de sódio e peróxido alcalino). Cinquenta usuários de próteses totais superiores foram instruídos a escovar suas próteses após as refeições e imergí-las, uma vez ao dia, por um período de 07 dias, nas seguintes soluções: A - Controle: soro fisiológico (20 minutos). B - peróxido alcalino Polident (3 minutos). C - hipoclorito de sódio a 1% (20 minutos). D - solução à base de mamona (20 minutos). Os participantes imergiram suas próteses em cada uma das soluções, de acordo com uma sequência aleatorizada. Para a quantificação do biofilme, antes (Baseline) e após o uso de cada produto, as superfícies internas das próteses totais superiores eram evidenciadas (vermelho neutro 1%), fotografadas (Nikon Coolpix 950, Nikon Corporation,Tokyo, Japan) e o biofilme corado era quantificado com auxílio de um software (Image Tool 3.0). A influência dos tratamentos sobre os resultados foi averiguada pelo teste de Friedman (&alpha;=0,05) e comparações múltiplas foram realizadas por meio do teste de Wilcoxon (com nível de significância corrigido pelo método de Bonferroni: &alpha;=0,005). Os resultados mostraram diferença significante entre os métodos (Fr = 51,67; P < 0,001). A solução à base de mamona (Ricinus communis) e a pastilha à base de peróxido alcalino (Polident) apresentaram resultados intermediários (Mediana:1,0% e 1,5%, respectivamente) e o hipoclorito de sódio a 1% promoveu a mais baixa percentagem de biofilme (Mediana: 0,0%). Pôdese concluir que a solução à base de mamona (Ricinus communis) foi eficaz quanto à propriedade de remoção de biofilme, podendo ser utilizado como higienizador de próteses totais. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a castor bean solution (Ricinus communis) on denture biofilm removal in comparison with two proprietary products (sodium hypochlorite and alkaline peroxide). Fifty maxillary denture wearers were instructed to brush their dentures after meals and to soak them, once a day, for 07 days, in the following solutions: A - Control: saline (20 minutes). B- Polident alkaline peroxide (3 minutes). C - 1% sodium hypochlorite (20 minutes). D - castor oil solution (20 minutes). The participants soaked their dentures in every tested solution according to a randomized sequence. Biofilm was quantified preliminarily (baseline) and after using each product. For that purpose, the inner surfaces of maxillary dentures were disclosed (1% neutral red) and photographed (Nikon Coolpix 950, Nikon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Stained biofilm was quantified by Image Tool 3.0 software. Tested solutions were compared by Friedman test (&alpha;=.05) followed by the Wilcoxon test (with Bonferroni correction, &alpha;=.005). The results showed a significant difference between methods (Fr=51.67, P<.001). The castor bean solution (Ricinus communis) and the effervescent tablet showed intermediate results (Median: 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively) and the 1% sodium hypochlorite promoted the lowest biofilm percentage (Median: 0,0%). It was concluded that the castor bean solution (Ricinus communis) was effective on biofilm removal and therefore can be used as a denture cleanser.

The mechanical pulping industry has been developing throughout the years, due to competitive prices in the electricity market and good accessibility of wood. This has made it possible for such and “expensive” process to further develop. Today, with increasing electricity prizes, it is of great interest to reduce electrical consumption in mechanical pulping industry, since the process consumes large amounts of electricity. Braviken paper mill is starting up a new thermomechanical pulping line, scheduled for start-up in August 2008, which aims to reduce electrical consumption. The new line will include chip pre-treatment equipment such as an impregnator, an Andrtiz Impressafiner (Screw press), a high intensity primary stage refines double disc (DD), and a new low consistency refiner (LC), significantly bigger than those earlier available on the market. This master´s thesis is one out of three Master´s thesis made at Braviken paper mill during spring 2008. They all are connected, and are investigating the possibility to reduce electric energy consumption within TMP production. Master´s thesis concerning high consistency refining was done by Dino Muhic, “High consistency refining of mechanical pulps during varying refining conditions”, and low consistency refining written by Fredrik Johansson “Increased energy efficiency in low consistency refining”. Chip pre-treatment is to be used to reduce electrical consumption. Mechanical pre-treatment, such as using an Andrtiz Impressafiner demolishes the chips while also making it possible to impregnate the chips with chemicals, the later giving additional possibilities to reduce electricity consumption. Chemical chip pre-treatment decreases the lignin softening temperature, which benefits the refining process, yielding longer and less damaged fibers that will create a fibrous pulp with reduced electrical energy input.The goal for this study was to investigate the effect of alkaline-peroxide on chip pre-treatment by using a design of experiment method, in terms of electric energy consumption for the process, strength properties, opacity and ISO-brightness within the pulp/sheets. The trials were built up as a factorial experiment, with two factors, alkaline and peroxide, with two levels each (high and low). The high level for alkaline was 15 kg/t and 10 kg/t for the low level, and the high level for peroxide was 10 kg/t and 5 kg/t for the low level. This resulted in four trials with two zero-points, and two reference pulps, one normal TMP, thermomechanical pulp, and the other TMP with pressafiner and water. The trials showed that adding alkaline-peroxide clearly had an impact on pulp properties, such as increased strength properties, fiber length improvements and less shives could be found in the alkaline-peroxide treated pulps. The yield was highest for the normal TMP, about 99% and it decreased with increasing alkaline addition, the lowest value was achieved for the pulps containing the highest dose of alkaline, about 95%. The optical properties were more or less as expected. Opacity had the highest value for the pulps that had been made from chips with the highest total alkaline level. The ISO brightness was highest for pulps containing low level of alkaline. It could not be decided if the electricity demand had been reduced for the chemically treated pulps; it actually had the opposite effect as expected. The chemically treated pulps demanded a higher SEC, specific energy consumption, compared to the reference pulps. This result could have depended on the small pilot plant high consistency refiners at CTP, Centre technique du papier, Grenoble, France, due to the plate size and what kind of plats that were used. To do trials like this and to be able to draw correct conclusions relevant for a full scale plant, bigger refiners might give a more comparable result. It was clear that the fiber properties had improved, which could be the key to reduce electricity when LE- (low-energy) plates are used in the HC-refiner. A higher intensity could be used and electricity energy could be saved.

<p> </p><p><p>The mechanical pulping industry has been developing throughout the years, due to competitive prices in the electricity market and good accessibility of wood. This has made it possible for such and “expensive” process to further develop. Today, with increasing electricity prizes, it is of great interest to reduce electrical consumption in mechanical pulping industry, since the process consumes large amounts of electricity. Braviken paper mill is starting up a new thermomechanical pulping line, scheduled for start-up in August 2008, which aims to reduce electrical consumption. The new line will include chip pre-treatment equipment such as an impregnator, an Andrtiz Impressafiner (Screw press), a high intensity primary stage refines double disc (DD), and a new low consistency refiner (LC), significantly bigger than those earlier available on the market. This master´s thesis is one out of three Master´s thesis made at Braviken paper mill during spring 2008. They all are connected, and are investigating the possibility to reduce electric energy consumption within TMP production. Master´s thesis concerning high consistency refining was done by Dino Muhic, “<em>High consistency refining of mechanical pulps during varying refining conditions</em>”, and low consistency refining written by Fredrik Johansson “I<em>ncreased energy efficiency in low consistency refining</em>”.</p><p><p>Chip pre-treatment is to be used to reduce electrical consumption. Mechanical pre-treatment, such as using an Andrtiz Impressafiner demolishes the chips while also making it possible to impregnate the chips with chemicals, the later giving additional possibilities to reduce electricity consumption. Chemical chip pre-treatment decreases the lignin softening temperature, which benefits the refining process, yielding longer and less damaged fibers that will create a fibrous pulp with reduced electrical energy input.The goal for this study was to investigate the effect of alkaline-peroxide on chip pre-treatment by using a design of experiment method, in terms of electric energy consumption for the process, strength properties, opacity and ISO-brightness within the pulp/sheets. The trials were built up as a factorial experiment, with two factors, alkaline and peroxide, with two levels each (high and low). The high level for alkaline was 15 kg/t and 10 kg/t for the low level, and the high level for peroxide was 10 kg/t and 5 kg/t for the low level. This resulted in four trials with two zero-points, and two reference pulps, one normal TMP, thermomechanical pulp, and the other TMP with pressafiner and water.</p><p>The trials showed that adding alkaline-peroxide clearly had an impact on pulp properties, such as increased strength properties, fiber length improvements and less shives could be found in the alkaline-peroxide treated pulps. The yield was highest for the normal TMP, about 99% and it decreased with increasing alkaline addition, the lowest value was achieved for the pulps containing the highest dose of alkaline, about 95%. The optical properties were more or less as expected. Opacity had the highest value for the pulps that had been made from chips with the highest total alkaline level. The ISO brightness was highest for pulps containing low level of alkaline. It could not be decided if the electricity demand had been reduced for the chemically treated pulps; it actually had the opposite effect as expected. The chemically treated pulps demanded a higher SEC, specific energy consumption, compared to the reference pulps. This result could have depended on the small pilot plant high consistency refiners at CTP, Centre technique du papier, Grenoble, France, due to the plate size and what kind of plats that were used. To do trials like this and to be able to draw correct conclusions relevant for a full scale plant, bigger refiners might give a more comparable result. It was clear that the fiber properties had improved, which could be the key to reduce electricity when LE- (low-energy) plates are used in the HC-refiner. A higher intensity could be used and electricity energy could be saved.</p></p></p>

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de uma solução à base de mamona (Ricinus communis) na remoção do biofilme de próteses totais, comparando-a com dois produtos disponíveis no mercado (hipoclorito de sódio e peróxido alcalino). Cinquenta usuários de próteses totais superiores foram instruídos a escovar suas próteses após as refeições e imergí-las, uma vez ao dia, por um período de 07 dias, nas seguintes soluções: A - Controle: soro fisiológico (20 minutos). B - peróxido alcalino Polident (3 minutos). C - hipoclorito de sódio a 1% (20 minutos). D - solução à base de mamona (20 minutos). Os participantes imergiram suas próteses em cada uma das soluções, de acordo com uma sequência aleatorizada. Para a quantificação do biofilme, antes (Baseline) e após o uso de cada produto, as superfícies internas das próteses totais superiores eram evidenciadas (vermelho neutro 1%), fotografadas (Nikon Coolpix 950, Nikon Corporation,Tokyo, Japan) e o biofilme corado era quantificado com auxílio de um software (Image Tool 3.0). A influência dos tratamentos sobre os resultados foi averiguada pelo teste de Friedman (&alpha;=0,05) e comparações múltiplas foram realizadas por meio do teste de Wilcoxon (com nível de significância corrigido pelo método de Bonferroni: &alpha;=0,005). Os resultados mostraram diferença significante entre os métodos (Fr = 51,67; P < 0,001). A solução à base de mamona (Ricinus communis) e a pastilha à base de peróxido alcalino (Polident) apresentaram resultados intermediários (Mediana:1,0% e 1,5%, respectivamente) e o hipoclorito de sódio a 1% promoveu a mais baixa percentagem de biofilme (Mediana: 0,0%). Pôdese concluir que a solução à base de mamona (Ricinus communis) foi eficaz quanto à propriedade de remoção de biofilme, podendo ser utilizado como higienizador de próteses totais. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a castor bean solution (Ricinus communis) on denture biofilm removal in comparison with two proprietary products (sodium hypochlorite and alkaline peroxide). Fifty maxillary denture wearers were instructed to brush their dentures after meals and to soak them, once a day, for 07 days, in the following solutions: A - Control: saline (20 minutes). B- Polident alkaline peroxide (3 minutes). C - 1% sodium hypochlorite (20 minutes). D - castor oil solution (20 minutes). The participants soaked their dentures in every tested solution according to a randomized sequence. Biofilm was quantified preliminarily (baseline) and after using each product. For that purpose, the inner surfaces of maxillary dentures were disclosed (1% neutral red) and photographed (Nikon Coolpix 950, Nikon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Stained biofilm was quantified by Image Tool 3.0 software. Tested solutions were compared by Friedman test (&alpha;=.05) followed by the Wilcoxon test (with Bonferroni correction, &alpha;=.005). The results showed a significant difference between methods (Fr=51.67, P<.001). The castor bean solution (Ricinus communis) and the effervescent tablet showed intermediate results (Median: 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively) and the 1% sodium hypochlorite promoted the lowest biofilm percentage (Median: 0,0%). It was concluded that the castor bean solution (Ricinus communis) was effective on biofilm removal and therefore can be used as a denture cleanser.

Este estudo avaliou os efeitos de pastilhas efervescentes na superfície de liga de cobalto cromo (Co-Cr) e resina termopolimerizável, simulando um período de até 5 anos de imersão, como também analisar sua ação antimicrobiana. A partir de uma matriz metálica, padrões de cera circulares (12 x 3 mm) foram obtidos e fundidos em liga de Co-Cr (DeguDent®). As amostras foram imersas em: Polident 3 minutes® (P3M), Steradent® (St), Polident for Partials® (PP), Efferdent® (Ef), Corega Tabs® (CT), Nitradine® (Ni), Fixodent® (Fi) e Kukident® (K). Foi avaliada a resistência à corrosão (Ecorr, Ipass) (n=5) por meio do Potenciostato/Galvanostato. Foram realizadas análises qualitativas complementares com Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura (MEV) e Espectrometria de Energia Dispersiva de Raios-X (EDS). Após o ensaio de corrosão, cada disco metálico foi incluído em mufla preparada por matrizes circulares de cera (20 x 5 mm), incorporando-o à resina acrílica termopolimerizável (Clássico Ltda®). Os grupos das 4 pastilhas que apresentaram a menor taxa de corrosão e da água destilada (controle) (n=9) foram analisados quanto à rugosidade da superfície metálica e da resina acrílica (Sa, &micro;m) por meio de microscopia confocal a laser. Foram avaliadas a alteração de cor (&Delta;E) da resina por meio de espectrocolorímetro no início e após a simulação de ½, 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 anos e alteração de massa (g), no início e final, em balança de alta precisão. Para avaliação antimicrobiana, por meio da contagem de Unidades Formadoras de Colônia (UFC/mL), os espécimes mistos foram contaminados com biofilme misto composto por: S. mutans (Sm), S. aureus (Sa), C. albicans (Ca) e C. glabrata (Cg) e, posteriormente, imersos nas soluções higienizadoras, onde foram semeados em meios específicos para contagem das UFC. De acordo com os resultados obtidos (&alpha;=0,05), P3M causou a menor taxa de corrosão e Ni, o menor potencial de corrosão. Com o MEV, verificou-se evidenciação da microestrutura da liga metálica. Quanto à rugosidade superficial do metal, CT (p=0,009) e Ni (p=0,036) causaram aumento na rugosidade em relação ao tempo (Friedman). Na resina, houve aumento da rugosidade após 5 anos (p<0,01). Entre as soluções (Kruskal-Wallis), não houve diferença para ambos os materiais. Não houve diferença na cor da resina acrílica, tanto em relação às soluções (Kruskal Wallis) quanto aos tempos (Friedman). Não foram observadas alterações de massa (Kruskal-Wallis). Quanto à ação antimicrobiana (Kruskal-Wallis), Ni propiciou redução de UFC de Sm (p=0,001). Conclui-se que, embora todas as pastilhas efervescentes não tenham alterado a superfície do metal e da resina acrílica de maneira significativa, nenhuma apresentou ação antimicrobiana contra os microrganismos avaliados do biofilme misto; somente Ni reduziu a quantidade de S. mutans / The aim of this study were: to evaluate the effects of denture cleansers on the surface of cobalt chromium (Co-Cr) and heat-polymerized acrylic resin, simulating a period until 5 years of immersion, as well as to analyze its antimicrobial action. From a metal matrix, disc-shaped wax patterns (12 x 3 mm) were made and later were casting in Co-Cr alloy (DeguDent&trade;). The specimes were immersed in: Polident 3 minutes&trade; (P3M), Steradent&trade; (St), Polident for Partials&trade; (PP), Efferdent&trade; (Ef), Corega Tabs&trade; (CT), Nitradine&trade; (Ni), Fixodent&trade; (Fi) and Kukident&trade; (K). The corrosion resistance (Ecorr, Ipass) (n = 5) was evaluated by Potentiostat / Galvanostat. Further qualitative analyzes were performed with scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS). After the corrosion test, each metal disk was included in heat-cured acrylic resin (Clássico Ltda&trade;) using moulds previously prepared from circular wax matrices (20 x 5 mm). The four dentures cleansers with the lowest corrosive potential were analyzed for surface roughness of the metal and acrylic resin (Sa, &micro;m) by laser confocal microscopy. The color change (&Delta;E) of the resin was evaluated by means of a spectrocolorimeter at the beginning and after the simulation of ½, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years and mass change (g), at the beginning and end, in high-precision balance. For antimicrobial evaluation, the mixed specimens (n = 9) were contaminated with multispecies biofilm [S. mutans (Sm), S. aureus (Sa), C. albicans (Ca) and C. glabrata (Cg)] and subsquently immersed in denture cleansers, where they were seeded in specific CFU / mL media. According to the results obtained (&alpha;=0.05), there was a significant difference: P3M presented the lowest corrosion rate and Ni, the lowest corrosion potential. According to SEM, the tablets effervescent provided evidence of the microstructure of the alloy. As for the surface roughness in the metal surface, CT (p = 0.009) and Ni (p = 0.036) showed increase in roughness in relation to time (Friedman). At the resin surface, the roughness growed after 5 years. Among the solutions (Kruskal-Wallis), there was no difference for both materials. There was no difference in the color of the acrylic resin (&delta;E), both for solution (Kruskal-Wallis), and for time (Friedman). Differences in weight weren\'t observed (Kruskal-Wallis). In antimicrobial action (Kruskal-Wallis), Ni group showed significant reduction for Sm (p=0.001). It\'s concluded that, although all the denture cleansers didn\'t significantly changed the surface of the metal and acrylic resin, none showed antimicrobial action against the evaluated microorganisms of the mixed biofilm; only Ni reduced the amount of S. mutans

A higienização das próteses é de fundamental importância para a longevidade do tratamento reabilitador. Entretanto, é necessário analisar os efeitos que os higienizadores podem causar nas superfícies que compõem uma prótese. Deste modo, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de pastilhas efervescentes à base de peróxido alcalino em liga de cobalto cromo (Co-Cr), utilizada em Prótese Parcial Removível (PPR). A partir de uma matriz metálica, padrões de cera em forma de disco (12 mm x 3 mm) foram confeccionados para posterior fundição. Os espécimes metálicos (n=16) foram imersos nas soluções: água deionizada (controle), Polident 3 minutes®, Steradent®, Efferdent®, Polident for Partials® e Corega Tabs®. Foi realizada a análise da rugosidade (n=10) por meio de rugosímetro, antes (t0) e após 5 períodos de simulação de ½, 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 anos de imersão nos higienizadores. Foram realizadas análises complementares quantitativas da liberação de íons (n=5) de cobalto (Co), cromo (Cr) e molibdênio (Mo) em cada solução e análises qualitativas em um espécime de cada grupo, por meio de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e Espectrometria de Energia Dispersiva de Raios X (EDS). A distribuição dos dados de rugosidade (&mu;m) apresentou-se não normal. Foi utilizada estatística não-paramétrica (&alpha;=0,05). Tanto para o fator solução (Kruskall Wallis, ½ ano (p=0,900), 1 ano (p=0,277), 2 anos (p=0,227), 3 anos (p=0,086), 4 anos (p=0,657) e 5 anos (p=0,856), como para o fator tempo (Friedman, p=0,137) não houve diferença significante. Com relação à liberação de íons (&mu;g/L), a distribuição dos dados apresentou-se normal. De acordo com a estatística (&alpha;=0,05, ANOVA e teste de Tukey), Corega Tabs®, Efferdent® e água deionizada promoveram maior liberação de íons Co do que o Steradent® (p=0,003). Quanto aos íons Cr (p=0,000), Corega Tabs® propiciou maior liberação quando comparado a água deionizada, Steradent® e Polident 3 minutes®. Em relação aos íons Mo (p=0,001), o Efferdent® promoveu maior liberação. No MEV pode-se verificar que as soluções não apresentaram efeitos deletérios sobre as superfícies. Conclui-se que todas as pastilhas avaliadas não ocasionaram danos, entretanto, Steradent® foi a que propiciou menor liberação de íons, sendo indicada com maior segurança para higienização de superfícies metálicas de PPR. / The hygiene care of the removable dentures is of most importance for the longevity of the rehabilitation treatment. However, it is necessary to analyze the effects that denture cleansers can cause on the surfaces of prosthesis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alkaline peroxide-effervescent tablets on the surfaces of the cobalt-chromium alloys (Co-Cr), used in removable partial dentures (RPD). Circular specimens (12 mm x 3 mm) were fabricated with cobalt-chromium alloys. The specimens (n= 16) were immersed in the following solutions: deionized water (control), Polident 3 minutes&trade;, Steradent&trade;, Efferdent&trade;, Polident for Partials&trade; and Corega Tabs&trade;. The surface roughness (n=10) was analyzed with a surf-test analyzer, before and after 5 periods that corresponds to the simulation of ½, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years of immersion in the cleansers. As complementary analysis, it was performed a quantitative study of ions release (n=5) for cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo) in each solution and qualitative analysis with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) associated to Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results of surface roughness had presented no normal. In nonparametric statistics (&alpha; = 0.05), both of the solution factor Kruskall Wallis, ½ year (p=0.900), 1 year (p=0.277), 2 years (p=0.227), 3 years (p=0.086), 4 years (p=0.657) and 5 years (p=0.856), such as time factor (Friedman, p = 0.137), there was no significant difference. The results of ionic release presented a normal distribution and they were submitted to ANOVA (p=0.05) and Tukey test. The solutions Corega Tabs®, Efferdent® and deionized water presented greater Co ionic release than Steradent® (p=0.003). For Cr ions (p=0.000), Corega Tabs® had greater ionic release than deionized water, Steradent® and Polident 3 minutes®. Regarding Mo ions (p=0.001), Efferdent® showed greater release. With SEM, it was possible to verify that the solutions showed no deleterious effects on the specimen surfaces. It was concluded that no deleterious effects on metal surface was caused, however, Steradent® presented the smallest ionic release, and can be indicated more safely for cleaning metal surfaces of RPD.

A higienização das próteses é de fundamental importância para a longevidade do tratamento reabilitador. Entretanto, é necessário analisar os efeitos que os higienizadores podem causar nas superfícies que compõem uma prótese. Deste modo, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de pastilhas efervescentes à base de peróxido alcalino em liga de cobalto cromo (Co-Cr), utilizada em Prótese Parcial Removível (PPR). A partir de uma matriz metálica, padrões de cera em forma de disco (12 mm x 3 mm) foram confeccionados para posterior fundição. Os espécimes metálicos (n=16) foram imersos nas soluções: água deionizada (controle), Polident 3 minutes®, Steradent®, Efferdent®, Polident for Partials® e Corega Tabs®. Foi realizada a análise da rugosidade (n=10) por meio de rugosímetro, antes (t0) e após 5 períodos de simulação de ½, 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 anos de imersão nos higienizadores. Foram realizadas análises complementares quantitativas da liberação de íons (n=5) de cobalto (Co), cromo (Cr) e molibdênio (Mo) em cada solução e análises qualitativas em um espécime de cada grupo, por meio de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e Espectrometria de Energia Dispersiva de Raios X (EDS). A distribuição dos dados de rugosidade (&mu;m) apresentou-se não normal. Foi utilizada estatística não-paramétrica (&alpha;=0,05). Tanto para o fator solução (Kruskall Wallis, ½ ano (p=0,900), 1 ano (p=0,277), 2 anos (p=0,227), 3 anos (p=0,086), 4 anos (p=0,657) e 5 anos (p=0,856), como para o fator tempo (Friedman, p=0,137) não houve diferença significante. Com relação à liberação de íons (&mu;g/L), a distribuição dos dados apresentou-se normal. De acordo com a estatística (&alpha;=0,05, ANOVA e teste de Tukey), Corega Tabs®, Efferdent® e água deionizada promoveram maior liberação de íons Co do que o Steradent® (p=0,003). Quanto aos íons Cr (p=0,000), Corega Tabs® propiciou maior liberação quando comparado a água deionizada, Steradent® e Polident 3 minutes®. Em relação aos íons Mo (p=0,001), o Efferdent® promoveu maior liberação. No MEV pode-se verificar que as soluções não apresentaram efeitos deletérios sobre as superfícies. Conclui-se que todas as pastilhas avaliadas não ocasionaram danos, entretanto, Steradent® foi a que propiciou menor liberação de íons, sendo indicada com maior segurança para higienização de superfícies metálicas de PPR. / The hygiene care of the removable dentures is of most importance for the longevity of the rehabilitation treatment. However, it is necessary to analyze the effects that denture cleansers can cause on the surfaces of prosthesis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alkaline peroxide-effervescent tablets on the surfaces of the cobalt-chromium alloys (Co-Cr), used in removable partial dentures (RPD). Circular specimens (12 mm x 3 mm) were fabricated with cobalt-chromium alloys. The specimens (n= 16) were immersed in the following solutions: deionized water (control), Polident 3 minutes&trade;, Steradent&trade;, Efferdent&trade;, Polident for Partials&trade; and Corega Tabs&trade;. The surface roughness (n=10) was analyzed with a surf-test analyzer, before and after 5 periods that corresponds to the simulation of ½, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years of immersion in the cleansers. As complementary analysis, it was performed a quantitative study of ions release (n=5) for cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo) in each solution and qualitative analysis with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) associated to Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results of surface roughness had presented no normal. In nonparametric statistics (&alpha; = 0.05), both of the solution factor Kruskall Wallis, ½ year (p=0.900), 1 year (p=0.277), 2 years (p=0.227), 3 years (p=0.086), 4 years (p=0.657) and 5 years (p=0.856), such as time factor (Friedman, p = 0.137), there was no significant difference. The results of ionic release presented a normal distribution and they were submitted to ANOVA (p=0.05) and Tukey test. The solutions Corega Tabs®, Efferdent® and deionized water presented greater Co ionic release than Steradent® (p=0.003). For Cr ions (p=0.000), Corega Tabs® had greater ionic release than deionized water, Steradent® and Polident 3 minutes®. Regarding Mo ions (p=0.001), Efferdent® showed greater release. With SEM, it was possible to verify that the solutions showed no deleterious effects on the specimen surfaces. It was concluded that no deleterious effects on metal surface was caused, however, Steradent® presented the smallest ionic release, and can be indicated more safely for cleaning metal surfaces of RPD.