Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: 1) avaliar o efeito do envelhecimento por ciclagem mecânica (1 milhão de ciclos a uma freqüência de 2 Hz) sobre a resistência à flexão biaxial de três materiais cerâmicos utilizados para a construção infra-estruturas de próteses parciais fixas: a) uma zircônia tetragonal policristalina estabilizada por ítria (Y-TZP); b) uma alumina policristalina (AL) e c) um compósito de alumina e zircônia infiltrado por vidro (ICZ) e 2) determinar a influência da tensão gerada durante a ciclagem sobre a degradação da resistência das cerâmicas estudadas, já que para cada material a ciclagem foi realizada com dois níveis diferentes de tensão. Material e método: Espécimes em forma de disco (12 mm x 2 mm e 12 mm x 1 mm) foram confeccionados conforme as recomendações dos fabricantes. A resistência à flexão desses materiais foi determinada por meio do ensaio de flexão biaxial. Para o grupo controle de todos os materiais estudados (espécimes de 1 mm de espessura), foi realizada estatística de Weibull para determinação da resistência característica (0) e módulo de Weibull (m). Após o envelhecimento por ciclagem mecânica, realizado para todos os materiais nas duas espessuras, os espécimes foram fraturados e os valores obtidos foram comparados com seus respectivos grupos controle. Resultados: O valor de m foi estatisticamente semelhante para todos os materiais, o ICZ (12,2) apresentou o maior valor comparado ao do Y-TZP (9,0) e do AL (8,4). Os valores de resistência característica, 0, apresentaram diferenças significantes para todos os materiais, 828 MPa para a Y-TZP, 405,8 MPa para a AL e 328 MPa para o ICZ. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre as resistências medidas para os grupos controle e ciclado para nenhum dos materiais nas duas espessuras avaliadas. Conclusão: O envelhecimento por ciclagem mecânica não causou alterações significativas nos valores de resistência à flexão de nenhuma das cerâmicas testadas. O aumento no nível de tensão aplicada na ciclagem mecânica não gerou um aumento na degradação da resistência dos materiais estudados. / The objectives of this study were: 1) To evaluate the effect of aging by mechanical cycling (1 million cycles at a frequency of 2 Hz) on the biaxial flexural strength of three dental ceramics used as framework materials for fixed partial dentures (FPDs): a) yttria partially stabilized zirconia tetragonal polycrystals (Y-TZP), b) alumina polycrystals (AL) and c) alumina-based zirconia-reinforced glass infiltrated ceramic (ICZ) and 2) determine the influence of stress level generated during mechanical cycling on the flexural strength degradation of the studied ceramics. Materials and Methods: Disc-shaped specimens (12 mm x 2 mm and 12 mm x 1 mm) were prepared according to manufacturer\'s recommendations. The flexural strength of these materials was determined by biaxial flexure test for the control group of all materials. The Weibull statistics was performed 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. Results: No statistically significant differences were founded between the strength obtained for the control and cycled groups for any of the materials in the two thicknesses tested. The m value was similar for all materials, ICZ (12.2) which showed the highest value, followed by the Y-TZP (9) and AL (8.4). The values for characteristic strength (0) showed significant differences for all materials, 828 MPa for Y-TZP, 405.8 MPa for AL and 328 MPa for ICZ. Conclusion: Aging by mechanical cycling did not cause significant changes in the values of flexural strength for all the ceramics tested. The increase in the stress level during cyclic loading did not cause an increase in the strength degradation of the materials studied.

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

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desenvolvimento das tensões de polimerização de um compósito resinoso restaurador ao longo das primeiras 24 horas após a fotoativação, segundo dois métodos de análise da propagação de trincas. A influência do armazenamento em água sobre a magnitude das tensões também foi avaliada. O grau de conversão (GC) e o módulo de elasticidade (E) do compósito foram determinados nos diferentes tempos de observação. As hipóteses nulas do trabalho foram: 1) tensão de polimerização, GC e E não variam de forma significativa ao longo do período de observação; 2) os dois métodos de análise de propagação de trincas fornecem resultados semelhantes; 3) os valores de tensão não são influenciados pelo meio de armazenamento. Foram confeccionados discos de vidro de soda-cal com 2 mm de espessura, diâmetro externo de 12 mm, com perfuração central de 4 mm de diâmetro. Os discos foram aleatorizados em três grupos. Em um deles, os discos foram restaurados (Charisma Diamond, Heraeus Kulzer) e, após os tempos de 10 min, 1, 2, 4, 8 ou 24 horas (n=10), os espécimes receberam quatro indentações Vickers, (9,8N por 20s) a 500m da margem da cavidade. O segundo grupo passou pelo mesmo processo, porém os discos ficaram armazenados em água antes de serem indentados. Em seguida, o comprimento das trincas e a diagonal da indentação foram mensurados em microscópio óptico. A tensão residual no vidro foi calculada de acordo com a norma 4-01 (The Society of Materials Science, JSMS, Japão). No terceiro grupo, os discos foram indentados e armazenados em dissecador por 24h antes de serem restaurados. As trincas foram medidas antes e após a restauração, nos mesmos tempos descritos acima, e a tensão calculada de acordo com a fórmula descrita por Yamamoto et al. (Dent Mater, 2009). O GC foi determinado por espectroscopia no infra-vermelho próximo (n=3). O E foi obtido através do teste de dobramento em três pontos (n=10). Os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA/Tukey (=0,05) e análise de regressão. A tensão de polimerização, assim como o GC e o E tiveram seus valores aumentados ao longo do tempo. O GC aumentou 28% entre 10 minutos e 24 horas, para o E houve um aumento de 1,7 GPa para 6,3 GPa entre 10 minutos e 24 horas. A tensão de polimerização aumentou 40% entre 10min e 24h para a norma 4-01 e 51% para o método do Yamamoto et al. O meio de armazenamento foi estatisticamente significativo até o tempo de 4 horas. Portanto, a primeira hipótese foi rejeitada. A segunda e a terceira hipótese podem ser apenas parcialmente rejeitadas. / The objective of this study was to evaluate composite resin restoration polymerization stress development over the first 24 hours after polymerization, according to two methods of analysis of crack propagation. The influence of water storage on the magnitude of the stresses was also evaluated. The degree of conversion (DC) and modulus of elasticity (E) of the composite were determined at various time points. The null hypotheses of this study were: 1) The polymerization stress, DC and E do not change significant throughout the observation period, 2) the two methods of analysis of crack propagation provide similar results, 3) the stress values are not influenced by storage medium. Disks were made of soda-lime glass with 2 mm thickness, 12 mm in outside diameter with central bore of 4 mm in diameter. The perforations were treated with hydrofluoric acid and silane. The discs were randomized into three groups. In one of them, the discs were restored (Charisma Diamond, Heraeus Kulzer), and, the times after 10 min, 1, 2, 4, 8 or 24 hours (n = 10), the specimens received four Vickers indentations (9.8 N for 20 s) at 500m cavity margin. The second group went through the same process, but the discs were stored in water prior to being indented. Then, the length diagonal of the indentation and crack was measured in an optical microscope. The residual stress in the glass was calculated according to standard 4-01 (The Society of Materials Science, JSMS, Japan). The third group of discs were treated similarly, indented and stored in a desiccator for 24 hours before being restored. The cracks were measured before and after the restoration following the same time, and the stress calculated according to the formula described by Yamamoto et al. (Dent Mater, 2009). The DC was determined by near-infrared spectroscopy (n = 3). The E was obtained through the bend test conducted at three-points. Data were subjected by ANOVA / Tukey test ( = 0.05) and regression analysis. The polymerization stress, as well as DC and E values were increased over time. GC increased 28% between 10 minutes and 24 hours, and for an increase of 1.7 GPa to 6.3 GPa between 10 minutes and 24 hours. The polymerization stress increased 40% between 10 min and 24 hours to the standard 4.1 and 51% for the method of Yamamoto et al. The storage medium was statistically significant at the time of 4 hours. Thus, the first hypothesis was rejected. The second and third hypothesis may only be partially rejected.

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.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: a) realizar a análise microestrutural de cerâmicas odontológicas e relacioná-la aos valores de resistência à flexão obtidos, b) avaliar o efeito de dois tipos de envelhecimento (ciclagem mecânica e ciclagem em autoclave) sobre a resistência à flexão desses materiais e c) avaliar se a configuração do espécime (discos versus barras) é capaz de alterar o efeito da ciclagem mecânica sobre a resistência à flexão. Cinco materiais foram utilizados: zircônia tetragonal policristalina estabilizada por ítrio (YZ), alumina policristalina (AL), alumina infiltrada por vidro/reforçada por zircônia (ICZ) e duas porcelanas (VM7 e VM9). Espécimes em forma de barra (2 x 4 x 16 mm) e disco (12 mm x 2 mm) foram confeccionados conforme as recomendações dos fabricantes. A densidade foi determinada pelo método de Arquimedes, as constantes elásticas foram determinadas pelo método do pulso-eco ultrassônico. Microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura foram utilizadas para determinar a fração e tamanho médio de poros e partículas e a análise de EDS para a realização de análise química dos microconstituintes. O efeito do envelhecimento por ciclagem mecânica (YZ, AL e ICZ: 80 N por 105 ciclos e VM7 e VM9: 45 N por 104 ciclos, a 2 Hz) ou por ciclagem em autoclave a 134°C, pressão de 2,2 kgf/cm2 durante 5h, foi avaliado nos espécimes em forma de barra e comparados com um grupo controle, não ciclado. O efeito do envelhecimento por ciclagem mecânica foi comparado entre os espécimes em forma de barra e disco para as porcelanas estudadas. Houve diferenças significativas entre os valores de resistência em função do material, causadas pelas diferenças em sua microestrutura, sendo que as porcelanas apresentam baixos valores de resistência (VM7: 69,4 MPa e VM9: 64,7 MPa), enquanto que a AL e a ICZ apresentaram valores intermediários (462,8 MPa e 408,6 MPa, respectivamente) e a YZ apresentou o maior valor de resistência à flexão (869 MPa). Após a ciclagem mecânica, somente o material AL apresentou redução estatisticamente significativa da resistência à flexão (389,2 MPa). A ciclagem em autoclave não resultou em degradação significativa da resistência de nenhum dos materiais testados. A configuração do espécime (barra ou disco) não alterou o efeito da ciclagem mecânica sobre a resistência das porcelanas testadas (nenhum material apresentou queda da resistência após ciclagem). Entretanto, nos espécimes em forma de disco a resistência à flexão da VM7 foi significativamente maior que a da VM9 (69,6 MPa e 57,6 MPa, respectivamente), enquanto que nos espécimes em forma de barra não houve diferença estatística entre os valores de resistência das duas porcelanas (VM7: 61,1 MPa e VM9: 68,8 MPa). / The aims of this study were: to perform a microestrutural analysis of dental ceramics and correlate the results with the flexural strength obtained; to evaluate two aging process (mechanical cycling and autoclave cycling) on the flexural strength of the materials and to evaluate the specimen configuration (bar or disc) on the flexural strength of mechanical cycling aged specimens. The five ceramics tested were: yttria-stabilized zirconia (YZ), polycrystalline alumina (AL), glass-infiltrated alumina/zirconia reinforced (ICZ) and two dental porcelains (VM7 and VM9). Bars (2 x 4 x 16 mm) and discs (12 mm x 2 mm) were produced according to the manufactures instructions. Density was obtained by Arquimedes method and the elastics constants were obtained by ultrasonic pulse-echo method. Optical and Scanning Electron Microscope were used to determine the fraction and size of both pores and particles while the chemical composition was obtained by EDS. Aging effect on flexural strength after mechanical or autoclave cycling was evaluated on bar specimens and compared to a control group, which was not cycled. The specimen configurations (bars or discs) were compared after mechanical cycling for porcelains. Microestrutural differences between material resulted on flexural strength values statistically different, porcelains presented lower values of flexural strength (VM7: 69,4 MPa and VM9: 64,7 MPa), while AL and ICZ presented intermediate flexural strength (462,8 MPa and 408,6 MPa, respectively) and YZ presented the highest flexural strength (869 MPa). Only AL presented a significant lower flexural strength after mechanical cycling (389,2 MPa). Autoclave cycling did not influence the flexural strength of the studied materials. Also, the specimen configuration did not influence the flexural strength values before or after mechanical cycling. It should be noted that disc specimens of VM7 presented significantly higher flexural strength values than VM9 (69,6 MPa and 57,6 MPa, respectively), however for bar specimens no statistical difference was noted between the mean strength of both porcelains (VM7: 61,1 MPa and VM9: 68,8 MPa).

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.

Magíster en Ciencias, Mención Geofísica / Se obtiene un modelo tridimensional de la discontinuidad corteza-manto (Moho) de la placa Sudamericana, en la zona localizada entre los 31°S a 34°S y entre los 67°W a 72°W, mediante la inversión unidimensional de Funciones de Recepción. Los sismogramas utilizados corresponden a 11 telesismos y 89 eventos locales registrados en las estaciones que conforman la red sismológica temporal instalada en el marco del proyecto FONDECYT 1020972, conjunto entre la Universidad de Chile – IRD, Francia. En los modelos de velocidad de onda P, onda S y densidades obtenidos a partir de Funciones de Recepción generadas con telesismos, se observan discontinuidades claras de velocidad y densidad asociables al Moho, alcanzándose bajo esta interfaz una velocidad de onda P superior a 7.5 km/s. Sin embargo, el método de inversión no permitió obtener buenos resultados con Funciones de Recepción generadas a partir de eventos locales. La geometría del Moho muestra una tendencia a profundizarse desde el trasarco hacia la cordillera de los Andes para luego tomar valores mínimos de profundidad, en torno a los 35 km., bajo las estaciones cercanas a la costa. En el trasarco, el espesor cortical crece hacia el norte alcanzando valores de hasta 60 km sobre la zona donde la placa de Nazca presenta un ángulo de subducción subhorizontal. Con objeto de interpretar los resultados obtenidos, en relación a las densidades promedio de corteza y manto, carga topográfica y espesor elástico, se implementa un modelo de deflexión flexural mediante diferencias finitas a lo largo de cuatro perfiles E-W. Los resultados muestran una drástica disminución del espesor elástico bajo el arco, donde se alcanzan valores en torno a los 5 km., mientras que hacia el antearco y trasarco el espesor elástico toma valores de 50 km. Se estiman valores máximos de espesor cortical que superan los 60 km bajo la cordillera. Modelos publicados sobre balance de áreas realizado al norte de la zona de estudio, muestran un espesor cortical menor en el trasarco que el propuesto en el presente trabajo. Esto sugiere una posible adición magmática en la base de la corteza, asociado al proceso de migración hacia el este del arco magmático durante los últimos 12 Ma, en la zona de subducción subhorizontal de la placa de Nazca.

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.