AIM: The aim of this study is to compare, in a randomized clinical trial, the appearance improvement of white spot carious lesions (WSL) treated with resin infiltration (RI) – ICON®, 5% sodium fluoride (22,600 parts per million (ppm) with fluoride varnish (FV), and to assess the synergistic effect of adding Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate- MI Paste® (MIP) to these treatment modalities. METHODS: Forty subjects with unrestored WSL, after debanding fixed orthodontic appliances, were recruited from the Department of Orthodontics, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University. A randomized, split-mouth, and double-blind clinical trial design was used to allocate subjects to resin infiltration and fluoride varnish without MI Paste® (RI and FV), 20 patients, and resin infiltration and fluoride varnish with MI Paste® (RI-MIP and FV-MIP), 20 patients. Patients in the MI Paste® present treatment group given 6-weeks supply of MI Paste®. The assessment methods were: 1) patient self-assessment, 2) expert panel subjective assessment, 3) clinical caries assessment using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), and 4) actual lesion size assessment. Treatment efficacy was assessed after 4-6 weeks of application. The appearance improvement was analyzed at α level of 5% and a power of 90%. RESULTS: Over 4-6 weeks, RI treatment appeared to have a higher mean difference between baseline and follow-up compared to fluoride varnish with a statistically significant difference across all assessment methods. The patient self-assessment mean difference was 1.07 (±1.49); 95% CI [0.59 - 1.55], the expert panel subjective assessment mean difference was 0.75 (±1.06); 95% CI [0.61 - 0.88], the ICDAS mean difference was 0.38 (± 0.43); 95% CI [0.24 - 0.52], and the actual size assessment mean difference was 0.07 (±0.16); 95% CI [0.01 - 0.12]. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean differences between RI and RI-MIP, nor between FV and FV-MIP across all assessment methods. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that RI is significantly better in improving the appearance of WSLs when compared to FV. There is little evidence that use of MIP adds to the improvement of the appearance of WSL in conjunction with either modality. / 2019-09-26T00:00:00Z

Underground mining produces a huge amount of voids and an even larger quantity of mine waste. Overlooking these voids could lead to the possibility of ground subsidence, as well as safety issues during mining operation; while ignoring the waste, could cause environmental pollution and significant suffering. One solution to remedy both (the voids and the waste) is cemented paste backfill (CPB), which is gaining increased recognition in both the mining industry and academic research. Transforming tailings into cemented paste, and transporting this back to underground stopes, not only negates these safety issues to a large degree, but also makes it possible to put waste to good use.However, most studies involving CPB have been conducted at temperatures above 0°C; knowledge of CPB in sub-zero environments is still lacking. For this reason, this thesis investigates the mechanical behaviour of CPB in a the latter type of environment.Uniaxial compressive strength tests were carried out on a series of frozen CPB (FCPB) samples to evaluate the mechanical behaviour (e.g. compressive strengths, geotechnical features, and the stress-strain relationships) of FCPB. It has been discovered in this thesis that FCPB exhibits remarkable strength compared to CPB and, has a great resemblance to frozen soil. Factors which may affect the behaviour of FCPB were thoroughly examined. Binder contents and types were found to be irrelevant; water content, in contrast, plays a dominant role, with an optimum value of around 26% by weight. Sulphate was confirmed to have an adverse effect on the strength of FCPB due to the increasing unfrozen water content and the formation of legible ice lenses. Hydraulic conductivity tests, scanning electron microscope observations, thermal gravimetric analyses, and mercury intrusion porosimetry were also performed as subsidiary experiments to understand the geotechnical features of FCPB. This information will be of significant value for numerous practical applications.

One of the most novel technologies developed in the past few decades is to convert mine wastes into cemented construction materials, otherwise known as cemented tailings backfill (CTB). CTB is an engineered mixture of tailings (waste aggregates), water and hydraulic binders. It is extensively used worldwide to stabilize underground cavities created by mining operations and maximize the recovery of ore from pillars. Moreover, the application of CTB is also an environmentally friendly means of disposing potential acid generating tailings underground. During and after its placement into underground mine excavations or stopes, complex multiphysics processes (including thermal, T, hydraulic, H, mechanical, M, and chemical, C, processes) take place in the CTB mass and thus control its behavior and performance. With the interaction of the multiphysics processes, the field variables (temperature, pore water pressure, stress and strain) and geotechnical properties of CTB undergo substantial changes. Therefore, the prediction of the field performance of CTB structures during their life time, which has great practical importance, must incorporate these THMC processes. Moreover, the self-weight effect, water drainage through barricades, thermal expansion and chemical shrinkage can contribute to the volumetric deformation of CTB. Consequently, CTB exhibits unique consolidation behavior compared to conventional geomaterials (e.g., soil). Furthermore, the consolidation processes can result in relative displacement between the rock mass and CTB. The resultant rock mass/CTB interface resistance can reduce the effects of the overburden pressure or the vertical stress (i.e., arching effect). Hence, a full understanding, through multiphysics modeling and simulation of CTB behaviors, is crucial to reliably assess and predict the performance of CTB structures. Yet, there are currently no models or tools to predict the fully coupled multiphysics behavior of CTB. In this Ph.D. study, a series of mathematical models which include an evolutive elastoplastic model, a fully coupled THMC model, a multiphysics model of consolidation behavior and a multiphysics model of the interaction between the rock mass/CTB interface are developed and validated. There is excellent agreement between the modeled results and experimental and/or in-situ monitored data, which proves the accuracy and predictive ability of the developed models. Furthermore, the validated multiphysics models are applied to a series of engineering issues, which are relevant for the field design of CTB structures, to investigate the self-desiccation process, consolidation behavior of CTB structures as well as to assess the pressure on barricades and the strength development in CTB structures. The obtained results show that CTB has different behaviors and performances under different backfilling conditions and design strategies, and the developed multiphysics models can accurately model CTB field behavior. Therefore, the research conducted in this Ph.D. study provides useful tools and technical information for the optimal design of CTB structures.

The purpose of this project has been to investigate potential correlations between rheological properties and jetting quality of solder paste. The project was carried out for Mycronic AB. Data from previously obtained measurements for both rheological properties and jetting quality were used in the analysis. We were only able to suggest preliminary correlations. One reason for this was that the jetting data was not designed for correlation work. It was performed to set parameters for new fluids. The data was inconsistent and difficult to work with in a correlation studie. However, the work led to a framework for future studies and correlation work.

Mining is an important industry that plays a significant role in the development of human civilization and economies. However, the underground mining process produces a large volume of mine wastes (e.g., tailings) as well as creates large voids that require filling, typically with an engineering backfill material. Filling the voids with mine waste materials provides an environmental-friendly way of disposing mining waste. It is also an effective way of increasing ore recovery and improving the safety of miners. One of the best techniques of mine backfill is called cemented paste backfill (CPB), which is typically a mixture of tailings, binder and water. The most common binder used in the preparation of CPB is Portland cement (PC). PC is not only a costly binder, but its production is highly energy-intensive and also generates a large amount of CO2. The cement consumption can represent up to 75% of the cost of CPB. These above-mentioned factors have compelled mining companies to seek for cement alternatives that enhance the engineering properties of the CPB, decrease the cement content and reduce the carbon footprint of the mining industry. Sodium silicate is the most recent chemical additive that is proposed to reduce the binder content in CPB. Sodium silicate is an alkaline solution that is used to activate a pozzolanic material, such as cement, slag and Fly ash. However, the effect of sodium silicate on the strength and key environmental properties (permeability or saturated hydraulic conductivity, reactivity) of CPB is not well understood. The objective of this thesis is to investigate the possibility of using sodium silicate as an activator in cemented paste backfill and obtain an improvement in the aforementioned engineering properties of CPB. In order to determine the effect of the sodium silicate on backfill properties, some CPB testing methods were developed to fulfill the objectives of this research. Thus, the evolution of hydraulic, mechanical and microstructural properties of CPB samples containing sodium silicate (SS-CPB) have been tested or monitored at different curing ages (1, 3, 7, 28 and 90 days) and different CPB mixtures as well. The results of these studies show that activating CPB with sodium silicate develop CPB strength faster than CPB samples without sodium silicate. In addition, hydraulic conductivity and reactivity results show a positive change in samples containing sodium silicate compared to free sodium silicate CPB samples. Indeed, this activation leads to decreasing permeability and reactivity due to the formation of cement hydration products and acceleration of the binder hydration process. Moreover, binder type and content in the presence of sodium silicate as an alkali activator in the CPB play a significant role in lowering hydraulic conductivity and reactivity of CPB.

No description available.

The jet printing of solder paste from a uid dynamics perspective involves viscosity change due to varying shear rate and eventual break o of the ejected solder paste droplet from the uid in the printer head. The ability to model the jetting process in a simulation package is important as it can be used as a tool for future development of the jetting device. The jetting process is modelled as a two phase (air - solder paste) ow with interface tracking performed using phase eld method and temporal stepping based on a second-order Backward Di erence Formula with relaxed tolerences. This thesis investigates the droplet morphology, volume and speed predictions for three di erent piston actuation modes and solder paste viscosity denitions given by the Carreau- Yasuda model. A Darcy condition with the porosity parameter is calibrated equal to unity such that the droplet speed is within the realistic range of 20 m/s - 30 m/s. The simulations are compared against previous simulation results from IBOFlow, performed within a collaboration between Mycronic AB and Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre. As the Carreau models cannot capture the dependence of the uid viscosity of ow history, an indirect structure based viscosity model is used to compare the thixotopic behaviour. The expressions for the parameters of the structure based viscosity model are derived based on an analytical model which assumes that shear rate is constant. Experimental data for constant shear rate is curve tted on a Carreau model and an initial estimate of the parameters are obtained. The parameters are then adjusted to match experimental thixotopic behaviour. This method can be used to obtain parameter values for structure based viscosity models for uids with no previous data. Once the solder paste is ejected through the nozzle and the piston retracts, the uid undergoes stretching. Studying lament stretching during jetting is dicult as it can be driven by both droplet and piston motion. The data from an extensional rheometer is analyzed to study the lament stretching phenomenon for solder pastes. An analytical model for the critical aspect ratio is derived for a Newtonian uid lament undergoing a pure extension and modelled as a cylinder whose radius is decreases with time. The exponential decrease of the lament radius predicted by the analytical model is found to reproduce the experimental observations very well. The lament radius calculated based on the lament height from the experiments and analytical model shows that the model captures the stretching process, but the formation of beads usually seen in suspensions is not accounted for.

Neste trabalho foram estudadas as etapas de processo envolvidas na tecnologia Pin-in-Paste (PIP) de soldagem por refusão de componentes convencionais (THCs - Through Hole Components ou Componentes de Furo Passante) em placas de circuito impresso (PCIs), utilizando pasta de solda sem chumbo (lead-free) com liga SAC (Sn-Ag-Cu) de forma a atender as novas exigências ambientais para a montagem eletrônica. Inicialmente foi feito o projeto da PCI de teste com três diferentes componentes THCs e três componentes SMD com encapsulamentos distintos, com o objetivo de reproduzir uma PCI comercial. Foram gerados dois diâmetros de furos diferentes para inserir os THCs, possibilitando o estudo da variação de preenchimento com solda no PTH. Foi proposta uma equação para o cálculo do volume de pasta de solda a ser impresso sobre os furos no processo de montagem. A partir desta equação foram calculadas as dimensões dos furos do estêncil para a PCI de teste. Os parâmetros de impressão foram otimizados em função da variação de pressão e da velocidade do rodo. Duas curvas de refusão foram utilizadas, uma convencional e outra otimizada para verificar a variação na geração de defeitos. A impressão de pasta de solda ficou superior ao projetado, o que resultou em todas as amostras terem solda acima do parâmetro mínimo de aceitabilidade de volume de 75% de preenchimento do PTH. Esta sobre impressão ocasionou defeitos em boa parte dos componentes, excesso de solda nos filetes e resíduos de fluxo na solda nos PTHs. Tais defeitos foram expressivos para todos os THCs, mostrando que o excesso de pasta impressa foi decisivo na geração de defeitos para todas as combinações das variáveis estudadas. Os SMDs tiveram solda aceitável, apresentando apenas alguns casos de excesso de fluxo ou pouca solda em alguns QFPs devido ao uso de ilhas com dimensões maiores que o exigido em norma. O processo de Pin In Paste se mostra viável como substituto da solda onda em linhas de montagem para placas com SMDs e THCs, mas estudos posteriores deverão ser realizados para a geração de um modelo confiável de projeto de PCIs e estêncil com solda lead-free para que tal processo seja utilizado em grande escala na indústria. / This study describes the process steps involved in Pin-in-Paste (PIP) reflow soldering technology in printed circuit boards (PCBs) using lead-free solder paste with SAC alloy (Sn-Ag-Cu) in order to attend new environmental requirements for the electronics assembly. Initially it was designed a PCB test with three different THCs (Through Hole Component) and three different SMD (Surface Mount Device) packages in order to reproduce a commercial board. It was generated two different diameters of holes to insert the THCs, aiming to study the solder fill variation in PTH. An equation was proposed for calculating the volume of solder paste to be printed over the holes in the assembly process. From this equation it was calculated the dimensions of the holes of the stencil. The printing parameters were optimized according to the variation of pressure and speed of the squeegee. Two reflow curves were used in the process, a conventional one and an optimized one to determine the variations in the generation of soldering defects. The printed solder paste volume was higher than projected, which resulted in solder excess, causing defects in most of the components, such as excess solder in the fillet and solder flux residues in PTHs. Such defects were significant for all THCs, showing that the excess paste that was printed caused critical defects for all combinations of variables. Regarding that all samples were above the reflow minimum acceptable volume of 75% coverage of PTH. The SMDs solders were acceptable, with only few cases of solder flux excess. The Pin in Paste process was observed as a good option to replace the wave soldering thermal process for mixed PCBs. Further studies should be conducted to generate a reliable model of PCB and stencil design.

This thesis presents the results of an investigation of factors which influence the geotechnical properties of frozen mine backfill (FMB). FMB has extensive application potential for mining in permafrost areas. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of hardened backfill is often used to evaluate mine backfill stability. However, the deformation behaviour and stiffness of the FMB are also key design properties of interest. In this thesis, uniaxial compressive tests were conducted on FTB and FCPB samples. Information about the geotechnical properties of FMB is obtained. The effects of FMB mix components and vertical compression pressure on the geotechnical properties of FMB are discussed and summarized. An optimum total water content of 25%-35% is found in which the strength and the modulus of elasticity of the FTB are 1.4-3.2 MPa and 35-58 MPa, respectively. It is observed that a small amount (3-6%) of cement can significantly change the geotechnical properties of FTB.

This thesis presents the results of an investigation of factors which influence the geotechnical properties of frozen mine backfill (FMB). FMB has extensive application potential for mining in permafrost areas. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of hardened backfill is often used to evaluate mine backfill stability. However, the deformation behaviour and stiffness of the FMB are also key design properties of interest. In this thesis, uniaxial compressive tests were conducted on FTB and FCPB samples. Information about the geotechnical properties of FMB is obtained. The effects of FMB mix components and vertical compression pressure on the geotechnical properties of FMB are discussed and summarized. An optimum total water content of 25%-35% is found in which the strength and the modulus of elasticity of the FTB are 1.4-3.2 MPa and 35-58 MPa, respectively. It is observed that a small amount (3-6%) of cement can significantly change the geotechnical properties of FTB.