We report a method of increasing fracture toughness (KIc) and strain energy release rate (GIc) of vinyl-ester (VE) matrix by adopting a hybrid (dual) reinforcement strategy. The idea of using this strategy was to trigger intrinsic polymer-nanoparticle interaction such as carbon nanotube (CNT) pull-out and interface sliding to enhance energy absorption during fracture. Additionally, we included a second reinforcement, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), to promote crack-deflection, crack bridging and cross-linking density. Both reinforcements were dispersed into the polymer in three states: non-functionalized (nf>); functionalized with COOH (f>); surface-treated with Triton X-100 (TX100). We embarked on numerous experiments with many combinations of these variables. We measured KIc and GIc using ASTM D5045-14. We conducted an exhaustive iterative investigation with three systems (f>CNT-VE; f>GNP-VE; f>CNT-f>GNP-VE) to determine the best weight-percentage for the nanocomposite system that produced the highest KIc and GIc values when compared to neat-VE. We found that 0.5wt% f>CNT with 0.25wt% f>GNP in the VE matrix resulted in the highest fracture toughness values and was termed the optimized hybrid nanocomposites (OHN) system. Subsequently, we explored further increasing the KIc and GIc of OHN through altering the nanoparticle surface characteristics, which led to four OHN groups: f>CNT-f>GNP-VE; f>CNT-f>GNP-TX100-VE; nf>CNT-nf>GNP-TX100-VE; nf>CNT-nf>GNP-VE. We discovered that the OHN group with non-functionalized nanofillers that were TX100 surface treated (0.5wt%nf>CNT-0.25wt%nf>GNP-TX100-VE) generated the greatest improvements in KIc and GIc. Ultimately, we observed that the KIc of neat-VE increased by 65%, from 1.14 to 1.88 MPa*(m½). The improvement in GIc was even greater with an increase of 166%, from 370 to 985 J/(m2). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) studies showed a minor shift in glass transition temperature (Tg) by up to 8°C when comparing neat-VE specimens to OHN specimens. A similar increase in maximum thermal decomposition temperature (Tp) of up to 8°C was observed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative TGA (DTG). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies revealed that the source of improvements in fracture toughness and thermal properties was primarily the three-dimensional hybrid nanostructures (3DHN) that formed by binding CNT and GNP together, which caused an increase in nanoparticle surface area and inhibited agglomerations. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The influence of voids on the moisture uptake of epoxy has been studied. Specimens with void contents from 0 to about 50% were prepared. Void geometry and content were analyzed using microscopy and density methods. Void containing dry samples were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Dynamic-Mechanical Analysis which verified consistency of chemistry of the epoxy network. The moisture uptake of specimens immersed in distilled water at 40 °C was monitored. The rate of absorption and saturation moisture content increased with increasing void content. The moisture uptake of void-free and void containing specimens was non-Fickian. The Langmuir model provided good fits to the experimental results for specimens with low to medium void content, although the moisture uptake of the high void content specimens showed substantial deviations from the Langmuir diffusion model. The moisture diffusivity agreed reasonably with predications from the Maxwell inclusion model over a range of void contents from 0 to 50%. The state of sorbed water was examined using mass balance calculations and DSC analysis. Only 6-8% of the void volume is occupied by water at saturation. Absorbed water may be classified as free and bound water. For void-free specimens, only bound water was found. The medium and high void content specimens contained water in three states: free water, freezable bound water, and non-freezable bound water. The DSC results show that the proportions of free water and freezable bound water increase with increasing void content, while the content of non-freezable bound water decreased. Moisture induced swelling decreased with increasing void content. The swelling is attributed to the content of non-freezable bound water. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

No description available.

This dissertation focuses on the synthesis and characterization of an exciting new family of thermoresponsive polyacetal polymers with remarkable properties that are well suited for a myriad of applications. The new polyacetals are the first, intrinsically biodegradable polymers to exhibit a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Their LCSTs are linearly dependent on the number of carbon and oxygen atoms in the repeat units, which can be easily adjusted over a wide range of temperatures. The LCSTs can be precisely and predictably tuned to any temperature ranging from 7-80°C by simply using mixtures of monomers during synthesis. The LCST transition of polyacetals is sharp and shows no hysteresis. These new materials have the potential to be used in a broad range of technologies that are important not only economically, but also affect the quality of life. In particular, they have the potential to be used as a drug delivery carrier for treatment of pancreatic cancer; an illness that has a dismal prognosis, for which other treatments have proven ineffective. Polyacetals are known to be chemically inert; the primary thesis objectives presented here are to develop frameworks for polyacetal functionalization for use in a variety of applications. Chapter 3 explores strategies to prepare water-soluble polyacetal-drug conjugates from three HIF-1 inhibitors; a highly hydrophobic class of cancer therapeutics. HIF-1 inhibitors explored in this chapter have simple structures containing di-hydroxy functionalities, which can be used for polyacetal main-chain attachment. Step-growth polymerization is used to prepare, for the first time, main-chain drug conjugates that are temperature responsive and pH degradable. Furthermore, the temperature response of main-chain polyacetal-drug conjugates is precisely tuned with the amount of the HIF-1 in the polymer backbone. The pH dependent backbone degradation of the drug conjugates show that pristine HIF-1 inhibitors evolve from the polymer at long degradation times, showing promise for use of this material as a drug delivery vehicle. Strategies outlined in Chapter 3 require specific di-hydroxy functionalities in the molecules of interest, without which, functionalization is not possible. Therefore, Chapter 4 considers polyacetal functionalization of molecules with mono- or poly- hydroxy functional groups, further expanding the scope of these new materials. Two strategies of functionalization are presented, namely, end group functionalization and pendent-chain polyacetal-conjugation using click chemistry. End group functionalization of polyacetal is achieved during step-growth polymerization, in situ, using mono-hydroxy functional molecules. Pendent-chain polyacetal-conjugates are prepared using backbone alkyne functional polyacetal with specialized heterobifunctional linkers that enable the use of orthogonal chemistries such as click-chemistry. Importantly, end group and pendent-chain functional polyacetals retain their temperature response and degradation properties. Both polyacetals evolve pristine mono- functional payloads at the onset of the degradation cycle in contrast to main-chain polyacetal-drug conjugates, which evolve the payload towards the end of the degradation cycle. Knowledge of both degradation mechanisms allows for precise control over the degradation profile of the resulting polyacetals. Chapter 5 further expands on the thesis objectives by the synthesis of ABA type polyacetal block co-polymers and micelles. Polyacetal block co-polymers encapsulate virtually any type of hydrophobic molecule of interest, significantly expanding the number of molecules that can be incorporated into polyacetals. For this purpose, click-functional polyacetal macromonomers are prepared and end-linked with the polymer. The resulting polyacetal micelles show remarkable temperature response, by a second-order θ collapse exhibited by base-polyacetals, and by coacervation of the individual micelles. The temperature response for polyacetal block co-polymers is sharp and reversible, with minimal hysteresis. Pyrene encapsulation studies conducted with polyacetal micelles show that, upon degradation, 99% the encapsulated pyrene is released, showing great promise for use of polyacetal block co-polymers as a delivery vehicle for a variety of applications. Using the methods outlined in Chapter 3-5, virtually any molecule of interest can be incorporated into the polyacetal chain. Lastly, the fundamental origins of the LCST behavior of PAs are explored using molecular dynamic simulations in Chapter 6. For this purpose, PA chains of 10,000 g/mol are accurately modeled using coarse-graining techniques. The experimental LCST transition is reproduced with an accuracy of ±20°C using the coarse grained model, which allows for precise prediction of the temperature response using simulations. The model is further expanded to obtain sequence transferability; that is, the LCST behavior of any sequence or architecture that consists of poly(ethylene oxide) and methylene units can be modeled with precision using this model. We also present sample conformations of the polyacetal during its coil-globule transition, which provides a degree of insight into the mechanism of the LCST.

Orientador: Carlos Eduardo Vergani / Banca: Marco Antonio Compagnoni / Banca: Marcelo Ferraz Mesquita / Resumo: Este estudo avaliou o efeito do reembasamento da ciclagem mecânica e da armazenagem em água sobre a resistência à flexão de uma resina acrílica para base de prótese (Lucitone 550- L). Os corpos-de-prova foram confeccionados a partir da confecção de lâminas da resina L (64x10x2 mm3), reembasadas (1,3 mm) com quatro reembasadores quimicamente ativados (Kooliner-K, Ufi Gel Hard-UGH, Tokuso Rebase Fast-TR e New Truliner-NT). Além disso, foram confeccionados corpos-de-prova a partir do reembasamento com a própria resina L e corpos-de-prova intactos da resina L. Quarenta corpos-de-prova (64x10x3,3 mm3) foram confeccionados para cada combinação entre os materiais e divididos em quatro grupos (n=10). Os corpos-de-prova foram submetidos aos testes de flexão nas seguintes condições: após polimerização (G1); após armazenagem em água destilada a 37+-1ºC por 30 dias (G2); após ciclagem mecânica flexural de 10.000 ciclos com frequência de 5Hz (G3) e após armazenagem em água a 37ºC por 30 dias, seguida de ciclagem mecânica (G4). Os testes de flexão em três pontos foram realizados em máquina de ensaios mecânicos (5mm/min; span=50mm). A resistência à flexão (MPa) foi calculada na força máxima de ruptura (RM) e no limite de proporcionalidade (RP). A análise de variância em três níveis e o teste de Tukey HSD para comparações múltiplas foram utilizados para determinar a significância estatística dos resultados obtidos (P=0,05). Houve efeito significativo para os fatores Material e Ciclagem mecânica e para interação Armazenagem x Material. A análise dessa interação permitiu observar um aumento significante da RM das amostras L-UGH (50,64 MPa) e L-TR(57,36 MP-a), após armazenamento em água (P=0,001 e 0,016 respectivamente). Foi observado, ainda, ...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This study investigated the effect of relining, cyclic loading and water storage on the flexural strength of a denture base acrylic resin (Lucitone 550-L). Specimens L were made (64x10x2 mm3) and relined (1.3 mm) with four different relining resins (Kooliner-K, Ufi Gel Hard-UGH, Tokuso Rebase Fast-TR and New Truliner-NT). In addition, specimens relined with L and intact L specimens were made. Forty specimens (64x10x3.3 mm3) were made for each material combination and divided into four groups (n=10). Specimens were submitted to the flexural strength test after: polymerization (G1); water storage in distilled water for 30 days at 37+-1ºC (G2); cyclic loading for 10000 cycles at 5 Hz (G3) and water storage in distilled water for 30 days at 37+-1ºC followed by cyclic loading (G4). For the flexural tests, force measurements were made with a testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5mm/min using a three point bending fixture with a span of 50 mm. The ultimate flexure strength (RM) and the flexural strength at the proportional limit (RP) were calculated. The results were analyzed with 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD tests. After water storage, the specimens L-UGH (50.64 MPa) and L-TR (57.36 MPa) demonstrated in increased RM (P=.001 and .016, respectively). Only L-TR (24.21 MPa) demonstrated an increased RP (P=.012) after water storage. The L-L specimens produced the highest RM and RP (P=.0000), followed by intact L specimens. After water storage, L-TR demonstrated higher RM and RP than L-K, L-UGH and L-NT. The cyclic loading decreased the RM and RP of all materials (P=.031 and .0000, respectively). It has been concluded that the water storage improved the RM of L-UGH and L-TR and the RP of L-TR. The L-L specimens produced the highest values of RM and RP. The RM and RP of all materials were detrimentally influenced by cyclic loading. / Mestre

Orientador: João Neudenir Arioli Filho / Banca: Ana Carolina Pero Vizoto / Banca: Raphael Freitas de Souza / Resumo: O propósito do presente estudo foi avaliar a resistência à fratura de coroas provisórias implanto - suportadas unitárias imediatas anteriores confeccionadas com facetas de resina acrílica e resina composta após diferentes tratamentos superficiais. Para isto 64 coroas provisórias implanto-suportadas foram confeccionadas e divididas 8 grupos experimentais (n=8), de acordo com o material de confecção, resina acrílica(RA) no grupo 1 ou resina composta(RC) nos grupos 2 a 8, e, tratamentos superficiais realizados na faceta: 1- sem tratamento, 2- sem tratamento, 3- metilmetacrilato(MM), 4- primer para metal(PM), 5- sistema adesivo(SA), 6- jateamento com óxido de alumínio(Al3O2)+MM, 7- Al3O2+PM e 8- Al3O2+SA . Os espécimes foram submetidos a 1x104 ciclos térmicos variando entre duas temperaturas (5ºC e 55 ºC) e posteriormente ao ensaio de resistência à fratura, com carga aplicada com velocidade de 0,5 mm/ min até a ocorrência de falha. Quando os valores de carga máxima para fratura foram analisados, o grupo 1 (controle) obteve os maiores valores (332 N média e ± 67 desvio padrão). Comparados ao controle, os grupos 2, 3, 4, 6 e 7 se mostraram estatisticamente diferentes (P < 0.05), com valores de carga máxima para fratura inferiores ao controle. Por outro lado os grupos 5 e 8 foram semelhantes e não demonstraram diferença estatística quando comparados com o controle (P > 0.05). A partir da análise dos dados, de acordo com a metodologia utilizada, pode-se concluir que o tratamento com sistema adesivo é uma boa opção para uso clínico, aumentando a resistência das coroas provisórias implanto-suportadas confeccionadas com resina acrílica e resina composta. / Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of the immediate implant-supported provisional crown prepared with denture tooth and composite resin, after different surface treatments. Sixty-four screw-retained implant-supported provisional crown were divided into 8 groups (n= 8) according to the crown material, acrylic resin(AR) group1 or composite resin(CR) groups 2 to 8 and surface treatment performed: 1- no surface treatment, and 2- no surface treatment, 3- methyl methacrylate(MM), 4- metal primer(MP), 5- bonding system(BS) 6- alumina air abrasion (Al3O2) +MM, 7- Al3O2+MP and 8- Al3O2+BS. Specimens were subjected to 1x104 thermal cycles at two temperatures (5ºC and 55 ºC) and after that was performed the static mechanical test with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/ min until the sample fracture. When the maximum load to failure was analyzed the group 1 (control) had the highest values (332 N ± 67 mean and standard deviation). Compared to the control, groups 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 were statistically different (P <0.05), with lower values of maximum than the control. Moreover the 5 and 8 groups were similar and showed no statistical difference when compared with the control (p> 0.05). From the analysis of the data in accordance with the methodology used, it can be concluded that the treatment with bonding system is a good option for clinical use, increasing the resistance of implant-supported provisional crowns made with acrylic resin and composite resin. / Mestre

Orientador: César Rogério Pucci / Co-orientador: Eduardo Bresciani / Banca: Taciana Marco Ferraz Caneppele / Banca: Daphne Barcelos / Banca: Dulce Maria Santos Simões / Banca: André Figueiredo Reis / Resumo: Este estudo avaliou a resistência de união a dentina de restaurações de resina composta de forma imediata (24 horas) e em longo prazo (6 meses), submetidos a diferentes protocolos de envelhecimento. Cem dentes posteriores humanos foram divididos em cinco grupos (n = 20) de acordo protocolo de envelhecimento que receberam e posteriormente subdivididos em dois subgrupos (n = 10) de acordo com o tempo de armazenamento, totalizando dez subgrupos: In vivo (permaneceu em atividade bucal por 24 horas ou 6 meses); Estufa (armazenado em água destilada em estufa a 37 °C por 24 horas ou 6 meses); Ciclagem (submetidos a 27/666 ou 5000/120000 ciclos termomecânicos); Estufa com Pressão Pulpar Simulada (PPS) (restauração realizada sob PPS e em seguida armazenado em água destilada em estufa a 37 °C por 24 horas ou 6 meses); Ciclagem com PPS (restauração realizada sob PPS e em seguida submetidos a 27/666 -24 horas- ou 5000/120000 -6 meses- ciclos termomecânicos). Após a abertura da cavidade, a restauração foi realizada com a aplicação de ácido fosfórico a 37% (Vigodent), sistema adesivo Adper Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE) e resina composta Grandio (Voco), seguindo a orientação dos fabricantes. Após os diferentes tratamentos os espécimes foram seccionados obtendo-se palitos que foram submetidos ao teste de microtração. Os valores obtidos foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA dois fatores (protocolo de envelhecimento e tempo de armazenamento) e em seguida ao Teste de Tukey (5%). Os resultados para os testes de microtração foram (em MPa ±dp): Grupo estufa 24 h, 24,96±0,95A; Grupo ciclagem 24 horas, 23,96 ± 0,56AB; Grupo in vivo 24 horas, 23,21 ± 1,23AB; Grupo ciclagem com PPS 24 horas, 19,49 ± 1,51BC, Grupo ciclagem 6 meses, 18,16 ± 0,80CD; Grupo ciclagem com PPS 6 meses, 17,88 ± 1,25CD; Grupo estufa com PPS 24 horas, 17,65 ± 0,45CD; Grupo estufa 6 meses, 16,68 ± 1,30CD; Grupo estufa com PPS 6 meses, 14,33 ± 1,48D; Grupo in vivo 6 meses,.... / Abstract: This study evaluated the bond strength of composite resin restorations submitted to different storage aging protocols, immediately and long-term (6 months). One hundred human posterior teeth were divided into five groups (n = 20) according storage aging protocol: Group, Group in vivo, Group water, Group cycling, Group water with Simulated Pulpal Pressure (PPS) and Group cycling with Simulated Pulpal Pressure. As further subdivided into two subgroups (n = 10) according to the time of storage were performed: 24 hours (24 hours in vivo 24 hours in water, 27/666 thermal and mechanical cycles) 6 months (6 months in vivo, 6 months in water and 5000/120000 thermal and mechanical cycles). After the opening of the cavity, the restoration was carried out with the use of phosphoric acid 37% (Vigodent), Single Bond 2 adhesive system (3M ESPE) and composite resin Grandio (Voco), following the lead of the manufacturers. After being held aging protocols for the storage time subgroup belonging specimens were sectioned obtaining sticks were submitted to microtensile test. Data were submitted to ANOVA two factors (aging and storage time) and then Tukey test (5%). The results for the microtensile tests were (MPa) ± SD: Group water 24 hours, 24.96 ± 0.95A; Group cycling 24 hours, 23.96 ± 0.56AB; Group in vivo 24h, 23.21 ± 1.23AB; Group cycling with PPS 24 hours, 19.49 ± 1.51BC, group cycling six months, 18.16 ± 0.80CD; Group cycling with PPS 6 months, 17.88 ± 1.25CD; Group water with PPS 24 hours, 17.65 ± 0.45CD; Group water 6 months, 16.68 ± 1.30CD; Group water with PPS 6 months, 14.33 ± 1,48D; In vivo group 6 months, 14.16 ± 1,51D. It was concluded that the different aging protocols used as storage times influence the bond strength dentin-resin / Doutor

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi testar a biocompatibilidade de um enxerto floculado de resina de mamona (AUG-EX, POLIQUIL ARARAQUARA POLÍMEROS QUÍMICOS LTDA, Araraquara, SP), utilizando-se como modelo experimental o reparo da ferida de extração dental de rato. Para tanto, foram realizadas a avaliação histológica da reação dos tecidos vizinhos ao implante e a análise histométrica da cronologia do reparo ósseo no terço alveolar contíguo ao do material implantado. Imediatamente após a extração dos incisivos superiores direitos, os animais do grupo Implantado tiveram o alvéolo parcialmente preenchido com o enxerto floculado da resina de mamona, misturado em quantidade mínima de soro fisiológico. Nos períodos de 1, 2, 3 e 6 semanas após a extração dental ou extração + implante, as hemi-maxilas direitas dos ratos controles e implantados foram coletadas, fixadas em solução de formol a 10%, a seguir descalcificadas, desidratadas, diafanizadas e incluídas em parafina para obtenção de cortes longitudinais semi-seriados de 6 &micro;m de espessura, que foram corados com hematoxilina e eosina. A fração de volume dos componentes reparacionais da ferida de extração dental (coágulo sangüíneo, tecido conjuntivo e trabéculas ósseas) foi estimada por um método de contagem diferencial de pontos, em imagens histológicas analisadas ao microscópio óptico munido de uma ocular contendo um retículo com 100 pontos eqüidistantes, nos períodos de 2 e 6 semanas após a extração dental. As comparações entre os resultados dos grupos controles e implantados foram realizadas pelos testes estatísticos não-paramétricos de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney. O exame histológico mostrou os flocos da resina de mamona, de forma irregular e tamanho variável, localizados entre os terços médio e cervical dos alvéolos dentais; o material mostrou-se biocompatível e capaz de certo grau de osseointegração direta, dentro do período da investigação. Os flocos foram inicialmente circundados por tecido de granulação, com a presença de trabéculas osteóides formando-se em suas proximidades. Com o progresso do reparo, quantidades gradativamente maiores de tecido ósseo em maturação foram observadas entre e ao redor dos flocos da resina, no geral com a presença de um tecido conjuntivo interposto, mas em algumas regiões estabelecendo um aparente contato direto com eles. Comparando com trabalhos anteriores do nosso laboratório, no entanto, parece que o formato irregular dos flocos não se mostrou tão favorável à aderência aos tecidos reparacionais, uma vez que ao redor das superfícies côncavas foram observadas, no geral, áreas sem preenchimento tissular. A presença do material não suscitou uma resposta inflamatória persistente, em que pese a ocorrência de uma quantidade discreta de células gigantes tipo corpo estranho aderidas a sua superfície, em todos os períodos experimentais. Embora apresentando o mesmo padrão de reparo alveolar descrito para os ratos controles, a análise histométrica do terço apical do alvéolo dos ratos implantados comprovou um atraso da ordem de 13% a 20% na neoformação óssea reparacional, com áreas mais extensas da cavidade de extração preenchidas por tecido conjuntivo e/ou remanescentes do coágulo sangüíneo, em todos os períodos experimentais. / The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of a natural resin made from fatty acids extracted from Ricinus communis (AUG-EX, POLIQUIL ARARAQUARA POLÍMEROS QUÍMICOS LTDA, Araraquara, SP), using as experimental model the rat alveolar healing following tooth extraction. The histological analysis of tissue reaction around the resin flakes and the histometric analysis of bone repair in the alveolar third next to the implanted material were carried out. Immediately after extraction of the upper right incisors, the alveoli of the implanted group were partially filled with the resin flakes mixed in a minimal amount of saline. The animals were killed 1, 2, 3, and 6 weeks after tooth extraction or extraction + implant, the right hemi–maxilla of the control and implanted groups were removed, fixed in 10% phormol, decalcified and processed for paraffin embedding. Longitudinal semi-serial 6 mm thick sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The volume fraction of the alveolar healing components (blood clot, connective tissue and bone trabeculae) were estimated by a differential point-counting method, in histological images analyzed with an optical microscope containing a grid with 100 equidistant points, 2 and 6 weeks after tooth extraction. Results of the control and implanted groups were compared by the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Histological analysis showed that the material was biocompatible and capable of some degree of direct osteointegration. The resin flakes, exhibiting an irregular shape and a variable size, partially filled the middle/cervical thirds of the dental alveoli. No persistent inflammation was evoked, although a discreet foreign body reaction was observed in all the experimental periods. The material was initially encircled by granulation tissue, with the presence of delicate newly formed bone trabecula in its proximity. Progressive bone formation and maturation were noted among and around the flakes, in some areas establishing an apparent direct contact with its surface. However, it seems that the irregular shape of the flakes did not favor the adherence of biological tissues, since areas with no tissular filling were in general observed around their concave surfaces. The histometric analysis, used to quantify the healing process in the apical third from control and implanted rats, showed a small but significant delay in new bone formation in the later, which showed more extensive areas of the extraction socket filled with connective tissue and/or remaining of the blood clot, in all the experimental periods.

The term 'gum', in its broadest sense, refers to both hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances of high molecular weight which usually exhibit colloidal properties when dispersed in an appropriate solvent. Hydrophobic substances often called gums include high molecular weight hydrocarbons and other petroleum products, rubbers, certain synthetic polymers and resinous saps which often exude from evergreens. More specifically, the term gum applies to plant polysaccharides or their derivatives which are dispersible in either cold or hot water to produce viscous solutions or suspensions. As much as three-quarters of the dry weight of plants may be polysaccharide and, consequently, such substances are of wide occurrence. The most important gums, however, are those which are readily obtainable in large amounts from the plant. Some of these gums are used industrially and, indeed, many have been known since ancient times. One of the chief sources of such polysaccharides is seaweed which furnishes agar, algin and carrageenin while seed gums, such as gum guar and locust bean gum, are also important, particularly from the point of view that the plant which produces the seeds is often grown extensively as a food crop. In contrast to these naturally occurring gums, other gums are obtained from cellulose, one of the main components of the plant cell wall, and starch, a food reserve polysaccharide, by esterification and etherification. Commercially, however, the most important gums are plant exudates and most plant families have been found to include species which exude gums to a greater or lesser degree. In this context, the term 'exudate gum' strictly refers to those commercially important gums which exude in copious amounts from shrubs or low-growing trees, forming, on exposure to the atmosphere, glossy nodules or flakes which are usually brown or yellow in colour. These gum producing trees grow predominantly in Africa or Asia indicating the climatic requirements for their growth.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi testar a biocompatibilidade de um enxerto floculado de resina de mamona (AUG-EX, POLIQUIL ARARAQUARA POLÍMEROS QUÍMICOS LTDA, Araraquara, SP), utilizando-se como modelo experimental o reparo da ferida de extração dental de rato. Para tanto, foram realizadas a avaliação histológica da reação dos tecidos vizinhos ao implante e a análise histométrica da cronologia do reparo ósseo no terço alveolar contíguo ao do material implantado. Imediatamente após a extração dos incisivos superiores direitos, os animais do grupo Implantado tiveram o alvéolo parcialmente preenchido com o enxerto floculado da resina de mamona, misturado em quantidade mínima de soro fisiológico. Nos períodos de 1, 2, 3 e 6 semanas após a extração dental ou extração + implante, as hemi-maxilas direitas dos ratos controles e implantados foram coletadas, fixadas em solução de formol a 10%, a seguir descalcificadas, desidratadas, diafanizadas e incluídas em parafina para obtenção de cortes longitudinais semi-seriados de 6 &micro;m de espessura, que foram corados com hematoxilina e eosina. A fração de volume dos componentes reparacionais da ferida de extração dental (coágulo sangüíneo, tecido conjuntivo e trabéculas ósseas) foi estimada por um método de contagem diferencial de pontos, em imagens histológicas analisadas ao microscópio óptico munido de uma ocular contendo um retículo com 100 pontos eqüidistantes, nos períodos de 2 e 6 semanas após a extração dental. As comparações entre os resultados dos grupos controles e implantados foram realizadas pelos testes estatísticos não-paramétricos de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney. O exame histológico mostrou os flocos da resina de mamona, de forma irregular e tamanho variável, localizados entre os terços médio e cervical dos alvéolos dentais; o material mostrou-se biocompatível e capaz de certo grau de osseointegração direta, dentro do período da investigação. Os flocos foram inicialmente circundados por tecido de granulação, com a presença de trabéculas osteóides formando-se em suas proximidades. Com o progresso do reparo, quantidades gradativamente maiores de tecido ósseo em maturação foram observadas entre e ao redor dos flocos da resina, no geral com a presença de um tecido conjuntivo interposto, mas em algumas regiões estabelecendo um aparente contato direto com eles. Comparando com trabalhos anteriores do nosso laboratório, no entanto, parece que o formato irregular dos flocos não se mostrou tão favorável à aderência aos tecidos reparacionais, uma vez que ao redor das superfícies côncavas foram observadas, no geral, áreas sem preenchimento tissular. A presença do material não suscitou uma resposta inflamatória persistente, em que pese a ocorrência de uma quantidade discreta de células gigantes tipo corpo estranho aderidas a sua superfície, em todos os períodos experimentais. Embora apresentando o mesmo padrão de reparo alveolar descrito para os ratos controles, a análise histométrica do terço apical do alvéolo dos ratos implantados comprovou um atraso da ordem de 13% a 20% na neoformação óssea reparacional, com áreas mais extensas da cavidade de extração preenchidas por tecido conjuntivo e/ou remanescentes do coágulo sangüíneo, em todos os períodos experimentais. / The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of a natural resin made from fatty acids extracted from Ricinus communis (AUG-EX, POLIQUIL ARARAQUARA POLÍMEROS QUÍMICOS LTDA, Araraquara, SP), using as experimental model the rat alveolar healing following tooth extraction. The histological analysis of tissue reaction around the resin flakes and the histometric analysis of bone repair in the alveolar third next to the implanted material were carried out. Immediately after extraction of the upper right incisors, the alveoli of the implanted group were partially filled with the resin flakes mixed in a minimal amount of saline. The animals were killed 1, 2, 3, and 6 weeks after tooth extraction or extraction + implant, the right hemi–maxilla of the control and implanted groups were removed, fixed in 10% phormol, decalcified and processed for paraffin embedding. Longitudinal semi-serial 6 mm thick sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The volume fraction of the alveolar healing components (blood clot, connective tissue and bone trabeculae) were estimated by a differential point-counting method, in histological images analyzed with an optical microscope containing a grid with 100 equidistant points, 2 and 6 weeks after tooth extraction. Results of the control and implanted groups were compared by the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Histological analysis showed that the material was biocompatible and capable of some degree of direct osteointegration. The resin flakes, exhibiting an irregular shape and a variable size, partially filled the middle/cervical thirds of the dental alveoli. No persistent inflammation was evoked, although a discreet foreign body reaction was observed in all the experimental periods. The material was initially encircled by granulation tissue, with the presence of delicate newly formed bone trabecula in its proximity. Progressive bone formation and maturation were noted among and around the flakes, in some areas establishing an apparent direct contact with its surface. However, it seems that the irregular shape of the flakes did not favor the adherence of biological tissues, since areas with no tissular filling were in general observed around their concave surfaces. The histometric analysis, used to quantify the healing process in the apical third from control and implanted rats, showed a small but significant delay in new bone formation in the later, which showed more extensive areas of the extraction socket filled with connective tissue and/or remaining of the blood clot, in all the experimental periods.