The objective of this research is to develop a water-based processing method for incorporating large filler loadings into nanocomposite systems. Specifically, cellulose nanocrystal/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CNC/PVA) nanocomposite aqueous suspensions and films were processed and characterized at CNC loadings up to 67 wt.% with respect to polymer concentration. Both aqueous suspended and freeze-dried CNCs were studied with this method. Two methods for incorporating the CNCs were investigated: solution processing and batch mixing of aqueous suspensions. The materials produced by these methods were characterized using rheology of aqueous suspensions and a method for understanding the morphology of these aqueous suspension through rheological characterization was developed. The CNC/PVA suspensions were dried and the structure of the film studied using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. With regard to characterization of polymer structure by these methods, PVA crystallinity was seen to increase with increasing CNC loading. Finally, dynamic mechanical analysis and micro-tensile testing were conducted on consolidated films and CNCs were seen to increase modulus, yield stress but decrease strain at failure. Biodegradation studies were also conducted and CNCs were seen to increase the biodegradation characteristics of PVA. While the general trends in experimental data were the same, differences in properties between systems made with solution processing and batch mixing were observed, attributed to differences in the CNC dispersion. Overall, results indicated that this methodology is feasible for the industrially scalable production of highly loaded nanocomposites.

In efforts to render the safest, fastest, and most cost efficient drilling program for a high temperature and high pressure (HT/HP) well the maximization of drilling operational efficiencies is key. Designing an adequate, HT/HP well specific, drilling fluid is of most importance and a technological challenge that can greatly affect the outcome of the overall operational efficiency. It is necessary to have a sound fundamental understanding of the behavior that water-based muds (WBM) exhibit when exposed to HT/HP conditions. Therefore, in order to adequately design and treat a WBM for a HT/HP well specific drilling program, it is essential that the mud be evaluated at HT/HP conditions. Currently, industry standard techniques used to evaluate WBM characteristics involve aging the fluid sample to a predetermined temperature, based on the anticipated bottom hole temperature (BHT), either statically or dynamically, for a predetermined length, then cooling and mixing the fluid and measuring its rheological properties at a significantly lower temperature. This, along with the fact that the fluid is not subjected to the anticipated bottom hole pressure (BHP) during or after the aging process, brings to question if the properties recorded are those that are truly experienced down-hole. Furthermore, these testing methods do not allow the user to effectively monitor the changes during the aging process. The research in this thesis is focused on evaluating a high performance WBM and the current test procedures used to evaluate their validity. Experimental static and dynamic aging tests were developed for comparative analysis as well to offer a more accurate and precise method to evaluate the effects experienced by WBM when subjected to HT/HP conditions. The experimental tests developed enable the user to monitor and evaluate, in real-time, the rheological changes that occur during the aging of a WBM while being subjected to true BHT and BHP. Detailed standard and experimental aging tests were conducted and suggest that the standard industry tests offer false rheological results with respect to true BHT and BHP. Furthermore, the experimental aging tests show that high pressure has a significant effect on the rheological properties of the WBM at elevated temperatures.

L’objectif du travail décrit dans cette thèse est de développer des batteries Li-ion peu coûteuses, respectueuses de l’environnement, facilement industrialisables et recyclables, tout en utilisant des fibres cellulosiques et un procédé en milieu aqueux. Deux approches ont été adoptées pendant ce travail expérimental. Dans un premier temps, les microfibrilles de cellulose ont été utilisées pour la production d’anodes par un procédé de casting. Puis, une approche papetière a été adoptée. La plupart des travaux expérimentaux se sont focalisés sur l’utilisation de fibres de cellulose pour la production d’électrodes papier (anodes et cathodes) et de séparateurs-papier par procédé de filtration en milieu aqueux pour obtenir des cellules complètes à base de cellulose. Les électrodes obtenues sont homogènes, souples et leurs propriétés électrochimiques comparables à celles d’électrodes de références utilisant un polymère de synthèse comme liant. / This work investigates the production of low cost, low environmental impact, easily up-scalable and recyclable cellulose-based Li-ion batteries. Two main research approaches were explored. At first, microfibrillated cellulose was used for the production of paper-like anodes by means of a water-based casting process.Then, a papermaking approach was adopted and the majority of the experimental work was focused on the use of cellulose fibers for the production of paper-electrodes (i.e. anodes and cathodes) and paper-separators by means of a water-based filtration process.The prepared electrodes are easy to handle and self-standing with good electrochemical characteristics, comparable with that of standard synthetic polymer-bonded electrodes.

Le potentiel des procédés d’impression dans les applications électroniques sur des supports en céramique a été démontré dans ce travail. Plusieurs techniques d’impression ont été étudiées : sérigraphie, flexographie, héliogravure et jet d’encre. Les propriétés de surface de plusieurs types de céramique ont été caractérisées avant et après frittage : taille des pores, rugosité et énergie de surface. Ces analyses ont permis de sélectionner les matières premières des encres les mieux adaptées à ces supports, ainsi qu’aux procédés d’impression considérés. Des formulations aqueuses à base de particules d’argent ont été privilégiées. Les propriétés de ces encres, rhéologie et tension de surface, ont été analysées et leurs effets sur la qualité des lignes imprimées (largeur, épaisseur et rugosité) ont été évalués. Après impression, les motifs ont été frittés. Des résistivités proches de celle de l’argent ont été obtenues (2 à 12x10-8 Ohm.m). L’originalité de ce travail réside notamment dans l’utilisation d’encres sérigraphiques à base d’eau et l’impression d’encres flexographiques sur des supports en céramique. Cette étude ouvre donc des perspectives pour l’industrialisation et la production de masse de composants électroniques sur supports céramiques souples. / This work demonstrates the printing processes potential for manufacturing ceramic based electronic devices. Several printing techniques were studied: screen printing, flexography, rotogravure and inkjet. Ceramic tapes surface properties were characterised: surface pore size, roughness and surface energy. These analyses allowed the selection of the inks raw materials adapted to the substrates and the printing processes. Water-based silver inks were formulated. Inks properties, rheology and surface tension, were analysed and their effect on line properties was investigated. Printed substrates were afterwards sintered. Resistivity values close to that of bulk silver were reached (2 to 12x10-8 Ohm.m). These work novelties are mainly the formulation of water-based environmentally friendly screen printing pastes and the flexography printing of silver inks onto ceramic substrates. This study offers new perspectives for the industrialisation and the mass production of electronic components on flexible ceramic substrates.

Rural water systems (RWS) are commonly used to provide water to households for domestic uses (drinking, cleaning, washing, and sanitation) in developing countries. Water supply practitioners often classify these systems as single-use water systems (SUS) or multiple-use water systems (MUS). Smallholder farming communities in rural western hills of Nepal typically use such systems for both domestic and income-generating productive activities (e.g., agriculture, livestock, dairy, bio-gas, Rakshi), regardless of whether they were designed for single or multiple water uses. Therefore, this research frames both systems as providing multiple-use water services that enhance the productive activity and livelihoods of small- holders. Little is known on the factors that influence the productive activity of households in the western middle hills of Nepal and the impact these activities have on the technical performance of water systems (measured by duration of system breakdowns). This research identifies the extent of water-related productive activities in rural Nepali households supported by single-use water systems (SUS) vs. multiple-use water systems (MUS), and explores the factors that enables households to engage in high-levels of productive activity. The vast majority of households were found to engage in small-scale productive activities no matter what the rural water systems were designed to support, and more than half of them earned an income from water-based activities. Households engaged in high-levels of productive activity farm as a primary occupation, use productive technologies, are motivated to pursue productive activities, have received water-related productive activity training, and have received external support related to productive activities. A multinomial regression was used to predict the factors associated with high levels of productive activities undertaken by small farms. A hierarchical regression model was then used to examine both household- and system-level variables that contribute to the breakdown of rural water systems, focusing on the duration of breakdowns. The predictors of water system breakdowns include social factors (household involvement in decision-making during water system planning and construction and a household's sense of ownership toward the water system), technical factors (the management capacity of the water user committee and activity level of the system operator), economic factors (income earned from water-based productive activities), and geographic factors (the distance from the village to the water source). Finally, a conceptual model was developed to help identify strategies for implementing and scaling-up MUS. Scaling-up strategies for MUS begin with community participation in lo- cal government planning and budgeting. Under a new Constitution that went into effect in January 2017, newly formed local governments are to be provided with the funding and budget authority to determine local service priorities and how these services will be funded, designed, and implemented. The scaling-up of MUS would require local government officials, water system users, and private actors to develop the technical and institutional capacity needed to build and manage MUS, including the many support services needed by small- holder growers to realize its benefits. This research also examines the potential approaches that could enable subsistence farmers to become viable commercial producers. While growers are typically risk-adverse producers, this research identifies the mediating factors that could expand the long-term engagement of these producers in commercial agricultural production. These factors include adequate access to year-round irrigation, the use of improved production technologies and practices, improved access to rural markets, and improved production skills. The findings of this research will also be of value to Governmental, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and private sector actors who are looking to effectively mobilize their resources and expertise in support of smallholder farming in the hills of Nepal. / Doctor of Philosophy / A vast majority of farmers in the western middle hills of Nepal are smallholders who often use family labor and follow traditional agricultural and water use practices. They have been traditionally using rural water systems to meet their multiple water needs alongside domes- tic uses (drinking, cleaning, washing, and sanitation). There is growing interest for these systems to also be used for small-scale productive activities such as growing vegetables and livestock production. Evidence shows that these activities are an important source of income for farming families. However, little is known on the conditions that are needed to expand these activities and improve livelihoods. This research identifies the conditions under which rural water systems can become productive and technically sound, and outlines the strategies that can be deployed to scale-up productive activities. The research examines a broad range of perspectives (from rural farmers to development experts) on the limited commercialization of rural agriculture in the rural middle hills of Nepal and the potential approaches to promoting agricultural growth and commercialization among small landholders. The substance farmers were found to require both the means and motivation (i.e., extensive support services such as access to markets, input suppliers, irrigation and agricultural technologies, and production training) to become commercial farmers. Second, more than 90% of households were engaged in small-scale water-based production activities and more than half of them earned an income from these activities. The research revealed the conditions that enabled these households to engage in high levels of productive activities. Further, the factors that affect water system breakdowns were investigated. Since farmers are engaged in small-scale production, the interlinkages between productive income and system performance were examined. Finally, the research explores how multiple-use water services have the potential to be scaled-up in the middle hills of Nepal and beyond. Successful scaling-up strategies begin with community participation in local government planning and budgeting. This activity needs to be supported by substantial capacity building among government officials, water system users, and private actors on the factors needed to expand the productive use of water. Broad implementation of multiple-use water systems also requires careful documentation and dissemination of their benefits to key state and non-state actors. The results from this research can be used to identify appropriate households, communities, and water systems for programs focused on expanding water and agricultural productivity. Therefore, this research will have important implications for the Nepali government with regards to what policy, capacity development, and institutional arrangements need to be addressed to implement productive and sustainable rural water systems. This research can also be of special interest to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and private sector actors looking to effectively mobilize their resources and expertise relating to a smallholder farming in Nepal.

O trabalho desenvolvido tem como objetivo avaliar um sistema de pintura anticorrosiva aplicado diretamente sobre o metal, sistema DTM, em relação a um sistema tradicional, composto por Primer, Intermediário e Top Coating, ambos base solventes e destinados para aplicações arquitetônicas, e propor o desenvolvimento e avaliação de formulações base água substitutas à base solvente, procurando-se determinar a influência de determinados componentes presentes nas formulações, tais como o dióxido de titânio, fosfato de zinco, caulim, inibidor de corrosão orgânico e agente reticulante nas propriedades anticorrosivas da tinta. São realizadas avaliações das propriedades anticorrosivas das tintas por meio de medidas de potencial de circuito aberto (EOCP), espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) e ensaio acelerado de corrosão em câmara de névoa salina. Além das propriedades anticorrosivas, as tintas DTM base água formuladas são avaliadas comparativamente à tinta DTM base solvente em outras propriedades, particularmente em relação à resistência à água, por meio de medidas de absorção de água, permeabilidade ao vapor dágua e determinação do ângulo de contato, e em relação às propriedades estéticas, tais como o poder de cobertura de tinta úmida e seca. Os resultados demonstram que o sistema DTM basesolvente apresenta desempenho anticorrosivo equivalente ao sistema tradicional. Dentre as formulações base água avaliadas, verifica-se que o uso do fosfato de zinco como pigmento anticorrosivo e de um agente reticulante na formulação é fundamental para se obter um desempenho anticorrosivo satisfatório. Também é demonstrado que a resistência à água dos filmes é um fator fundamental a ser melhorado nas tintas base água para que se possa obter resultados satisfatórios em relação à resistência à corrosão para longos períodos de exposição como o obtido para o sistema base solvente. / The developed work aims to evaluate an anticorrosive paint system applied directly on metal, DTM system, in relation to a traditional three components paint system, composed by Primer, Intermediary Coating and Top Coating - both systems solvent based and intended to architectural applications. The work also aims to develop and evaluate water based DTM paint formulations in substitution to solvent based paint system, determining the influence of some components present in the formulations, such as titanium dioxide, zinc phosphate, kaolin, organic corrosion inhibitor and a crosslinker agent, in the anticorrosive properties of the paint. The anticorrosive properties of the paint are evaluated by open circuit potential measures (EOCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and accelerated corrosion test in the salt-spray chamber. Besides the anticorrosive paints properties, water based DTM formulated paints are compared to solvent borne DTM paint in other properties, particularly in relation to water resistance, by measures of water absorption, water vapor permeability and contact angle, and also in relation to aesthetic properties, such as dry and wet hiding power. The results demonstrated that anticorrosive performance of solvent borne DTM paint system is similar to the solvent borne traditional paint system. In relation to formulatedwater based DTM paints, it was observed that the use of zinc phosphate as an anticorrosive pigment and a crosslinker agent in the formulation is essential to obtain a satisfactory anticorrosive performance. It is also demonstrated that the paint films water resistance is a fundamental property to be improved in water based paints in order to obtain satisfactory results in relation to corrosion resistance for long periods of exposure, just as observed for solvent borne system.

corpo interminável e outros corpos apresenta uma série de experimentos poéticos que buscam investigar as possibilidades gráficas da técnica japonesa de xilogravura à base d\'água como modo de expressão na produção atual de estampas. De modo a estabelecer um diálogo entre diferentes perspectivas, o estudo foi iniciado no Departamento de Artes Visuais da Escola de Comunicação e Artes da Universidade de São Paulo e continuado no Departamento de Xilogravura da Universidade de Artes de Tóquio. Resultado de uma pesquisa empírica, que se apoia em observações e experiências vividas, o trabalho resulta de inquietações acerca de um corpo ficcionado e coletivo, que cresce pelas bordas e se desdobra por propagação. Composto por linhas de intensidades variáveis, esse corpo ocupa a superfície conforme combinações harmônicas e multiplicáveis. / endless body and other bodies presents a series of poetic experiments that seek to investigate the graphic possibilities of the Japanese woodblock printing, as a means of expression within the production of printmaking nowadays. In order to establish a dialogue between two very different cultural perspectives, this study has taken place at both the Visual Arts Department of the University of São Paulo and the Printmaking Department of the Tokyo University of the Arts. This essentially empirical research explores the concept of corpus in a dual meaning. Both in a literal sense as the predominance of the human figure in the works, and in a constructed sense referring to an ever-expanding universe of sources. By combining lines of different shapes and intensities, the bodies in the works aim to fill harmoniously the surface through multipliable combinations.

O trabalho desenvolvido tem como objetivo avaliar um sistema de pintura anticorrosiva aplicado diretamente sobre o metal, sistema DTM, em relação a um sistema tradicional, composto por Primer, Intermediário e Top Coating, ambos base solventes e destinados para aplicações arquitetônicas, e propor o desenvolvimento e avaliação de formulações base água substitutas à base solvente, procurando-se determinar a influência de determinados componentes presentes nas formulações, tais como o dióxido de titânio, fosfato de zinco, caulim, inibidor de corrosão orgânico e agente reticulante nas propriedades anticorrosivas da tinta. São realizadas avaliações das propriedades anticorrosivas das tintas por meio de medidas de potencial de circuito aberto (EOCP), espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS) e ensaio acelerado de corrosão em câmara de névoa salina. Além das propriedades anticorrosivas, as tintas DTM base água formuladas são avaliadas comparativamente à tinta DTM base solvente em outras propriedades, particularmente em relação à resistência à água, por meio de medidas de absorção de água, permeabilidade ao vapor dágua e determinação do ângulo de contato, e em relação às propriedades estéticas, tais como o poder de cobertura de tinta úmida e seca. Os resultados demonstram que o sistema DTM basesolvente apresenta desempenho anticorrosivo equivalente ao sistema tradicional. Dentre as formulações base água avaliadas, verifica-se que o uso do fosfato de zinco como pigmento anticorrosivo e de um agente reticulante na formulação é fundamental para se obter um desempenho anticorrosivo satisfatório. Também é demonstrado que a resistência à água dos filmes é um fator fundamental a ser melhorado nas tintas base água para que se possa obter resultados satisfatórios em relação à resistência à corrosão para longos períodos de exposição como o obtido para o sistema base solvente. / The developed work aims to evaluate an anticorrosive paint system applied directly on metal, DTM system, in relation to a traditional three components paint system, composed by Primer, Intermediary Coating and Top Coating - both systems solvent based and intended to architectural applications. The work also aims to develop and evaluate water based DTM paint formulations in substitution to solvent based paint system, determining the influence of some components present in the formulations, such as titanium dioxide, zinc phosphate, kaolin, organic corrosion inhibitor and a crosslinker agent, in the anticorrosive properties of the paint. The anticorrosive properties of the paint are evaluated by open circuit potential measures (EOCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and accelerated corrosion test in the salt-spray chamber. Besides the anticorrosive paints properties, water based DTM formulated paints are compared to solvent borne DTM paint in other properties, particularly in relation to water resistance, by measures of water absorption, water vapor permeability and contact angle, and also in relation to aesthetic properties, such as dry and wet hiding power. The results demonstrated that anticorrosive performance of solvent borne DTM paint system is similar to the solvent borne traditional paint system. In relation to formulatedwater based DTM paints, it was observed that the use of zinc phosphate as an anticorrosive pigment and a crosslinker agent in the formulation is essential to obtain a satisfactory anticorrosive performance. It is also demonstrated that the paint films water resistance is a fundamental property to be improved in water based paints in order to obtain satisfactory results in relation to corrosion resistance for long periods of exposure, just as observed for solvent borne system.

O processo de envelhecimento acarreta um declínio no equilíbrio postural, na força muscular e no condicionamento cardiorrespiratório, influenciando diretamente a capacidade funcional do idoso. No entanto, a prática sistemática de atividade física pode reduzir esses efeitos deletérios. Os exercícios realizados em meio aquático, como a hidroginástica, são adequados e seguros para essa população, devido ao reduzido impacto sobre os membros inferiores e à diminuição da sobrecarga cardiovascular. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar e comparar os efeitos de três métodos de treinamento de hidroginástica no equilíbrio corporal e na aptidão física de idosos. A amostra foi composta por 44 mulheres saudáveis, com idades entre 60 e 75 anos, sedentárias há no mínimo seis meses, as quais foram divididas aleatoriamente em três grupos: Equilíbrio (GE; n=17; 66 ± 3,68 anos), Força (GF; n=13; 65,3 ± 3,68 anos) e Aeróbico (GA; n=14; 63,7 ± 4,09 anos). Os grupos realizaram o treinamento durante 12 semanas, com duas sessões semanais de 45min, e um período controle de quatro semanas. Foram mensuradas variáveis de equilíbrio corporal, neuromusculares, cardiorrespiratórias e funcionais antes e após esses períodos. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o teste T pareado para a comparação dos dados no período controle e a Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) para a comparação entre os momentos e entre os grupos Adotou-se um nível de significância de α=0,05 e os dados foram rodados no SPSS 20.0. Após o treinamento, todos os grupos apresentaram melhora no equilíbrio estático (p<0,05), constatada pela redução da amplitude máxima de deslocamento do centro de pressão plantar nas direções ântero-posterior (COPap) e médio-lateral (COPml), durante os apoios bilateral (olhos abertos e olhos fechados) e unilateral, e da velocidade média do COPap na situação bilateral com olhos fechados. Além disso, houve incremento no equilíbrio dinâmico, avaliado através do teste de Marcha Tandem, após as três intervenções (p<0,001). Em todas as variáveis supracitadas, não se verificou diferença significativa entre os grupos, sendo esse um dos principais achados do presente estudo. Em relação às variáveis neuromusculares, houve aumento significativo na força dinâmica máxima, mensurada através do teste de uma repetição máxima dos extensores do joelho (1RM), sem diferença entre os grupos (p>0,05). Porém, ao analisar estatisticamente os percentuais de incremento do 1RM (Δ%), observaram-se valores significativamente maiores no GF comparado ao GE (31,51 ± 3,44 vs 14,85 ± 2,26%). Nas avaliações cardiorrespiratórias, observou-se incremento significativo no consumo de oxigênio no segundo limiar ventilatório (VO2LV2) e de pico (VO2pico) somente em GA e GE, sem diferença entre os grupos, enquanto a frequência cardíaca no segundo limiar ventilatório (FCLV2) reduziu significativamente apenas no GF No entanto, o desempenho no teste “caminhada de seis minutos” melhorou significativamente nos três grupos, sem diferença entre os mesmos. Todas as variáveis funcionais avaliadas melhoraram significativamente após o treinamento, com diferença estatística somente entre GE e GA nos testes “flexão de cotovelo” e “levantar e sentar”, com maiores valores no GA no pós-treinamento. Todavia, constataram-se valores significativamente maiores no Δ% do teste “flexão de cotovelo” do GA e do GF comparados ao do GE (GA: 52,35 ± 9,63%; GF: 53,39 ± 6,82%; GE: 22,65 ± 5,09%) e diferença significativa no Δ% do teste “levantar e sentar” entre GA e GE (42,04 ± 4,58% vs 23,68 ± 4,75%), sendo ambos similares ao GF (37,41 ± 4,23%). Concluiu-se que o treinamento na hidroginástica foi efetivo para melhora de diversos parâmetros do equilíbrio corporal e da aptidão física de mulheres idosas, independente do método empregado. Porém, alguns resultados sugerem que as maiores adaptações na força muscular (1RM e resistência) tenham sido provocadas pelos treinamentos de força e aeróbico, enquanto as alterações cardiorrespiratórias mais relevantes ocasionadas pelos treinamentos de equilíbrio e aeróbico. / The aging process leads to a decline in postural balance, muscle strength and cardiorespiratory system, affecting directly the functional capacity of the elderly. However, the systematic practice of physical activity may reduce these deleterious effects. The exercises performed in water environment, such as water-based, are appropriate and safe for this population, especially by offering a reduced impact on the lower limbs and a decrease in cardiovascular overload. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze and compare the effects of three different water-based exercises programs on body balance and physical fitness in the elderly. The sample was composed of 44 healthy women, aged between 60 and 75 years, sedentary for at least six months, randomly into three groups: Balance (GE; n = 17; 66 ± 3.68 years), Strength (GF; n = 13; 65.3 ± 3.68 years) and Endurance (GA; n = 14; 63.7 ± 4.09 years). The groups had trained for 12 weeks, with two 45 minutes weekly sessions, and maintained a control period during four weeks. Balance, neuromuscular, cardiorespiratory and functional responses were measured before and after these periods. The statistical analysis was performed using paired T test for comparisons in the control period, and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to comparisons between moments and between groups. The significance level was α = 0.05 (SPSS 20.0) After the training period, all groups showed improvement in the static balance (p<0.05), verified by the reduction of the maximum displacement amplitude of center of pressure (COP) in the anteroposterior (COPap) and mid-lateral (COPml) directions, during the bilateral (eyes open and closed) and unilateral support bases, and the average COPap velocity in the bilateral situation with eyes closed. In addition, there was an increase in the dynamic balance, evaluated by the Tandem test, after the three interventions (p<0.001). In all variables previously mentioned, there was no significant difference between groups, being one of the main findings of the present study. In adition, there was a significant increase in maximal dynamic strength, measured by one maximal repetition test of knee extensors (1RM), with no difference between groups (p>0.05). However, the statistical analysis with percentages of 1RM incrementes (Δ%) showed higher values in the GF compared to the GE (31.51 ± 3.44 vs. 14.85 ± 2.26%; p<0.05). The cardiorespiratory measurements analysis showed a significant increase in the peak oxygen uptake (VO2pico) and in the oxygen uptake corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold (VO2LV2) only in GA and GE, with no difference between groups, while heart rate corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold (FCLV2) decreased significantly only in GF However, the “six-minute walk test” performance improved significantly in all groups, with no difference between them. All functional variables improved significantly after training, with statistical difference between GA and GE only in the "arm curl test" and "chair stand test", with higher values in GA at posttraining moment. On the other hand, significantly higher values were found in the Δ% of "arm curl test" in GA and GF compared to GE (GA: 52.35 ± 9.63%; GF: 53.39 ± 6.82%; GE: 22.65 ± 5.09%) and significant difference in the Δ% of "chair stand test" between GA and GE (42.04 ± 4.58% vs 23.68 ± 4.75%), being both similar to GF (37.41 ± 4.23%). It was concluded that the water-based exercise training was effective to improve several body balance and physical fitness parameters of elderly women, regardless of the method used. However, some results suggest that the greatest adaptations in muscular strength (1RM and resistance) were provoked by strength training and aerobic training, while the most relevant cardiorespiratory changes were caused by aerobic training and balance training.

The present work provides an insight in the development of silica films prepared by water-based sol-gel process. The weaknesses of the coating technology are identified, also solutions are discussed. The silica film is applied on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 and magnesium alloy AZ31. The development of the coating properties such as cost-efficiency, crack-free, self-healing and long-term corrosion protection is the main topic of this work. Cracking is the major drawback of silica films; the cracks are generated due to shrinkage of the film during the heat treatment, nanoparticles-doped silica film is successfully reduced the shrinkage which leads to crack-free silica films. The self-healing of the coated aluminium and magnesium samples is generated by corrosion inhibitors-doped silica film. When a defect appears in the film, the corrosion inhibitors leach out of the silica film to the defect area to heal the corroded surface. The long-term corrosion protection is realized by means of a mixture of corrosion inhibitors-doped silica film. / Die vorliegende Arbeit liefert einen Einblick in die Entwicklung von Silikafilmen, die mittels Sol-Gel-Prozess auf Wasserbasis hergestellt wurden. Die Schwächen der Beschichtungstechnologie werden dargestellt und Lösungen diskutiert. Der Silikafilm wird auf Aluminiumlegierung 6082-T6 und Magnesium-legierung AZ31 aufgebracht. Schwerpunkt dieser Arbeit ist die Entwicklung der Schichteigenschaften, wie Kosteneffizienz, Rissfreiheit, Selbstheilung so wie langfristiger Korrosionsschutz. Rissbildung ist ein wesentlicher Nachteil von Silikafilmen; rissfreie Filme wurden mittels nanopartikeldotierter Silikafilme hergestellt. Die Selbstheilung von Aluminium-und Magnesiumsubstraten mit Silikafilm wird durch den Effekt der wasserlöslichen Korrosionsinhibitoren generiert. Die Experimente haben gezeigt, dass die Proben mit inhibitordotierter Beschichtung selbst gegen Korrosion geschützt sind. Ein langfristiger Korrosionsschutz wird durch eine Mischung aus Korrosionsinhibitor-dotierten Silika-Film realisiert.