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SEM Observations (sem + observation)
Selected AbstractsIn Situ SEM Observation and Analysis of Martensitic Transformation During Short Fatigue Crack Propagation in Metastable Austenitic Steel,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 4 2010Ulrich Krupp Abstract High cycle fatigue (HCF) life of metastable austenitic steels is governed by the ability of the parent austenite phase to transform into ,, martensite via metastable , martensite. The mechanism of this strain-induced transformation is closely related to the grain size, the crystallographic orientation distribution, as well as to amplitude, and cyclic accumulation of plastic strain. Aim of the present study is to identify and to quantitatively describe the basic principles of strain-induced martensite formation by means of in situ cyclic deformation experiments in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in combination with electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and numerical modeling using a boundary element approach. It was shown that during HCF loading martensite formation is inhomogeneous and not directly linked with crack initiation. Only when the fatigue crack propagates by operating multiple slip systems, the cyclic plastic zone exhibits martensitic transformation. [source] Novel Sample Preparation Method of Polymer Emulsion for SEM ObservationMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 10 2007Jing Xu Abstract The aim of this study was to design a simple and reliable method for obtaining the detailed information about the average size, size distribution, and the surface morphology of particles with variation of the sample preparation of a polymer emulsion. In this work, the characteristic features of the particles of rosin size with high viscosity were first described by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphologies of polymer emulsion of solid lipid nanoparticles and of the microspheres were observed. The advantage of the method is that not only the true size and shape of emulsion particles can be shown, but the problem of high-viscosity emulsion that prevents there study with SEM is solved. Using this new method, the micromorphology and size distribution of the emulsion particles with different viscosities have been clearly observed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] PbS crystals with clover-like structure: Preparation, characterization, optical properties and influencing factorsCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Yonghong Ni Abstract A new and simple route to synthesize Lead sulfide (PbS) crystals with the clover-like structure was described in the current paper. PbS was prepared in a simple aqueous solution employing (CH3COO)2Pb and thiourea as the initial materials under 130 W microwave irradiation. No any surfactant or template including organic polyamines with N-chelation property was needed. The phase and composition of the product were identified by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). TEM observation showed that the product with the six-petal flower-shaped structures was obtained, but SEM observation confirmed the clover-like structure of the product; and the six-petal flowers were formed via the overlap of two clovers revolved 60° around the center of the flower. Some factors affected the shape of the final product were studied and the optical properties of PbS crystals with the clover-like structure were measured. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Pressed ZrB2 -Based Ceramics from Synthesized ZrB2 and ZrB2 -ZrC Powders,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 3 2009Wei-Ming Guo The influence of ZrC on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrB2 -SiC ceramics was investigated. SEM observation showed that the presence of ZrC greatly inhibited the grain growth of ZrB2 and SiC phases. With the introduction of ZrC, the Vickers' hardness, fracture toughness, and bending strength of the sintered ceramics increased significantly. [source] Influence of the pulpal components on human dentine permeability in vitroINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 3 2005P. Puapichartdumrong Abstract Aim, To examine the influence of the retained pulpal components on permeability of human dentine by monitoring drug diffusion. Methodology, Twelve intact dentine discs were prepared from freshly extracted human third molars. The dentine surface on the enamel side was etched with 10% polyacrylic acid for 30 s. The drug diffusion test was carried out before and after removal of the retained pulpal components. Each dentine disc was inserted between two plastic chambers; enamel- and pulpal-side chambers, which were filled with 0.05 mol L,1 naproxen sodium (NA) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), respectively. After 10 min, the solution on the pulpal-side chamber was collected to determine the concentration of NA using a spectrophotometer. To remove the retained pulpal components and residual NA, the pulp chamber of each disc was washed out with PBS and placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. After removal of these components and the residual NA, the drug diffusion test was repeated. The inner surface of the pulp chamber was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after the removal of the retained pulpal components. Results, The amount of NA that diffused through dentine into the pulp was significantly higher after the pulp chamber was washed out with PBS (paired t -test, P < 0.05). SEM observation demonstrated the presence of the retained pulpal components, odontoblastic layer and some parts of subodontoblastic zone, covering the surface of predentine. These components were removed after the pulp chamber was washed out with PBS followed by cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner. Conclusions, The presence of retained pulpal components had a significant influence on drug diffusion through dentine discs. [source] An in vitro comparison of adhesive systems to seal pulp chamber wallsINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 5 2004B. Ozturk Abstract Aim, To compare in vitro the sealing properties of five different dentine adhesive materials (Prime&Bond NT (PBNT); Prompt L-Pop (PLP); Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB); Scotchbond Multi Purpose Plus (SMPP); EBS-Multi (EBSM)) inside the pulp chamber. Methodology, Seventy-five recently extracted human molar teeth were used. The roof of the pulp chambers and roots were removed under water cooling. Pulp tissue was removed, and the canal orifices were sealed. The pulp chambers were then treated with 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 1 min. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups of 15 teeth each. Adhesive systems were applied to the pulp chamber walls according to the manufacturers' instructions. The samples were connected to Plexiglass plates, and a fluid filtration method was used for quantitative evaluation of leakage. Measurements of fluid movement were made at 2-min intervals for 8 min. The quality of seal of each specimen was measured immediately, after 24 h, 1 week and 1 month. The data were statistically analysed by repeated-measurements multivariate anova, Friedman test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, Kruskal,Wallis of one-way anova and Mann,Whitney U -tests. The pulp chamber wall with and without NaOCl and resin,dentine interfaces of specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results, The leakage values of the materials were significantly different at different measurement periods. In all groups, leakage values decreased with time (P < 0.05). PBNT and PLP had the least leakage during immediate measurements (P < 0.05). After 1 month, leakage of all adhesive systems was not significantly different (P < 0.05). SEM observation of pulp chamber walls demonstrated that the irregular dentine surface without smear layer was present in the nontreated group. However, NaOCl application removed the collagen fibrils leaving the dentine surface smooth. At resin,dentine interfaces of specimens, no hybridization zone was observed. Conclusions, None of the materials had created a perfect seal to the pulp chamber walls. PBNT and PLP had better sealing over the short term, but over the long term, there were no differences between the materials. [source] Scanning electron microscopic observation of oil/wax/water/surfactant systemINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 2 2005K. Ikuta We observed the internal structure of an oil/wax/water/surfactant system using a scanning electron microscope to investigate the relationship between its hardness and state of wax crystal. The molten wax (hydrogenated jojoba oil, ceresin, polyethylene wax, carnauba wax, or microcrystalline wax) was cast in a home-made spiral mold of aluminum foil for preparing the test specimen for SEM observation. In hydrogenated jojoba oil a fine frame-like crystal structure, the so-called ,card-house structure,' was observed but not in other waxes. The mixture of hydrogenated jojoba oil and water showed a few small droplets deposited on the roundish wax frame-like structure. On the other hand, waxes other than hydrogenated jojoba oil did not change their internal structure when they were mixed with water. This result suggested that hydrogenated jojoba oil showed uniquely high affinity for water. In the system of oil, water, surfactant, and various kinds of waxes, their crystal structure, hardness, and the shape of dispersed water particles were remarkably changed with the combination of waxes. In the system with ceresin and carnauba wax, the hardness measured by a card-tension meter was high, and the internal crystal structure was fine and amorphous. The water particle in the ceresin and carnauba wax system had a smaller diameter than that in the system containing hydrogenated jojoba oil. The system containing hydrogenated jojoba oil showed a card house-like wax crystal structure without high hardness. It was considered that the wax crystal structure played an important role in providing hardness and in contributing to the water distribution in the oil/wax/water/surfactant system. [source] Characterization of chitosan/citrate and chitosan/acetate films and applications for wound healingJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Junichi Tanigawa Abstract In this work, we aimed to develop a scaffold of chitosan (CS) with a porous sponge structure for an artificial skin. The scaffolds were prepared from both CS/citric and CS/acetic solutions. In addition, the cast films were also prepared from the same solutions to compare some of their properties. They were characterized using WAXD, FTIR, DSC, tensile measurements, and SEM observation. It was found that CS/acetate had low crystallinity but CS/citrate was in an amorphous state, resulting in a large ductility with rubbery softness. Despite the different morphologies of CS/citrate and CS/acetate scaffolds, both scaffolds exhibited the wound healing effect available for tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Hydrothermal crystallization of carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite coatings prepared by radiofrequency-magnetron sputtering methodJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2007Satoshi Nakamura Abstract Carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite (HA) films were prepared by low-temperature hydrothermal annealing from carbonate-containing calcium phosphate amorphous coatings on titanium substrates. The biocompatibility of the carbonate-containing HA layers was estimated by in vitro tests using simulated body fluid (SBF). Precursory amorphous coatings were deposited with rf-magnetron sputtering apparatus, using calcium phosphate glass target in Ar/CO2 atmosphere. The carbonate-containing HA coatings were successfully formed by the annealing at above 130°C for 20 h. On the basis of SEM observation, about 2-,m thickness films coated rigidly were durable enough for the hydrothermal treatment. The coating layer was revealed to consist of single phase of PO4, and OH, partially carbonated HA by XRD and IR analyses. Overgrowing of bone-like apatite layers on the carbonate-containing HA surfaces in the SBF implied that the obtained films acquired a sufficient osteoconductivity, while it was still unclear that activity was enhanced, compared to pure HA coatings. The low-temperature hydrothermal annealing method was effective for preparation of rigid HA coatings on titanium as well as modification of their chemical compositions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007 [source] The Effect of Dowel Space on the Bond Strengths of Fiber PostsJOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTICS, Issue 3 2007Jorge Perdigão DMD Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the degree of mismatch between post space and post diameters on the bond strength of a fiber-reinforced resin post. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two extracted human maxillary central incisors and canines were endodontically treated and assigned to four groups: Group 1 - Canal prepared with a D.T. Light Post #1 drill (control); Group 2 - Canal prepared with a D.T. Light Post #2 drill; Group 3 - Canal prepared with a D.T. Light Post #3 drill; Group 4 - Canal prepared with a Gates Glidden #6 drill. A D.T. Light Post size 1 was then luted into the canal using One-Step Adhesive and Post Cement Hi-X. A push-out test was performed on three sections of each root to measure push-out bond strengths. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Bonferroni's test at p < 0.05. Two extra teeth for each group were restored in the same fashion and processed for SEM observation. Results: (in MPa): Group 1: 15.7 ± 6.9; Group 2: 14.7 ± 6.5; Group 3: 14.0 ± 5.0; Group 4: 14.0 ± 5.1. The variable "post space" resulted in no statistically significant difference in mean bond strengths (p > 0.05). For the variable "root region," the coronal third (17.5 ± 6.0) resulted in statistically greater mean bond strengths than the apical third (12.3 ± 6.0) at p < 0.008. The middle third (14.0 ± 5.3) resulted in no statistically significant different mean bond strengths from the coronal third at p > 0.119 and from the apical third at p > 0.999. Under the SEM, some areas of the canal system still displayed residual gutta-percha, which resulted in debonding of the interface between the resin cement and dentin. Areas with incomplete dentin hybridization were observed in localized areas of all groups. Conclusions: The diameter of the post space did not affect the push-out bond strengths. Bonding at the coronal level of the root canal is more reliable than bonding at the apical level. The presence of residual gutta-percha and the deficient dentin hybridization may result in deficient seal of the resin,dentin interface. [source] Morphology Change of Undoped and Sulfate-Ion-Doped Yttria Powders during FiringJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 3 2004Ikegami Takayasu Morphologic changes that occurred during firing in undoped and sulfate-ion-doped yttria powders were examined in the present study. Clear scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of uncoated insulators were achieved and charging of electrons was avoided by observing small samples, throughout which most of the electrons of the incident beam penetrated. SEM observation and firing of the samples were repeated several times. Searching the observed areas or particles started at low magnification, with the aid of photographs taken earlier. The sulfate-ion dopant inhibited volume diffusion and/or grain-boundary diffusion, and then particle growth of the sulfate-ion-doped yttria proceeded by surface diffusion or evaporation,condensation along with pore growth, which resulted in collapse of the agglomerates of primary particles. Although most of the other particles exhibited slight pore growth along with particle growth at temperatures as low as 800°C, a hardening of the agglomerated particles, because of pore elimination by volume diffusion and/or grain-boundary diffusion, occurred at temperatures >850°C. [source] A New Technique for Preparing a Filled Type of Polymeric Gradient MaterialMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 11 2006Yong-Bin Zhu Abstract Summary: So-called functionally gradient materials have received increased attention as a new type of composite whose microelements, including composition and structure, change spatially to optimize the gradient properties for a specific application. In this study, a new technique for continuously preparing a filled type of PGM was investigated through co-extrusion/gradient distribution/2-dimensional mixing with conventional polymeric material processing facilities. The processing line from co-extrusion, gradient distribution to 2-dimensional mixing was fulfilled by two extruders, a gradient distribution unit and 2-dimensional mixing units. The gradient distribution unit and 2-dimensional mixing units were designed separately in our group. As an example, a PE/GB PGM was prepared by using this new technique. The gradient variation of composition along the sample thickness direction was studied by TG and SEM. The TG results indicated that a gradient variation of the content of GB was formed along the thickness of the sample. The direct gradient distribution of GB came from SEM observation, which showed an increased stacking density of GB along the sample thickness. Experimental results indicated that the processing method with co-extrusion/gradient distribution/2-dimensional mixing can serve as a new way to produce a filled type of PGM and is worthy of further investigation. The prepared polyethylene/glass bead PGM; the graph illustrates the glass bead concentration gradient across the sample thickness. [source] Synthesis of III-nitride microcrystals using metal-EDTA complexesPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 7 2007Y. H. Liu Abstract A novel method, using metal ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) complexes as starting materials, is proposed to synthesize III-nitride microcrystals. Ga (Zn, Ga)-EDTA·NH4 and In-EDTA·NH4 complexes were reacted with NH3 in the temperature range of 1020,1150 °C and 300,620 °C, respectively. SEM observation and X-ray diffraction patterns show that pure phase hexagonal GaN and InN are obtained. The CL peak intensity of GaN increases as the synthesis temperature increases up to 1100 °C. The dependence of CL peak intensity on Zn doping content indicates good doping control. For InN synthesis, the temperature window is very narrow and the reaction evolves from In2O3 to InN. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Structural estimation of particle arrays at air,water interface based on silica particles with well-defined and highly grafted poly(methyl methacrylate)POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010Jung-Min Moon Silica nanoparticles with well-defined, highly grafted dense poly(methyl methacrylate) (MMA) were prepared by surface-initiated activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) of methyl methacrylate with an initiator-fixed silica particle in the presence of air. Two different polymerizations of MMA were carried out under the same conditions using tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TREN) and N,N,N,,N,,N,-pentamethyldiethylene-triamine (PMDETA) as the ligand, respectively. In the CuCl2/PMDETA system, polymerization appeared to be more controlled with a lower polydisperisty compared with the CuCl2/Me6TREN system. The monolayer of these particles was formed at the air,water interface using Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. Multilayers of the particles were fabricated by repetition of LB depositing. A surface pressure,area (,,A) measurement and SEM observation were used to characterize the particle arrays. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Accelerated ceramization of polymethylsilsesquioxane by aluminum- based filler reductantAPPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2010Masaki Narisawa Abstract Polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ), compounded with particles of Al2O3 (22,47 nm), micro size aluminum (30 µm) or nano size aluminum (50 nm) with a starting Al:Si molar ratio of 1.0, was prepared in a thick sheet form and pyrolyzed at various temperatures up to 1673 K to investigate the filler effect on the ceramization. By adjusting the concentrations of PMSQ, filler and cross-linking agent in ethanol, self-standing ceramic sheets were obtained after pyrolysis without fragmentation. The phases formed in each sheet during pyrolysis were identified by using X-ray diffraction patterns. The resulting micro structures were characterized by the Archimedes method, SEM observation and electron micro probe analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Healing of rabbit calvarial bone defects using biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics made of submicron-sized grains with a hierarchical pore structureCLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 3 2010Jin-Woo Park Abstract Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy of new bone graft substitutes , biphasic calcium phosphates (BCP) made of submicron-sized grains with fully interconnected wide-range micron-scale pores in two different macrodesigns: donut shaped with a 300,400 ,m central macropore (n-BCP-1) or rod-shaped (n-BCP-2) , in the healing of rabbit calvarial defects, and compared their bone-healing properties with those of various commercial bone substitutes, which included substitutes with similar BCP composition (MBCP and Osteon), anorganic bovine bone (Bio-Oss), and ,-TCP (Cerasorb). Material and methods: The surface morphology of the bone substitutes was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Defects 8 mm in diameter were created in the calvaria of 30 adult male New Zealand White rabbits and were filled with six types of bone substitutes. The percentage of newly formed bone (NB%) was evaluated histomorphometrically 4 and 8 weeks after implantation. Results: SEM observation showed submicron-sized grains with fully interconnected micropore structures in the n-BCP-1 and n-BCP-2 groups; these groups also showed considerable new bone formation in inner micropores as well as on the outer surfaces. The n-BCP-1 group exhibited enhanced new bone formation and direct ingrowth of bone tissue with blood vessels into central pores. Histomorphometric analysis showed significantly greater NB% in the n-BCP-1 group when compared with the other groups at 4 and 8 weeks (P<0.05). Conclusion: A new BCP ceramics made of submicron-sized grains with a hierarchical pore structure was an effective osteoconductive material for the treatment of osseous defects of rabbit calvaria. To cite this article: Park J-W, Kim E-S, Jang J-H, Suh J-Y, Park K-B, Hanawa T. Healing of rabbit calvarial bone defects using biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics made of submicron-sized grains with a hierarchical pore structure. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 268,276. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01846.x [source] Antheraea assama Silk Fibroin-Based Functional Scaffold with Enhanced Blood Compatibility for Tissue Engineering Applications,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010Naresh Kasoju Abstract The architecture and surface chemistry of a scaffold determine its utility in tissue engineering (TE). Conventional techniques have limitations in fabricating a scaffold with control over both architecture and surface chemistry. To ameliorate this, in this report, we demonstrate the fabrication of an Antheraea assama silk fibroin (AASF)-based functional scaffold. AASF is a non-mulberry variety having superior qualities to mulberry SF and is largely unexplored in the context of TE. First, a 3D scaffold with biomimetic architecture is fabricated. The scaffold is subsequently made blood compatible by modifying the surface chemistry through a simple sulfation reaction. EDX and FTIR analysis demonstrate the successful sulfation of the scaffold. SEM observations reveal that sulfation has no any effect on the scaffold architecture. TGA reveals that it has increased thermal stability. The sulfation reaction significantly improves the overall hydrophilicity of the scaffold, as is evident from the increase in water holding capacity; this possibly enhances the blood compatibility. The enhancement in blood compatibility of the sulfated scaffold is determined from in vitro haemolysis, protein adsorption and platelet adhesion studies. The sulfated scaffold is non-toxic and supports cell adhesion and growth, as revealed by indirect and direct contact-based in vitro cytotoxicity assays. This study reveals that the AASF-based functional scaffold, which has biomimetic architecture and blood-compatible surface chemistry, could be suitable for TE applications. [source] Physical properties of biopolymers containing natamycin and rosemary extractINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Hasan Türe Summary Antifungal biopolymers were prepared by incorporating natamycin (NA) and NA + rosemary extract (RE) into wheat gluten (WG) and methyl cellulose (MC) films. Interaction between antimicrobial agents and biopolymers was determined with mid-infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Water vapour permeability and mechanical properties of these films were also measured. Mid-infrared spectroscopy did not indicate any interaction. SEM observations showed that NA crystallises at high concentrations in biopolymers. There were no significant changes in water vapour permeabilities of biopolymers containing active agents at P < 0.05. While NA incorporation did not result in any changes in mechanical properties of WG films a reduction in tensile strength was observed for MC films containing high concentration of NA. In general, active agent incorporation into WG and MC films did not result in any considerable changes in their physical properties that could affect their application. [source] Controlled release of argatroban from PLA film,Effect of hydroxylesters as additives on enhancement of drug releaseJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Akira Mochizuki Abstract The aim of this study was to develop a drug eluting stent that prevents vein restenosis. For this, we selected argatroban as the study drug and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as the matrix. To enhance the release of argatroban from PLA film, the addition of hydroxylesters (additives) was investigated. The additives investigated were diethyl tartrate (DET), diethyl malate (DEM), and triethyl citrate (TEC). Marked enhancement of drug release was observed in DET-added film, while TEC- or DEM-added film showed little enhancement. To clarify the effect of DET, the release profile based on the contents of the drug and DET in the film and the effect of alkyl chain length of tartrate were studied. Tartrates used were dimethyl, di- i -propyl, and di- n -butyl esters (DMT, DiPT, and DnBT, respectively), and the enhancement order was DMT , DET , DiPT , DBT , PLA alone. The reasons for enhancement were discussed from the viewpoint of drug release behavior, degradation of PLA, water uptake within the film, and SEM observations. It was concluded that enhancement of drug release was due to large amounts of water uptake within the film which resulted in the formation of open pores at its surface. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Bioactive and mechanically strong Bioglass®-poly(D,L -lactic acid) composite coatings on surgical suturesJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2006Q. Z. Chen Abstract New coating processes have been investigated for degradable (Vicryl®) and nondegradable (Mersilk®) sutures with the aim to develop Bioglass® coated polymer fibers for wound healing and tissue engineering scaffold applications. First, the aqueous phase of a Bioglass® particle slurry was replaced with a poly(D,L -lactic acid) (PDLLA) polymer dissolved in solvent dimethyle carbonate (DMC) to act as third phase. SEM observations indicated that this alteration significantly improved the homogeneity of the coatings. Second, a new coating strategy involving two steps was developed: the sutures were first coated with a Bioglass®,PDLLA composite film followed by a second PDLLA coating. This two-step process of coating has addressed the problem of poor adherence of Bioglass® particles on suture surfaces. The coated sutures were knotted to determine qualitatively the mechanical integrity of the coatings. The results indicated that adhesion strength of coatings obtained by the two-step method was remarkably enhanced. A comparative assessment of the bioactivity of one-step and two-step produced coatings was carried out in vitro using acellular simulated body fluid (SBF) for up to 28 days. Coatings produced by the two-step process were found to have similar bioactivity as the one-step produced coatings. The novel Bioglass®/PDLLA/Vicryl® and Bioglass®/PDLLA/Mersilk® composite sutures are promising bioactive materials for wound healing and tissue engineering applications. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006 [source] Effect of pH on synthesis and properties of perovskite oxide via a citrate processAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2006Zhentao Wu Abstract A series of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.4Fe0.6O3-, (LSCF) perovskite-type oxides were synthesized using a modified citrate process under various pH conditions (pH =1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, respectively). The effect of pH on the chelate process, crystal development, morphology, and oxygen permeability of LSCF oxides were investigated. FT-IR analysis showed that the chelate processes for pH = 1 and 3 were different from those for pH = 5, 7, and 9. XRD and SEM observations revealed that the crystal formation and morphology of LSCF oxides were dependent on the precursors with different pH conditions. The LSCF membranes derived from the precursors with lower pH values (pH = 1 and 3) exhibited larger apparent activation energy for oxygen permeation than the other samples (pH = 5, 7, and 9) in the range of 1073-1123K. This study indicated that properties such as crystallinity and oxygen permeability of LSCF oxide could be tailored by controlling the pH values in the synthesis process. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006 [source] SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OBSERVATIONS OF DEFORMITIES IN SMALL PENNATE DIATOMS EXPOSED TO HIGH CADMIUM CONCENTRATIONS,JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Soizic Morin Different types of malformations are likely to affect the morphology of diatoms when exposed to particularly unstable environmental conditions, the most easily identifiable being distortion of the whole frustule. In the present study, we investigated, by means of SEM, valve abnormalities induced by high cadmium contamination (100 ,g · L,1) in small pennate diatoms. Changes in the shape of Amphora pediculus (Kütz.) Grunow and anomalous sculpturing of the cell wall of many species, such as Encyonema minutum (Hilse) D. G. Mann, Mayamaea agrestris (Hust.) Lange-Bert., Gomphonema parvulum (Kütz.) Kütz., or Eolimna minima (Grunow) Lange-Bert., were observed, which were not, or almost not, noticeable in the LM. With consideration to current knowledge of diatom morphogenesis, metal uptake by the cell would induce, directly or indirectly, damage to many cytoplasmic components (e.g., microtubules, cytoskeleton, Golgi-derived vesicles) involved in the precisely organized silica deposition. This study confirms that many species, whatever their size, are likely to exhibit morphological abnormalities under cadmium stress, and that this indicator may be valuable for the biomonitoring of metal contamination, even if SEM observations are not necessary for routine studies. [source] PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS SPONGITES (CORALLINALES, RHODOPHYTA) FROM CHILE,JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 1 2008Rodrigo Vidal Both the records and the descriptions of the crustose species of coralline algae on the southeastern coast of South America are from the early 1900s. Unlike other algae species on the coast of Chile, the biogeography and distribution of crustose corallines have not been studied despite their abundance. Through recent studies, it has been determined that the genus Spongites is the most conspicuous genus along the rocky intertidal of the Chilean coasts. It is also common to the entire coast of the Southern Hemisphere; however, the relationship between species and the possible reasons for their distribution is unknown. We used nuclear and mitochondrial genetic markers and SEM observations of morphological characters to examine Spongites samples from the Southern Hemisphere and to establish the phylogeographic relationships of Chilean Spongites with specimens from other southern coasts. The combination of these analyses revealed the following: (i) a monophyletic clade that represents the Chilean Spongites and (ii) a paraphyletic clade for South African, New Zealand, and Argentine samples. Consequently, we postulate two nonexclusive hypotheses regarding the relationship of Spongites species in the Southern Hemisphere: (i) a complex history of extinction, speciation, and recolonization that might have erased original Gondwanan split patterns, and (ii) an Antarctic Peninsula origin for the Chilean Spongites species. [source] TAXONOMIC REEXAMINATION OF 17 SPECIES OF NITELLA SUBGENUS TIEFFALLENIA (CHARALES, CHAROPHYCEAE) BASED ON INTERNAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE OOSPORE WALL AND MULTIPLE DNA MARKER SEQUENCES,JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Hidetoshi Sakayama In an attempt to reconstruct the natural taxonomic system for Nitella, 17 species of Nitella subgenus Tieffallenia were reexamined using SEM observations of the internal morphology of the oospore wall (IMOW) and phylogenetic analyses of 4553 base pairs from multiple DNA markers (atpB, rbcL, psaB, and ITS-5.8S rRNA genes). Our SEM observations identified three types of IMOW: homogeneous (HG), weakly spongy (W-SG), and strongly spongy (S-SG) types. Based on differences in the IMOW, species with reticulate or tuberculate oospore wall ornamentation in the external morphology of the oospore wall (EMOW) were subdivided into two distinct groups (characterized by the HG or S-SG types of IMOW, respectively), which were robustly separated from each other in our molecular phylogenetic analyses. In our molecular phylogeny, the subgenus Tieffallenia consisted of four robust monophyletic groups,three clades of the HG type and a spongy (S-SG and W-SG) type clade,that were characterized by differences in the IMOW and EMOW. In addition, our SEM observations and sequence data verified the distinct status of five species (N. japonica Allen, N. oligospira A. Braun, N. vieillardii stat. nov., N. imperialis stat. nov., and N. morongii Allen) that R. D. Wood had assigned as infraspecific taxa. Moreover, our SEM observations of the IMOW also suggested that N. megaspora (J. Groves) Sakayama originally identified by LM includes at least two distinct species, characterized by W-SG and S-SG types of IMOW, respectively. [source] Experimental Study on Phase Transformation Between MgB2 and MgB4JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 7 2007S. C. Yan Using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), we have investigated the reaction between MgB4 and Mg in its solid, liquid, and gas physical states. The XRD results indicate that the reaction of MgB4+Mg=2MgB2 always occurs independently of the different states of Mg. DSC measurements show that the solid,solid reaction MgB4(s)+Mg(s)=2MgB2(s), the Mg melting Mg(s),Mg(l), and the Mg volatilization occur in turn with increasing temperature for mixed (MgB4+Mg) powder with a nominal stoichiometry of MgB2. SEM observations indicate that the resulting synthesized MgB2 samples, obtained from the MgB4+Mg mixtures, have a denser microstructure than those obtained directly from Mg+B mixtures. On the basis of XRD, DSC, and SEM results, a kinetic model for the reaction between MgB4 and Mg is proposed. [source] Preparation and Properties of PVC Ternary Nanocomposites Containing Elastomeric Nanoscale Particles and Exfoliated Sodium-MontmorilloniteMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2006Qingguo Wang Abstract Summary: A novel rigid PVC ternary nanocomposite containing NBR-ENP and untreated Na-MMT has been fabricated. X-ray diffraction XRD, TEM and SEM observations revealed that the untreated Na-MMT was exfoliated and most NBR-ENPs (about 90 nm) were separately dispersed in the PVC matrix. DMTA and TGA demonstrated that the PVC ternary nanocomposites had a higher glass transition temperature and a higher decomposition temperature than neat PVC, while the toughness increased simultaneously. Combustion tests showed that the exfoliated clay in the PVC/NBR-ENP/MMT ternary nanocomposites did not improve the flame retardancy after ignition under strong heat flux. Schematic diagram of the fabrication procedure of PVC/NBR-ENP/Na-MMT ternary nanocomposites. [source] Electrochemical and mechanical behaviour of Sn-2.5Ag-0.5Cu and Sn-48Bi-2Zn soldersMATERIALS AND CORROSION/WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION, Issue 8 2008G. Montesperelli Abstract In this paper, two tin-based alloys (Sn-2.5Ag-0.5Cu and Sn-48Bi-2Zn) are proposed as new lead-free solders. Alloys have been developed by melting pure elements. Samples have been evaluated in terms of microstructure, corrosion resistance and mechanical features. Corrosion tests have been performed in 3% NaCl solution by polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). SEM observations and EDS analysis were carried out on samples before and after corrosion tests. Static monotonic tensile tests have been performed on three specimens for each alloy. SEM and EDS analysis revealed the presence of Sn-Ag and Sn-Cu intermetallic compounds within the Sn-Ag-Cu alloy. As a result of corrosion test, the Sn-Ag-Cu alloy showed a better corrosion resistance with respect to Sn-Bi-Zn. Both alloys evidenced good mechanical properties higher than the traditional Sn-Pb system. Sn-Ag-Cu seems to be a suitable soldering material. [source] Comparative observations on the cyst shells of seven Artemia strains from ChinaMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 8 2007Sufeng Wang Abstract The quiescent Artemia cysts of seven geographical origins in China were examined with scanning and transmission electron microscopes. SEM observations on cysts of these Artemia strains showed that the surface topography of cyst shells could be categorized into 6 types: complete smooth surface; smooth surface with sparsely distributed glabrate humps; surface with densely arranged wart-like humps that are composed of packed minute tubercles; rugged surface, with densely arranged tubercles not piling up to form larger humps; shallow-pocked surface; and surface with numerous and densely spaced pore-like fossulae. Some of the patterns were strain specific [e.g., cysts from Ga Hai (GH) are characterized by having a surface with wart-like ornaments that are composed of packed minute tubercles, rugged surface is only found in Chengkou (CK) cysts], and apparent intrastrain variation of cyst surface topography was found in Xizang (XZ), Jingyu Hu, and Xie Chi (SIN) strains. TEM studies on the ultrastructure of cyst shells revealed an apparent divergence in the structure of outer cuticular membrane (OCM) among Artemia strains. In CK, Aqqikkol Hu (AQK), SIN, and GH strains, it is a normal, asymmetrical, and multi-layered structure similar to those described in previous works. In XZ, JYH, and Lagkor Co (LGC) strains, however, the OCM is not obviously multi-layered and the borderlines between OCM and adjacent layers seem indistinct. The present results suggest that the diversity of the surface topography of Artemia cysts may be an available tool for identifying certain Artemia strains as well as for tracking the origins of some Artemia cysts, and the hypoplastic OCM may be a characteristic of the species A. tibetiana. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Temperature and strain rate dependences of yield stress of polypropylene composites reinforced with carbon nanofibersPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 12 2009S.P. Bao Polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites filled with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 wt% carbon nanofiber (CNF) were prepared via melt compounding in a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. The effects of CNF additions on the structure, mechanical and tensile yielding behavior of PP were investigated. TEM and SEM observations showed that CNFs were dispersed uniformly within PP matrix. Tensile test showed that the yield strength and Young's modulus of PP were improved considerably by adding very low CNF loadings. The reinforcing effect of CNF was also verified from the dynamic mechanical analysis. Impact measurement revealed that the CNF additions were beneficial to enhance the impact toughness of PP. The yield stress of the PP/CNF nanocomposites was found to be strain rate and temperature dependent. The yielding responses of PP/CNF nanocomposites can be described successfully by the Erying's equation and a reinforcing index n. The structure and mechanical property relationship of the nanocomposites is discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) as polymer-polymer composites,POLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 4 2002M. Evstatiev Microfibrillar reinforced composites (MFC) comprising an isotropic matrix from a lower melting polymer reinforced by microfibrils of a higher melting polymer were manufactured under industrially relevant conditions and processed via injection molding. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) (matrix) and recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) (reinforcing material) from bottles were melt blended (in 30/70 and 50/50 PET/LDPE wt ratio) and extruded, followed by continuous drawing, pelletizing and injection molding of dogbone samples. Samples of each stage of MFC manufacturing and processing were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and mechanical testing. SEM and WAXS showed that the extruded blend is isotropic but becomes highly oriented after drawing, being converted into a polymer-polymer composite upon injection molding at temperatures below the melting temperature of PET. This MFC is characterized by an isotropic LDPE matrix reinforced by randomly distributed PET microfibrils, as concluded from the WAXS patterns and SEM observations. The MFC dogbone samples show impressive mechanical properties,the elastic modulus is about 10 times higher than that of LDPE and about three times higher than reinforced LDPE with glass spheres, approaching the modulus of LDPE reinforced with 30 wt% short-glass fibers (GF). The tensile strength is at least two times higher than that of LDPE or of reinforced LDPE with glass spheres, approaching that of reinforced LDPE with 30 wt% GF. The impact strength of LDPE increases by 50% after reinforcement with PET. It is concluded that: (i) the MFC approach can be applied in industrially relevant conditions using various blend partners, and (ii) the MFC concept represents an attractive alternative for recycling of PET as well as other polymers. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||