Resumo em Inglês:

Antifouling coatings were prepared with paints containing polyaniline (PAni) and derivatives as active pigment, and evaluated by antifouling performance on metallic or polyvinyl chloride substrates. The paints, PAni and its derivatives were characterized by FT-IR spectrophotometry, thermogravimetric analysis, electrical conductivity and scanning electron microscopy. Coatings were also characterized by salt spray, leaching and erosion tests. Antifouling coatings’ performance was evaluated by immersion tests in a marine environment or in fresh water. Paints containing PAni-ES, PAni/DBSA and SPAN, and a co-biocide PyZn, showed antifouling performance similar to a commercial antifouling paint.

Resumo em Inglês:

Siloxane-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) organic-inorganic hybrid coatings were deposited on galvanized steel by the dip-coating sol-gel technique. Anticorrosion properties, as well as the morphological, surface and structural features were studied. Hybrid coatings were synthesized from tetraethoxy-silane (TEOS) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) as inorganic and organic phases, respectively, linked by 3-metacriloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (TMSM) as a coupling agent. The MMA/TMSM ratio was kept constant, whereas the four TEOS/TMSM ratios were varied. The characterization of coatings was assessed using several techniques such as Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Contact Angle, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Open Circuit Polarization (OCP), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy measurements (EIS). The EIS results, which were obtained for the hybrid coatings, were discussed based on an electrical equivalent circuit used to adjust the experimental data. The results showed that the increasing the TEOS content caused increase in coating thickness, increased in the surface roughness and increased in the surface hydrophobicity. The film with the highest TEOS content presented the best electrochemical performance, more effective in protecting against corrosion.

Resumo em Inglês:

The effects of Al2O3 reinforcements on microstructure, corrosion and toughness properties of dissimilar aluminum alloys joint fabricated by friction stir welding (FSW) technique were explored in this research. AA5083-H116 and AA7075-T6 were selected as the primary base materials. FSW was conducted with and without reinforcing particles through the joint line. Optical microscopy (OM) confirmed uniform distribution of reinforcement particles within the stir zone (SZ) of Al2O3-included specimen. It is demonstrated that the grain size of Al2O3-included specimen in SZ was smaller than that of fabricated without Al2O3. Besides, a comparative corrosion test was performed to assess the effectiveness of Al2O3 particles on corrosion resistance of the joint. The resultant polarization curves gave evidence to a perceptible enhancement in corrosion resistance of the Al2O3-included specimen. Fracture toughness, on the other hand, was examined through impact testing. Surprisingly, Al2O3-included specimen showed inferior impact toughness due to unsatisfactory bonding between matrix and reinforcements.

Resumo em Inglês:

The use of materials for biomedical applications has become vital to enhance the quality of life and longevity of human beings. Commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and titanium alloys are the most adequate materials for some biomedical applications, but cpTi and the Ti-6Al-4V alloy (Ti G5) have limitations for biomedical application due to low mechanical strength and the possibility of ion release, respectively. In order to address this problem, commercially pure ultrafine grained titanium (UFG Ti) obtained by severe plastic deformation (SPD) has been suggested as a promising alternative for biomedical applications. This thermomechanical process is able to improve the strength of cpTi and titanium alloys while keeping their excellent biocompatibility. The purpose of this review was to compare the mechanical strength of UFG Ti, cpTi and a Ti G5 alloy. In addition, the biological performance of UFG Ti was also evaluated by in vivo testing. Prodigious improvements were seen in surface topography, wettability and in homogeneity of oxide layer. The overall improvements in microstructure provided by ECAP technique coupled with surface etching resulted in a remarkable performance of cpTi alloy for biomedical applications.

Resumo em Inglês:

Copper is a well know material for use as heat sink or heat exchanger. However, copper has a considerable low tensile strength and temperature limit. A material that has a good thermal conductivity, low cost, but also resistance is the desired. Effects of copper on the sintering and thermal properties of iron-copper composites produced by powder metallurgy and Fe on copper-iron composites have been investigated. Copper and iron were varied from 20 to 80 vol.% in the samples, alternating the continuous phase. Sintering studies were performed by in-situ dilatometry aiming to define the proper conditions for sintering, without swelling normally associated with copper. Results indicate that the type of sintering, final microstructure, specially the phases relation and distribution and not only the amount of copper, have a great effect into the thermal properties. By controlling the sintering parameters, it is possible to obtain dimensionally stable samples with higher thermal conductivity and lower copper amount.

Resumo em Inglês:

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a surface treatment with Sofreliner primer on tensile bond strength of a resin-based soft liner (Coe-Soft) bonded to a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin before and after accelerated aging simulated by a thermocycling machine. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty rectangular specimens of PMMA resin were fabricated with 10 × 10 mm² of cross-section and 40 mm of height. The resin-based soft liner was positioned between two PMMA resin specimens. The specimens were divided randomly into 6 groups (n = 10) according to the surface treatment and accelerated aging cycles (0, 500 and 1000). After accelerated aging, specimens were submitted to tensile bond strength test. The fractures were classified as adhesive, cohesive or both. Results: Most failures were classified as cohesive (p = 0.025) and there was an increase on the mean values of tensile bond strength for group with primer application regardless the cycles of accelerated aging, and also an increase along thermocycling periods. The scanning electronic microscopy was used to illustrate the types of failures and the effect of primer application on PMMA acrylic resin surface. Conclusion: The primer application associated with resin-based soft liners is clinically viable, once this treatment strategy provides a reliable adhesion.

Resumo em Inglês:

In this study, we studied the physical and mechanical properties of polymer composite with wastes that incorporating boron. The polymer composites were produced with epoxy based resin and wastes as mineral additive. The wastes were added to mixtures in different ratio by replacing the resin from 0 to 66% by weight. Slump-flow and viscosity tests are carried out on fresh samples after mixing. Composites were cured in air condition and they were de-molded after 24 hours. They gain ultimate strength after 7 days. Therefore, tests for characteristics were performed on 7 aged specimens. On the polymer composite samples, compressive strength, flexural strength, wear resistance, water absorption and density tests were performed. As a result, addition of the wastes that including boron increased the compressive strength of polymer composites; however, it made the composites more brittle material with low flexural strength.

Resumo em Inglês:

Metal matrix composites of Al-WC (10, 15 and 20 wt%) were prepared by microwave (without holding) and conventional sintering (held for 1 hour) processes at various temperatures between 650-950 °C. The results indicated that the highest density of conventional and microwave sintering corresponds to 97.4 ± 1.2% and 98.6 ± 0.8 of theoretical density, respectively; The highest bending strength of conventional and microwave sintered samples were 223 ± 12 and 256 ± 12 MPa, respectively. XRD patterns showed the decomposition of WC particles and formation of Al5W and Al12W interfacial reaction product phases in both processes. SEM studies showed that WC reinforcement particles were more likely to be agglomerated in microwave compared to conventional sintering process.

Resumo em Inglês:

Pitting corrosion of the aluminium cladding of spent nuclear fuels stored in light water pools has been observed. To prevent this, coating of the Al cladding with hydrotalcite (HTC) was proposed. This paper presents the effect of chemical bath and processing parameters on microstructure and corrosion behavior of HTC coatings on alloy AA 6061 specimens. The HTC coating from the high temperature nitrate bath was homogeneous, thicker and consisted of well-defined intersecting platelets than that formed from the room temperature carbonate bath. Electrochemical polarization tests carried out with HTC coated AA 6061 specimens in 0.01 M NaCl revealed that specimens coated with HTC from the nitrate bath and further treated in a cerium salt solution were the most resistant to corrosion. Field tests in which un-coated and coated AA 6061 alloy coupons as well as full-size plates were exposed to the IEA-R1 reactor's spent fuel basin for duration of up to 14 months further corroborated the high corrosion resistance imparted by the high temperature HTC + Ce coating. The mechanism by which the HTC coating and cerium protect the Al alloy is discussed.

Resumo em Inglês:

Carbon fiber reinforced carbon (CFRC) composites, also called carbon/carbon (C/C) composites are materials with superior characteristics such as low density, good thermal shock resistance, high strength and low ablation under severe environments. Due to their properties, CFRC composites are ideal candidate in the high temperature fields. By pyrolysis process, carbon fiber phenolic resin composites are converted in C/C composites. The phenolic resin is a non-conductor (electrical resistivity of 1012Ω.m) and during heat treatment of carbon fiber phenolic resin composite, it is converted to a carbon matrix (a conductor). This conversion was accomplished by electrical resistivity measurements using four-probe method according to ASTM C611-98 with final electrical resistivity of 0.04 mΩ.m. Microstructure of carbon fiber phenolic resin composite was assessed by using optical microscopy and image analysis. Pore volume was evaluated and the results were compared with thermal gravimetric analyses. The values of activation energy (Ea) during pyrolysis were 1.153kJ.mol–1 and 10.860kJ.mol–1.

Resumo em Inglês:

Cardanol-based epoxidized resole resins (ERCF) were synthesized by reacting resole type phenolic resin (RCF) and epichlorohydrin in basic medium, at 120 °C. Resole type phenolic resins were synthesized by reacting cardanol (C) and formaldehyde (F) in the presence of sodium hydroxide, as catalyst, at five different temperatures ranging between 60-80 °C with an interval of 5 °C for a maximum period of 6h. These prepared samples were cured using 15% polyamide as curing agent at 120 ± 2 °C for 1h. Mechanical and chemical resistance characteristics of prepared samples were evaluated to assess the possibility of using such thermosetting resins as a new eco-friendly material for engineering applications. Upon evaluation, it was found that the prepared resins systems exhibit better properties compared to commercial epoxy resin in term of increase in tensile strength, elongation-at-break and impact strength, of castings and gloss, scratch hardness, adhesion and flexibility of the films. The anticorrosive properties from chemical resistance of the prepared resin systems are found to be superior than unmodified epoxy resins. The TG/DTG thermograms showed two step decomposition behaviors in all the prepared samples.

Resumo em Inglês:

Importance of consideration of chloride induced corrosion in service life design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures situated in marine environment is well known. This paper attempts to provide, within the framework of Monte Carlo Simulation, methodologies for durability based service life design of RC members. A methodology using fragility curves is proposed to assist in the service life design of freely degrading RC flexural beams. For maintained RC beams, a methodology is developed, that incorporates the concepts of virtual aging, failure rate approach and time-variant reliability analysis. By addressing maintenance at the design stage itself, the methodology developed would help in sustainability based service life design. The use of both the methodologies is demonstrated by considering an example of T-beam. From the results of the example problem considered, it has been found that corrosion initiation time would govern the service life. 30% replacement of cement with pulverized fuel ash is considered as a sustainable alternative for construction of durable structures satisfying the service life performance targets with lesser number of repairs.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work presents the first results of the plasma nitriding study performed in pure niobium in order to increase its cavitation erosion resistance. Samples were prepared from 98.9% purity and 90% reduction cold-rolled niobium bars. Annealing treatment of the cold-worked niobium samples was carried out in vacuum furnace at 1.33 Pa pressure, in the temperature of 1000 °C, for a time of 60 min. Annealed samples showing hardness of 80 HV were cut to dimensions of 20 × 30 × 4 mm3. Nitriding treatment was conducted at 1080 °C, gas mixture of 90% N2 + 10% H2, flow rate of 5 × 10–6 Nm3s–1, and pressure of 1200 Pa (9 Torr), for a total time of 4 h comprised by two treatment steps of 2 h each. For comparison purpose, results for nitrided and non-nitrided niobium are confronted. Samples were characterized by XRD, nanoindentation, microhardness, SEM, and 2D surface topography and 3D interferometry profile analysis techniques. Cavitation testing was conducted according to ASTM G32-09. Comparatively, promising results based on the formation of niobium nitride phases in treated surfaces are presented and discussed in the present work.

Resumo em Inglês:

Spinel ferrite powder with a nominal composition Ni0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 was prepared by a hydrothermal method, following by sintering at 700 °C and 900 °C, respectively. The structural and magnetic properties of specimens are studied. It is found that the large particles in specimens are the agglomerates of many small nanoscale crystallites. A strengthening of chemical polarization of the internal chemical bonds is found in the powder specimen after sintering. The saturation magnetization increases from 50.1 emu/g for as-synthesized powder to 63.1 emu/g for specimen sintered at 900 °C mainly due to the weakening of spin canting, while the coercivity exhibits a slight decreasing variation with the increase of sintering temperature.

Resumo em Inglês:

The films of chitosan (CS)-silane crosslinked-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with different weight % were prepared. The effect on conductivity of CS/PVA blended films due to change in the concentration of PVA and temperature was investigated by impedance spectroscopy and showed good conductance properties. The complex impedance plots revealed single semicircular arcs indicating the bulk contribution to overall electrical behavior of all synthesized samples. The ac conductivity obeyed the Jonscher's power law for all samples in the frequency range of 2 kHz to 2 MHz. The ionic conductivity of the films was increased with the increase in temperature for all synthesized samples which showed an increase in the number of effective charge carriers while it was decreased at a specific higher temperature for each film. The observed activation energy for CP4, CP8 and CP10 were 0.431, 0.610 and 0.425 eV, respectively. These properties showed that the films were promising materials to be employed for conducting properties.

Resumo em Inglês:

The purpose of the present work is to compare the mechanical properties of commercially available NiTi orthodontic archwires lots. Superelastic (SE) and heat-activated (HA) NiTi archwires from two lots of six manufacturers (3M, GAC, Tp, Orthosource, Orthometric and Morelli) were partitioned into eleven groups (n=132) and tested under three-point bending tests. The difference between the highest (151.35 gf, Tp) and lowest (98.43 gf, 3M) unloading stresses among SE groups was 53.77% (p<.05), while the difference between Tp and Orthosource HA group was 168.20% (p<.05). Between same manufacturer lots, Tp SE showed the highest average unloading stress difference (50.7%) while GAC SE disclosed the lowest difference (0.25%) at p<.05. HA wires showed better mechanical properties than SE wires, however there was no evidences of shape memory effect. Matches were seen between SE and HA from different and same manufacturers (p>.05), whereupon there are equivalences in wires commercial offered at different costs.

Resumo em Inglês:

Nickel catalysts supported over an amorphous carbon were obtained by a one-step synthesis method based on the mineralization of cellulosic paper impregnated with a salt of nickel. The effect of the mineralization temperature on material characteristics was studied. The characterization of samples revealed the formation of nickel nanoparticles well dispersed on the carbonaceous matrix with an average diameter near to 5 nm. The samples showed high surface areas and they retained the original fibrous paper morphology.

Resumo em Inglês:

This works present an experimental study addressing the workability of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC). Only conventional measurements, such as slump and Ve-Be test, were used to evaluate the effect of the fiber content in the mixture. The fiber content shows to be of great influence in the concrete mobility reducing the slump and increasing exponentially the Ve-Be time. The fibers act as a barrier to coarse aggregates movement reducing the materials mobility. So, increasing the aggregate size or the fiber aspect ratio the flowability of the material will be reduced. In order to reduce that effect, an increase in the mortar content and/or in the initial slump could provide better workability conditions. The results showed that the Ve-Be test is not applicable to concrete with plastic consistency. On the other hand, slump test could not be adequate for stiff concretes that will be consolidated by intense vibration.

Resumo em Inglês:

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of low temperature and saline environment on the fatigue crack growth behavior of the AA7050-T7451 Al alloy and the recently developed AA2050-T Al-Cu-Li alloy. Fatigue at room and low temperature and corrosion-fatigue tests were carried out using an applied stress ratio (R) of 0.1, 15 Hz frequency (air at RT and –54 °C) and 1 Hz frequency (seawater fog) using a sinusoidal wave form. In the near-threshold region, in air and at RT it was found a ΔKth = 2.9 MPa.m1/2 for AA2050-T84, in saline environment this value increased to ΔKth = 4.9 MPa.m1/2, due to closure effect through wedge effect by the corrosion products. At the beginning of the Paris-Erdogan region, the crack closure effect was not present for the AA7050-T7451, but persisted for the AA2050 Al-li alloy. It was observed that both alloys were equally affected by temperature reduction. When the saline environment is considered it was observed that the AA7050-T7451 presents lower m value (2.6) than the one for AA2050-T84 (3.4), meaning a lower FCG rate variation with ΔK, however it presented the highest C value, as a consequence the worst FCG behavior.

Resumo em Inglês:

In this paper, the impact toughness, autogenous shrinkage, chloride penetration resistance, permeability resistance and abrasion resistance performance of prepared concrete reinforced with Polyacrylonitrile fiber (PAN fiber) were researched. The PAN fiber volume concentration percentages of cement were 0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%, respectively. The results showed that with the addition of PAN fiber, the toughness and durability performance were improved. Compared to the reference sample, the impact energy was significantly improved. The absorbed energy prevent specimens from deterioration by the mechanisms of matrix cracking, PAN fiber/matrix interface debonding, fiber pull-out and fiber rupture. Meanwhile, the autogenous shrinkage, chloride penetration resistance, permeability resistance and abrasion resistance performance were improved. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) technique found that concrete with PAN fiber has a better pore characterization. Among these specimens, the maximum improvement was obtained with 1.0 vol.% PAN fiber.

Resumo em Inglês:

The aim of this work was the synthesis of hybrid organic-inorganic epoxy-copolysilsesquioxane nanocomposites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Copolysilsesquioxanes oligomers from 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES) precursors have been synthesized by a sol-gel process and chemically incorporated to an epoxy resin based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA). MWCNT (0.25 wt%) was added to the hybrid matrixes with different degrees of condensation. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that a high degree of cure was achieved, suggesting that the MWCNT did not affect the curing reaction of the hybrid matrixes. Hybrid nanocomposites obtained by sonication technique presented improvement on thermal stability, exhibiting onset degradation temperatures higher than 340 °C under N2. Tensile tests presented Young’s modulus and maximum stress values up to 2.9 GPa and 47 MPa, respectively, indicating that the new hybrid epoxy/MWCNT nanocomposites show a moderate enhancement of the mechanical properties in comparison with the neat epoxy resin.

Resumo em Inglês:

Fex-ZrSiO4 is known for the applications in the ceramic industry such as ceramic pigment. In this article, we focus our attention to the structural, microstructural and vibrational changes of Fex-ZrSiO4 from free-mineralizer precursors, treated at different temperatures in the range of 1100-1600 °C. The refinements of X-ray diffraction patterns show that Fe3+ cations were distributed into tetrahedral sites replacing Si4+. The evolution of the shape distribution analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, reveal a polyhedral morphology at 1100 °C during 3h. In comparison, well-rounded and homogeneous particle size was determined in the sample heated at 1600 °C during 24 h. On the other hand, it was observed that increase the content of iron and the increased heat treatment (temperature and time) both plays an important effect on the observed Raman results. The profile line deconvolution applied through the ν3 vibration of the SiO4 group shows a spectral change similar to that seen in radiation-damaged zircon: a decrease in frequency and increase in bandwidth.

Resumo em Inglês:

The microstructure of the thixoformed ZA27 alloy naturally aged for 5 years has been observed and analyzed. The results indicate that most of the original β + η laminar eutectics have changed into the structures that small α particles uniformly distribute in η phase matrix. Both the β phase and α’ phase have also decomposed. It is suggested that a continuous or dot-line α phase first precipitates in the β phase close to the eutectic η phase layer. Then eutectoid η phase nucleates or directly grows up from the eutectic η phase, which promotes the nucleation of eutectoid α phase or the direct growth of the α phase from the existing α phase. Subsequently, the resulting α + η phases grow towards the β phase inside, forming the regular laminar α + η structures. The laminar structures always continuously grow across the center α’ phase, which leads the α’ phase also to transform into regular α + η laminar structures. The laminar structures may crack possibly due to internal stress. The eutectoid η phase lamellae have a tendency of changing from laminar shape to particle form, resulting in the formation of non-laminar structures.

Resumo em Inglês:

Hot compressions of as-cast AZ80 magnesium alloy in a wide temperature range of 523-673 K and strain rate range of 0.01-10 s–1 with a height reduction of 60% were conducted by a Gleeble-1500 thermo-mechanical test simulator. The hot flow behaviors show highly non-linear intrinsic relationships with temperature, strain and strain rate. In order to model the complicated flow behaviors, error back-propagation algorithm, a representative method to minimize the target error, was selected to train the artificial neural network. A comparative study was made on the predictabilities of the improved Arrhenius-type and BP-ANN model by using two standard statistical parameters including correlation coefficient (R) and average absolute relative error (AARE). Comparison results show that the well-trained BP-ANN has higher prediction accuracy. Three highlight applications were presented. Firstly, the strain-stress data volume was expanded by BP-ANN predictions above experimental conditions. Secondly, the expanded data were applied in the simulations of isothermal compressions, and high simulation accuracy for the load-stroke curve was achieved. Thirdly, a three-dimensional (3D) interaction space of stress, strain, temperature and strain rate was constructed based on the intensive data, which supplies the stress data to arbitrary temperature, strain rate, and strain.

Resumo em Inglês:

In this study, damage mechanisms in the FeB/Fe2B coatings formed on the surface of AISI 304 steel are determined by adhesion tests. First, the boriding of the AISI 304 steel was carried out through the powder-pack method at 1223 K in the range from 2-10 h of exposure time. After treatment, Berkovich depth-sensing indentation test were conducted; the result showed tensil and compressive residual stresses in the FeB and Fe2B, respectively. The adhesion of borided steels was evaluated by the Daimler-Benz Rockwell-C and scratch test. Based on the scratch tracks, the chipping was the predominant mechanism at 2 and 6 h, with critical loads of 35 and 43 N, respectively; while spalliation was determined at 27 N for 10 h. Also, hertzian and tensil cracks, buckling and compressive delamination were determined in the AISI 304 borided steel by scanning electron microscope.

Resumo em Inglês:

Polymer-modified mortars are highly popular for setting exterior tile systems and low-porosity ceramic tiles because they possess greater flexibility and higher bond strengths than conventional mortars which increases cladding serviceability. However, the long-term performance of this application is not completely understood and many pathologies has been reported. The negative influence of water saturation on polymer modified mortar is well documented and this paper investigates the influence that progressive water intake on bond strength by applying pull out tests on several different mortars. Four of those mortars were especially prepared with well known raw materials and concentrations, and three others were ready-made commercial products designed for setting ceramic tile on building façades. The tests were performed during twenty-five day drying period in laboratory conditions after specimens saturation for ten days of immersion in water. The results revealed that: (i) the ready-made commercial and the prepared mortars have similar behavior; (ii) their bond strengths are highly influenced by small increases in moisture content; (iii) moisture content higher than 10% is enough to reduce mortar bond strength by one-half; (iv)during the drying process bond strength increases continuously until reaching values similar to the initial ones.

Resumo em Inglês:

In order to investigate the effect of natural convection in columnar to equiaxed transition (CET), Al-3.0wt.%Cu and Al-3.0wt.%Cu-5.5wt.%Si alloys ingots were obtained during the transient horizontal directional solidification (THDS). Aiming to analyze the effect of superheat in the formation of the macrostructure in ternary Al-Cu-Si alloy, the experiments were conducted with three superheat temperatures above the liquidus temperature of the ternary alloy. A water-cooled solidification experimental device was used. Continuous temperature measurements were made during solidification at different positions in the casting and the data were automatically acquired. Thermal analysis has been applied to determine the thermal parameters such as growth rate (VL), cooling rate (TR) and temperature gradient (GL), whose values have been interrelated with the CET. The observation of the macrostructures has indicated that the resulting thermosolutal convection combined with superheat seem to favor the transition, which did not occur in a single plane, for all ingots obtained, i.e., it has been seen in a range of positions in ingots. The addition of Si element in binary Al-Cu alloy anticipates the CET. A comparison with experimental results for CET occurrence in different growth directions has been carried out.

Resumo em Inglês:

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation aiming at determining the mechanical properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) element produced by the Brazilian industry to classify it for structural applications.. The material samples used in this work were (i) prepared in accordance to ABNT-NBR15708:2011 recommendations, (ii) extracted from web and flange parts of different geometries of one standard H-shaped GFRP single profile, (iii) 2D fiber-reinforced fibrous and (iv) exhibited fibers' orientation on the longitudinal/pultrusion direction. A fairly extensive experimental program was carried out to cover both stiffness and strength structural characteristics of GFRP element, comprising the following mechanical failures modes: (i) direct tension and compression, (ii) two-point flexural bending, (iii) pin-bearing pushed-out and (iv) interlaminar shear deformation. Based on the obtained results, it was possible to conclude that the GFRP element analyzed displays structural classification compatible to E17 class mechanical requirement.

Resumo em Inglês:

The influence of calcium on structure and phase composition of the aluminum alloys, containing additions of zinc up to 12 wt.% and magnesium (3.5 wt.%) was studied. The increase of Zn content leads to formation of Al4Ca primary crystals at lower concentrations of calcium. Zinc is distributed between aluminum solid solution and intermetalic phases (Ca-containing and T- Al2Mg2Zn3) in the alloys of the Al-Zn-Mg-Ca system. The eutectic (Al)+Al4Ca has fine structure and particles of Al4Ca are capable to spheroidization during heat treatment at 500 °С. The maximal level of hardness observed on calcium containing alloys was higher than 200 HB, what gives a reason to expect good strength properties. Due to summarized results it is seen that the Al-Zn-Mg-Ca system is promising for development of new eutectic type high-strength aluminum alloys.

Resumo em Inglês:

Formation of metastable C–, N–, or even Formation of metastable C–, N–, or even C/N– expanded phases can be observed for typical non-equilibrium conditions attained at the plasma assisted thermochemical treatments when temperatures relatively low are used. In present work, kinetics data are considered in a comparative study comprising low-temperature plasma assisted carburizing, nitriding and nitrocarburizing of AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel samples treated at 350, 400, and 450 °C, aiming to put in evidence the main metallurgical differences of the obtained layers. Microstructural characterization and hardness measurement results for untreated and treated sample surfaces show significant difference for the carburized layer growth in relation to that verified for the nitrided and nitrocarburized layers. While the carburized layer is constituted of a thin outer layer and a deep diffusion layer, just the opposite was observed for the other two treatments, id est., formation of thicker outer layers and thinner diffusion layers. Finally, carbide-/nitride-precipitation-free layers were supposedly obtained for samples carburized, nitrided, and nitrocarburized at 350 °C temperature.

Resumo em Inglês:

Poly(glycolide-co-lactide) (PLGA) nanospheres containing magnetic materials have been extensively studied because of its biomedical applications. Therefore, it is very important to know thermal properties of these materials in addition to other physical properties. Thermal degradation activation energy (Eα) of PLGA nanospheres with maghemite entrapment (PLGA-Mag), PLGA nanospheres (hollow spheres) (PLGA-H) obtained by an emulsion method and unprocessed PLGA (PLGA-R) were calculated by isoconversional Vyazovkin method based on data of TG analysis in order to evaluate modifications in thermal behavior caused by nanospheres obtainment process or by maghemite entrapment. Both hydrodynamic diameter in the range of 200-250 nm and polydispersity index lower than 0.3 are considered satisfactory. Thermal degradation of PLGA-R begins at higher temperatures than those of PLGA-H and PLGA-Mag, but processed samples presented increase in thermal stability, which was greater before processing by emulsion and in the presence of the magnetic materials. PLGA-Mag presents superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature.

Resumo em Inglês:

Boron doped ultrananocrystalline diamond (BDUND) films were grown and characterized on porous silicon (PS) substrates. PS samples were prepared from n-type monocrystalline silicon wafers (100) with 1-20 Ω.cm of resistivity, by electrochemical etching, using HF-acetonitrile solution as electrolyte. BDUND films were grown by Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition using CH4, H2 and Ar. The doping process consisted of an additional hydrogen line, passing through a bubbler containing B2O3 dissolved in methanol, with boron/carbon ratio of 20000 ppm in solution. Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction were used to evaluate the quality of the films. Scanning electron microscopy was used for morphological characterization, and confirmed that the films covered the pores without filling them. Electrochemical response and capacitance behavior of the electrodes were explored, by cyclic voltammetry. Samples presented high capacitance, confirming that BDUND/PS electrodes are promising for application as electrochemical capacitors.

Resumo em Inglês:

This paper reviews the features of alloy components, structure and mechanical properties, physical and chemical properties of metastable Al-based alloys developed by use of various liquid or vapor quenching-induced phases such as amorphous, quasicrystalline, nanocrystalline, nanocomposite, supersaturated solid solution and structure gradient phases. As advantages of the metastable Al-based alloys, one can exemplify a high tensile strength of 1500 MPa for amorphous alloys, high elevated temperature strength of 364 MPa at 573 K for nanoquasicrystalline alloys, high strength of 1000 MPa at room temperature and 520 MPa at 473 K for nanocrystalline alloys, relatively high strength of 596 MPa with large elongation of 16% for nanocomposite alloys and high strength of 900 MPa and distinct elongation of 5% for supersaturated fcc-Al solid solution. These highly functional properties, which have not been obtained for conventional crystalline Al-based alloys, have enabled the commercialization of metastable Al-based alloys as structural, machinery and sporting goods materials. Owing to the significant increase of various fundamental properties caused by the essential differences in the structures, the engineering importance of the metastable Al-based alloys is expected to increase steadily in the future low carbon and nature harmonious society.