Resumo em Inglês:

In this work, theoretical composition design and thermo-mechanical treatments were combined in order to improve the mechanical compatibility of a biomedical β-type titanium alloy. By applying a composition design theory, cold rolling and low temperature aging, a metastable β-type Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta (wt%) alloy with an elastic modulus of 47 GPa and a yield strength of 730 MPa was successfully fabricated. This combination of high yield strength and low elastic modulus resulted in enhanced elastic recoverable strain of 1.7%, which is much higher than that of the conventional metallic biomaterials. The microstructure responsible for the much sought-after mechanical properties was observed to be mainly consisted of a homogeneous distribution of nanometer-sized ω- and α-precipitates in a β-phase matrix obtained via cold rolling plus short-time aging at low temperature, i.e. aging at 673 K for 20 min. These precipitates increase the strength of the material by hindering the motion of dislocations while the β-matrix with relatively low content of β-stabilizers gives rise to the observed low elastic modulus. By extending aging time, a higher strength is reached at the expense of an undesirable increasing in elastic modulus.

Resumo em Inglês:

The purpose of this work is the study of the mechanical behavior of two different sandwich composite in static and fatigue analysis of three-point bending, using different amount of glass fiber laminated as skins, remaining with same total thickness. The specimens are composed of glass fiber cloth and epoxy resin. The static tests provided the mechanical properties used in numerical simulations as well as fatigue tests analysis. Applying controlled displacement, it was analyzed load reactions, lifetime and failure modes during fatigue tests. Identifying the failures modes in microscopic analyses it was perceived adhesive fracture in fiber/matrix as first damage and core rupture as ultimate damage.

Resumo em Inglês:

The aim of the present work was to find out the optimum cryosoaking duration of deep cryogenic treatment to reduce the wear rate. The AISI H21 hot work tool steel specimens were hardened at 1195 ºC, cryotreated at -185 ºC for 6 to 30 h, double tempered at 540 ºC and soft tempered at 100 ºC. The hardness, impact toughness, wear rate and microstructural characteristics of the cryotreated specimens were studied. Wear test parameters were optimized by using Taguchi technique. Analysis of variance and signal to noise ratio were carried out in order to find significant parameters affecting the dependent parameter. The results show that load is the most influencing parameter followed by sliding velocity and cryosoaking duration. The linear mathematical model has been developed for wear rate using a regression analysis technique which will be useful for predicting results for new experiments.

Resumo em Inglês:

The potential of using quartzite residues in the composition of an industrial ceramic mass for porcelain tile production was investigated through experimental design. Chemical, physical and microstructural analyses were accomplished to understand how the incorporation of quartzite residues affects the material, before and after sintering. Central composite design was used to analyze the effects of firing temperature (1143; 1160; 1200; 1240; 1257ºC) and residue content (1.76; 3; 6; 9; 10.24 wt.%) on the physical-mechanical properties of the material, and regression models correlating these factors to the response variables linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent density and flexural strength were adjusted. Firing temperature had statistically significant effect on the response variables, so that the elevation of its levels contributed to the properties improvement. Residue content presented non-significant effect. In conclusion, specimens containing quartzite residues, up to 10.24 wt.%, sintered at 1240 and 1257ºC, fulfil the ISO 13006 requirements for porcelain tiles.

Resumo em Inglês:

The V2O5 thin films has been widely studied because it has application as ionic host in electrochromic and lithium-ion batteries, two technologies that have an intimate connection with sustainability as substitutes for fossil energies and as agents for improving energy efficiency. In electrochromic technology, V2O5 is applied as a passive electrode due to its high transmittance and small contrast, and its reversibility on electrochemical reactions. To contribute to increase the optical and charge efficiency of V2O5 thin film passive electrodes, were investigated in this work the influence of the morphological properties, crystallite size and roughness, on the reversible specific charge capacity and the respective optical responses. The films morphological properties were modified by varying their thickness to the nanoscale. The films were deposited by thermal evaporation from powdered V2O5. The crystallite size and surface roughness were measured respectively by XRD and AFM. The results showed that the charge capacity is directly proportional to the surface roughness and inversely proportional to the crystallite size. The film optical contrast and the nominal transmittance shows to be improved according to their morphological properties. In conclusion, the V2O5 opto-electrochemical properties can be improved, increasing the efficiency on the light control processes.

Resumo em Inglês:

The effect of aging temperature on mechanical and pitting corrosion properties of UNS S46500 was investigated. Tensile and Hardness tests were carried out and the microstructure was analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction; Thermo-Calc simulations helped in the phase identification. Pitting corrosion properties were investigated in 0.6M NaCl electrolyte with sulfate additions by Potentiodynamic Polarization (PP). Hardness, tensile and yield strength of the UNS S46500 steel after lower aging temperature, 510ºC (H950), are higher than the ones found in the 538ºC (H1000) aged steel.This result is explained by microstructure, X-ray diffraction and Thermo-Calc analysis, which indicated the presence of austenite, chi phase and probably Ni3Ti precipitates finely and uniform distributed throughout the martensite matrix. Pitting corrosion resistance is equivalent in both aging temperatures. The sulfate inhibitor effect on UNS S46500 steel was enhanced for 538ºC condition when the electrolyte reaches 1Cl-:1SO4 2- ratio, which is explained by Ni sulfate adsorption and the amount of interfaces in the microstructure resulting in smaller amount of adsorption sites, such as coarsened Ni3Ti precipitates, smaller fraction of chi phase and recovery of dislocations in martensite structure.

Resumo em Inglês:

The objective of the present work was to evaluate welding of thin sheets (thickness < 1 mm) of similar and dissimilar NiTi alloys with AISI 304 stainless steel using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process and to study the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the joints with and without post-welding heat treatment (PWHT). The GTAW process was chosen because it is more economical than the usual welding processes for NiTi alloys, such as the Laser Beam Welding (LBW). The welded joints were characterized by the techniques of SEM, OM, electrical resistance in temperature (ERT), tensile test and Vickers microhardness. It was observed that the dissimilar joints presented a brittle behavior due to the formation of brittle elements along the weld metal by the excessive increase of the hardness in this region with peaks of hardness higher than 900HV. Similar joints presented superior mechanical behavior, with extensive plastic deformation before rupture and fracture surface with ductile appearance. The PWHT in the similar joints promoted a decrease in the rigidity of the material by minimizing the thermal stresses from the welding process, the PWHT did not influence the dissimilar joints mechanical behavior.

Resumo em Inglês:

In this work, cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) was synthesized by solvothermal route for application as a catalyst in the ozonation reaction for the decolorization and mineralization of melanoidin from aqueous solution. The structural properties of CoFe2O4 sample were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle-size distribution, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy (EDS). Single-phase CoFe2O4 particles with a predominantly mesoporous structure containing a high specific surface area were obtained. Results showed that the CoFe2O4-catalyzed ozonation reaction has higher activity for the decolorization and mineralization of melanoidin when compared with the ozonation reaction without the presence of catalyst. Therefore, this material can be very promising for the application in catalytic ozonation systems for the melanoidin removal from liquid effluents.

Resumo em Inglês:

The main challenge for the development of a high efficiency supercapacitor is the electrode material. Developing electrode materials with high specific electrical capacitance and low electrical resistance enables an increase in the energy accumulated in the device. In addition, it is expected that the electrode material presents a simple procedure for preparation having low production cost and being environmentally friendly. This work is based on the deposition of silver nanoparticles on activated carbon felt (Ag@ACF) as a supercapacitor electrode. The samples were characterized by field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and textural analysis. Supercapacitor behavior was evaluated by galvanostatic charge-discharge curves, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using a symmetrical two-electrode Swagelok type cell, and three different aqueous solution electrolytes: 2 M H2SO4, 6 M KOH and 1 M Na2SO4. Ag@ACF presented a high specific capacitance in KOH, about 170 F g-1, which makes it an interesting material for supercapacitor electrodes and it showed good specific electrical capacitance, low resistance and high cyclability.

Resumo em Inglês:

Friction and abrasive wear response of WC-12 Co and Cr3C2-25 NiCr coatings was studied. Abrasive wear experiments were conducted with SiC abrasive particles with varying load and sliding speeds. The results were analyzed using SEM, XRD and XPS observations of worn surfaces, wear debris and worn out abrasive paper. Friction coefficient diminished with rise in sliding speed and increased for increase in load while wear rates decreased for increasing sliding speed for both coatings. WC-12 Co coating had better wear resistance than Cr3C2-25 NiCr coating while Cr3C2-25 NiCr coating displayed lower friction coefficient. The variation in wear rate and friction response of coatings was due to combined effects of adhesion, abrasion and tribo oxidation effects. The composition of tribo films was strongly influenced by load and sliding velocity and altered friction and wear response of the coatings.

Resumo em Inglês:

Three dimensional (3D) printing technology has been widely used in metal manufacturing industry. This study focused on the vacuum brazing of 3D printed Inconel 718 superalloy with BNi-2 amorphous filler metal. Interfacial microstructure and element distribution revealed excellent wettability and spreadability of the filler metal as well as favorable brazability of the base material. Brazed joint could be divided into two distinct zones: isothermally solidified zone (ISZ) consisting of γ-Ni solid solution and diffusion-affected zone (DAZ) consisting of a large amount of precipitates besides γ-Ni solid solution. Microhardness reached peak values in DAZ. Although borides filled the gaps of base material’s grains to restrict grain boundary sliding and restrain the expansion of gaps, but its high hardness and brittleness would cause DAZ turn into weaker region when external loads were very large. The complete diffusion of B indicated the completion of isothermally solidified process. Precipitate CrB2 with high hardness and brittleness was the key point of reducing the joint strength. Shear strength of the brazed joint was up to 802 MPa, and fracture morphology presented a mixed ductile-brittle fracture.

Resumo em Inglês:

Gamma ray shielding properties of borate glass samples containing oxides of lead and zinc are prepared by melt and quench technique and evaluated theoretically using XCOM computer software for gamma ray shielding properties. However, gamma ray shielding properties are discussed in terms of various calculated parameters such as half value layer, mean free path and mass attenuation coefficient. The calculated parameters are compared by the author with conventional shielding material concrete. FTIR studies are undertaken to investigate the various structural groups present in the prepared system. Furthermore, it was observed that the glass sample S1 posses minimum HVL value and maximum mass attenuation coefficient, It has been inferred that addition of lead improve the gamma ray shielding properties and simultaneously decrease the rigidity of the glass systems due to formation of non bridging oxygen. Gamma ray shielding properties of our glass systems have been compared with standard nuclear radiation shielding concrete.

Resumo em Inglês:

The Laves phase reinforced CoCrMoSi alloy system has emerged as a candidate material to protect the surface of components to withstand harsh environments under wear and/or corrosion. However, previous reports have raised some concerns and restricted a wider selection of iron-based substrates to be coated, especially limiting the carbon content. This work aims to outline the Laves - Carbides phases in the microstructure and its effect on the properties of T400 alloy deposited on GGG40 ductile iron. Dilution of 26 % ensured Laves formation either as primary or secondary, due to high-silicon substrate selected. Departing from 41 % dilution, the alloy changed to a completely carbide strengthened system. Therefore, for the lowest dilution the coatings hardness is dictated by Laves phase whereas, for higher ones, carbides are the most influent phases.

Resumo em Inglês:

BaTiO3/Ba50Sr50TiO3 and BaTiO3/Ba50Sr50TiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices are characterized via Raman spectroscopy. Special attention is paid to a comprehensive analysis of their polarized Raman spectra, especially, within a soft mode (E(1TO)) range. The shift of E(1TO) soft mode is found to be more pronounced for BaTiO3/Ba50Sr50TiO3/SrTiO3 sample than for BaTiO3/Ba50Sr50TiO3, presumably owing to stronger 2D compression of BT layers and abruptly increased temperature of transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric phase.

Resumo em Inglês:

Pyrite is a common sulfide mineral, which has arisen early interest by its euhedral shape and by its metallic glow similar to gold. However, it is only in our century that we began to understand pyrite crystal growth, considering the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of crystal formation as a function of temperature and concentration of the elements present in the medium. This article reports an analysis by molecular mechanics of 11 surfaces associated to observed morphologies in order to explain the growth of natural and synthesized minerals. The lowest surface and attachment energies (respectively 1.04 J/m2 and -20.3 kJ/mol) were obtained for the (001) plane, indicating that it is the most stable surface and that kinetic growth also preferentially occurs on this plane. Less known properties, such as crystal striations along the <100> directions, are also discussed.

Resumo em Inglês:

This paper aims to investigate the effects of quenching parameters (temperature and time of austenitizing and cooling rate) on the microstructure, hardness and distortion of AISI 4340 steel by Design of Experiments (DoE). The factorial design was used to determine the influence of the factors on the response variable. After quench samples were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, hardness test and dimensional analysis. Navy C-rings samples are used to determine the distortions after quenching due to development of residual stresses caused by non-uniform cooling. Results show that the cooling rate has a significant effect on the steel after quenching, however, the suitability of all factors is important to achieve the desired properties.

Resumo em Inglês:

A study of the electrical transport properties of calcium aluminate (CA) with coexisting C3A and C12A7 phases was carried out. In this work, powders resulting from synthesis based on the polymer precursor method. The resulting product was characterized by means of XRD, Raman, and UV-visible analysis to obtain the optical BG and by EIS. From the XRD and Raman analyses, the presence and coexistence of the two self-modified phases were confirmed. In this biphasic composition, celite phase was estimated to be the major phase. An optical BG of 5.69 eV at room temperature was calculated, and under the condition of a reducing atmosphere in the temperature range of 750-950 ºC, an activation energy for conduction of 2.98 eV was determined by EIS measurements. Further, in this biphasic sample, the electronic conduction transport might be governed by the mayenite minor phase due to its large defect nature and concentration compared to celite. In oxidizing conditions, the activation energy for electrical conduction was 1.42 eV, which is somewhat higher than that observed by other authors in mayenite single phase; this result was explained by taking into account the coexistence of biphasic material and an actual chemical defect scenario in SMCM is discussed.

Resumo em Inglês:

An experimental study with an A356-AlSiMgFe alloy was developed to evaluate the microhardness performance in the microstructure resulting of an unsteady-state horizontal solidification process. The Al-7wt%Si-0.3wt%Mg-0.15wt%Fe alloy was elaborated and directionally solidified in a water-cooled horizontal solidification device. In order to experimentally determine the cooling and growth rates (VL and TR, respectively), a thermal analysis was also conducted during solidification. Microstructural characterization by optical microscopy, SEM/EDS elemental mapping and microanalysis of the punctual EDS compositions allowed to observe the presence of an Al-rich dendritic phase (Al(α)) with interdendritic phases second composed of an eutectic mixture: Al(α-eutectic) + Si + Al8Mg3FeSi6(π) + Mg2Si(θ). Furthermore, the dendritic microstructure was characterized by measuring the secondary dendritic spacings (λ2) along the horizontally solidified ingot. Higher HV values were observed within the eutectic mixture.

Resumo em Inglês:

In this work, discarded soda-lime-silica glass bottles and tobacco residue (after oil extraction to produce biodiesel) were prepared in different formulations to obtain glass foams. The formulated compositions were homogenized and uniaxially compacted at 40 MPa then fired at 850 ºC and 900 ºC for 60 min to investigate the effects of tobacco residue and temperature in thermal and mechanical properties of the glass foams. The results show that glass foams obtained are promising materials for applications where thermal insulation and mechanical strength are desired, with values of 0.087 W.m-1K-1 and 2.1 MPa, respectively for 45% of the tobacco residue that was added to the glass foam and fired at 850 ºC. These characteristics occur through a suitable combination of thermal conductivity and compressive strength, showing advantageous properties for applications in sustainable constructions and industrial energy efficiency.

Resumo em Inglês:

The present research aims to characterize 5xxx alloy series, considering chemistries based on the commercial 5052 alloy with three Mg contents (2.4wt.%, 2.6wt.% and 3.2wt.%) through transient directional solidification experiments. Very representative incoming impurities to a given twin-roll casting procedure were reached. As such, the Si, Fe, Cu, Mn and Cr-contents in the tested samples typically trend in between the suitable alloying spectrum. Microstructural analyzes were performed using polarized light microscopy of samples taken from various ingot positions. Growth relationships between the secondary dendritic spacing (λ2) and the growth velocity were determined. The 5052 alloys containing higher Mg content may induce a decrease in λ2 for a certain growth velocity. The hardness values measured across the three directionally solidified castings were directly related to the λ2, which can be considered a fundamental variable affecting mechanical strength. For representative conditions vis-à-vis those employed in industry, it was shown that even relatively small changes in Mg content of the 5052 alloy may have some impact on λ2. These results open new ways to predict the final as-cast microstructure characterizing commercial 5052 alloy products, with a view to controlling not only the dendritic growth but also the Mg content during casting operations.

Resumo em Inglês:

It is well known that the mechanical properties of commercial pure Al are influenced by size of α-Al dendrites. In the present work, Al-5Ti-0.62C-0.2Nd grain refiner was prepared by a pure molten aluminum thermal explosion reaction, and its effect on grain refinement and mechanical properties of commercial pure Al was investigated. Microstructure and phase composition show that Al-5Ti-0.62C-0.2Nd grain refiner consists of α-Al, granular TiC, lump-like TiAl3, and block-like Ti2Al20Nd. Grain-refining tests on commercial pure Al show that an Al-5Ti-0.62C-0.2Nd grain refiner has better refining performance compared with Al-5Ti-0.62C grain refiner. With addition of 0.2-wt.%-Al-5Ti-0.62C-0.2Nd grain refiner, the average grain size of commercial pure Al can be refined from roughly 2800 to 155±5 µm effectively, and it has higher resistance to grain-refinement fading. On account of the grain refinement, the tensile strength and elongation are increased by approximately 18.3% and 83.5%, respectively.

Resumo em Inglês:

The composite LiFePO4/polyaniline was prepared by chemical synthesis to promote the intensification of the electrochemical properties for use as cathodes in lithium ion batteries. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) of LiFePO4 synthesized by solvothermal method were indexed to the orthorhombic structure, according to the JCPDS 40-1499. The spectra Raman and FTIR showed a high degree of ordering of LiFePO4 with interaction between LiFePO4 surface with structure conjugate of conducting polymers. The cyclic voltammogram of the composite synthesized chemically showed a significant reduction in the value of ΔE p (ΔE p = 0.20 V) when compared to LiFePO4 (ΔE p = 0.41 V), with lower charge transfer resistance values, indicating favoring electron transfer rate in the composite. Thus, the alternative synthesis route of the LiFePO4 / PAni composite was easy to handle and allowed an increase in the electrochemical properties of the LiFePO4, compared to the traditional methods that require additional thermal treatments.

Resumo em Inglês:

This study investigates the effect of dissimilar metal welding of low nickel stainless steel (SS) and 304 SS employing tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process by using three different filler materials (316L, 308L and 310 SS). Microstructural, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior in 3.5% NaCl solution was studied. The microstructural investigation revealed the formation of δ-ferrite and γ-austenite in the weld (welded by 316L and 308L filler). The Higher δ-ferrite content was found more in 316L weld zone. Whereas samples welded by 310 SS filler showed the columnar structure in the weld zone. Relatively wider heat affected zone (HAZ) was measured on Cr-Mn SS side as compared to 304 SS side. Impact fracture surface of all the welded samples exhibited dimple appearance. Corrosion studies showed better pitting corrosion resistance in 316L SS welded sample due to the beneficial effect of δ-ferrite and also the addition of molybdenum (Mo). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed higher polarization resistance (Rp) in 316L SS as compared to other fillers. Galvanic current density was found to be higher in Cr-Mn SS as compared to 304 SS when coupled with different welded samples.

Resumo em Inglês:

AlCoCuFeMnNi high-entropy alloy coating was prepared by plasma cladding method. The phase structure and microstructure of AlCoCuFeMnNi coating was investigated by XRD, SEM and EDS respectively. The results show that AlCoCuFeMnNi caotings have two BCC phase structure and typical dendrite structure and form good metallurgical bonding with substrate. The dendrite is the typical spinodal decomposition structure. After CeO2 doping, the change of peak intensity and FWHM is obvious due to the effect of Ce on the improvement of grain growth, microstructure and crystallinity. The addition of CeO2 is beneficial to reduce the cladding defect, make dendrite arm spacing enlarged and spinodal decomposition structure refined, and improve element segregation owing to the melioration effect in the temperature gradient, solidification rate, fluidity, wettability, and surface tension.

Resumo em Inglês:

The Mg10YNi alloy was hydrogenated and then coupled with LiBH4 to form LiBH4/Mg10YNi-H reactive hydride composite. The results indicate that thermal dehydrogenation stability of LiBH4 can be remarkably reduced by combining with Mg10YNi hydride. The starting and ending temperatures for hydrogen desorption from the LiBH4/Mg10YNi-H composite are approximately 275 and 430 ºC, respectively. Dehydrogenation of the LiBH4/Mg10YNi-H composite proceeds mainly in two steps with a total reaction of 12LiBH4 + 2.5Mg10YNiH20 → 24Mg + MgNi2.5B2 + 2.5YB4 + 12LiH + 43H2. After rehydrogenation at 450 ºC under 9 MPa hydrogen pressure, the LiBH4/Mg10YNi-H composite starts to release hydrogen around 260 ºC, and as much as approximately 5.2 wt.% of hydrogen can be desorbed during the second dehydrogenation process.

Resumo em Inglês:

In the present work, the thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity of the Al-0.25 Zr (wt.%) alloy have been investigated from 300 K to 600 K. The variations of thermal conductivity (Ktotal) with temperature were measured by using a radial heat flow furnace. The electrical resistivity (ρ) measurements of the alloy depending on the temperature were performed using the standard four-point probe method. The electrical conductivity (σ) was obtained by using the measured electrical resistivity. The thermal conductivity and the electrical resistivity coefficients were determined from the graphs of thermal and electrical resistivity versus temperature for the alloy. The electronic thermal conductivity (Ke) values were obtained from the Wiedemann-Franz and Smith-Palmer equations, and the values of KL were obtained by subtracting Ke fromthe measured values (Ktotal). Ktotal is dominated by Ke, and Ke varies between 208-198 W/mK. The KL decreases from 7.99 to 1.77 W/m K, and σ varies between 1.41x107-2.80x107 Ω-1m-1 in the range of temperature 373-600 K. The enthalpy of fusion (ΔH) and the specific heat capacity (Cp) during the transformation were determined. Thermal diffusivity (α) changes were calculated as a function of temperature from these obtained thermal data.

Resumo em Inglês:

Cold plasmas fed trichloromethane-argon mixtures were used to treat cross-linked polyethylene (PE) to improve the adhesion of water-based paint. The effects of the plasma treatment undertaken at different percentages of CHCl3 in the plasma feed, CCl, were investigated using Infrared Spectroscopy in Diffuse Reflection (DR) mode, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), goniometry for surface contact angle measurements, profilometry for roughness measurements, and paint adhesion tests. All the treatments modify the surfaces by introducing chlorine. Oxygen is present in the bulk and on the surfaces of the treated and untreated material. The treatments do not alter the bulk, but tend to increase the surface roughness and contact angle. When CHCl3 is present in the plasma subsequent paint adhesion is improved from a very poor classification of 4 to an excellent classification of 0 (assessed according to the appropriate Brazilian standards (BS EN ISO 2409:2007 and BS 3900-E6:2007A)). Surface roughness is not increased at low CCl but improved paint adhesion occurs for all CCl > 0. Although the causes of the improved paint adhesion with the plasma treatment are unclear, they may be related to the plasma activation of unsaturated carbon and oxygen functionalities.

Resumo em Inglês:

In the present report, Al-SBA mesoporous materials were investigated for use as water adsorbents. Different precursors for aluminum were investigated: aluminum sulfate and nitrate, boehmite, and aluminum tri-sec-butoxide. Furthermore, three different procedures for addition of the silica and alumina sources were tested. Samples were characterized by nitrogen adsorption to observe their textural characteristics and by thermogravimetric desorption of water to address their performance. The sample synthesized with aluminum tri-sec-butoxide as aluminum precursor and a pre-hydrolysis step of the silica source presented the highest adsorption capacity: 1057 g.kg-1. It was also observed that water attaches more strongly to Al-containing samples than to pure silica, and that water adsorption capacity is more related to the pore volume of samples than to their surface area. This work has shown that functionalizing SBA-15 materials with aluminum is a promising strategy for producing water adsorbents with improved performance and potential for many applications.

Resumo em Inglês:

Butanol has shown potential as an alternative biofuel. It can be obtained through ABE fermentation, which produces 1-butanol, ethanol and acetone. Pervaporation is a potential separation process, since it can be successfully applied to remove trace components such as butanol, which is toxic to the cells. The development of an effective membrane is the limiting factor for this technology. Activated carbon-containing polydimethylsiloxane membranes were prepared by varying the filler content up to 2 wt%. The resulting membranes were characterized for the separation of model solutions with 1-butanol, acetone, ethanol and water by pervaporation. The effects of activated carbon load (0, 1, 2 wt%) and temperature (25, 40, 55ºC) on flux and separation factor were evaluated. The addition of 1 wt% activated carbon increased membrane free volume, changed surface morphology and showed flux of 45 g/m2h, with separation factor for 1-butanol of 370, at 55ºC.

Resumo em Inglês:

The corrosion product formation and the stress corrosion cracking of brass in different ammonia environments have been observed and characterized. Optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to analyze the corrosion phenomena on the systems. The testing methodology was designed to investigate the variables affecting stress corrosion cracking behaviour, these parameters were: stamp geometry, immersion time, Cl- concentration, pH, copper ions concentration, exposure to vapour/ liquid. From this investigation, stress corrosion cracking of brass was shown to occur most severely in ammonia vapour. The increase of the amount of ammonia and copper ions in the form of copper sulphate was found to increase the corrosion of the brass samples.

Resumo em Inglês:

Many researches aim to develop different biomaterials that are compatible with natural tissues. In vitro and in vivo tests are used to evaluate this potential. Our aim was to report the importance of the critical defect’s location for in vivo assays, to evaluate this approach; in vivo studies were performed, using different compositions of biomaterials in two critical size defects: tibia and parietal bone. Polycaprolactone was used as the main polymeric matrix with and without addition of hydroxyapatite. In vivo studies on the standard critical size defect in tibia and parietal bone were performed using Wistars models: 3x2 and 5x1 dimensions, respectively. The animals were sacrificed after 32 days; neobone formation was assessed with the histological data. The in vivo data demonstrated differences between the tibia and parietal bone groups: the influence of the bone on the neobone’s formation was notable. All the tibia defect samples had greater neobone volume when compared to the parietal data. Indeed, these bones have distinct embryology, influence of mechanical forces and vascularization rate that are well known; moreover, these characteristics were demonstrated to be critical for neobone formation.

Resumo em Inglês:

Mӧssbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and hardness measurements were used to investigate the atomic redistribution and phase transformation of solution-treated and 440°C aged Maraging-300 steel specimens. The ageing temperature that resulted in the best mechanical properties in this steel was 480ºC. At 440ºC, the formation of the precipitates that assure excellent mechanical properties of the maraging steel (Ni3Ti, Fe2Mo) was not expected. The results indicated that Mo and Ti redistribution was severe during the first hour of ageing. The mobility of the Ni atoms probably occurred during all stages of the ageing process, and the Co atoms remained close to Fe atomic sites. An irregular behaviour of the formation of paramagnetic phases containing iron was observed, and some evidence of the formation of these phases without Fe will be discussed. The formation of metastable phases was suggested and the possibility of austenite reversion was not discarded at this ageing temperature.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work aims to synthesize composite material which combines adequate mechanical properties and high resistance to bacterial adhesion. Such materials are needed in many components in the medical, industrial, and environmental applications. To obtain that combination, high weight percents of anatase nanoparticles, as bacterial adhesion reducer, were incorporated into a matrix of the ABS terpolymer. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumonia were selected for the bacterial adhesion tests. The surface properties of the composites were investigated and correlated to the adhesion behavior using nonlinear regression technique. It has been found that adding anatase nanoparticles improves the stiffness and the compressive strength of the terpolymer with a noticeable reduction in the flexural strength due to the development of minor defects in the structure. Nevertheless, a composite containing 10 wt% of anatase nanoparticles exhibited an interesting and adequate combination of the mechanical properties and the resistance to bacterial adhesion. The regression analysis produced a mathematical formula that excellently fits the experimental data. Such formula can be used to predict the bacterial adhesion to a surface based on its multi-scale features.

Resumo em Inglês:

High strength low alloy (HSLA) steels are used for the construction of pipelines for oil and natural gas transportation. For such applications pipelines must exhibit mechanical resistance and resistance to corrosion and hydrogen induced cracking (HIC). API 5L X65 steels are the main materials used for this purpose. However, for economic reasons, the use of steels of superior grades would be of interest. This work presents a comparative study of the corrosion and HIC resistances of an API 5L X65 and an API 5L X80 steel in deaerated solution A of NACE TM0284 standard. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization experiments were performed in non-sour and sour (H2S-saturated) media, and HIC resistance tests were carried out in the sour medium. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) characterizations of polished and corroded samples were also done. Electrochemical tests showed that the API 5L X80 steel is slightly more susceptible to surface corrosion, which can be probably linked to its higher inclusion content and smaller grain sizes, it was also susceptible to HIC. Mn and S-rich inclusions found in the crack path indicate that this microstructural feature may play a key role in crack propagation and HIC susceptibility

Resumo em Inglês:

This paper proposes an innovative approach to determine the composition of natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) blends from the analysis of the data provided by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique. DSC registers are post-processed, based on a multivariate chemometric approach, consisting in the application of the successive projections algorithm (SPA) as variable selection algorithm and a further application of the partial least squares (PLS) regression method and the leave-one-out cross-validation algorithm. Results attained by applying this approach are compared with those obtained from mid-infrared spectroscopy since this last method has been widely applied during the last decades. Experimental results summarized in the paper prove that this fast and cost-effective approach is useful to determine the composition of unknown incoming NR/SBR blends.

Resumo em Inglês:

The local misorientation and orientation gradient development near grain boundaries (GBs) are analyzed in a deep drawing quality steel sheet (AKDQ) subjected to interrupted tensile tests in a notched sample. The microstructure is studied using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) with subgrain-level spatial resolution. The evolution of misorientation accumulation for particular GBs was traced in grains located in different zones inside the notch, identifying the effective area of influence of GBs inside the neighboring grains. A local study was performed, and the evolution in misorientation development near GB was investigated. The results show a low correlation between GB width and sharpness of the orientation gradient with the mesoscopic strain, but instead orientation gradients between GB zones and the interior of the grains were observed with increasing strain. The increase in severity observed in some GBs can be related to dislocation pile up development, which reduces the permeability of a boundary to dislocation transmission.

Resumo em Inglês:

This work studies the application of a Non-Destructive Inspection Technique (NDIT), based on the Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (MBN), for the detection of non-homogeneous regions in carbon steel plates. It presents the advances in the development of a variant of a new non-destructive magnetic test technique, called Continuous Scanning Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (CSMBN). The non-homogeneous or damaged regions were produced by plastic deformations in rolled and annealed sheets of SAE 1060 and 1070 steels. MBN is generated by abrupt changes in the magnetization of materials when subjected to alteration. The sensitivity of the MBN signals in the detection of plastic deformations was analyzed varying parameters such as excitation magnetic field frequency and the speed of movement of the probe. The behavior of the root mean square of magnetic Barkhausen Noise signal (RMSMBN) parameter was correlated with the position of the nonhomogeneous regions detected in the samples. An evaluation of the technique applied to the measurement was made, comparing the results obtained with the Static Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (SMBN) technique, which is a method already established in the literature. The results showed that in all cases studied it was possible to detect the position of the damage, due to variation of the magnetic field. These changes are affected by the presence and distribution of elastic stresses (compression and traction), plastic deformation and microstructure modification. The results of CSMBN were similar to the SBMN with the advantage of being a continuous and more productive procedure. This new technique increases the spectrum of NDIT solutions for problems not contemplated by existing techniques.

Resumo em Inglês:

The diffusion of phosphorus and aluminum in a single-step thermal process may reduce the production cost of multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cells. The goal of this paper is to analyze the influence of phosphorus diffusion parameters on the electrical characteristics of p-type mc-Si solar cells processed with a single-step diffusion of phosphorus and aluminum. To avoid the wafer bowing during aluminum paste firing, the aluminum was deposited by e-beam and co-diffused in the same thermal step that the phosphorus diffusion. First, the aluminum diffusion was performed and, then, the POCl3 was introduced into the quartz tube. The steps of the phosphorus diffusion were experimentally optimized. The best result was found with the temperature of 875 ºC. The POCl3 concentration of 0.15 % and the optimized phosphorus diffusion parameters lead to the efficiency of 14.1%. The reduction of the oxygen flow during ramp temperature and aluminum diffusion improved the efficiency.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study investigated the effect of intercritical heat treatment temperature on the tensile properties, work hardening and corrosion resistance of dual phase steel. Ferrite-martensite dual phase steel with different martensite volume fractions were obtained after heat treatment at different intercritical temperatures. Microstructure, mechanical properties of steel were measured and the corrosion resistance was evaluated via polarization test. Tensile strength of the specimens increased by increasing the martensite volume fraction up to 48.2%. Further increase in martensite volume fraction led to decrease in tensile strength. Work hardening behavior analyzing showed that in DP steel with less than 50% martensite volume fraction, the work hardening took place in one stage and by increasing the martensite volume fraction two-stage work hardening behavior was observed in the Holloman analysis. The results of polarization test showed that, the corrosion resistance of dual phase steel is higher than that of plain carbon steel with ferrite-pearlite microstructure.

Resumo em Inglês:

Al-based glassy alloys (metallic glasses) have been of great scientific and technological interest as a high specific strength and high corrosion resistant materials. However, the low glass-forming ability (GFA) is still a choke point that greatly influences the applications. In order to further comprehend the glass formation mechanism and investigate the possibility of enhancing the GFA, it is important to obtain the definite information on the atomic scale glassy structures in correlation with properties and to study the composition dependence of crystallization and properties of Al-based metallic glasses. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the structure characteristics and crystallization behavior in conjunction with alloy component in Al-based metallic glasses and to investigate the possibility of synthesizing an Al-based bulk metallic glass with better engineering performances. This may assist to learn the structural features systematically and understand the development and current status for Al-based metallic glasses.