The Synthesis of Sponge-like V2O5/CNT Hybrid Nanostructures Using Vertically Aligned CNTs as Templates.

The fabrication of sponge-like vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanostructures using vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) as a template is presented. The VACNTs were grown on silicon substrates by chemical vapor deposition using the Fe/Al bilayer catalyst approach. The V2O5 nanostructures were obtained from the thermal oxidation of metallic vanadium deposited on the VACNTs. Different oxidation temperatures and vanadium thicknesses were used to study the influence of these parameters on the stability of the carbon template and the formation of the V2O5 nanostructures. The morphology of the samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, and the structural characterization was performed by Raman, energy-dispersive X-ray, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Due to the catalytic properties of V2O5 in the decomposition of carbonaceous materials, it was possible to obtain supported sponge-like structures based on V2O5/CNT composites, in which the CNTs exhibit an increase in their graphitization. The VACNTs can be removed or preserved by modulating the thermal oxidation process and the vanadium thickness.

CVD Growth of Hematite Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Effect of Precursor-Substrate Distance on Their Final Properties.

The development of photoelectrode materials for efficient water splitting using solar energy is a crucial research topic for green hydrogen production. These materials need to be abundant, fabricated on a large scale, and at low cost. In this context, hematite is a promising material that has been widely studied. However, it is a huge challenge to achieve high-efficiency performance as a photoelectrode in water splitting. This paper reports a study of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of hematite nanocrystalline thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide as a photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting, with a particular focus on the effect of the precursor-substrate distance in the CVD system. A full morphological, structural, and optical characterization of hematite nanocrystalline thin films was performed, revealing that no change occurred in the structure of the films as a function of the previously mentioned distance. However, it was found that the thickness of the hematite film, which is a critical parameter in the photoelectrochemical performance, linearly depends on the precursor-substrate distance; however, the electrochemical response exhibits a nonmonotonic behavior. A maximum photocurrent value close to 2.5 mA/cm2 was obtained for a film with a thickness of around 220 nm under solar irradiation.

Structural Study of Sulfur-Added Carbon Nanohorns.

In the past few decades, nanostructured carbons (NCs) have been investigated for their interesting properties, which are attractive for a wide range of applications in electronic devices, energy systems, sensors, and support materials. One approach to improving the properties of NCs is to dope them with various heteroatoms. This work describes the synthesis and study of sulfur-added carbon nanohorns (S-CNH). Synthesis of S-CNH was carried out by modified chemical vapor deposition (m-CVD) using toluene and thiophene as carbon and sulfur sources, respectively. Some parameters such as the temperature of synthesis and carrier gas flow rates were modified to determine their effect on the properties of S-CNH. High-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the presence of hollow horn-type carbon nanostructures with lengths between 1 to 3 µm and, diameters that are in the range of 50 to 200 nm. Two types of carbon layers were observed, with rough outer layers and smooth inner layers. The surface textural properties are attributed to the defects induced by the sulfur intercalated into the lattice or bonded with the carbon. The XRD patterns and X-ray microanalysis studies show that iron serves as the seed for carbon nanohorn growth and iron sulfide is formed during synthesis.

Análise comparativa das características e qualidade do acabamento de superfície de preparo em dentina bovina com ultrassom piezoelétrico e pontas diamantadas de alta rotação / Comparative analysis of the characteristics and quality of the preparation surface finish in bovine dentin with piezoelectric ultrasound and high-speed diamond burs

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar, in vitro, as características e qualidade do acabamento de superfície em dentes bovinos, através da análise de rugosidade superficial e análise de imagens em Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). Apesar de amplamente utilizadas, as pontas diamantadas apresentam limitações como baixa durabilidade e suas repetidas esterilizações causam diminuição da capacidade de corte. Com o surgimento das pontas odontológicas de diamante CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), sua indicação tem sido ampliada como alternativa, pois associadas a aparelhos de ultrassom apresentam boa resistência ao desgaste. Oitenta dentes bovinos foram selecionados para este estudo e foram divididos em oito grupos de acordo com o tipo de ponta utilizada para confecção do desgaste do preparo protético: Grupo I ­ ponta diamantada KG nº2135 acoplada em alta rotação (AR) grupo controle; Grupo II - ponta diamantada KG nº2135 (AR), ponta diamantada CVDentus CR4 acoplada em ultrassom (US); Grupo III - ponta diamantada KG nº2135 (AR), ponta diamantada CVDentus CR4 seguida da ponta CR4U, acopladas em US; Grupo IV ­ ponta diamantada KG nº2135 (AR), ponta diamantada TR18-H CVDentus AR; Grupo V ­ ponta diamantada KG nº2135 acoplada em AR, seguido de broca carbide multilaminada 30 lâminas de acabamento de preparo, acopladas em baixa rotação; Grupo VI­ ponta diamantada KG nº2135 (AR), seguido de broca carbide multilaminada 30 lâminas e finalização com ponta de borracha, Grupo VII - ponta diamantada KG nº2135 (AR), broca CVDentus TR18-H (AR), ponta diamante CR4-U (CVDentus) (US); Grupo VIII - ponta diamantada KG nº2135 (AR), ponta diamante CR4 (CVDentus), ponta diamante T1-F (US). Após confecção dos preparos, 10 amostras de dentes de cada grupo foram analisados quanto a rugosidade em rugosímetro e duas amostras de cada grupo serão avaliadas por Microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV). Os dados referentes à avaliação quantitativa (rugosidade superficial) foram submetidos à análise estatística. (AU)

The objective of this work was to compare, in vitro, the characteristics and quality of the surface finish in bovine teeth, through the analysis of surface roughness and image analysis in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Despite being widely used, diamond burs have limitations such as low durability and their repeated sterilization causes a decrease in cutting capacity. With the emergence of CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) diamond dental tips, their indication has been expanded as an alternative, because associated with ultrasound devices they present good resistance to wear. Eighty bovine teeth were selected for this study and were divided into eight groups according to the type of tip used to make the prosthetic preparation wear: Group I ­ diamond tip KG nº2135 coupled in high rotation (HR) control group; Group II - diamond bur KG nº2135 (AR), diamond bur CVDentus CR4 coupled to ultrasound (US); Group III - diamond bur KG nº2135 (AR), diamond bur CVDentus CR4 followed by the CR4U bur, coupled in US; Group IV ­ diamond bur KG nº2135 (AR), diamond bur TR18-H CVDentus AR; Group V ­ diamond bur KG nº2135 coupled in AR, followed by a multilaminated carbide bur 30 preparation finishing blades, coupled in low rotation; Group VI ­ diamond bur KG nº2135 (AR), followed by a 30-blade multi-blade carbide bur and finishing with a rubber tip, Group VII ­ diamond bur KG nº2135 (AR), CVDentus bur TR18-H (AR), diamond bur CR4-U (CVDentus) (US); Group VIII - diamond bur KG nº2135 (AR), diamond bur CR4 (CVDentus), diamond bur T1-F (US). After preparation of the preparations, 10 samples of teeth from each group were analyzed for roughness in a rugosimeter and two samples from each group will be evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Data referring to the quantitative evaluation (surface roughness) were subjected to statistical analysis. (AU)

Comparative Study on the Quality of Microcrystalline and Epitaxial Silicon Films Produced by PECVD Using Identical SiF4 Based Process Conditions.

Hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc-Si:H) and epitaxial silicon (epi-Si) films have been produced from SiF4, H2 and Ar mixtures by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at 200 °C. Here, both films were produced using identical deposition conditions, to determine if the conditions for producing µc-Si with the largest crystalline fraction (XC), will also result in epi-Si films that encompass the best quality and largest crystalline silicon (c-Si) fraction. Both characteristics are of importance for the development of thin film transistors (TFTs), thin film solar cells and novel 3D devices since epi-Si films can be grown or etched in a selective manner. Therefore, we have distinguished that the H2/SiF4 ratio affects the XC of µc-Si, the c-Si fraction in epi-Si films, and the structure of the epi-Si/c-Si interface. Raman and UV-Vis ellipsometry were used to evaluate the crystalline volume fraction (Xc) and composition of the deposited layers, while the structure of the films were inspected by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Notably, the conditions for producing µc-Si with the largest XC are different in comparison to the fabrication conditions of epi-Si films with the best quality and largest c-Si fraction.

CVD Conditions for MWCNTs Production and Their Effects on the Optical and Electrical Properties of PPy/MWCNTs, PANI/MWCNTs Nanocomposites by In Situ Electropolymerization.

In this work, the optimal conditions of synthesizing and purifying carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from ferrocene were selected at the first stage, where decomposition time, argon fluxes, precursor amounts, decomposition temperature (at 1023 K and 1123 K), and purification process (HNO3 + H2SO4 or HCl + H2O2), were modulated through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and compared to commercial CNTs. The processing temperature at 1123 K and the treatment with HCl + H2O2 were key parameters influencing the purity, crystallinity, stability, and optical/electrical properties of bamboo-like morphology CNTs. Selected multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs), from 1 to 20 wt%, were electropolymerized through in-situ polarization with conductive polymers (CPs), poly(aniline) (PANI) and poly(pyrrole) (PPy), for obtaining composites. In terms of structural stability and electrical properties, MWCNTs obtained by CVD were found to be better than commercial ones for producing CPs composites. The CNTs addition in both polymeric matrixes was of 6.5 wt%. In both systems, crystallinity degree, related to the alignment of PC chains on MWCNTs surface, was improved. Electrical conductivity, in terms of the carrier density and mobility, was adequately enhanced with CVD CNTs, which were even better than the evaluated commercial CNTs. The findings of this study demonstrate that synergistic effects among the hydrogen bonds, stability, and conductivity are better in PANI/MWCNTs than in PPy/MWCNTs composites, which open a promissory route to prepare materials for different technological applications.

Progresses in Synthesis and Application of SiC Films: From CVD to ALD and from MEMS to NEMS.

A search of the recent literature reveals that there is a continuous growth of scientific publications on the development of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes for silicon carbide (SiC) films and their promising applications in micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) devices. In recent years, considerable effort has been devoted to deposit high-quality SiC films on large areas enabling the low-cost fabrication methods of MEMS/NEMS sensors. The relatively high temperatures involved in CVD SiC growth are a drawback and studies have been made to develop low-temperature CVD processes. In this respect, atomic layer deposition (ALD), a modified CVD process promising for nanotechnology fabrication techniques, has attracted attention due to the deposition of thin films at low temperatures and additional benefits, such as excellent uniformity, conformability, good reproducibility, large area, and batch capability. This review article focuses on the recent advances in the strategies for the CVD of SiC films, with a special emphasis on low-temperature processes, as well as ALD. In addition, we summarize the applications of CVD SiC films in MEMS/NEMS devices and prospects for advancement of the CVD SiC technology.

Enhanced Photoluminescence of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Carbide Thin Films by Means of a Fast Thermal Annealing Process.

In this paper, the photoluminescence (PL) of hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-Si1-xCx:H) thin films obtained by Plasma Enhancement Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) is reported. Strong PL is obtained after a fast annealing process for 60 s at temperatures of 200, 400, 600, and 800 °C. The thin films are characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), PL spectroscopy, and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). According to the results of the structural characterization, it is deduced that a structural rearrangement of the amorphous matrix is carried out during the fast annealing process, which results in different degrees of oxidation on the a-Si1-xCx:H films. The PL peak position shifts towards higher energies as the temperature increases. The sample deposited with a silane/methane flux ratio of 37.5 at an Radio Frequency (RF) power of 6 W experiences an increase in PL intensity of more than nine times, with a displacement in the peak position from 2.5 eV to 2.87 eV, at 800 °C. From the PL analysis, we observe two emission bands: one centered in the near infrared and other in the visible range (with a blue peak). This study opens the possibility to use such thin films in the development of optoelectronics devices, with potential for application in solar cells.

Fabrication of Microbolometer Arrays Based on Polymorphous Silicon-Germanium.

This work reports the development of arrays of infrared sensors (microbolometers) using a hydrogenated polymorphous silicon-germanium alloy (pm-SixGe1-x:H). Basically, polymorphous semiconductors consist of an amorphous semiconductor matrix with embedded nanocrystals of about 2-3 nm. The pm-SixGe1-x:H alloy studied has a high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of 4.08%/K and conductivity of 1.5 × 10-5 S∙cm-1. Deposition of thermosensing film was made by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at 200 °C, while the area of the devices is 50 × 50 µm2 with a fill factor of 81%. Finally, an array of 19 × 20 microbolometers was packaged for electrical characterization. Voltage responsivity values were obtained in the range of 4 × 104 V/W and detectivity around 2 × 107 cm∙Hz1/2/W with a polarization current of 70 µA at a chopper frequency of 30 Hz. A minimum value of 2 × 10-10 W/Hz1/2 noise equivalent power was obtained at room temperature. In addition, it was found that all the tested devices responded to incident infrared radiation, proving that the structure and mechanical stability are excellent.

Silicon-based film on the yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal: Surface and shear bond strength analysis.

AIM: To analyze the effect of a silicon (Si)-based film deposited on yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) on the topography and bond strength of resin cement. METHODS: Specimens of zirconia were obtained and randomly divided into 4 groups, according to surface treatment: polished group (PG) zirconia; sandblasted group (SG) zirconia with aluminum oxide (100 µm); after polished, zirconia was coated with Si-based film group (SiFG); and after sandblasted, zirconia was coated with Si-based film group (SiFSG). The Si-based films were obtained through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Surface roughness and contact angle analysis were performed. Resin cement cylinders were built up on the treated surface of blocks, after applying Monobond-S. The specimens were submitted to thermocycling aging and shear bond strength testing. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests were performed. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the surface treatments for each roughness parameter measured. Si-based film increased roughness and decreased the contact angle. Si-based film groups also demonstrated significantly lower bond strength values. CONCLUSION: Si-based film produced using plasma deposition provided lower bond strength to resin cement compared with conventional treatment; however, the film deposition reduced the contact angle and improved roughness, favorable properties in the long way to prepare an optimum material.

Effect of dlc films with and without silver nanoparticles deposited on titanium alloy

Abstract Diamond-like carbon (DLC) film is a biocompatible hard coating material that can prevent the leaching of metal ions. This study evaluates the structural characteristics of DLC, with and without silver nanoparticles, deposited by plasma (PECVD) on titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) and bone formation in contact with DLC films. Sixty Ti-6Al-4V samples were used divided in: uncoated, coated with DLC and coated with DLC-Ag. After structural characterization, samples were fixed bilaterally at the rabbit's mandible. After 15 and 90 days, samples were characterized again and bone formation in the area was analyzed by histomorphometry. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA. Both the DLC and DLC-Ag films were firmly adhered and showed a high electrical resistance without significant changes in the Raman spectrum after in vivo integration. After 15 days, there were immature bone trabeculae in the interface and partially covering the surface. After 90 days, mature bone filled the interface and coved the surface. There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups in both periods. In conclusion, osseointegration with DLC, DLC-Ag and uncoated Ti-6Al-4V is similar. However, DLC and DLC-Ag coverings have the advantage of electrical insulation and can presumably control bacterial activity and ion leaching.

Resumo O filme de carbono semelhante a diamante (DLC) é um material de revestimento duro e biocompatível que pode impedir a corrosão com liberação de íons metálicos. Este estudo avaliou as características estruturais do filme de DLC, com e sem nanopartículas de prata (Ag), depositadas por plasma (PECVD) em liga de titânio (Ti-6Al-4V) e formação óssea em contato com filmes de DLC. Foram utilizadas 60 amostras de Ti-6Al-4V divididas em: não recobertas, recobertas com DLC e recobertas com DLC-Ag. Após caracterização estrutural, amostras foram fixadas bilateralmente na mandíbula de coelhos. Após 15 e 90 dias, as amostras foram novamente caracterizadas e a formação óssea na área foi analisada por histomorfometria. A análise estatística foi realizada por ANOVA dois fatores. Ambos os filmes DLC e DLC-Ag foram firmemente aderidos e mostraram uma alta resistência elétrica sem alterações significativas no espectro Raman após a osseointegração in vivo. Após 15 dias, havia trabéculas ósseas imaturas na interface e cobrindo parcialmente a superfície. Após 90 dias, o osso maduro preencheu a interface e a superfície. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os três grupos nos dois períodos. Em conclusão, a osseointegração com DLC, DLC-Ag e Ti-6Al-4V não revestido é similar. No entanto, os revestimentos DLC e DLC-Ag têm a vantagem do isolamento elétrico e podem presumivelmente controlar a atividade bacteriana e a corrosão com liberação de íons.

Diamond-like carbon films over reconstructive TMJ prosthetic materials: Effects in the cytotoxicity, chemical and mechanical properties.

Increasingly more young patients have been submitted to reconstruction of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), so, the prostheses must to present more functional longevity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of diamond-like carbon film (DLC) over titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and polyethylene (UHWPE) samples, their mechanical and chemical properties and cellular cytotoxicity. METHODS: Titanium and UHWPE specimens, with 2.5 cm in diameter and 2 mm thickness were coated through plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with DLC or DLC doped with silver (DLC-Ag). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological analysis, Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) chemical analysis, scratching test, mechanical fatigue test, surface roughness analysis, and cellular cytotoxicity were performed. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) or two-way ANOVA and multiple comparison Tukey test. RESULTS: In the SEM analysis, morphological differences were observed on substrates after DLC deposition. The film chemically modified the substrate surfaces, according to the EDS analysis. The initial critical load failure occurred at 6.1 N for DLC and 9.7 N for the DLC-Ag film. The DLC film deposition over the polyethylene promoted a decrease in the polymer's damaged area after mechanical fatigue cycling. The cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated less biocompatibility in experimental groups, when compared to control, however, increased biocompatibility was observed, at 10 days, in all groups. CONCLUSION: The diamond-like carbon coating enhanced the chemical and mechanical properties from substrates, however modified biological interaction course of the titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and polyethylene (UHWPE) samples. Parameters for film deposition remain to be improved in order to obtain best biocompatibility.

The influence of grain size coating and shaft angulation of different diamond tips on dental cutting.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of the grain size coating and shaft angulation of ultrasonic and high-speed diamond burs on the dental cutting effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the grain size evaluation, cavities were prepared on 40 incisors using high-speed (1092 and 1093F KG Sorensen(®)) and ultrasonic tips (8.2142 and 6.2142-CVDentus(®)). For the shaft angulation evaluation, cavities were prepared on 40 incisors using uniangulated (T1-CVDentus(®)) and biangulated (T1-A CVDentus(®)) ultrasonic tips. The cavities were bisected and examined at ×50 magnification. The width and depth of cavities were measured by Leica QWin software. Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test was used for analysis. RESULTS: The grain size did not affect the cutting effectiveness, but the high-speed burs promoted deeper and wider cavities than the ultrasonic tips. The shaft angulation did not affect the cutting effectiveness; both the angulated and biangulated tips had greater cutting efficiency in dentin than in enamel. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonic tips promoted more conservative preparations and seemed promising for cavity preparation.

CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) - solução para controle de temperatura durante preparo cavitário? / CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) - solution for control of temperature during cavity preparation?

Os procedimentos restauradores em Odontologia utilizam brocas, turbinas de alta rotação, laser e novas tecnologias, como as pontas diamantadas obtidas pelo processo de deposição química a vapor (CVD). O uso incorreto desses métodos pode gerar aquecimento excessivo e agredir o complexo dentinopulpar, provocando lesões que variam de leve à grave e até mesmo a necrose da polpa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar e discutir o aumento de temperatura no complexo dentinopulpar durante o preparo cavitário, causado pelas brocas diamantadas convencionais usadas em turbina de alta rotação, pelo laser e pelas pontas diamantadas CVD acopladas ao ultrassom. Treze estudos foram encontrados após busca na base de dados PubMed no período de 1998 a 2009, sendo quatro relacionados a brocas diamantadas em turbinas de alta rotação, sete acerca de sistemas a laser e dois sobre as pontas CVD. De acordo com a literatura científca pesquisada, pode-se concluir que nenhum dos métodos aumenta a temperatura a ponto de causar injúria pulpar irreversível. Porém, não há estudos suficientes publicados para se afirmar que as pontas diamantadas CVD apresentam-se como a solução para controle do aumento de temperatura durante o preparo cavitário.

The restorative procedures in dentistry use burs, high-speed handpieces, laser and new technologies such as diamond burs obtained by the process of chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The misuse of these methods can generate excessive heat, and harm the pulpodentin complex, causing injuries ranging from mild to severe and even necrosis of the pulp. The objective was to review and discuss the temperature increase in pulpodentin complex during cavity preparation, caused by conventional diamond burs used in high-speed handpieces, laser and the CVD ultrasound diamond burs. Thirteen studies were found after a search on PubMed database from 1998 to 2009, and 4 were related to diamond burs at high-speed handpieces, 7 about laser systems and 2 about the CVD burs. According to the researched literature, we can conclude that none of the methods increases the temperature to the point of causing irreversible injury on the pulp. However, there are not enough published studies that confrm CVD diamond burs as the solution to controlling the temperature increase during cavity preparation.