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Aqueous gelcasting of alumina is optimised by preparing concentrated agarose solutions under overpressure conditions. The better dissolution reduces the viscosity and improves the microstructural control leading to green densities higher than 60 % of TD. The enhancement of the green strength is not accompanied by a significant increase of the plastic behaviour during fracture for agarose contents < 1 wt.%. Sintered densities > 99 % of theoretical are obtained.

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The aim of this work was to investigate those mechanical parameters able to describe the fracture behavior of dental composite resins. A commercially available fine-particle micro-hybrid resin composite was used. Classical parameters as Young's modulus, strength distribution, and critical stress intensity factor were considered. Strength values were determined using the diametrical compression of discs test and for the critical stress intensity factor both unstable and controlled fracture tests were used. Controlled fracture tests allowed determining the work of fracture. Microstructure was studied by optical and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The obtained properties have been Young's modulus, 17.7 +/- 0.6 GPa; Weibull modulus, m = 14 (upper and lower limits for 90% confidence: 17 and 10); characteristic strength 51 MPa (upper and lower limits for 90% confidence: 53 and 49 MPa); critical stress intensity factor in mode I, K(IC) = 1.3 +/- 0.1 and work of fracture, gamma(wof) = 8-9 J/m(2). Pores and bubbles formed during the packing of the composite were identified as critical defects in the tested specimens. Crack deflection and branching have been identified as toughening mechanisms. Classical mechanical parameters (Young's modulus, hardness...) are not able to efficiently predict the major clinical failure mode of composite resins by fatigue. Work of fracture analysis, which is dependant on microstructural parameters such as particle size and shape, have to be included when testing mechanical properties of dental composite resins in future research studies.

Monoclinic (Celsian) and hexagonal (Hexacelsian) Ba 1 _ JC Sr JC Al 2 Si 2 0 8 solid solutions, where x = 0,0.25,0.375,0.5,0.75 or 1, were synthesized by using Coal Fly Ash (CFA) as main raw material, employing a simple one-step solid-state reaction process involving thermal treatment for 5 h at 850-1300 °C. Fully monoclinic Celsian was obtained at 1200 °C/5 h, for SrO contents of 0.25 < x < 0.75. However, an optimum SrO level of 0.25 < x < 0.375 was recommended for the stabilization of Celsian. These synthesis conditions represent a significant improvement over the higher temperatures, longer times and/or multi-step processes needed to obtain fully monoclinic Celsian, when other raw materials are used for this purpose, according to previous literature. These results were attributed to the role of the chemical and phase constitution of CFA as well as to a likely mineralizing effect of CaO and Ti0 2 present in it, which enhanced the Hexacelsian to Celsian conversion.