Although the 6150 steel has an excellent fatigue and impact resistance, it is unsuitable to operate it when the corrosion is a limited factor. We propose here a sequence of steel pre-treatment by carburizing, carbonitriding and nitriding in order to improve the poor adhesion between Diamond Like-Carbon coatings on steel. This sequence is our attempt to reduce the difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion of steel and DLC through the graded interface. This work demonstrates the quantitative analysis of the molecules present at surface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The crystallographic structures are investigated by X-ray diffraction which shows the formation of carbides and nitride phases. Raman spectroscopy reveals the carburizing surface characteristics where DLC coating is nucleated and grown at the substrate. At the end of the analysis it is possible to verify which molecules and phases are formed on the steel surface interface after each step of pre-treatment.
The incorporation of drugs and bioactive compounds in the natural rubber latex (NRL) matrix has been an alternative for the development of transdermal release membranes. Ibuprofen (IBF) is known to be used to treat inflammatory diseases, but when administered orally, high concentrations can cause some adverse problems. In this work, the incorporation of IBF in the NRL membranes was evaluated by physical-chemical, in vitro permeation, hemocompatibility and molecular modeling assays. In addition, the in vitro release profile of IBF in acid and basic media was analyzed during 96 h. The IBF-NRL membrane exhibited the absence of intermolecular bonding that could hinder drug release and presented compatible mechanical properties for applications as a cutaneous adhesive (0.58 and 1.12 MPa to Young’s modulus and rupture tension, respectively). The IBF-NRL system did not present a significant hemolysis degree (1.67%) within 24 h. The release test indicated that in the first hours of the study, 48.5% IBF was released at basic pH and 22.5% at acidic pH, which is characteristic of a burst effect. Then, a stable release profile was observed until the end of the assay, with total IBF release of 60% in alkaline medium and 50% in acidic medium. The drug permeation results indicated that the IBF-NRL membranes can be used for the local skin treatment with permeation of 3.11% of IBF. Dynamic Molecular simulations indicated a pronounced electric dipole in the ionized form of IBF, which suggests a more effective interaction with water, explaining the efficient drug release in alkaline solutions. In general, the results demonstrate that the IBF-NRL membrane has great potential for a new adhesive that can be used for the treatment of inflammatory processes and injuries.
Cutting precision is extremely affect by a phenomenon known as built-up edge (BUE) that occurs on tungsten carbide tools during low cutting speed of aluminum alloy. BUE is responsible for early tool breakage due to excessive material build-up from the machined part on the cutting face, leading to problems of shape irregularity and tool-tip breakage. Thus, Diamond-like Carbon was deposited and tested to verify cutting precision in aluminum alloy by using tungsten carbide tools. The characterizations of the film were: Morphology analysis through scanning electron microscopy; structural atomic analysis of chemical bond from Raman Backscatter Spectroscopy; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy helped to identify the distribution of carbon atoms on the film surface, and the evaluation of Young's modulus and hardness using the Oliver-Pahrr method. To analyse the cutting precision, drilling tests were performed on coated/uncoated drills at two cutting speeds (340 and 430 m/min). As an evaluation parameter in the aluminum alloy, the hole diameter deviation was measured after pre determined numbers of drilling operations. Statistical comparisons between the diameter deviation as a function of the number of drilling test indicated better cutting accuracy for the DLC coated tool. The factors identified in this work, such as the reduction of the friction coefficient, and the hardness and Young's modulus of the DLC helped in the performance of the tool, mainly in the lower cutting speed.
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