• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.6 no.5
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• pp.387-394
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• 2014

PURPOSE. Topographic analysis of treated ceramics provides qualitative information regarding the surface texture affecting the micromechanical retention and locking of resin-ceramics. This study aims to compare the surface microstructure following different surface treatments of feldspathic porcelain. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This in-vitro study was conducted on 72 porcelain discs randomly divided into 12 groups (n=6). In 9 groups, feldspathic surfaces were subjected to sandblasting at 2, 3 or 4 bar pressure for 5, 10 or 15 seconds with $50{\mu}m$ alumina particles at a 5 mm distance. In group 10, 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) gel was applied for 120 seconds. In group 11, specimens were sandblasted at 3 bar pressure for 10 seconds and then conditioned with HF. In group 12, specimens were first treated with HF and then sandblasted at 3 bar pressure for 10 seconds. All specimens were then evaluated under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at different magnifications. RESULTS. SEM images of HF treated specimens revealed deep porosities of variable sizes; whereas, the sandblasted surfaces were more homogenous and had sharper peaks. Increasing the pressure and duration of sandblasting increased the surface roughness. SEM images of the two combined techniques showed that in group 11 (sandblasted first), HF caused deeper porosities; whereas in group 12 (treated with HF first) sandblasting caused irregularities with less homogeneity. CONCLUSION. All surface treatments increased the surface area and caused porous surfaces. In groups subjected to HF, the porosities were deeper than those in sandblasted only groups.

• Composites Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2013

CNT-polypropylene (PP) composites were compounded by solvent dispersion method with uniform dispersion by using twin screw extruder. Damage sensing effects based on conductive carbon nanotubes (CNT) were evaluated to monitor the internal damage of CNT-PP composites using electrical resistance measurement. Mechanical and interfacial properties of CNT-PP composites were investigated and compared with neat PP. The mechanical properties of PP matrix were improved after adding CNT, because of the reinforcing effect of CNT fillers. In order to monitor the internal damage of CNT-PP composite, the change in electrical resistance of the composites was measured under fatigue loading and bending tests. CNT fillers exhibited good sensing under electrical resistance measurements. It is shown that CNT-PP composites with low CNT contents allow identifying critical cyclic loading, which are found to be accompanied with the internal failure.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.162-168
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• 2009

As a preliminary study of optimum composite properties under cryogenic temperature, the comparison of interfacial properties of carbon or glass fibers reinforced epoxy composites was evaluated at ambient and intermediate low temperature, i.e., 25 and $-10^{\circ}C$ by using micromechanical techniques. Under tensile and compressive loading conditions, their mechanical modulus at low temperature was higher than that atambient temperature. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) at ambient and low temperatures was compared to each other, depending on epoxy matrix toughness and apparent modulus at the interface. The IFSS was much higher at low temperature than that at room temperature because of the increased epoxy matrix modulus. Statistical distributions of tensile strengths of glass and carbon fibers were evaluated for different temperature ranges, which is dependent upon fiber's inherent flaws and rigidity.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2012

This paper presents materials and processing technique to manufacture low viscous strain-hardening cementitious composite which is suitable for structures requiring low viscosity of materials. The micromechanics and fracture mechanics tools coupled with processing techniques were adopted to achieve low viscosity of composites as well as high tensile strain capacity. Optimal volume and length of fibers and interfacial properties between fibers and matrix for composites with tensile strength of 2~3MPa were determined on the basis of the micromechanical analysis and the steady-state cracking theory. Then six mixtures were determined and the experiment was carried out to evaluate the viscosity and uniaxial tensile performance of those. From the test results, it is verified that the strain-hardening cementitious composite with low viscosity suitable for grouting applications in fresh state as well as high ductility over 1.5% in hardened state can be feasible.