silicon and silicon-carbide

Fluorescent nanoparticles have attracted much attention over the last two decades. Due to the size- and composition-dependent optical and electrical properties, fluorescent nanoparticles have been emphasized in electronic, optical and biomedical applications. Till now, many kinds of methods have been developed to fabricate diverse fluorescent nanoparticles, which include pyrolysis, template synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis, microemulsion, electrochemical methods and so on. Among them, electrochemical methods are favored for relatively good controllability, ease of operation and mild reaction conditions. By adjusting the applied potential, current, components of the electrolyte and other relevant parameters, the fluorescent nanoparticles could be electrochemically manufactured with tunable sizes, compositions and surface structure, which allows for the modification of electronic and optical properties. Therefore, electrochemical methods are regarded as important means in preparing fluorescent nanoparticles. This review focuses on the recent progress in electrochemical fabrications of fluorescent nanoparticles (together with their optical properties and some applications in optoelectronics and biomedicine).

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Electrochemical Techniques; Fluorescent Dyes; Nanoparticles; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Chemo-mechanical polishing (CMP) has been a common method to produce nano-scale surface finish of brittle wafers. This paper provides a relatively comprehensive review on the CMP of silicon, silicon carbide and sapphire including both patents and papers. The discussion includes the limitations and further research directions of the CMP technology, the material removal mechanisms, and the control and optimization of the CMP for brittle wafers. The paper concluded that the usage of mix- or coated- abrasives may improve the CMP in terms of less subsurface damage and higher material removal rate.

Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Chemistry, Physical; Nanotechnology; Patents as Topic; Semiconductors; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

Focused ion beam (FIB) technology has become increasingly popular in the fabrication of nanoscale structures. In this paper, the recent developments of the FIB technology are examined with emphasis on its ability to fabricate a wide variety of nanostructures. FIB-based nanofabrication involves four major approaches: milling, implantation, ion-induced deposition, and ion-assisted etching of materials; all these approaches are reviewed separately. Following an introduction of the uniqueness and strength of the technology, the ion source and systems used for FIB are presented. The principle and specific techniques underlying each of the four approaches are subsequently studied with emphasis on their abilities of writing structures with nanoscale accuracy. The differences and uniqueness among these techniques are also discussed. Finally, concluding remarks are provided where the strength and weakness of the techniques studied are summarized and the scopes for technological improvement and future research are recommended.

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Crystallization; Electrons; Gases; Ions; Kinetics; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Nanoparticles; Nanostructures; Nanotechnology; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

This paper reports on pulmonary dust retention in a man who worked 42 years in the vicinity of an Acheson furnace of a silicon carbide plant and had a carborundum pneumoconiosis. Special attention is paid to the retained silicon carbide fibers in the lung parenchyma. The concentration of silicon carbide fibers longer than 5 microns is 39,300 fibers/mg dry lung. These fibers have a similar morphology to fibers observed in the working environment. The result is compared to pulmonary retention of workers exposed to asbestos.

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning Transmission; Occupations; Pneumoconiosis; Pneumonectomy; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

The article presents the influence of silicon carbide upon an organism, on the basis of the publications which, according to Chemical Abstracts, appeared on this subject from 1944 until 1987. The insolubility of silicon carbide, in the liquids of an organism and its indigestibility are indicated. A connection is presented between the size and shape of micrograins and the probability of tumor formation in rats; and the difference between silicon carbide and other dusts in the absorption of x-rays, inhibition of the TTC-dehydrogenase activity, collagenisation of lesions, carcinogenicity are also presented. The problem of interpretation of radiological images of lungs in people exposed to the influence of carborundum dust is dealt with. The biological inertness of silicon carbide is questioned.

Topics: Animals; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Humans; Lung Diseases; Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Experimental; Occupational Diseases; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Silicon has been widely used as a material for microelectronic for more than 60 years, attracting considerable scientific interest as a promising tool for the manufacture of implantable medical devices in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the use of such material involves responsibilities due to its toxicity, and researchers are pushing towards the generation of new classes of composite semiconductors, including the Silicon Carbide (3C-SiC). In the present work, we tested the biocompatibility of Silicon and 3C-SiC using an in vitro model of human neuronal stem cells derived from dental pulp (DP-NSCs) and mouse Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs), a particular glial cell type showing stem cell characteristics. Specifically, we investigated the effects of 3C-SiC on neural cell morphology, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential. Data showed that both DP-NSCs and OECs, cultured on 3C-SiC, did not undergo consistent oxidative stress events and did not exhibit morphological modifications or adverse reactions in mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings highlight the possibility to use Neural Stem Cells plated on 3C-SiC substrate as clinical tool for lesioned neural areas, paving the way for future perspectives in novel cell therapies for neuro-degenerated patients.

Topics: Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cell Survival; Humans; Mice; Neural Stem Cells; Neuroglia; Neurons; Semiconductors; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

Gas sensors, which play an important role in the safety of human life, cover a wide range of applications including intelligent systems and detection of harmful and toxic gases. It is known that graphene is an ideal and attractive candidate for gas sensing due to its high surface area and excellent mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermal properties. However, in order to fully realize its potential as a commercial gas sensor, demand for a graphene-based device of low-limit detection, high sensitivity, and fast response time needs to be met. Here, we demonstrate a metal/insulator/semiconductor (MIS) based gas sensor consisting of as-grown epitaxial graphene nanowalls (EGNWs)/silicon carbide (SiC)/silicon (Si) structure. The unique edge dominant three-dimensional (3D) EGNWs based MIS device achieved an extraordinarily low limit of detection (0.5 ppm) and unprecedented sensitivity (82 μA/ppm/cm

Topics: Atmospheric Pressure; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Gases; Graphite; Hydrogen; Limit of Detection; Nanostructures; Oxygen; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Temperature

Silicon carbide ceramics obtained by reactive infiltration of silicon (SRI) have many industrial applications especially involving severe and high temperature conditions. In this study, the oxidation behavior in air of Si-SiC-ZrB. The oxidation process was analyzed on the basis of elemental maps and X-ray diffraction patterns taken, respectively, on the core and on the surface of the specimens, together with weight gains and the average thicknesses of the resulting scale. Further, flexural strength at room temperature was examined as a function of different oxidation times.. The main chemical reactions and phase transformations involved in the oxidation process are reported. Several oxides were detected on the surface: zirconia, silica, zircon and 3-zirconium monoxide. All of the samples showed a parabolic oxidation kinetics, suggesting that the controlling mechanism was the diffusion; however, even after 48 hours, the oxidation process was not finished - indeed, all of the samples continued to gain weight.. The oxidation of Si-SiC-ZrB

Topics: Boron Compounds; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Hot Temperature; Oxidation-Reduction; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Zirconium

Radiation-resistant, gamma-insensitive, active thermal neutron detectors were developed to monitor the thermal neutron cavity of the E_LIBANS project. Silicon and silicon carbide semiconductors, plus vented air ion chambers, were chosen for this purpose. This communication describes the performance of these detectors, owing on the results of dedicated measurement campaigns.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Computer Simulation; Equipment Design; Neutrons; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Monitoring; Radiation Protection; Semiconductors; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Temperature

Topics: Adsorption; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Kinetics; Nanoparticles; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

The determination of Al contaminant and the main component Si in silicon carbide (SiC) nanocrystals with the size-distribution of 1-8nm dispersed in an aqueous solution was developed using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFAAS). The vaporization/atomization processes were investigated in a transversally heated graphite atomizer by evaporating solution samples of Al and Si preserved in various media (HCl, HNO3). For Si, the best results were obtained by applying a mixture of 5µg Pd plus 5µg Mg, whereas for Al, 10µg Mg (each as nitrate solution) was dispensed with the samples, but the results obtained without modifier were found to be better. This way a maximum pyrolysis temperature of 1200°C for Si and 1300°C for Al could be used, and the optimum (compromise) atomization temperature was 2400°C for both analytes. The Si and Al contents of different sized SiC nanocrystals, dispersed in aqueous solutions, were determined against aqueous (external) calibration standards. The correlation coefficients (R values) of the calibrations were found to be 0.9963 for Si and 0.9991 for Al. The upper limit of the linear calibration range was 2mg/l Si and 0.25mg/l Al. The limit of detection was 3µg/l for Si and 0.5µg/l for Al. The characteristic mass (m0) was calculated to be 389pg Si and 6.4pg Al. The Si and Al content in the solution samples were found to be in the range of 1.0-1.7mg/l and 0.1-0.25mg/l, respectively.

Topics: Aluminum; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Graphite; Hot Temperature; Limit of Detection; Nanoparticles; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Spectrophotometry, Atomic

In the present study, silicon carbide (SiC) recovered from silicon sludge wastes is used as catalysts for photocatalytic reduction of CO₂. By X-ray diffraction, it is clear that the main components in the silicon sludge wastes are silicon and SiC. The grain size of the SiC separated from the sludge waste is in the range of 10-20 µm in diameter (observed by scanning electron microscopy). By solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, it is found that α-SiC is the main crystallite in the purified SiC. The α-SiC has the band-gap of 3.0 eV. To yield C₁-C₂chemicals from photocatalytic reduction of CO₂, hydrogen is provided by simultaneous photocatalytic splitting of H₂O. Under the light (253-2000 nm) illumination, 12.03 and 1.22 µmol/h g cat of formic and acetic acids, respectively, can be yielded.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Air Pollution; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Carbon Dioxide; Catalysis; Formates; Hydrogen; Industrial Waste; Light; Oxidation-Reduction; Recycling; Sewage; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Water

This study aims to realize controllable synthesis of Si-based nanostructures from common and easily accessible silica nanoparticles and to study their component/structure-dependent electrochemical performance as an anode of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To this end, a controllable route based on deliberate design has been developed to prepare hollow Si-based nanospheres with tunable composition and crystal structure at the nanoscale. The synthesis process started with coating silica nanoparticles with a carbonaceous polymer with a controllable thickness followed by magnesiothermic reduction. An Si-SiC-C composite was finally produced with a unique hollow sphere structure featuring Si-SiC nanoparticles encapsulated by a cross-linked carbon film network. In addition to the scalability of the synthetic route, the resulting composite exhibits a number of advantageous properties, including excellent electrical conductivity, highly accessible surfaces, structural coherence, and a favorable structure for the formation of a stable solid-electrolyte interphase, which makes it attractive and promising for advanced anode materials of LIBs.

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Electric Conductivity; Electric Power Supplies; Ions; Lithium; Nanostructures; Polymers; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Screening of Si-based flux materials for solution growth of SiC single crystals was demonstrated using a thin film composition-spread technique. The reactivity and diffusion of carbon in a composition spread of the flux was investigated by secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profiling of the annealed flux thin film spread on a graphite substrate. The composition dependence of the chemical interaction between a seed crystal and flux materials was revealed by high-temperature thermal behavior observation of the flux and the subsequent morphological study of the surface after removing the flux using atomic force microscopy. Our new screening approach is shown to be an efficient process for understanding flux materials for SiC solution growth.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Crystallization; Equipment Design; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Hot Temperature; Materials Testing; Microscopy, Confocal; Nickel; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Spectrometry, Mass, Secondary Ion; Surface Properties

To evaluate the effect of nozzle distance, nozzle angle, and deposition duration on the silica content attained on zirconia by air abrasion.. Disk-shaped zirconia (LAVA, 3M ESPE) (diameter: 10 mm, thickness: 2 mm) specimens (N = 54) were obtained. They were wet-ground finished using 600-, 800-, and 1200-grit silicone carbide abrasive papers in sequence and ultrasonically cleaned. The specimens were mounted in a specially designed apparatus that allowed the chairside air-abrasion device to be operated under standard conditions. Alumina-coated silica particles (CoJet Sand, 3M ESPE) were deposited on the zirconia disk surfaces varying the following parameters: a) nozzle distance (2, 5, 10 mm), and b) deposition duration (5, 13, 20 s) at two nozzle angles (45 and 90 degrees) under 2.5 bar pressure at three locations on each ceramic disk. The specimen surfaces were then gently air dried for 20 s. Silica content in weight percentage (wt%) was measured from 3 surfaces on each disk using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) (150X) in an area of 0.8 mm x 0.6 mm (n = 3 per group). Surface topographies were evaluated using SEM. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05).. Nozzle angle (p = 0.003) and deposition duration (p = 0.03) significantly affected the results, but nozzle distance (p = 0.569) did not. A significantly higher amount of silica (wt%) was achieved when the nozzle angle was 45 degrees to the surface in all distance-duration combinations (16.7 to 28.2 wt%) compared to the 90-degree nozzle angle (10.7 to 18.6 wt%) (p < 0.001). The silica amount was significantly higher after 20-s deposition duration than after 13 s (p < 0.05). EDS analysis demonstrated not only Si but also Al, Zr, and O traces on the substrate. SEM images indicated that deposition at a nozzle distance of 2 mm often created cavitations in zirconia.. Effective silica deposition using a charside air-abrasion device can be achieved when the nozzle is held at 45 degrees to the surface with more than 2-mm nozzle distance for 20 s.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Oxide; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Etching; Dental Materials; Humans; Materials Testing; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Oxygen; Pressure; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicon Dioxide; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Surface Properties; Time Factors; Zirconium

The growing demand for silicon solar cells in the global market has greatly increased the amount of silicon sawing waste produced each year. Recycling kerf Si and SiC from sawing waste is an economical method to reduce this waste. This study reports the separation of Si and SiC using a ramp settling tank. As they settle in an electrical field, small Si particles with higher negative charges have a longer horizontal displacement than SiC particles in a solution of pH 7, resulting in the separation of Si and SiC. The agreement between experimental results and predicted results shows that the particles traveled a short distance to reach the collection port in the ramp tank. Consequently, the time required for tiny particles to hit the tank bottom decreased, and the interference caused by the dispersion between particles and the fluid motion during settling decreased. In the ramp tank, the highest purities of the collected SiC and Si powders were 95.2 and 7.01 wt%, respectively. Using a ramp tank, the recycling fraction of Si-rich powders (SiC < 15 wt%) reached 22.67% (based on the whole waste). This fraction is greater than that achieved using rectangular tanks.. Recycling Si and SiC abrasives from the silicon sawing waste is regarded as an economical solution to reduce the sawing waste. However, the separation of Si and SiC is difficult. This study reports the separation of Si and SiC using a ramp settling tank under an applied electrical field. As they settle in an electrical field, small Si particles with higher negative charges have a longer horizontal displacement than SiC particles in a solution of pH 7, resulting in the separation of Si and SiC. Compared with the rectangular tanks, the recycling fraction of Si-rich powders using a ramp tank is greater, and the proposed ramp settling tank is more suitable for industrial applications.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Electric Conductivity; Hazardous Waste; Industrial Waste; Recycling; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Solar Energy

To investigate the relationship between dust exposure and annual change in lung function among employees in Norwegian silicon carbide (SiC) plants using a quantitative job exposure matrix (JEM) regarding total dust.. All employees, 20-55 years of age by inclusion (n=456), were examined annually for up to 5 years (1499 examinations). Spirometry was performed at each examination, and a questionnaire encompassing questions of respiratory symptoms, smoking status, job and smoking history, and present job held was completed. A JEM was constructed based on 1970 personal total dust exposure measurements collected during the study period. The association between lung function and total dust exposure was investigated using linear mixed models.. The annual change in forced expiratory volume (FEV) in one second per squared height, FEV1/height(2), per mg/m(3) increase in dust exposure was -2.3 (95% CI -3.8 to -0.79) (mL/m(2))×year(-1). In an employee of average height (1.79 m) and exposure (1.4 mg/m(3)) the estimated contribution to the annual change in FEV1 associated with dust was 10.4 mL/year. The annual change in FEV1/height(2) in current, compared with non-smokers was -1.9 (-7.2 to 3.4) (mL/m(2))×year(-1). The estimated overall annual decline in FEV1 among current and non-smokers in the highest exposed group was -91.2 (-124.3 to -58.1) (mL/m(2))×year(-1) and -49.0 (-80.2 to -17.8) (mL/m(2))×year(-1), respectively.. Dust exposure, expressed by a quantitative JEM, was found to be associated with an increased yearly decline in FEV1 in employees of Norwegian SiC plants.

Topics: Adult; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dust; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Industry; Inhalation Exposure; Lung; Lung Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Norway; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Particulate Matter; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Smoking; Spirometry; Surveys and Questionnaires

Anode materials play a key role in the performance, in particular the capacity and lifetime, of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Silicon has been demonstrated to be a promising anode material due to its high specific capacity, but pulverization during cycling and formation of an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase limit its cycle life. Herein, we show that anodes consisting of an active silicon nanowire (Si NW), which is surrounded by a uniform graphene shell and comprises silicon carbide nanocrystals, are capable of serving over 500 cycles in half cells at a high lithium storage capacity of 1650 mA h g(-1). In the anodes, the graphene shell provides a highly-conductive path and prevents direct exposure of Si NWs to electrolytes while the SiC nanocrystals may act as a rigid backbone to retain the integrity of the Si NW in its great deformation process caused by repetitive charging-discharging reactions, resulting in a stable cyclability.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Electric Power Supplies; Electrodes; Electrolytes; Graphite; Ions; Lithium; Nanowires; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

An increased lung cancer risk associated with total dust exposure in the silicon carbide (SiC) industry has previously been reported. The aim of the present study was to examine the relative importance of specific exposure factors by using a comprehensive, historic job exposure matrix based on about 8000 measurements.. Cumulative exposure to total and respirable dust, respirable quartz, cristobalite, and SiC particles and SiC fibres was assessed for 1687 long-term workers employed during 1913-2003 in the Norwegian SiC industry. Standardised incidence ratios for lung cancer, with follow-up during 1953-2008, were calculated stratified by cumulative exposure categories. Poisson regression analyses were performed using both categorised and log-transformed cumulative exposure variables.. The lung cancer incidence was about twofold increased at the highest level of exposure to each of the exposure factors (standardised incidence ratios 1.9-2.3 for all agents). Internal analyses showed associations between exposure level and lung cancer incidence for all investigated factors, but a significant trend only for total dust and cristobalite. In multivariate analyses, cristobalite showed the most consistent associations, followed by SiC fibres.. The results indicated that crystalline silica in the form of cristobalite was the most important occupational exposure factor responsible for lung cancer excess in the Norwegian SiC industry. SiC fibres seemed to have an additional effect.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Chemical Industry; Dust; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Incidence; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Norway; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Occupations; Particulate Matter; Poisson Distribution; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicon Dioxide

Final adjustments may result in a loss of ceramic glaze, a situation which must be corrected by reglazing or polishing to obtain clinically successful restorations; such restorations may be susceptible to staining.. The purpose of this study was to determine the stainability of ceramics exposed to coffee after different surface treatments and to correlate the surface roughness with the color differences.. Sixty-six ceramic (IPS e.maxCeram) disks (15 × 2 mm) were fabricated and glazed according to the manufacturer's instructions, then assigned to 6 groups. Group Glaze (Group G), the control, was not subjected to any procedure. All the others were abraded with a diamond rotary cutting instrument. Group Reglaze (Group R) was reglazed; others were polished with different polishing materials; Group Shofu (Group S) was polished with abrasive stone (Dura-Green Stones), coarse silicon polisher (Ceramaster Coarse), silicon polisher (CeraMaster), and polishing paste (Ultra II) with polishing disks (Super-Snap Buff Disks); Group Ultradent (Group U) was polished with 1.0 and 0.5-μm polishing pastes (Ultradent Diamond) with a goat hair brush (Jiffy) and Group Bredent (Group B) was polished with an abrasive stone (Diagen turbo grinder), a round polishing brush (Abraso-fix), and polishing paste (Diamond) with felt wheels. Group Diamond rotary cutting instrument (Group D) was not treated after abrasion with a diamond rotary cutting instrument. Surface roughness was evaluated by profilometer (n=10), and 1 specimen from each group was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Color difference was measured by a spectrophotometer before and after 12 days of immersion in a coffee solution. Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA, the Tukey HSD test, and the Pearson rank correlation tests (α=.05).. The surface roughness (Ra) values were ordered from the highest to the lowest value, which were Group D, B, U, S, R, and G, respectively. Significant differences among groups (P<.01) were found, except for G and R. There were no significant differences between the color difference values of Groups G and R, both of which were significantly lower than the other groups (P<.01). Group D showed the highest ΔE values (>2), which is considered clinically unacceptable (P<.01). No significant differences were found among the S, U, and B groups. There was an 83% positively significant relationship between Ra and ΔE values (P<.01). Rough surfaces stained more after coffee immersion than did smooth surfaces.. Surface treatments affected surface roughness and color stability. Smooth surfaces showed better color stability after discoloration. Ceramic staining may be related to surface texture changes after different surface treatments.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Ceramics; Coffee; Color; Cotton Fiber; Dental Polishing; Dental Porcelain; Diamond; Humans; Immersion; Materials Testing; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Spectrophotometry; Surface Properties

Silicon carbide (SiC) has unique chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. A factor strongly limiting SiC-based technologies is the high-temperature synthesis. In this work, we provide unprecedented experimental and theoretical evidence of 3C-SiC epitaxy on silicon at room temperature by using a buckminsterfullerene (C(60)) supersonic beam. Chemical processes, such as C(60) rupture, are activated at a precursor kinetic energy of 30-35 eV, far from thermodynamic equilibrium. This result paves the way for SiC synthesis on polymers or plastics that cannot withstand high temperatures.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Nanoparticles; Quantum Theory; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Temperature

Fabrication of nanochannels is drawing considerable interest due to its broad applications in nanobiotechnology (e.g. biomolecular sensing and single DNA manipulation). Nanochannels offer distinct advantages in allowing a slower translocation and multiple sensing spots along the channel, both of which improve the read-out resolution. However, implementing electrodes inside the nanochannel has rarely been demonstrated to our knowledge. The device described in this work is a Si-Glass anodically bonded Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) device of a few millimetres in size capable of performing DNA manipulation. The LOC device structure is based on two mainstream microchannels interconnected by nanochannels. DNA, once trapped within the nanochannel, has been tracked throughout the length of the channel and the data have been recorded and analysed.

Topics: Bacteriophage lambda; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; DNA, Viral; Electrodes; Equipment Design; Glass; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Nanotechnology; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Titanium

Unbiased open-ended methods for finding transition states are powerful tools to understand diffusion and relaxation mechanisms associated with defect diffusion, growth processes, and catalysis. They have been little used, however, in conjunction with ab initio packages as these algorithms demanded large computational effort to generate even a single event. Here, we revisit the activation-relaxation technique (ART nouveau) and introduce a two-step convergence to the saddle point, combining the previously used Lanczós algorithm with the direct inversion in interactive subspace scheme. This combination makes it possible to generate events (from an initial minimum through a saddle point up to a final minimum) in a systematic fashion with a net 300-700 force evaluations per successful event. ART nouveau is coupled with BigDFT, a Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT) electronic structure code using a wavelet basis set with excellent efficiency on parallel computation, and applied to study the potential energy surface of C(20) clusters, vacancy diffusion in bulk silicon, and reconstruction of the 4H-SiC surface.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Computer Simulation; Fullerenes; Models, Chemical; Quantum Theory; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

To evaluate the effects of polishing on surface roughness, gloss and color of different shades of surface reaction type pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filled nano-hybrid resin composite.. Resin disks of 15 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness and final polish with 1000-grit SiC paper, super fine cut diamond (FG) point, silicon (MFR) point and Super-Snap mini-disk red (SNAP) were made with Beautifil II shades: A2, A20, Inc). One week after curing, the surface roughness, gloss and color were measured. Data was analyzed with ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD with alpha= 0.05. For all shades, the order of roughness (Ra) ranked according to groups of 1000-grit SiC > FG > MFR > SNAP with significant differences among all groups. For all shades, the order of gloss ranked according to groups of SNAP > MFR > FG > 1000-grit SiC with significant differences among the groups except for between MFR and FG without significant difference. The influence of the surface roughness on color differed among the polishing groups and shades. However, the values of the color differences (deltaE*ab) between the polishing groups of all shades were imperceptible to the naked eye.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Color; Composite Resins; Dental Materials; Dental Polishing; Diamond; Humans; Materials Testing; Nanocomposites; Optical Phenomena; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicon Dioxide; Spectrophotometry; Surface Properties; Time Factors

The outstanding properties of graphene, a single graphite layer, render it a top candidate for substituting silicon in future electronic devices. The so far exploited synthesis approaches, however, require conditions typically achieved in specialized laboratories and result in graphene sheets whose electronic properties are often altered by interactions with substrate materials. The development of graphene-based technologies requires an economical fabrication method compatible with mass production. Here we demonstrate for the fist time the feasibility of graphene synthesis on commercially available cubic SiC/Si substrates of >300 mm in diameter, which result in graphene flakes electronically decoupled from the substrate. After optimization of the preparation procedure, the proposed synthesis method can represent a further big step toward graphene-based electronic technologies.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Crystallization; Electric Conductivity; Electronics; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure Analysis; Graphite; Macromolecular Substances; Materials Testing; Molecular Conformation; Nanostructures; Nanotechnology; Particle Size; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

Thin films terminated with oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) could be photochemically grafted onto ultrathin silicon carbide layers that were generated on silicon substrates via carbonization with acetylene at 820 degrees C. The OEG coating reduced the non-specific adsorption of fibrinogen on the substrates by 99.5% and remained resistant after storage in PBS for 4 weeks at 37 degrees C.

Topics: Adsorption; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Fibrinogen; Membranes, Artificial; Photochemistry; Polyethylene Glycols; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

To revisit and illustrate the potential of a simple and effective multidimensional stray-field imaging technique with magic-angle spinning, known as STRAFI-MAS.. STRAFI-MAS images are acquired with a standard NMR magnet and a traditional magic-angle sample spinning (MAS) probe. The stray-field gradients are achieved by placing the MAS probe, along the z-direction, at a distance from the center of the magnet. No pulsed-field gradients are applied. The multidimensional spatial encoding is carried out by synchronizing the radiofrequency pulses with the sample MAS rotation.. Two-dimensional (2D) and 3D multinuclear images of various phantoms, including a tibia bone and silicon carbide, are recorded. Images of inorganic solids containing quadrupolar nuclei, (23)Na and (27)Al, are also explored for the first time by STRAFI-MAS.. We have demonstrated that STRAFI-MAS is a simple and user-friendly technique for multidimensional imaging without the need of imaging equipment. With the current advancements in NMR and MRI methodologies, STRAFI-MAS is expected to be further developed and improved. We anticipate that STRAFI-MAS can spark a wide spectrum of interest, from material to bio science, where can benefit from high-resolution images.

Topics: Aluminum; Anisotropy; Biocompatible Materials; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Diagnostic Imaging; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Magnetics; Phantoms, Imaging; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Sodium; Tibia; Water

To investigate the association between decline in lung function and production of alloys in the Norwegian smelting industry.. All employees (N = 3924) were examined annually for 5 years (16,570 examinations). The employees were classified into three categories: 1) line operators (employed full time in the production line), 2) nonexposed (no exposure last year), and 3) non-line operators (remaining subjects). The outcome variable was expressed as forced expiratory volume in 1 second per squared height (FEV1/height(2)).. In the subcohorts of the ferrosilicon/silicon metal and silicon carbide industries, the differences between line operators and nonexposed workers were -2.3 (-4.3 to -0.3) (CI = 95%) and -5.6 (-10.4 to -0.7) mL/(m(2) x year), respectively.. Line operators in the ferrosilicon/silicon metal and silicon carbide industries had a steeper annual decline in FEV1/height compared with nonexposed workers.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Asthma; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Male; Metallurgy; Norway; Occupational Diseases; Prospective Studies; Respiration Disorders; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicosis; Smoking

Crystalline silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon (Si) biocompatibility was evaluated by directly culturing three mammalian cell lines on these semiconducting substrates. Cell proliferation and adhesion quality were studied using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assays and fluorescent microscopy. The reported results show that SiC is indeed a more biocompatible substrate than Si. The surface wettability of SiC and Si samples was evaluated through static contact angle measurements, which provided interesting information regarding the influence of different cleaning procedures on the SiC surfaces. The cell proliferation data are discussed in light of the contact angle measurements results. This joint analysis leads to interesting conclusions that may help to uncover the main factors that define a semiconductor's biocompatibility.

Topics: Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Crystallization; Humans; Materials Testing; Mice; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Wettability

A method for immobilizing and mediating the spatial distribution of functional oxide (such as SiO2 and Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) on (100)-oriented single crystal silicon surface, via Si-C bonded poly(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate) (P(TMSPM)) brushes from surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of (3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate) (TMSPM), was described. The ATRP initiator was covalently immobilized via UV-induced hydrosilylation of 4-vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) with the hydrogen-terminated Si(100) surface (Si-H surface). The surface-immobilized Fe3O4 NPs retained their superparamagnetic characteristics and their magnetization intensity could be mediated by adjusting the thickness of the P(TMSPM) brushes.

Topics: Adsorption; Binding Sites; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cross-Linking Reagents; Crystallization; Materials Testing; Membranes, Artificial; Molecular Conformation; Nanostructures; Nanotechnology; Oxides; Particle Size; Polymers; Polymethacrylic Acids; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

The objective of this study was to report on a novel phenomenon that occurs when resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (RMGICs) are bonded to moist human dentine.. Dentine surfaces from extracted third molars were abraded with 180-grit SiC paper. Ten teeth were prepared for each of the two RMGICs tested (Fuji II LC, GC Corp. and Photac-Fil Quick, 3M ESPE). RMGIC buildups were made according to the manufacturers' instructions. After storage at 37 degrees C, 100% humidity for 24 h, the bonded specimens were cut occlusogingivally into 0.9 x 0.9 mm beams. Dentine surfaces bonded with the two RMGICs were examined along the fractured RMGIC/dentine interfaces. Additional beams fractured within the RMGICS and at 3 mm away from the interfaces were used as controls. The fractured beams were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission-environmental SEM (FE-ESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).. SEM and FE-ESEM revealed numerous solid spherical bodies along the RMGIC/dentine interfaces. By contrast, no spherical bodies could be identified within the RMGIC fractured 3 mm distant from the bonded interface. TEM and energy dispersive X-ray analyses performed on carbon-coated ultrathin sections showed that these solid spherical bodies consisted of a thin aluminum and silicon-rich periphery and an amorphous hydrocarbon core within the air voids of the original resin matrix.. The spherical bodies probably represent a continuation of GI reaction and poly(HEMA) hydrogel formation that results from water diffusion from the underlying moist dentine. Their existence provides evidence for the permeation of water through RMGIC/dentine interfaces.

Topics: Aluminum; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Bonding; Dentin; Diffusion; Electron Probe Microanalysis; Glass Ionomer Cements; Humans; Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; Microscopy, Electron; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Polyamines; Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; Resin Cements; Resins, Synthetic; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Stress, Mechanical; Surface Properties; Water

The purpose of this study was to examine the output energy changes of the contact probe for Er:YAG laser with tooth ablation and evaluate the effect of contact surface polishing on output energy. The Er:YAG laser was irradiated to enamel of extracted human incisors for 100 min (5 min x 20 times). The output energy of contact probes was measured every 5 min (n = 3). After 100 min, the contact surfaces were polished using silicon carbide paper up to #1500, and the output energy of the probe was measured. The contact surfaces of the probes were observed and analyzed using an EPMA. After 100 min, the output energy showed 49.4% of the energy of an unused probe. After the contact surfaces were polished to #1500, the output energy returned to 96.4% of baseline. It is suggested that the output energy of the contact probe decreased with tooth ablation, and polishing of the contact surface was effective to regain the energy.

Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Calcium; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Enamel; Electron Probe Microanalysis; Energy Transfer; Erbium; Humans; Lasers; Phosphorus; Quartz; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Time Factors; Yttrium

In the present paper, we report the study of the adsorption behavior of a model protein such as human serum albumin (HSA) onto surfaces of a-SiC:H and a-C:H thin films deposited by using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique. The surface composition and surface energy of the various substrates as well as the evaluation of the adsorbed amount of protein has been carried out by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements. It has been found that HSA tends to preferentially adsorb on Si-rich surfaces, as far as the relative amount of adsorbed HSA decreases with increasing S-C concentration. Preliminary elements of mechanistic models are proposed for the correlation between chemical factors and the observed protein adsorption behavior.

Topics: Adsorption; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Glass; Humans; Hydrogen; Materials Testing; Serum Albumin; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Surface Properties

Medical devices based on microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS) platforms are currently being proposed for a wide variety of implantable applications. However, biocompatibility data for typical MEMS materials of construction and processing, obtained from standard tests currently recognized by regulatory agencies, has not been published. Likewise, the effects of common sterilization techniques on MEMS material properties have not been reported. Medical device regulatory requirements dictate that materials that are biocompatibility tested be processed and sterilized in a manner equivalent to the final production device. Material, processing, and sterilization method can impact the final result. Six candidate materials for implantable MEMS devices, and one encapsulating material, were fabricated using typical MEMS processing techniques and sterilized. All seven materials were evaluated using a baseline battery of ISO 10993 physicochemical and biocompatibility tests. In addition, samples of these materials were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) pre- and post-sterilization. While not addressing all facets of ISO 10993 testing, the biocompatibility and SEM data indicate few concerns about use of these materials in implant applications.

Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Bone Substitutes; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Materials Testing; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicon Dioxide; Time Factors; Titanium; Water

Topics: Adsorption; Animals; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cattle; Fibrinogen; Gold; Platinum; Prostheses and Implants; Serum Albumin, Bovine; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Static Electricity; Surface Properties

Dietary fibers might lower the risk of colorectal cancer, maybe because of their bulking effect. We tested the protection afforded by an inert bulk against carcinogenesis. Thirty rats received an azoxymethane injection and were allocated to a control diet, or to a diet supplemented with 10% carborundum. After 100 days the colons were scored for aberrant crypt foci. Compared to controls, the fecal weight was doubled in carborundum-fed rats (P < 0.001), but the aberrant crypt foci multiplicity was not changed (P = 0.92). The results do not support the hypothesis that intestinal dilution by an inert bulk can protect against colon cancer.

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Bile Acids and Salts; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Colonic Neoplasms; Dietary Fiber; Feces; Female; Intestinal Mucosa; Precancerous Conditions; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

For alpha-quartz, monoclinic ZSM-5, alpha- and beta-Si3N4 and SiC-6H polytype, the silicon chemical shifts have been calculated using the IGLO (individual gauge for localized orbitals) method and models of different size in real crystal geometry. The result is a theoretical chemical shift scale, which is very similar to the corresponding experimental scale from 29Si MAS NMR experiments. It is shown that the assignment of isotropic silicon chemical shifts of crystallized solids based on theory is a method of practical applicability, also in cases where experimental methods or empirical relations fail. The two NMR spectral lines of alpha-Si3N4 are for the first time assigned to the crystallographic positions. The partition of the silicon chemical shifts into localized contributions from different parts of the model allows insight into the interactions around the resonance nucleus due to substituent and geometry variations leading to silicon chemical shifts.

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Ceramics; Isotopes; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicon Dioxide

Isotopic compositions are referred to as anomalous if the isotopic ratios measured cannot be related to the terrestrial (solar) composition of a given element. While small effects close to the resolution of mass spectrometric techniques can have ambiguous origins, the discovery of large isotopic anomalies in inclusions and grains from primitive meteorites suggests that material from distinct sites of stellar nucleosynthesis has been preserved. Refractory inclusions, which are predominantly composed of the refractory oxides of Al, Ca, Ti, and Mg, in chondritic meteorites commonly have excesses in the heaviest isotopes of Ca, Ti, and Cr which are inferred to have been produced in a supernova. Refractory inclusions also contain excess 26Mg from short lived 26Al decay. However, despite the isotopic anomalies indicating the preservation of distinct nucleosynthetic sites, refractory inclusions have been processed in the solar system and are not interstellar grains. Carbon (graphite and diamond) and silicon carbide grains from the same meteorites also have large isotopic anomalies but these phases are not stable in the oxidized solar nebula which suggests that they are presolar and formed in the circumstellar atmospheres of carbon-rich stars. Diamond has a characteristic signature enriched in the lightest and heaviest isotopes of Xe, and graphite shows a wide range in C isotopic compositions. SiC commonly has C and N isotopic signatures which are characteristic of H-burning in the C-N-O cycle in low-mass stars. Heavier elements such as Si, Ti, Xe, Ba, and Nd, carry an isotopic signature of the s-process. A minor population of SiC (known as Grains X, ca. 1%) are distinct in having decay products of short lived isotopes 26Al (now 26Mg), 44Ti (now 44Ca), and 49V (now 49Ti), as well as 28Si excesses which are characteristic of supernova nucleosynthesis. The preservation of these isotopic anomalies allows the examination of detailed nucleosynthetic pathways in stars.

Topics: Aluminum; Astronomical Phenomena; Astronomy; Calcium Compounds; Calcium Isotopes; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Carbon Isotopes; Chromium Isotopes; Cosmic Dust; Extraterrestrial Environment; Isotopes; Magnesium; Meteoroids; Oxides; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Titanium; Xenon Isotopes

Standardization of prepared dentinal surfaces for in vitro investigations is needed for evaluation of luting and bonding agents. Forty-eight intact, noncarious human molars were prepared either with silicon carbide paper mounted on a circular grinder or with carbide bur or a diamond mounted in a dental handpiece, and the dentinal surfaces were analyzed in a profilometer for surface roughness. The results were computed with a parametric ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test. The dentinal surfaces prepared by Brasseler super coarse, coarse, medium, and Premier coarse diamonds by use of a high-speed dental handpiece with water spray were statistically different (p < 0.0001) but closely resembled a dentinal surface prepared by a 60-grit silicon carbide abrasive on a circular grinder. The fine diamonds resembled a prepared dentinal surface similar to a spectrum of SiC papers from 60 to 120 grits, whereas the carbide burs appeared to create various surfaces, depending on the manufacturer.

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Cavity Preparation; Dentin; Diamond; Equipment Design; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Humans; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

Silicon carbide whiskers (SiCW) and continuous glass filaments are important components of composite materials having potentially widespread use in the automotive, aerospace, and power generation industries. We determined the in vitro activity of three well-characterized samples of silicon carbide whiskers and a continuous glass filament sample in four different cellular assays and compared this to the activities of UICC crocidolite, JM Code 100 glass microfiber, and erionite in the same assay systems. The SiCW had a diameter range of 0.32-0.75 microns and a length range of 4.5-20.1 microns. The SiCW was significantly toxic; on a mass basis, one SiCW sample was more toxic than crocidolite; however, JM Code 100 glass microfiber, which is not toxic in vivo (i.e., it does not cause fibrogenesis or carcinogenesis when inhaled), was also more toxic than crocidolite. The glass filament sample was the least cytotoxic of all the samples tested. On a fiber number basis, all three SiCW samples were more toxic than crocidolite. The results of our study showed that SiCW exhibits significant in vitro biological reactivity. Thus, despite the caution that must be exercised in extrpolating the results of in vitro studies to conclusions about in vivo health effects, SiCW should be considered toxic until further toxicological data are available.

Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Animals; Asbestos; Asbestos, Crocidolite; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cells, Cultured; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Glass; Macrophages, Alveolar; Rats; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Trachea; Zeolites

This study evaluated the results of polishing composite resin by using the following finishing and polishing techniques: Arkansas stone burs; eight-blade tungsten-carbide burs; diamond burs; aluminum-oxide disks; no polishing; and 12- and 30-blade tungsten-carbide burs. The results were compared to ascertain which technique delivers the smoothest surface. The study was done with 120 class V restorations on extracted human teeth distributed in two groups (I and II) of 60 restorations each. Group I teeth samples were filled with microfilled composite resin and Group II with a hybrid composite resin. Readings were made with a profilometer to evaluate the final polishing. The conclusions from the results of the study were that microfilled composite resins provided a better finish when treated with aluminum-oxide disks. These results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). When hybrid composites were used the control group recorded the lowest values.

Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Analysis of Variance; Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Composite Resins; Dental Polishing; Diamond; Humans; Resin Cements; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Tungsten; Tungsten Compounds

When rat (female Wistar) lungs were lavaged (bronchoalveolar lavage, BAL) six times with physiological saline, approximately the same number of alveolar macrophages (AM) were found in the first and second BAL, whereas in the third fourth, fifth, and sixth BAL, the number of AM decreased exponentially. Morphometric counting of the number of AM in histological sections of lung tissue showed that only 14% of the AM population had been recovered by BAL. Although additives to the BAL fluid such as lidocaine and/or fetal calf serum increased the AM count in the first washing considerably, the total number of AM washed out remained unaltered. Addition of the phagocytosis stimulant zymosan increased the AM count in BAL by a factor of more than 2. On stimulation of the lungs with an inert dust (silicon carbide), the AM count in the BAL and the lung was only slightly increased 8 weeks after intratracheal instillation. In contrast, after exposure to fibrogenic and cytotoxic quartz, the AM count in BAL and lung was significantly increased, and the recovery of AM had also increased by a factor of approximately 2. The experiments show that it is the micromilieu of the alveoli and the condition of the AM (certain physiological activation states, such as phagocytic activity) that essentially determine the degree of recovery.

Topics: Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cell Count; Female; Lidocaine; Lung Diseases; Macrophages, Alveolar; Quartz; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Serum Albumin, Bovine; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Sodium Chloride; Zymosan

Both angular and fibrous SiC (carborundum) particulates can be emitted by SiC production operations. Carborundum pneumoconiosis is now recognized as an occupational lung disease with specific pathological features. These were previously reproduced in the sheep model of pneumoconiosis with fibrous SiC but not with angular SiC. To further document this question, the pulmonary retention in the sheep of the two morphological types was studied. Animals were injected in the tracheal lobe with equal mass (100 mg) of particulates prepared from SiC materials taken in the field. Particles were measured by analytical transmission electron microscopy in samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BAL) obtained at months 2, 4, 6 and 8 after the injection. They were also measured in samples of lung parenchyma obtained at month 8. Measurements in BAL and in lung samples both indicated a much lower retention for fibrous than for angular SiC. The retention rate in lung parenchyma at month 8 was 30 times lower for fibrous SiC. The half-life of decrease of concentrations was 3.4 times shorter for fibrous SiC. Other data in the literature support the notion that fine fibres are cleared more effectively than coarser angular particles.

Topics: Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Half-Life; Lung; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning Transmission; Pneumoconiosis; Sheep; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; X-Ray Diffraction

State of the art in biomaterial research and implant design is a compromise between functionality and biocompatibility. Consequently the results often have disadvantages with respect to both aspects. In regard to biocompatibility the activation of the clotting system by alloplastic materials is of great significance, because it necessitates anticoagulant therapy. Further improvements of implant technology require an understanding of the interactions between blood and implants. Therefore a microscopic model of thrombogenesis at alloplastic surfaces will shortly be presented, which relates thrombogenicity of a material to the electronic structure of its surface. The requirements for high hemocompatibility, which result from this model--especially in regard to the density of states and the conductivity at the surface--are fulfilled by an amorphous alloy of silicon and carbon (a-SiC:H). The advantage of amorphous materials is that they do not obey stoichiometric rules. Thus they allow a continuous adjustment of the electronic parameters without fundamental changes of their mechanical and chemical properties. The theoretical results where checked by total internal reflection intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy (TIRIF) as well as thrombelastography experiments (TEG). In comparison to conventional materials like titanium or LTI carbon the TEG-clotting time of a-SiC:H-coatings is prolonged in excess of 200%. As a consequence a-SiC:H is well suited as a hemocompatible coating material for hybrid structuring of cardiovascular implants.

Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Fibrinogen; Humans; Materials Testing; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Thrombosis

Silicon carbide (SiC) fibre generation is reported to occur during commercial SiC crystal production. Dust levels and fibre concentrations were measured by static sampling in an Italian plant operating 24 Acheson furnaces. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) was used to assess the quartz content in the dust collected. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for fibre counting and identification of fibres. Only alpha-quartz was identified, but airborne concentrations were found to be higher than the concentration of crystalline silica reported in other similar studies. Two types of fibre, coarse and fine, were identified by OM and SEM: for both, only the peak of silicon (Si) was evident at energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). Coarse fibres are irregular in shape, with a diameter greater than 5 microns. Fine (respirable) fibres are straight, regular in shape, with a typical diameter between 1 and 2 microns. Fine fibre concentration does not appear to be related either to total dust or to total fibre concentration. It cannot therefore be predicted from the nature of the various processes involved.

Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Crystallization; Dust; Micropore Filters; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Particle Size; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; X-Ray Diffraction

This study investigated the effectiveness of tempering and ion-exchange treatments on crack growth and bi-axial flexural strength of seven feldspathic porcelains. The results showed that tempering treatment was more effective in strengthening porcelain than was the ion-exchange process as measured by the bi-axial flexural strength. However, the results of initial crack size induced by a microhardness tester showed that ion-exchange yielded a surface that was more resistant to crack initiation than was that yielded by the tempering treatment. EDX and microprobe analyses showed that there was evidence of exchange between Na+ within the porcelain surface and K+ from the ion-exchange agent applied on the surface.

Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry, Physical; Cyanates; Cyanoacrylates; Dental Alloys; Dental Porcelain; Elasticity; Electron Probe Microanalysis; Hardness; Hot Temperature; Ion Exchange; Potassium; Potassium Compounds; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicones; Sodium; Stress, Mechanical; Surface Properties; Thermodynamics

Four factors that affect dust generation were investigated--type of test material, particle size distribution of the test material, moisture content of the test material, and apparatus used to generate dust. Dust generated from silicon carbide and aluminum oxide was measured by using MRI and Heubach dustiness testers modified to allow the measurement of dust particle size distribution with an Andersen impactor. The two materials investigated generated similar dusts. The size distribution of the test material slightly influenced the amount but strongly influenced the size distribution of the dust generated. Increased moisture content decreased the amount of dust generated; moisture content had little influence on dust size distribution. The two testers generated different amounts of dust; however, the dust particle size distributions generated were similar. These results help explain factors that affect dust generation and the relative importance of alternative methods for dust control.

Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dust; Humans; Models, Statistical; Occupational Exposure; Particle Size; Research Design; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

The bond strength of porcelain fused to cast and wrought titanium surfaces was calculated from fracture loads in a 4-point bending test. Two different porcelain were applied (O'Hara and Duceratin). The surface of Ti-cast specimens was treated in two different ways to produce variations in the impurity level before porcelain veneering. Microhardness measurements as well as scanning electron microscopy with EDX analysis were conducted. The results showed no significant difference in bond strength between the two porcelains. Nor was any difference in bond capacity found between thoroughly blasted castings and wrought titanium. Significantly lower bond strengths were observed for lightly blasted specimens and for specimens treated with Gold bonding agent. Impurities in the surface region of the castings were found to be due to contact with the investment during solidification. This indicates that a thin surface layer (50-100 microns) of the casting should be removed before firing of the porcelain.

Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Bonding; Dental Casting Investment; Dental Polishing; Dental Porcelain; Dental Stress Analysis; Electron Probe Microanalysis; Materials Testing; Oxides; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Stress, Mechanical; Surface Properties; Tensile Strength; Titanium

The sensitivity of the test for diametral tensile strength to variations in testing procedure was investigated. Composite resin specimens of four different surface roughnesses at both ends of the specimens were loaded at one of three crosshead speeds. The diametral tensile strength values varied between 43.9 and 65.7 MPa. Diametral tensile strength was found to decrease with increasing loading rate, with decreasing roughness of the specimens, and with increasing length of the cylindrical specimens. The significant influence of the surface roughness is suggested to be a result of the correlation between roughness and length of specimens, and not the expression of a true influence on diametral tensile strength of surface roughness of the specimens' ends.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Composite Resins; Dental Polishing; Dental Stress Analysis; Materials Testing; Regression Analysis; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Tensile Strength

Two hundred and sixty seven workers employed in the manufacture of silicon carbide (SiC) were examined to determine the effects of exposure to contaminants (SiC, quartz, and SO2) in the workplace on pulmonary function. No exposure concentrations exceeded the current permissible limits. Ten subjects (3.7%) showed rounded opacities (profusion greater than or equal to 1/0). Two subjects employed only in the final stages of the production process and not exposed to crystalline silica showed opacities (profusion q1/0 and q2/1) on x ray film suggesting a role of SiC in the genesis of interstitial lung disease. Chest abnormalities on x ray film were correlated with cumulative exposure to dust and pulmonary function was affected by cumulative dust exposure, profusion of opacities, and smoking. It is concluded that the current standards do not provide adequate protection against pneumoconiosis and chronic pulmonary disease in this industry.

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Lung; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Radiography; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicosis; Vital Capacity

A suite of morphologically distinctive silicon carbide (SiC) grains from the Orgueil and Murchison carbonaceous chondrite meteorites contains Si and C of highly anomalous isotopic composition. All of the SiC grains in this suite are characterized by a distinctive platy morphology and roughly developed hexagonal crystal forms that allow them to be distinguished from other types of SiC found in the host meteorites. The delta 29Si and delta 30Si values of individual SiC crystals deviate from those of normal solar material by more than 100%, while the delta 13C values range from 150 to 5200%. Isotopically normal C and Si are not found in any of these SiC crystals. The SiC grains belonging to this morphological suite are isotopically distinct from fine-grained SiC aggregates and other morphological types of SiC in unequilibrated meteorites. The 29Si/28Si and 30Si/28Si ratios of these platy grains are well correlated and define a linear array that does not pass through the composition of normal, solar Si. This behavior contrasts sharply with the diverse and poorly correlated Si isotopic compositions shown by the total SiC population. We suggest that the distinctive morphological characteristics and comparatively simple Si isotope systematics identify the platy SiC crystals as a genetically related family, formed around a single, isotopically heterogeneous presolar star or an association of related stars. The enrichments in 13C and the Si isotope systematics of the platy SiC are broadly consistent with theoretical models of nucleosynthesis in low-mass, carbon stars on the asymptotic giant branch. The Si isotope array most plausibly reflects mixing between 28Si-rich material, inherited from a previous generation of stars, and material enriched in 29Si and 30Si, produced in intershell regions by neutron capture during He-burning. 13C is also produced in intershell regions by proton reactions on 12C seed nuclei and is carried with s-process nuclei to the stellar envelope by convection which penetrates down to the He shell. The absence of a correlation between the Si and C isotopic compositions of the SiC suggests either episodic condensation of SiC, extending over several thermal pulses, in the atmosphere of a single star, or derivation of the SiC from several stars characterized by different rates of 13C production. In the multiple star scenario, the linear correlation of the 29Si/28Si and 30Si/28Si ratios among the platy SiC indicates that these stars

Topics: Astronomical Phenomena; Astronomy; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Carbon Isotopes; Crystallization; Extraterrestrial Environment; Isotopes; Meteoroids; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Solar System

The toxicological study was performed in order to establish the optimum carbon thromboresistant coat of titanium in creating new constructions of the artificial heart valves under conditions of chronic experiments in albino rats. Fine samples of carbon coats made by different techniques were studied. The biological activity of only one coat made by the method of ionoplasmic spraying with using chemically pure carbon target was established.

Topics: Animals; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Male; Models, Cardiovascular; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Safety; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Titanium

The cytocompatibility of two coating materials, amorphous alumina and silicon carbide deposited by radio-frequency sputtering, was studied using alveolar bone osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts from human healthy tissues. Cytocompatibility was assessed at the level of both the basic (attachment, proliferation and cell protein content) and the specific features (intracellular alkaline phosphatase activity and the cytoskeleton) of the cells in direct contact with the coating. Titanium was used as the reference material. The results showed that both silicon carbide and amorphous alumina are cytocompatible for human fibroblasts and osteoblasts, whereas titanium appears the least cytocompatible of all the three substrates. Moreover, the amorphous alumina coating seems slightly bioactive. It seems that these coatings, particularly amorphous alumina, could be used to protect alloys against corrosion, and consequently combine the good mechanical properties of the alloys with the good biocompatibility of the coatings. These coatings seem to perform more suitably than titanium if the strength of the bond between the coating and the underlying alloys is strong enough to give a stable composite material.

Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Biocompatible Materials; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cell Adhesion; Cell Differentiation; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Fibroblasts; Humans; Kinetics; Materials Testing; Osteoblasts; Prostheses and Implants; Proteins; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Fracture toughness is regarded as an important property of dental ceramics. The most widely used methods for fracture toughness (KIc) determination are based on assessment of cracks created by hardness indentations. Different formulas have been developed for KIc calculations and all these methods and formulas include empirical factors based on pure ceramics, i.e. non-composite ceramics. These factors may, however, vary for a specified method for materials with different and complex structure. An important question is whether the various proposed methods and formulas lead to approximately the same numerical KIc values or at least to the same ranking of materials. The aim of this work was to compare two indentation methods and various formulas for calculation of KIc values when used on four commercial composite dental ceramics. The two applied methods and the different formulas showed substantial differences in the obtained values for one and the same material and a different ranking of various materials. It is unknown which method gives the most correct KIc values for these ceramic materials.

Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Ceramics; Crowns; Dental Polishing; Dental Porcelain; Dental Stress Analysis; Hardness; Materials Testing; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Stress, Mechanical; Surface Properties

Considering the relationship between toxicity of dust and particle geometry, as exhibited by asbestos, we have examined short-term biological effects of SiC whiskers (SiCW) in vitro and in vivo. Cultured explants of tracheal epithelium were exposed to a range of SiCW concentrations. There were no dramatic effects on ciliary function as measured by an optical spectrum analysis system that provided discrete ciliary frequencies. Particles were swept by ciliary activity into nonciliated regions where foci of extensive cell damage and death were observed with whiskers penetrating epithelial layers into the underlying tissues. Similar necrotic foci were observed in tracheae from rats exposed by intratracheal instillation to SiC whiskers in vivo.

Topics: Animals; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cilia; Culture Techniques; Dogs; Epithelium; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Trachea

Two Type II glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cements were evaluated for their repairability by measuring tensile bond strength of new material added to previously placed cement. Variables included time of repair (20 min vs. 24 h) and surface condition prior to repair (smooth and unetched, smooth and etched, rough and unetched, rough and etched). Failures were evaluated using light microscopy and categorized as cohesive, adhesive, or mixed. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to view the cement surfaces following each of the four pretreatments. Surface pretreatment was found to significantly affect both materials when repaired at 20 min (P less than 0.05). The highest bond strength was achieved when bonding to the smooth, unetched surface. Surface pretreatment did not significantly affect bond strength when the cements were repaired at 24 h (P greater than 0.05). Tensile bond strengths were greater for repairs made at 20 min than for those made at 24 h, but the differences were not always statistically significant.

Topics: Acid Etching, Dental; Analysis of Variance; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Bonding; Glass Ionomer Cements; Maleates; Materials Testing; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Tensile Strength; Time Factors

Adhesive bond strength studies for the tray adhesive of an addition vinyl polysiloxane (President) impression material were conducted with an acrylic resin, chromium-plated brass, and plastic trays. Tensile and shear stress studies were performed on the Instron Universal testing machine. Acrylic resin specimens roughened with 80-grit silicon carbide paper exhibited appreciably higher bond strengths compared with different types of tray material and methods of surface preparation.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Adhesives; Alloys; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Chromium; Copper; Dental Bonding; Dental Impression Materials; Dental Impression Technique; Dental Stress Analysis; Materials Testing; Polystyrenes; Polyvinyls; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Siloxanes; Stress, Mechanical; Surface Properties; Tensile Strength; Zinc

After the gross reduction and fine finishing of a composite resin restoration, selecting a system to create the smoothest polish is difficult because high magnification is necessary to compare the surface roughness. The surfaces of four anterior and posterior composite resins were compared using a Mylar strip, an unfilled resin as a glaze, polishing with three rubber polishers, and three different manufacturers' series of disks. This study suggested that pairing a specific composite resin with a matching polishing system produced the smoothest surface. Because of the differences in the size, shape, number of filler particles, and the type of resin, one system was incapable of creating the smoothest surface for all composite resins.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Aluminum Oxide; Analysis of Variance; Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Composite Resins; Dental Materials; Dental Polishing; Equipment Design; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Methacrylates; Polymethacrylic Acids; Polyurethanes; Resin Cements; Rubber; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

Interstitial lung disease and airflow limitation have been reported in silicon carbide workers but it is uncertain whether these recent observations reflect past working conditions alone (30 years ago) or both past and present conditions even if the latter have improved. To investigate this, we analyzed pairs of chest radiographs obtained in 1977 and 1984 in 128 silicon carbide plant workers. Three indices, related to density of small opacities, profusion of opacities, and presence of pleural plaques, were obtained. Student t-tests on results obtained in each time period showed the mean density (1.02 in 1977 and 0.56 in 1984) and profusion (4.27 in 1977 and 2.13 in 1984) indices to be significantly different. However, the pleural plaque index was not different in 1984 (0.34) as compared with 1977 (0.32). There was no deterioration of the radiographic image even in groups with density ratios equal or greater than 1/1. We concluded that the actual environmental working conditions did not influence the integrity of the lung radiographic image in these workers within a time span of 6 or 7 years.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Child; Humans; Middle Aged; Observer Variation; Radiography; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicosis; Time Factors

Bioactive glass has the ability to bond to bone. In this article the contact between glass and bone is discussed and the development of core alloy for an implant coated with bioactive glass and the oxidation of metal surface in ceramic fusion has been studied. Good bonding of coating materials to core alloys is necessary in dental implants. Using a pull test method we studied the bond strengths between various alloys and some composite materials clinically used to repair fractures of porcelain-veneered dental crowns. An experimental bioglass material was also studied. The bonding of composite materials to metal surfaces etched with hydrofluoric acid was almost as good as the bonding between metal and porcelain, or glass.

Topics: Adhesives; Biocompatible Materials; Bone Cements; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Ceramics; Chromium Alloys; Composite Resins; Dental Alloys; Dental Bonding; Dental Porcelain; Equipment Failure; Gold Alloys; Hydrofluoric Acid; Materials Testing; Phosphoric Acids; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Tensile Strength

To mouse cells in culture, SiC whiskers (SiCW) and asbestos are similarly cytotoxic, disrupting cell membranes and killing cells. Both shorten cell generation time, increase the rate of DNA synthesis, increase total cell DNA content, and cause a loss in growth control often associated with malignant cellular transformation. Within the narrow size range of materials examined, the amount of damage appeared to be more a function of the number of whiskers present than of their size. Silicon carbide whiskers, if mishandled, may pose a serious health hazard to humans.

Topics: 3T3 Cells; Animals; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cell Division; Cell Membrane Permeability; Cell Survival; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Chromium Radioisotopes; DNA; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Mice; Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Trypan Blue

Atmospheres of silicon carbide whiskers (wh) were required for a repeated dose lung deposition study and a subchronic inhalation toxicity study, each involving exposure to three concentrations of whiskers for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 1 or 13 weeks. Target concentrations were 0, 500, 1500, and 7500 wh/cc. By using the mean fiber length (10 microns), diameter (0.555 micron), and density (3.2 g/cc) of the bulk material, target mass concentrations were approximately 0, 4, 12, and 60 mg/m3. The Pitt III generator, developed for cotton fiber dispersion at the University of Pittsburgh, was selected. This instrument consists of a vertical 18-in. long cylinder, which is closed at each end with rubber dams and coupled at the base to a loudspeaker. The sonic energy from the loudspeaker fluidizes the test material and the whiskers in the air column are carried out with the exhaust air. The output of the Pitt III generator was altered by changing the sound energy input, the rate of introduction of the test material into the fluidizing cylinder, or the airflow through the cylinder. Separate generation systems were used for each inhalation chamber. Chamber atmospheres were characterized gravimetrically and samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Mean mass and number concentrations for the subchronic study were 0.09, 3.93, 10.7, and 60.5 mg/m3 and 0, 630, 1746, and 7276 wh/cc, respectively. Weighted mean values for whisker diameters, lengths, and aspect ratios were 0.560 micron, 4.53 microns, and 8.62, respectively. Although whisker lengths were less than half those of the bulk material, nearly 30% of the whiskers were greater than 5 microns long.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Animals; Atmosphere Exposure Chambers; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dust; Particle Size; Rats; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Toxicology

Experimental measurements have been made of the ultrasonic velocity and attenuation in some simple suspensions of, mainly, silicon carbide in water and in ethylene glycol. These are compared with theoretical predictions based on a novel hydrodynamic model. Predicted ultrasonic velocities are in excellent agreement with the measured values. Predicted and measured ultrasonic attenuations do not agree as well. However, the suspensions give rise to excess attenuations rising to a few hundred nepers per metre and special experimental techniques were needed to measure ultrasonic properties. To predict attenuations to within, say, 20% for mixtures such as these is a major achievement.

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Ethylene Glycols; Models, Theoretical; Particle Size; Rheology; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Solutions; Time Factors; Transducers; Ultrasonics; Water

To determine whether inhaled silicon carbide whiskers (SiC) cause lung damage in rats, four groups (50 males/50 females each) of rats were exposed to air only or to one of three concentrations of SiC 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks. Half (25 males/25 females/group) were euthanized at the end of exposure, the remainder 26 weeks later. Mean concentrations were 0, 630, 1746, and 7276 SiC whiskers/ml (0.09, 3.93, 10.7, and 60.5 mg/m3). Although there were no concentration-related changes in body weight, clinical chemistry, or hematological data attributable to SiC, lung weights were increased in the high concentration exposure group at both euthanization times. In all whisker-exposed groups, after 13 weeks of exposure, the incidence of the following lung and lymph node lesions was higher than in controls: inflammatory lesions; bronchiolar, alveolar, and pleural wall thickening; focal pleural fibrosis in lung; and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes. After 26 weeks of recovery, lung inflammatory lesions had decreased and fewer rats had enlarged lymph nodes, but the incidence of alveolar wall thickening, focal pleural wall thickening, and adenomatous hyperplasia of lung had increased further. Incidence and severity appeared to be dose-related. Therefore, until longer term studies are undertaken and it is established whether the above observed lesions will progress to more severe pathological entities, it is prudent to adopt stringent handling procedures for silicon carbide whiskers.

Topics: Adenoma; Animals; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Female; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Lymph Nodes; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Organ Size; Pleura; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Corrosion; Electrochemistry; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Materials Testing; Prosthesis Design; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Thrombosis

Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Electrochemistry; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Materials Testing; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Thrombelastography; Thrombosis

Cast titanium was ground with commercial and experimental wheels made of silicon carbide abrasives, and their grinding performance was investigated. With the vitrified wheels made of the GC abrasive, at a higher the wheel circumferential speed and heavier the grinding pressure, the cutting rate was greater, accompanied by violent wear of the wheel. Being independent of the wheel speed, the grinding ratio reached about 1 under pressure heavier than 100 gf. The MgO-MgCl2-bonded wheels of the C abrasive exhibited a similar tendency. The manner in which the wheel was moved over the work during grinding proved to be very important, compared with the Ni-Cr alloy as reported previously. Only depression of the wheel against the work resulted in chemical attrition of the abrasive and discoloration of the work surface, or grinding burn, due to oxidation of titanium. Even when the wheel was moved over the work, chip-formation process of the cutting edge was far from ideal, and the work surface was contaminated due to reaction of titanium with the abrasive. At a higher wheel circumferential speed, more chips were loaded or built-up in the wheel and strongly rubbed the work surface, resulting in violent wear of the wheel; loading and dislodging of such chips were repeated.

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Polishing; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Titanium

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Corrosion; Electrochemistry; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Prosthesis Design; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Thrombosis

Physiochemical properties of glass ceramics in weakly buffered, supersaturated, metastable calcium and phosphate solution were studied. Formations of calcium phosphate precipitates were also analyzed thermodynamically. All biomaterials examined here showed primarily dissolution process and subsequent nucleation. Dissolution was enhanced in those which contained Na2O and/or SiC. The dissolution of calcium and phosphate ions from biomaterials and subsequent nucleation of calcium phosphate salts after induction time resulted in a stable equilibrium having solubility characteristics similar to octacalcium phosphate (OCP). The most soluble material, CPSN-SiC, showed an initial transient equilibrium with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). From above results, calcium phosphate ceramics had certain driving force of its own which kept the equilibrium of solution to OCP thermodynamically for 7 days. Despite the favorable solubility equilibrium attained, there still remain problems for clinical application.

Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Calcium; Calcium Phosphates; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Ceramics; Chemical Phenomena; Chemical Precipitation; Chemistry, Physical; Glass; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Phosphates; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Solubility; Solutions; Thermodynamics

Implants are steadily increasing in importance as substitutions for body functions. With the present state of the art, the limitations of the application of cardiovascular implants are due to insufficient performance of biomaterials. Present research in this field is being concentrated on efforts to improve the thrombus resistance of conventional materials by coating with semiconducting materials to actively influence the electrochemical interaction between the condensed matter and blood proteins. Based on an electrochemical model of the interaction of fibrinogen with an artificial surface and the resulting requirements for improving hemocompatibility, a coating of amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbide deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is presently under evaluation as a special coating material for cardiovascular prostheses and is herein described. In particular, first results are published concerning the optimum deposition parameters in the PECVD process and cell culture tests. Experimental results of comparative partial thromboplastin time studies serve the purpose of proving the validity of the electrochemical reaction model referring the hemocompatibility of implantable materials to their semiconducting surface properties. The aim of this article is to demonstrate a feasible method for an antithrombogenic surface modification based on doped amorphous silicon carbide films that is in full conformance to the above mentioned model.

Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Electrochemistry; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Prosthesis Design; Semiconductors; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Thrombosis

To study the tissue integration of 2 new potential biomaterials (whisker silicon carbide, reinforced aluminum oxide, and zirconium oxide strengthened aluminium oxide) a comparative investigation between these ceramic materials and unalloyed titanium was performed on monkeys. Cylindrical implants (4 x 6 mm) were inserted in the femur of 10 adult monkeys. After observation periods ranging from 1 to 8 months the animals were killed and clinical and histological evaluations (microradiography and light-microscopy) were carried out. After 6-8 months, the implants were covered with bone and firmly attached, indicating an uneventful healing. Histologically, a close connection between bone and implant was observed. At some areas the implants were totally osseointegrated and at some areas there were soft tissue layers between implant and bone. No differences in bone repair with regard to the different materials could be observed.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Oxide; Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Bone and Bones; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Implants; Macaca fascicularis; Materials Testing; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties; Titanium; Wound Healing; Zirconium

In experiments with intrapleural injections of silicon carbide whiskers (20 mg X 3, with one month interval) to random-inbred rats their carcinogenic activity close to that of chrysotile B UICC has been established. The pleural mesotheliomas were induced in 47.7 and 34.1% of rats, respectively.

Topics: Animals; Asbestos; Asbestos, Serpentine; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Crystallization; Female; Male; Neoplasms, Experimental; Particle Size; Rats; Risk Factors; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dust; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Maximum Allowable Concentration; Microclimate; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Topics: Animals; B-Lymphocytes; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dust; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Leukocyte Count; Lymphocytes; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Rosette Formation; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; T-Lymphocytes

Relations between pulmonary symptoms and exposure to respirable dust and sulphur dioxide (SO2) were evaluated for 145 silicon carbide (SiC) production workers with an average of 13.9 (range 3-41) years of experience in this industry. Eight hour time weighted average exposures to SO2 were 1.5 ppm or less with momentary peaks up to 4 ppm. Cumulative SO2 exposure averaged 1.94 (range 0.02-19.5) ppm-years. Low level respirable dust exposures also occurred (0.63 +/- 0.26 mg/m3). After adjusting for age and current smoking status in multiple logistic regression models, highly significant, positive, dose dependent relations were found between cumulative and average exposure to SO2, and symptoms of usual and chronic phlegm, usual and chronic wheeze, and mild exertional dyspnoea. Mild and moderate dyspnoea were also associated with most recent exposure to SO2. Cough was not associated with SO2. No pulmonary symptoms were associated with exposure to respirable dust nor were any symptoms attributable to an interaction between dust and SO2. Cigarette smoking was strongly associated with cough, phlegm, and wheezing, but not dyspnoea. A greater than additive (synergistic) effect between smoking and exposure to SO2 was present for most symptoms. These findings suggest that long term, variable exposure to SO2 at 1.5 ppm or less was associated with significantly raised rates of phlegm, wheezing, and mild dyspnoea in SiC production workers, and that current threshold limits for SO2 may not adequately protect workers in this industry.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dust; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Respiration Disorders; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Smoking; Sulfur Dioxide

Three observations described here were chosen not only to represent our recent interface studies in ceramics, but also to demonstrate how different the present status of interface research is with respect to the level of high-resolution electron microscopy. Certain common features may be found among the problems of ceramic interface studies. Importance of basal plane grain boundary, for example, is one of the characteristics of this type of heterogeneous compound. The crystalline heterogeneity has been ignored largely in the grain boundary structure study since it has been developed primarily for cubic metals. The new area of basic grain boundary interface structure study is opened now that description of this type of interface has become engineeringly important.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Compounds; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Ceramics; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Microscopy, Electron; Molecular Structure; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Temperature; Ytterbium

The relation between pulmonary function, cigarette smoking, and exposure to mixed respirable dust containing silicon carbide (SiC), hydrocarbons, and small quantities of quartz, cristobalite, and graphite was evaluated in 156SiC production workers using linear regression models on the difference between measured and predicted FEV1 and FVC. Workers had an average of 16 (range 2-41) years of employment and 9.5 (range 0.6-39.7) mg-year/m3 cumulative respirable dust exposure; average dust exposure while employed was 0.63 (range 0.18-1.42) mg/m3. Occasional, low level (less than or equal to 1.5 ppm) sulphur dioxide (SO2) exposure also occurred. Significant decrements in FEV1 (8.2 ml; p less than 0.03) and FVC (9.4 ml; p less than 0.01) were related to each year of employment for the entire group. Never smokers lost 17.8 ml (p less than 0.02) of FEV1 and 17.0 (p less than 0.05) of FVC a year, whereas corresponding decrements of 9.1 ml (p = 0.12) in FEV1 and 14.4 ml (p less than 0.02) in FVC were found in current smokers. Similar losses in FEV1 and FVC were related to each mg-year/m3 of cumulative dust exposure for 138 workers with complete exposure information; these findings, however, were generally not significant owing to the smaller cohort and greater variability in this exposure measure. Never smokers had large decrements in FEV1 (40.7 ml; p less than 0.02) and FVC (32.9 ml; p = 0.08) per mg-year/m3 of cumulative dust exposure and non-significant decrements were found in current smokers (FEV1: -7.1 ml; FVC: -11.7 ml). A non-significant decrement in lung function was also related to average dust exposure while employed. No changes were associated with SO(2) exposure or and SO(2) dust interaction. These findings suggest that employment in SiC production is associated with an excessive decrement in pulmonary function and that current permissible exposure limits for dusts occurring in this industry may not adequately protect workers from developing chronic pulmonary disease.

Topics: Adult; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Employment; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Lung; Male; Occupational Diseases; Respiration Disorders; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Smoking; Time Factors; Vital Capacity

Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Prosthesis Design; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Carborundum is a synthetic abrasive manufactured through fusion of high grade silica sand and finely ground carbon in an electric furnace at 2,400 degrees C. It had been considered an inert dust until recently. Two recent epidemiologic studies in Quebec have documented an excess of interstitial lung disease in plant workers and some 30 workers have received workman compensation. Histopathologic lesions have been described in four of the workers. To further investigate the carborundum pneumoconiosis, nine groups of eight sheep were exposed once in the tracheal lobe to either 100 ml saline, 100 mg latex beads in 100 ml saline, 100 mg graphite in 100 ml saline, 100 mg carborundum particles in 100 ml saline, 100 mg ashed carborundum particles in 100 ml saline, 100 mg of quartz (Minusil-5) in 100 ml saline, 100 mg crocidolite fibers in 100 ml saline, 100 mg carborundum fibers in 100 ml saline, and 100 mg ashed carborundum fibers in 100 ml saline solutions. The animals had BAL at two-month intervals and autopsy at month 8. The BAL analyses of cellularity, cytotoxicity and fibrogenicity, in association to necropsy histopathology, documented that all particles except for quartz were inert. The two-carborundum fiber samples produced a similar sustained nodular fibrosing alveolitis and crocidolite asbestos fibers produced a peribronchiolar fibrosing alveolitis of comparable severity. Thus, the major bioactive dusts in the carborundum manufacturing process are quartz particles and the carborundum fibers generated in the process. The latter have fibrogenic activities comparable to asbestos fibers of similar size and are likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of the interstitial lung disease of carborundum workers.

Topics: Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Humans; Lung; Macrophage Activation; Sheep; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicosis

Epidemiologic studies have reported associations between gastrointestinal cancer mortality and exposure to cutting fluids and abrasives in metal machining and precision grinding operations. Two previous studies found excess stomach cancer among workers exposed to water-based cutting fluids in bearing plants. This study reports similar findings in a third and larger population. Cause of death and work histories were determined for 1,766 bearing plant workers who died between Jan 1, 1950 and June 30, 1982. Mortality odds ratios (SMOR) and proportional mortality ratios (PMR) revealed significant excesses of gastrointestinal malignancies. The proportional mortality excess for stomach cancer among white men was greatest among those with more than 10 years' exposure in the major grinding group (PMR = 13/3.8 = 3.39; P less than .001). The SMOR by logistic regression for stomach cancer among white men was 2.3 (P = .02) for 25 years' grinding experience. For cancer of the pancreas among white men, there were significant associations with both machining and grinding jobs in straight oil (SMOR = 9.9 and 3.2, respectively, for 25 years duration). These findings could not be explained by confounding due to the ethnic background of the decedents. This study confirms previous evidence that grinding operations using water-based cutting fluids increase the risk for stomach cancer and provides moderate evidence that exposures to straight oil-cutting fluids increase the risk for cancer of the pancreas. There were indications, meriting further investigation, that non-malignant liver disease is associated with cutting fluid exposures and that lung cancer is associated with oil smoke from operations such as forging or heat treating.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Oxide; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Connecticut; Female; Humans; Industrial Oils; Liver Diseases; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Metallurgy; Occupational Diseases; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Smoke; Stomach Neoplasms

Lung tissue of a worker in an abrasive manufacturing plant, whose duration of dust exposure was about 10 years, was analyzed by means of bulk analysis and in situ analytical electron microanalysis. The content of the total dust in the lung was 120 mg/g of the dried lung tissue. This value is close to the average concentration of the total dust in the lungs of coal miners with massive fibrosis. The lung dust composition in this case was approximately 43% silicon carbide, 24% aluminium oxide, 2.3% cristobalite, 2.0% quartz, and trace of talc and feldspar. Silicon carbide may be one of the major etiologic agents in this case of pneumoconiosis.

Topics: Adult; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dust; Electron Probe Microanalysis; Humans; Lung; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Particle Size; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Silicosis

Silicon carbide is a widely used synthetic abrasive manufactured by heating silica and coke in electric furnaces at 2400 degrees C. Until recently it had been considered a relatively inert dust in humans and animals. However, several roentgenologic surveys had revealed lesions similar to low-grade silicosis. A recent epidemiological study has revealed a 35% incidence of pulmonary problems. Tissues from three such workers were available for light microscopy. A mixed pneumoconiosis was found, and lesions can be summarized as follows: (a) abundance of intraalveolar macrophages associated with a mixture of inhaled particles including carbon, silicon, pleomorphic crystals, silicon carbide, and ferruginous bodies showing a thin black central core; (b) nodular fibrosis, generally profuse, containing silica and ferruginous bodies and associated with large amount of carbon pigment; (c) interstitial fibrosis, less prominent than the nodular form; (d) carcinoma in two cases. We believe this pneumoconiosis is sufficiently characteristic to be recognized as a distinct entity. The Stanton hypothesis on fiber properties and carcinogenesis could be applied to silicon carbide dust. At present, it appears that the occupational hazard is limited to the manufacturing process and powdered product used in some industries.

Topics: Aged; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Pneumoconiosis; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

The present study focuses on cell adhesion/differentiation and material stability of surfaces of the three carbon/ceramic composites implanted in intra-atrial position in dogs for 1 year. Before implantation their surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. After harvesting, the tissue proliferated on the blood interface was examined by histology, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, wavelength dispersive and x-ray spectrometry, electrophoretic and enzymatic characterization of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) which were compared to endocardiac tissue as control samples. One year after implantation, the pattern of GAGs in the newly developed tissue was characterized by: 1) a constant increase of the total GAGs present on all carbon composites, 2) a significant increase of dermatan sulfate (p less than 0.05), 3) a significant increase of chondroitin sulfate (p less than 0.05), 4) a significant decrease of heparan sulfate in Group 1, whereas this GAG fraction was increased in Groups 2 and 3. Cellular surface differentiation towards endothelial-like cells occurred in places particularly in groups 1 and 3, whereas only fibrous tissue was found covering the implants in Group 2. Fibroblastic cells with dense intracellular deposits, which produced emission of Si, Ca, and C energy as well as extracellular lipidic containing inclusions were observed. The macromolecular modifications were associated with 1) the absence of endothelial lining, 2) the migration of carbon and silicon particles, and 3) the occurrence of calcifications and lipidic inclusions. These results suggest that the relative smoothness of these materials could be responsible for the development of a tissue that did not adhere to the biomaterial, indicating that cell adhesion and functional differentiation are in intimal relationship with the physical-chemical structure of the material surface.

Topics: Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Cell Adhesion; Dogs; Female; Glycosaminoglycans; Graphite; Heart Atria; Male; Prostheses and Implants; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

Transmission electron microscopy has been used to isolate and examine the intergranular glass phase in hot-pressed silicon nitride/silicon carbide composites. Previously there have been difficulties in locating a suitable region for studies of this nature because the interfering nitride and carbide grains inhibit isolation of the glass for examination. Radiofrequency plasma etching of thinned sections of 6 wt% Y2O3, 2 wt% A12O3 in Si3N4 containing 30 vol% of SiC proved to be fruitful in isolating the glass phase. A mixture of CF4 and O2 quantitatively remove the acicular nitride phase without any evidence of attack on either the glass or carbide. Composites containing ceria and magnesia as substitutes for yttria behave similarly. This indicates that glasses containing minor to major concentrations of elements forming stable fluorides inhibit the attack of fluoride ions on silica glasses containing these elements.

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Microscopy, Electron; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Workers in the silicon carbide industry have experienced occupational health diseases, particularly lung disorders such as silicosis. The silicon carbide production process mainly employs petroleum coke, sawdust, pure crystalline silica and graphite. Since crystalline silica is present in the occupational environment, the airborne dust content of various polymorphs of silica, especially quartz, cristobalite and tridymite, was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The analytical method was modified to eliminate graphite, since it overlaps with the main diffraction plane of quartz. Exploratory field surveys were conducted to identify the minerals present in that occupational environment and to evaluate the validity of the analytical method. The surveys provided information on the mineralogical nature of the dust, its respirable content and the concentration of silica polymorphs. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons also were measured, and the effect of their adsorption on graphite was evaluated.

Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dust; Humans; Occupational Diseases; Polycyclic Compounds; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Earlier epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to aluminium oxide and silicon carbide might carry with it an increased risk of lymphomas, stomach cancer, and non-malignant respiratory disease. To elucidate further this possible hazard, the cancer morbidity and the total mortality pattern was studied among 521 men manufacturing abrasive materials who had been exposed to aluminium oxide, silicon carbide, and formaldehyde. Total dust levels were in the range of 0.1-1.0 mg/m3. The cohort was followed up from 1958 until December 1983. No significant increase was found in total mortality, cancer mortality, or incidence of non-malignant respiratory diseases.

Topics: Aluminum Oxide; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Formaldehyde; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Occupational Diseases; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Sweden

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Crowns; Dental Alloys; Dental Bonding; Dental Porcelain; Denture Design; Denture, Partial, Fixed; Denture, Partial, Temporary; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

The purpose of this study was: to determine whether polishing standardized proximal root surfaces with dental floss, Superfloss, wood and plastic interdental cleaners, using a polishing paste, produces any significant change on root surface roughness; and to determine the effectiveness of different number of strokes in polishing. 80 tooth specimens were prepared, 10 in each of 8 sample groups. Each proximal root surface was standardized with 600A grit silicone carbide paper and polished with either waxed dental floss, Superfloss, wood or plastic interdental cleaners, using alkali aluminum silicate polishing paste. All specimens were mounted on a flossing machine and polished with 10 or 20 strokes. Before and after polishing, measurements were recorded with the Surfanalyzer 150 System to produce profile and average roughness tracings. Average maximum peak heights, mean number of peaks, and mean average roughness values were calculated from the tracings. The data were analyzed statistically by paired t-test and Student t-test. No significant mean differences were found between the number of strokes used. No significant differences were found for waxed dental floss in relation to the values analyzed. Significant differences were found for maximum peak heights for Superfloss following 20 strokes of polishing. However, no significant differences were found for Superfloss for mean number of peaks and average roughness. Significant differences were found for average roughness values, maximum peak heights, and mean number of peaks for the wood and plastic interdental cleaners. It was concluded that root surface roughness increased significantly with the use of wood and plastic interdental cleaners but not with waxed dental floss or Superfloss.

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Devices, Home Care; Dental Prophylaxis; Humans; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Time Factors; Tooth Abrasion; Tooth Root

Topics: Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Alloys; Dental Bonding; Denture Design; Resins, Synthetic; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

Topics: Adhesiveness; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry; Chemistry, Physical; Dental Alloys; Dental Bonding; Resins, Synthetic; Silanes; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

Airborne dust from the production of silicon carbide has been analyzed for particle morphology and composition. Fibers of alpha silicon carbide were identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected area electron diffraction techniques (SAED). Micrographs taken at high magnification revealed several stacking periods along the fiber axis, and one or more of the polytypes 2H, 4H, or 6H could be distinguished. Preliminary investigations applying SEM showed that 80% of the fibers had diameters of less than 0.5 micron and a length greater than 5 micron. Fiber concentrations were examined by the counting of stationary and personal samples in an optical phase contrast microscope. The fiber levels in the three plants investigated were low and less than 1 fiber/cc of air (10(6) fibers/m3). Dust samples from the handling of raw material, including recycled material, contained up to 5 fibers/cc (5 X 10(6) fibers/m3).

Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

A patient with a history of decorating glass fixtures by means of abrasive etching presented with a disease characterized by diffuse infiltrates on chest roentgenogram and restriction and diffusion impairment on pulmonary function testing. Mineralogic analysis of biopsied pulmonary lesions showed particles consistent in composition to the glasses etched and abrasives used. The former particles were noncrystalline. Silicate mineral phases were identified as well, these displaying crystalline properties. Previous studies of workers exposed to abrasives, ie, silicon carbide and emery (as a form of corundum) suggest slight pneumoconiotic risk exists; this is also the case for workers exposed to forms of industrially made glass. The question is raised as to whether there exists, in this present case, an etiological association between exposure to respirable glassy particles and the development of pulmonary scarring.

Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Oxide; Biopsy; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dust; Glass; Humans; Lung; Lung Volume Measurements; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumoconiosis; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

The wear behavior of 12 commercial restorative composites (conventional and microfilled) and an unfilled restorative material was evaluated using an in vitro wear test referred to as an oscillatory wear test. The effect of varying test conditions was evaluated in a series of preliminary experiments in order to define test conditions for material evaluation. The materials were tested after being aged in water at 37 degrees C for periods of from seven days to one year. The results indicated consistently lower wear rates for the microfilled materials as compared with those of the conventional composites. Aging did not result in significant differences in wear rates measured by this method. Scanning electron micrography of worn surfaces suggested a possible effect of filler particle shape and bonding to the matrix to explain this difference. Although the relevance of the results to clinical behavior is not yet known, the study indicated the importance of material variables on wear.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Composite Resins; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Particle Size; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Stress, Mechanical; Surface Properties

Silicon carbide is produced by heating a mixture of petroleum coke and silica sand to approximately 2000 degrees C in an electric furnace for 36 hours. During heating, large amounts of carbon monoxide are released, sulphur dioxide is produced from residual sulphur in the coke, and hydrocarbon fume is produced by pyrolysis of the coke. Loading and unloading furnaces causes exposures to respirable dust containing crystalline silica, silicon carbide, and hydrocarbons. In the autumn of 1980 extensive measurements were made of personal exposures to air contaminants. Eight hour time weighted exposures to sulphur dioxide ranged from less than 0.1 ppm to 1.5 ppm and respirable participate exposures ranged from 0.01 mg/m3 to 9.0 mg/m3. Geometric mean particulate exposures for jobs ranged from 0.1 mg/m3 to 1.46 mg/m3. The particulate contained varying amounts of alpha-quartz, ranging from less than 1% to 17%, and most quartz exposures were substantially below the threshold limit value of 100 micrograms/m3. Only traces of cristobalite (less than 1%) were found in the particulate. Median exposures to air contaminants in each job were estimated. Since the operations at the plant had been stable over the past 30 years, it was possible to estimate long term exposures of workers to sulphur dioxide, respirable particulate, quartz, total inorganic material, and extractable organic material. Cumulative exposure (average concentration times exposure duration) for each of the air contaminants was estimated for each worker using his job history. There was sufficient independent variability in the sulphur dioxide and respirable particulate cumulative exposures to make an assessment of their independent effects feasible. The theoretical basis for using the cumulative exposure index and its shortcomings for epidemiological applications were presented.

Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Chemical Industry; Dust; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Hydrocarbons; Occupations; Quartz; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Sulfur Dioxide; Time Factors

Chest x rays, smoking histories, and pulmonary function tests were obtained for 171 men employed in the manufacturing of silicon carbide. A lifetime exposure to respirable particulates (organic and inorganic fractions) and sulphur dioxide was estimated for each worker. Chest x ray abnormalities were related to respirable particulates (round opacities) and to age and smoking (linear opacities). Pulmonary function was affected by respirable particulates (FVC) and by sulphur dioxide and smoking (FEV1). Pleural thickening was related to age. No exposures exceeded the relevant standards; we therefore conclude that the current standards do not provide protection against injurious pulmonary effects, at least in this industry.

Topics: Adult; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Chemical Industry; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases; Radiography; Respiratory Function Tests; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Smoking; Sulfur Dioxide

Two men who had been exposed only to silicon carbide for many years in a factory manufacturing refractory bricks developed bilateral reticulonodular densities, as shown on chest radiograms, and complained of dyspnea. An open lung biopsy of one of them showed a large amount of black material in the fibrosed alveolar septums. Studies by X-ray diffraction revealed that the silicon carbide to which they were exposed did not contain quartz; X-ray powder diffraction analysis of the lung tissue revealed at least 6 different silicon carbides, traces of tungsten carbide, and an insignificant amount of quartz. Line-width analysis of the pattern suggested that the lung contained foreign material, with a significant number of particles smaller than 0.1 micron. The etiologic role of silicon carbide for tissue fibrosis is discussed.

Topics: Adult; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Humans; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Pneumoconiosis; Radiography; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Topics: Biopsy; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Dental Enamel; Glycerol; Humans; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Tooth Abrasion; Toothpastes

Average surface roughness values, profile tracings, and surface microstructures of three microfilled composites and a conventional composite were studied with respect to final finishing procedures. Surfaces cured against Mylar matrix strips were the smoothest and were similar for all composites. White stones produced the roughest surfaces for Isopast, Silar, and Superfil. Silicon carbide disks and aluminum oxide disks produced smoother surfaces. The finished surfaces of the microfilled composites were smoother than the corresponding surfaces of Concise for each finishing instrumentation evaluated.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Aluminum Oxide; Carbon; Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Composite Resins; Dental Instruments; Phthalic Acids; Polyethylene Glycols; Polyethylene Terephthalates; Polyurethanes; Rubber; Silicon; Silicon Compounds; Surface Properties

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Humans; Occupational Health; Physical Examination; Silicon; Silicon Compounds

Topics: Carbon Compounds, Inorganic; Silicon; Silicon Compounds