Fracture Behavior of a Unidirectional Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic under Biaxial Tensile Loads.

In order to clarify the fracture behavior of a unidirectional CFRP under proportional loading along the fiber (0°) and fiber vertical (90°) directions, a biaxial tensile test was carried out using a cruciform specimen with two symmetric flat indentations in the thickness direction. Three fracture modes were observed in the specimens after the test. The first mode was a transverse crack (TC), and the second was fiber breakage (FB). The third mode was a mixture mode of TC and FB (TC&FB). According to the measured fracture strains, regardless of the magnitude of the normal strain in the 0° direction, TC and TC&FB modes occurred when the normal strain in the 90° direction, εy, ranged from 0.08% to 1.26% (positive values), and the FB mode occurred when εy ranged from -0.19% to -0.79% (negative values). The TC&FB mode is a unique mode that does not appear as a failure mode under uniaxial tension; it only occurs under biaxial tensile loading. Biaxial tensile tests were also conducted under non-proportional loading. The result showed three fracture modes similarly to the proportional loading case, each of which was also determined by the positive or negative value of εy. Thus, this study reveals that the occurrence of each fracture mode in a unidirectional CFRP is characterized by only one parameter, namely εy.

Application of one-piece endodontic crowns fabricated with CAD-CAM system to molars.

Computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems have been widely used as a fabrication method for restorations because of their high efficiency and accuracy, which significantly reduces fabrication time. However, molars with insufficient clearance or short clinical crown lengths require retention holes or grooves on the preparation, making it difficult to replicate the shapes with the CAM milling system. In these cases, restorations using the lost-wax method are selected. This article focuses on one-piece endodontic crowns (endocrowns) fabricated with a CAD-CAM system (CAD-CAM endocrowns), in which their posts and crowns are integrated. Articles from July 2012 to August 2023 were searched in PubMed with the keyword "endocrown". This review discusses the application of CAD-CAM endocrowns to molars from the viewpoint of model experiment (fracture resistance, adaptation) and clinical research. This technique, which allows margins and internal gaps to be set within the clinically acceptable range, is reported to be an effective way of restoring molars with high survival rates in clinical research.

Fracture resistance and fracture modes in endodontically treated maxillary premolars restored using different CAD-CAM onlays.

PURPOSE: To examine the fracture resistance and fracture modes of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) restored using onlays of different materials fabricated using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM). METHODS: Sixty maxillary first premolars were randomly assigned to six groups (n=10). The first group comprised intact teeth (INT). The remaining premolars were prepared for mesio-occluso-distal cavity and root canal treatments. Group 2 was treated using polymer-reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol intermediate restorative material (IRM). Groups 3-6 were core build-up, prepared for onlay, and restored using resin nanoceramic (Cerasmart [CER]), polymer-infiltrated ceramic networks (Vita Enamic [VE]), lithium disilicate-based ceramic (IPS e.max CAD [EM]), or translucent zirconia (Katana Zirconia UTML [KZ]). All specimens were immersed in 37 °C distilled water for 24 h. Each specimen was loaded at 45° to the long axis until failure (crosshead speed, 0.5 mm/min). Fracture loads were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test (α=0.05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in fracture load among the INT, CER, VE, and EM groups. The fracture load in the KZ group was significantly higher than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). Fracture load was the lowest in the IRM group (P < 0.05). The unrestorable failure rate was 70% in the KZ group and 10-30% in the other experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: ETT restored using Cerasmart, Vita Enamic, or IPS e.max CAD onlays had fracture resistance and patterns comparable to those of intact teeth. Katana Zirconia UTML-restored ETT had the highest fracture load but also a higher unrestorable failure rate.

Shear Bond Strength of Adhesives Placed following Selective Removal of Red-Fluorescing Carious Dentine in vitro.

Red-fluorescing dentine indicates bacterial contamination [Caries Res 2002; 36: 315-319]. We investigated effect of removal of red fluorescent dentine caries on shear bond strength and fracture mode of 4 adhesive approaches. Sixty-five carious teeth and 50 noncarious controls were distributed into 4 groups: Clearfil™ self-etch (CSE), OptiBond™ FL total etch (OTE), Scotchbond™ Universal total etch (STE) and self-etch (SSE). Samples were excited at 405 nm and viewed through 530 nm filter. Carious samples were ground flat exposing strongly red-fluorescing (StrongRF) dentine, on which a composite cylinder was placed, using one of 4 adhesives. After 22 h in water, shear bond strength and fracture mode were analysed. StrongRF was removed; composite cylinders were placed on weakly red-fluorescing (WeakRF) dentine and tested as described above. Finally, red-fluorescing dentine was removed, and composite cylinders were placed on non-fluorescing (NonRF) dentine and tested. Composites were placed at 3 corresponding heights in controls. After 22 h in water, shear bond strength testing and fracture mode analysis were performed. Differences were tested using Mann-Whitney or Wilcoxon tests (p ≤0.05). Median (Q1, Q3) shear bond strength on StrongRF was SSE 14.4 (9.2, 18.2) MPa >CSE 10.2 (6.4, 17.3) MPa >STE 9.1 (6.9, 11.2) MPa >OTE 6.8 (4.0, 10.8) MPa. Shear bond strength increased statistically significantly for all adhesives on WeakRF: SSE 19.8 (13.6, 24.3) MPa >STE 19.5 (12.7, 23.1) MPa >CSE 17.5 (12.0, 22.5) MPa >OTE 15.8 (11.9, 20.9) MPa. Only STE 25.6 (22.4, 29.1) MPa and CSE 22.1 (17.6, 24.6) MPa were significantly different on NonRF compared to WeakRF. For controls tested at corresponding depths, superficial shear bond strength was OTE 18.7 (16.0, 22.1) MPa >STE 18.4 (12.0, 25.9) MPa >CSE 18.1 (12.7, 20.7) MPa >SSE 13.0 (9.6, 17.8) MPa. This was significantly higher compared to StrongRF except for SSE. Central shear bond strength was not significantly different to WeakRF, deep shear bond strength was significantly lower for SSE and CSE but higher for OTE compared to carious. Conclusion: StrongRF dentine should be removed for higher shear bond strength, but WeakRF dentine can often be preserved without compromising adhesive bond strength.

Effect of Al2Cu constituent layer thickness discrepancy on the tensile mechanical behavior of Cu/Al2Cu/Al layered composites: a molecular dynamics simulation.

Nano-polycrystalline Cu/Al2Cu/Al layered composites with different layer thicknessesdof single-crystal Al2Cu constituent are constructed. The effects ofdon the strength and fracture modes of nano-polycrystalline Cu/Al2Cu/Al layered composites are systematically investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The uniaxial tensile results show that the ultimate strength and fracture mode of the nano-polycrystalline Cu/Al2Cu/Al layered composites do not change monotonically with the change of single crystal Al2Cu constituent layer thicknessd, the ultimate strength peaking atd= 2.44 nm, and the toughness reaching the optimum atd= 4.88 nm. The improvement of deformation incompatibility between Cu, Al and Al2Cu components increases the ultimate strength of polycrystalline Cu/Al2Cu/Al laminated composites. Due to the high activity of Cu dislocation and the uniformity of strain distribution of single crystal Al2Cu, the fracture of nano-crystalline Cu/Al2Cu/Al layered composites changes from brittleness to toughness. This study is crucial to establish the organic connection between microstructure and macroscopic properties of Cu/Al layered composites. To provide theoretical basis and technical support for the application of Cu/Al layered composites in high-end fields, such as automotive and marine, aerospace and defense industries.

Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Cu-Al-Ni Shape Memory Alloys Locally Reinforced by Alumina through the Powder Bed Fusion Process.

A classical problem with Cu-based shape memory alloys (SMAs) is brittle fracture at triple junctions. This alloy possesses a martensite structure at room temperature and usually comprises elongated variants. Previous studies have shown that introducing reinforcement into the matrix can refine grains and break martensite variants. Grain refinement diminishes brittle fracture at triple junctions, whereas breaking the martensite variants can negatively affect the shape memory effect (SME), owing to martensite stabilization. Furthermore, the additive element may coarsen the grains under certain circumstances if the material has a lower thermal conductivity than the matrix, even when a small amount is distributed in the composite. Powder bed fusion is a favorable approach that allows the creation of intricate structures. In this study, Cu-Al-Ni SMA samples were locally reinforced with alumina (Al2O3), which has excellent biocompatibility and inherent hardness. The reinforcement layer was composed of 0.3 and 0.9 wt% Al2O3 mixed with a Cu-Al-Ni matrix, deposited around the neutral plane within the built parts. Two different thicknesses of the deposited layers were investigated, revealing that the failure mode during compression was strongly influenced by the thickness and reinforcement content. The optimized failure mode led to an increase in fracture strain, and therefore, a better SME of the sample, which was locally reinforced by 0.3 wt% alumina under a thicker reinforcement layer.

Aging Interfacial Structure and Abnormal Tensile Strength of SnAg3Cu0.5/Cu Solder Joints.

In this study, the interfacial structure and abnormal long-term increase of tensile strength in the interfacial intermetallic compounds (IMCs) between SnAg3Cu0.5 solder and Cu substrates during isothermal aging were investigated. After reflow soldering, the IMC layer at the interface was thin and scallop-type. The interfacial layer became thicker with the increase in aging time. After 200 h of aging at 150 °C, the thickness of the interface gradually increased to 3.93 µm and the interface became smooth. Compared with the unaged Cu-Sn interface, the aged joint interface contained more Cu3Sn. The top of the IMC being reflown was relatively smooth, but became denser and prismatic in shape after 200 h of aging at 150 °C. The tensile strength of the joint, immediately after the reflow, reached 81.93 MPa. The tensile properties of the solder joints weakened and then strengthened as they aged. After 200 h of aging at 150 °C, the tensile strength was 83.86 MPa, which exceeded that of the unaged solder joint interface, because the fracture mode of the solder joints changed during aging.

Fracture Mode Transition during Assembly of TC4 High-Lock Bolt under Tensile Load: A Combined Experimental Study and Finite Element Analysis.

Fracture during the assembly process is an important failure mode for high-lock bolts used in the aviation industry, which greatly increases the potential of unpredictable accidents during service. In the current study, the underlying reasons for fracture during the assembly of a TC4 high-lock bolt was investigated using a tensile test and finite element analysis (FEA). The microstructure of the as-received bolt consisted of a high proportion of α phase, some ß phase, and a small amount of α' phase formed via martensite phase transformation during the rammer process. The experimental force-displacement curves revealed an average yield load of 55.9 kN and a breaking load of 67.65 kN. The corresponding yield strength was calculated to be 0.9 GPa, which was smaller than the standard value of TC4. This was attributed to the preload-induced stress concentration on the thread surface, leading to obvious strain hardening, which can lead to crack initiation. The effect of preload was further confirmed by the fractographies in which the initial crack was observed on the thread surface. The fractographies suggested that hybrid fracture occurred on the tensile loaded bolt. The initial failure was brittle fracture on the thread surface, transforming into ductile fracture in the screw. The results can contribute to understanding the effect of preload on the load carry capacity of high-lock bolts and provide a strategy to design its assembly specification.

Shear bond strength of CAD/CAM resin-based composite specimens to human dentin in comparison to CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramic specimens in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the shear bond strength of a CAD/CAM resin-based composite restoration material with a lithium-disilicate-ceramic restoration material on human dentin. In addition, the influence of the chosen adhesive system should be investigated. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty cylindrical specimens each were fabricated from the composite resin-based material Grandio Blocs (GB) and the ceramic IPS e.max CAD (IEM). In each case, 15 specimens were bonded to human dentin samples using the adhesive system recommended and provided by the manufacturer. For 15 additional specimens, the adhesive systems were interchanged. After water storage (4 weeks) and thermocycling (5,000 cycles between 5°C and 55°C), the shear bond strength, the fracture modes, and the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) were determined. All data were statistically evaluated (Kruskal-Wallis test; P < .05). RESULTS: The shear bond strength of IEM in combination with the manufacturer's recommended adhesive system was statistically significantly higher than in those of all other groups (P < .05), resulting in 39.24 ± 7.73 N/mm2. For IEM, adhesive fracture mode was the only mode found, while adhesive and mixed fracture modes occurred in both GB groups. Significantly more adhesive/restoration material remnants (ARI) remained on the dentin surfaces in both GB groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: For IEM the adhesive system recommended by the manufacturer should be used. For the GB samples, the choice of adhesive system had no influence on the shear bond strength. With GB, fracture may occur partly within the material under heavy load.

The effect of fiber insertion on fracture strength and fracture modes in endocrown and overlay restorations.

Aim of this study was to determine the fracture strength and modes of endocrown and overlay restorations with/without fiber reinforcement on endodontically treated teeth. Sixty-five molar teeth were used: Group IN (intact teeth), Group E (endocrown), Group ER (endocrown + ribbond), Group O (overlay), Group OR (overlay + ribbond; n = 13). Ribbond (Seattle, WA) was inserted at the base of pulp chamber in Group ER and OR. All restorations were designed and produced by using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (Sirona Dental Systems, Bensheim, Germany) and Cerasmart (GC Corp. Kasugai, Aichi, Japan). All teeth were subjected to thermomechanical aging and fractured in a universal test device. Fractured surfaces were analyzed with a stereomicroscope (SMZ1000, Nikon, Japan). Data were analyzed with Welch's analysis of variance and Games-Howell test (p < .001). Group E showed significantly lower fracture strength values than other groups(p < .05). No statistically significant differences were found among the other groups(p > .05). Most of the unfavorable fractures were seen in Groups E and O. Overlay restorations showed higher fracture strength values than endocrown restorations. Although fiber insertion did not improve the fracture strength of the indirect restorations, it reduced the frequency of irreparable fracture mode. Overlay restorations and fiber application are more advantageous in preserving the durability of the endodontically treated teeth.

Penetration Fracture Mechanism of Tungsten-Fiber-Reinforced Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses Matrix Composite under High-Velocity Impact.

In order to adapt to the launch velocity of modern artillery, it is necessary to study the fracture mechanism of the high-velocity penetration of penetrators. Therefore, the penetration fracture mode of tungsten-fiber-reinforced Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composite (WF/Zr-MG) rods at a high velocity is studied. An experiment on WF/Zr-MG rods penetrating into rolled homogeneous armor steel (RHA) was carried out at 1470~1650 m/s. The experimental results show that the higher penetration ability of WF/Zr-MG rods not only results from their "self-sharpening" feature, but also due to the fact they have a longer quasi-steady penetration phase than tungsten alloy (WHA) rods. Above 1500 m/s, the penetration fracture mode of the WF/Zr-MG rod is the bending and backflow of tungsten fibers. Our theoretical calculation shows that the deformation mode of the Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix (Zr-MG) is an important factor affecting the penetration fracture mode of the WF/Zr-MG rod. When the impact velocity increases from 1000 m/s to 1500 m/s, the deformation mode of Zr-MG changes from shear localization to non-Newtonian flow, leading to a change in the penetration fracture mode of the WF/Zr-MG rod from shear fracture to the bending and backflow of tungsten fibers.

Correlation of Fracture Resistance of Dental Implants and Bite Force in Dogs described in the literature: An In Vitro Study.

Dental implants are not routinely used for rehabilitation in veterinary dentistry. For some veterinarians, further studies are necessary to be considered for clinical use in animals. The objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate static fatigue of dental implants and to correlate that with the bite strength of dogs described in the literature. Sixty implants and abutments were used with the smallest diameter of each brand of implant utilized in the study. Three groups (n = 20) were created on the basis of the implant diameter, all with external hex connector: 3.30 mm (group 1), 4.0 mm (group 2) and 5.0 mm (group 3). All groups were subjected to quasi-static loading at 30° to the implant's long axis in a universal machine (model AME-5 kN). The mean fracture strength for group 1 was 964 ± 187 N, for group 2 was 1618 ± 149 N and for group 3 was 2595 ± 161 N. Significant differences between the groups with respect to resistance after the load applications were observed (P < .05). The diameter of implants affects the resistance to external forces during the application of non-axial strength (off-axis loading) and must be considered during the planning of rehabilitation to avoid problems.

Retention of different temporary cements tested on zirconia crowns and titanium abutments in vitro.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to examine the retention force of monolithic zirconia copings cemented with various temporary cements on implant abutments in vitro. METHODS: Sixty exercise implants with pre-screwed implant abutments were embedded in resin. Subsequently, 60 CAD/CAM manufactured zirconia copings were divided into three main groups [Harvard Implant Semi-permanent (HAV), implantlink semi Forte (IMP), Temp Bond NE (TBNE)]. The zirconia copings were cemented on the implant abutments and loaded with 35 N. Specimens were stored in distilled water (37 °C) for 24 h. Half of the test specimens of each group were subjected to a thermocycling (TC) process. Retention force was measured in a universal testing machine. Using magnifying glasses, the fracture mode was determined. Statistical analysis was performed applying the Kruskal-Wallis test, the post hoc test according to Dunn-Bonferroni and a chi-square test of independence. RESULTS: Without TC, IMP showed the highest retention of the three temporary luting agents (100.5 ± 39.14 N). The measured retention forces of IMP were higher than those of HAV (45.78 ± 15.66 N) and TBNE (61.16 ± 20.19 N). After TC, retention was reduced. IMP showed the greatest retentive strength (21.69 ± 13.61 N, three fail outs). HAV and TBNE showed pull-off forces of similar magnitude (17.38 ± 12.77 N and 16.97 ± 12.36 N, two fail outs). The fracture mode analysis showed different results regarding the tested cements before and after TC (facture type before/after TC): IMP (III+II/III), HAV (I/II) and TBNE (III/III). There were clear differences of the fracture modes regarding the examination before and after TC. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, IMP showed the highest pull-off forces under the chosen test conditions. All three temporary luting agents showed lower retention forces after TC. Retention values in the individual cement classes were very heterogeneous. Easy cement removal in the crown lumen favours the dominance of adhesive cement fractures on the abutment and adhesive/cohesive cement fractures on the abutment with HAV appears advantageous in case of recementation of the superstructure.

Investigation into the Effect of RFSSW Parameters on Tensile Shear Fracture Load of 7075-T6 Alclad Aluminium Alloy Joints.

The aim of the investigations was to determine the effect of parameters of refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW) on the fracture load and failure mechanisms of the resulting joint. RFSSW joints were made in 7075-T6 Alclad aluminium alloy sheets using different welding parameters. The load capacity of joints was determined under tensile/shear loadings. Finite element-based numerical simulations of the joint-loading process were carried out, taking into account the variability of elasto-plastic properties of weld material through the joint cross-section. The influence of welding parameters on selected phenomena occurring during the destruction of the joint is presented. The considerations were supported by a fractographic analysis based on SEM images of fractures. It was found that there is a certain optimal amount of heat generated, which is necessary to produce the correct joint in terms of its load capacity. This value should not be exceeded, because it leads to weakening of the base material and thus to a reduction in the strength of the joint. Samples subjected to uniaxial tensile shear load showed three types of failure mode (tensile fracture, shear fracture, plug type fracture) depending on the tool rotational speed and duration of welding. Prediction of the fracture mode using FE-based numerical modelling was consistent with the experimental results. The samples that were damaged due to the tensile fracture of the lower sheet revealed a load capacity (LC) of 5.76 KN. The average value of LC for the shear fracture failure mechanism was 5.24 kN. The average value of the LC for plug-type fracture mode was 5.02 kN. It was found that there is an optimal amount of heat generated, which is necessary to produce the correct joint in terms of its LC. Excessive overheating of the joint leads to a weakening of the base metal and thus a reduction in the strength of the joint. Measurements of residual stresses along the axis specimens showed the presence of stresses with a certain constant value for the welded area on the side of the 1.6 mm thick plate.

Effect of restorative technique on the fracture strength and fracture mode of premolars after mineral trioxide aggregate pulpotomy.

This study aimed to compare the effects of different combinations of adhesive bases and restorative materials on the fracture strength and mode of maxillary premolars with mesio-occlusodistal (MOD) cavities after mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulpotomy. Ninety-six extracted human maxillary premolars were divided into 8 groups (n = 12). Group 1 (negative control) consisted of intact teeth. In the other teeth, MOD and endodontic access cavities were prepared, and a layer of MTA was placed. Group 2 was left unrestored as the positive control. Group 3 was restored with a glass ionomer cement (GIC) base and amalgam. The remaining groups were restored with a microhybrid composite after application of different bases: 4, resin-modified GIC (RMGIC); 5, zirconia-reinforced GIC (ZRGIC); 6, self-adhesive flowable composite (SAFC); 7, self-adhesive resin cement (SARC); and 8, short fiber-reinforced composite (SFRC). After fracture strength testing via continuous compressive axial loading, the fracture mode was classified as restorable or unrestorable. Data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tamhane tests (P < 0.05). The fracture strength of the negative control group was significantly higher than that of all other groups (P < 0.001). The fracture strengths of groups 2 and 3 were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from each other but were significantly lower (P = 0.002) than those of all composite-restored groups. Group 8 showed a significantly greater fracture strength than group 4 (P < 0.001). Unlike GIC/amalgam, all of the base/composite restoration groups partly restored the strength of pulpotomized premolars. Although their fracture strengths were statistically similar, the fracture modes were more favorable in groups with SAFC or SARC bases than in groups with RMGIC or ZRGIC bases. The SFRC/composite specimens revealed advantages in both fracture strength and fracture mode compared to RMGIC/composite specimens.

Interface Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Ultrasonic-Assisted Friction Stir Lap Welded 7075-T6 Aluminium Alloy.

In this work, friction stir lap welding (FSLW) and ultrasonic-assisted friction stir lap welding (UAFSLW) was applied to 6-mm-thick 7075-T6 alloy sheets using three welding tools with the same process parameters. The joint formation, microstructural characteristics, and mechanical properties of the resulting lap joints were then investigated. The results showed that ultrasonic vibration significantly promoted the flow of metal at the interface, enlarged the size of the stirred zone (SZ), and reduced the angle between the hook defect and the interface. During lap shear testing, the FSLW and UAFSLW joints fractured in a similar manner. The fracture modes included tensile fracture, shear fracture, and a mixture of both. Cold lap and hook defects may have served as crack-initiation zones within the joint. Under configuration A (i.e., upper sheet on the retreating side (RS)), all joints failed in the shear-fracture mode. The effective lap width (ELW) of the joint welded using tool T2 was the greatest. This resulted in a higher shear fracture strength. The maximum shear fracture strength of the UAFSLW joint was 663.1 N/mm. Under configuration B (i.e., upper sheet on the advancing side (AS)), the shear fracture strength was greatly affected by the fracture mode. The highest shear fracture strength of the UAFSLW joint, 543.7 N/mm, was welded by tool T3. Thus, under otherwise identical conditions, UAFSLW joints can withstand a greater fracture shear strength than FSLW joints, as ultrasonic vibration helps to mix the material at the interface, thus, enlarging the SZ and diminishing the cold lap defects.

Equal Load-Carrying Design of Lapped Joints of Al-Cu Dissimilar Materials.

In order to avoid the adverse effects of additional moment and stress concentration of traditional lap joints, a new lap joint was put forward, according to the concept of "equal load-carrying". Through static analysis and brazing characteristics consideration, the equal load-carrying design method of Al-Cu lap joint based on brazing method was established. Through three types of brazing, the relationship among two fracture modes, brazing process and static tension curve of lap joint, was analyzed. The results demonstrated that the selection of solder was required to simultaneously meet the requirements of brazability and mechanical properties. A certain relationship existed between the fracture mode of the lap joint and the static tensile curve, while the segments of the static tensile curve corresponded to the fracture paths of the two fracture modes. When the brazing holding time was quite short, the interface bonding was poor, while the bearing capacity of the joint was low; when the holding time was suitable, the bearing capacity of the joint reached the corresponding highest, while the fracture mode conformed to the equal load-carrying design; when the brazing holding time was quite long, the bearing capacity of the joint remained at a high level, but the fracture mode was the same as the holding time was quite short.

Interfacial Stability in Bi2Te3 Thermoelectric Joints.

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)-based thermoelectric materials are well-known for their high figure-of-merit (zT value) in the low-temperature region. Stable joints in the module are essential for creating a reliable device for long-term applications. This study used electroless Co-P to prevent a severe interfacial reaction between the joints of solder and Bi2Te3. A thick and brittle SnTe intermetallic compound layer was successfully inhibited. The strength of the joints improved, and the fracture mode became more ductile; furthermore, there was no significant degradation of thermoelectric properties after depositing the Co-P layer after long-term aging. The result suggests that electroless Co-P could enhance the interfacial stability of the joints and be an effective diffusion barrier for Bi2Te3 thermoelectric modules.

Effect of preparation design on the fracture behavior of ceramic occlusal veneers in maxillary premolars.

OBJECTIVES: The fracture strengths of four types of occlusal veneers and a traditional full crown ceramic restoration and the influence of preparation design on the stress of restorations were examined. METHODS: Forty intact maxillary premolars randomly divided into five groups were prepared based on the demands of type O (occlusal surface coverage), OF (occlusal and lingual surface coverage), POF (occlusal, lingual, and mesial surface coverage), and POFP (occlusal, lingual, mesial, and distal surface coverage) veneers and full crown, and then restored by glass ceramic. Specimens were subjected to fracture resistance tests after cyclic loading. The fracture strengths and modes were analyzed statistically. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. One maxillary premolar was prepared for type O, OF, POF, POFP veneer and full crown, and then scanned to establish finite element models. The mean fracture load was applied vertically to calculate the maximum principal stress on the ceramic. RESULTS: Type O veneer showed higher fracture strength than type POF and POFP veneers (P < 0.05). Both type O and OF veneers exhibited higher fracture strength than full crown (P < 0.05). No significant difference in failure mode was observed. The maximum principal stress for type O, OF, POF, POFP veneers, and full crown increased progressively and concentrated at the bonding surface directly beneath the loading area. CONCLUSIONS: Four types of occlusal veneer showed fracture strengths that considerably exceeded normal biting forces. They represent conservative alternatives to full crowns and present a viable treatment for severely worn teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The occlusal veneers with different preparation designs, including type O, OF, POF and POFP veneers, show higher fracture resistances than traditional full coverage crowns that considerably exceed the normal biting forces. Therefore, these represent conservative alternatives to crown restorations and present a viable treatment for restoring severely worn teeth.

Liberation enhancement and copper enrichment improvement for waste printed circuit boards by heating pretreatment.

Crushing is the key part for the recycling technology of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs). In this study, the breakage and liberation effects of WPCBs was improved by heat pretreatment technology before crushing (HPBC). Based on the test results, 200 °C was found as the safe temperature for the HPBC of WPCBs. The fracture mode, particle size distribution, and enrichment characteristics of WPCBs were systematically studied. The experimental results show that the HPBC changed the breakage mode from longitudinal fracture to horizontal fracture and improved the liberation of metal from non-metal components. During the crushing process, the increase in the heat pretreatment time (30-120 min) and temperature (100-200 °C) can improve the crushing effect of WPCBs and increase the content of crushing products of -0.3 mm by 3.16% and 5.64%, respectively. Compared to the non-metallic components, the metal components have ductility and are difficult to break into -0.3 mm during the crushing process. HPBC can promote copper enrichment to narrow grain size. In the 0.3-1 mm range, the content of copper increased from 47.87% to 57.61%, an increase by 9.74%. The initial enrichment of copper was achieved by adjusting the crushing time. The recovery rate of copper can reach 85.66%, and the enrichment rate is 1.74 when 0.3-2 mm breaking product is used as enrichment. Therefore, HPBC can effectively improve the crushing and liberation effect of WPCBs and improve the enrichment rate, and thus is an effective pretreatment method.