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Incorporation of sewage sludge in clay brick and its characterization

Liew AG, Idris A, Wong CH, Samad AA, Noor MJ, Baki AM

Waste Manag Res, 2004 Aug;22(4):226-33.
PMID: 15462329

This study reports the use of sewage sludge generated from sewage treatment plant (STP) as raw material in a clay brick-making process. The physico-chemical and mineralogical characterization of the sewage sludge and clay were carried out in order to identify the major technological constraints and to define the sludge pretreatment requirements if necessary. Moreover, the effects on processing conditions and/or on changes of typical final characteristics are also evaluated. Bricks were produced with sewage sludge additions ranging from 10 to 40% by dry weight. The texture and finishing of the surface of sludge-amended clay bricks were rather poor. As for the physical and chemical properties, bricks with a sludge content of up to 40 wt.% were capable of meeting the relevant technical standards. However, bricks with more than 30 wt.% sludge addition are not recommended for use since they are brittle and easily broken even when handled gently. A tendency for a general degradation of brick properties with sludge additions was observed due to its refractory nature. Therefore, sludge bricks of this nature are only suitable for use as common bricks, which are normally not exposed to view, because of poor surface finishing.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Some flexural properties of a nylon denture base polymer

Yunus N, Rashid AA, Azmi LL, Abu-Hassan MI

J Oral Rehabil, 2005 Jan;32(1):65-71.
PMID: 15634304

Nylon denture base material could be a useful alternative to poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in special circumstances such as patient allergy to the monomer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural properties of a nylon denture base material (Lucitone FRS), a conventional compression-moulded heat-polymerized (Meliodent), a compression-moulded microwave-polymerized (Acron MC) and an injection-moulded microwave-polymerized (Lucitone 199) PMMA polymers. The effect of aldehyde-free, oxygen releasing disinfectant solution (Perform) on these properties was also investigated. The flexural modulus and the flexural strength were assessed with a three-point bending test. Specimens were stored in water at a temperature of 37 degrees C for 30 days. For each material, half of the prepared specimens were randomly selected and immersed in the disinfectant 24 h prior to testing. Results were compared statistically at a confidence level of 95%. The result showed that in both the control and disinfected groups, the flexural modulus of nylon was significantly lower than the three PMMA polymers. The flexural strength of nylon was significantly lower than those of Meliodent and Acron MC but was comparable with Lucitone 199. A 24-h immersion in the disinfecting solution increased the rigidity of nylon denture base material.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing/methods
Fulltext The HUKM Spinal Instrumentation System for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A biomechanical comparison study using finite element analysis

Azlan AM, Mohammad AR, Ariffin AK

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jul;60 Suppl C:30-4.
PMID: 16381280 MyJurnal

This finite element analysis is aimed at comparing relative stiffness of three different posterior instrumentation constructs: the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Spinal Instrumentation System (HUKM-SIS), the Cotrell-Dubousset Instrumentation (CDI) and Harrington Instrumentation System (HIS), used in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The constructs were tested under various loads using MSC Patran 2001 r2a. Under increasing flexion loads, there was a linearly corresponding increase in deflection magnitudes for all constructs on the load-deflection curve. The CDI was the stiffest construct under axial, forward flexion and extension loads, followed by the HUKM-SIS and HIS. Under lateral bending loads, the HUKM-SIS construct was the stiffest followed by CDI and HIS. The HUKM-SIS construct was stiffer than HIS under torsional loads. We conclude that multiple pedicle screws increase the stiffness of posterior instrumentation constructs under all loads and inter-segmental spinous processes wiring increase the stiffness against lateral bending.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing*
An evaluation of the effects of handpiece speed, abrasive characteristics, and polishing load on the flexural strength of polished ceramics

Ahmad R, Morgano SM, Wu BM, Giordano RA

J Prosthet Dent, 2005 Nov;94(5):421-9.
PMID: 16275301

Many studies on the strengthening effects of grinding and polishing, as well as heat treatment on ceramics, are not well standardized or use commercially available industrial polishing systems. The reported effectiveness of these strengthening mechanisms on ceramics may not be applicable to clinical dentistry.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Some of the properties of flame retardant medium density fiberboard made from rubberwood and recycled containers containing aluminum trihydroxide

Hashim R, How LS, Kumar RN, Sulaiman O

Bioresour Technol, 2005 Nov;96(16):1826-31.
PMID: 16051090

The flame retardancy of medium density fiberboard (MDF) made from mixture of rubberwood fibers and recycled old corrugated containers was studied. Aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) was used as a fire retardant additive and mixed with the fibers to manufacture experimental MDF panels using wet process. Phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin in liquid, 2% based on oven dry weight of fibers, was used along with 0%, 10%, 15% and 20% of ATH. The flame retardant test was done using the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. The other properties investigated include internal bond strength, thickness swelling and water absorption. The results showed that ATH loading increased as the LOI of MDF increased. This demonstrated that ATH could improved the fire retardant property of MDF at sufficient loading. An increase in concentration of ATH showed an increase in the IB values of MDF made without resin. MDF panels made without resin showed a progressive increase in internal bond as the composition of recycled old corrugated containers fiber increased. Addition of resin improved internal bond strength and reduced thickness swelling, and water absorption. Thickness swelling of panel increased as the composition of recycled old corrugated containers fiber increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) showed that there is indication of ATH and resin filling the void space in between fibers.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Fulltext Biomechanical properties of bone cement with addition of cefuroxime antibiotic

Mohd Fuad D, Masbah O, Shahril Y, Jamari S, Norhamdan MY, Sahrim SH

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Feb;61 Suppl A:27-9.
PMID: 17042225

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement has been used as prophylaxis against infection in total joint replacement surgery. Its effect on the mechanical strength of cement is a major concern as high dose of antibiotic was associated with a significant reduction in mechanical strength of bone cement. However, the cut-off antibiotic that weakens the mechanical strength of cement remains to be determined. This study was undertaken to observe the changes in the mechanical properties of bone cement with gradual increments of Cefuroxime antibiotic. Cefuroxime at different doses: 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5gm were added to a packet of 40gm bone cement (Simplex P) and study samples were prepared by using third generation cementing technique. Mechanical impact, flexural and tensile strength were tested on each sample. Significant impact and tensile strength reduction were observed after addition of 4.5 gm of Cefuroxime. However, flexural strength was significantly reduced at a lower dose of 3.0 gm. The maximum dose of Cefuroxime to be safely added to 40mg Surgical Simplex P is 1.5gm when third generation cementing technique is used. Further study is needed to determine whether it is an effective dose as regards to microbiological parameters.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Characterization of polymeric micelles for pulmonary delivery of beclomethasone dipropionate

Gaber NN, Darwis Y, Peh KK, Tan YT

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2006 10 20;6(9-10):3095-101.
PMID: 17048523

The potential of using poly-(ethylene oxide)-block-distearoyl phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (mPEG-DSPE) polymer to prepare BDP-loaded micelles with high entrapment efficiency and mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 5 microm demonstrating sustained release properties was evaluated. The result showed that lyophilized BDP-loaded polymeric micelles with entrapment efficiency of more than 96% could be achieved. Entrapment efficiency was affected by both the drug to polymer molar ratio and the amount of drug used. Investigation using FTIR and DSC confirmed that there was no chemical or physical interaction and the drug was molecularly dispersed within the micelles. TEM images showed that the drug-loaded polymeric micelles were spherical in shape with multivesicular morphology. Further analysis by photon correlation spectroscopy indicated that the particle size of the BDP-loaded micelles was about 22 nm in size. In vitro drug release showed a promising sustained release profile over six days following the Higuchi model. The mass median aerodynamic diameter and fine particle fraction were suitable for pulmonary delivery. Moreover, the small amount of deposited drug in the induction port (throat deposition) suggested possible reduction in incidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis, a side effect normally associated with inhaled corticosteroids therapy. The high encapsulation efficiency, comparable inhalation properties, sustained release behavior together with biocompatibility nature of the polymer support the potential of BDP-loaded polymeric micelles as a versatile delivery system to be used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Synthesis and characterization of polymeric V2O5/AlO(OH) with nanopores on alumina support

Ahmad AL, Abd Shukor SR, Leo CP

J Nanosci Nanotechnol, 2006 Dec;6(12):3910-4.
PMID: 17256351

Polymeric vanadium pentoxide gel was formed via the reaction of V2O5 powder with hydrogen peroxide. The polymeric vanadium pentoxide gel was then dispersed in alumina gel. Different vanadium loading composites were coated on alumina support and calcined at 500 degrees C for 1 hr. These composite layers were characterized using TGA, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and Autosorb. It was found that the lamellar structure of polymerized vanadium pentoxide was retained in the inorganic matrix. Crystalline alumina in gamma phase was formed after calcinations. However, the vanadium-alumina mixed oxides are lack of the well defined PXRD peaks for polycrystalline V2O5. This is possibly because the vanadia species are highly dispersed in the alumina matrix or the vanadia species are dispersed as crystalline which is smaller than 4 nm. In addition, the imbedded polymeric vanadium oxide improved the specific area and average pore diameter of the composite layer.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Characterization of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose films using microwave non-destructive testing technique

Anuar NK, Wui WT, Ghodgaonkar DK, Taib MN

J Pharm Biomed Anal, 2007 Jan 17;43(2):549-57.
PMID: 16978823

The applicability of microwave non-destructive testing (NDT) technique in characterization of matrix property of pharmaceutical films was investigated. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and loratadine were selected as model matrix polymer and drug, respectively. Both blank and drug loaded hydroxypropylmethylcellulose films were prepared using the solvent-evaporation method and were conditioned at the relative humidity of 25, 50 and 75% prior to physicochemical characterization using microwave NDT technique as well as ultraviolet spectrophotometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The results indicated that blank hydroxypropylmethylcellulose film exhibited a greater propensity of polymer-polymer interaction at the O-H and C-H domains of the polymer chains upon conditioned at a lower level of relative humidity. In the case of loratadine loaded films, a greater propensity of polymer-polymer and/or drug-polymer interaction via the O-H moiety was mediated in samples conditioned at the lower level of relative humidity, and via the C-H moiety when 50% relative humidity was selected as the condition for sample storage. Apparently, the absorption and transmission characteristics of both blank and drug loaded films for microwave varied with the state of polymer-polymer and/or drug-polymer interaction involving the O-H and C-H moieties. The measurement of microwave NDT test at 8GHz was sensitive to the chemical environment involving O-H moiety while it was greatly governed by the C-H moiety in test conducted at a higher frequency band of microwave. Similar observation was obtained with respect to the profiles of microwave NDT measurements against the state of polymer-polymer and/or drug-polymer interaction of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose films containing chlorpheniramine maleate. The microwave NDT measurement is potentially suitable for use as an apparent indicator of the state of polymer-polymer and drug-polymer interaction of the matrix.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing/instrumentation; Materials Testing/methods*
Minimizing tissue-material interaction in microsensor for subcutaneous glucose monitoring

Ahmad F, Christenson A, Bainbridge M, Yusof AP, Ab Ghani S

Biosens Bioelectron, 2007 Mar 15;22(8):1625-32.
PMID: 16934449

A new implantable electrocatalytic glucose sensor for subcutaneous glucose monitoring has been fabricated by immobilizing glucose oxidase on a chemically modified carbon fiber. The sensor was inserted subcutaneously on a male spraguely rat without any incision after dipping the microsensor in the rat's serum for 3 days. The so called "stained" microsensor, operated in the amperometric mode with an applied potential of +0.23 V versus Ag|AgCl, was able to directly measure the glucose concentration upon infusion of glucose. The results obtained were encouraging, with the response time was less than 2s and the apparent Michaelis-Menten value at 5.1+/-0.5mM. The "stained" microsensor shows good stability and reproducibility with constant response spanned over 25 days. Most common interferences in glucose analysis were minimized by the outerlayer Nafion. Hematology examinations showed minimal material-tissue interaction. Use of such mechanical devices will allow a more refined understanding towards glucose control in diabetic patients as the implanted microsensor was not effected by biocompatibility failures.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Enzymatic deinking of laser printed office waste papers: some governing parameters on deinking efficiency

Lee CK, Darah I, Ibrahim CO

Bioresour Technol, 2007 May;98(8):1684-9.
PMID: 17137782

The protocol for the enzymatic deinking of laser printed waste papers on a laboratory scale using cellulase (C) and hemicellulase (H) of Aspergillus niger (Amano) was developed as an effective method for paper recycling. A maximum deinking efficiency of almost 73% by the enzyme combination of C:H was obtained using the deinking conditions of pulping consistency of 1.0% (w/v) with the pulping time of 1.0min, temperature of 50 degrees C, pH=3.5, agitation rate of 60rpm, pulp concentration of 4% (w/v), concentration of each enzyme of 2.5U/g air dried pulp and the enzyme ratio of 1:1. The deinking efficiency was further enhanced to 95% using the optimized flotation system consisting of pH=6.0, Tween 80 of concentration 0.5% (w/w), working air flow rate of 10.0L/min and temperature of 45 degrees C. The deinked papers were found to exhibit properties comparable to the commercial papers suggesting the effectiveness of the enzymatic process developed.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
In vitro biocompatibility evaluation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) copolymer in fibroblast cells

Siew EL, Rajab NF, Osman AB, Sudesh K, Inayat-Hussain SH

J Biomed Mater Res A, 2007 May;81(2):317-25.
PMID: 17120221

Among the various biomaterials available for tissue engineering and therapeutic applications, microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates offer the most diverse range of thermal and mechanical properties. In this study, the biocompatibility of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB); containing 50 mol % of 4-hydroxybutyrate] copolymer produced by Delftia acidovorans was evaluated. The cytotoxicity, mode of cell death, and genotoxicity of P(3HB-co-4HB) extract against V79 and L929 fibroblast cells were assessed using MTT assay, acridine orange/propidium iodide staining, and alkaline comet assay, respectively. Our results demonstrate that P(3HB-co-4HB) treated on both cell lines were comparable with clinically-used Polyglactin 910, where more than 60% of viable cells were observed following 72-h treatment at 200 mg/mL. Further morphological investigation on the mode of cell death showed an increase in apoptotic cells in a time-dependent manner in both cell lines. On the other hand, P(3HB-co-4HB) at 200 mg/mL showed no genotoxic effects as determined by alkaline comet assay following 72-h treatment. In conclusion, our study indicated that P(3HB-co-4HB) compounds showed good biocompatibility in fibroblast cells suggesting that it has potential to be used for future medical applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Articular cartilage restoration in load-bearing osteochondral defects by implantation of autologous chondrocyte-fibrin constructs: an experimental study in sheep

Munirah S, Samsudin OC, Chen HC, Salmah SH, Aminuddin BS, Ruszymah BH

J Bone Joint Surg Br, 2007 Aug;89(8):1099-109.
PMID: 17785753

Ovine articular chondrocytes were isolated from cartilage biopsy and culture expanded in vitro. Approximately 30 million cells per ml of cultured chondrocytes were incorporated with autologous plasma-derived fibrin to form a three-dimensional construct. Full-thickness punch hole defects were created in the lateral and medial femoral condyles. The defects were implanted with either an autologous 'chondrocyte-fibrin' construct (ACFC), autologous chondrocytes (ACI) or fibrin blanks (AF) as controls. Animals were killed after 12 weeks. The gross appearance of the treated defects was inspected and photographed. The repaired tissues were studied histologically and by scanning electron microscopy analysis. All defects were assessed using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification. Those treated with ACFC, ACI and AF exhibited median scores which correspond to a nearly-normal appearance. On the basis of the modified O'Driscoll histological scoring scale, ACFC implantation significantly enhanced cartilage repair compared to ACI and AF. Using scanning electron microscopy, ACFC and ACI showed characteristic organisation of chondrocytes and matrices, which were relatively similar to the surrounding adjacent cartilage. Implantation of ACFC resulted in superior hyaline-like cartilage regeneration when compared with ACI. If this result is applicable to humans, a better outcome would be obtained than by using conventional ACI.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Effect of sintering temperature on the properties of modified mechanical alloyed CaCu3Ti4O12

Hutagalung SD, Ying OL, Ahmad ZA

IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control, 2007 Dec;54(12):2587-91.
PMID: 18276560 DOI: 10.1109/TUFFC.2007.582

This paper presents the effects of calcination time and sintering temperature on the properties of CaCu(3)Ti(4)O(12). Electroceramic material of CaCu(3)Ti(4)O(12) was prepared using a modified mechanical alloying technique that covers several processes, which are preparation of raw material, mixing and ball milling for 5 hours, calcination, pellet forming and, sintering. The objective of this modified technique is to enable the calcination and sintering processes to be carried out at a shorter time and lower temperature. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis result shows that a single-phase of CaCu(3)Ti(4)O(12) was completely formed by calcination at 750 degrees C for 12 hours. Meanwhile, the grain size of a sample sintered at 1050 degrees C for 24 hours is extremely large, in the range of 20-50 mum obtained from field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. The dielectric constant value of 14,635 was obtained at 10 kHz by impedance (LCR) meter in the sintered sample at 1050 degrees C. However, the dielectric constant value of samples sintered at 900 and 950 degrees C is quite low, in the range of 52-119.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Evaluation of load at fracture of Procera AllCeram copings using different luting cements

Al-Makramani BMA, Razak AAA, Abu-Hassan MI

J Prosthodont, 2008 Feb;17(2):120-124.
PMID: 18047490 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-849X.2007.00270.x

PURPOSE: The current study investigated the effect of different luting agents on the fracture resistance of Procera AllCeram copings.
METHODS: Six master dies were duplicated from the prepared maxillary first premolar tooth using nonprecious metal alloy (Wiron 99). Thirty copings (Procera AllCeram) of 0.6-mm thickness were manufactured. Three types of luting media were used: zinc phosphate cement (Elite), glass ionomer cement (Fuji I), and dual-cured composite resin cement (Panavia F). Ten copings were cemented with each type. Two master dies were used for each group, and each of them was used to lute five copings. All groups were cemented according to manufacturer's instructions and received a static load of 5 kg during cementation. After 24 hours of distilled water storage at 37 degrees C, the copings were vertically compressed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min.
RESULTS: ANOVA revealed significant differences in the load at fracture among the three groups (p < 0.001). The fracture strength results showed that the mean fracture strength of zinc phosphate cement (Elite), glass ionomer cement (Fuji I), and resin luting cement (Panavia F) were 1091.9 N, 784.8 N, and 1953.5 N, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Different luting agents have an influence on the fracture resistance of Procera AllCeram copings.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Sintering behaviour of hydroxyapatite bioceramics

Ramesh S, Tan CY, Aw KL, Yeo WH, Hamdi M, Sopyan I, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:89-90.
PMID: 19024998

The sintering behaviour of a commercial HA and synthesized HA was investigated over the temperature range of 700 degrees C to 1400 degrees C in terms of phase stability, bulk density, Young's modulus and Vickers hardness. In the present research, a wet chemical precipitation reaction was successfully employed to synthesize a submicron, highly crystalline, high purity and single phase stoichiometric HA powder that is highly sinteractive particularly at low temperature regimes below 1100 degrees C. It has been revealed that the sinterability of the synthesized HA was significantly greater than that of the commercial HA. The temperature for the onset of sintering and the temperature required to achieve densities above 98% of theoretical value were approximately 150 degrees C lower for the synthesized HA than the equivalent commercial HA. Nevertheless, decomposition of HA phase upon sintering was not observed in the present work for both powders.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
A novel hydrothermal process to produce hydroxyapatite powders

Sopyan I, Rosli A, Raihana MF

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:81-2.
PMID: 19024994

A novel hydrothermal process has been developed various hydroxyapatite(HA) powder. The HA powder was investigated in different calcination temperatures over the range of 200 degrees C-800 degrees C. TG/DTA and XRD analysis revealed that at temperatures of 700-800 degrees C the decomposition processes and phase changes took place. It is due to the appearance of TCP phase substituting the HA phase. FESEM observation showed that the produced hydroxyapatite powder was extraordinarily fine with nanosize primary particles and almost evenly spherical in shaped. Its high purity proved that the powder fulfills medical requirement.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Effect of powder calcination on the sintering of hydroxyapatite

Tan CY, Ramesh S, Aw KL, Yeo WH, Hamdi M, Sopyan I

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:87-8.
PMID: 19024997

The sintering behaviour of synthesized HA powder that was calcined at various temperatures ranging from 700 degrees C to 1000 degrees C was investigated in terms of phase stability, bulk density, Young's modulus and Vickers hardness. The calcination treatment resulted in higher crystallinity of the starting HA powder. Decomposition of HA phase to form secondary phases was not observed in all the calcined powders. The results also indicated that powder calcination (up to 900 degrees C) prior to sintering has negligible effect on the sinterability of the HA compacts. However, powder calcined at 1000 degrees C was found to be detrimental to the properties of sintered hydroxyapatite bioceramics.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing
Surface properties of Indonesian-made narrow dynamic compression plates

Dewo P, Sharma PK, van der Tas HF, van der Houwen EB, Timmer M, Magetsari R, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Jul;63 Suppl A:21-2.
PMID: 19024964

The enormous need of orthopaedic (surgical) implants such as osteosynthesis plates is difficult to be fulfilled in developing countries commonly rely on imported ones. One of the alternatives is utilization of local resources, but only after they have been proven safe to use, to overcome this problem. Surface properties are some of the determining factors of safety for those implants. We have succeeded in developing prototype of osteosynthesis plate and the results indicate that Indonesian-made plates need improvement with regards to the surface quality of physical characterization.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing*
Fulltext Susceptibility of selected tooth-coloured dental materials to damage by common erosive acids

Wan Bakar W, McIntyre J

Aust Dent J, 2008 Sep;53(3):226-34.
PMID: 18782366 DOI: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2008.00053.x

Erosive substances such as gastric acids, lemon juice and even the less erosive cola drinks have been extensively investigated for their destructive effects on enamel. However, their effects on the tooth-coloured restoratives has not been widely analysed. The objective of this study was to assess their effects on the more commonly used glass containing restorative materials in vitro.

Matched MeSH terms: Materials Testing

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