Biomedical subjects

R L Clarke

Publications and source records attributed to R L Clarke.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

The changes in acoustic attenuation due to in vitro heating.

The effects of heat-generated changes on the attenuation of ultrasound (US) by porcine liver tissue have been studied over a frequency range of 2.0 to 5.0 MHz. Samples of fresh tissue, 4- to 5-mm thick, were pressurized and cooled before measurement. The insertion loss was measured at room temperature, using a broadband 3.5-MHz transducer of focal length 10 cm, employing a pulse-reflection technique. Fourier analysis of the results gave the frequency-dependence of the insertion loss. Samples were then heated in a water bath to a temperature in the range of 40 to 80 degrees C, for between 30 and 500 s. The insertion loss was then re-measured at room temperature. The frequency-dependence of the change in insertion loss, expressed as a coefficient, in dB/cm, was fitted by linear regression, from which the attenuation change at 3.5 MHz was determined. This change was attributed to protein coagulation. Increases of up to 2.4 dB/cm, (80 degrees C, 300 s) were found. The averaged data were fitted to a single step exponential model, resulting in a time constant on the order of 118 +/- 5 s, and an asymptotic limit to the increase of attenuation coefficient of 2.67 +/- 0.5 dB/cm.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Water absorption characteristics of dental composites incorporating hydroxyapatite filler.

Water uptake characteristics of BisGMA-based composites incorporating untreated and surface-treated hydroxyapatite (HA) with a silane coupling agent have been investigated. The water absorption and desorption behaviour of these composites obeyed the classical diffusion theory. The diffusion coefficients of the composites during first absorption were very similar to that for the base resin, suggesting that the water uptake process occur mainly in the resin matrix. The incorporation of HA reduced the water uptake of the base resin and lower uptake was found for those formulated with surface-treated HA. It was also observed that the equilibrium uptake decreased with increasing filler loading. However, the filled specimens had a higher water absorption than which would be expected on the basis of the resin content. This increase in the water uptake was largely due to the presence of porosity and filler particle aggregates in the microstructure of composites, although the adsorption of some water onto the filler surface has not been ruled out. The experimental composites showed higher solubilities than that obtained for the base resin.

Absorption↗

PubMed2002

The effect of veneering and heat treatment on the flexural strength of Empress 2 ceramics.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to test and compare the biaxial flexural strength and reliability of Empress 2 ceramics after heat treatment and the addition of the veneering material and to characterise their microstructures. METHODS: Forty disc specimens (2 x 14 mm) and forty disc specimens (1 x 14 mm) were produced by heat pressing in the EP 500 press furnace. Group 1 (2 x 14 mm Empress 2 core) was as heat pressed and group 2 (2 x 14 mm Empress 2 core) was subjected to the recommended firing cycles. Groups 3 and 4 (1 x 14 mm Empress 2 core) were veneered with the dentine material and heat-treated as per group 2. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were lapped to 800 grit silicon carbide paper on the compressive surface only and group 4 on both the compressive and tensile test surfaces. Twenty disc specimens per group were tested using the biaxial flexure test at a crosshead speed of 0.15 mm/min. Specimens were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and secondary electron imaging (SEM). RESULTS: Mean biaxial flexural strengths (MPa+/-SD) were group 1: 265.5+/-25.7; group 2: 251.3+/-30.2; group 3: 258.6+/-21.4 and group 4: 308.6+/-37.7. There was no statistical difference between groups 1, 2 and 3 (p>0.05), but differences for group 4 (p<0.05). XRD and SEM revealed lithium disilicate and lithium orthophosphate in the Empress 2 core material and an amorphous glass and some evidence of a crystalline phase in the dentine material. CONCLUSIONS; Veneering or heat treatment of Empress 2 ceramics did not significantly affect the mean biaxial flexural strength (p>0.05) or reliability. Surface modification of the Empress 2 core material increased the mean biaxial flexural strength (p<0.05).

Carbon Compounds, Inorganic↗

PubMed2001

Flexural strength optimisation of a leucite reinforced glass ceramic.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to process a ceramic material with a fine leucite particle size using hot pressing techniques, to increase the flexural strength, reliability and ease of use. METHODS: A starting glass composition of wt%; 64.2% SiO(2), 16.1% Al(2)O(3), 10.9% K(2)O, 4.3% Na(2)O, 1.7% CaO, 0.5% LiO and 0.4% TiO(2) was used to produce a leucite reinforced ceramic material. Twenty-one porcelain discs were produced by sintering the ceramic frit (group 1) and sixty-three discs by heat pressing the frit (groups 2, 3 and 4). Twenty-one Empress 1 ceramic discs were also heat pressed (group 5). Disc specimens were tested using the biaxial flexure test at a crosshead speed of 0.15mm/min and the data analysed using the Scheffé F multiple comparison test and Weibull statistics. Specimens were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), secondary electron imaging and energy dispersive X-ray analysis where applicable. RESULTS: The heat pressed groups (2, 3 and 4) had higher mean biaxial flexural strengths and characteristic strength values than groups 1 and 5 (p<0.05). XRD revealed the presence of tetragonal leucite in all test groups. Fine leucite crystals, tabular platelets and minimal matrix microcracking were found in the microstructure of test groups (1-4) with a more uniform leucite distribution in the heat pressed specimen groups (2, 3 and 4), which were associated with a significant increase in the biaxial flexural strength and reliability. SIGNIFICANCE: Optimisation of the microstructure by producing a fine microstructure and controlling the distribution via the correct pressing parameters may be extremely advantageous in these systems.

Aluminum Silicates↗

PubMed2001

Hydroxyapatite as a filler for dental composite materials: mechanical properties and in vitro bioactivity of composites.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder was treated with gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy-silane (gamma-MPS) using standard techniques in both non-polar and polar systems. Infrared spectra (DRIFT) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the presence of gamma-MPS on the surface of the HAp filler particles. Series of experimental composites consisting of bisphenol-a-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) based resin and untreated or treated HAp filler were produced to determine the mechanical properties and in vitro bioactivity. The incorporation of HAp filler into the BisGMA base resin had an enhancing effect on the flexural strength and Young's modulus of the base resin, the latter being increased by a factor of three. The mechanical properties of the filled resin were not affected by the surface treatment of the HAp, but filler loading was found to have a significant effect on Young's modulus. Higher proportions of silane-treated HAp of smaller particle size could be incorporated in the monomer phase giving rise to composites of higher stiffness. Examination of the fracture surfaces showed that the silanized HAp particles maintained better contact with the polymer matrix. In vitro study revealed that the composites incorporating silanized HAp formed a compact and continuous calcium phosphate layer on their surface after 4 weeks immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF).

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001