Optimizing mechanical properties of laser-welded gold alloy through heat treatment

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this work was to improve the mechanical strength of laser-welded gold alloy with age-hardenability at intraoral temperature.

METHODS

The gold alloy was cast conventionally in plate patterns (0.5 mm x 3.0 mm x 20 mm). After bench-cooling the mold to room temperature (as-cast state), transverse sections of the plate were made at mid-span. They were butted against one another and welded using Nd:YAG laser (current: 320 A; time: 10 ms; spot diameter: 1 mm). Three laser pulses were applied from both sides to cover the joint width (3.0 mm) of the specimens before or after solution heat treatment at 700 degrees C/5 min. Uncut control specimens (non-welded) were also prepared. After solution treatment, two different heat treatments were given the laser-welded specimens: high-temperature aging at 250 degrees C/15 min, or intraoral aging at 37 degrees C/3 days. Control specimens underwent all of the heat treatments after solution treatment. Tensile testing was conducted at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min and a gauge length of 10 mm.

RESULTS

Solution treatment of the gold alloy before laser-welding did not improve the mechanical strength of laser-welded gold alloy after high-temperature aging or intraoral aging. The joint strengths of laser-welded gold alloy were improved only by solution heat treatments after laser-welding and subsequent aging treatment at high or intraoral temperatures.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results of this study indicated that laser-welded cast gold alloy prostheses aged at high or intraoral temperatures produce high strength when they are solution-treated after laser-welding.

Towards pick-and-place assembly of nanostructures

We examine an approach to three-dimensional pick-and-place assembly of wire-like nanoscale components, such as carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowires, on microstructures inside a scanning electron microscope. In this article we demonstrate that microfabricated electrostatically acutuated tweezers can pick up silicon nanowires and show how electron beam deposition of carbon residues can be used to assemble carbon nanotubes on microelectrodes.

Pulmonary responses to welding fumes: role of metal constituents

It is estimated that more than 1 million workers worldwide perform some type of welding as part of their work duties. Epidemiology studies have shown that a large number of welders experience some type of respiratory illness. Respiratory effects seen in full-time welders have included bronchitis, siderosis, asthma, and a possible increase in the incidence of lung cancer. Pulmonary infections are increased in terms of severity, duration, and frequency among welders. Inhalation exposure to welding fumes may vary due to differences in the materials used and methods employed. The chemical properties of welding fumes can be quite complex. Most welding materials are alloy mixtures of metals characterized by different steels that may contain iron, manganese, chromium, and nickel. Animal studies have indicated that the presence and combination of different metal constituents is an important determinant in the potential pneumotoxic responses associated with welding fumes. Animal models have demonstrated that stainless steel (SS) welding fumes, which contain significant levels of nickel and chromium, induce more lung injury and inflammation, and are retained in the lungs longer than mild steel (MS) welding fumes, which contain mostly iron. In addition, SS fumes generated from welding processes using fluxes to protect the resulting weld contain elevated levels of soluble metals, which may affect respiratory health. Recent animal studies have indicated that the lung injury and inflammation induced by SS welding fumes that contain water-soluble metals are dependent on both the soluble and insoluble fractions of the fume. This article reviews the role that metals play in the pulmonary effects associated with welding fume exposure in workers and laboratory animals.

Manganese Distribution in Brains of Sprague–Dawley Rats After 60 Days of Stainless Steel Welding-Fume Exposure

Welders working in a confined space, as in the shipbuilding industry, are at risk of being exposed to high concentrations of welding fumes and developing pneumoconiosis or other welding-fume exposure related diseases. Among such diseases, manganism resulting from welding-fume exposure remains a controversial issue, as the movement of manganese into specific brain regions has not yet been clearly established. Accordingly, to investigate the distribution of manganese in the brain after welding-fume exposure, male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to welding fumes generated from manual metal arc-stainless steel (MMA-SS) at concentrations of 63.6 +/- 4.1 mg/m(3) (low dose, containing 1.6 mg/m(3) Mn) and 107.1 +/- 6.3 mg/m(3) (high dose, containing 3.5 mg/m(3) Mn) total suspended particulate (TSP) for 2 h per day in an inhalation chamber over a 60-day period. Blood, brain, lung, and liver samples were collected after 2 h, 15, 30, and 60 days of exposure and the tissues analyzed for their manganese concentrations using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Although dose- and time-dependent increases in the manganese concentrations were found in the lungs and livers of the rats exposed for 60 days, only slight manganese increases were observed in the blood during this period. Major statistically significant increases in the brain manganese concentrations were detected in the cerebellum after 15 days of exposure and up until 60 days. Slight increases in the manganese concentrations were also found in the substantia nigra, basal ganglia (caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus), temporal cortex, and frontal cortex, thereby indicating that the pharmacokinetics and distribution of the manganese inhaled from the welding fumes were different from those resulting from manganese-only exposure.

[A study on microstructures and heat reaction zone of laser-melted and cast post-keepers]

OBJECTIVE

In order to introduce the laser welding technology into root-cap making, this study compared the surface characters and internal structures of laser-melted and cast post-keeper to provide experimental data for clinical application of the technique.

METHODS

Using untreated keeper as the control group, the surface characters and metallographic structures of the keepers were examined by stereomicroscope, metallographic microscope and SEM, and element analysis were conducted with EPMA.

RESULTS

The laser-melted post-keeper basically kept the original smooth and the internal structure of the keeper, the heat reaction zone was extremely small and elements diffused mutually around the fusion zone obviously. While in the cast post-keeper, the surface was rough and had an oxide-layer. The internal structure changed and a fusion band formed between the base alloy and the keeper, but element diffusion was limited to the fusion zone.

CONCLUSION

Compared with casting, laser welding technique demonstrated less influence on the surface and internal structure of the keepers.

[The measurement of retentive force of laser-melted and cast post-keepers of Magfit magnetic attachments]

OBJECTIVE

In order to compare the influence of casting and laser welding on magnetic retentive force, the magnetic retentive forces of laser-melted and cast post-keepers of the magnetic attachments were measured in vitro.

METHODS

5 cast and 6 laser-melted post-keeper specimens (Magfit MD800) were formed, respectively. Using untreated keeper as control group, the vertical magnetic retentive forces were measured by a universal testing machine.

RESULTS

The average vertical magnetic retentive force of the laser-melted post-keeper group and the cast post-keeper group in vitro were (4.223 +/- 0.217,0)N, (3.792,9 +/- 0.296,4)N, respectively. Compared with the cast post-keeper group, the average vertical magnetic retentive force of the laser-melted post-keeper groups was much higher in vitro (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Laser welding had less influence on the magnetic retentive force of the magnetic attachments than casting.

Thorium-232 exposure during tungsten inert gas arc welding and electrode sharpening

To assess the exposure of welders to thorium-232 (232Th) during tungsten inert gas arc (TIG) welding, airborne concentrations of 232Th in the breathing zone of the welder and background levels were measured. The radioactive concentrations were 1.11 x 10(-2) Bq/m3 during TIG welding of aluminum (TIG/Al), 1.78 x 10(-4) Bq/m3 during TIG welding of stainless steel (TIG/SS), and 1.93 x 10(-1) Bq/m3 during electrode sharpening, with 5.82 x 10(-5) Bq/m3 background concentration. Although the annual intake of 232Th estimated using these values did not exceed the annual limit intake (ALI, 1.6 x 10(2) Bq), we recommend reducing 232Th exposure by substituting thoriated electrodes with a thorium-free electrodes, setting up local ventilation systems, and by using respiratory protective equipment. It is also necessary to inform workers that thoriated tungsten electrodes contain radioactive material.

[Assessment of exposure to toxic metals released during soldering and grazing processes]

The aim of the study was to assess toxic metal exposure in workers performing soldering and brazing operations. The study group included workers of three plants manufacturing electronic systems, household equipment and electric motors. Membrane filters were used to collect 50 air samples, including personal 8-h samples to assess average weighed concentration of soldering and brazing fumes and their elements, and to assay respirable dust and "background" or "area" samples. After testing by gravimetry, the filter with collected sample was mineralized with concentrated HCL/HNO3 and 10 ml sample solution in 32% HCL/4% HNO3 was prepared according to OSHA ID-206. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to assess the contents of lead (Pb), tin (Sn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), antimony (Sb), silver (Ag) and manganese (Mn) in the sample solution. The quantitative analysis revealed that time-weighed average (TWA) of fume concentrations were: soldering fume < 0.5-1.1 mg/m3, Cu < 0.003-0.034 mg/m3, Pb < 0.014-0.037 mg/m3, Sn < 0.15 mg/m3, Sb < 0.035 mg/m3; brazing fume < 0.5-0.8 mg/m3, Cu < 0.003-0.038 mg/m3, Zn < 0.003-0.025 mg/m3, Pb < 0.014-0.023 mg/m3, Ag < 0.014 mg/m3, Sn < 0.15 mg/m3, Mn < 0.07-0.12 mg/m3. The results show that on the day of measurements, working conditions at solderer/brazer workplaces were safe, i.e. relevant MAC values were not exceeded.

Absorption properties of alternative chromophores for use in laser tissue soldering applications

The feasibility of using alternative chromophores in laser tissue soldering applications was explored. Two commonly used chromophores, indocyanine green (ICG), and methylene blue (MB) were investigated, as well as three different food colorings: red #40 (RFC), blue #1 (BFC), and green consisting of yellow #5 and blue #1 (GFC). Three experimental studies were conducted: (i) The absorption profiles of the five chromophores, when diluted in deionized water and when bound to protein, were recorded; (ii) the effect of accumulated thermal dosages on the absorption profile of the chromophores was evaluated; and (iii) the stability of the absorption profiles of the chromophore-doped solutions when exposed to ambient light for extended time periods was measured. The peak absorption wavelengths of ICG, MB, RFC, and BFC, were found to be 805 nm, 665 nm, 503 nm, and 630 nm respectively in protein solder. The GFC had two absorption peaks at 426 nm and 630 nm, corresponding to the two dye components comprising this color. The peak absorption wavelength of ICG and MB was dependent on the choice of solvent (deionized water or protein). In contrast, the peak absorption wavelengths of the three chromophores were not dependent on the choice of solvent. ICG and MB showed a significant decrease in absorbance units with increased time and temperature when heated to temperature up to 100 degrees C. A significant decrease in the absorption peak occurred in the ICG and MB samples when exposed to ambient light for a period of 7 days. Negligible change in absorption with accumulated thermal dose up to 100 degrees C or light dose (over a period of 84 days) was observed for any of the three food colorings investigated.

Effect of varying chromophores used in light-activated protein solders on tensile strength and thermal damage profile of repairs

Clinical adoption of laser tissue welding (LTW) techniques has been beleaguered by problems associated with thermal damage of tissue and insufficient strength of the resulting tissue bond. The magnitude of these problems has been significantly reduced with the incorporation of indocyanine green (ICG)-doped protein solders into the LTW procedure to form a new technique known as laser tissue soldering (LTS). With the addition of ICG, a secondary concern has arisen relating to the potential harmful effects of the degradation products of the chromophore upon thermal denaturation of the protein solder with a laser. In this study, two different food colorings were investigated, including blue #1 and green consisting of yellow #5 and blue #1, as alternative chromophores for use in LTS techniques. Food coloring has been found to have a suitable stability and safety profile for enteral use when heated to temperatures above 200 degrees C; thus, it is a promising candidate chromophore for LTS which typically requires temperatures between 50 degrees C and 100 degrees C. Experimental investigations were conducted to test the tensile strength of ex vivo repairs formed using solders doped with these alternative chromophores in a bovine model. Two commonly used chromophores, ICG and methylene blue (MB), were investigated as a reference. In addition, the temperature rise, depth of thermal coagulation in the protein solder, and the extent of thermal damage in the surrounding tissue were measured. Temperature rise at the solder/tissue interface, and consequently the degree of solder coagulation and collateral tissue thermal damage, was directly related to the penetration depth of laser light in the protein solder. Variation of the chromophore concentration such that the laser light penetrated to a depth approximately equal to half the thickness of the solder resulted in uniform results between each group of chromophores investigated. Optimal tensile strength of repairs was achieved by optimizing laser and solder parameters to obtain a temperature of approximately 65 degrees C at the solder/tissue interface. The two alternative chromophores tested in this study show considerable promise for application in LTS techniques, with equivalent tensile strength to solders doped with ICG or MB, and the potential advantage of eliminating the risks associated with harmful byproducts.

Optimal parameters for arterial repair using light-activated surgical adhesives

The clinical acceptance of laser-tissue repair techniques is dependent on the reproducibility of viable repairs. Reproducibility is dependent on two factors: (i) the choice of materials to be used as the adhesive; and (ii) obtaining temperatures high enough to cause protein denaturation at the vital tissue interface without causing excessive thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The use of a polymer scaffold as a carrier for the protein solder provides for uniform application of the solder to the tissue, thus allowing for pre-selection of optimal laser parameters. The scaffold also facilitates precise tissue alignment and ease of clinical application. In addition, the scaffold can be doped with various pharmaceuticals such as hemostatic and thrombogenic agents to aid wound healing. An ex vivo study was performed to correlate solder and tissue temperature with the tensile strength of arterial repairs formed using scaffold-enhanced light-activated surgical adhesives. Previous studies by our group using solid protein solder without the scaffold indicate that a solder/tissue, interface temperature of 65 degrees C is optimal. Using this parameter as a benchmark, laser irradiance was varied and temperatures were recorded at the surface and at the tissue interface of scaffold-enhanced protein solder using an infrared temperature monitoring system, designed by the researchers, and a type-K thermocouple, respectively.

Techniques for laser welding polymeric devices

Recent advances in laser techniques mean that lasers are now being considered as an alternative to vibration, ultrasonic, dielectric, hot plate or hot bar welding, and adhesive bonding of plastics. The techniques required to put laser welding methods into practice are described for medical devices, tubular systems, films and synthetic fabrics.

Opportunities with thermoplastics

Whether as substitutes for glass and metal, or completely novel injection moulded applications, engineering polymers offer a range of opportunities for developing cost-effective, safe and smart medical devices.

The study of a light-activated albumin protein solder to bond layers of porcine small intestinal submucosa

This study investigated the feasibility of bonding layers of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS, Cook Biotech, Inc.) with a light-activated protein solder. SIS is an acellular, collagen-based extracellular matrix material that is approximately 100 microns thick. The solder consists of bovine serum albumin and indocyanine green dye (ICG) in deionized water. The solder is activated by an 808 nm diode laser, which denatures the albumin, causing the albumin to bond with the collagen of the tissue. The predictable absorption and thermal energy diffusion rates of ICG increase the chances of reproducible results. To determine the optimal condition for laser soldering SIS, the following parameters were varied: albumin concentration (from 30-45% (w/v) in increments of 5%), the concentration of ICG (from 0.5-2.0 mg/ml H2O) and the irradiance of the laser (10-64 W/cm2). While many of the solder compositions and laser irradiance combinations resulted in no bonding, a solder composition of 45% albumin, ICG concentration of 0.5 mg/ml H2O, and a laser irradiance of 21 W/cm2 did produce a bond between two pieces of SIS. The average shear strength of this bond was 29.5 +/- 17.1 kPa (n = 14). This compares favorably to our previous work using fibrin glue as an adhesive, in which the average shear strength was 27 +/- 15.8 kPa (n = 40).

Thorium exposure during tungsten inert gas welding with thoriated tungsten electrodes

The exposure to 232Th from TIG welding with thoriated electrodes has been determined at five different workshops. Welding with both alternating and direct current was investigated. The exposure levels of 232Th were generally below 10 mBq m(-3) in the breathing zone of the welders. Two samples from AC welding showed significant higher exposure levels, probably due to maladjustment of the TIG welding power source. Samples of the respirable fraction of 232Th from grinding thoriated electrodes were also collected showing exposure levels of 5 mBq m(-3) or lower. A dose estimate has been made for two scenarios, one realistic and one with conservative assumptions, showing that the annual committed effective dose from inhalation of 232Th, 230Th, 228Th and 228Ra, for a full-time TIG welder, in the realistic case is below 0.3 mSv and with conservative assumptions around 1 mSv or lower. The contribution from grinding electrodes was lower, 10 microSv or lower in the realistic case and 63 microSv or lower based on conservative assumptions. The study does not exclude occurrence of higher exposure levels under welding conditions different from those prevailing in this study.

Metallurgical Effects on Titanium by Laser Welding on Dental Stone

It is not known for certain that dental stone components influence titanium welding. In this study, we investigated metallurgical problems caused by laser welding on dental stones using wrought commercial pure (CP) titanium. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiated a number of specimens' surfaces which were fixed on either a dental hard stone or a titanium plate. The metallurgical properties of the weld were evaluated using the Vickers hardness test, microstructure observation, fractured surface observation and quantitative analysis of oxygen and hydrogen. In the weld formed on the dental stone there was an increase in hardness, the existence of an acicular structure and a brittle fractured surface, and an increase in the oxygen and hydrogen concentrations compared with base metal. In the weld formed on the titanium plate, these changes were not observed. Therefore, it was demonstrated that laser welding on dental stones made the welds brittle.

[The vision of welders in France]

PURPOSE

A study was conducted to measure the impact of welding on the vision of welders.

METHODOLOGY

This study was conducted in France by the occupational medicine staff of large companies on 1.131 people, namely 850 welders and 281 control subjects. This investigation included two examinations at the beginning and the end of a year. The investigative procedure examined the different welding processes, the percentage of working time spent on welding activity, the length of exposure in years, as well as the medical variables: the optical correction type and history of ocular traumatology. The Visiotest or the Ergovision were used for the visual examination, equipment in common use by occupational medicine departments.

RESULTS

The welders were comparatively young (59.53% of them were less than 45 years old). Moreover, for 69.75% of the welders, more than 75% of their activity was devoted to welding. All currently used welding processes were represented, including the modern PLASMA-TIG welding process. No excessive blood alcohol levels were observed in all subjects, but welders did smoke slightly more than the control subjects (40% vs 33%). Self-medication was rather less frequent among the welders, except as regards the use of eye drops, where the proportions were clearly inverted. Optical correction for hyperopia was similar between the two groups; however, as regards myopia, the welders were corrected less often. Lastly, contact lens use was exceptional among the welders. Nearsightedness varied logically with age, but also, inexplicably, with the welding processes. Vision recovery time after exposure to glare was much longer among the welders, except for the PLASMA-TIG processes. No difference was observed in the other parameters of the study. No change in the visual functions studied was noted between the two examinations.

DISCUSSION

The examination techniques used showed no impairment of the studied visual functions, probably because companies use protective and preventive eye care methods. Moreover this study is the first to examine the type of welding used by workers and particularly the modern PLASMA-TIG process. The vision recovery time after exposure to glare seems better for the PLASMA-TIG process may be the result of the lower luminous intensity of this process.

CONCLUSION

This study was conducted for preventive purposes to contribute to better monitoring of safety and comfort for welding workers and has shown no alteration of the visual function among welders in general.

Evaluation of occupational exposure to toxic metals released in the process of aluminum welding

The objective of this study was to evaluate occupational exposure to welding fumes and its elements on aluminum welders in Polish industry. The study included 52 MIG/Al fume samples and 18 TIG/Al samples in 3 plants. Air samples were collected in the breathing zone of welders (total and respirable dust). Dust concentration was determined gravimetrically, and the elements in the collected dust were determined by AAS. Mean time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of the welding dusts/fumes and their components in the breathing zone obtained for different welding processes were, in mg/m3: MIG/Al fumes mean 6.0 (0.8-17.8), Al 2.1 (0.1-7.7), Mg 0.2 (< 0.1-0.9), Mn 0.014 (0.002-0.049), Cu 0.011 (0.002-0.092), Zn 0.016 (0.002-0.14), Pb 0.009 (0.005-0.025), Cr 0.003 (0.002-0.007), and TIG/Al fumes 0.7 (0.3-1.4), Al 0.17 (0.07-0.50). A correlation has been found between the concentration of the main components and the fume/dust concentrations in MIG/Al and TIG/Al fumes. Mean percentages of the individual components in MIG/Al fumes/dusts were Al: 30 (9-56) percent; Mg: 3 (1-5.6) percent; Mn: 0.2 (0.1-0.3) percent; Cu: 0.2 (< 0.1-1.8) percent; Zn: 0.2 (< 0.1-0.8) percent; Pb: 0.2 (< 0.1-1) percent; Cr: < 0.1 percent. The proportion of the respirable fraction in the fumes and their constituents varied between 10 percent and 100 percent. The results showed that MIG/Al fumes concentration was 1.2 times higher than the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV), and the index of the combined exposure to the determined agents was 2.3 (0.4-8.0), mostly because of high Al2O3 contribution. The background concentrations of the components (ca. 5-10 times lower than those in the breathing zone of the welders) did not exceed the Polish MAC value. The elemental composition of total and respirable fume/dust may differ considerably depending on welding methods, the nature of welding-related operations, and work environment conditions.

Ultrasonic welding embraces digital technology

Digital technology is bringing benefits to the ultrasonic-welding process. Its key features are described in this article.

Welding with lasers

A laser welding process has been developed that offers the advantages of conventional laser welding without the use of opaque materials or the addition of unwanted colour.

Concentrated autologous plasma protein: a biochemically neutral solder for tissue welding

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Xenographic or allographic serum protein solders used for laser welding may have immunologic and/or pathogenic complications. The objective of these studies was to develop a safe, autologous solder.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five methods of preparing concentrated autologous plasma protein solder (CAPPS) were evaluated. Next, the CAPPS was evaluated via (1) thermal denaturation studies using differential scanning calorimetry, (2) tissue welding studies to characterize both acute and healing properties.

RESULTS

The optimal concentration method to produce CAPPS rapidly was a dialysis method using chemical (osmotic) forces. The CAPPS showed similar denaturation profiles to serum albumin (SA) solders. Acutely, CAPPS provided comparable breaking strengths to SA solders. At 7 days, there was no significant difference in breaking strength or histology between 50% human SA solder and CAPPS (using a porcine skin model).

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrate that the CAPPS system provides acceptable acute and chronic properties for laser welding.

Control of exposure to hexavalent chromium and ozone in gas metal arc welding of stainless steels by use of a secondary shield gas

Previous work has demonstrated that the shield gas composition in gas metal arc welding can have a considerable effect on hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] concentration in the fume and on ozone concentrations near the arc. Normally a single shield gas is used. This paper describes a double shroud torch that allows used of concentric shield gases of different compositions. A solid stainless steel wire was used for welding. The double shroud torch used secondary shield gases containing small amounts of the reducing agents NO and C2H4. The Cr(VI) concentration in the fume and ozone concentration at a fixed point relative to the arc were measured and compared with results when using a single shield gas. Use of the reducing agents in secondary shielding using the double shroud torch was found to offer advantages for ozone concentration reduction compared with use in a conventional torch, but this was not found to be an advantage for reducing Cr(VI) concentrations.

Control of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium and ozone in tubular wire arc-welding processes by replacement of potassium by lithium or by addition of zinc

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and ozone are produced in many arc-welding processes. Cr(VI) is formed when welding with chromium-containing alloys and is a suspected carcinogen. Ozone is formed by the action of ultraviolet light from the arc on oxygen and can cause severe irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes. Previous work has demonstrated that reduction of sodium and potassium in manual metal arc-welding electrodes leads to substantial reductions in Cr(VI) concentrations in the fume as well as a reduction in the fume formation rate. In this paper replacement of potassium by lithium in a tubular wire welding electrode (self-shielding flux-cored) is shown to give reductions in Cr(VI) concentrations and fume formation rates. Previous work has also demonstrated that use of a tubular wire (metal cored) containing 1% zinc can, under certain conditions, result in a reduction in Cr(VI) formation rate and in ozone concentration near the arc but with a rise in the total fume formation rate. The effects of different shield gases and different levels of zinc are examined. An experimental chromium-containing tubular wire with 1% zinc was used with the following shield gases: argon, Argoshield 5, Argoshield 20, Helishield 101, Ar + 2% CO2, Ar + 5% CO2, Ar + 1% O2 and Ar + 2% O2. The wire gave > 98% reduction in Cr(VI) formation rate compared to the control wire provided the shield gas contained no oxygen. When the shield gas did contain oxygen, 1% zinc enhanced Cr(VI) formation rate, resulting in more than double the rates measured when welding with the control wire. Experiments with zinc concentrations, from 0.018 to 0.9% using Helishield 101, gave results indicating that there is an optimum zinc concentration from the point of view of Cr(VI) reduction. Implications of the use of lithium or zinc on the overall exposure risk are discussed.

[Experimental elaboration and perspectives of application of electric welding of the live tissues]

In experiment on pigs, rabbits and white rats there was examined method of electric welding (electrothermoadhesion) of live tissues--intestine, stomach, gallbladder and bladder, peritoneum, elements of mesentery, liver, spleen. We distinguish among "welding" of the hollow organs wall with restoration of their passability and "overwelding" of masses of the tissues with production of coagulational furrow, along which resection of necessary parts is executed. According to data of morphological investigations obtained the security of the method was established. Peculiarities of welding suture of tissues were studied. The method is introducing in the clinical practice actively due to its simplicity and safety in sutureless connection of tissues.