Crystal growth, morphology, spectrographic characterization and thermal properties of Glycine Barium Bromo Chloride crystals

Glycine Barium Bromo Chloride material was purified by repeated recrystallization. Single crystal was grown by the slow evaporation solution technique (SEST). The presence of functional groups in the grown crystals was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis. Thermal properties of the crystals were investigated using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analyses (DTA). The dielectric studies were carried out to identify the phase transition temperature and the dielectric constant was found. The transparency of crystal was tested using UV-visible spectra. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study has been carried out to find the crystal system and unit cell parameters.

SURFACE MODIFICATION OF TPR SOLE: AN APPROACH TO IMPROVE SLIP RESISTANCE ON QUARRY AND CERAMIC TILES

Human slip on smooth surfaces is a common accident, even though the footwear soling materials are designed with cleats and treads to provide more friction with the floor. About 20% of footwear is made with thermoplastic rubber (TPR; styrene-butadiene-styrene) soles. The slip resistance property under wet-flooring conditions of this kind of sole is poor because of the nonionic nature of the polymer. Chemical surface modification can be exploited to improve the slip-resistance property of TPR soles. The surface is chemically modified with trichloroisocyanuric acid in a methyl ethyl ketone medium (TCI/MEK; at 1, 2, and 3%) to introduce chlorinated and oxidized moieties to the rubber surface. The extent of surface modification produced in TPR with this change can be tested using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle and surface roughness measurements. The improvement in slip resistance can be evaluated by measuring the coefficient of friction using a dynamic slip-resistance tester. The extent of the change in the functional physical properties, such as surface roughness, contact angle, work adhesion, in slip resistance can be improved by optimizing the concentration of trichloroisocyanuric acid. Physicomechanical properties of unmodified and modified soles that are essential for wear performance can be tested and compared. Quantitative changes on the surface of modified rubber soles increases surface roughness, reduces contact angles, and increases work energy, so there is a considerable increase in the coefficient of friction, especially under wet floor conditions. The chemical surface treatment tends to reduce the bulk mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance, because cyanuric acid attacks the sole. The coefficient of friction produces a positive trend at 1 and 2% TCI/MEK treatments, but the trend is negative at a 3% concentration. The optimum surface treatment level for surface modification to enhance the slip resistance of TPR is 2% TCI/MEK.

Root canal centering ability of rotary cutting nickel titanium instruments: A meta-analysis

Aim:

To systematically review articles on canal centering ability of endodontic rotary cutting Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) instruments and subject results to meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods:

A comprehensive search was initiated on canal centering ability of different rotary cutting Ni-Ti files such as Protaper, Hero Shaper, K3, Mtwo, Race, Wave One by selecting articles published in peer reviewed journals during 1991-2013 using “Pub Med” database. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established. A data was created by tabulating: Author name, publication year, sample size, number of experimental groups, methods to evaluate canal centering ability, instrument cross section, taper, tip design, rake angle, mean and standard deviation. The data generated was subjected to meta-analysis.

Results:

Maximum studies were found to be conducted on mesiobuccal canal of mandibular 1^st molar with curvature ranging from 15-60°. The difference in canal centering ability of different rotary cutting Ni-Ti instruments was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

All endodontic rotary cutting Ni-Ti instruments are capable of producing centered preparations. Protaper depicted the best centering ability. Computed tomography is an effective method of evaluating canal centering ability.