Resilient polymeric materials such as silicone elastomers are currently used for maxillofacial prostheses construction but the strength of these materials and their clinical performance need to be optimized with the addition of reinforcing fillers. This study investigates the effect of zirconia nanopowder addition on tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, Shore A hardness, surface roughness and cytotoxicity of VST-50 maxillofacial silicone. Silicone base was mixed with different amounts (1%, 2% and 3%) of zirconia nanopowder using a vacuum mixer. Silicone without filler was used as control for comparison. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy were utilized to assess the efficiency of high-shear vacuum mixing as filler dispersion method and the surface topography, respectively. Both SEM and AFM images showed that the zirconia nanopowder were distributed fairly well within the polymer. Statistically, highly significant increase in tear strength, tensile strength and hardness with non-significant decrease in elongation at break and non-significant increase in surface roughness were seen with 1% and 2% groups. Whereas with 3% group, there was significant improvement in tear strength, tensile strength and hardness but there was significant undesirable decrease in elongation and increase in roughness. Cytotoxicity test revealed that the addition of zirconia nanopowder was nontoxic to Rat Embryonic Fibroblast (REF) cells and there was non-significant change in the cell viability of all study groups after 24- and 72-hours incubation periods. In conclusion, the addition of 2% by weight nano zirconia to VST-50 maxillofacial silicone could be beneficial in enhancing its performance.
In this work, the photodetection performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers and its composite with yttrium oxide (Y2O3) at different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10) wt% are examined deposited on p-type Si with (111) orientation. Electrospinning technique was used to create nanofiber composites. Adding Y2O3 significantly impacts the PVA nanofibers where ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy optical absorption energy gap decreases with increased concentration (2.8, 2.6, and 2.3) eV. X-ray diffraction was used to investigate crystal structure, which is cubic structure. The chemical composition study was conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, which revealed the stretching vibrations related to the Y-O bon
... Show MoreThe structural properties of ternary chalcopyrite AgAlSe2 compound alloys and thin films that prepared by the thermal evaporation method at room temperature on glass substrate with a deposition rate (5±0.1) nm s-1 for different values of thickness (250,500 and 750±20) nm, have been studied, using X-ray diffraction technology. As well as, the optical properties of the prepared films have been investigated. The structural investigated shows that the alloy has polycrystalline structure of tetragonal type with preferential orientation (112), while the films have amorphous structure. Optical measurement shows that AgAlSe2 films have high absorption in the range of wavelength (350-700 nm). The optical energy gap for allowed direct transition we
... Show MoreABSTRACT Purpose: the aim of this in vitro study was to compare the marginal gap and internal fitness between single crowns and the crowns within three-unit bridges of zirconium fabricated by CAD-CAM system. Materials and methods: A standard model from ivoclar company was used as a pattern to simulate three-units bridge (upper first molar and upper first premolar) as abutments used to fabricate stone models, eight single crowns for premolar and eight of three units bridges. Crowns and bridges fabricated by CAD-CAM system were cemented on their respective stone models then sectioned at the mid-point buccolingaully and misiodistaly and examined under stereomicroscope. Result: the marginal gap in premolar crowns and premolar within bridge we
... Show MoreBackground: The marginal seal is essential for sealant success because penetration of bacteria under the sealant might allow caries onset or progression. The aim of the present study was to estimate and compare the microleakage of pit and fissure sealant after various methods of occlusal surface preparation. Materials and methods: Thirty non-carious premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were equally divided into three groups. In group one, occlusal fissures were opened with round carbide bur, in group two, occlusal surfaces of the teeth were cleaned with a dry pointed bristle brush and samples of group three were cleaned with a slurry of fine flour of pumice in water using rubber cup. Then fissures of all teeth were etched using 35% p
... Show MoreIraq's water crisis represents one of the most pressing environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing the country today. This study examines the evolution of water resource problems in Iraq through a comprehensive historical comparison between the pre-2003 period under Saddam Hussein's regime and the post-2003 era following the U.S.-led invasion and subsequent political transformation. The research employs a mixed-method approach, analyzing quantitative data on water flow rates, infrastructure development, and qualitative assessments of policy impacts across both periods. Key findings reveal that while the pre-2003 period was characterized by deliberate environmental destruction, particularly the draining of the Mesopotamian Marshes, an
... Show MoreIn this work the structural, electrical and optical Properties of CuO semiconductor films had been studied, which prepared at three thickness (100, 200 and 500 nm) by spray pyrolysis method at 573K substrate temperatures on glass substrates from 0.2M CuCl2•2H2O dissolved in alcohol. Structural Properties shows that the films have only a polycrystalline CuO phase with preferential orientation in the (111) direction, the dc conductivity shows that all films have two activation energies, Ea1 (0.45-0.66 eV) and Ea2 (0.055-.0185 eV), CuO films have CBH (Correlated Barrier Hopping) mechanism for ac-conductivity. The energy gap between (1.5-1.85 eV).
Secnidazole was linked with ciprofloxacin as mutual prodrugs to get antibiotics with broader spectrum of activity, improved physicochemical properties and given by single dose to improve patient’s compliance. Furthermore, they provide structural modifications to overcome bacterial adaptation. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using FT-IR, mass spectrometry, elemental microanalysis (CHNO) and some physiochemical properties. This modification was led to an increase in Log P values for Mutual I (Log P 1.114) and Mutual II (Log P 1.97) compared with its values for Secnidazole (Log P -0.373) and ciprofloxacin (Log P -0.832). The solubility of prodrugs had been determined in different media, Mutual II showed 1
... Show MoreWhile conservative access preparations could increase fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth, it may influence the shape of the prepared root canal. The aim of this study was to compare the prepared canal transportation and centering ability after continuous rotation or reciprocation instrumentation in teeth accessed through traditional or conservative endodontic cavities by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Forty extracted intact, matured, and 2-rooted human maxillary first premolars were selected for this