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Abstract: Enamel demineralization, known as dental caries, is instigated by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which generates acid during carbohydrate metabolism. Among carbohydrates, sucrose is the most cariogenic and capable of biofilm formation. This study aimed to explore and comprehend Streptococcus mutans’ adherence to two prevalent dental material surfaces, i.e., a cobalt–chromium(Co-Cr) alloy and a resin-based composite, under the influence of various sucrose concentrations. To understand bacterial adhesion, the surfaces were characterized using profilometry, tensiometry, and surface charge measurements. Bacterial adhesion was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and crystal violet dye methods. Results revealed that the composite surface exhibited greater rough-ness compared with the Co-Cr alloy surface. Both surfaces displayed hydrophilic properties and a negative surface charge. Bacterial adhesion experiments indicated lower bacterial adherence to the Co-Cr alloy than to the composite surface before the addition of sucrose. However, the introduction of sucrose resulted in biofilm development on both surfaces, showcasing a similar increase in bacterial adhesion, with the highest levels being observed at a 5% sucrose concentration in the bacterial suspension. In conclusion, the findings suggest sucrose-rich foods could facilitate bacterial adaptation despite less favorable surface characteristics, thereby promoting biofilm formation.
Keywords: bacterial adhesion, streptococcus mutans, dental material surfaces, sucrose concentration
Published in DiRROS: 31.01.2024; Views: 173; Downloads: 66
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Abstract: Calcium acetoacetate, Ca(OAcAc)2, was exposed 7, 30 and 365 days to different values of relative humidity (33%, 48%, 75% and 96%) at 40 °C in order to study its transformation to CaCO3. The resulting Ca(OAcAc)2 decomposition and the time dependence of the phase transformations were monitored and critically evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The impact of relative humidity on CaCO3 polymorph formation was thoroughly assessed. In all of the conditions used and for all ageing periods, the formed crystal structure is found to be vaterite. At the lowest relative humidity (33%), the amorphous CaCO3 remains more or less almost untransformed even after one year of exposure. It is proposed that the reason for the stability of amorphous CaCO3 is due to the limited amount of physisorbed water on the surfaces of the particles, which is considered the driving force for its transformation. However, the carbonation process is faster in the case of the highest humidity (96%). The findings are not only important for better solutions in the field of cultural heritage, but also shed new light on the fundamental mechanism of CaCO3 crystallization.
Keywords: calcium acetoacetate, relative humidity, carbonation, amorphous carbonate, vaterite, mechanism
Published in DiRROS: 22.11.2023; Views: 295; Downloads: 139
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Abstract: V prispevku smo s pomočjo sistema za avtomatizirano vrednotenje zlepljenosti (ABES) ugotavljali razvoj strižne trdnosti ribjega kleja pri lepljenju lesa. Uporabili smo bukov (Fagus sylvatica L.) furnir, ki smo ga lepili pri konstantnem tlaku 12 barov, medtem ko smo spreminjali temperaturo in čas stiskanja. Temperatura je znašala med25 °C in 100 °C, z intervalom 25 °C, čas stiskanja pa od 1 minute do 60 minut. Dosežena maksimalna strižna trdnost je znašala okoli 10 N/mm², dosegli smo jo pri vseh štirih proučevanih temperaturah stiskanja. Na podlagi rezultatov študije smo ugotovili, da strižna trdnost ribjega kleja pri različnih temperaturah segrevanja neenakomerno narašča. Pri višjih temperaturah segrevanja hitreje dosežemo maksimalne strižne trdnosti. Strižne trdnosti spoja lepila iz ribjega kleja smo ugotavljali tudi po standardih EN 204 in EN 205.
Keywords: wood
Published in DiRROS: 14.11.2023; Views: 261; Downloads: 147
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Abstract: The demand for construction timber is continuously increasing, due to its favourable characteristics. However, the adequate protection of wood is key to its successful use, as it is flammable and susceptible to biodegradation. Given that thermal modification enhances the durability of wood, and mineralisation with CaCO3 considerably improves its fire properties, it is worth considering the combined effects of the two methods. European beech (Fagus sylvatica) was selected to determine the effects of a) thermal modification, b) mineralisation through the in-situ formation of CaCO3, and c) a combination of the two procedures, on resistance to decay fungi, reaction to fire and the mechanical properties of the wood. Microscopic analysis and comparisons of the samples before and after exposure to fungi were also conducted. Mineralised wood generally had a slightly alkaline pH value and higher equilibrium moisture content, while thermal modification lowered the equilibrium moisture content. The present study demonstrated the combined effect of thermal modification and mineralisation: the best response to fire as well as resistance to fungi was achieved when the two treatments were combined. Results from the Brinell hardness and three-point bending tests indicate that both modification procedures can slightly impair the mechanical properties of the wood.
Keywords: wood, protection, durability, mechanical properties
Published in DiRROS: 12.07.2023; Views: 329; Downloads: 245
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Abstract: The durability of Portland cement mortars is often affected by environmental factors, which can cause physicochemical and mechanical degradation processes. In this study, the performance of three products, calcium acetoacetate and calcium tetrahydrofurfuryloxide dissolved in two different solvents developed and tested as stone consolidants, was evaluated in terms of crack filling or sealing and consolidation. Realistic cracks were induced in quasibrittle cement mortar prisms using a custom-designed test rig. The effectiveness and the performance of the considered treatments, investigated on specimens, were evaluated by optical and scanning electron microscopy, colourimetry, water absorption rate, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and surface hardness measurements. Results revealed that, in the examined conditions, the products were more suitable as surface consolidants than as crack fillers.
Keywords: cement mortars, 20th century architecture conservation, calcium acetoacetate, calcium alkoxide, concrete repair, open access
Published in DiRROS: 04.05.2023; Views: 351; Downloads: 202
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