OBJECTIVES:Evaluated the effect of phosphorylated chitosan (ChiPh) and nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPnano) incorporation into resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) on mechanical, fluoride release, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. METHODS:RMGIC was combined with ChiPh (0.25 %/0.5 %) and/or TMPnano (14 %). The diametral compressive/tensile strength (DCS/TS), surface hardness (SH) and degree of conversion (%DC) were determined. For fluoride (F) release, samples were immersed in DE/RE solutions. Antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity was evaluated by agar diffusion test/biofilm metabolism. Cytotoxicity on MDPC-23 odontoblast cell lines was evaluated. RESULTS:TS and DCS (24 h), all the groups were similar (p > 0.05). After 7 days, RMGIC-14 %TMPnano-0.25 %ChiPh showed the best results for TS/DCS (p < 0.05). The SH was lower and similar for the RMGIC and RMGI-14 %TMPnano-0.5 %ChiPh groups (p > 0.05) after 24 h; after 7 days, all groups containing TMPnano and/or ChiPh showed higher SH when compared to RMGIC, except for RMGIC-0.5 % ChiPh. The %DC was similar for all groups (p = 0.172). There was a gradual release of F for all groups during the 15 days; in the cumulative analysis, after 15 days, the RMGIC-14 %TMPnano-0.25 %ChiPh group showed the highest value (p < 0.05). Viability against S. mutans was observed for the RMGIC-14 %TMPnano-0.25 %ChiPh group (p < 0.05). After 24 h, the RMGIC-0.25 %ChiPh and RMGIC-14 %TMPnano-0.25 %ChiPh groups showed the lowest cytotoxic effect (p = 0.371); at 48 h/72 h, only the RMGIC-14 %TMPnano-0.25 %ChiPh group showed similar cytocompatibility. CONCLUSION:The addition of ChiPh (0.25 %) and TMPnano (14 %) improved the RMGIC's mechanical, antimicrobial/antibiofilm and cytotoxic properties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:ChiPh and TMPnano into RMGIC could be a promising restorative material for application in patients with active dental caries.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of the present study was to synthesize and characterize sodium cyclotriphosphate (NaTMP) containing calcium and verify its effect using an initial enamel erosion model. METHODS:Cyclotriphosphate containing calcium (CaNaTMP) was synthesized using column chromatography, and addition of a solution with calcio hydroxide supernatant and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. To determine the effect on enamel initial erosion, sound bovine enamel blocks (n = 96) were selected by initial surface hardness and divided into to 8 experimental groups (12 blocks/group): control (deionized water), 0.24 % NaF (1100 F), 0.25 %, 0.5 % and 1 % NaTMP and CaNaTMP at the same concentrations. The enamel blocks were immersed in 4 mL of experimental solutions for 2 min followed by 4 erosive challenges (citric acid, 0.75 %, pH 3.5, for 1 min, under stirring). The surface hardness was determined after each acid challenge. Data were subjected to two-way repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS:The synthesis process led to the replacement of atoms of Na by atoms of Ca with particle sizes like those of NaTMP. Solutions containing CaNaTMP promoted superior reducing in hardness loss when compared to their counterparts without calcium (p < 0.001) and 1100 F (p < 0.001), during erosive challenges. A dose-response was observed for the CaNaTMP groups, with higher values for 1 % CaNaTMP and lower values for 0.25 % CaNaTMP (p < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE:Solutions containing CaNaTMP led to superior protective effects compared to the 1100 F group on initial enamel erosion.

OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the effect of incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and sodium trimetaphosphate microparticles (TMP) into resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) on its physicomechanical, microbiological, and cytotoxic properties. METHODS:Six groups were prepared: 1) RMGIC (Fuji II LC); 2) RMGIC-1.0 %ZnONPs; 3) RMGIC-2.0 %ZnONPs; 4) RMGIC-14.0 %TMP; 5) RMGIC-1.0 %ZnONPs-14.0 %TMP; and 6) RMGIC-2.0 %ZnONPs-14.0 %TMP. Tensile/diametral compressive strengths (TS, DCS), surface hardness (SH) and degree of monomer conversion (%DC) were evaluated in 24 h and 7 days. Fluoride (F) release was assessed over 15 days using alternating demineralizing/remineralizing solutions. Antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity against S. mutans (UA159) was assessed through adhesion, biofilm growth measurements, and XTT assays. Cytotoxicity was tested on MDPC23 odontoblasts using the resazurin assay. RESULTS:The DCS for the RMGIC-2.0 %ZnONPs group was 22.5 % higher when compared to RMGIC after 24 h (p < 0.05); after 7 days, RMGIC-2.0 %ZnONPS-14.0 %TMP group was 23.4 % higher than RMGIC (p < 0.05). For TS after 7 days, the RMGIC-2.0 %ZnONPs-14.0 % TMP group showed the highest values (37 % and 55.4 %) than RMGIC and RMGIC-14.0 % TMP, respectively (p < 0.05). At 24 h, the RMGIC-2.0 %ZnONPs-14.0 %TMP group showed the highest SH among all groups (p < 0.05). The greatest effect on reducing bacterial viability was observed for the RMGIC-2.0 %ZnONPs-14.0 %TMP group (p < 0.05). For cytotoxicity analysis, at 24 h, the RMGIC-1.0 %ZnONPs-14.0 %TMP group showed the highest cytocompatibility (p < 0.05). At 48 and 72 h, RMGIC-1.0 %ZnONPs, RMGIC-2.0 %ZnONPs, RMGIC-1.0 %ZnONPs-14.0 %TMP and RMGIC-2.0 %ZnONPs-14.0 %TMP groups showed the lowest cytotoxicity (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Incorporation of 2.0 % ZnONPs and 14.0 % TMP into RMGIC significantly enhanced its physicomechanical and antimicrobial properties while simultaneously reducing cytotoxicity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The new restorative material containing TMP and ZnONPs could be a promising biomaterial, enhancing biomineralization and providing anticariogenic benefits.

Halide perovskites are a class of materials of consolidated optoelectronic and electrochemical applications, reaching efficiencies compared to established materials in respective fields. In this scenario, the design and understanding of composition-structure-property relations is imperative. In solid solutions containing mixed cations, some direct relations between the sizes of the substituents and the properties of perovskites are generally observed. However, in several cases, these relations are not observed, implying that other characteristics of these cations play a major role. Despite its importance, this understanding has not been comprehensively deepened. To address this issue, we synthesized and characterized the structure, electrical behavior, and stability of methylammonium lead iodide-based perovskites with equal amounts of the substituents guanidinium, ethylammonium, and acetamidinium. These three large organic cations have essentially equal sizes but other remarkably different characteristics, such as the number of N-H bonds, intrinsic dipole moment, and order of C-N bonds. Herein, we show that these cations have dramatically different effects over important fundamental and applied properties of resulting perovskites, including the orthorhombic-to-tetragonal and tetragonal-to-cubic phase transitions, microstructural development, ionic conductivity, I-V hysteresis, electronic carrier mobility, and stability against light-induced degradation. These effects are correlated with the characteristics of the large substituent cations and help pave the way for a better rational chemical design of halide perovskites.

OBJECTIVES:Evaluate, in vitro, the effect of incorporating nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPnano) and phosphorylated chitosan (Chi-Ph) into resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) used for orthodontic bracket cementation, on mechanical, fluoride release, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. METHODS:RMGIC was combined with Chi-Ph (0.25%/0.5%) and/or TMPnano (14%). The diametral compressive/tensile strength (DCS/TS), surface hardness (SH) and degree of conversion (%DC) were determined. For fluoride (F) release, samples were immersed in des/remineralizing solutions. Antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity was evaluated by the agar diffusion test and biofilm metabolism (XTT). Cytotoxicity in fibroblasts was assessed with the resazurin method. RESULTS:After 24 h, the RMGIC-14%TMPnano group showed a lower TS value (p < 0.001); after 7 days the RMGIC-14%TMPnano-0.25%Chi-Ph group showed the highest value (p < 0.001). For DCS, the RMGIC group (24 h) showed the highest value (p < 0.001); after 7 days, the highest value was observed for the RMGIC-14%TMPnano-0.25%Chi-Ph (p < 0.001). RMGIC-14%TMPnano, RMGIC-14%TMPnano-0.25%Chi-Ph, RMGIC-14%TMPnano-0.5%Chi-Ph showed higher and similar release of F (p > 0.001). In the SH, the RMGIC-0.25%Chi-Ph; RMGIC-0.5%Chi-Ph; RMGIC-14%TMPnano-0.5%Chi-Ph groups showed similar results after 7 days (p > 0.001). The RMGIC-14%TMPnano-0.25%Chi-Ph group showed a better effect on microbial/antibiofilm growth, and the highest efficacy on cell viability (p < 0.001). After 72 h, only the RMGIC-14%TMPnano-0.25%Chi-Ph group showed cell viability (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:The RMGIC-14%TMPnano-0.25%Chi-Ph did not alter the physical-mechanical properties, was not toxic to fibroblasts and reduced the viability and metabolism of S. mutans. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The addition of phosphorylated chitosan and organic phosphate to RMGIC could provide an antibiofilm and remineralizing effect on the tooth enamel of orthodontic patients, who are prone to a high cariogenic challenge due to fluctuations in oral pH and progression of carious lesions.

Recent formulations of resin-based composites have incorporated different combinations of materials. However, the mechanical and bonding behavior of these materials with intraradicular posts are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of light-cure and dual-cure resin composite posts on the fracture resistance of endodontically-treated teeth. Materials and Methods: Ninety extracted human upper canines were selected and randomly divided into nine groups (n=10): (G1) endodontically treated teeth without endodontic posts; (G2) glass-fiber post cemented with glass-ionomer cement; (G3) endodontic post by dual-cure composite resin (Rebilda DC); (G4) endodontic post by dual-cure composite resin (Cosmecore); (G5) endodontic post by dual-cure composite resin (Bis-Core); (G6) endodontic post by light-cure composite resin; (G7) glass-fiber post customized with flowable composite resin; (G8) glass-fiber post cemented with light-cure composite resin; (G9) glass-fiber post cemented with self-adhesive resin cement. After the post insertion, all specimens were subjected to mechanical (250,000 cycles) and thermocycling (6000 cycles, 5 °C/55 °C) and immediate loading at 45 degrees in a universal testing machine until fracture. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons using the Fisher LSD Method (p < 0 05). Results: The mean failure loads (±SD) for the groups ranged from 100.7 ± 22.6 N to 221.9 ± 48.9 N. The G1 group (without endodontic posts) had a higher fracture strength than all experimental groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Within the limitations, the light- and dual-cure post technique did not present lower fracture resistance values as compared to the conventional glass-fiber post.

The near-infrared downconversion (DC) mechanism in Te4+/Yb3+ co-doped 75TeO2-25Li2O tellurite glasses (amounts in mol%) was closely followed using optical and thermal spectroscopy techniques. The glasses were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching method, with a melting temperature of 800 degrees C, in an ambient atmosphere, which were the best synthesis conditions for observing Te4+ in the glass. The results indicated that excitation in the ultraviolet region led to an intense emission of two NIR photons (at around 978 nm) in the co -doped tellurite glasses. This effect revealed the occurrence of a cooperative energy transfer (CET) mechanism in the system, where a Te4+ ion was responsible for the excitation of two Yb3+ ions. The CET efficiency (eta CET) was calculated from the Te4+ lifetime, obtaining a maximum of 74% for the tellurite glass prepared with the highest Yb3+ concentration. The use of thermal lens spectroscopy confirmed the quantum cutting effect, by observing the dependence of the thermal properties of the glass on the Yb3+ concentration. A maximum DC efficiency of 137% was measured for the sample with 4 mol% of Yb3+.

Resin-based composites (RBCs) have transformed restorative dentistry and its procedures. However, the characteristics of RBCs have been modified over the years to enhance the physical and chemical properties of the materials. This context raises the need for studies that evaluate whether the properties of the RBCs that are commercially available are clinically adequate with different curing modes. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of commercial RBCs after undergoing different curing modes. Twenty-three RBCs of different classes were evaluated. For curing the specimens, a microwave (BMS45, Brastemp) (for 3 min at 450 W) and three LED units were used: an Emitter A Fit (Schuster (second generation)) (light-curing for 15 s with an irradiance of 1250 mW/cm2), VALO (Ultradent (third generation)) (light-curing for 15 s with an irradiance of 1100 mW/cm2), and Emitter Now Duo (Schuster (second generation)) (light-curing for 15 s with an irradiance of 1100 mW/cm2). A total of 670 RBC specimens of 8 mm in diameter and 1 mm in depth were obtained. Afterward, a biaxial flexure strength test was performed until the failure of the specimens, using a universal testing machine set at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. The same specimens were subjected to infrared spectroscopy for evaluating the degree of conversion. Tukey’s test was used for multiple comparisons at a significance level of 5%. The light-curing mode did not affect the flexure strength of the RBCs (p > 0.05), but the type and shade of RBCs did so (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the type of RBC directly interferes with the mechanical behavior of the material. However, the curing modes within the same RBC did not change the mechanical properties.

OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the mechanical, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties of four different formulations containing micro- or nanoparticles of sodium trimetaphosphate (mTMP and nTMP, respectively).METHODOLOGY:Four experimental groups were used in this investigation: two mTMP groups and two nTMP groups, each containing zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and solution containing either chitosan or titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs). Setting time, compression resistance, and radiopacity were estimated. The agar diffusion test was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the formulations against five different microbial strains: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces israelii, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis. Parametric and nonparametric tests were performed after evaluating homoscedasticity data (p<0.05).RESULTS:From the properties evaluated, nTMP cements required less setting time and showed greater resistance to compression. Cements containing TiO2 showed greater radiopacity for both nTMP and mTMP. All four cement formulations showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and L. casei.CONCLUSION:Formulations containing nTMP have shorter setting times and higher compressive strength, and those with TiO2 nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activities. Clinical relevance: The cement containing nTMP, ZrO2, and TiO2 could be an alternative material for protecting the pulp complex.

To our knowledge, for the first time Eu2O3-doped lithium tellurite (TL) glasses are synthesized under vacuum conditions. The structural and optical spectroscopic properties are discussed. This investigation shows that the europium doped TL glasses prepared under vacuum (Eu3+-doped TL-vac) present low OH- concentration, which increases the transparency in the visible spectral range due to a decrease in TeO4 unity and an increase of the transparency in the mid-infrared spectral region. The luminescence spectra show several emission bands from superior energy levels 5D0, 5D1, 5D2 and 5D3 -> 7FJ (J = from 0 to 4). Time resolved luminescence experiments allow the observation of the energy relaxation and migration among the 5D3 -> 5D1 to 7F0 -> 7F6 and 5D1 -> 5D0 to 7F0 -> 7F3 energy levels due to Eu3+ ions pairs, reported here for the first time. The Judd-Ofelt analysis of the emission spectrum allowed us to determine the phenomenological parameters omega 2 and omega 4, indicating that Eu3+ presents less covalent characteristics, less compactness than in others tellurite glasses, and a quantum efficiency of the 5D0 energy level of 51%. These results indicate that TL-vac glass doped with rare earths can be promising candidates for new optical devices.

Tellurium dioxide (TeO2) thin films were deposited on silicon substrates through the Pechini method, after which they were heat treated at different temperatures. The heat treatment temperatures were defined from the thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) data of the precursor gel. The effects of the heat treatment on the structural properties were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The TG-DSC data showed four different weight loss steps due to the reduction of telluric acid to tellurium, the removal of the excess ethylene glycol, the decomposition of citric acid, and the degradation of polyester. The XRD and Raman data showed the presence of the γ- and α-TeO2 phases in the films treated at 400–500 °C. Lattice parameters of the observed crystalline phases were determined by Rietveld refinement, with which it was possible to evaluate the crystallite size and microstrain using the Williamson-Hall method. The heat treatment temperature directly influenced the crystallite size and the surface roughness of the films, which showed similar behaviors with the temperature.

To investigate the tissue response and the biomineralization ability of the experimental nanoparticulate mineral trioxide aggregate compared to grey MTA and Fillapex MTA. Polyethylene tubes containing materials or empty tubes for control were inserted into the subcutaneous tissues of 30 rats. After 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days, the rats were killed and the tubes were removed for analysis using hematoxylin-eosin staining, von Kossa staining, and under polarized light. Inflammation was graded through a score system; the biomineralization ability was recorded as present or absent. The results were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). On days 7 and 15 there was a significant difference between the Nano MTA (median score of 3) and MTA Fillapex groups (median score of 4), being MTA Fillapex the material with the highest number of inflammatory cells. At 30, 60, and 90 days there was no difference between the Nano MTA, Grey MTA, and MTA Fillapex groups. All materials induced the formation of mineralized tissue in all experimental periods. Nano MTA showed biocompatibility and biomineralization similar to grey MTA Angelus.

Objective: To investigate the tissue response and the biomineralization ability of CER prepared with epoxy resin or water compared to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). Material and Methods: Polyethylene tubes containing materials or empty tubes for control were inserted into the subcutaneous tissues of 30 rats. After 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days, the rats were killed and the tubes were removed for analysis using hematoxylin-eosin staining, von Kossa staining, and under polarized light. Inflammation was graded through a score system; the thickness of the fibrous capsule was classified as thin or thick; the biomineralization ability was recorded as present or absent. The results were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). Results: Histologic analysis performed after 7 and 15 days for CER prepared with epoxy resin or water and for MTA showed moderate inflammation and a thick fibrous capsule (p>0.05). After 30, 60, and 90 days, mild inflammation, and a thin fibrous capsule were observed in all groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: All materials had structures positive for von Kossa and birefringent to polarized light. CER epoxy resin showed biocompatibility and biomineralization similar to CER water and MTA.

In this research, the influence of synthesis process under Te4+ ion formation in lithium tellurite glass was investigated based in their optical and structural characteristics. The same 80TeO2 + 20Li2O nominal composition (in mol%) was used to prepare glasses with different synthesis temperatures (Ts = 600, 700, 750, 800 and 850 degrees C) and atmospheres (room, oxygen and argon). The study was based in the investigation of the UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectroscopies. The linear refractive index was measured in function of the wavelength ranging all the visible region. The results indicate that Te4+ concentration into the glass is strongly dependent on both synthesis temperature and atmosphere. A more intense emission is observed in glasses prepared in oxygen atmosphere and in the 750-800 degrees C temperature range.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of conversion of resin cements polymerized under different ceramic systems. Forty specimens of RelyX ARC (3M ESPE) and Maxcem Elite (Kerr) resin cements were polymerized under 5 types of dental ceramics: feldspathic, aluminum oxide-reinforced, aluminum oxide-based strengthened with zirconium oxide, leucite-reinforced, and lithium disilicate-reinforced. Measurements of the degree of conversion of the resin cements were performed 10 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours after curing using a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. The values were subjected to a 3-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, and the means were compared with the Fisher protected least significant difference test (α = 0.05). The study findings showed that RelyX ARC resin cement displayed a higher degree of conversion than Maxcem Elite (P < 0.05). The degree of conversion was significantly lower for RelyX ARC polymerized under aluminum oxide ceramic and aluminum oxide ceramic strengthened with zirconium oxide (P < 0.05). For Maxcem Elite, there was no significant difference in the degree of conversion attained under the various ceramics (P > 0.05). For both cements, the degree of conversion increased gradually up to 24 hours after curing (P < 0.05). The ceramic system used directly influenced the degree of conversion of RelyX ARC. Both resin cements displayed an increase in the degree of conversion over time.

Lithium tellurite glasses with xTeO2 + (100 − x)Li2O nominal composition, where x = 95, 90, 85, 80, 75 and 70 mol%, have been prepared to investigate the dependence of the Te4+ emission as a function of the lithium modifier. Optical and structural properties of the glasses were explored by using UV–Vis absorption, photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopies, photoluminescence lifetime and Raman spectroscopy. Besides, the influence of Li2O in the glass structure was verified by density, glass transition temperature, thermal stability, glass-forming tendency, optical band edge and the number of non-bridging oxygen. The results support there is a good correlation between the glass structure and the Te4+ center concentration: the Li2O content contributes to increase the Te4+ in the glass structure.

Abstract Sources of calcium and phosphate have been added to dental restorative materials to improve their anticaries effect. Objective This study evaluated the effect of adding calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) to resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) on the physico-mechanical properties, ion release, and enamel demineralization. Material and Methods: Specimens were fabricated for each experimental group: RMGIC without CaGP (Control), RMGIC with 1, 3 and 9% CaGP. To determine the release of fluoride (F), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), six specimens were immersed in demineralization and remineralization solutions for 15 days. In another experimental trial, the following physico-mechanical properties were evaluated at time intervals of 1 and 7 days after fabrication: compressive strength (n=12), diametral tensile strength (n=12), surface hardness of material (n=6) and the degree of conversion of monomers (n=8). To study enamel demineralization, specimens (n=12) were attached to enamel blocks and submitted to pH-cycling. Subsequently, surface and cross-sectional hardness and the concentration of F, Ca and P in enamel were determined. Results The addition of CaGP to RMGIC led to higher mean release of F, Ca and P when compared with control (p<0.001). Mechanical properties were within the range of those of the ionomer cements after addition of 1% and 3% CaGP. The degree of conversion did not differ between groups at the 1st and the 7th day (p>0.439). The addition of 3% and 9% CaGP reduced mineral loss and increased F, Ca and P in the enamel when compared with control (p<0.05). Conclusion The addition of 3% CaGP in RMGIC increased the release of F, P and Ca, reduced enamel demineralization, and maintained the physico-mechanical properties within the parameters for this material.

Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of resin cements polymerized under different thicknesses of feldspathic dental ceramic. Methods: Forty samples of RelyX ARC and RelyX Veneer resin cements were polymerized under Starlight feldspathic ceramic discs (DeguDent Gmbh) with 0.5 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.8 mm, and 2.4 mm in thickness. The control group was cured without the interposition of ceramic. The DC measurements were performed 10 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours after the light-activation in a Nexus 670 FTIR spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measure ANOVA and Fisher PLSD test. Results: The RelyX ARC showed higher DC for all ceramic thicknesses. There was significant decrease in DC related to an increase in ceramic thickness. For RelyX ARC, the values of DC obtained after 1 hour and 24 hours did not differ statistically between them, but they were higher than those analyzed after 10 minutes. For RelyX Veneer cement, there was gradual increase in the DC up to 24 hours. Conclusion: The higher the thicknesses of ceramic, the lower DC of the resin cement.

Te4+/Yb3+ co-doped 80%TeO2-20%Li2O glasses (amounts in mol%) were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching method in an ambient atmosphere, in order to investigate their optical characteristics for application in solar cells. An efficient near-infrared down-conversion mechanism was observed in these samples, involving the emission of two near infrared photons (at around 978 nm) after the absorption of one photon in the ultraviolet-blue region. This effect occurred by means of a process of cooperative energy transfer (CET) from Te4+ to Yb3+ ions. The CET efficiency (eta(CET)) was calculated from radiative transitions (lifetime) and also by a new method, developed in this work, based on rate equations quantifying the non-radiative transitions (thermal effect) involved in the system. The two methods showed very good agreement, with eta(CET) between 82 and 100% obtained for the sample prepared using a higher Yb3+ concentration (4 mol%). The results suggested that these tellurite materials could have potential applications in improving the efficiency of silicon-based solar cells. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

This study evaluated the effect of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) associated or not with fluoride (F) on the structure and dissolution of carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA). Synthetic CHA powder (1.0 g) was suspended in solutions containing TMP at 0-10%, associated with 0, 1100, 4500, or 9000 ppm F, and the precipitates were submitted to a pH cycle (n = 6/group). Samples were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction. F, calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) concentrations were determined in CHA, while P and F were analyzed in the supernatants. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, Student-Newman-Keuls' test and Pearson's correlation coefficient (α = 0.05). Solutions containing 1100 ppm F with TMP between 2-4% and 4500 and 9000 ppm F with TMP between 4 and 8% led to higher Ca/P ratio (p < 0.05) in CHA. Alkali-soluble F deposition was directly related to TMP concentrations whereas an inverse pattern was observed for acid-soluble F incorporation (p < 0.05). Greater P adsorption in the CHA structure was observed with increasing concentrations of TMP for the 0 and 1100 ppm F solutions (p < 0.05). All diffractograms and FTIR spectra showed a similar pattern to that for pure hydroxyapatite. Thus, when TMP and F are coadministered, TMP interferes with F deposition on CHA, and an ideal TMP:F ratio can enhance the precipitation of CHA with lower solubility. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2553-2564, 2018.