GLASS·PANACEA: AN EFFICIENT SOFTWARE FOR THE FORMULATION OF CERAMIC MATERIALS

<p></p><p>GlassPanacea is an efficient software tool that combines several attractive technical features with ease of use. Its configuration leads to the intuitive handling and learning with accurate results, providing the users with flexibility in the selection of suitable chemicals for the formulation of glassy, partially glassy or crystalline ceramic materials, as well as speed and accuracy in the calculation of the relative proportions of each chemical in a batch. The software runs directly from an executable file with multiplatform support. Hence, it can be used on different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux and Mac OS, without installation. One of its highlights is the user-friendly interface that enables immediate application, even for operators with little computer experience. This makes GlassPanacea a very valuable tool for students, researchers and engineers who work on the development of ceramic materials using different synthesis techniques, such as melting, solid-state reaction, sintering and sol-gel processing. The archive containing the software, information for use and logo can be downloaded, free of charge, from http://www.certev.ufscar.br/research-1/glasspanacea-glass-and-ceramic-formulation-software.</p><p></p

Effect of a Bioactive Glass Ceramic on the Control of Enamel and Dentin Erosion Lesions

<div><p>Abstract This study evaluated the effect of a bioactive glass ceramic for the control of erosion and caries lesions. Fragments (n=10) of bovine enamel and root dentin received daily application of different treatments (Biosilicate; Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride- APF; Untreated - control) during the performance of erosive cycles. Surfaces were analyzed with 3D optical profilometry to quantify the superficial loss in four periods (1, 7, 14 and 21 days), as well as the lesion depth with confocal laser scanning microscopy. For caries progression assessment, initial Knoop microhardness was measured on enamel bovine fragments. Initial carious lesions were developed and specimens were divided into three groups (n=10), according to the daily topical application (Biosilicate; APF; no application - control), during the de-remineralization cycles for 14 days. Final microhardness was obtained to calculate the change of surface microhardness. Subsurface demineralization was analyzed using cross-sectional microhardness (depths 10, 30, 50, 70, 90, 110 and 220 µm). Data were tested using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (a=5%). Results of erosive evaluation showed that Biosilicate promoted the lowest (p<0.05) values of surface loss, regardless of time, for both enamel and dentin; APF promoted lower (p<0.05) surface loss than control; analyzing different periods of time, APF did not show difference (p>0.05) between 14 and 21 days of demineralization. Results of enamel caries assessment showed that Biosilicate resulted in higher (p<0.05) surface and subsurface microhardness than both APF and control-applications. It may be concluded that Biosilicate application showed a higher potential to reduce surface loss and development of erosion and caries lesions.</p></div