Evaluation Of Elastic Modulus And Stress Gradient Of PECVD Silicon Nitride Thin Films

This study investigated the techniques for determining the elastic modulus and estimating the stress gradient of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) silicon nitride thin films. The experimentally determined elastic modulus was then used in a finite element beam model to compute the stress distribution inside the thin films using a commercial finite element analysis package. The computed beam displacement caused by a given stress gradient was compared with the displacement experimentally evaluated using optical interference microscopy. This comparison allows the stress gradient of the PECVD silicon nitride membrane introduced by the fabrication process to be evaluated

Body piercing and tattoos: a survey on young adults' knowledge of the risks and practices in body art

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The practice of tattooing and piercing has expanded in western society. In order to verify young adults' knowledge of the risk and practices related to body art, an investigation was conducted among freshmen of the University of Bari in the region of Apulia, Italy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was carried out in the Academic Year 2009-2010 through an anonymous self-administered written questionnaire distributed to 1.656 freshmen enrolled in 17 Degree Courses.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 1.598 students included in the analysis, 78.3% believe it is risky to undergo piercing/tattoo practices. AIDS was indicated as a possible infection by 60.3% of freshmen, hepatitis C by 38.2%, tetanus by 34.3% and hepatitis B by 33.7% of the sample. 28.1% of freshmen were not aware that there are also non-infectious complications. 29% of the sample had at least one piercing or tattoo (this percentage does not include earlobe piercing in women). Of those with body art, the decision to undergo body art was made autonomously in 57.9% of the participants. 56.3% of freshmen undergoing body art had taken less than a month to decide. With regard to the reasons that led the sample to undergo body art, 28.4% were unable to explain it, 23.8% answered to improve their aesthetic aspect, 18.4% to distinguish themselves from others, 12.3% for fashion; 17.1% for other reasons. 25.4% of the sample declared that they had a piercing (79.8% female vs 20.2% male; ratio M/F 1:4.0). The average age for a first piercing was 15.3 years (range 10-27; SD ± 2.9). 9.6% of the sample declared that they have a tattoo (69.9% female vs 30.1% male; ratio M/F 1:2.3). The average age for a first tattoo was 17.5 years (range 10-26, SD ± 2.4).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Most of the freshmen knew about AIDS-related risks but not other potential risks. Body art is fairly common among young adults (especially women). The decision is often not shared with the family and is undertaken mostly without a specific reason or for the improvement of aesthetic aspect. Information about freshmen's knowledge, attitudes and practices could help in effective planning of health promotion strategies.</p

Tribological properties of the electro-spark deposited tungsten carbide-ceramic coatings

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań właściwości powłok nanoszonych elektroiskrowo. Ocenę właściwości przeprowadzono na podstawie obserwacji mikrostruktury, pomiarów przyczepności oraz badań tribologicznych i aplikacyjnych. Badania przeprowadzono, wykorzystując elektrody WC-Co-Al2O3 oraz WC-Co-Al2O3/3TiO2, które zostały wytworzone poprzez spiekanie nanostrukturalnych proszków. Przeciwzużyciowe powłoki zostały naniesione elektroiskrowo na próbki ze stali C45 za pomocą urządzenia EIL-8A. Ze względu na swoje właściwości powłoki tego typu mogą być stosowane w ślizgowych węzłach tarcia oraz jako powłoki ochronne.The process of material growth resulting from electroerosion is known as electro-spark alloying (ESA) or electro-spark deposition (ESD). The erosion of the anode and the spark discharges between the electrodes result in the formation of a surface layer with properties different from those of the base material. The processes of coating formation on metal parts, including electrospark deposition, involve mass and energy transport accompanied by chemical, electrochemical, and electrothermal reactions. Today, different electro-spark deposition techniques are used. They are suitable for coating formation and surface microgeometry formation. The paper is concerned with the performance properties of electrospark deposited coatings, which were determined using tribological and microstructural analysis, measuring the bonding strength and application tests. The studies were conducted using WC-Co-Al2O3 and WC-Co- Al2O3/3TiO2 electrodes produced by sintering nanostructural powders. The anti-wear coatings were electro-spark deposited over C45 carbon steel by means of an EIL-8A. These coatings are likely to be applied in sliding friction pairs and as protective coatings