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Research Project
Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development
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Publications
Numerical Thermal Analysis of a T Jump System Used for Studying Polymer Behaviour
Publication . Gomes, S.; Pascoal-Faria, P.; Mitchell, G. R.; Gkourmpis, T.; Youngs, T.
The processing of polymers is highly complex. The study of their crystallisation assumes an important role and needs to be carefully detailed. Scattering experiments can be used to study polymer molecular organisation. However these procedures are still very multifaceted leading to the need for planning all the details in the experiments that are to be performed. This manuscript presents a finite element model developed to study the temperature variation of a T Jump System, which has been used for studying polymer behaviour with the NIMROD instrument at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, UK. Results show that the variation across the sample was 2ºC at a maximum temperature of 70ºC and 1ºC at a maximum temperature of 50ºC.
Electrospinning of food-grade nanofibres from whey protein
Publication . Zhong, Jie; Mohan, Saeed D.; Bell, Alan; Terry, Ann; Mitchell, Geoffrey R.; Fred, Davis
In this study, electrospinning has been employed to produce micro to nano scale fibres of whey protein in order
to investigate their potential for use in the food industry. Initially, spinning of purewhey protein proved challenging; so in order to facilitate the spinning of freshly prepared aqueous solutions, small amounts of polyethylene oxide (as low as 1% w/w in solution) were incorporated in the spinning solutions. The electrospun composite polyethylene-oxide/whey fibres exhibited diameters in the region of 100 to 400 nm, showing the potential to build fibre bundles from this size up. Time-dependent examinations of pure whey protein aqueous solutions were conducted using rheometery and small angle neutron scattering techniques, with the results showing a substantial change in the solution properties with time and stirring; and allowing the production of fibres, albeit with large diameters,without the need for an additive. The spinability is related to the potential of thewhey protein composites to form aggregate structures, either through hydration and interaction with neighbouring proteins,
or through interaction with the polyethylene oxide.
Evaluation of Root Canal Filling with a Bioceramic Sealer Using Micro-Computed Tomography: A Pilot Study
Publication . Vasconcelos, Isabel; Pereira, Mário Rito; Ginjeira, António; Franco, Margarida; Morouço, Pedro; Alves, Nuno
This pilot study aims to define a protocol for optimizing the micro-computed tomography
(micro-CT) settings to evaluate in the future research the root canal filling in oval shaped canals. Thirty distal canals of mandibular molars were used. After preparation of the canals, the roots were randomly divided into five groups. The canals were filled with two types of sealers (Endosequence BC Sealer or AH Plus) and two types of gutta percha (Protaper Next cones and Endosequence BC cones), using thermal obturation in comparison with a single cone obturation technique. Each specimen was scanned three times using a micro-CT device at a resolution of 30,1 μm. The first scan was done for selecting the specimen according the inclusion criteria, the second one postinstrumentation and the last micro-CT scan after obturation the specimens.
For the present study, the images were only evaluated with qualitative criteria and the settings for acquisition, reconstruction and analysis of micro-CT images were tested.
Adaptive Platforms and Flexible Deposition System for Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM)
Publication . Silva, Ruben; Sereno, Pedro; Mateus, Artur; Mitchell, Geoffrey; José da Silva Carreira, Pedro; Santos, Cyril; Vitorino, João; Domingues, Jorge
The interest around the additive manufacturing is increasing, with more and more
solutions at both the industrial and desktop levels. As this is still a relatively recent issue for several industrial areas, there is a clear opportunity to explore in order to optimize the systems in the face of the needs of these same industries, and with increasing times, there are increasing factors to take into ac- count in initial phases of new product development. Presently, there is also a growing ecological awareness, with the concern of implementing a logic of waste reduction and implementation of the circular economy in new products with a view to the valuation of new alternative materials. With the development of solutions aimed at the optimization and feasibility of
large additive manufacturing systems, the introduction of new alternative materials will be a reality, presenting in this article a solution and methodology for future tests for new materials. Thus, herein is studied a way of responding to both problems, new ecological materials and BAAM system optimization, presented through a hybrid and flexible solution based on the Pin Bed Forming principle applied to Big Area Additive Manufacturing systems.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: From Schumpeter to Industry 4.0
Publication . Ferreira, Vítor; Lisboa, Ana
Innovation is key to firms’ competitive advantage, performance, and growth. In this paper we try to briefly link the concepts of Innovation and Entrepreneurship with the emergence of a new industrial revolution that has been labeled as “Industry 4.0”, showing that as in the past a set of innovation are the main drivers for the change of the technical and social paradigm. We summarize a number of concepts to show that the key drivers of competitiveness are Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
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Funding agency
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Funding programme
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Funding Award Number
UID/Multi/04044/2013