Papers by Author: Ecaterina Matei

Abstract: The paper had as purpose the fabrication and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles covered with TiO₂ for applications in environmental field. The research consisted in investigating the properties of magnetic iron nanooxides, synthesized from ferric and ferrous chloride and then covered with TiO₂, with minimum costs and high efficiency in industrial wastewater treatment. The iron nanoparticles were obtained by co-precipitation method and the titan dioxide was obtained by sol-gel method. After covering the nanoparticles with TiO₂, the samples were characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Abstract: The paper presents results of researches carried out to establish the causes that led to the cracking of forgings made of manganese low alloy steel microalloyed with boron. The researches includes analysis of samples taken from the forgings in the cracked surface area and also analysis of a sample from forged material. The following methods and techniques were used for investigation:metallographic analysis by optical microscopy;visual macroscopic examination by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at low magnification, using scanning electron microscope;examination by scanning electron microscopy on the material cracks area and its adjacent area;investigation of material by X-ray microanalysis in energy dispersive (EDAX) for its characterization, in terms of microcomposition;

Abstract: High concentrations of metals in the natural environment associated with industrial activity and increased migration of metals may cause an increase in the concentration of metals in living organisms, especially in the bone tissue, which reflects their total concentration in the body. Physiological basis for this assessment is based on the fact that the skeleton serves as a major reservoir for ingested heavy metals integrating them into bone matrix during calcification and where they remain until the bone is remodeled or resorbed. Investigations on the bone can be focused on three structural levels: mezostructural, micro, and nanostructural. In this study, we used X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to measure the residual amount of heavy elements in bone particles, obtained by a widely used method. The bones used to perform the experiments were collected from local hospitals, following certain surgical coxofemural prosthesis operations (according to agreed procedures on patient privacy and medical ethics).Studies carried out on samples taken from humans have shown that the variability in bone chemical composition is depending on subject living area, which is essential for understanding the contribution of these factors on bone mass and constitution. Comparing values obtained with concentrations of metals in bones reported by other authors allowed us to conclude that EDPXRF method can be used to assess tissue concentrations of natural elements and the results provide a basis for evaluating metal loading of the human body.