Physical, mechanical properties and antimicrobial analysis of a novel CaO·AlO compound reinforced with Al or Ag particles.

Ceramic-metal (CaO·AlO-Al and CaO·AlO-Ag) compounds were prepared by mechanical milling and consolidated through an in-situ sintering process. The aim of this work is to study the effects of the Al and Ag particles to ceramic-base compound, primarily in the microstructure, and its mechanical and antimicrobial properties. Chemical systems with a 1:1 M ratio between CaCO and AlO powder were formed, with the addition of 10 wt% Al or 10 wt% Ag, respectively.

Raman spectroscopic analysis of Mexican natural artists' materials.

This work represents the Raman spectra of 15 natural artists' materials that were obtained from local market in Mexico. Some of these products are not endemic to the region, but are often used in local conservation practice. Other materials are of local origin and have been used for centuries by local craftsmen.