Jiří Ščučka

Investigation of the microstructure and mineralogical composition of urinary calculi fragments by synchrotron radiation X-ray microtomography: a feasibility study

The outcomes from the feasibility study on utilization of synchrotron radiation X-ray microtomography (SR-μCT) to investigate the texture and the quantitative mineralogical composition of selected calcium oxalate-based urinary calculi fragments are presented. The comparison of the results obtained by SR-μCT analysis with those derived from current standard analytical approaches is provided. SR-μCT is proved as a potential effective technique for determination of texture, 3D microstructure, and composition of kidney stones.

Experimental in-vitro bone cements disintegration with ultrasonic pulsating water jet for revision arthroplasty

The paper deals with the study of using the selective property of ultrasonic pulsating water jet for the disintegration of the interface created by bone cement between cemented femoral stem and trabecular bone tissue as a potential technique for revision arthroplasty. Six types of commercial bone cements based on Polymethyl Methacrylate were used for investigation. The cements were mixed using the DePuy - SmartMix® CTS / vacuum mixing bowl. Mechanical properties of hardened bone cements were determined by nanoindentation. The bone cement samples were disintegrated using the pulsating water jet technology. The water pressure varied between 8÷20 MPa. A circular nozzle with an orifice diameter of 0, 7 mm was used for water jetting. The stand-off distance from the target material was 2 mm and the traverse speed 1 mm/s. The volume of material removal and depth of created traces were measured by MicroProf FRT optical profilometer. The results positively support an assumption that pulsating water jet has a potential to be a suitable technique for the quick and safe disintegration of bone cement during revision arthroplasty.

Granodiorite aggregates from East Bohemia for high-performance and high-strength concretes

This paper describes the petrological characteristics of biotite granodiorites from the Litice nad Orlici Quarry in East Bohemia (Czech Republic). Physical, chemical and mechanical parameters of extracted rocks and crushed aggregates are presented, together with the results of a study of rock fabric influence on the shape parameters of aggregate grains as a principal component of high-performance and high-strength concretes.

Composition and Microstructure of Plasters in Convent of the Želiv Monastery (Czech Republic)

The paper deals with analyses of composition and structure of historic plasters from the convent building of the Želiv Monastery (Czech Republic). Composition and microstructure of plaster samples taken from the historic object have been assessed using both traditional and advanced analytical methods. The following techniques have been used for the assessment of binders and fine aggregates in plasters: optical microscopy of thin sections, mineralogical and petrographic analysis of separated components, infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Presented results show significant differences in character of the studied materials of varying age and demonstrate the effectiveness of the taken analytical approach.