University of São Paulo

Luminescent material offers real-time analysis of concrete deterioration

By Lisa McDonald / January 30, 2024

Determining the degree of carbonation in a concrete structure allows for timely maintenance to avoid catastrophic failure. Researchers led by the University of São Paulo’s Physics Institute developed a luminescent material that can indicate the degree of carbonation in concrete structures in a nondestructive manner.

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Unveiling the hidden role of intermediate oxides in glass: Spectroscopic data combined with computational modeling provides new insights

By Lisa McDonald / August 1, 2023

The effect niobium oxide has on the macroscopic properties of glass is reasonably well-known, but its specific structural role in glass remains poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, researchers from the Center for Research, Technology, and Education in Vitreous Materials in Brazil combined spectroscopic data on niobium-containing silicate glasses with advanced computational modeling.

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New solid-state NMR strategy cracks open the ‘black box’ of crystal nucleation in glass

By Lisa McDonald / March 28, 2023

The process by which a crystal nucleates and grows within a glass during heat treatments remains a conceptually ill-understood phenomenon. Researchers in Brazil developed a nuclear magnetic resonance strategy combined with atomistic computer simulations that allowed them to shed unprecedented light on the structural changes that take place in a glass during relaxation and crystal nucleation.

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Fibers from recycled beverage straws may make refractories processing safer and cheaper

By Lisa McDonald / March 13, 2020

Plastic straws cannot be recycled to make new straws, but that does not mean straws are nonrecyclable. Researchers in Brazil looked at turning straws into anti-spalling fibers for refractory castables.

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Turning carbon dioxide into fuel: Improved nanocatalyst stability boosts artificial photosynthesis efficiency

By Lisa McDonald / February 26, 2019

Improved artificial photosynthesis methods would allow production of alternative fuels without burning fossil fuels. New research lays the foundation for designing ultrastable nanocatalysts for such methods.

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São Carlos Center of Research, Technology and Education in Vitreous Materials (CeRTEV): The first four years

By April Gocha / September 25, 2017

The São Carlos Center of Research, Technology and Education in Vitreous Materials (CeRTEV) conducts state-of-the art research, develops technology, and supports education and outreach efforts focused on glass and glass-ceramics. What has the center done in its first four years?

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