Modelling of time dependency of chloride diffusion coefficient in cement paste

A computer-based model and method was presented to predict the time dependency of chloride diffusion coefficients in cement paste. The HYMOSTRUC3D model was applied to generate a 3D representative elementary volume (REV) of cement paste. In the simulation of microstructure, both of cement hydration and chloride binding were considered. With the simulated microstructure of cement paste, the finite element method was applied to simulate the diffusion process of chloride through the saturated cement paste. Based on the Fick’s first law, the chloride diffusion coefficient can be calculated. In this method, the influences of age and w/c ratio on the chloride diffusion coefficient were evaluated. The simulated chloride diffusivities with various w/c at different time were compared to experimental data obtained from the literature. The experimental results indicate that the chloride diffusion coefficient decreases with the increase of time and the decrease of w/c ratio. The trend of simulated relationship (diffusion coefficient vs time, diffusion coefficient vs w/c ratio) fits very well with the experiments.     

X-ray microtomography of the carbonation front shape evolution of cement mortar and modeling of accelerated carbonation reaction

In situ monitoring of the microstructure evolution of cement mortar in accelerated carbonation reaction for different carbonation ages was carried out by X-ray computed tomography (XCT). And the carbonation degrees of different time were measured by the volume fraction of uncarbonated and carbonated parts. Meanwhile, we presented a model for the carbonation of cement mortar by means of X-ray computed tomography (XCT). Based on the principles of chemical engineering processes, the reacted products become a solid inert ash layer. Finally, the model was validated with results of accelerated carbonation of cement mortar. The model is thus able to reasonably predict the carbonation phenomena for accelerated conditions.     

Nondestructive microstructure analysis of the carbonation evolution process in hardened binder paste containing blast-furnace slag by X-ray CT

We used micro-XCT(X-ray computed tomography) to in-situ investigate the microstructure evolution of hardened binder paste containing different contents (0%, 30%, 50% and 70%) of blast-furnace slag at different carbonation time (0, 3, 7 and 14 days), respectively. The carbonation front shape, the degrees of carbonation and cracks spatial distribution were studied for hardened binder paste containing BFS. In addition, the porosity and pore volume distribution of macro-pore were measured at different carbonation ages. The results reveal that the degree of carbonation at different times can be measured by the volume fraction of the uncarbonated and carbonated parts.     

Determination of the apparent activation energy of concrete carbonation

Accelerated carbonation experiments about the development of carbonation rates of ordinary Portland cement concrete under different artificial climates were carried out. Six water cement ratios and six climate condition combinations of temperature and relative humidity were used. Results indicate that changes of concrete carbonation rate with environmental temperature agree the Arrhenius law well, which suggests concrete carbonation rate has obvious dependence on temperature. The higher the temperature is, the more quickly the concrete carbonates, and at the same time it is also affected by environmental relative humidity. Thereafter, the apparent activation energy E _a of concrete carbonation reaction was obtained, ranging from 16.8 to 20.6 kJ/mol corresponding 0.35–0.74 water cement ratio, and lower water cement ratio will cause the apparent activation energy increase. Concrete carbonation rates will increase 1.1–1.69 times as temperature increase every 10 °C at the temperature range of 10 to 60 °C.     

Quantitative characterization and elastic properties of interfacial transition zone around coarse aggregate in concrete

Backscattered electron images (BSE) obtained by scanning electron microscope was used to quantitatively characterize the microstructure of interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in concrete. Influences of aggregate size (5, 10, 20, and 30 mm), water to cement ratio (0.23, 0.35 and 0.53) and curing time (from 3d to 90d) on the microstructure of interfacial transition zone between coarse aggregate and bulk cement matrix were investigated. The volume percentage of detectable porosity and unhydrated cement in ITZ was quantitatively analyzed and compared with that in the matrix of various concretes. Nanoindentation technology was applied to obtain the elastic properties of ITZ and matrix, and the elastic modulus of concrete was then calculated based on the Lu & Torquato model and self-consistence scheme by using the ITZ thickness and elastic modulus obtained from this investigation. The experimental results demonstrated that the microstructure and thickness of ITZ in concrete vary with a variety of factors, like aggregate size, water to cement ratio and curing time. The relative low elastic properties of ITZ should be paid attention to, especially for early age concrete.     

Long-term durability of cement-based materials with very low <Emphasis Type="Italic">w/b</Emphasis>

To investigate the durability, especially the long-term stability of cement-based materials with very low w/b, the air permeability test, carbonation test, capillary absorption rate test and dilation potential test were adopted under long-term heat treatment condition. Microstructure of these materials is also analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy （SEM） and mercury intrusion porosimeter （MIP） in order to further unveil its mechanism and interrelation between microstructure and its properties. The results indicate that in the area investigated, cement-based material with w/b 0.17, like RPC, possesses low porosity and excellent durability. Moreover, its porosity will further decrease under long-term heat treatment compared with normal heat treatment. Its long-term durability is much superior to that of other cement-based materials with w/b 0.25 or 0.35 as high strength concrete（HSC）.     

Numerical modeling of elastic modulus for cement paste using homogenization method

This paper focused on the evolution over time of elasticity of the cement paste during the hydration, e g, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ration, by the proposed homogenization method combined the percolation algorithm with individual phase intrinsic elasticity. A cement paste development model, named CEMHYD3D, was used to establish an accurate microstructure. The modelling results are in good agreement with the experimental data and other numerical results available in the open literature. The suitable homogeneous scheme, applied to each level, should be carefully chosen to result in a realistic prediction. The percolation concept should aims to correctly predict the elasticity for cement paste at very early age, especially under low w/c ratios.     

数字图像系统水泥水化计算机模拟(Ⅰ)

基于数字图像处理为基础的水泥水化模型—CEMHYD3D代表了当今世界水泥水化的计算机模拟的最先进的技术之一。本文以CEMHYD3D为背景,从二维图像的相关水泥参数的获取和水泥微结构的三维重建阐述水泥水化的计算机的模拟技术。     

Effects of silica fume and steel fiber on chloride ion penetration and corrosion behavior of cement-based composites

This project was aimed to evaluate the chloride permeability and corrosion behavior of cement-based composites which comprised fibers and silica fume in the mixes. Resistivity, polarization resistance, ponding and rapid chloride penetration results of specimens were obtained through tests. Test results indicate that resistivity, open circuit potentials and direct current polarization of specimens with w/b ratio of 0.35 are higher than those of specimens with w/b ratio of 0.55. For length-diameter ratio of 65, resistivity and direct current polarization of specimens with fiber length of 35 mm were similar to those of 60 mm. In addition, the open circuit potentials of specimens with fiber length of 60 mm were slightly higher that those of 35 mm. The resistivity decreased with increasing steel fiber content, and the open circuit potential and direct current polarization increased with increasing steel fiber content. The specimens containing silica fume were found to provide higher resistivity, open circuit potentials and direct current polarization than the control specimens. The incorporation of steel fiber and silica fume in composites achieved more significantly decreases in resistivity and increases in direct current polarization than steel fiber composites or silica fume composites. The penetration depth and six-hour total charge passed of specimens for w/b ratio of 0.35 were lower than those for w/b ratio of 0.55. For length-diameter ratio of 65, the penetration depth of specimens for fiber length of 35 mm was similar to that of 60 mm. The penetration depth decreased with increased steel fiber content in the composites. By regression analysis, a good correlation between open circuit potential and direct current polarization, and chloride penetration depth and direct current polarization.     

Long-term Durability of Cement-based Materials with Very Low w/b

To investigate the durability, especially the long-term stability of cement-based materials with very low w/b, the air permeability test, carbonation test, capillary absorption rate test and dilation Dotential test were adopted under long-term heat treatment condition. Microstructure of these materials is also analyzed by scannmg electronic microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP) in order to further unveil its mechanism and interrelation between microstructure and its properties. The results indicate that in the area investigated, cement-based material with w/b 0.17, like RPC, possesses low porosity and excellent durability. Moreover, its porosity will further decrease under long-term heat treatment compared with normal heat treatment. Its long-term durability is much superior to that of other cement-based materials with w/b 0.25 or 0.35 as high strength concrete (HSC).     

水灰比对泡沫混凝土性能的影响研究

泡沫混凝土作为一种多孔材料被广泛应用于建筑中,其性能直接受内部气孔结构的影响,而水泥浆的性质是影响泡沫稳定存在的重要因素。为探究水灰比对泡沫混凝土性能的影响,该文配制了三种不同水灰比的水泥浆制备泡沫混凝土,并测量其干密度、抗压强度、导热率和吸水率,探究其性能与水灰比的关系。结果表明,随着水灰比减小,水泥含量增加,水泥粘度增加,泡沫混凝土密度逐渐增加,强度逐渐增加,导热率逐渐增大,吸水率逐渐减小。在合适的水灰比下,泡沫混凝土相比纯水泥浆密度降幅最大,达到41.76%;强度降幅最小,抗压强度达到9.8 MPa;导热率降幅达到最大,为0.212 W/m·K;吸水率达到21.5%。     

Enhanced Ferroelectric Polarization in Laser-ablated Bi<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> Thin Films by Controlling Preferred Orientation

Polycrystalline Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ thin films with various fractions of a-axis, c-axis and random orientations have been grown on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO₂/Si substrates by laser-ablation under different kinetic growth conditions. The relationship between the structure and ferroelectric property of the films was investigated, so as to explore the possibility of enhancing ferroelectric polarization by controlling the preferred orientation. The structural characterization indicated that the large growth rate and high oxygen background pressure were both favorable for the growth of non-c-axis oriented grains in the Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ thin films. The films with high fractions of a-axis and random orientations, i e, f (a-sxis) = 28.3% and f (random) = 69.6%, could be obtained at the deposition temperature of 973 K, oxygen partial pressure of 15 Pa and laser fluence of 4.6 J/cm², respectively. It was also noted that the variation of ferroelectric polarization was in accordance with the evolution non-c-axis orientation. A large value of remanent polarization (2Pr = 35.5 μC/cm²) was obtained for the Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ thin films with significant non-c-axis orientation, even higher than that of rare-earth-doped Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ films.     

Is there any relation between helium isotope composition of underground fluids and heat flow in continental areas?

The regression formula between³He/⁴He ratio of underground fluids and terrestrial heat flow in continental areas is tested by data sets from the former Soviet Union and the mainland of China. The results show that there is no close relation between the two values. The heat-He relation might estimate the regional heat flow value with ±25% accuracy at best. We propose that the ratio of crust/mantle component of continental heat flow (q _c/q _m) be inversely related to the³He/⁴He ratio of underground fluids. Based on data sets of³He/⁴He ratio andq _c/q _m in the Eurasia and Canadian Shield, we obtain the regression relation betweenq _c/q _m and³He/⁴He:q _c/q _m=0.815?0.300^*log_e (³He/⁴He), in which the unit of³He/⁴He is Ra (atmospheric³He/⁴He ratio). The crust and mantle heat flow components can be taken from surface heat flow andq _c/q _m ratio. Based on this formula and heat flow data in major basins of China, the crustal, mantle heat flow values and the average crustal heat production rates were estimated. The estimated crustal chemical composition of China is in agreement with the result inferred by deep seismic sounding survey. Helium isotope ratio (³He/⁴He) of underground fluids may be a useful parameter for separating crust and mantle components of continental heat flow.     

Effects of Carbonation on Micro Structures of Hardened Cement Paste

In order to investigate the effects of carbonation on the microstructure of cement concrete,the carbonation depth and microstructure of cement paste with 0.3,0.4 and 0.5 water/cement ratio after 7,14,21 and 28 d accelerated carbonation were studied respectively.The results showed that with the increase of waterto-cement ratio and carbonation age,the carbonation depth was deepened with faster early carbonation speed and slower later carbonation rate.Carbonation densified the structure of hardened cement stone with refinement of pore structure and reduced porosity.Then,during the carbonation process from the surface to the inside of carbonation area,it was prone to form micro-cracks extending to the interior specimen,resulting in cement paste carbonation depth uneven.It is further illustrated that the color reaction method using phenolphthalein solution combined with X-CT and X-ray diffraction analysis is much more reasonable to evaluate the cement concrete carbonation degree.Moreover,during carbonation process sulfur element in cement paste migrated to the area un-carbonated and the concentrated shape of sulfur element is consistent with the coloring region in carbonation interface.Finally it was identified that carbonation not only reduced the p H value in cement concrete but also made prone to crack in carbonation zone,which increased the probability of reinforcement corrosion.     

粉煤灰掺量对相同浆体体积比砂浆性能的影响

为了研究粉煤灰掺量对砂浆性能的影响,采用相同浆体体积比,分别以0%、10%、20%和30%的粉煤灰掺量配制砂浆,进行强度和碳化深度对比试验。结果表明,当水胶比一定时,随粉煤灰掺量的增加,砂浆的流动性不会明显降低;早期掺粉煤灰的水泥砂浆的强度会随着粉煤灰掺量的增加而降低,但其后期强度随着龄期的增长会逐渐提高并超过未掺粉煤灰的砂浆的强度;随着粉煤灰掺入量的增加,水胶比的增大以及暴露时间的增长,砂浆的碳化深度呈逐渐增加的趋势。     

Effects of carbon nanotubes on mechanical and 2D-3D microstructure properties of cement mortar

To study the influence of multi-wall carbon nanotubes （MWCNTs） on the mechanical and microstructural properties of cementitious composites, 0.00, 0.02, 0.08, 0.10, and 0.20 wt% of multi-wall carbon nanotubes were added into cement mortar, in which the cement-sand ratio was 1：1.5. The flexural and compressive strengths of cement mortar at the age of 3, 7, 28 and 90 d and the fracture performance at the age of 28 d were determined, its 2D micrograph was tested by means of SEM, and the 3D defects distribution was firstly determined with or without CNTs by means of XCT （X-ray computerized tomography）. The results showed that 0.08 wt% of CNTs improved the compressive strength and flexural strength by 18% and 19~A, respectively, and a significant improvement of its fracture property was observed. Moreover lower addition of carbon nanotubes to cement mortars can improve its microstructure and decrease the defects significantly compared to the cement mortar without CNTs. With the increase of the content of CNTs, the mechanical properties of cement mortars presented to be declined largely due to the agglomeration of CNTs.     

Effect of dy on structure and magnetic properties of CoPt alloys

The effects of Dy on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Dy _x Co_50?x Pt₅₀ alloys were investigated. The XRD results indicate that all the alloys homogenized at 1000 °C contain only a single A1 (fcc) phase, while the alloys annealed at 675 °C consist of a hard-magnetic face-centered-tetragonal (fct) phase and a magnetically soft face-centered-cube (fcc) phase. Maximum values for the coercivity H _c and remanence ratio m _r were achieved in Dy_0.4Co_49.6Pt₅₀ alloys annealed at 675 °C for 80 min. For the series of Dy _x Co_50?x Pt₅₀ alloys annealed at 675 °C for 60 min, H _c decreases monotonically with increasing Dy concentration, but m _r is first enhanced and then weakened.     

Evaluation of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Performance by Using ZnO/Water Nanofluids

To examine and investigate the impact of nanofluid on heat exchanger performance, including the total heat transfer, the effect of friction factor, the average Nusselt number, and the thermal efficiency, the output heat transfers of a shell and tube heat exchanger using ZnO nanoparticles suspended in water has been conducted numerically. The governing equations were solved using finite volume techniques and CFD simulations with ANSYS/FLUENT Solver 2021. The nanoparticles volume fractions adopted...     

旋转填料床制备超细 Al(OH)3碳化时间的研究

目的研究在旋转填料床中以 NaAl(OH)4 溶液和 CO2 气体为原料制备超细 Al(OH)3 的碳化反应时间. 方法通过实验考察了转速, 液体循环量, 气体流量, NaAl(OH)4 溶液初始浓度, 气液比等操作因素对碳化反应时间的影响. 结果与结论在旋转填料床中的反应大大缩短了碳化反应时间, 同时得到平均粒径为 200 nm 且分布均匀的超细 Al(OH)3 粒子.     

Test method to simulate the influence of the interface on the concrete carbonation process

A trial test method is introduced to form and magnify regular interface. Through researching on the carbonation of the magnifying interfacial transition zone (ITZ), the practical carbonation of the concrete can be simulated. Because the diffusion rate of CO₂ in the ITZ is several times greater than that in the bulk paste, the diffusion rate and direction of CO₂ will change and form a new carbonation front line. An interfacial effect zone caused by the ITZ will change the distribution of the complete carbonation zone and the partial carbonation zone. One of the important reasons for the formation of the partial carbonation zone was the existence of the interfacial effect zone. Consequently, the method mentioned in this paper provides a new way for researching on the microstructure of the cement based materials during the carbonation process.