Mechanical and durability properties of cement mortar with Algerian natural pozzolana

This paper presents a study of the properties and behaviour of cement mortar with natural pozzolana from Algeria. The effect of level of addition of natural pozzolana (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%) on the mechanical properties of mortars at different ages as well as the effect of curing environment and the period of initial curing on the mechanical properties were investigated. The performance of natural pozzolana cement exposed to three aggressive solutions (acids, sulphate, and chloride) is also analysed. The results indicate that the strength of pozzolanic cement is lower than that of plain Portland cement at early ages, but can reach the same order of strength at longer curing periods. The enhancement of the resistance to acid and sulphate attack as well as to chloride ion penetration of natural pozzolanic cement is also demonstrated.     

The effect of nitrogen addition on certain properties and structure of fluorozirconate glasses

The effect of nitrogen on the properties and structure of fluorozirconate glasses in the system ZrF₄-BaF₂-LaF₃-AlF₃ (ZBLA) was investigated. Nitrogen was introduced by means of aluminium nitride. The substitution of fluorine by nitrogen in ZBLA glasses resulted in a considerable increase of microhardness, reduction of the linear expansion coefficient, and a small increase in characteristic temperatures. Structural investigations comprised RDF and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) examinations. From radial distribution function (RDF) it followed that the introduction of nitrogen caused an increase of the mean distances Zr-F(N), Ba-F(N), La-F(N). From FT-IR spectra, it followed that nitrogen became incorporated into the bridging fluorine atoms which was evinced by a shifting of bands deriving from the bending vibrations between the [ZrF₆]^2– octahedra towards higher wave numbers.     

Effect of fibre angle on fracture properties of unidirectional flyash filled FRP composites

The fracture properties of unidirectional flyash filled and unfilled glass fibre and carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin composites are studied in relation to the variation of width ratio (a/W) and fibre angle. The results indicate that the fracture toughness, fracture surface energy and change in elastic strain energy are dependent on the width ratio but the effect of fibre angle between 30 and 60° is not very dependent on fracture properties due to the arrest of the crack path in fibre composites by flyash particles.     

The effect of graphite addition on the mechanical and tribological properties of pitch-based granular carbon composites

The present work deals with the effect of graphite addition on selected mechanical and tribological properties of pitch-based granular carbon composites. Three pitches (a commercial impregnating coal tar pitch, an air-blown pitch and a thermally treated coal tar pitch) and anthracite particles as reinforcing material were used to prepare carbon composites to be tested as carbon brake pads. These carbon composites show good compression strength (from 25.8 to 94.2 MPa) but unstable and high friction coefficients (>0.5). Experimental results have showed that small amounts of graphite addition (2.5 and 5.0 wt%) lead to carbon materials with more stable and lower friction coefficient (<0.3). So, graphite addition promoted the reduction in the wear rate. Finally, compressive strength of carbon composites prepared with modified pitches significantly increases after addition of small amounts of graphite with values from 94 to 128.8 MPa.     

The effect of zirconium addition on the microstructure and properties of chopped carbon fiber/carbon composites

Carbon/carbon composites containing zirconium were prepared using chopped carbon fiber, mesophase pitch and Zr powder by the traditional process including molding, carbonization, densification and graphitization. The influence of Zr on the microstructure and properties of the composites were investigated. Results show that Zr can improve the interface bonding, promote more perfect and larger crystallites and enhance the conductive/mechanical properties of the composites. The high in-plane thermal conductivity of 464 W/(m K) and excellent bending strength of 83.6 MPa was obtained for a Zr content of 13.9 wt% at heat treatment temperature(HTT) of 2500 °C. However the conductive/mechanical properties of the composites decrease dramatically for an higher HTT of 3000 °C. SEM micrograph of the fracture surface for the composites shows that lower disorder crystallite arrangement of fiber and carbon matrix come into being in the composites during HTT of 3000 °C, which should be responsible for the low properties. Correlation between the content of Zr and the microstructure and properties are discussed.     

Fabrication and properties of PZT-ordinary Portland cement composites

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-ordinary Portland cement (OPC) composites were fabricated using 40%, 50% and 60% of PZT by volume. The dielectric constants of the composites were found to be 139, 176 and 290 for composites containing 40%, 50% and 60% PZT respectively. Successful poling of the composites was achieved and the measured piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) of the composites increased with PZT content. Measured d₃₃ values for the composites with 50% and 60% PZT content were 26 and 42 pC/N respectively. These are very promising results with very high d₃₃ values for PZT-cement composites. Moreover, using this fabrication method it is possible to produce PZT-OPC composites with more than 50% PZT by volume and that these composites have good potential for use in structural applications.     

The effect of different mineral additions and synthetic fiber contents on properties of cement based composites

The influence of the matrix formulation and different amounts of synthetic fiber on physical and mechanical performance of asbestos free fiber cement was evaluated. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber was tested as reinforcement in combination with mechanical and kraft cellulose pulps. Silica-fume, metakaolin and fly ash were used as pozzolanic additions in proportions up to ∼14% by mass in combination with ordinary Portland cement and carbonatic filler. Bulk densities of composites varied from 1.5 to 1.7 g/cm³. Synthetic fiber contents higher than 2% by mass (from 4% to 5% by volume of the composite) were unable to promote any further improvement in the mechanical performance of the composites at the age of 28 days. Formulations with silica fume showed better strength performance for the composites after accelerated aging test. The toughness measurements of composites after exposition to soak and dry cycles also showed that silica fume seems to prevent cellulose fiber degradation.     

The effect of Fe addition on processing and mechanical properties of reaction infiltrated boron carbide-based composites

Dense metal-ceramic composites based on boron carbide were fabricated using boron carbide and Fe powders as starting materials. The addition of 3.5–5.5 vol% of Fe leads to enhanced sintering due to the formation of a liquid phase at high temperature. Preforms, with about 20 vol% porosity were obtained by sintering at 2,050 °C even from an initial boron carbide powder with very low sinterability. Successful infiltration of the preforms was carried out under vacuum (10⁻⁴ torr) at 1,480 °C. The infiltrated composite consists of four phases: B₁₂(C, Si, B)₃, SiC, FeSi₂ and residual Si. The decrease of residual Si is due to formation of the FeSi₂ phase and leads to improved mechanical properties of the composites. The hardness value, the Young modulus and the bending strength of the composites fabricated form a powder mixture containing 3.5 vol% Fe are 2,400 HV, 410 GPa and 390 MPa, while these values for the composites prepared form iron free B₄C powder are 1,900 HV, 320 GPa and 300 MPa, respectively. The specific density of the composite was about 2.75 g/cm³. The experimental results regarding the sintering behavior and chemical interaction between B₄C and Fe are well accounted for by a thermodynamic analysis of the Fe–B–C system.

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Influence of ibuprofen addition on the properties of a bioactive bone cement

Bioactive bone cements can promote bone growth and the formation of a strong chemical bond between the implant and bone tissue increasing the lifetime of the prosthesis. This study aims at synthesizing a new bioactive bone cement with different amounts of ibuprofen (5, 10 and 20 wt%) using a low toxicity activator, and investigating its in vitro release profile. The effect of ibuprofen (IB) on the setting parameters, residual monomer and bioactivity in synthetic plasma was also evaluated. It was verified that the different IB contents do not prevent the growth of calcium phosphate aggregates on composite surfaces, confirming that the cements are potentially bioactive. A relevant advantage of these formulations was a significant improvement in their curing parameters with increasing IB amount, associated to a reduction of the peak temperature and an extension of the setting time. The investigated cements released an average of about 20 % of the total incorporated ibuprofen during 30 days test, with IB20 liberating the highest percentage of drug 20.6 %, and IB10 and IB5, respectively 19.1 and 17.6 %. This behavior was attributed to the low solubility of this drug in aqueous media and was also related with the hydrophobic character of the polymer. Regarding the therapeutic concentration sufficient to suppress inflammation, the cement with 10 % of ibuprofen achieved the required release rate for 1 week and the cement with 20 % for 2 weeks.     

Investigations on the effect of friction stir processing on Cu-BN surface composites

The main aim of this investigation focuses on fabrication of copper surface composites through friction stir processing (FSP) reinforced with boron nitride (BN) particles of varying volume fractions (5%, 10%, and 15%). Surface composites developed through single pass FSP were characterized for its microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties. Microstructural characterization indicated that developed surface composites were of good quality with reduced grain size and the SEM characterization confirmed good bonding between copper matrix and BN with uniform dispersion. Micro hardness survey of the developed surface composites showcased minimal deviation in the stir zone with increased trend in respect to the volume fraction of BN. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and percent elongation of FSPed composites was found to have reduced when compared with that of pure copper. BN dispersion in surface composite was effective in reducing the ductility and so maximum volume percent (15%) of BN dispersed composite prompt to have higher strength. The wear rate and friction coefficient of the developed surface composite was found decreasing with respect to increase in the dispersion of BN. Amongst the FSPed copper surface composite, specimen with 15?vol% of BN has shown the least wear rate with low coefficient of friction.     

Hydration and properties of nano-TiO2 blended cement composites

Two types of nano-TiO₂ particles were blended into cement pastes and mortars. Their effects on the hydration and properties of the hydrated cement pastes were investigated. The addition of nano-TiO₂ powders significantly accelerated the hydration rate and promoted the hydration degree of the cementitious materials at early ages. It was demonstrated that TiO₂ was inert and stable during the cement hydration process. The total porosity of the cement pastes decreased and the pore size distribution were also altered. The acceleration of hydration rate and the change of microstructure also affected the physical and mechanical properties of the cement-based materials. The initial and final setting time was shortened and more water was required to maintain a standard consistence due to the addition of the nano-TiO₂. The compressive strength of the mortar was enhanced, practically at early ages. It is concluded that the nano-TiO₂ acted as a catalyst in the cement hydration reactions.     

石墨烯表面性质对水泥砂浆复合材料力学性能和微观结构的影响

近年来,利用石墨烯及其衍生物改善水泥基复合材料性能受到了广泛关注。但是,关于石墨烯表面性质对水泥基材料的性能影响却鲜有报道。为此,采用不同浓度的L-抗坏血酸(10wt%、20wt%、30wt%、50wt%和70wt%)和还原时间(15 min、30 min、45 min和60 min)将氧化石墨烯(GO)转化为还原氧化石墨烯(rGO),然后以相同剂量(水泥质量的0.05%)加入到水泥砂浆复合材料中,研究了不同还原程度的rGO对水泥砂浆力学性能的影响。测试结果表明,通过50wt%L-抗坏血酸还原30 min制备的rGO的加入使水泥砂浆28天抗压强度和抗折强度相比于普通试样分别提高了36.84%和43.24%。SEM等分析表明,GO和不同还原程度的rGO均可促进Ca(OH)₂的结晶和水化硅酸钙凝胶(C-S-H)中二氧化硅四面体的形成,形成致密的微观结构。但存在一个最佳阈值(即通过50wt%的L-抗坏血酸还原30 min),在该阈值下,有利于rGO表面官能团与水化产物的结合。      

Aging effects on the structure and properties of recycled wastepaper fiber cement composites

Dry-processed wastepaper (magazine) fibers possess desirable mechanical characteristics as reinforcing fibers in cement-based matrices; up to 50% of virgin wood fibers have been replaced with wastepaper fibers in cement composites without any significant change in short-term performance characteristics. The large volumes of fibrous cement board used in building construction promise to provide wastepaper with a large-volume and high-value application. In this study, the effects of weathering on the performance of recycled wastepaper fiber-cement composites were investigated through accelerated aging tests simulating natural aging conditions. Microstructural studies were conducted in order to establish the mechanisms of aging in the composite material. These mechanisms provided the basis for the selection of certain refinements in the matrix composition, which were successfully evaluated for the control of weathering effects on the composite material structure and properties. The effects of aging and moisture on composites were best controlled by measures which reduced the calcium hydroxide content of hydration products and improved the watertightness and the structure of interface zones; these refinements were made using relatively high levels of cement replacement with silica fume or through full substitution of Portland cement with a special cement.     

掺杂 TiO2水泥的吸波性能与力学性能研究

研究了纳米吸波材料与硅酸盐水泥复合材料的吸波性能和力学性能,讨论并分析了纳米氧化钛的用量、分散方式、试样厚度对电磁波反射衰减的关系和纳米氧化钛对水泥基复合材料的力学性能影响。实验结果表明：在8-18GHz频率范围内,纳米氧化钛与水泥制成的复合材料的反射率均小于-7dB,在16．24GHz时其反射率达-16．34(m,反射率小于-10dB的带宽达4．5GHz,且其力学性能明显优于水泥净浆。     

Dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and its effects on the properties of cement composites

In this study, two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (pristine, p-CNT and functionalized, f-CNT) were dispersed in water by sonication and then added to cement mortar. The purpose of this study was to characterize the dispersion degree of the CNTs in aqueous suspension and to investigate whether achieving dispersion in water would also result in dispersion inside mortar. Dispersion of the CNTs in water was investigated by means of UV–vis spectroscopy, using different CNT concentrations and sonication durations. Dispersion of the CNTs in cement mortar was investigated by measuring the compressive and flexural strength and fracture toughness as well as the microstructural characterizations of scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The effects of the CNT addition on drying shrinkage and cement hydration were also investigated for cement pastes. The results of UV–vis spectroscopy showed that by increasing the sonication time to 120 min, the dispersion degree of the f-CNT suspension increased progressively, while for p-CNT, a maximum was reached with 60 min of sonication. The compressive and flexural strength and fracture toughness of mortars containing f- and p-CNTs were not significantly improved either by increasing the amount of CNT or imposing sonication in mixing water. High CNT dispersion in cement matrix was not equally obtained by utilizing highly dispersed CNT suspension. Sonication of f- and p-CNT led to a remarkable deceleration of cement hydration in the first hour of hydration and drying shrinkage of the cement composites was found to be reduced by f- and p-CNT addition.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of waste fibre–cement composites

This paper examines the microstructure of composite materials containing fibrous wastes (as reinforcement in granulated blast furnace slag or ordinary Portland cement matrices). Both secondary and back-scattered electron imaging and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used for compositional analysis. Evaluation of both fractured and cut surfaces provided the morphological and bonding information that was related to mechanical performance obtained from flexural tests. Sisal and Eucalyptus grandis pulps showed satisfactory bonding to the cement matrix, with fibre pullout predominating as indicated by high values of energy absorption. In contrast banana pulp reinforced composites exhibited fibre fracture as the main failure mechanism. In all analysed composites, partial fibre debonding and matrix micro-cracking were dominant at the interfaces. However, there was no evidence of a porous transition zone or massive concentration of calcium hydroxide at the interface.     

Pressure-sensitive properties and microstructure of carbon nanotube reinforced cement composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) treated by using a mixed solution of H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ were uniformly dispersed into cement paste by means of ultrasonic energy. Electrical resistivity and pressure-sensitive properties under cyclic compressive loading of this composite were analyzed and compared to that of untreated-CNT reinforced cement paste. Results show that the addition of treated or untreated CNTs to cement paste leads to a notable decrease in volume electrical resistivity and a distinct enhancement in compressive sensitivity. The microstructures of these cement composites were analyzed by using scanning electron microscope. The microscopic observation reveals that both treated and untreated CNTs were dispersed homogenously in the cement matrix. For untreated CNT-reinforced cement composites, the CNTs with glossy surface were zigzag and cling to cement matrix; the bridging of cracks and a well three-dimensional meshwork were also observed. For treated-CNT reinforced cement composites, the surface of CNTs was covered by C–S–H, which leads to a higher mechanical strength. The contact points of the treated-CNTs in composites were much fewer than that of the untreated-CNTs in cement matrix composites, which leads to a higher compressive sensitive properties and a lower electrical conductivity.     

添加TiB2对Ti-B-C复相陶瓷性能的影响

在1800℃,35MPa的条件下热压烧结B4C/Ti(摩尔比1:3),得到了TiB2/TiC陶瓷材料.材料的弯曲强度和断裂韧性分别为454MPa和8.4MPa·m1/2.当材料中添加不同含量的TiB2时,发现显微结构中有棒晶出现,经X射线分析为TiB2.添加5%(体积比)TiB2时,复合材料的弯曲强度和断裂韧性分别高达540MPa和10.8MPa·m1/2;而添加20%TiB2时,复合材料的弯曲强度和断裂韧性下降到357MPa和8.19MPa·m1/2.经扫描电镜观察,添加5%TiB2的材料中棒晶数量明显,长度在10～40μm,气孔较少;而20%TiB2材料中的棒晶发育不充分,数量较少,并且存在大量的气孔.这说明一定数量的添加剂可以促进棒晶的生长和发育.原位形成的棒晶,使材料起到了自增韧的效果,大幅度提高了复合材料的力学性能。     

Influence of polyether polyol on the hydration and engineering properties of calcium sulfoaluminate cement

The aim of the present paper was to investigate the efficiency of polyether polyol as shrinkage-reducing admixture on pastes and mortars prepared with calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA). CSA was prepared by mixing CSA clinker and re-crystallized gypsum in different proportions. Three types of polyether polyol were added at a dosage of 1.5 wt% of CSA when hydrating pure pastes and standard mortars. The engineering properties of mortars (compressive strength, drying shrinkage) and the microstructure of pastes were investigated. The results show that polyol reduces drying shrinkage of CSA-based mortars without affecting the nature of hydrates formed. The effect of polyol mainly depends on its molecular weight.     

Effect of the addition of chitosan ethers on the fresh state properties of cement mortars

The effect of two non-ionic chitosan derivatives (hydroxypropyl (HPCH) and hydroxyethyl (HECH) chitosans) and one ionic derivative (carboxymethylchitosan, CMCH) on the fresh-state properties of cement mortars was studied. Zeta potential measurements and particle size distribution were carried out in order to elucidate the action mechanism of the admixtures. Results were seen to be strongly dependent on substituents of the chitosan. Non-ionic derivatives had a weak dosage-related influence on the fresh-state properties. The ionic CMCH showed the more marked effect: it was found to act as a powerful thickener and to reduce the workable life of the fresh mixtures, whereas it caused a delay in the hydration of the cement particles. CMCH reduced the slump by 50% while commercial viscosity enhancers exhibiting larger molecular weights (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, HPMC, and hydroxypropyl guaran, HPG) only reduced it by ca. 25%. The negative values of zeta-potential and the strong flocculating effect point to an adsorption of CMCH onto the positively charged cement particles. Optical microscopy and TEM observations showed the polymer giving rise to interlinking between cement particles.