Enhanced mechanical properties of wood ash and fly ash as supplementary cementitious materials

The incorporation of fly ash (FA) and wood ash (WA) in concrete as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) was studied. The chemical composition of ordinary Portland cement, FA and WA was determined according to ASTM C-114. SEM and optical microscopy were used for the analysis of concrete. Setting time, compressive strength, water absorption and acid resistance of the concrete with different percentages of SCM ranging from 0 to 60% were evaluated. The results obtained showed that setting time and rate of water absorption increased with the increase in percentage of SCM. After 7 and 28 days, the compressive strength of concrete with 20% FA as SCM was higher than that with substitution with 20% WA. Resistance of concrete against sulphate attack increased with an increase in the percentage of FA. It was found that incorporating more than 20% WA resulted in a decrease in sulphate attack resistance.     

可随机成型的透波性胶凝材料的微波加热特性

研究了硬化铝酸钙材料在不同煅烧温度（700,800,900,1000,1100,1200,1300,1400和1500℃）下的吸波能力、抗压强度、体积收缩率和质量损失率,采用XRF和XRD对不同煅烧温度（800,1000,1300和1500℃）下的试样进行表征,利用铝酸钙材料制备一种简易杯状容器并对其进行微波冲击特性测试。结果表明：硬化铝酸钙材料的吸波能力随煅烧温度的升高而降低,超过1000℃后,吸波能力趋于稳定;材料抗压强度随煅烧温度的升高先升高,在800℃左右达到最高,然后逐渐降低,并在1300℃达到最低,再经过小幅地升高后趋于稳定;同时,材料煅烧后体积收缩率和质量损失率都随着温度的升高而增加;微波冲击特性测试表明硬化铝酸钙材料在长时间微波辐照下强度基本不发生变化,微波-金属放电试验证明该胶凝材料硬化后的高温稳定性好,具有优异的抗高温冲击能力。综上所述,1000℃煅烧后的硬化铝酸钙材料具有透波性能好、力学性能优异、高温稳定性好的特点,非常适用于微波加热领域。     

Valorization of waste from sand wash muds of an aggregates plant: Evaluation as a supplementary cementitious material

The reuse and reincorporation of waste generated in the production processes are becoming increasingly important in the world, due to the double effect that it has in terms of sustainability. The first one is the environmental factor, since the impact generated is reduced by reducing the amount of wastes. The second one is the financial factor, since new products are developed that companies did not initially have, generating financial profitability. Therefore, this research evaluates the possible reuse of waste from gravel and sand wash mud of an aggregate plant as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) after being thermally activated, seeking to promote the circular economy in the construction materials sector. The physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization of the waste is presented and its pozzolanic activity was evaluated by means of the SAI-strength activity index. It was found that despite its low content of clay minerals, the thermally activated waste had very good performance as SCM with SAI between 81 and 106 with a tendency to increase with the age of cure. Showing that this can be a very promising potential use for this kind of waste.     

石粉作为掺合料对水泥砂浆干缩性能影响与机理研究

试验研究了掺入4种不同石粉、不同掺量以及复掺粉煤灰后对水泥砂浆干缩性能的影响,结果表明无论单掺或者复掺灰岩石粉减小水泥砂浆收缩效果最佳,并且通过SEM法和化学结合水量进行微观机理研究。     

The study of disorder and nanocrystallinity in C–S–H, supplementary cementitious materials and geopolymers using pair distribution function analysis

Significant progress was achieved with the application of Rietveld method to characterize the crystalline phases in portland cement paste. However, to obtain detailed information on the amorphous or poorly crystalline phases, it is necessary to analyze the total scattering data. The pair distribution function (PDF) method has been successfully used in the study of liquids and amorphous solids. The method takes the Sine Fourier transform of the measured structure factor over a wide momentum transfer range, providing a direct measure of the probability of finding an atom surrounding a central atom at a radial distance away. The obtained experimental characteristic distances can be also used to validate the predictions by the theoretical models, such as, molecular dynamics, ab initio simulations and density functional theory. The paper summarizes recent results of PDF analysis on silica fume, rice husk ash, fly ash, ASR gel, C–S–H and geopolymers.     

Reuse of local sand: effect of limestone filler proportion on the rheological and mechanical properties of different sand concretes

This work aims at the promotion of local sand reuse. Two main objectives are present in this research work: (1) to study the possibility of exploiting local sand available in large quantities in a sand concrete and (2) to partially find a solution to substitute scarce coarse aggregate in concrete. Fillers, which derive from calcareous wastes, are utilized to correct the particle size distribution of sands. For this investigation, three distinct sands have been used: a dune sand (DS), a river sand (RS), and a mixture of dune and river sand in predetermined proportions. After characterizing the materials used, the mixture design of the three corresponding sand concretes has been optimized on the basis of compactness and workability criteria. The influence of filler limestone has, in particular, been examined. A microstructural investigation has provided a better analysis of the mechanical behavior of the derived materials.This study shows the importance of both filler concentration and sand particle size distribution. Using a mixture of dune and river sands in predetermined proportions, in association with limestone filler, allows to obtain a more workable, more compact, and more resistant sand concrete.     

Transport and mechanical properties of iPP–sPP fibers

The drawing behavior of a blend of syndiotactic and isotactic polypropylene (iPP–sPP 50:50 w/w) was investigated at different temperatures and compared to that of pure polymers. The film of pure sPP showed that the presence of iPP allowed the blend to reach a much higher draw ratio. Fibers were obtained by drawing the blend at 110°C. The axial elastic modulus of the fibers was measured as a function of draw ratio up the highest λ = 10. The sorption and diffusion of dichloromethane vapors in the undrawn and drawn samples were studied in order to provide information about the structural organization of the amorphous phase. The elastic modulus of the fibers displayed a more‐than‐linear increase with the draw ratio, suggesting a good interconnection of the amorphous phases. The orientation of the chains with increasing λ determined a decrease of entropy and fractional free volume (FFV) and a tighter packing of the chains along the drawing direction, explaining the strong increase of the elastic modulus. The transport properties, which confirmed the mechanical properties, showed a stiffening of the amorphous phase after λ = 6, evidenced by a dual‐type sorption isotherm for the fibers and a sharp drop in the zero‐concentration diffusion coefficient. As a consequence, the permeability of the fibers was much lower than that of the unoriented sample. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 539–545, 2001     

SCC mixes with poorly graded aggregate and high volume of limestone filler

Nonpozzolanic fillers are frequently used to optimise the particle packing and flow behaviour of cementitious paste in self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixes. This paper deals with the influence of finely ground limestone and crushed limestone dust on the properties of SCC mixes in the fresh and hardened state. Mixes were prepared using poorly graded crushed limestone aggregate. To compensate the lack of fine material in the crushed sand, a viscosity agent (VA) was added to the mixtures. The results obtained indicate that finer and better-graded limestone dust significantly increases the deformability of the paste. When a high volume of this filler was added to the SCC mix, the required self-compacting properties were achieved at a lower water/(cement+filler) ratio, and it also appeared that the addition of filler improves the 28-day compressive strength of concrete mixes due to the filler effect and improved fine-particle packing.     

Effect of supplementary cementitious materials on the compressive strength and durability of short-term cured concrete

This research focuses on studying the effect different supplementary cementitious materials (silica fume, fly ash, slag, and their combinations) on strength and durability of concrete cured for a short period of time—14 days. This work primarily deals with the characteristics of these materials, including strength, durability, and resistance to wet and dry and freeze and thaw environments. Over 16 mixes were made and compared to the control mix. Each of these mixes was either differing in the percentages of the additives or was combinations of two or more additives. All specimens were moist cured for 14 days before testing or subjected to environmental exposure. The freeze-thaw and wet-dry specimens were also compared to the control mix.Results show that at 14 days of curing, the use of supplementary cementitious materials reduced both strength and freeze-thaw durability of concrete. The combination of 10% silica fume, 25% slag, and 15% fly ash produced high strength and high resistance to freeze-thaw and wet-dry exposures as compared to other mixes. This study showed that it is imperative to cure the concrete for an extended period of time, especially those with fly ash and slag, to obtain good strength and durability. Literature review on the use of different supplementary cementitious materials in concrete to enhance strength and durability was also reported.     

Enhancement of electromechanical properties of natural rubber by adding barium titanate filler: An electro-mechanical study

Natural rubber is one of the most potential electro-active polymers for sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting applications. Enhancing the characteristic properties of polymers by reinforcing with fillers that possess multifunctional attributes have attracted considerable attention. In the present study, barium titanate reinforced natural rubber composite is prepared by using two-roll mill mixing. Afterwards, mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical properties of the composites are extensively analyzed by reinforcing different amounts of barium titanate into the matrix of natural rubber. The fabricated dielectric composite shows excellent properties such as high dielectric constant, low dielectric losses, high dielectric breakdown strength, and extreme stretchability. It is observed that as the filler loading reaches the value of 11 parts per hundred rubber (phr), maximum agglomeration of the particles occurs. Maximum stretchability and highest ratio of dielectric constant to elastic modulus are obtained at 8 phr of barium titanate fillers and at the loading, a maximum actuation strain of 11.24% is achieved. This study provides a simple, economical, and effective method for preparing enhanced mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical properties of natural rubber composites, facilitating the wide applications of dielectric materials as actuators and generators.     

Kinetic analysis and thermodynamic simulation of alkali-silica reaction in cementitious materials

This work aims to study the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) with incorporated kinetic-thermodynamic analysis. The model reactant tests were first conducted to study the silica dissolution in the simulated pore solution under different temperatures. Then, the kinetic model for silica dissolution was further improved by considering the influence of effective surface area. The improved kinetic model was also incorporated into the GEMS thermodynamic simulation. The model analysis demonstrated the silica dissolution rate is decreased mainly caused by reduced hydroxyl activity with increased saturation degree. The dissolved silica first reacted with the portlandite phase and formed the Calcium–Silicate–Hydrate (CSH) gel. The ASR gel can only be generated under high silicate ion concentration after the consumption of portlandite.     

Interplay of Sintering Microstructures, Driving Forces, and Mass Transport Mechanisms

The equilibrium shapes of segments of a row of sintering particles are calculated for the case where interparticle distances are constrained and, in particular, for only vapor-phase transport or surface diffusion active. These equilibrium states are contrasted with those obtained by mechanisms which allow densification. The sintering potentials and surface curvatures are calculated for the equilibrium shapes as a function of dihedral angle. Expressions for the rate of shrinkage are presented and, for the case of equilibrium structures, calculated exactly.     

Nuclear decontamination of cementitious materials by electrokinetics: An experimental study

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of an electrokinetic method of radionuclide removal from a cement-based material. This work is a two-part process. In the first part, a sample of mortar was uniformly contaminated for use as a reference. In order to ensure a uniform contamination, the ingress of the radioelement (cesium) was controlled by an external electrical field. The second part of this work concerns the removal of cesium from the contaminated mortar samples. This second, decontamination, phase was driven by the same electrical field. No electroosmosis was detected. Both phases were characterized by analyses of cesium and calcium concentrations in cathodic and anodic solutions, and by measurements of cesium content in the samples at the end of each phase. In addition to the electrical current, pH, and conductivity were measured during the experiments. Finally, the efficiency of the electrokinetic method was described in terms of decontamination factor, leading to promising results.     

Advanced polyimide materials: Syntheses, physical properties and applications

Polyimides rank among the most heat-resistant polymers and are widely used in high temperature plastics, adhesives, dielectrics, photoresists, nonlinear optical materials, membrane materials for separation, and Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films, among others. Additionally, polyimides are used in a diverse range of applications, including the fields of aerospace, defense, and opto-electronics; they are also used in liquid crystal alignments, composites, electroluminescent devices, electrochromic materials, polymer electrolyte fuel cells, polymer memories, fiber optics, etc. Polyimides derived from monomers with noncoplanar (kink, spiro, and cardo structures), cyclic aliphatic, bulky, fluorinated, hetero, carbazole, perylene, chiral, non-linear optical and unsymmetrical structures have been described. The syntheses of various monomers, including diamines and dianhydrides that have been used to make novel polyimides with unique properties, are reported in this review. Polyimides, with tailored functional groups and dendritic structures have allowed researchers to tune the properties and applications of this important family of high-temperature polymers. The synthesis, physical properties and applications of advanced polyimide materials are described.     

Utilization of polyethylene terephthalate waste as a carbon filler in polypropylene matrix: Investigation of mechanical,rheological, and thermal properties

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste was converted into carbon and the feasibility of utilizing it as a reinforcing filler material in a polypropylene (PP) matrix was investigated. The carbon produced by the pyrolysis of waste PET at 900°C in nitrogen atmosphere contains high carbon content (>70 wt%). PP/carbon composites were produced by melt blending process at varying loading concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy images at the fractured surface revealed that the carbon filler has better compatibility with the PP matrix. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties and surface morphology of the prepared composites were studied. The thermogravimetric analysis studies showed that the thermal stability of the PP/carbon composites was enhanced from 300 to 370°C with 20 wt% of carbon. At lower angular frequency (0.01 rad/s), the storage modulus (G′) of PP was 0.27 Pa and those of PP with 10 and 20 wt% carbon was 4.06 and 7.25 Pa, respectively. Among the PP/carbon composite prepared, PP with 5 wt% carbon showed the highest tensile strength of 38 MPa, greater than that of neat PP (35 MPa). The tensile modulus was enhanced from 0.9 to 1.2 GPa when the carbon content was increased from 0 to 20 wt%.     

Polystyrene nanocomposite materials: Preparation,morphology, and mechanical,electrical, and thermal properties

In this study, we prepared polystyrene (PS) resin nanocomposites with antistatic properties by melt‐blending PS with nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO). The effects of nanoscale ZnO on the electrical and physical characteristics of the PS nanocomposites were investigated. Two kinds of nanoscale powders, spherical zinc oxide (s‐ZnO) and zinc oxide whisker (w‐ZnO), were selected. The coupling agents vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES) were used to improve the compatibility between the nanopowders and PS resin. The addition of s‐ZnO and w‐ZnO improved the antistatic characteristics of the materials. The surface resistivities of the s‐ZnO and w‐ZnO nanocomposites were significantly reduced by modification with VTES and PTES. The addition of ZnO nanopowder increased the flexural modulus and reduced the flexural strength. The silane coupling agents improved the flexural properties of the nanocomposites. The glass‐transition temperatures and thermal degradation temperatures of the ZnO/PS nanocomposites increased with ZnO content. Treatment with silane increased the glass‐transition temperatures and thermal degradation temperatures of the composites. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2266–2273, 2005     

A study on mechanical and pressure-sensitive properties of cement mortar with nanophase materials

The mechanical properties and self-monitoring capability of cement mortar containing nano-SiO₂ or nano-Fe₂O₃ were experimentally studied and compared with that of plain cement paste. The results showed that the compressive and flexural strengths measured at the 28th day of cement mortar containing nano-SiO₂ or nano-Fe₂O₃ were both higher than that of plain cement mortar with the same water-binder ratio (w/b). Furthermore, the self-monitoring capability of cement mortar with nano-Fe₂O₃ is also presented in this paper.     

酯交换反应体系混合物料的介电特性

近几年来,微波在制备生物柴油的化学工艺中被广泛应用。而微波强化化学反应的实验研究和工程应用中存在很多限制因素,物料介电特性是其中一个重要因素。针对甲醇和菜籽油加入自制催化剂的酯交换反应体系,采用矢量网络分析仪测量不同反应条件下甲醇和菜籽油酯交换反应系统的介电系数,考察反应温度、醇油摩尔比、催化剂用量等因素对介电特性的影响规律。结合酯交换反应动力学,讨论反应温度变化对介电特性的影响,从而为微波加热酯交换反应过程的多物理仿真提供物料介电信息。     

Experimental study on properties of pervious concrete pavement materials

In this paper, a pervious concrete pavement material used for roadway is introduced. Using the common material and method, the strength of the pervious concrete is low. Using smaller sized aggregate, silica fume (SF), and superplasticizer (SP) in the pervious concrete can enhance the strength of pervious concrete greatly. The pervious pavement materials that composed of a surface layer and a base layer were made. The compressive strength of the composite can reach 50 MPa and the flexural strength 6 MPa. The water penetration, abrasion resistance, and freezing and thawing durability of the materials are also very good. It can be applied to both the footpath and the vehicle road. It is an environment-friendly pavement material.     

Photosensitive polyimide/silica hybrid optical materials: Synthesis, properties, and patterning

In conventional ionic salt photosensitive polyimides, large volume shrinkage during imidization would be occurred due to eliminating pendant photosensitive moieties, such as 2-methyl acrylic acid 2-dimethylamino-ethyl ester (MDAE). In this study, the volume shrinkage of photosensitive poly(4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalic anhydride)-co-oxydianiline) (6FDA-ODA)/MDAE was largely reduced by photocrosslinking MDAE with a coupling agent and the silica domain in the hybrid materials. The used coupling agents were 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) or (4-vinylphenethyl)trimethoxysilane (VPTMS). The coupling agent and the silica domain are designed primarily for reducing the volume shrinkage and enhancing the thermal properties, respectively. The retention of MDAE in the prepared hybrid films is supported by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thickness variation during curing process. The silica domain in the hybrid materials from TEM analysis was in the range of 10-50 nm, which was formed by the coupling agent and tetramethoxysilane. The silica domain significantly enhanced the thermal properties of the prepared hybrid films in comparison with parent fluorinated polyimide, including the glass transition temperature and coefficient of thermal expansion. The prepared hybrid materials also exhibited reduced refractive index and optical loss by increasing the silica. The SEM diagram suggested the prepared photosensitive hybrid materials could obtain lithographical patterns with a good resolution. These results indicate that the newly prepared photosensitive polyimide/silica hybrid materials may have potential applications for optical devices.