Variability in rheology of cemented paste backfill with hydration age,binder and superplasticizer dosages

The use of (CPB) material to ameliorate geotechnical stability of underground mine is in nascent stage in India. Rheological properties of CPB change with travelling time as it is transported to underground mine stope through pipeline reticulation. In this paper, rheological properties of CPB based on mill tailings of a carbonate rich mineral processing waste are evaluated for different dosages of polycarboxylate (PC) based (SP). Each CPB sample having 78?wt% solids is mixed separately with 4%, 6% or 8% of binder dosages (ratio of the weight of dry binder to the weight of dry tailings) and, 0%, 0.5%, or 1.0% of SP dosages as weight of dry binder. The paper presents a methodology for determining yield stress, plastic viscosity and thixotropic behaviour of CPB mixture as a function of hydration age, binder and SP dosages. Results from the experimental campaigns indicate that SP content has significant influence on rheological behaviour of CPB and can be suitably exploited to enhance the flow characteristics of the carbonate rich process tailings. The study also develops multivariate linear regression models of yield stress, plastic viscosity and thixotropy of CPB depending on the hydration age, binder and SP dosages.     

Effects of activator type/concentration and curing temperature on alkali-activated binder based on copper mine tailings

This article investigates the effects of activator type/concentration and curing temperature on alkali-activated binder based on copper mine tailings (MT). Different alkaline activators including sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium silicate (SS), and sodium aluminate (SA) at different compositions and concentrations were used and four different curing temperatures, 60, 75, 90, and 120?°C, were considered. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were conducted to investigate the effect of these factors on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), microstructure, and phase composition of the binder. The results indicate that NaOH concentration and curing temperature are two important factors that affect the UCS and micro-structural properties of the alkali-activated MT binder. The optimum curing temperature, i.e., the curing temperature at the maximum UCS, depends on the NaOH concentration, lower optimum curing temperature at smaller NaOH concentration. Addition of aqueous SS to the NaOH solution can lead to strength improvement, with the highest UCS obtained at a SiO₂/Na₂O ratio of 1.0–1.26. Addition of powder SA to the NaOH solution profoundly delays the setting at 60?°C but improves the UCS at 90?°C. The SEM/EDX results show highly heterogeneous microstructure for the alkali-activated MT binder as evidenced by the variable Si/Al ratios in different phases. The XRD patterns indicate a newly formed crystalline phase, zeolite, in the 90?°C-cured specimens. The results of this study provide useful information for recycling and utilization of copper MT as construction material through the geopolymerization technology.     

Coupled effects of sulphate and temperature on the strength development of cemented tailings backfills: Portland cement-paste backfill

Cemented paste backfill (CPB), which is a mix of tailings, water and cement, is subjected to the combined actions of temperature and sulphate during its service life. There is a need to acquire solid knowledge on the coupled effects of temperature and sulphate on the strength of CPBs for a safe, durable and cost-effective design of CPB structures. Hence, the main objective of this paper is to use an experimental approach to study the combined effect of temperature and sulphate on the strength development and microstructure (mineralogical composition of the hardened cement paste) of CPBs. About 200 CPB specimens with various initial sulphate contents (0, 5000, 15,000, and 25,000 ppm) and cured at different temperatures (0 °C, 25 °C, 20 °C, 35 °C, and 50 °C) are tested at different curing times (28, 90, and 150 days). The results show that the coupled effect of temperature and sulphate has a significant impact on the strength and mineralogical composition of the CPB. Depending on the curing time, temperature and initial sulphate content, the sulphate can have a positive or negative impact, i.e., leads to an increase or decrease of CPB strength. The obtained results show a strong indication that the absorption of sulphate by calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) could lead to the formation of lower quality C–S–H, thereby decreasing the strength of the CPB. This study has demonstrated that the coupled effect of sulphate and temperature on CPBs is an important factor for consideration in the designing of cost-effective, safe and durable CPB structures.     

Experimental characterization of the stress–strain behaviour of cemented paste backfill in compression

It is of great interest for economical and security reasons to understand the compressive properties of underground cemented paste backfill. In this paper, the stress–strain behaviours of cemented paste backfill (CPB) subjected to uniaxial compression and conventional triaxial tests are presented and discussed. The effect of CPB basic components, strength, ageing and confining pressure on the deformation behaviour of CPB are evaluated and discussed. The results show that the stress–strain behaviour of CPB is strongly influenced by the confinement, the age and strength of CPB, and its components. The increase in confining pressure leads to a change in the mode of failure, in the stiffness, and an increase in the strength.     

Influence of visco-elastic binder properties on ram extrusion of a hardmetal paste

The influence of the viscous and elastic components of a visco-elastic binder phase on the extrusion behaviour of a tungsten carbide–cobalt hardmetal paste was investigated by studying the paste over a range of temperatures, 30–42 °C, where the binder changed from a semi-solid gel to a viscous liquid. The extrusion behaviour of the paste was studied by ram extrusion and quantified by the Benbow–Bridgwater (BB) method. The elastic and viscous components of the binder were studied separately by means of oscillatory and steady shear techniques in a controlled stress rheometer using rough parallel plates. The paste behaviour fitted the four parameter BB model well: the initial bulk yield stress parameter, σ₀, increased linearly with the binder elastic modulus, G′, while both the velocity dependence parameters α and β were linearly related to the binder steady shear viscosity. Analysis of paste-wall slip parameters gave estimated slip layer thicknesses of 2–5 particle diameters.     

Dynamic tests of cemented paste backfill: effects of strain rate,curing time,and cement content on compressive strength

This article investigates the compressive strength of cemented paste backfill (CPB) under dynamic loading. To accommodate the low impedance CPB, a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system is adopted. In contrast to traditional solid steel transmitted bar, a hollow aluminum transmitted bar is introduced to reduce the impedance. With this system, the dynamic stress equilibrium is achieved, which guarantees the valid dynamic material testing condition. The dynamic tests are conducted for CPB with different cement contents and curing time. It is observed that: (1) for CPB with the same curing time and cement content, the dynamic strength increases with the strain rate, (2) for CPB with the same cement content, the dynamic strength increases with the curing time, and (3) for CPB with the same curing time and tested under similar strain rate, the dynamic strength increases with the percentage of cement. This observation can be understood by considering the hydration process of cements.     

Effect of binder type and content on physical and mechanical properties of geopolymers

In this study, the physical and mechanical behaviors of geopolymers prepared by using different amounts of silica fume and calcium hydroxide as binding materials, acidic pumice as fine aggregate and waste aluminium particles as air-entraining agent were investigated. Test results showed that binder types, amount of binders and alkali activator (sodium hydroxide) significantly affected the physical and mechanical behavior of geopolymer specimens. Bulk density, compressive and flexural strength decreased with the higher alkali activator content. Addition of waste aluminium particles led to decrease in bulk density and strength due to the some extent of entrained air. In the case of same alkali activator content, compressive and flexural strength increased with increase in silica fume and calcium hydroxide up to a certain level.     

Effect of particle-size distribution and specific surface area of different binder systems on packing density and flow characteristics of cement paste

The particle-size distribution (PSD) and specific surface area (SSA) of binders significantly affect the fresh and hardened characteristics of cement-based materials. An experimental investigation was undertaken to evaluate the influence of PSD and calculated SSA of various binary and ternary binder systems on flow characteristics, packing density, and compressive strength development of cement paste. The influence of dispersion state of the binder on packing density was evaluated using the wet packing density approach to determine the optimum water demand (OWD) needed to achieve maximum wet density. The modified Andreasen and Andersen (A&A), Rosin–Rammler (RR), and power law grading models were employed to optimize the PSD of binder system to achieve maximum packing density, while maintaining relatively low water demand. The incorporation of high-range water reducing admixture (HRWRA) is shown to decrease the OWD and increase the packing density resulting from greater degree of dispersion of the binder. The combined effect of lower OWD, greater packing density, and higher SCM reactivity results in higher compressive strength. The increase in SSA from 425 to 1600 m²/kg results in an enhancement in packing density from 0.58 to 0.72, while further increase in SSA from 1600 to 2200 m²/kg reduces the packing density from 0.72 to 0.62. Binder systems using a distribution modulus between 0.21 and 0.235 determined from the A&A model exhibited 18%–40% lower minimum water demand (MWD) to initiate flow, 8%–35% higher OWD to reach maximum wet density, and 15%–25% higher packing density compared to the binder with 100% cement. Binder systems with lower A&A distribution modulus resulted in higher relative water demand (RWD) required to increase fluidity, thus reflecting greater level of robustness. Good correlations were established between the A&A distribution modulus, SSA, RR spread factor, and power law distribution exponent.     

Preparation and characterization and release properties of Eudragit RS based ibuprofen pellets prepared by extrusion spheronization: effect of binder type and concentration

Objective: The effects of type and concentration of binding agent on properties of Eudragit RS based pellets were studied.

Materials and methods: Pellets containing ibuprofen (60%), Eudragit RS (30%), Avicel (10%) were prepared by extrusion spheronization. PVP K30, PVP K90, HPMC 6cp, HPMC K100LV or HPMC K4M were used as binders in concentrations of 2, 4 or 6% based on the total weight of formulation. The process efficiency, pellet shape, size distribution, crushing strength, elastic modulus and drug release were examined. The effect of curing on pellet properties was also investigated.

Results: The process of extrusion spheronization became difficult with increase in binder viscosity and/or concentration. An increase in binder viscosity and/or concentration resulted in reduction in the yield of pellets, wider particle size distribution and departure from spherical shape especially in the case of HPMC binder. The crushing strength and elastic modulus of pellets decreased with increase in PVPs concentration. However this was not the case for pellets containing HPMCs. Drug release rate increased as the concentration of binder increased. Pellets containing 2%w/w of PVP K30 showed the slowest release rate. For those pellets with brittle nature, curing changed the behavior of pellet under mechanical test to plastic deformation. Yield point and elastic modulus of all formulations decreased after curing. Curing decreased the drug release rate.

Conclusion: Binder type and concentration significantly affected the properties of pellets. For production of sustained release ibuprofen Eudragit RS based pellets lower viscosity binders (PVP K30) with concentrations less than 4%w/w was optimum.     

Comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of bio-modified binder and conventional asphalt binder

This study is a life cycle assessment (LCA) of conventional asphalt binder versus bio-modified binder that is produced by mixing asphalt binder with bio-binder obtained from swine manure. Both processes were evaluated and compared in terms of their contribution to global warming, using a global warming potential index and energy consumption. This LCA study uses a cradle-to-gate approach for the binder and includes a comparison between the environmental impacts of swine manure in lagoons and the production of bio-binder. The results show the energy consumption and global warming potential improvements after using bio-binder as a sustainable additive.     

Heat deformations of cement paste phases and the microstructure of cement paste

The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the influence of thermal deformations of phases present in hardened cement paste on its microstructure. For the observation of the thermal deformation course in the range of temperature20–800°C, a method of complex thermal analysis (DTA, DTD, TD) was employed. The microstructure of heated cement pastes was observed by both optic and electron microscopes. From an analysis of the results of the investigation it has been found that chemical processes stimulated by temperature in particular phases of cement paste have a significant influence on the thermal deformation course. It is shown that micracracks caused by different thermal deformations, appear first in the aregas of Ca (OH)₂ concentration (ca.300°C), and next (ca.400°C) as well as in the areas of occurrence of unhydrated large clinker grains.

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Résumé On rend compte d'une étude expérimentale sur les causes de la destruction de la microstructure de la pate de ciment portland exposée à la chaleur dans une gamme de températures allant de20 à800°C. On a prêté une attention particulière aux déformations thermiques de chacune des phases reconnues de la pate de ciment durci. On a utilisé une méthode d'analyse thermique complexe (DTA, TD, DTD) pour l'étude de l'évolution de déformations thermiques. On a observé les microstructures de la pate de ciment chauffée au microscope optique et électronique. On a étudié les phases suivantes de la pate de ciment: clinkers (C₃S, β-C₂S, C₃A, C₄AF), minéraux hydratés de ciment (hydrates C₃S, β-C₂S, C₃A, C₄AF), et produits d'hydratation [Ca(OH)₂, ettringite]. Les résultats de l'étude ont permis à l'auteur de déterminer l'allure de la déformation thermique des phases que présente la pate de ciment durcie sous températures croissantes. On a constaté que les processus chimiques que l'élévation de température induit dans chacune des phases de la pate de ciment exercent une influence notable sur l'évolution des déformations thermiques. Les microfissures causées par différentes déformations thermiques des phases apparaissent dans les zones de concentralisation de Ca(OH)₂ à environ300 et400°C aussi bien que dans les zones où se rencontrent des grains de clinker non hydraté.

     

Electrochemical study of atenolol at a carbon paste electrode modified with mordenite type zeolite

The electrochemical behavior of atenolol (ATN) at the surface of a carbon paste electrode modified with mordenite zeolite (MOR-MCPE) is described. The prepared electrode shows a good electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of atenolol, which is leading to considerable improvement of sensitivity (anodic current). Whereas at the surface of unmodified electrode an electrochemical activity for atenolol cannot be observed, a sharp anodic wave is obtained using the prepared modified electrode. The mechanism of oxidation of ATN at the surface of the MOR-MCPE containing various percents of mordenite is thoroughly investigated by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. Acetate, hydrogen phosphate and ammonium buffers were tested as the supporting electrolyte to find the optimal pH value. The optimal pH value was 5.0 for acetate buffer. A linear voltammetric response for ATN was obtained in the concentration range of 0.4 to 80 µM with a slope of 0.676 µA/µM. The LOD and LOQ of the electrode were 0.1 µM (26.6 µg/L) and 0.35 μM (93.1 µg/L), respectively. The results obtained for ATN in pharmaceutical formulations (tablets) was in agreement with compared reference method. In conclusion, this study has illustrated that the proposed electrode modified with mordenite is suitable for selective measurements of ATN.     

Process and dosage form controlts: Formulation factors

Abstract

During the last decades, there have been considerable developments in the field of pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical technology and product manufacture.

The trend of the pharmaceutical industry is, like in most of the sophisticated industries, to produce, day after day, a better product, and as final goal, to manufacture continueously a perfect drug dosage form.

A few years ago, the defaults were counted in “percent”. After that, it was in per “thousand”. Now it is often expressed in “per million”, or even for very high series (for example empty hard gelatine capsules) the trend is “per billion”. Such an evaluation can only be achieved with a complete control of the whole manufacturing process.

The requirement for pharmaceutical dosage form are numerous (1): adequate biopharmaceutical profile, ease of manufacture, quality assurance (the dosage form must contain the correct quantity of the correct drug, and liberate it at the correct place, at the correct time, and in the correct quantity, with the correct speed), stability, …

These requirements can only be fulfilled with a perfect knowledge of the drug and the dosage form, from the beginning of the development of the dosage form (formulation) to the end of the manufacturing process (production and final product control).

It is the aim of the present lecture to show how important are the formulation factors and what is their influence on the processing and the dosage form control.     

模型试验及数值模拟下尾矿库溃坝尾砂流演变预测

尾矿库溃坝所产生的尾砂流类似于地质灾害中的泥石流,具有发展迅速、破坏性强、影响范围广和预警时间不足等特点,研究溃坝尾砂流的演变规律及其影响范围对防灾减灾具有重要的意义。该研究利用RAMMS碎屑流软件建立了数值三维模型进行数值仿真溃坝模拟,通过物理模型(1∶150)试验研究了溃坝的尾砂流对下游的演变进程和影响范围,并将其试验数据与数值计算结果对比分析,验证了数值模拟在溃坝仿真上的可靠性和有效性。结果表明:以漫顶水流到达拦砂坝底开始计时,尾矿坝溃坝9 min尾砂流开始冲击距尾矿坝0.7 km处的下游村庄;随着溃坝的持续,溃坝泥砂淤积逐步加深,水位继续升高,并在18 min对下游造成全面淹没,影响范围达0.558 km ²,库内尾砂的溃泄总量可达1.3×10⁷ m ³。建议在尾矿库的设计、管理和风险评估过程中,结合潜在的危险范围,合理的增加防灾减灾的措施。     

Nanoindentation investigation of asphalt binder and mastic viscoelasticity

An exploratory nanoindentation technique for creep testing of two neat asphalt binders and one mastic at room temperature is developed, tested and verified. This work presents a new approach to obtain viscoelastic properties from low-load spherical (blunt) nanoindentation. Interconverted shear relaxation modulus mastercurves are determined from nanoindentation data. The magnitudes and trends of these mastercurves are found to be in reasonable agreement with Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) results in a stiffness range associated with the range of time and temperature used in nanoindentation testing. Nanoindentation creep data is transformed to develop a mastercurve of dynamic modulus. The portion of this mastercurve corresponding to the frequency and temperature range included in nanoindentation testing demonstrates reasonable agreement with DSR results. These initial results suggest the potential to expand nanoindentation testing to forensic investigations involving testing of preserved asphalt binder and mastic components within field-extracted asphalt concrete composites.     

模型试验及数值模拟下尾矿库溃坝尾砂流演变预测

尾矿库溃坝所产生的尾砂流类似于地质灾害中的泥石流,具有发展迅速、破坏性强、影响范围广和预警时间不足等特点,研究溃坝尾砂流的演变规律及其影响范围对防灾减灾具有重要的意义。该研究利用RAMMS碎屑流软件建立了数值三维模型进行数值仿真溃坝模拟,通过物理模型(1∶150)试验研究了溃坝的尾砂流对下游的演变进程和影响范围,并将其试验数据与数值计算结果对比分析,验证了数值模拟在溃坝仿真上的可靠性和有效性。结果表明:以漫顶水流到达拦砂坝底开始计时,尾矿坝溃坝9 min尾砂流开始冲击距尾矿坝0.7 km处的下游村庄;随着溃坝的持续,溃坝泥砂淤积逐步加深,水位继续升高,并在18 min对下游造成全面淹没,影响范围达0.558 km ²,库内尾砂的溃泄总量可达1.3×10⁷ m ³。建议在尾矿库的设计、管理和风险评估过程中,结合潜在的危险范围,合理的增加防灾减灾的措施。     

纳米晶WC-Co硬质合金的研究现状

概述了国内外纳米晶硬质合金的发展现状.纳米晶WC-Co硬质合金制备的关键技术主要包括:优质纳米晶WC粉的制备和烧结过程中WC晶粒长大的控制.综述了优质纳米晶WC粉的特点和制备技术,以及目前国内外烧结过程中控制晶粒长大采取的主要措施:添加晶粒长大抑制剂、调整烧结工艺和开发新型烧结方法.列举了合金的实际应用领域,展望了纳米晶硬质合金的发展前景.     

无粘结剂硬质合金研究进展与制备

综述了无粘结剂硬质合金的研究应用现状,介绍了真空烧结-热等静压、热压、气压烧结等无粘结剂硬质合金的制备方法,对无粘结剂硬质合金的发展进行了展望。