ARCHIVE   > >   2018 - Vol. 48

ADRIANA RUSU, LUMINIȚA PREDOANĂ, SILVIU PREDA, JEANINA PANDELE CUSU, SIMONA PETRESCU, MARIA ZAHARESCU


Abstract

The Er3+ doped silica–titania or silica-titaniaalumina nanopowders were prepared by sol-gel method that represents one of the most flexible and convenient way to prepare oxide films and nanopowders. The selected molar compositions were un-doped and 0.5%Er2O3 doped 90%SiO2-10%TiO2 and 85%SiO2-10%TiO2-5%Al2O3 systems. Similar compositions were previously used for obtaining films for wave guides applications but the mechanism of the phase formation by thermal treatment of the corresponding gels was not previously approached. The gels obtained by gelation of the solutions were analyzed by thermogravimetric and thermodifferential analysis (DTA/TGA) in order to determine their thermal behavior and by IR spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evaluate their structure and morphology. Based on the results obtained, the gels were thermally treated at 500oC and 900oC. The thermally treated powders were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL). The significant influence of the Er3+ on the phase formation was established in both studied systems.

Keywords

sol-gel method, erbium, nanopowders, phase formation

VIOREL VULTURESCU, ELENA DINU, VIRGINIA VULTURESCU


Abstract

Romania participates to the EU Programme since 1998, when the 5th Framework Programme included two new members (Romania and Bulgaria). Starting with 2007, Romania is equal in rights and obligations with other EU member states like Germany, Italy, France, etc.. Strong competition with European homologues, high quality standards imposed in these projects, lack of international visibility as well as links with scientific communities from EU member states, led to a poor performance of Romanian participants.

This paper presents the evolution of Romanian participation to the EU Framework programme and an analysis of ”macromaterials and nanomaterials” area where Romanian scientific community performed at EU average or above. This area is one of those where it has been also well performed to other European instruments (ex. MANUNET), it could be considered as a working base for a future national strategy for research (after 2020), where performance in some areas and fund raising from European and international sources should determine public allocation for research, technological development and innovation. There are also presented those measures to be taken, in order to fulfill its commitments from EU 2020 Strategy.

Keywords

EU, Research Framework Programmes, Romanian participation, micro and nano-materials field

TULAY HURMA , SABIHA AKSAY


Abstract

Iron sulphide nanocrystalline (FeS NCs) may have significant potential for applications in many areas. Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) method is used to deposit mackinawite FeS NCs film on glass substrate at 335 oC in this study. The film was characterized by vibrational (FTIR and Raman) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis spectra. The observed diffraction peaks at 2θ angles 28.12° and 50.45° correspond to the lattice planes (103) and (112) respectively. The crystallite size was calculated to be around 10 nm by using the Scherrer equation with the peak corresponding to the (112) plane. Raman spectrum revealed four peaks placed in the region of 200-750 cm-1 due to mackinawite FeS phase. FTIR spectrum revealed two peaks at 649 cm−1 and 827 cm−1 that are attributed to stretching frequency of FeS. Optical band gap of the FeS film was determined to be 2.52 eV. Refractive index, extinction coefficient and optical conductivity of this film were determined using transmittance and reflectance spectra.

Keywords

FeS film; Mackinawite; XRD; Raman; FTIR; Optical properties

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

18-23

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

Full Paper

LIGIA TODAN , MARIANA VOICESCU, DANA C. CULIȚĂ, SIMONA PETRESCU, MARIA MAGANU, CRINU CIUCULESCU


Abstract

Sol-gel obtained silica and organo silica particles, doped with rhodamine B (Rh B), with potential applications as sensing platforms for fluorescent pH probes were obtained. The silica matrices were generated by sol-gel method from different SiO2 sources and using different routes: the aqueous one with colloidal silica as precursor and the alkoxide one starting with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as such and with different organic functionalities. The product was characterized from structural and compositional point of view (FTIR, UV-VIS, SEM, BET surface area and porosity). The leaching of the dye from the matrices was detected by GC-MS. The fluorescence properties and variation with pH were determined. Structural interconversions of the dye take place as a function of the matrices and pH which influence the maximum absorption and emission wavelength of RhB. The presence of organic substituents in TEOS generates a quenching of the RhB fluorescence.

Keywords

silica/organosilica particles, sol-gel, rhodamine B, fluorescent pH probes

T. K. MANDAL , S. P. K. MALHOTRA , R. K. SINGHA


Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was studied using ZnO nanopowders prepared through a green synthesis process. An aqueous solution of methylene blue was investigated in an open vessel equipped with sun light using ZnO nanopowders, as catalyst, with a concentration of 7.815 × 10-6 M. ZnO nanomaterials, prepared through a green synthesis method, was characterized with XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX and BET measurements. The photodegradation of methylene blue in terms of concentration change with respect to different time intervals was studied with the UV-vis spectroscopy. The mechanism for this photocatalytic degradation process has also been presumed.

Keywords

ZnO nanopowders, Green synthesis, XRD study, FTIR study, Photocatalytic degradation, UV-vis study

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

32-38

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

Full Paper

DOREL RADU, ZENO GHIZDAVET


Abstract

Clinker minerals are of the outmost importance as they are responsible for final product’s performance, i.e. cement’s performance. Experimental are the best way to achieve accurate results as concerning the optimal clinker composition but they become expensive when exploring a large searching space. Mathematical optimization programing techniques, used here, can help to reduce the amount of experiments. An additional benefit is that such computational techniques can incorporate, as it is shown here, various technological and/or thermo-technical constraints. In this paper, raw materials’ burnability and the oxides basicity weight played a decisive role along with other, supplementary constraints.

Keywords

clinker composition, optimization, burnability

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

39-44

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

QINGWEI SUN , HAN ZHU, HAOYU LI, HAIYANG ZHU


Abstract

A series of research experiments was designed and conducted in this study using the Box–Behnken design method of response surface methodology (RSM) to solve the optimization problem of parameters effectively in fly ash geopolymer concrete preparation. First, single-factor gradient analysis was adopted to determine the reasonable level of various factors in the response surface analysis. The 28-day compressive strength development was investigated in terms of the water–binder ratio, dosage of alkali, unit water dosage, and sodium silicate modulus. Results showed that the order of the factors in terms of their influence on concrete strength was dosage of alkali, sodium silicate modulus, and water–binder ratio, and the unit water dosage exerted a minimal influence. Second, the preparation parameters were optimized to improve the 28-day compressive strength of the concrete based on the single-factor analysis using the RSM. The optimum parameters were a water–binder ratio of 0.35, an alkali dosage of 7.9%, and a sodium silicate modulus of 1.66. This study also analyzed the response surface optimization results through a validation test to prove the effectiveness of the RSM in optimizing the preparation of geopolymer concrete.

Keywords

fly ash; geopolymer concrete; strength; preparation parameters; response surface methodology

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

45-52

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

XIAONIU YU , SUN LINZHU, FANG YANG


Abstract

With a double-layer stirrup confined high-strength concrete column as study object, vertical loading experiments were conducted, and the strain field of the member during loading was measured dynamically using the digital image correlation technology. The experimental results show that, for double-layer stirrup confined high-strength concrete, the strain change differs greatly between the early and late stages of loading, being smooth in the early stage and active in the last stage. Through the analysis of the full-field strain of the member, the displacement grid diagrams and strain distribution contour plots at different stress levels were obtained. From the contour distribution was determined that, during loading, the strains in the member are different at different positions and they are also different at different time points at one position. There is a stress concentration area during loading, where a “strain rebound” phenomenon occurs after the stress reaches its peak. The strain calculation results also reveal that selecting different areas for calculation will have large influence on the calculation results regarding the overall strain of the member. In addition, the experiments also indicate that, due to its non-contact and full-field features, the digital image correlation technology is suitable for dynamic measurement of structural force, and it is a powerful means for deformation detection and health monitoring of a structure.

Keywords

digital image correlation; double-layer stirrup; concrete; bearing capacity; strain rebound

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

53-57

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

A.SUMATHI , K. GOWDHAM , K. SARAVANA RAJA MOHAN


Abstract

The study of High Strength Concrete (HSC) has become interesting as concrete structures grow taller and larger. The usage of HSC in structures has been increased worldwide and has begun to make an impact in India. Ordinary cementitious materials are weak under tensile loads and fiber reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) have been developed to improve this weak point. Specimens such as cubes, cylinders were cast for High Strength concrete containing Alccofine as mineral admixture and reinforced with micro steel fibers to study the mechanical and durability properties at 28 days and 56 days of curing. The concrete were designed to have compressive strength of 60 MPa. Mixtures containing 0% and 10% replacement of cement by Alccofine and with 1%, 2% and 3% of micro steel fibers by weight of concrete were prepared. Durability properties such as Sorptivity, water absorption, resistance against Sulphuric acid, Sodium sulphate and Magnesium sulphate were studied for control, Alccofine and Alccofine with steel fibers for different days of curing. Mixtures incorporating Alccofine with fibers developed marginal increase in strength and durability properties at all ages when compared to control concrete.

Keywords

HSC, Alccofine, Micro steel fibers, Fiber content, Compressive strength, Split tensile strength, Durability, Sorptivity, Acid and Sulphate resistance, Water absorption

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

58-63

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

MALHEIRO RAPHAELE, AIRES CAMÕES, GIBSON MEIRA


Abstract

To ensure the durability of concrete structures it is necessary to understand its behaviour in the presence of aggressive agents. Carbonation and chloride ingress are the two main causes of degradation in reinforced concrete. The combination of these factors can create a very harsh environment for concrete structures. Given the importance of chloride migration coefficient for areas such as service life prediction, this work intends to study the influence of carbonation on the chloride migration coefficient of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. Concrete specimens were cast with different water cement ratios: 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6. After 90 days of curing, half of samples were subjected to carbonation chamber (4% CO2, 20 ºC and 55% RH) for 6 months. The other half was protected with plastic sheet during the same period. Non-steady-state migration test was performed in specimens with and without exposure to carbon dioxide environment. The results show that, for these conditions, the carbonation has a direct influence on chloride diffusion coefficient, increasing it. The carbonated samples studied showed a chloride migration coefficient up to 130% higher than noncarbonated ones. This fact can be related to the reduce in chloride binding capacity caused by carbonation front.

Keywords

Chloride, migration test, carbonation, concrete, combined action.

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

64-69

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

YAO YAN , TANG GUANBAO, WANG LING, CUI SUPING, CAO YIN


Abstract

In this study, the effect of CO2 concentration on carbonation depth, semi-carbonated zone, pore size distribution and carbonation products in concrete were investigated. The CO2 concentration was increased from 0.035 % to 2 % and 20 % at 70 % relative humidity and 20 °C. The results show that the carbonation process of 2 % CO2 was more similar to natural carbonation than 20 % CO2, as evidenced by the better linearity fitness of carbonation depth. The length of semi-carbonated zone was 6 mm at 2 % CO2 and 8 mm at 20 % CO2 within 16 weeks, a number that cannot be ignored when predicting the service life of concrete under carbonation. CH remained in a small amount in the completely carbonated zone instead of being completely consumed, and CH consumed at 20 % CO2 is about 1.5-2.0 times that of 2 % CO2. The content of CaCO3 in the completely carbonated zone at 20 % CO2 was higher than that of 2 % CO2. CaCO3 could fill in large pores between hydration products, so the porosity, average pore size and aperture decreased with CO2 concentration.

Keywords

Concrete Carbonation; CO2 Concentration; Carbonation Depth; Semi-carbonated Zone; Carbonation Products

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

70-75

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

ILDIKÓ ANGER, ENIKÖ VOLCEANOV, GEORGIANA PLOPEANU, LEONARD ILIE, LAVINIA GABRIELA POPESCU, GEORGIANA ALEXANDRA MOISE


Abstract

The paper presents some researches on ladle furnace slag potential to be used in agriculture, as soil amendment. The ladle furnace (LF) slag results from steel secondary refinery. The main components of LF slag used in our experimental trials were: CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, MgO. The LF slag contains high quantity of CaO, which forms different compounds with SiO2 and Al2O3, as well as unreacted CaO too. This is the main reason why this slag can be considered in agriculture as soil amendment to correct the soil acidity. The soil acidity influences the soil fertility and the crop yield. Usually, the soil acidity is corrected by using limestone or dolomite, natural materials. The utilization of LF slag as soil amendment to soil acidity is a novelty in Romania.

It is presented the influence of LF slag admixture on soil remediation, namely on pH, chemical properties and heavy metal content. It is also shown the influence of ladle slag used as soil amendment on the crop yield and on the heavy metal content in the soil and cultivated plants (maize, wheat and soybean) at the experimental sites. The experimental trials indicate that the LF slag can be used for acid soil remediation, having a positive influence on soil chemical properties and increase the crop yield.

Keywords

steelmaking, ladle furnace (LF) slag, acid soil, soil amendment

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

76-82

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

RĂZVAN LISNIC, SORIN ION JINGA


Abstract

Fossil fuels used in thermal power plants contain significant amounts of sulfur. At burning, about 95% of the sulfur is converted to sulfur dioxide (SO2), which reacts with the particles of water in the atmosphere, forming acid rain under normal conditions of temperature and pressure. Sulfur dioxide, through its annual emissions, is the main gas pollutant, which is why over the last 80 years has been a concern for the development and streamlining of desulphurization processes. The flue gas desulphurization can be done both by wet or dry process. The most widespread process is wet desulphurization of limestone or lime, accounting for about 85% of all desulphurization processes. The paper presents the current state of the desulphurization technologies in the world, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the future trends in this field.

Keywords

limestone, flue gas desulphurization, sulphur dioxide, FGD-gypsum, fly ash

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

83-90

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

SEBASTIAN MARIAN ZAHARIA, CRISTIN OLIMPIU MORARIU, MIHAI ALIN POP


Abstract

The sandwich panels are frequently used as structural elements in various industrial applications, due to their increased rigidity reported to their weight, but also due to their advantages compared to conventional metallic structures or laminated composite structures. This paper presents the behaviour under static and fatigue regime of two sandwich structures with the same type of Nomex honeycomb core, but with skins made from glass fibre reinforced polymer composites, manufactured through different methods. Likewise, the mechanical characteristics of the two types of sandwich structures were compared and analysed. In this paper the behaviour under cyclical fatigue of the two sandwich structures, subjected to 3-point bending, was tested and predicted by implementing the accelerated testing techniques. The accelerated methodology developed in this paper has determined a significant reduction of the testing time for the analysed specimens. Consequently, the testing time for the GFRP1-Nomex specimens was reduced by 6.35 times, respectively by 7.9 times for the GFRP2-Nomex specimens, which determined a significant cost reduction in the testing of composite sandwich structures. Also, the main failure modes of the sandwich structures, subjected to Charpy impact, were identified and analysed using microscopically analysis.

Keywords

glass fiber reinforced polymer, sandwich panels, bending, fatigue, accelerated testing

COSMIN MIHAI MIRIŢOIU, CRISTIAN OLIVIU BURADA, MARIUS MARINEL STĂNESCU, ALEXANDRU BOLCU


Abstract

In this paper the authors have experimentally determined, using some known methods, the loss and damping factors, equivalent dynamic Young modulus and flexural rigidity for composite sandwich platbands with two types of kevlar honeycomb core (rectangular and hexagonal) reinforced with kevlar-carbon fiber. The experimental procedure is characterized by clamping the platbands at one end, placing an accelerometer at the free end for recording their free vibrations. The samples have a thickness of 4 mm, a length of 335 mm and 60 mm width. The connection between the kevlar-carbon fiber and kevlar honeycomb core is made by using epoxy resin with its hardener. The flexural rigidity values were validated by a static loading experimental montage: the platbands are clamped at one end and free at the other; at the free end a force has been applied and the displacement was measured with a displacement transducer. From the displacement value, the flexural rigidity was obtained. In the end, the authors have obtained that the sandwich platbands with hexagonal honeycomb core have better mechanical properties compared to the ones with rectangular honeycomb core.

Keywords

damping factor, loss factor, Young modulus, kevlar honeycomb, kevlar-carbon fiber

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

101-107

Domains

COMPOSITES AND NANOCOMPOSITES

Full Paper

DANUTA MATYKIEWICZ, MATEUSZ BARCZEWSKI, HUBERT PUCAŁA


Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of the compression molding temperature on thermomechanical properties of the basalt-reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. The thermomechanical properties of the composites were determined in the course of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), static tensile test and tensile impact strength test. The incorporation of basalt fiber into poly(lactic acid) matrix led to obtaining environmentally friendly composite materials with good mechanical properties. The composite production process carried out at different temperature set-ups (170°C, 180°C, 190°C and 200°C) led to the development of composite materials characterized with favorable mechanical properties and specific structure. The simultaneously realized thermal, thermo-mechanical and mechanical analyses allowed to describe the limitation processes resulting from the application of different compression molding temperatures. The best thermomechanical properties were recorded for the composites pressed at the highest temperature (200°C).

Keywords

poly(lactic acid), basalt fiber, thermomechanical properties, compression molding

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

108-114

Domains

COMPOSITES AND NANOCOMPOSITES

Full Paper

LINO BIANCO


Abstract

The Lower Globigerina Limestone Member, the earliest member of the Globigerina Limestone Formation, is the lithostratigraphical bed which had provided limestone for the erection of Malta’s built heritage since Neolithic times. It is massively bedded, pale yellow in colour and consists predominantly of globigerinid planktonic forminifera. Occasionally, blue coloured lenticular patches occur in this member. The first published research relating to these features was by John Murray in 1890. His results and interpretation were corroborated and refined through a recent publication by the author which noted variations from packstone to wackestone along these patches. This paper further studies their petrological characteristics. Petrographically, the limestone of these patches gradually alternates from wackestone to mudstone to bioclastic wackestone. They are composed of micrite matrix (in varying amounts), ferrugenized unbroken pelagic foraminifera, bioclasts, and terrigenous quartz. The appearance of these blue lenticular patches must be linked to another process other than limestone texture.

Keywords

Globigerina Limestone, sol, sol ikħal, blue patches, John Murray, Malta

Year

2018

Issue

48 (1)

Pages

115-120

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

M.M. MARIN, M.G. ALBU KAYA, A. FICAI, M.V. GHICA, L. POPA, R. ȚUȚUIANU


Abstract

Gastric ulcer disease is a common problem of the gastro-intestinal tract with its increasing incidence and prevalence attributed to the loss of balance between aggressive and protective factors. The purpose of this study was to obtain and characterize biomaterials for the regeneration of the soft tissue of the digestive system. Powders with different concentrations of collagen hydrolysate, zeolite and propolis were obtained by lyophilization. The type I collagen hydrolysate was obtained by acidic hydrolysis. A stable DPPH radical was used for determination of the free radical scavenging activity of the propolis. The morphology (Scanning Electron Microscopy – SEM), the spectral characteristics (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy – FT-IR, X ray diffraction – XRD), the goniometry (contact angle), in vitro assessment to simulated gastric acid and the biocompatibility (XTT assay) of the designed powders were studied. The collagen hydrolysate, zeolite and propolis biomaterials exhibited characteristics that make them potential candidates for use in the treatment of gastric ulcer.

Keywords

Collagen hydrolysate, zeolite, propolis, gastric ulcer

IZABEL BOTA, ROXANA POPESCU, CAIUS SOLOVAN


Abstract

Autolog platelet concentrate, a therapeutic procedure that is obtained from preparation of platelet rich plasma (PRP), has gained a lot of popularity especially in treatment of diverse aesthetic procedures. The plasma concentrate contains diverse cytokines and growth factors including tumor necrosis growth factors-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factors (TGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epithelial growth factor (EGF). The active byproduct obtained through this technique play a great role in many processes from stimulating angiogenesis all the way to healing tissue damage.

This study was conducted in order to compare growth factor levels obtained from PRP concentrate from subjects with different skin photo-type: II, III, and IV Fitzpatrick scale. Fresh whole blood was drawn from 20 healthy donors, age from 19 to 42. Plasma was separated by double spin technique, since it results in a higher platelet concentration, activated with Sodium Citrate 3.2% in polypropylene plastic tube. The platelet concentrate was evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Based on our results, we demonstrated that selected cytokines are present in platelet-rich plasma and that these concentrates of growth factor profile is not influenced by skin photo-type.

Keywords

growth factors, cytokines, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

NICUȘOR BAROIU , LILIANA BAROIU, VIRGIL GABRIEL TEODOR, LUCIAN TOMA CIOCAN


Abstract

Super hard tungsten carbide dental fissure bur for cutting dental crowns of carbide has a longer lifetime than regular carbide millings and minimize the risk of fractures, due theirs concentricity. From the perspective of tooth geometry, in this case a smaller cutting angle, they assure a smoother and more efficient cutting.

Such geometry requires accurate, fast and efficient helical flute profiling methods of profiling, given also the diminished dimensions of such dental tools.

The profiling of side mill which generate helical flute of the dental crosscut bur may be done using analytical methods: Gohman or Nikolaev. In this paper, it is proposed a graphical method, the method of “substitutive circles” for profiling of side mill which generate a helical flute of the dental bur.

In order to prove the accuracy of the method it is proposed the check of the axial profile of the side mill by an analytical method completed with a numerical example of the form and coordinates of the tool’s axial section.

The proposed method, developed in the CATIA graphical design environment is characterized by the simplicity and accuracy for profile determination. The method is also very intuitive.

Keywords

CAD profiling method, side mill, helical surfaces, dental bur

CRISTINA DIMA (VĂDUVA), ALINA BĂDĂNOIU, ȘTEFANIA STOLERIU, CRISTIANA DANEȘ


Abstract

The valorization of industrial wastes in the manufacture of composite materials is topical in construction industry. The main objective of this study is to improve the thermal insulation properties of some gypsum plaster composites by it’s partial substitution (5 and 30%wt.) with three types of industrial wastes i.e. polyurethane, rubber and chopped electric cables; the paper present also the influence of wastes on the main properties specific for thermal insulation materials (thermal conductivity, compressive strength, short-term water absorption by partial immersion).

The use of the above mentioned industrial wastes in the composition of gypsum plaster elements determines an improvement of thermal insulation properties (thermal conductivity decrease with 17-23%) correlated with a decrease of compressive strength comprised between 68-87%.

The manufacture of this type of insulation materials can contribute to solving environment issues, decreasing the amount of natural raw material used and valorization of industrial as sustainable sources of alternative raw materials.

Keywords

thermal insulation materials, gypsum plaster, industrial waste, thermal conductivity, properties

N. KYBARTIENĖ, D. NIZEVIČIENĖ, Z. VALANČIUS, G. VAICKELIONIS


Abstract

Gypsum raw material (reagent gypsum, phosphogypsum and processed phosphogypsum) was dehydrated by dry method (i.e. in dry air environmental) and wet method (i.e. saturated water vapour environment) using microwaves. Influence of dehydration method on hemihydrate gypsum, hemihydrate phosphogypsum and processed hemihydrate phosphogypsum crystal morphology was researched. Gypsum raw material dehydration in dry air environment using microwaves does not significantly influence the morphology of hemihydrate gypsum, hemihydrate phosphogypsum or processed hemihydrate phosphogypsum crystals. Meanwhile, when raw material is dehydrated in the saturated water vapour environment using microwaves, the produced product crystals are smaller comparing to crystals of products dehydrated without microwaves. Therefore, it may be stated that using microwaves for gypsum raw material dehydration has no positive effect on the morphology of the obtained product crystals.

Keywords

gypsum, phosphogypsum, dehydration, microwaves, crystals

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

154-161

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

YAOHUI MA, DEZHI ZHAO, LIN CHI, ZHENG WANG, YAN YAO, SHUANG LU


Abstract

In this numerical study, finite element method (FEM) is employed to demonstrate temperature and stress simulations of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) shear walls in different seasons by using ANSYS software. Structural behavior simulation is conducted by a good combination of comprehensive material properties and reasonable models. Calculation results show that, compared with the ordinary mortar (OM), the insulation mortar (IM) can effectively reduce f temperature variation in AAC matrix layer by 1.668℃ in summer and 5.315℃ in winter, which indicates a better performance on heat insulation. In terms of thermal stress, IM layer would withstand a greater stress in all cases, but it could lower the maximum stress in AAC layer and interface stress by almost 50% in winter compared with wall structures with OM. As for temperature deformation, a 17% reduction in winter and a 30% reduction in summer are observed in AAC matrix layer coated with IM.

Keywords

FEM, AAC shear walls, thermal stress, temperature deformation

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

162-167

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

JUAN HE, JUN CAI, ZHENMAO SUN


Abstract

Hydration Characteristics of alkali–activated slag cement (AASC) are different of those of ordinary Portland cement. Effects of activator type, modulus of water glass (WG), and Na2O equivalent on setting time, compressive strength, hydration heat and hydration products were studied. The results show that with the increase of modulus in the range of 0.8-2.0, initial and final setting time of AASC extends gradually. As for hydration heat, When WG modulus increases from 0.8 to 2.0, the first combined peak of AASC grows lower and grows a bigger diffusion; accelerated hydration peak appears later; induction period prolongs and cumulative hydration heat reduces. When Na2O equivalent increases from 3% to 6%, for WG-activated slag, the first peak and accelerated hydration peak appear earlier and higher, induction period becomes shorter and setting time of paste is somewhat longer. Besides, for NaOH (NH)-activated slag, initial peak and accelerated hydration peak appear earlier and higher and setting time of paste is shorter. Cumulative hydration heat of both AASC increases with the increase of Na2O equivalent. At the same Na2O equivalent, setting time of slag activated by NaOH is longer than WG-activated slag cement, and compressive strength of the former is lower than the later. In the range of 0.5-2.2, with the increase of modulus, compressive strength of AASC first increases, then was followed by a decrease. The main hydration product is C-A-S-H gel.

Keywords

Alkali–activated slag cement, Activator, Hydration heat

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

168-176

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

NAILIA R. RAKHIMOVA, RAVIL Z. RAKHIMOV, YEVGEN S. LUTSKIN, VLADIMIR P. MOROZOV, YURI N. OSIN


Abstract

In this study, a mineral matrix based on alkali-activated slag cement (AASC) was found to be suitable for solidification of up to 35% (by volume) of borate ion-exchange resins (IERs) at pH values of 8.5 to 10.5. Experimental-statistical modelling, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses were used to study the waste samples. According to the results of a four-factor experiment, the strengths of waste samples based on AASC-based mineral matrices and borate IERs were mostly determined by the nature of the alkali component and the pH of the borate IERs. The strengths of the waste samples could be improved by some modifications of the binder material - increasing the Na2O concentration and introducing polypropylene fibres. The main reaction products in the (GGBFS)-(sodium metasilicate, sodium hydroxide)-(borate solution) system were C-(A)-S-H, calcite (CaCO3), hydrotalcite (MgO6.667Al0.333)(OH)2(CO3)0.167(H2O)0.5, calcium silicate hydrates

Keywords

alkali-activated slag cement, modeling, ion-exchange resin waste, compressive strengths, calorimetric test, polypropylene fibre

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

177-184

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

ALIM KAŞTAN, HÜSEYIN ÜNAL


Abstract

In this study, polyamide 6 (PA 6) was used as matrix material. Materials with eight different compositions were produced by adding 30% (w/w) polypropylene (PP), 2.5% (w/w), 5% (w/w) and 7.5% (w/w) nanoclay and 5% wt. compatibilizer Kraton (SEBS) to PA 6. Pin-on disc abrasive wear tests were carried out under 5 N load, at 1 m/s sliding speed and 12.5m, 25m, 50m and 75 m sliding distances. Emery papers with grid sizes of 80 and 220 grade were used for the tests. Amount of wear, rate of wear and friction coefficient of the composites were obtained from the tests. Also, this study investigated the effect on abrasive wear of PP, nanoclay and compatibilizer added to PA 6.

Keywords

PA 6, polypropylene, nanoclay, compatibilizer, abrasive wear

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

185-190

Domains

COMPOSITES AND NANOCOMPOSITES

Full Paper

DAN GEORGESCU, LAURENȚIU RECE, BIANCA PIRONEA, ADELINA APOSTU


Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for assessing the concrete characteristics starting from the analysis of the critical points generated by concealed works. It presents a new approach to the existing one and is exemplified by an application for assessing the strength of concrete in new constructions. The application of the method is based on the most recent proposals for revision of specific European regulations.

Keywords

concrete, strength, assessment, methodology, concealed works

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

191-197

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

JIAN SUN, YU-HOU WU, PENG ZHOU, SONG-HUA LI, LI-XIU ZHANG, KE ZHANG


Abstract

Using diamond wheels to grindingengineering ceramics is the most common method. Due to the large grinding resistance there is often a surface damage such as cracks on the workpiece. The crack depthmodel of grinding surface on ceramics is established based on indentation fracture mechanics in this paper and the extendingprocess of the crack is simulated by Two-Dimensional discrete element simulation of UDEC. Through simulation results the extending mechanism of cracks in silicon nitride ceramics is discovered. Moreover, the planegrinding experiment of silicon nitride ceramics by diamond wheel is carried out and the extending of its cracks is observed on the surface. The theoreticalresults are validated by grinding experiment. Cracks appear on the surface of the ceramics under the action of singlediamondgrain,theleadcrack extends along the interior of the ceramic in the form of longitudinal cracks. In the lead crack propagation path, a small amount of oblique cracks will appear in other directions. The failure zone consists of tensile failure element and shear failure element. The shear failure is main failure form for the failure zone. When the grain stops, the crack ceases to expand into the interior of the ceramic, the crack failure elements in the zone are all shear failure elements.Because of the grinding and tensile failure of the grinding wheel, the crack extends along the arc and the wheel direction of rotation in the contact area between the wheel and the ceramic. When the penetration depth increases, the crack form is gradually transformed from the tensile failure element to the shear failure element. The number of broken parts in the cut is obviously more than that of the cutting part. Grinding damage of engineering ceramics could be forecasted and controlled by this simulation. So, grinding process could be optimized, and grinding efficiency and quality could be improved.

Keywords

diamond wheel, silicon nitride, surface damage, cracks, UDEC

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

198-203

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

Full Paper

CAI JUN, LI GENGYING, ZHAO XIAOHUA


Abstract

As an advanced construction material, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is a highly flowable concrete that is able to fill the formwork under its own weight without vibration. This paper presents a study on fatigue performance of SCC under flexural load. An experimental program has been carried out to investigate the fatigue lives of SCC for various levels of the fatigue stress. The fatigue tests on SCC beam specimens (100 × 100 × 400 mm) were conducted. The fatigue test data of SCC is used for regression analysis. The results indicate that the flexural fatigue life distribution of SCC approximately follow the double-parameter Weibull distribution. The regression parameters of the fatigue equation corresponding to different survival probabilities have been obtained. The flexural fatigue strength of SCC for the desired level of survival probability can be estimated by using the fatigue equation.

Keywords

self-consolidating concrete, fatigue, flexural load, stress level.

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

204-207

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

V. KARTHIKA, P. O. AWOYERA, I. I. AKINWUMI, R. GOBINATH, R. GUNASEKARAN, N. LOKESH


Abstract

This study investigates the structural properties of lightweight self-compacting concrete produced using mineral admixtures and pumice stone as aggregate. Lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC) mixes were prepared using pumice stone as replacement for natural coarse aggregate, and ground granulated blast furnace slag and rice husk ash were added as mineral admixtures. The flowability of the concrete mixtures was achieved by using gelinium B223 super plasticizer. Structural properties such as: density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and split-tensile strength of the concrete samples were determined for different mix proportions. Test results revealed that 30-40% replacement of coarse aggregate by pumice stone is considerable for improved density, compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength development in LWSCC.

Keywords

self-compacting concrete, pumice stone, Lightweight concrete, mineral admixture, Super plasticizer

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

208-213

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

G. MURALI, K. KARTHIKEYAN, M.K. HARIDHARAN


Abstract

In this paper, the impact strength of four concrete mixtures namely green high performance plain concrete (GHPPC), green high performance and steel fibre reinforced concrete (GHPSFRC) subjected to drop weight test was statistically investigated. The steel was incorporated each at a dosage of 0.5%. The pre-determined green concrete mixtures were prepared with 2% of nano silica as cement replacement and 30% of copper slag as fine aggregate replacement. From each type, 40 specimens were tested using the drop weight test in accordance with procedure proposed by ACI Committee 544 and their impact strength was determined. Results showed that the distribution of impact strength of GHPPC and GHPSFRC were approximately normal. The minimum number of tests necessary for attaining the impact failure strength of, GHPPC and GHPSFRC specimens were found to be 57 and 41 respectively at 95% level of confidence with an error below 10%.

Keywords

Statistical analysis, First crack strength, Failure strength, Fibres, Steel

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

214-221

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

LING QIN , XIAOJIAN GAO, HUAN YE, TIEFENG CHEN


Abstract

This paper aims to investigate effects of anti-foaming admixture (AFA) on air content, flowability, mechanical strength and microstructure of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). UHPC mixtures were prepared with two water-binder ratios of 0.17, 0.2 and three AFAs (XP1, XP2, XP3) were added by 0.05-0.4% of the mass of binder. Results reveal that the air content of fresh UHPC mixture decreases whit the incorporation of AFA and XP1 behaves the best decreasing effect. The compressive strength of UHPC added with AFA is increased and XP2 presents the best effect. The decrease of water-binder ratio from 0.2 to 0.17 doesn’t lead to an increase in compressive strength due to the more air bubbles entrapped in very low water-binder ratio mixture. A good exponential relationship (f=a*x^b) can be found between compressive strength and entrapped air content. The incorporation of AFA decreases the coarse pore content (>100nm) and air bubbles with diameter bigger than 100μm in hardened specimen, playing a positive role in optimizing pore structure and improving strength.

Keywords

Ultra-high performance concrete; Workability; Compressive strength; Pore size distribution; Anti-foaming admixture

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

222-228

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

SADIK ALPER YILDIZEL


Abstract

Fiber reinforced composites have been widely used for various building purposes. Glass fiber reinforced composite containing white cement, gypsum, silica sand and perlite were analyzed in this research. The flexural strength, shrinkage behavior and the freeze-thaw (F&T) resistance of the composites were examined. It was obtained that the use of expanded perlite and silica sand enhances the shrinkage properties of the composite. Especially, expanded perlite used as the replacement of silica sand at the rate of 15 % has significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the gypsum added composites against the freeze and thaw (F&T) and the shrinkage effects. Researched composite type and the outcomes of the study can be used in the composite production industry for improving the durability and sustainability.

Keywords

Glass fiber, gypsum, white cement, composite, silica sand, perlite

IRINA ȘTEFAN (OANCEA), MARINELA BĂRBUȚĂ, MIHAI BUDESCU, PETRU MIHAI, ANA MIHAELA BANU, NICOLAE ȚĂRANU


Abstract

The paper presents the experimental results in terms of mechanical properties obtained for some types of innovative micro-concrete (MC) mixes. This type of concrete utilises aggregates up to 8mm and the main intended use is for non-structural elements such as insulation panels. In this respect, two concrete mixes have been prepared using fly ash (FA) as replacement for 10% of the cement dosage, and two types of waste plastic materials: polystyrene (PO) granules and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles aggregate. They were introduced as substitution of the fine natural aggregate (FNA) (0-4 mm), in different proportions ranging from 30% to 100%.

The values of the experimentally determined mechanical strengths (compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength) for both types of micro-concrete are smaller than the ones of the reference mix. The complete stress-strain curves of these materials subjected to compression have been established to evaluate the absorption capacity of the strain energy. The values achieved for the micro-concrete mixes with PET aggregates were higher than the ones of the mixes embedding polystyrene granules. By increasing the dosage of waste materials as natural aggregates partial replacement, a lightweight concrete was obtained.

Keywords

fly ash, waste PET bottles aggregate, polystyrene granules, mechanical strengths, complete stress-strain curves.

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

236-244

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

AYDIN RUSEN


Abstract

High temperature crystal chemistry and thermal behavior of the boron minerals bear special attraction, owing to the increase in their application areas requiring elevated temperature. Colemanite 2CaO·3B2O3·5H2O) is one of the most commonly found and used compound among the boron minerals. In this study, therefore, thermal and mineralogical characterization of the colemanite was performed by X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TG-DTA). Also, mineralogical changes in crystal structure were measured and recorded during heating from room temperature up to its melting temperature for each 50°C by using High Temperature XRD device. By this way, structural changes in the colemanite up to melting point were determined with increasing temperature for the first time. Results indicate that the thermal decomposition of colemanite has revealed a multi stage internal process; i) moisture removal, ii) dehydration- dehydroxylation, iii) amorphization of the crystal structure, iv) recrystallization of the amorphous solid (gradual reconstitutions).

Keywords

Colemanite, Thermal decomposition, HTXRD, TG-DTA

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

245-250

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

ZHANG XIAO-NAN, SHAN REN-LIANG, QI CHENG-ZHI


Abstract

Through the monitoring of the displacement of the middle accross section in concrete filled steel tube (CFST) arch with 0.26 rise-span ratio, which fixed at both ends under the condition of uniform loading, as well as the strain and the ultimate bearing capacity of outer steel pipe and inner core of concrete which combined with ABAQUS for simulation analysis of bending process. Meanwhile, based on the ABAQUS simulation software with cohesive elements as the main research method in the constitutive model of concrete was put forward. The actual simulating and experiment results shows that the local failure characteristics of core concrete of CFST arch is similar to those of uniaxial compression on concrete short columns, and there is only compressive stress exists among the middle accross section of CFST arch which causes the volume of the inflated burst when fixing at both ends. Moreover, there is no influence on the bearing capacity of the overall core concrete with and the load displacement curves, which proved the efficiency of the proposed method and the basis for the study of other components of CFST during the mine construction.

Keywords

Bending experiment of CFST arch, ABAQUS, Cohesive elements, Constitutive model, Uniaxial compression experiment

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

251-259

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

BELEBCHOUCHE CHERIF, MOUSSACEB KARIM, HAMMOUDI ABDELKADER, AMOURI CHAHINEZ


Abstract

This article focuses on the study of the release of Pb2+, stabilized/solidified by hydraulic binder (cement CEM II-42.5) for 28 days in an acid medium. Three mortars were prepared with different percent of PbO namely 0.6, 0.96 and 1.2%. Vicat needle indicated that lead retards the hydration process of mortars compared to the control sample. In the study interval [0.6%-1.2%], the increase in the percentage of PbO in mortars decreased the mechanical strength. The release of lead during TCLP test (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) and the effectiveness of the process of Solidification/Stabilization depended on the initial concentration of the pollutant (Pb2+), and of the time of leaching. The use of X-ray diffraction allowed the identification of the new complex crystalline phases within the structure of Stabilized/Solidified samples, namely: Pb2Al4(OH)8(CO3)43H2O and Pb(OH)2. This study was completed by modeling the experimental data which revealed that the release process is much more a surface phenomenon (dissolution or precipitation). The evaluation of degradation of samples gave no sign of any major deterioration of the stabilized/solidified materials.

Keywords

Hazardous compound (PbO); TCLP test; Leaching; X-ray diffraction; Modeling; Degradation

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

260-267

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

ZENO GHIZDĂVEȚ, DOREL RADU


Abstract

Six glasses belonging to the Na2O – Al2O3 – B2O3 oxide system with the molar composition (35-x)Na2O·xAl2O3·65B2O3 were synthesized. Refractive index, n, and density, d, were measured on these glasses; the experimental values were used to compute a series of optical properties: transmission, T, molar refractivity, Rm, mass refractivity, RM, and specific refractivity, r.

Correlations between optical properties and chemical composition, glass features at the first structural level (molar volume, Vm) and compactness, C, were drawn.

It was concluded that glass compactness (a feature describing the atomic level – sub-nanoscale) is an influential parameter on optical properties of the glasses, which manifest on a macroscopic scale.

Keywords

glass, optical properties, structural compactness, correlations

Year

2018

Issue

48 (2)

Pages

268-272

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

Full Paper

A.MELINESCU, M. EFTIMIE, A. NICOARĂ, R. TRUȘCĂ, M. PREDA


Abstract

Geopolymer technology can be used to obtain precursors for the synthesis of ceramic materials, being a much simpler alternative to conventional processes. In this paper we experimented the synthesis of nepheline-based material from calcined kaolin and NaOH solutions with 8M and 12M, respectively. To increase the SiO2 concentration, the Govora fly ash was used. Chemical reactions that take place at low temperature and high temperature heat treatment are studied. It was found that by reaction at 800°C the sodium ortho-silicate was formed and at 800°C this compound was consumed for nepheline formation and, in the same time, Na2O·SiO2 appeared. When introducing fly ash, the main crystalline phases are α-quartz, nepheline and the anorthite, the latter compound coming from the ash. Sodium metasilicate is no longer found in fly ash samples because it has reacted with the vitreous phase of ash leading to the formation of nepheline.

Keywords

nepheline, geopolymer technology, XRD, SEM

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

285-289

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

Full Paper

ELENA-INES ADAM-DIMA, MIHAELA ILIE, CARMEN PURDEL


Abstract

Decrease of the oxidative stress represents a major challenge in current therapy. Among up-to-date approaches, the use of nanoparticles as carriers of antioxidants has been intensively studied. One special case is the use of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), as selenium, an essential micronutrient for animals and humans, can act by itself as a good radical scavenger. This paper reviews the current trends for using SeNPs in therapy, describing shortly the major SeNPs preparation and characterisation methods, their in vitro and in vivo effects and their possible therapeutical use. The mechanisms underlying the effects of SeNPs are shortly connected with their beneficial / toxicological risk ratio.

Keywords

selenium, nanoparticles, antioxidant, oxidative stress, effects, toxicity, therapy

LIGIA TODAN, DANIELA C. CULIȚĂ, DOREL CRIŞAN, NICOLAE DRĂGAN, JEANINA PANDELE-CUŞU, FLORICA PAPA


Abstract

Mono- and bicomponent coordination compounds of Mg-Zr with tartaric acid were synthesized in an aqueous solution, at two different Mg/Zr molar ratios. Part of the obtained amorphous precursors were thermally treated at 6500C, the other part was calcined at 10000C, forming thus MgO-ZrO2 powders. The structure and properties of the precursors and of the oxide powders were determined by thermal analysis, FTIR, XRD, BET method for surface area and pore volume, CO2 adsorption. The influence of the thermal treatment temperature on the powders characteristics was considered. The coordination modes of the tartaric carboxilic groups in Mg, respectively or/and Zr-containing precursors is dissimilar and the dehydration and crystallization processes in the binary powders differ too. High-temperature ZrO2 polymorphs stabilized at low temperature by including the Mg2+ in the lattice, decrease in content with the raise of temperature, partialy turning into monoclinic zirconia.The specific surface area and porosity as well as the CO2 adsorption properties of the samples treated at 6500C are significantly higher than the ones of the powders calcined at 10000C. The CO2 adsoption efficiency of the binary oxides is lower than the one of MgO but higher when compared to ZrO2, one of the samples showing the best performance, although the Mg/Zr molar ratio in the binary calcined oxides is about the same. The oxide powders were stable at recycling.

Keywords

MgO-ZrO2 oxide powders, tartaric acid complexes, solution-gel, thermal analysis, CO2 adsorption

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

301-307

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

COMPOSITES AND NANOCOMPOSITES

Full Paper

COSMIN VANCEA, ROMUL MARIUS JURCA, MARIUS GHEJU, GIANNIN MOȘOARCĂ


Abstract

The present paper investigates another alternative to immobilize the exhausted reactive mixtures resulted from the removal of Cr(VI) with Fe0 in continuous-flow system (column experiments), in glass based stoneware matrix. This study completes our previous investigations focused on vitreous matrix designed to retain the exhausted reactive mixtures [1]. In order to increase the ecological impact of the proposed solution, two types of recycled waste glasses were used: window panes and cathode ray tubes (CRT). The exhausted reactive mixtures and the two waste glasses were mixed together with the Bojidar kaolin and then pressed into cylinders having the diameter and height around 35 mm. The heat treatment was optimized considering the economically advantageous conditions at 1000°C for 90 minutes. The apparent porosity, used as compactness index for the obtained samples, range from 2.20% to 5.05% depending on the glass waste type and the amount of sand contained in the exhausted reactive mixture. The main crystalline phases confirmed by RX diffraction are wollastonite, tridymite, diopside, cristobalite and hematite. The chemical stability of the studied glass based stoneware, measured using the samples’ dissolution rate after 28 days in mediums having different pH range from 0.127 to 0.778 g/h depending on the samples’ porosity and type of chemical aggression. The chromium and iron ions leachability were determined and American Extraction Procedure Toxicity Test respectively. The amounts of both investigated ions removed from the structure by the chemical attack are very low, between 0-0.238% of the total chromium and between 0-0.258% of the total iron brought by the exhausted reactive mixtures. The obtained results confirm the viability of the suggested solution for immobilizing chromium contained in the exhausted reactive mixtures together with common waste glasses and kaolin as glass based stoneware having high chemical stability with multiple economic advantages.

Keywords

glass based stoneware, waste glasses, glass recycling, chromium wastes

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

308-314

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

Full Paper

GONZÁLEZ-LÓPEZ, R., DÍAZ-PEÑA, I, ZALDÍVAR-CADENA, A.A., HERNÁNDEZ-SANDOVAL, J., RANGEL-PERAZA, G, RODRÍGUEZ-MATA, A.E


Abstract

The addition of nano-SiO2 (NS) in the mix stage of cementitious materials (CM) based in Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) has been demonstrated as a promising approach to lead the improvement of properties such as microstructure density, hydration kinetic and pozzolanic reaction rate, which are very important parameters concerning to the structure durability. However, in the case of hardened structures, the mechanism of how NS interacted with cement matrix is limited, because most of the involved reactions have already happened. In this work, the effect of the colloidal nano-SiO2 application in the surface of an early age hardened limestone mortar is studied and a comparison between two different methods is presented: migration (by electrical field) and capillary absorption (by wet-dry cycles). Measurements of potential difference, current intensity and electrical resistance were carried out in migration cells and electrical resistance for capillary absorption cell. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in backscattering electrons (BE) coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the microstructure of the cement mortar samples. It was found that the nano-SiO2 penetrate the cement mortar sample by both migration and capillary absorption from the surface to the interior and interact with the phases of the cement matrix. Ca/Si rates below the conventional values of the conventional phases were found (up to 0.5), which means that an increasing of cement matrix silicon content was promoted.

Keywords

Limestone Cement Mortar, Nano-SiO2, Surface Treatment

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

315-323

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

N. KYBARTIENE, D. NIZEVICIENE


Abstract

A full factorial design was employed to evaluate the hydration of anhydrite cement produced from flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum) using three activators (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O, Na2SO4, FeSO4·7H2O). The effect of three independent variables such as the calcination temperature of FGD gypsum (500-800oC), the hydration time (3-28 days) and the amount of activator (0-1%) on the hydration of anhydrite cement were studied. The experimental results and statistical analysis showed that the hydration time and the amount of activator had a positive effect on the hydration of anhydrite cement, while the temperature had a negative effect on this process. The multiple linear regression models were developed to correlate the significant variables to the chemically combined water content in hydrated anhydrite cement. The mean absolute percentage error between experimental and calculated values of the chemically combined water content in hydrated anhydrite cement was less than 2%.

Keywords

factorial design, anhydrite cement, hydration, activators

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

324-329

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

JUAN HE, YONGHUA WU, CHANGHUI YANG, QIE GAO, XIAOLIN PU


Abstract

AAS binders activated by water glass (WG) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution was used to investigate its carbonation properties. Carbonation product, carbonation shrinkage, and effect of carbonation on pore structure of AAS paste were studied. Compared with noncarbonated one, when AAS paste was carbonated, specific surface area and cumulative pore volume increased, and average pore diameter and most probable pore diameter reduced. As for carbonation product, the main form of CaCO3 is calcite, and the phases as vaterite and aragonite are lesser. The amount of aragonite and vaterite increases with the increase of carbonation age. During carbonation, the shrinkage only comes from the migration of Ca2+ from C-A-S-H gel and the increase of degree of polymerization (DP) of C-A-S-H gel. Carbonation process of AAS paste doesn’t increase the dry shrinkage.

Keywords

Alkali-Activated Slag; Carbonation; Pore structure; Carbonation product; Carbonation shrinkage

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

330-337

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

F.J. VÁZQUEZ-RODRIGUEZ, J.VALADEZ-RAMOS, R. PUENTE-ORNELAS, J.E.CONTRERAS, A.ARATO, EDÉN A. RODRÍGUEZ


Abstract

An alternative solution to reduce environmental pollution using aluminum waste foundry sand (AWFS) and fly ash (FA) to produce sustainable construction materials was studied. New mortars were prepared by partially replacing ordinary Portland cement with fly ash at 5, 10 and 15 % mass. and a total replace of Ottawa sand (OS) with AWFS. The specimens were cured at 25°C with a 100% relative humidity. The mechanical behavior was evaluated by compression test at the ages of 7, 14 and 28 days. The microstructural characteristics were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the addition of milling fly ash in AWFS mortars increases the mechanical resistance, mostly at 5% mass reaching the maximum value of 10 MPa at 28 days of age. Microstructurally, it was found a porous cement matrix with some cracking caused by the reaction of portland cement with the metallic aluminum remaining in the waste sand, which is correlated to the low mechanical resistance obtained. The final mechanical characteristic makes this new product a serious candidate to be used as a sustainable building material working at low load.

Keywords

construction, mortars, Portland cement, fly ash, composite, pollution

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

338-345

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

MAHIMA GANESHAN, DR. V. SREEVIDYA, L. NIRUBANCHAKRAVARTHY, G. SINDHU


Abstract

This study extends the ongoing investigation on bond performance of embedded steel in self consolidating geopolymer concrete, when Class F fly ash is blended with Class C fly ash. 5% OPC and 10% Class C fly ash are replaced to the basic source material Low calcium Fly ash, to facilitate the external exposure curing conditions and thereby aiming for cast in situ concrete production. Synthesising solutions for source material used are combination of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicates. Normal self compacting concrete, Self compacting geopolymer concrete with added OPC and Self compacting geopolymer concrete with OPC and Class C fly ash are the types of concrete selected for experimental investigation. Pull out tests are carried out by varying diameter and bond length of embedded steel in concrete. Comparison of bond stress on 54 pull out specimens was determined using IS: 2770 (Part 1) and studies revealed that inclusion of Class C fly ash in self consolidating geopolymer improves the bond strength tremendously. Results were compared to the latest empirical models proposed by researchers and FIB model code 2010.

Keywords

Self compacting geopolymer concrete; Ordinary Portland Cement; Class C fly ash; Bond Length; Bond Strength; External exposure curing

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

346-354

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

RAYED ALYOUSEF


Abstract

Nowadays, the construction industry over the entire world is looking for more economical construction materials. In addition, the existence of self-compacting concrete is facing brittleness problems due to their high binder content and low aggregate amount. On the other hand, the fiber is widely known to enhance the properties of concrete by bridging the crack width and hence, overcoming the brittleness problem in concrete. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the effect of different fibers on the properties of self-compacting concrete such as stand chopped basalt (SCB) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. The experimental work conducted were fresh tests, such as slump flow, slump T50 and V-funnel, while the hardened properties were compressive, flexural and bond strength. The results gathered from the empirical work showed that the fibers had a slight effect on the fresh properties and the compressive strength. While the flexural and bond strengths increased with the addition of the fiber content.

Keywords

Self-compacting concrete, Chopped basalt, Polyvinyl alcohol, Fresh and Hardened test

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

355-361

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

NANDHINI. K, PONMALAR. V


Abstract

The main constituent of concrete is cement which has a noteworthy negative ecological issue causing colossal CO2 commitment amid the concrete creation. This cement content should be replaced with by-products like Micro-Silica (MS) in order to prevent the greenhouse effect to some extent. This study examines the penetrating response of Self-compacting concrete (SCC) made of micro-silica as partial cementitious replacement material. The utilization of micro-silica in varying percentage like 5%, 10% and 15% along with the appropriate dosage of chemical admixtures were experimentally investigated. This concrete proportion was tested for fresh properties like slump flow, J-ring test and U-Box test. The split tensile strength of SCC was determined at the age of 28 and 90 days. The water permeability properties like saturated water absorption, sorptivity, porosity were conducted on hardened concrete. The rapid chloride penetration test was conducted to evaluate the amount of charge passed in concrete. These results revealed that the replacement level of cement by optimized proportion of 10% MS improved the workability to 3.8%, the tensile strength to 22.82% and enhanced the durability properties.

Keywords

micro-silica, flowing ability, strength, water absorption, sorptivity, chloride penetration

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

362-368

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

BIN LUO, WEI HUANG


Abstract

This paper aims to disclose the bending properties of composite slab and base slab made from recycled concrete. For this purpose, our research group created haydites from underground sludge and discarded bricks, and mixed them with steel fibres into steel fibre-reinforced recycled haydite concrete (Concrete A) and steel fibre-reinforced recycled brick concrete (Concrete B). Then, each of the two recycled concretes was casted into a rectangular-finned prefabricated (RFP) base slab, which is known for its excellent rigidity, strong bearing capacity and large contact area. For comparison, another RFP base slab was made from ordinary concrete. After that, ordinary concrete was poured onto the three RFP base slabs, forming three composite slabs. Next, static load tests were performed on full-size specimens on all three RFP base slabs and three composite slabs. Based on the test results, the failure features of the specimens and the synergic effect between old and new concretes were discussed in light of the load-deflection curves, load-bar strain curves, contact area between base slab and upper-layer concrete, load-compressive strain curves and feature parameters. It is concluded that under static vertical load, the base slabs and composite slabs made from recycled concretes shared the same failure process with those made from ordinary concretes; the old and new concretes exhibited excellent bonding and synergic effects; the base plate made from Concrete B boasted the highest bearing capacity and lowest deflection among all base plates and composite plates investigated in our research. The research findings lay a solid basis for the research and application of recycled concrete composite slabs.

Keywords

Recycled aggregates; Bending properties; Rectangular-finned prefabricated (RFP) base slab

A.M. KHWAILEH, A.A. AL-SHORMAN, W. A. AL SEKHANEH, J.C. ROSE


Abstract

Hydroxyapatite in tooth enamel uptakes several elements while in burial environment (diagenesis), which alters the chemical composition and consequently the life history reconstruction. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is used in this study to evaluate the diagenesis of hydroxyapatite by measuring the peaks of phosphate and francolite vibrations. The study comprises 28 teeth from the sites of Ya’amun (MBA) and Yasieleh (B) in northern Jordan, dated to the Middle Bronze Age (MBA) and the Byzantine (B) period respectively. The FTIR results showed that all of samples contained calcite and fluorine, and thus, point to soil-tooth exchange after decomposition. The average values of Crystallinity Index in the tombs of Ya’amun (MBA) and Yasieleh(B) signify minimal if any diagenesis, significance level of the test is α = 0.05. The analysis of variance on the francolite absorbance values shows that the mean value of francolite absorbance among the two sites is different and consequently varied tomb use chronologies, which was shorter at Yasieleh(B). The results conclude that the short deposition time at the site of Yasieleh (B) is a clear indication of massive deaths caused probably by an epidemic disease.

Keywords

Hydroxyapatite, diagenesis, FTIR, Middle Bronze Age, Byzantine period, Crystallinity Index

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

377-380

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

Full Paper

XIAO-YING LIANG, DONG-XIA YUAN, JUN LI, CHANG-LONG WANG, XIAO-RAN LIN, NING CHANG


Abstract

Based on the background that large amount of iron ore tailings (IOT) are stockpiled in China, the utilization of iron ore tailings to prepare autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) was studied. The AAC samples were prepared on a laboratory scale with with a bulk density of 588 kg·m-3, compressive strength of 4.82 MPa, and thermal conductivity of 1.50 W/(m·K) which was in line with the requirement of A3.5, B06-class AAC products regulated by autoclaved aerated concrete building blocks (GB 11968-2006). The optimal grinding time of iron ore tailings was 25 min. The AAC samples after autoclaving were examined by using XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis), SEM (scanning electron microscope) as well as 29Si and 27Al NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). Results show that the main minerals in the AAC samples are tobermorite-11 Å, C-S-H gels, calcite, anhydrate, ferrotschermakite, quartz, with small amount of other minerals brought in by the iron ore tailings. It was also suggested that most minerals in the iron ore tailings participated in the hydration reaction, and the chemical elements in them got into the structure of acicular and platy tobermorite in the subsequent autoclaving process.

Keywords

iron ore tailings; autoclaved aerated concrete; tobermorite; reaction mechanism

Year

2018

Issue

48 (3)

Pages

381-387

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

HUAWANG SHI, LIANYU WEI, YANCANG LI, RHUIZHEN GAO


Abstract

In order to investigate the fatigue performance and microstructure evolution of glass fiber reinforced plastic mortar (FRPM) pipes under cyclic loading, fatigue test was carried out. In the process of fatigue test, the deflection, crack and crack width of each feature of FRPM were observed and recorded. Then, the micro-structure of original samples was scanned by electron microscope(SEM). Mechanical properties of FRPM pipe is analyzed from the view of microstructure for the specimens before and after fatigue loading. Finally, the fatigue life of FRPM pipe under cyclic loading is predicted. The results show that the residual stiffness of FRPM pipe decreases monotonically with the increase of fatigue times, therefore the stress amplitude or stress level is the main influencing factor. The FRPM pipe has a smaller residual stiffness and shorter fatigue life when being applied higher maximum cycling stress and amplitude. The crack in the FRPM tube without fatigue occurs instantaneously and obviously larger than that after fatigue.

Keywords

mechanical performances, FPRM, microstructure, fatigue properties, SEM

CRISTINA BUSUIOC, IZABELA CONSTANTINOIU, MONICA ENCULESCU, MIHAELA BEREGOI, SORIN - ION JINGA


Abstract

Ceramic thin films belonging to SiO2–P2O5–CaO–MgO–ZnO–CaF2 system were obtained by combining the sol-gel approach with the spin coating technique. Titanium plates were employed as substrates. The deposited coatings were characterized in terms of composition, structure and morphology with the help of the following methods: X-ray diffraction, Fourier - transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy - dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In order to assess the bioactivity of a potential metallic implant covered with such layers, the samples were immersed in simulated body fluid for 14 days and their surface was investigated. The results showed that the thin films calcined at a lower temperature have a better biological response due to the vitroceramic nature.

Keywords

Ceramics; Thin films; Sol-gel; Spin coating; Medical implants

DANIELA VRÎNCEANU, BOGDAN BĂNICĂ, CĂTĂLIN FLORIN CÎRSTOIU, RALUCA PAPACOCEA, TOMA PAPACOCEA


Abstract

The orbital floor has several anatomical features which are essential during reconstruction. The task of reconstructing the orbital floor wall is difficult and usually exist an important discrepancy between the shape of the implant to be inserted and the anatomical three dimensional shape of the orbital wall. We present the case of a 25 years old woman, with a left orbital fracture after domestic assault; for the reconstruction of the defect from left orbital floor, we used a Matrix Orbital plate, with minima adjustments to the length of the plate, not to the predesigned contour. The follow up extended 6 months after the titanium implant with excellent biocompatibility. The Matrix Midface Preformed orbital plate has the advantage of insertion without contouring, except bending and trimming of the fixation holes, thus is more independent on experience of the surgeon.

Keywords

titanium, implants, orbital floor, fracture, reconstruction

ENIKÖ VOLCEANOV, CRISTINA GEORGIANA POPA, ADRIAN VOLCEANOV, SORIN CIUCĂ


Abstract

Alumina and zirconia-based ceramics present reduced wear rates and excellent long-term biocompatibility, which can increase the longevity of the implants. In this study, the effects of simultaneous admixture of CaO and MgO on the crystalline phases, crystallite sizes and sintering properties of coprecipitated Al2O3-ZrO2 powder are investigated using complex thermal analysis (TG, DTA, DTG), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDS.

Correlations among composition - microstructure and properties of the coprecipitated Al2O3-ZrO2 powder after sintering at 1050 °C, 1350 °C, and 1500 °C with 2 hours soaking time at each temperature were performed. The results showed that development of tetragonal and cubic phase of zirconia stabilized with Ca2+ and Mg2+ was effective at 1350°C and 1500 °C respectively. In dental applications, dental materials are soaked in saliva, which contains a large number of ions which in turn may accelerate the corrosion of materials. In such context, the chemical stability in modified Fusayama-Meyer type artificial saliva of sintered alumina – zirconia ceramics was also investigated. The ceramic samples sintered at 1500 °C show a better chemical stability, as the pH variation is lower when using a starting immersion solution with pH = 7.4. However, the variation of pH after immersion in artificial saliva is obvious after 216-288 hours due to the ionic transport between ceramic and the solution, even after sintering at 1500 °C

Keywords

Zirconia Thoughned Alumina, bioceramic, chemical stability, artificial saliva

TULAY HURMA


Abstract

ZnS and ZnS:In films containing three different rates of In were produced on glass subtrates heated up to 300±5°C. Structural analyses of the films were done by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies. It was determined that the films obtained by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) method had polycrystalline structure. All observed XRD peaks belong to hexagonal wurtzite ZnS structure. Crystallite sizes of the films were approximately calculated in 4.61-4.63 nm range. SEM images showed that particles have homogeneously distributed and held onto surface. It was observed from the EDS results that the In rate of films increased by increasing In doping in the solution. FTIR spectra revealed presence of four significant peaks. Peak observed around 930 cm-1 corresponded to the Zn-S vibration while, smaller peaks around 3500 cm-1 corresponded to the –OH group of H2O stretching. The aromatic ring C–H bending vibrations gave the peaks around 750 cm−1. The optical properties of ZnS and ZnS: In films were investigated by optical transmittance and reflectance spectra.

Keywords

In doped ZnS film; XRD; Raman; Optical properties

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

422-428

Domains

COMPOSITES AND NANOCOMPOSITES

Full Paper

DALILA MOUDIR, NOUR EL HAYET KAMEL, ABD EL BAKI BENMOUNAH, SOUMIA IKHADDALENE, YASMINA MOUHEB, FAIROUZ AOUCHICHE


Abstract

An aluminosilicate nuclear glass storage was synthesized by a double melting method and characterized using both X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Physical parameters like density and molar volume were measured. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the glass chemical composition. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was used to determine the glass-transition temperature (Tg). Samples microstructure was also characterized by Vickers microhardness, young’s modulus and electrical resistivity.

Keywords

nuclear glass, storage, SEM, DTA, FTIR

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

429-435

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

Full Paper

M.VASIĆ, Z. RADOJEVIĆ


Abstract

The description of the moisture transfer in porous media during drying was the subject of many scientific studies. The unique drying theory was developed five years ago and has recently won a general recognition in the scientific community. This paper is providing the update of the recently reported method for setting up the optimal drying parameters inside the heavy clay dryer. The main goal of this paper was to find a way how to reduce the number of experiments without affecting the quality of the previously proposed calculation method. The critical drying rate, as well as the drying behavior can be easily registered inside the laboratory recirculation dryer for any heavy clay product. These data provides a clear perception of how far the real drying curve, used in industrial dryer, is away from the shortest possible one. The algorithm of the updated procedure was based on the Box-Wilkinson’s orthogonal multi - factorial experimental design. The updated model outputs were represented as the governing equations which were used to predict the time intervals between any two chosen characteristic points, specified in the unique drying theory, as a function of the drying air parameters. These equations were valid for any value of the drying air parameters taken from the previously established limiting boundary range. The updated procedure was compared with the original one for two predefined drying air parameters sets. Regardless to the fact that in the first case the results were not experimentally obtained they were similar to those which were in the second case experimentally identified. This was additional confirmation that the same quality degree has been maintained in both procedures, despite the fact that the total number of experiments was lower in the upgraded procedure than in the original one.

Keywords

dryer optimization, drying porous media, effective diffusion coefficient, clay tile, software

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

436-441

Domains

CERAMICS AND GLASS

Full Paper

ANA J. MOMČILOVIĆ-PETRONIJEVIĆ, GORDANA A.TOPLIČIĆ-ĆURČIĆ,DRAGAN M. ĐORĐEVIĆ, DUŠAN Z. GRDIĆ, ZORAN J. GRDIĆ, NENAD S. RISTIĆ


Abstract

Felix Romuliana is an archeological site located in the vicinity of Zaječar, in the east part of Serbia, south of the Danube. Felix Romuliana is a monument of Roman court architecture in the period of the Tetrachy. It is the only archeological site in Serbia, which is under the UNESCO’s protection. It is a fortified palace, built at a request of the Roman Emperor Gaius Valerius Maximianus, in the honor of his mother Romula, which is why it was named Romuliana. There are two fortification systems around this palace: and older inner system, and a younger outer system which encompasses the palace, temples, military facilities, storage buildings…Mortar samples were analyzed with the goal of obtaining information about their morphological, mineralogical, chemical and basic physical properties. For an analysis of these properties, optical and scanning electron microscopy were used, as well as XRF and XRD analysis. Depending on the location of the sampled mortars, differences of the individual properties of mortar were observed. The mortar analysis determined that lime was used as a binder. The mortars prevalently consist of the river aggregate grains, crushed limestone aggregate grains and traces of crushed masonry blocks. Further research should be focused on production of repair mortars.

Keywords

Romuliana;mortars;Stereomicroscopic;XRF;XRD;SEM/EDS

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

442-449

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

CRISTINA DIMA (VĂDUVA), ALINA BĂDĂNOIU, ȘTEFANIA STOLERIU, DIANA LUCA


Abstract

The study presents one possible way for the valorization of an ash resulted by the combustion of hydrocarbon-containing residues from petroleum industry (waste A). The substitution of gypsum plaster with 5 wt.%, 20 wt.% and 30 wt.% waste A, results in the modification of tcompressive strength values, in correlation with the amount of gypsum plaster substituted; the increase of ash A amount (from 5% to 30%) determines the increase of setting time, therefore for the composition with 30% ash A, the setting time is similar with the one specified in gypsum plaster standard. The activation of ash A with sulfate salts shortens the setting time and increases the compressive strengths (with reference to plain ash A paste).

Keywords

valorization, waste ash, gypsum plaster, accelerator additions

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

450-457

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

CARMEN OPROIU, MARIUS PÂRVAN, GEORGETA VOICU, ALINA IOANA BĂDĂNOIU


Abstract

A common method used for the inertization of industrial waste is solidification / stabilization (S / S); it consists in the mixing of waste with a binder so as the final product meets the standards imposed by environmental agencies. Solidification describes the processes that transform waste into a waterproof solid with strong cohesion, i.e. good physical and mechanical properties. Stabilization is the effect of processes aiming to reduce or even eliminate the mass transfer phenomena of pollutants into water and soil. This paper presents the inertization and immobilization of a chromium-rich waste (from the potassium dichromate industry) in inorganic matrices based on hydraulic binders, namely in special structures called cement C and cement D. It presents also results regarding the influence of waste on hydration-hydrolysis processes and on the main properties of resulted mortars obtained by X-ray diffraction, complex thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM and EDX).

Keywords

special hydraulic binders, properties, waste, solidification/stabilization processes.

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

458-466

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

MIHAI BRATU, OVIDIU DUMITRESCU, OVIDIU VASILE, LUOANA FLORENTINA PASCU, CAROL LEHR


Abstract

Pollution, in all its current views, is a permanent concern of the researchers. Therefore, making sound-absorbing materials that include waste is a very useful approach.

The paper deals with two environment related issues: noise pollution due to different sources in industry and transport, as well as waste storage, also affecting the quality of the environment.

The paper presents the researches on obtaining some oxide materials containing various solid wastes that may affect the environment. The schema of obtaining process and the actual composition of these materials are described.

Some physico-mechanical properties have been measured to characterize these oxide materials: particle size distribution of starting materials, compressive strength, apparent density and apparent porosity and sound absorbing properties.

The microscopy analyses (SEM and EDAX) have been used to study the morphology, homogeneities and existing pores could be highlighted in order to explain the obtained physico-mechanical properties, especially those of sound absorption.

The values of the measured properties allow for the determination of the best oxide materials obtained from solid wastes in terms of sound absorption.

Keywords

solid wastes, physico-mechanical and microstructural properties, sound absorption coefficient

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

467-475

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

S. SATHISH, K. KUMARESAN, L. PRABHU, S. GOKULKUMAR


Abstract

The research work aspires to analyze the effect of various fillers with flax fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Composites filled with varying weight percentage of different fillers such as silicon carbide, alumina and graphite were fabricated by compression moulding techniques. The effect of alkaline treatment of flax fiber was verified by FTIR analysis. The composite containing 15 wt % flax fiber and 7 wt % SiC gave the better mechanical properties. The optimum SiC for better mechanical properties of this present composite is found to be 7 wt. %. The result of this research indicates that incorporation of flax fiber and 7 wt. % SiC filler significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the composite. We concluded that ceramics filled composites will provide substitute brake pad materials respect to asbestos and synthetic based materials.

Keywords

Flax fiber, SiC, Al2O3, Graphite, FTIR

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

476-482

Domains

COMPOSITES AND NANOCOMPOSITES

Full Paper

SHANMUGA PRIYA T, THIRUMALINI S


Abstract

The experimental investigation was carried out to study the variation in strength and durability properties of high strength concrete incorporated with sisal, banana and coir fibres. In this study, three different percentage 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% by volume of sisal , banana and coir fibres were casted and results compared with control mix. The strength properties such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength and durability properties like water absorption, sorptivity and rapid chloride permeability was studied. Test results show that, the addition of sisal , banana fibre and coir fibre resulted in the enhancement of compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of concrete in the range of 4% to 10%. The optimum mix was arrived as 1% sisal and banana fibre and 0.5% coir fibre. The durability properties of optimum mix like water absorption, sorptivity and Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) values have better performance compared to control mix due to its pore filling effect of natural fibres making the concrete denser.

Keywords

Natural Fibre, Strength, Durability, High Strength Concrete

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

483-490

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

HAIYAN LI, QI QIAO, BOYANG ZHANG


Abstract

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is characterized by the ultra-high strength and excellent durability, so it has widely application prospects in the fields of oil, nuclear power, municipal works, marine engineering and military facilities. This paper will focus on the flexural properties of RPC after high temperature. To do this, 300 specimens with the size of 40×40×160mm were tested after exposure to 20~900℃. The effect of the fiber type and dosage change on the spalling of RPC is investigated through high-temperature test. By bending experiments, the degradation of RPC flexural strength with heating temperature, fiber type and fiber content are studied. The results indicate that, with the increase of steel fiber and polypropylene fiber dosage, RPC spalling probability reduces significantly. The flexural strength decreases with increasing temperature, and the incorporation of steel fibers exhibits positive impact on flexural strength, but the polypropylene fibers exhibit adverse effect. Formulas are proposed to express the decay of the flexural strength with increasing temperature, and the results are compared with normal strength concrete (NSC) and high strength concrete (HSC).

Keywords

reactive powder concrete (RPC); high temperature; flexural strength; spalling; steel fiber; polypropylene fiber

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

491-498

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

ZHIHAI HE, JINGYU CHANG, CHUANG LIU, SHIGUI DU, MAN HUANG, DENG CHEN


Abstract

The effect of rice husk ash (RHA) without processing content on compressive strengths of concrete with different strength grades was studied experimentally at 28 days. The size effect of specimen on compressive strengths was also analyzed and discussed. The results indicate that RHA without processing reduces the cubic compressive strengths of concrete, the brittleness coefficient and the size effect of strengths. With the increase of RHA content, the reduction effect is more and more obvious. There exists a good linear relationship between the brittleness coefficient and the size effect of strengths of concrete. Based on the brittleness coefficients, the size effect law is proposed, which can well predict the size effect of cubic compressive strengths of concrete. RHA without processing increases the volume fractions of porosity and high-density calcium silicate hydrates, but reduces the volume fractions of calcium hydroxide.

Keywords

concrete, rice husk ash without processing, cubic compressive strength, size effect, brittleness

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

499-506

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

A.R.KRISHNARAJA, S.KANDASAMY, M.KOWSALYA


Abstract

In this study the mechanical performance of hybrid engineered cementitious composite using polymeric fibers and glass fibers are investigated. Nine different mixes are used in this study, in which three mixes with mono fiber and the remaining mixes are developed with hybrid fiber reinforcement. The hybridation with low and high modulus fibers are engaged to increase the mechanical performance of the engineered cementitious composite. This process has a notable achievement in the direct tensile strength and young’s modulus of the ECC mix. The outcome revealed that, poly vinyl alcohol of volume fraction 0.65% and glass of volume fraction 1.35% displayed significant and reasonable characteristics than the other mixes.

Keywords

ECC, Polymeric fibers, glass fiber, mechanical properties, micro structural studies

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

507-513

Domains

COMPOSITES AND NANOCOMPOSITES

Full Paper

MERT TERZI


Abstract

Sensitive determination of the particle size distribution is an important procedure in terms of efficiency as well as affordability in mining operations which includes many stages such as blasting and mineral processing. Digital image processing methods used in mineral processing discipline found different application areas due to providing accurate data in relatively short time. In this study, the particle size distribution analysis of the samples taken from privately owned aggregate processing plants using sieve analysis and digital image processing methods were conducted and accordingly a comparison of these methods in terms of the applicability on industrial scale were realized. In this context, a pilot setup was assembled for the laboratory and plant scale image processing analysis purposes. Particle size distribution measurements of the samples were conducted by digital image processing method using this pilot setup and conventional sieve analysis methods. As a result, d20, d50 and d80 sizes of a crushed stone plant product were determined with confidence levels of 94.75%, 88.45% and 80.00%, respectively. The obtained results showed that a system based on digital image processing method can be applied in particle size analysis with high success as alternatives to conventional methods.

Keywords

aggregate, particle size distribution, digital image processing

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

514-521

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper

RADU MIHALACHE, MIHAELA RALUCA CONDRUZ, IONUȚ SEBASTIAN VINTILĂ, VALERIU VILAG, VIRGIL STANCIU


Abstract

Integration of advanced composite materials with polymeric matrix in aerospace domain (turbomachinery, aircraft structures, spacecraft, satellites) is an area of interest for many researchers, large integrators and manufacturers.

Polymeric composite materials can be defined as heterogeneous materials, obtained by associating, in a directed order, different components, one of them being a polymer.

In this paper the first technological stage in the development of a centrifugal compressor rotor is presented, starting from optimizing an existing version of the rotor considering the autoclave technology, developing the new rotor design, mould design and manufacturing and one blade manufacturing trials using advanced composites precursors - prepregs.

Three composite material precursors were evaluated and HexPlyM49/ 42%/200T2X2/CHS-3K was selected as final material to manufacture the compressor rotor. This decision was based on results obtaind by finite element analysis and experimental analysis. It consists in an epoxy resin reinforced with 3K high strength carbon fibers (3K-CHS), twill 2x2 fabric.

It was concluded that an entire rotor blade can be obtained using the technological process presented and advanced composite materials, however the autoclave technology will be used to manufacture the final compressor rotor.

Keywords

centrifugal rotor, composites, composite rotor, composite blade

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

522-528

Domains

COMPOSITES AND NANOCOMPOSITES

Full Paper

D. ELAVARASI, K.SARAVANA RAJA MOHAN


Abstract

Several research works have been executed to examine the performance of slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete (SIFCON) under static and impact loading. But limited works have been done on the strength and durability characteristics of SIFCON made with binary blends of supplementary cementitious materials. The experimental investigation was carried out to study the strength and durability characteristics of slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete with partial substitution by fly ash (10, 15, 20, 25 & 30% as replacement of cement. SIFCON matrix containing a constant fibres content (10%) and water/binder = 0.4 were used throughout the entire investigations. The test results revealed that the incorporation of a blended cement with fly ash in SIFCON decreases the mechanical properties and improves the durability thus indicates the sorption coefficient decreases compared to control specimen. Regression model has been developed from the experimental results for estimating the compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and water permeability of SIFCON made with the binary cementitious blend of fly ash. The predicted values were satisfied with the experimental results.

Keywords

Fly ash, SIFCON, Toughness, Ductility factor, Stiffness, Permeability, Sorption coefficient, Acid resistance

Year

2018

Issue

48 (4)

Pages

529-538

Domains

BINDERS AND CONCRETE

Full Paper