Mineral Additives Research Articles

A sustainable approach to power cathodic prevention system: cement-based electrolytes with conductive and mineral additives for battery applications

A sustainable approach to power cathodic prevention system: cement-based electrolytes with conductive and mineral additives for battery applications

Suitability of rocks, minerals, and cement waste for CO2 removal via enhanced rock weathering

Mineral and rock additions to the environment have been proposed as a pathway to remove atmospheric CO2. This process occurs when hydrated minerals or rocks increase alkalinity, promoting the formation of bicarbonate. In this study, we evaluate the potential of commonly used hydrated rock and mineral powders to enhance alkalinity and react with both atmospheric and concentrated CO2. Silicate minerals and rocks exhibit minimal reactivity with atmospheric CO2 and provide moderate alkalinity enhancement. Volcanic rocks like basalt were shown to release CO2. Ground cement and Mg(OH)2, refined from CO2-free ultramafic rock, significantly increase alkalinity and mineralize both atmospheric and concentrated CO2. However, the effectiveness of cement waste is limit by its variable CaO content and potential heavy metal contributions. Overall, Mg(OH)2, derived from silicates, offers a promising pathway for the removal and storage of CO2.

Temperature tactics: Targeting acetate or methane production in autotrophic H2/CO2 conversion with mixed cultures

Ex situ biomethanation is a promising technology that combines the concepts of Power-to-X and carbon capture and utilization (CCU) by employing microorganisms to convert hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into biomethane (CH4). Mesophilic (37°C) and thermophilic (50°C) ex situ biomethanation processes in continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs), were evaluated for the first time under a high continuous H2/CO2 supply. Each process was evaluated with and without the addition of minerals and vitamins. In all thermophilic reactors, methanogenesis was favored, achieving stable methane yields of 110 ± 8 %. Additionally, the addition of minerals resulted in a 67 % increase in H2 consumption rates. In contrast, mesophilic reactors showed low CH4 yields (7.5 %) and acetogenesis as the dominant pathway, with acetate concentrations reaching up to 7.6 ± 2 g L−1. The effect of free acetic acid (FAA), a rarely considered concept based on the correlation between pH and acetic acid concentration, was also tested on thermophilic ex situ CSTRs. A clear negative correlation was demonstrated between FAA concentration and the CH4 productivity, with a 50 % inhibition of CH4 productivity at 0.062 g L−1 of FAA.

Durability enhancement in self-compacting sand concrete using mineral additives

Purpose The study aimed to explore the effects of mineral admixtures – especially limestone filler (LF), brick powder (BP) and ceramic powder (CP) – on the performance of self-compacting sand concrete (SCSC). It studies their effect on mechanical properties and mass loss when exposed to acidic solutions (H2SO4 5% and HCl 5%) over periods of 28, 90 and 180 days. The study seeks to develop SCSC technology by taking advantage of locally available sand resources. Design/methodology/approach Using an experimental design, the study explores different formulation parameters, including the use of silty sand (AS) and dune sand (DS) in fixed proportions, where AS constitutes 70% and DS 30% of the total sand content. The superplasticizer ratio (SP) and water-to-binder ratio (W/B) are constant with varying amounts of mineral additives. The study immerses SCSC samples in acidic solutions (5% H2SO4 and 5% HCl) for 28, 90, and 180 days to evaluate mass loss and mechanical properties. This endeavor to advance such concrete technology is motivated by the desire to incorporate sand concrete into the realm of self-compacting concrete technology while also harnessing the advantages of locally available sand resources, particularly dune sand, which is abundant in the southern regions of Algeria. Findings SCSC results with mineral additives showed enhanced resistance in both tensile and compression tests, indicating improved durability compared to the reference sample without additives. However, excessive proportions of BP (>60%) or CP led to exceptions in this trend An exception to this trend was observed when BP was added in proportions exceeding 60% or when CP, indicating potential limitations in some additive formulations. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into improving the performance and durability of SCSC through the strategic incorporation of mineral admixtures, contributing to advances in self-compacting concrete technology. Originality/value 1 – Valorization of local materials and recycling of waste: DS, LF, BP and CP, which are available in great quantities in the south of Algeria; 2 – Combination, at the same time, of alluvial sand and dune sand as aggregate and LF, BP and CP as filler. 3 – Application of the design of experiments method methodology for the optimization of these elements of the new sand concrete studied. The new building material elaborated present indeed a technical, economic and environmental interest.

Research on the early age mechanical properties of concrete based on hydration kinetics

Abstract. In the era of advanced construction techniques, the enhancement and regulation of the functionality of concrete, a widely utilized construction material, has gained significant prominence. The study delves into the exploration of the properties and heat reaction behavior during hydration of various composite cementitious materials with the incorporation of three distinct mineral additives: microspheres, cellulose, and early strength shrinkage reducing agent for early strength enhancement. Analyzing the impact of cement hydration reactions on the early-age performance of concrete, the Krstulovic-Dabic hydration kinetics model was utilized to simulate and study the hydration process of the composite cementitious system in concrete. The findings reveal that the introduction of microspheres and cellulose hinders the advancement of early-age strength in concrete, whereas the utilization of an early strength shrinkage reducing agent proves to be beneficial in enhancing early-age strength. Enhancing the hydration reaction rate is observed with the addition of early strength shrinkage reducing agent, whereas the presence of microspheres and cellulose slows down this process. The rate of hydration reaction accelerates, resulting in a greater early-age strength of the concrete.

Investigating the repair of cracks through bacterial self-healing for sustainable concrete in aggressive sulfate attack environments

Concrete completely submerged in sulfate solutions has been used as the primary study subject for the durability of concrete subjected to sulfates. On the other hand, empirical data from the field indicates that concrete exposed to sulfates may exhibit physical attack-induced surface scaling above. This study aims to study the two different types of local bacteria, (BS) and (BM), with content of 0%, 0.25%, 1%, 2.50%, and 5.00% by cement weight used in this work under curing in sulfate to examine the efficiency of bacterial self-healing of cracks for sustainable concrete in aggressive sulfate attack environments. The results show that in both curing in freshwater, FW, and sulfate, SUL, the optimum bacteria ratio was 2.5% BM, and the compressive strength improved by 43.34% for FW and 47.65% for sulfate. On the other hand, the results proved that the crack-filling and crack-repairing methods may be considered quicker than conventional methods. Moreover, a detailed conclusion about the preparation and processing of bacteria to provide the most significant content of locally accessible bacteria in Egypt, mainly when using chemical and mineral additives.

Pharmacognostical Study and Analytical Standardization of <i>Bhringaraja Taila</i>: An <i>Ayurvedic</i> Oleaginous Medicine

Background: Bhringaraja Taila is an Ayurvedic classical formulation. The formulation is indicated as keshaya. The present study is structured around validating the fact of preparing the formulation with and without the addition of mineral (Gairika). Aim: The objectives of this study were to prepare and analyze Bhringaraja Taila. Method: After performing the murchanna samsakara, a specified amount of Drava, Kalka and Sneha dravyas were taken and subjected to moderate heating till the watery portion evaporated Bhringraja Taila prepared with and without Gairika. Results: The refractive index of Bhringraja Taila with and without the addition of Gairika was found to be decreased in both samples. The specific gravity and saponification values of both samples were found to be within the limit but slightly increased in the sample prepared with the addition of Gairika. The iodine value of both samples was found to be less than the limit. A decreased iodine value signifies less tendency toward rancidity. The acid value of both samples was found to be within the limit but more in the sample prepared with the addition of Gairika. The peroxide value of the sample prepared with the addition of Gairika was higher than the sample prepared without Gairika. Higher peroxide value indication of rancidity. The pH of the sample prepared with the addition of Gairika was found to be acidic and the sample prepared without the addition of Gairika was found to be basic. Conclusion: Thus considering the above fact it can be concluded that the formulation was prepared without mineral (Gairika) can be more stable but the therapeutic efficacy between the two formulation cannot be confirmed until and unless there is clinical validation.

Recycling and optimum utilization of CRT glass as building materials: An application of low CO2 based circular economy for sustainable construction

The construction industry is the major contributor of CO2 emission around the globe. The rapid advances in the electronics industry have transformed the disposal of cathode ray tube glass waste (CRT-WG) into a prominent environmental concern. Recycling of CRT glasses as building materials can help in the production of sustainable construction. Numerous previous studies have documented that CRT-WG can be utilized either as a component of fine aggregate or binder material as it provides a cleaner solution and reduce carbon emission. Under this cleaner production and low CO2 emission perspective, this paper provides a thorough review of the previous studies on the utilization of CRT glass as a partially and fully substitute of sand and cementitious material in mortar production and propose an application of CO2 based circular economy model for reduce carbon emissions. This paper summarized the fresh, mechanical and durability properties of mortar incorporating treated and un-treated CRT-WG with different mineral additives and w/b ratios. Furthermore, this research explores the optimal proportions of CRT glass that can be use as replacements for sand and cement powder to make eco-friendly and sustainable low carbon mortar suitable for both structural and non-structural applications. More particularly, this review emphasizes the benefits, the need for additional research, and the drawbacks of CRT-WG use in construction building. Overall, this study proposes that incorporating CRT glass into building materials through a low CO2 based circular economy offers significant potential advantages. This study will help in optimization of CRT glass in concrete mix design in combination with waste materials for sustainable construction.

An investigation of palm oil fuel ash and limestone powder for use in sustainable high strength concrete construction

This study deals with the production of concrete with low CO2 emissions. For this reason, two materials, namely palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and limestone powder (LP), were used as mineral additions to replace conventional cement as much as possible. The results showed that concrete containing 60 wt% POFA could achieve the high strength requirements of ACI 363R from an age of 28 days. At a replacement level of 70 wt% of admixtures, the use of 10 wt% LP + 60 wt% POFA was a good mixture as it had the highest concrete compressive strength, had a minor effect on shrinkage strain and reduced heat generation by approximately 50% compared to cement concrete. Additionally, the use of POFA and LP is a good choice to produce environmentally friendly concrete, which can reduce the CO2 emissions of concrete by about 44–62% compared to cement concrete at similar strength.

Biostimulation of a novel native Bacillus strain capable of degrading gasoline

The contamination of soil with hydrocarbons is a significant ecological issue worldwide, posing a threat to the ecosystem. Therefore, it is crucial to develop environmentally friendly and effective techniques to eliminate pollutants using biological agents. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate bacteria capable of degrading gasoline. Soil samples contaminated with gasoline were collected and diluted up to 10-10. Pure cultures were obtained by streaking dilutions of 10-7, 10-6, and 10-5 on nutrient agar. These pure cultures were then inoculated on a selective medium (Bushnell Haas minerals agar). The isolates were characterized based on their growth patterns using morphological characteristics, optical density measurement, and biochemical tests. As a result, five gasoline-degrading bacteria were identified as B. mojavensis and B. licheniformis. Two biodegradation experiments were conducted using low and high concentrations of gasoline (0.01/10 and 0.001/10 mL, respectively) over a period of 14 days. Furthermore, the bacterial strains were stimulated by adding nitrogen and phosphorus to evaluate their efficiency in degrading gasoline. The results showed that B. mojavensis has the potential to degrade gasoline more effectively than the other isolate. Additionally, the addition of nitrogen minerals enhanced the ability of this isolate to degrade gasoline. Conversely, the performance of B. licheniformis in degrading gasoline was improved with the addition of nitrogen and phosphorus. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Gram-positive bacteria in gasoline degradation and highlights the potential of the genus B. mojavensis for in situ remediation of gasoline-contaminated soils.

Seaweed waste in eco-friendly construction materials: Valorization of Sargassum ash as a mineral addition in fiber cements

Many coastal regions have recently faced significant challenges due to the excessive accumulation of sargassum. This genus of brown marine algae generates greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide during decomposition, as well as toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. The substantial influx of these algae on shores brings far-reaching impacts on the environment, climate, health, and the economy. One way to mitigate these impacts is by using this biomass for energy production and applying the resulting ash as an alternative material in the construction industry. As such, this study aims to analyze the feasibility of sargassum ash as a replacement for limestone in fiber cement. This not only offers an environmentally responsible solution for its disposal, but also adds economic value to a material commonly seen as a waste. Several analyses were conducted on the physical and mechanical properties of fiber cement with varying percentages of limestone replaced by sargassum ash (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 %), as well as its durability and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The fiber cement with 100 % sargassum ash exhibited a 74 % increase in specific energy compared to the fiber cement without the ash after accelerated aging. This mix design also presented better environmental performance in 15 of the 18 impact categories. The results demonstrate that ash holds potential as an alternative material in fiber cement manufacturing.

A Review of the Utilization of Recycled Powder from Concrete Waste as a Cement Partial Replacement in Cement-Based Materials: Fundamental Properties and Activation Methods

Recycled powder (RP) is the primary by-product generated during the reclamation process of construction and demolition waste (CDW). There is existing literature on the use of RP as supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) in cement-based materials, but a comprehensive evaluation on the characteristics of RP generated from concrete waste has been missing until now. This paper critically reviews the use of RP from concrete waste in cement-based materials, as concrete waste makes up a significant amount of CDW and other components have designated recycling methods. In this sense, this study conducted a critical analysis on the use of RP as an SCM, using detailed literature research. The technology used for producing RP is detailed along with its chemical, mineralogy, and microstructural characteristics. Fresh-state properties in cementitious matrices with RP are introduced with the view of mechanical grinding, thermal activation, carbonation, chemical treatment, biomineralization, mineral addition, nano activation, and carbonation. The review highlights the significant potential of utilizing RP in cement-based materials. Specifically, RP can be advantageously utilized in the production of value-added construction materials.

Effect of mineral additives and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria additions on physicochemical properties, nitrogen retention and microbial dynamics during vermicomposting of chicken manure and green waste

Vermicomposting is an effective technology to transform organic wastes into organic fertilizers. However, a large amount of nitrogen will be lost through ammonia (NH3) volatilization during verimicomposting. Herein, we investigated the effects of mineral additives (diatomite, zeolite) and exogenous ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) (Nitrosomonas europaea, Nitrosospira multiformis) added individually or combinedly on the physicochemical changes, the conversion of nitrogen, and the resident microbial community succession during chicken manure and green waste co-vermicomposting. The results showed that the combined addition of AOB and mineral additives significantly improved vermicompost quality and maturity in terms of humus, carbon/nitrogen ratio, humic acid/fulvic acid ratio and germination index. Compared with the control, jointly adding AOB and mineral additives reduced NH3 emissions by 65.72∼71.05 %, accelerated the conversion of NH4+-N to NO3−-N, increased total nitrogen content by 23.22∼25.21 %. The combination of AOB and mineral additives significantly increased the activities of ammonia monooxygenase, hydroxylamine oxidase, and nitrate oxidoreductase, and enhanced the amount of AOB community. Additionally, the combined addition of AOB and mineral additives increased bacterial richness and diversity, accompanied by increased relative abundances of Luteimonas, Cellvibrio, Saccharimonadales, and Pseudomonas. These microbial shifts were correlated with enhanced lignocellulose degradation, organic phosphate mineralization, and promotion of plant growth. Moreover, vermiompost-based growing media with mineral additives and AOB can significantly promote the growth of purple cabbage as compared to the vermicompost without additives. Overall, the synergistic use of AOB and mineral additives (diatomite, zeolite) was recommended as a favorable approach for reducing nitrogen losses and improving the efficiency of chicken manure and green waste vermicomposting. This study offers a novel approach to mediate nitrogen transformation processes and reduce nitrogen loss.

Effect of Human Milk Fortifiers, Medium-chain Triglyceride Oil, Minerals, and Vitamin Supplements on the Osmolality of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk

Aim: We aimed to study the changes in osmolality of pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) after the addition of four human milk fortifiers (HMFs), medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, minerals, and vitamin supplements commonly used in neonates. Methods: The osmolality of 25 ml of PDHM was measured after the addition of 1 g each of HMF and 0.5 ml of MCT oil separately with a calibrated osmometer. The osmolality of 5 ml of PDHM was measured after the addition of minerals and vitamin supplements in therapeutic doses separately. All these measurements were carried out at 10 min, 30 min, and 2 h by a technician who was blinded to the fortifiers, minerals, and vitamin supplements used. Results: The osmolality of PDHM was 256 mOsm/kg (range = 256–259 mOsm/kg), which increased with all four HMFs tested, but remained below 450 mOsm/kg as recommended by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Proprietary fortifiers increased the osmolality of PDHM to a maximum of 429 mOsm/kg (range = 306–429 mOsm/kg). However, there was no change in the osmolality with MCT oil. A maximum increase in osmolality was observed with the addition of calcium phosphate syrup to PDHM (1181 mOsm/kg). The addition of multivitamins and Vitamin D3 in therapeutic doses increased osmolality (range = 552–753 mOsm/kg) beyond the safety limits of ESPGHAN recommendation. Conclusions: HMFs increased the osmolality of PDHM but were within the safety limits of ESPGHAN recommendation. MCT oil did not affect the osmolality of PDHM. Minerals and vitamin supplements added in therapeutic dosages significantly increased the osmolality of PDHM. Minerals and vitamin supplements need to be appropriately diluted to keep osmolality below 450 mOsm/kg to ensure safety. Future research should focus on manufacturing fortifiers and supplements with low osmolality to ensure safety.

THE IMPACT OF INTERNAL HYDROPHOBIZATION ON THE PROPERTIES OF THE CEMENT-BASED MATERIALS WITH MINERAL ADDITIVES

The paper presents results regarding the possibility and effectiveness of carrying out the internal hydrophobization in cementbased materials with mineral additives such as granulated blast furnace slag, silica dust and silica fly ash. The obtained results indicate that effective internal hydrophobization by using triethoxyoctylsilane is achievable and provides protection against water by decreasing the capillary absorption of water in the material. However, it also affects the hydration process of the binder, which results in a reduction in the compressive strength of the material.

Ultrafine GGBS and Fly Ash as Cement Replacement for Sustainable Concrete

The construction industry is one of the major contributors to environmental degradation. Hence, it requires eco-friendly practices to make concrete more sustainable. This can be achieved by addition of mineral admixtures as a cement replacement. This process helps the environment in two ways: by reducing the carbon dioxide emission through cement replacement and by utilizing mineral admixtures such as fly ash, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), metakaolin, rice husk ash and silica fume, which are all industrial wastes or by-products. Hence, this approach lowers the greenhouse effect and global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and prevents environmental contamination by utilizing industrial wastes. This experimental study aims to find the perfect combination of mineral admixtures such as fly ash and ultrafine GGBS to maximize cement replacement in concrete without compromising its mechanical properties and achieving a more sustainable concrete for day-to-day practice. For this study, the fly ash percentage was maintained at 20% for all trials, with the ultrafine GGBS percentage varying from 15% to 30%. Keywords: Sustainable Concrete; Ultrafine GGBS; Fly ash; Mineral Admixture.

INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF MINERAL ADMIXED AUTOCLAVED FOAM CONCRETE

In this study, the aim was to develop a non-combustible, economical, and entirely domestically sourced and technology-based autoclaved foam concrete thermal insulation material. In autoclaved foam concrete (AFC) with a density of 300 kg/m3, which meets thermal insulation material standards, the density, capillary water absorption coefficient, compressive and flexural strengths, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, thermal conductivity, and the mineralogical properties of hydration products based on XRD of some silica-based mineral additives (fly ash, amorphous silica, and metakaolin) substituted at different ratios (5%, 10%, and 15%) for cement were investigated. Autoclaving improved the physico-mechanical properties of mineral-added foam concrete. Among the mineral additives, the highest strength values were obtained in the foam concrete with 5% metakaolin, while the lowest thermal conductivity and capillary water absorption values were obtained in the foam concrete with 5% fly ash. The study concluded that autoclaving is highly effective in producing a sustainable thermal insulation material in foam concrete.

Designing calcium-fortified milk for improving stability and calcium bioaccessibility by solid dispersion emulsification

Approximately 70 % of the calcium intake in the adult diet worldwide is derived from dairy products. However, insoluble calcium salts, which are usually added directly during dairy production, have poor suspension stability and are prone to precipitation. The current study aimed to address the constraints of conventional production methods by utilizing solid dispersion emulsification technology to inhibit the aggregation of calcium salts. Calcium-fortified milk samples with different calcium content were prepared and compared with the commercial calcium-fortified milk, and their physicochemical, microstructural, and digestive properties were characterized. The results of this study demonstrated that all the prepared calcium-fortified milk samples exhibited a particle size of approximately 270 nm and a zeta-potential of approximately −40 mV. The calcium-fortified milk, which has been produced using solid dispersed emulsion technology, has been found to have 1.8 times more physical stability than commercial milk. Microstructural studies showed that aggregation of milk with more than 225 mg/100 mL calcium content occurred. During in-vitro digestion, it was found that the increasing calcium loading did not impact protein digestion without the creation of new fragments in the calcium-fortified milk. Calcium bioaccessibility was enhanced by approximately 50 % in comparison with the commercial product. While the release of free fatty acids was found to decrease with increasing calcium content. This study facilitates the development and utilization of calcium-fortified and low-fat foods and provides a new idea for the addition of milk minerals in dairy products.

Hydration kinetics of C3A: effect of lithium, copper and sulfur-based mineralizers

AbstractCalcium aluminate phases have a particular effect on the early heat release during setting initiation and have a substantial influence on the further workability of ordinary Portland cement. The nature of the calcium aluminate hydration products and its kinetics strongly depends on sulfate content and humidity. The effect of mineralisers on melt formation and viscosity is well described for calcium silicate systems, but information is still lacking for calcium aluminates. Therefore, the synergistic effect on the crystal structure and hydration mechanism of the tricalcium aluminate phase of the addition of mineralizers, i.e. Li2O, CuO, SO3 to the raw meal is here investigated. Co-doped calcium aluminate structures were formed during high-temperature treatment. Thermal analysis (TG–DTA and heating microscopy) was used to describe the ongoing high-temperature reaction. Resulting phase composition was dependent on the concentration of the mineralizer. While phase pure system was prepared with low mineralizer concentrations, with increasing mineralizer content the secondary phases were formed. Raman spectroscopy and XPS analysis were used to investigate the cation substitution and to help describe the cations bonding in co-doped calcium aluminate system. Prepared powders have been hydrated in a controlled manner at different temperatures (288, 298, 308 K). The resulting calorimetric data have been used to investigate the hydration kinetics and determine the rate constant of hydration reaction. First-order reaction (FOR) model was here applied for the activation energy and frequency factor calculations. The metastable and stable calcium aluminate hydrates were formed according to initial phase composition. In phase pure systems with low S content, the formation of stable and metastable hydrates was depended on the reaction temperature. Conversely, in systems with secondary phases and higher S content, the hydration mechanism resembled that which appears in calcium sulfoaluminates.

Effects of mineral additions on the rheology of self-compacting concrete: a review

The rheological study of concrete is crucial for the construction sector because of its influences on the casting process and hardened properties. This is even more important when designing and producing self-compacting concrete (SCC). By controlling yield stress and plastic viscosity, it is possible to predict and optimise the flowability of SCC. Understanding the rheological behaviour of SCC is a major step in achieving adequate flow behaviour to fill the formwork without any sign of segregation or blockage and hence yielding satisfactory performance of hardened concrete. This paper provides a critical and detailed review on rheological properties of SCC based on studies published in recent years. The rheological models for characterising the flow behaviour of fresh concrete are briefly assessed. The influence of water to cementitious materials ratio on SCC properties is also discussed. A comprehensive review on the influence of fine additions (i.e. fly ash, ground blast furnace slag, silica fume, metakaolin and limestone powder) on SCC rheology has also been presented in this review.