Amount Of MgO Research Articles

The Influence of Fiber Dispersion on the Properties of MgO Concrete and Engineering Applications.

Adding expansion agents to compensate for concrete shrinkage is a common crack resistance technique, but excessive expansion can also increase the porosity of concrete and reduce its strength. The addition of fibers can reduce expansion and improve the compactness of concrete. However, too little fiber will not be effective in inhibition, while too much fiber will cause aggregation. In this study, steel fiber and MgO expansive agent were used at the same time, and the effect of fiber on the mechanical properties of MgO concrete was studied. The results showed that the appropriate amount of MgO (8%) could compensate for the shrinkage of concrete and slightly improve the strength of concrete. When the content reached 10%, MgO produced excessive expansion under free conditions, which reduced the strength of the concrete. After using MgO and steel fiber at the same time, steel fiber could restrain the expansion of MgO, improve the compactness of concrete, produce a "super superposition" benefit, and increase the strength of concrete by 20%. In addition, the reinforcing effect of steel fiber on MgO was closely related to its distribution. In the composite system, steel fiber not only played a "bridge role" but also needed steel fiber to effectively restrain the expansion of MgO and produce self-stress. Only when the steel fibers were evenly distributed could reliable bonding be ensured between the fibers and the matrix, and at this time, the fibers could restrain the expansion of MgO. Considering the uniformity of steel fiber distribution and construction cost, adding 8% MgO and 1% steel fiber has the maximum benefit.

Remote sensing analysis and geodynamic setting of magmatic spessartine-almandine-bearing leucogranites, Um Addebaa area, southeastern Desert, Egypt: Bulk rock and mineral chemistry

This study aims to incorporate optical multispectral remote sensing, petrography, geochemical, and field investigations in producing mapping and surface abundance of garnet mineralization within Um Addebaa area, southeastern Desert of Egypt. Datasets of Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS, ASTER and Sentinel-2A (S2A) were handled and scaled enhanced to discriminate the units of lithologic rock and garnet mineralization. The spectral mapping techniques of constrained energy minimization (CEM) and matched filtering (MF) are used to detect the garnet-rich zones which confined to the leucogranites masses. These granites are spessartine-almandine-rich, certainly along the interaction with the ophiolitic mélange. Notably, they have high total alkalis, SiO2, and Al2O3, Rb, 104Ga/Al, Y, Zr, Pb, Rb/Sr, Al2O3/TiO2, and FeO/MgO, and strong Ti, Sr, and Ba depletion as well as low CaO/Na2O ratio (<0.3). These geochemical parameters reflecting calc-alkaline, and strongly peraluminous magma of S-type. They are derived by two episodes of partial melting clay-rich metapelite crustal rocks followed by extreme Fe-Ti oxides and feldspar fractionation. These leucogranites formed within extension tectonic regime during post-collisional episode, resulting raising of asthenosphere and partial melting of the crustal metasedimentary rocks. Garnet occurs as, aggregates and/or vein like-shape, subhedral to rounded grains, homogenous and rarely reveal weak zonation. It’s cracked and free of inclusions. It contains appreciated concentrations of FeO and MnO and minor amounts of CaO and MgO, dominantly spessartine-almandine end-member (Alm52-59Sps 31-36 Grs 8-12 Prp0.5-0.8 Adr0). Garnet chemical composition reflect it is magmatic origin with MnO- FeO-rich magma that is produced from in situ nucleation from strongly peraluminous magmas during post- collision setting.

Biodeterioration of chrome-tanned leather and its prevention strategies

Preventing biodeterioration of chrome-tanned leather due to mold growth during storage is critical in the leather industry. In this paper, Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and characteristic components analysis were used to analyze the biodeterioration process and mechanism of the chrome-tanned leather. Feasible strategies to improve the biodeterioration prevention effect were explored in detail from the aspect of tanning-basification processes and the selection of fungicides. The results showed that molds grow and reproduce by using the available proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the chrome-tanned leather as nutrient resources, metabolizing and secreting alkaline substances such as histamine and spermine, and proteases, simultaneously. The macromolecular organic matter was hydrolyzed into small molecular substances and provided nutrients for microorganisms, meanwhile, the increase of environmental pH caused the dechroming of tanned collagen fiber, accelerating the degradation of collagen fiber, making tanned leather more easily destroyed. Furthermore, the use of a proper amount of MgO for basification was not likely to cause a continuous increase in the pH of the chrome-tanned leather during storage, and the pH of the leather eventually stabilized at about 4.0 during long-term storage. Additionally, the use of 100 mg/L of fungicides MIT, CMIT, IPBC and OIT can effectively kill molds and continuously inhibit the development of mold spores during the storage procedure, which is an effective way to solve biodeterioration of chrome-tanned leather. Hence, this study provides theoretical support for effectively solving the problem of biodegradation of chrome-tanned leather caused by mold growth and reproduction, which could reduce the hazard to the environment while reducing the production cost of tanneries and improving the economic benefits.

Highly porous Ni/MgO-ZrO2 catalysts for dry reforming of methane and the effects of MgO addition on the mechanisms

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a promising pathway to convert greenhouse gas into syngas. However, the commonly used Ni based catalysts suffer deactivation due to severe sintering and coking. In this paper, a series of porous Ni/MgO-ZrO2 catalysts (5Ni/xM(1-x)Z, x = 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 wt%, respectively) with high specific surface area were synthesized by a facile combustion method followed by incipient impregnation. It is found that the appropriate amount of MgO (40 %) addition in ZrO2 favors high porosity and high specific area. More MgO enhances the basicity of the catalyst as well as the metal-support interaction (MSI) by the formation of NiO-MgO solid solution, thus improving DRM activity and coking resistance. However, excessive MgO addition leads to over-strong MSI and lower porosity, resulting in lower DRM activity. The catalyst with 40 % MgO addition (5Ni/40M60Z) exhibits the best activity (conversions of CH4 ∼ 76 %, CO2 ∼ 83 %) and stability (>50 h) at high GHSV = 96000 ml/gcat·h and 750 °C. in situ DRIFTS reveals the mechanism that MgO addition improves DRM activity and stability. Compared with ZrO2 where CO2 adsorbs as monodentate carbonate, CO2 tends to adsorb on 40 %MgO-60 %ZrO2 as bidentate carbonate and then easily transfer to more stable intermediate bidentate formate, thus improving DRM activity and coking resistance. This study provides new insights on the role of Mg addition in Ni/MgO-ZrO2 DRM catalysts.

Mineral composition and trace element characteristics of pegmatites from Smilovene, Sredna Gora Mountain, Bulgaria

The study is focused on the Smilovene pegmatites, targeting estimation of their rare element potential. These bodies bring rare-metal mineralization with LCT geochemical signature and mineral association of albite, oligoclase, microcline, quartz, muscovite, beryl, garnet, fluorapatite, zircon, columbite, samarskite-(Y), monazite-(Ce), magnetite, and gahnite. Late chlorite, prehnite, titanite, and bertrandite were established. Beryl is characteristic with high amounts of FeO, Na2O, MgO, ZnO, F, and traces of Cs, and Li. Spessartine-almandiness is enriched in Y2O3, TiO2, ZnO, P2O5, REE, Li, Ge, Ga with typical inclusions of apatite, monazite-(Ce), zircon, magnetite, gahnite, ilmenite, uraninite, and Nb-bearing phases. Significant contents of HfO2, UO2, REE2O3, ThO2, and traces of Y, Sc, Ta, Zn, Nb, Be, Li and inclusions of uraninite and cheralite are common in zircon. Minor amounts of Cl, MnO, Y2O3, and REE2O3 attribute to fluorapatite. Except the dominant Ce2O3 in monazite-(Ce), La2O3, ThO2, and Gd2O3 are established. The presence of rare-metal mineralization in the Smilovene pegmatites confirms their potential as a critical/strategic elements concentrator, feasible for further exploration and possible exploitation.

A multi-proxy approach to explore paleoenvironmental oscillations and chronostratigraphy of Thanetian carbonates in Eastern Tethys, Pakistan

This study is the first to incorporate geochemical analyses alongside traditional micropaleontological and sedimentological methods to redefine the chronostratigraphy, paleoenvironmental history and regional correlation of the Late Paleocene Lockhart Limestone from four distinct sections covering the entire Upper Indus Basin. Based on the age diagnostic foraminiferal species, we report SBZ3 to SBZ4 (Thanetian age) for the Lockhart Limestone in contrast to previous studies restricting it to SBZ3. The interpretation of eight distinct microfacies reveals a progressively shallowing upward sequence, indicating a dynamic depositional environment with varying energy levels and water depths ranging from inner, middle, to outer ramp settings. Mineralogically, the formation is predominantly composed of calcite, with quartz being the next significant component. Geochemical analyses, specifically the major oxide results, highlight that CaO is the primary constituent, while notable amounts of SiO2, Fe2O3, Al2O3, and MgO are present. The low proportions of SiO2 and Al2O3, combined with their negative correlation with CaO, and high Mg/Ca ratio suggest limited siliciclastic input during the precipitation of limestone that supports the shallow marine depositional environment inferred from the facies analysis. Trace elemental ratios, indicating predominantly oxic conditions, also align with the well-oxygenated waters of a shallow marine setting. Paleosalinity and paleotemperature indicators suggest normal marine and moderate paleotemperature conditions for limestone facies, with lagoonal conditions for shale facies, which is consistent with the interpreted shallow marine environment. The low Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content indicates the presence of type-III and IV organic matter, derived from recycling or continental sources, suggesting limited organic matter preservation in the depositional setting. The clay mineralogy suggests mainly humid conditions with occasional warm climates and alternating humid and arid periods. The deposition of the marine facies of Lockhart Limestone marks the transgression of the Eastern Tethys following a regressive episode that deposited the continental facies of the Hangu Formation, influenced by evolving paleoclimate and geomorphology under Paleo-Tethys tectonism.

Comparative study of corrosion behaviors of SS310 stainless steel in NaCl-KCl-MgCl2 and NaCl-KCl-CaCl2 molten salts

Concentrated solar power plants using chloride molten salt as heat transfer fluids imply high corrosion risks. The corrosion behaviour of SS310 stainless steel in NaCl-KCl-MgCl2 and NaCl-KCl-CaCl2 molten salts was comparatively studied. MgCl2 exhibits remarkably higher hygroscopicity than CaCl2, inducing a significant difference in the concentration of HCl that directly results in the matrix corrosion. The hydrolysis of MgCl2 produces large amounts of MgO that destroys Cr2O3 film and produce less-protective MgCr2O4. Correspondingly, a heterogeneous oxide bilayer is formed in NaCl-KCl-MgCl2. In NaCl-KCl-CaCl2, a lamellar oxide layer composed of primarily Ni(Fe,Cr)2O4 can effectively block the corrosive species H2O and HCl.

Nuanced synthesis strategies and comprehensive analysis of intricate multifarious luminescent phosphor hosts

AbstractThis paper primarily addresses various methodologies for synthesizing novel phosphors, with our focus mainly on the mixed alkaline tungstate phosphor Ca2MgWO6. In the initial synthesis phase, we used precisely weighed CaCO3, MgO, and WO3 for the synthesis. The XRD patterns indicated the presence of an impure phase, specifically CaWO4, in the resulting product. We adeptly tackled the formation of CaWO4 and mitigated it by employing a multifaceted approach. These included adding an excess amount of MgO, opting for an alternative chemical route, and the incorporation of flux during synthesis. It was observed that the product obtained through the addition of flux exhibited a purity level of approximately 99.75% with a margin of error of ± 0.02%. Ultimately, we have carried out structural, morphological, optical, and thermal characterizations, along with density functional theory (DFT) simulations, to assess the fundamental parameters of the pure sample.

Genesis of the Longfengchang polymetallic sulfide deposit in the southwest Fujian depression, southeast China, with a comparative study of the “Makeng-Type” iron deposit

The Southwest Fujian Depression Belt is a prominent metallogenic zone for skarn-type iron polymetallic deposits in China, with the Longfengchang (LFC) sulfur polymetallic deposit representing a medium-scale, sulfide-dominated deposit in this region. This study conducted a detailed analysis of the LFC deposit, focusing on its mineralogy, mineral composition, and in-situ sulfur isotopes, alongside a comparative study with the “Makeng-type” deposit. The study aims to elucidate the genesis of the LFC deposit, its relationship with the “Makeng-type” deposit, and the factors underlying differences in dominant economic minerals and resource scale. The LFC deposit is hosted within the skarn above the fault contact zone between the Lindi Formation sandstone and the Chuanshan–Qixia Formation carbonate, with mineralization stages classified as skarn-magnetite, quartz-sulfide, and carbonate. LFC garnets are primarily composed of CaO, TFeO, and SiO2, with minor Al2O3 and trace amounts of MgO and MnO, classifying them as distal exoskarn andradite. The presence of Mn3+ substituting for Fe3+ in garnet suggests that the ore-forming fluid during the garnet skarn stage was likely oxidizing and weakly acidic. LFC pyrites exhibit Co/Ni ratios primarily ranging from 1 to 10, decreasing from Py1 to Py3. In-situ sulfur isotope δ34S values range from −1.48 to 3.51 ‰, centering around 0 ‰, and increase from Py1 to Py3, suggesting a magmatic-hydrothermal origin and a cooling metallogenic process. Thus, the LFC deposit is classified as a magmatic-hydrothermal skarn-type deposit, consistent with the genesis of “Makeng-type” deposits. The absence of the Jinshe Formation, and mantle-derived magma contribution, and less developed “Si-Ca” interface may explain the smaller scale and different mineralization type in the LFC deposit compared to the “Makeng-type” deposit. The key prospecting area for large iron-sulfur polymetallic deposits in the Southwest Fujian Depression Belt should feature a nappe structural window, well-preserved Jinshe Formation, developed “Si-Ca” interface, Yanshanian high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic intrusions, and coeval mantle-derived magma.

The effect of carbonate assimilation and nanoheterogeneities on the viscosity of phonotephritic melt from Vesuvius

Interaction between magma and carbonate plays a pivotal role in volcanic systems, yet its impact on magma transport properties remains inadequately explored. This study presents novel viscosity data on a leucite-bearing phonotephritic melt from the 472 CE Pollena eruption (Vesuvius, Italy), doped with varying amounts of CaO and CaO + MgO. The compositions match the chemistry of melt inclusions and interstitial glasses from skarns at Vesuvius, which have been interpreted as related to mixing of magma with different amounts of CaO and MgO derived from the host carbonates (limestone and dolostone). Viscosity measurements were conducted at both high (1150–1400 °C) and low temperatures (640–760 °C) by concentric cylinder viscometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and micropenetration methods. Through an integrated approach which combines Brillouin and Raman spectroscopy with the aforementioned techniques, we accurately predict the viscosity changes induced by magma‑carbonate interaction and identify the formation of nanoheterogeneities during low-temperature viscosity measurements. Notably, viscosity models from the literature fail to accurately reproduce our experimental data set at both high and low temperature. In the high-temperature regime, the addition of CaO induces a remarkable viscosity decrease, surpassing that produced by CaO + MgO addition. Furthermore, our findings reveal a significant viscosity/temperature crossover resulting from the addition of CaO and CaO + MgO to the melt phase. Undoped melt exhibits a higher viscosity compared to doped melts above 750 °C, with an inverse trend observed below this temperature threshold. Such rheological constraints may affect the mobility and mixing capability of melts exposed to different levels of carbonate assimilation.

Properties of Red-Mud-Modified Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement.

This study aimed to decipher the influence of red mud on the mechanical properties, pore structure, and microstructure of basic magnesium sulfate cements (BMSCs). The results showed that BMSC prepared with an appropriate addition of red mud exhibited improved mechanical properties and yielded the highest compressive strength of 94.54 MPa after curing for 28 days. Adding red mud reduced the total porosity and optimized the pore structure of BMSC. The microstructure and hydration products of the specimens were examined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The results illustrate that the addition of 50% red mud did not affect the amount of the main strength phase 5-1-7 produced in BMSC. It could also reduce the residual amount of MgO and the generation of Mg(OH)2. The red mud and the M-S-H gel generated by the reaction between active SiO2 and α-MgO in the red mud together filled the pore structure of BMSC, making its microstructure denser and higher-strength. This study aims to improve the comprehensive use of red mud, and the results show that red mud can improve the mechanical properties of BMSCs, protecting the environment and simultaneously reducing BMSC production costs to create good economic benefits.

MINERALOGIA, GEOQUÍMICA, FERTILIDADE E ORIGEM DOS SEDIMENTOS DE PRAIA (BARRA EM PONTAL) DAS BACIAS DOS RIOS PURUS E JURUÁ NOS TERRENOS DO ESTADO DO ACRE

The Acre state is in the southwestern part of the Brazilian Amazon region with an area of 164.123.738 km2 and a low population density (5.52 inhabitants/km2 for 2021). The geological context is mainly related to recent units that outcrop at the Acre basin and associated with the Solimões Formation, besides old alluvial terraces that follow main drainages. The Solimões Formation comprises fossil-bearing clayey siltstones intercalated to fine sandstones. The old alluvial terraces are composed by sand, silt, clay, and occasionally fossil fragments. The area of the Acre state is crossed by two main hydrographic basins: The Purus and Juruá rivers in the eastern and western part, respectively. Both rivers are the so-called “white-water rivers”. They exhibit a typical dendritic drainage pattern and are extremely meandering what give rise to lakes formed after abandoned meanders. During dry season, several beaches (point bars) are exposed on river‘s meanders, frequently used for swimming but also playing a very important role in the small-scale agriculture. These beaches are also used for planting corn (Zea-Mays) and beans (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp). The main purpose of this work is to investigate the mineralogical and geochemical aspects of those beach sediments to understand their high fertility and to identify their primary source. Fourteen stations were selected for sampling purposes throughout the river valley close to BR-364 highway. Laboratory analyses were carried out as follow: grain sizes, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy of heavy minerals concentrates; sediment whole chemistry (major and traces elements analyses including rare-earth elements) by means of ICP-MS; macronutrients (P, Mg, Ca, and K) besides available Na and Al and organic matter. The river sediments are mainly fine-grained, angular sub-angular and selected moderately. Mineralogical assemblage is represented by quartz, clay minerals (smectite, illite and kaolinite) and feldspars (K-feldspars and albite). The heavy minerals contents ranged from 0.5 to 4.6% and are mainly represented by zircon, epidote, kyanite, tourmaline, garnet, rutile, apatite, staurolite, ilmenite and hematite. Chemical results shown that the sediments are mainly composed by SiO2, besides minor amounts of Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, CaO and MgO, what is compatible with mineralogical composition. High SiO2 contents are mainly related to quartz and Al2O3 contents reflects the presence of clay minerals. Contents for alkaline and alkali-earths are relatively high for such beach environment related to feldspars and smectites. P2O5 is related to apatite and can also be adsorbed on smectite. Fe2O3 contents are mainly associated to smectite and a minor amount to ilmenite and hematite, the most common opaque minerals found in the beach sediments. Strong correlation coefficients were observed between Al2O3 and most major and trace elements, except for Zr, Hf, Ni and As. On the other hand, strong negative correlation was obtained between SiO2 and major and trace elements what points to the importance of smectites as scavenger of trace elements in such environment. The chemical results were compared with the mean of the Upper Crust and post-Archean Australian Shales (PAAS) and show that they are impoverished in MgO, CaO, Na2O and K2O in comparison with the former and MgO, in comparison with the latter. Such impoverishment is higher in samples enriched on sand fraction. The same comparison was carried out with the Chinese Changliang and Huanghe river sediments, showing impoverishment in CaO and MgO in comparison with the Changjiang River and MgO, CaO, Na2O and Sr, in comparison with the Huanghe River. The small value obtained for the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) shows that these sediments have experienced small degree of chemical weathering and consequently, physical weathering has prevailed in the source area. The beach sediments also exhibit high immature index as evidenced by the following very low rations: SiO2 / Al2O3 (11,64) and K2O/ Na2O (2,08). Rare-earth elements were normalized to the Upper Crust and to the PAAS patterns. They show similar patterns of LREE depletion and HREE enrichment. On the other hand, normalized to the chondrites present enrichment in LREE and horizontalization of the HREE, with similar standards of distribution between each other, presenting typical Eu negative anomalies of granitic and intermediary nature rocks. Analytical results for macronutrients exhibited high concentrations for P, Mg, Ca and K, and low contents of available Na and Al. Organic matter contents in below 1%. The sediments show high cation exchange capacity, base saturation over 70% and low Na and Al saturation. Accordingly, those sediments can be interpreted as representing a redistribution of the recent Miocene sediments (Solimões Formation) and the own sediments that were deposited in old alluviums. Chemical and mineralogical characteristics with a silty granulometry indicate that beach sediments are like the eutrophic cambisols.

Effect of SiO2 content in magnesia flux pellets on softening-melting and dripping behavior of comprehensive burden structure

High-proportion pellet smelting is the current development direction of blast furnace burden structures in China. And that is an inevitable trend for the future steel industry to achieve pollution reduction and carbon reduction. This study focuses on the mixed burden of magnesia flux pellets with different SiO2 contents, sinter, and lump ore. The influence of SiO2 content on the softening-melting behavior of comprehensive burden and the high-temperature interaction between magnesia flux pellets and sinter were studied through droplet experiments and visual experiments. The results show that with increasing SiO2 content, the T10 of magnesia flux pellets gradually decreases, while the T10 of the comprehensive burden shows no significant change. The TS of both shows a gradually decreasing trend with increasing SiO2 content. However, due to the good matching of the melting range between sinter and magnesia flux pellets in the comprehensive burden, the trend of TS change in the comprehensive burden is relatively slow. The air permeability of the comprehensive burden has significantly improved compared with the single magnesia flux pellets; The interaction between magnesia flux pellets and sinter occurs through the liquid phase. The fayalite phase in the pellets reacts with the main high melting point substance Ca2SiO4 in the sinter to generate a new low melting point kirschsteinite. With the increase of SiO2 content, the content of kirschsteinite in the comprehensive burden increases. That is also the reason for the decrease in TS of the high silicon comprehensive burden; With the increase of SiO2 content, the maximum pressure difference and characteristic values of magnesia flux pellets and comprehensive burden gradually increase. When the SiO2 content exceeds 6%, the maximum pressure difference and characteristic value of a single pellet sharply increase, while the trend of the maximum pressure difference and characteristic value change of comprehensive burden is relatively gentle. Its characteristic values are below 980 kPa·°C. At this time, the air permeability of the comprehensive burden is significantly improved compared to the single magnesia flux pellets. In the case of SiO2 content exceeding 6%, the addition of a sinter can effectively address the soft melting performance of high-silica magnesia flux pellets and enhance column air permeability. In addition, the high drop temperature of the high-silica comprehensive burden is due to the presence of a large amount of MgO in the magnesia wustite during the later stage of reduction, which increases the melting point. And the MgO content in the slag is relatively low. That causes a sharp increase in slag viscosity and makes it difficult to separate the slag from iron.

Leaching of magnesium potassium phosphate cement pastes under alkaline conditions

Some legacy radioactive waste containing aluminum (Al) metal need to be stabilized and solidified before their final disposal. Currently, Portland cement (PC) is extensively used for conditioning low- or intermediate-level radioactive waste. However, the high alkalinity of PC leads to strong corrosion of Al metal, which is associated with significant dihydrogen release. Therefore, it is important to investigate alternative binders that show better chemical compatibility with Al metal. Magnesium potassium phosphate cements (MKPCs), comprising equimolar amounts of MgO and KH2PO4, are interesting candidates since their pore solution pH may fall within the passivation domain of Al metal. The understanding of their long-term durability, especially under alkaline conditions, is however incomplete. Hence, MKPC paste samples (with fly ash as a filler) were submitted to semi-dynamic leaching tests using an alkaline solution under well-controlled conditions. The leachates were analyzed over time using ICP-AES, and the leached solids were characterized by XRD, SEM/EDS, and 31P MAS-NMR spectroscopy. Leaching induced a decrease in the content of crystalline K-struvite (MgKPO4·6H2O), the main hydrate of the paste samples, as well as the precipitation of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA), brucite (Mg(OH)2) and possibly magnesium silicate hydrates, OH-LDH or PO4-LDH phases. The experimental data were then used as an input for numerical simulations using the reactive transport code HYTEC.

Effects of nanomagnesia and polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride on the dielectric breakdown properties of polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer blend

Thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) has garnered a significant attention in power cable insulation research because of its exceptional thermal tolerance and dielectric properties. Due to its poor impact strength at room temperature, PP has been blended with various elastomers, including ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), to improve the mechanical stiffness of the final material. This, however, comes with compromised dielectric properties of the material. Recently, the addition of nanofillers to polymers has demonstrated promising properties that can be tailored for various dielectric applications, provided that nanofiller and polymer interactions are appropriately formulated. Nevertheless, the effect of nanostructuration in PP/elastomer blends, especially from the perspective of dielectrics, have yet to be systematically explored. In the current work, magnesia (MgO) nanofiller is added to a model PP/EPDM blend system to determine the effect of MgO on the breakdown properties of PP/EPDM. The results show that adding 0.5 wt% of MgO to PP/EPDM reduces the AC and DC breakdown strengths by 7% and 16%, respectively. As the amount of MgO increases to 3 wt%, the AC and DC breakdown strength reduces further by 25% and 29%, respectively. Significantly, appropriate modification of the nanocomposites with polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) can result in 5% higher breakdown strength of the nanocomposites with respect to comparable nanocomposites without modification. The mechanisms surrounding these breakdown effects are discussed with the aid of materials structure interpretations. Overall, the results demonstrate that appropriate modification of nanocomposites with PP-g-MAH is crucial in tailoring breakdown properties of PP blend nanocomposites.

Preparation of transparent MgAlON ceramics with tunable compositions

MgAlON ceramics with excellent optical properties were synthesized using high-purity AlON and commercially available MgO powder. The effect of MgO amount on ceramic sintering was examined in terms of microstructural evolution and grain growth. Furthermore, the process of MgAlON phase formation through the reaction between AlON and MgO was studied. The results revealed that the addition of MgO significantly hindered the formation of α-Al2O3 and AlN phases at temperatures ranging from 1350 °C to 1600 °C, thereby facilitating the stabilization of the spinel-type phase. The optical transmittance and Vickers hardness of MgAlON were investigated through pressureless sintering followed by hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The resulting ceramics, with a MgO mass ratio of 10.0 wt%, exhibited an excellent in-line transmittance of ∼82.9 % at 0.6 μm and 87.7 % at 3.7 μm, and a remarkable Vickers hardness of approximately 13.65 ± 0.21 GPa.

Accelerated Carbonation of Steel Slag and Their Valorisation in Cement Products: A Review

Mineral carbonation emerges as a promising technology to tackle a contemporary challenge: climate change. This method entails the interaction of carbon dioxide with metal-oxide-bearing materials to produce solid carbonates resembling common substances (chalk, antacids, or baking soda). Given that steelmaking industries contribute to 8% of the global total emissions annually, the repurposing of their by-products holds the potential to mitigate CO2 production. Steel slag is a by-product of the metallurgical industry which is suitable for capturing CO2 due to its chemical composition, containing high CaO (24%–65%) and MgO (3%–20%) amounts, which increases the reactivity with the CO2. Moreover, the carbonation process can improve the hydraulic and mechanical properties of steel slag, making this by-product interesting to be reused in building materials. Different studies have developed in the last years addressing the possibilities of reducing the environmental impact of steel products, by CO2 sequestration. This study is dedicated to reviewing the basics of mineral carbonation applied to steel slag, along with recent advancements in research. Special emphasis is placed on identifying parameters that facilitate the reactions and exploring potential applications for the resulting products. The advantages and disadvantages of steel slag carbonation for the industrialization of the process are also discussed.

Effects of reactive MgO on durability and microstructure of cement-based materials: Considering carbonation and pH value

Reactive MgO is a type of eco-friendly material with a lower carbon footprint, as it is produced by calcination of magnesite (MgCO3) at 750 ℃, much less than that (i.e. 1450℃) needed for calcination of (CaCO3) to produce clinker for Portland cement. Carbonation can enhance the mechanical properties of reactive MgO-based cementitious materials but will lower the pH value, leading to the neutralization of cement-based materials and further deterioration in rebar passivation. In this study, varying amounts of reactive MgO (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were incorporated into mortars as cement replacements. By adjusting the duration of CO2 curing (i.e. carbonation curing) and standard curing, it was found that the curing regime involving 36 hours of carbonation curing plus 26.5 days of standard curing led to a higher pH and compressive strength of cement mortars. The pore size distribution was improved as the internal pores of the mortar were filled with carbonation products, which hindered the reaction between CO2 and alkaline hydration products inside specimens and was conducive to maintaining the alkalinity within the mortar. Therefore, the chloride ion penetration resistance and the mechanical properties of mortar were enhanced. SEM and EDS characterization results indicate that the excessive MgO did not fully participate in carbonation and continuously hydrated to generate Mg(OH)2. The expansion of Mg(OH)2 led to crack formation inside the mortar and reduced its strength, which accelerated CO2 diffusion and further reduced the pH value of reactive MgO-based cementitious materials.

Enhancing Rubber Vulcanization Cure Kinetics: Lowering Vulcanization Temperature by Addition of MgO as Co-Cure Activator in ZnO-Based Cure Activator Systems.

Vulcanization is a chemical modification of rubber that requires a considerable amount of thermal energy. To save thermal energy, the kinetics of rubber vulcanization should be improved. In this article, the curing properties of rubber vulcanization are thoroughly investigated using the moving die rheometer (MDR) technique. To enhance the kinetics in different stages of ZnO-based sulfur vulcanization systems, small amounts of MgO were added. The results revealed that the small amount of 1 to 2 phr (per hundred grams of rubber) of MgO in the controlled 5 phr ZnO-based curing systems can significantly improve the curing kinetics. For example, the optimum curing time of 1 phr MgO added to the 5 phr ZnO-containing semi-efficient vulcanization system at different temperatures was more than half that of the controlled 5 phr ZnO-only compound. While maintaining a similar rate of vulcanization, the vulcanization temperature can be reduced by up to 20 °C by using MgO as a co-cure activator, which exhibits similar or better rheometric mechanical properties compared to the controlled compounds. With the addition of MgO as a co-cure activator, the vulcanization reactions become very fast, enabling vulcanization to be completed, even at the boiling point of water (100 °C) with an affordable curing time (<1 h). By reducing the vulcanization temperature, the scorch safety time can be enhanced in the ZnO/MgO-based binary cure activator-containing vulcanizates. Overall, MgO could be a potential candidate as a co-cure activator with ZnO for the vulcanization of rubber, offering better economical and eco-friendly methods.

One-part sodium carbonate-activated slag/r-MgO based mixes: Influence of nano-silica incorporation on compressive strength and microstructural development

In this study, environment-friendly one-part alkali-activated slag-based mixes were prepared by using solid sodium carbonate as the alkali activator and incorporating reactive MgO (r-MgO) as the additive. Substitution of r-MgO in reference mixes was carried out at various levels, up to 15%, to enhance the reaction mechanism and strength development. The strength development was measured up to 56 days and analyzed microstructurally using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Additionally, the influence of incorporating nano-silica in the binary mixes on strength development and microstructure was investigated. It was observed that the reaction mechanism could be improved by incorporating a low amount of reactive MgO, leading to expedited setting time and significant increases at both early age and final compressive strength values. Nano-silica incorporation was found to be effective in improving compressive strength at all ages, resulting in the formation of a higher matrix phase as demonstrated by microstructure tests. The highest compressive strength was attained in the nano-silica and r-MgO incorporating ternary mixes, reaching 25.9 MPa on the 3rd day and 47.2 MPa on the 28th day after production. Furthermore, the environmental impacts of the produced mixes were assessed. This study highlights the feasibility of one-part sodium carbonate-activated slag-based materials, especially with r-MgO inclusion, and underscores the role of nano-silica incorporation in enhancing strength properties.