Application Of Cement Research Articles

Controllable fabrication of the luminescent photocatalytic material AgB/SMSO for application in cement: Optimization of doping strategies and all-weather degradation of pollutants

This paper presents an innovative luminescent photocatalytic material, Ag3PO4/BiVO4/Sr2MgSi2O7:(Eu2+, Dy3+) (AgB/SMSO), which overcomes a pivotal limitation of photocatalysts—dependence on a light source—and effectively remediates pollutants and augments cement-based composite properties. The efficient carrier separation facilitated by Ag3PO4, in conjunction with the broad spectral response of BiVO4, enables AgB/SMSO to harness the internal luminescent properties of SMSO as a persistent light source, achieving continuous degradation of pollutants, which reveals the exceptional afterglow characteristics and photocatalytic activity of AgB/SMSO. At a 1:1:40 ratio, AgB/SMSO maintained its catalytic efficacy for over 8 h in the dark (methylene blue degradation rate of 70.43%), surpassing the 3-hour limit of current luminescent photocatalysts. Furthermore, the impact of integrating AgB/SMSO with cement on early-stage cement hydration, morphology, and micromechanical properties was comprehensively assessed. Ultimately, the overall photocatalytic capability of the derived AgB/SMSO cement-based composites was evaluated through experiments, revealing the synergistic mechanisms involved. This study not only enriches the theoretical understanding of photocatalysis but also provides a robust technical foundation for the innovation of environmentally friendly building materials and the advancement of sustainable urban development.

LIMITED USE VERSUS TOTAL USE OF TOURNIQUET IN PRIMARY TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Background: Tourniquets are used during total knee arthroplasty for better surgical fields and improved cementation. The functional benefits of tourniquet application for limited periods compared with total duration applications during total knee joint arthroplasty (TKA) surgery have not been well explored. Aim of the study: To evaluate and compare the outcomes of limited use of a tourniquet (LT) for a shorter duration (just before cement application) with total use of a tourniquet (TT) for a longer duration (from skin incision to the completion of surgery). Patients and method: A sum of 100 patients who undertook primary total knee arthroplasty were involved in this study, they were allocated randomly into two groups according to whether a limited or total tourniquet was used during the surgery. Both groups underwent the same surgical procedures with a digital tourniquet applied to all patients using the same technique. Intraoperative and postoperative assessment of blood loss, knee functional society score (KSS), visual analogue score (VAS) for thigh pain and knee pain evaluation, surgical complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), wound infections and nerve injuries are the main factors evaluated in the study. Results: Patients with LT required more intraoperative blood transfusion compared with those with TT who required more blood transfusion postoperatively. There were no significant differences in KSS, VAS for thigh pain and knee pain evaluation, and surgical complications like DVT, wound infections and nerve injuries. Conclusion: Limited tourniquet application from starting of cementing is associated with a higher need for intraoperative blood transfusion, but the use of a TT throughout surgery is associated with a higher need for postoperative blood transfusion.

Application of high-slag cement for reducing CO₂ emissions in grid-form deep cement mixing walls

Application of high-slag cement for reducing CO₂ emissions in grid-form deep cement mixing walls

New applications of cement treated soil by CDM method

New applications of cement treated soil by CDM method

Investigation of mechanical properties and hydration of low-carbon magnesium and calcium-rich waste powder geopolymer paste

Magnesium and calcium-rich waste powder (MWP) has the potential to be a low-carbon geopolymer cementitious material. This study investigates the mechanical properties and hydration products of low-carbon magnesium and calcium-rich waste powder geopolymer paste (LMWP). The influences of alkali content, calcination temperature, mix proportions of raw materials and curing temperature on the compressive strength and hydration of LMWP were examined. The mechanical properties of LMWP were systematically evaluated by assessing setting time, fluidity, and compressive strength, while the pore structure was analyzed using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The hydration products and microstructures of LMWP were investigated by XRD, TG-DTG, and SEM-EDS. The results indicated that incorporating 1 % NaOH significantly enhanced the compressive strength of LMWP, whereas thermally activated MWP (800 ℃, 900 ℃) negatively affected compressive strength development. The addition of slag facilitated the reaction of MWP and improved the compressive strength of LMWP. When the slag incorporation reached 40 %, the specimen demonstrated optimal performance with a compressive strength of 27.8 MPa. The pore diameter was predominantly distributed around 10 nm, indicating well-structured porosity. Microstructural analysis revealed that the hydration products are dense calcium magnesium silicate gels (C-M-S-H), which significantly enhanced the compressive strength and optimized pore structure of LMWP. The efficiency of carbon emission reduction achieved by LMWP was evaluated. The findings indicate that, compared to traditional cement-based materials, LMWP reduces cement consumption by over 60 %, significantly decreasing CO2 emissions. This study innovatively utilizes MWP to prepare green and low-carbon geopolymer paste materials, with the aim of replacing cement applications in the construction industry, thereby reducing carbon emissions. It explores new avenues for the low-carbon and green development of the civil engineering sector and contributes to efforts in addressing the global climate crisis.

Application of Mirror Image 3D-Printing Technology Bone Cement in Treatment of Stage IIIb Necrosis of the Lunate Bone.

At present, conventional operations are weak for pain relief and restoring the carpal joint function in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the lunate bone. Mirror image 3-dimensional (3D)-printing technology has rarely been reported for the treatment of lunate bone necrosis, The use of mirror 3D-printed lunar bone replacement and bone cement technology in the treatment of stage IIIb lunar bone necrosis has been rarely reported in previous literature. Personalized customized 3D-printed prostheses have become an effective solution for solving many complex cases, and the flexible application of bone cement technology can also achieve satisfactory clinical results. The authors report 3 patients who underwent mirror printing of lunar bone prostheses based on healthy side lunar bone computed tomography data, 3D printing of lunar bone prostheses replacement through small incisions, and intraoperative selection of alternative bone cement technology based on actual conditions. Mirror image 3D printing relieved the pain and resulted in satisfactory functional recovery for stage IIIb lunate bone necrosis.

Study on the Compressive and Tensile Properties of Latex-Modified Cement Stone.

The integrity of wellbores is essential for the safe and efficient operation of drilling activities. Cement plays a critical role in this process, serving as a primary barrier that isolates the casing from the surrounding formation. To ensure the proper application of cement in wells, a thorough understanding of its mechanical properties is essential. Latex-modified cement stone (LMCS) offers significant advantages due to its anti-channeling, anti-corrosion, and mechanical characteristics. This study examined the mechanical properties of LMCS through uniaxial and triaxial compression and Brazilian splitting tests. Under uniaxial compression, the elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, and compressive strength of LMCS were found to range from 4.08 to 8.29 GPa, 0.05 to 0.46, and 15.82 to 22.21 MPa, respectively. In triaxial compression tests with confining pressures of 2 MPa, 4 MPa, 6 MPa, 8 MPa, and 10 MPa, the elastic modulus ranged from 4.48 to 6.87 GPa, Poisson's ratio from 0.05 to 0.16, and compressive strength from 27.38 to 39.58 MPa. The tensile strength of LMCS ranged from 2.34 to 3.72 MPa. Moreover, the compressive strength of LMCS increased with confining pressure, showing enhanced resistance to failure due to the confining effect. However, the rate of increase gradually diminished. Strength criteria for LMCS, including Mohr-Coulomb and Drucker-Prager parameters, were derived from the triaxial compression tests. These strength criteria parameters provide a useful reference for developing the constitutive model of LMCS and for simulating triaxial compression conditions. The findings of this research offer valuable insights that can guide the construction of oil and gas wells.

Impact of Substrate Material, Esthetic Material Thickness, and Cement on Color Reproduction in Implant-Supported Fixed Restorations.

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the impact of substrate material, esthetic material type and thickness, and cement shade on the final color reproduction of implant-supported fixed restorations. The goal was to identify optimal combinations for achieving clinically acceptable esthetic outcomes. Material and methods An in vitro study was conducted using four substrate materials, hybrid polyetherketoneketone (PEEK)-based ceramic-reinforced polymer (BioHPP), chromium-cobalt alloy (CrCo), grade 5 titanium (Ti), and white zirconium oxide ceramic (WZirCAD), and three esthetic materials, lithium disilicate ceramic (e.max CAD), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and zirconia oxide ceramic (e.max ZirCAD), at five different thicknesses (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mm). Color differences (ΔE*) were measured using a spectrophotometer, both with and without cement application. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Bonferroni correction to assess the effects of material combinations on color reproduction. Results The study found that a 1 mm thickness of e.max CAD on BioHPP and CrCo substrates provided the best color matching, with ΔE* values closest to clinical acceptability. PMMA showed higher ΔE* values, indicating lower color stability compared to e.max CAD and e.max ZirCAD. Cement shade had a near-significant influence on final color perception, particularly with e.max ZirCAD on CrCo substrates. Conclusions The study suggests that using e.max CAD at 1 mm thickness on BioHPP or CrCo substrates provides superior esthetic results, underscoring the need for careful material selection in clinical practice. Further in vivo research is recommended to validate these findings and explore long-term outcomes.

Application of Low-Temperature Ice Saline Bone Cement in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

Percutaneous vertebroplasty uses the traditional method of bone cement filler to inject bone cement, which solidifies easily. We have established a new method to delay the solidification of bone cement (low-temperature ice saline bone cement) and compared the advantages of the new method and the traditional method of injecting bone cement. Eighty-two patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture were divided into 2 groups by a retrospective study method: 40 patients in group A were treated with the traditional method and 42 patients in group B were treated with the new method. The leakage rate of bone cement, postoperative visual analog scale score, amount of bone cement in each vertebral body, operation time of bone cement, and number of bone cement fillers used were compared between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in the bone cement leakage rate, postoperative visual analog scale score, the amount of bone cement in each vertebral body, and the number of bone cement fillers used between the 2 groups; the operation time of bone cement in the 2 groups was statistically significant, and the operation time in group B was significantly longer than that in group A. Low-temperature ice saline water bone cement has significant advantages in multiple vertebral fractures, a relatively large amount of bone cement injected into each vertebral body, and a long operation time, which is more suitable for beginners.

[Artículo traducido] Consejos y trucos para el uso de cemento óseo en tornillos pediculares y en reemplazos de cuerpos vertebrales: una revisión de la literatura respaldada por dos informes de casos

BackgroundThe prevalence of osteoporosis is escalating alongside an aging global population, increasing the demand for spinal surgeries, including those necessitating cement augmentation for enhanced construct stability. ObjectiveThis article delves into the nuanced application of cement augmentation techniques for pedicle screws and vertebral body replacements (VBR), aimed at optimizing surgical outcomes in osteoporotic spines. MethodDrawing from a comprehensive literature review according to important clinical and biomechanical studies and the authors’ clinical experiences, we elucidate strategies to mitigate complications and improve surgical efficacy. ResultsCement augmentation has shown promise in managing vertebral fractures and in securing pedicle screws within osteoporotic vertebrae, with the advent of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement marking a pivotal advancement in spinal surgery. We highlight intraoperative measures like the choice between pre-injecting cement and utilizing cannulated or fenestrated screws, emphasizing the importance of controlling cement viscosity to prevent leakage and embolism. Through two case reports, we demonstrate the practical application of endplate cementation following VBR. ConclusionWhile the use of cement augmentation poses certain risks, its judicious application—supported by evidence-based guidelines and surgical expertise—can substantially enhance the stability of spinal constructs in osteoporotic patients. This allows a reduction in instrumentation length by enhancing biomechanical stability concerning pullout, bending, and rotational forces. Furthermore, the incidence of endplate sintering following VBF can be significantly reduced. Future research, particularly on antibiotic-loaded PMMA, may further expand its utility and optimize its safety profile.

Rapid CO2 catalytic activation of binary cementing system of CSA and Portland cement

This study presents a novel approach to activating a binary cementing system composed of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) using an instant CO2 catalysis. The activation led to significant and rapid strength enhancement, with the binary cement achieving a strength of 15.42 MPa immediately after activation, all within 1 min. The rapid CO2 activation catalyzed a notable heat release, accelerating the hydration of ye'elimite to form ettringite, which is a crucial component capable of bridging gaps and imparting high initial strength. Simultaneously, the CO2 activation catalyzed the increase in sulfur concentration, which in turn, also facilitated the formation of ettringite at an early age. Subsequent strength development was attributed to belite hydration. Apart from the rapid strength gain, employing CO2 activation facilitated control over the pH value of the pore solution, thus enabling the manipulation of ettringite's crystal morphology to strategically enhance the microstructure. Samples with lower pH values exhibited needle-like ettringite formations, whereas samples with higher pH values yielded rod-like and column-like ettringite crystal structures. Comprehensive analytical investigations were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, TGA, 27Al NMR, MIP, SEM, and ICP-OES. The present study provides a new perspective on the potential application of CSA-based cement, such as precast concrete element, instant concrete product delivery, and urgent reconstruction.

The effects of optimized microstructured surfaces on bond strength and durability of NPJ-printed zirconia

ObjectivesThis study was to investigate the effects of optimized microstructured surfaces on bond strength and bond durability of the latest nanoparticle jetting (NPJ)-printed zirconia. MethodsZirconia microstructured surfaces with different geometries and void volume were analyzed through three-dimensional finite element analysis for surface micromorphology optimization. Zirconia disks and cylinders were additively manufactured by an NPJ 3D printer (N = 128). They were randomly divided into four groups based on surface micromorphology optimization and airborne-particle abrasion (APA) treatment before they were bonded using 10-methacryloloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) containing resin cement (Clearfil SA luting cement). The shear bond strengths (SBSs) were tested before and after 10,000 thermocycles and were analyzed by one-way ANOVA analysis. Failure modes were determined by optical microscopy. Zirconia surfaces were analyzed with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and three-dimensional interference microscopy. ResultsThe optimized microstructured surface was characterized by circular microstructures with 60 % void volume, about 20 µm of depths, about 10 µm of undercuts, and consistent beam widths. The optimized microstructured surface combined with APA treatment and MDP-containing resin cement possessed the highest SBSs both before and after thermocycling aging (P＜0.05). The greater reductions of zirconia bond strengths occurred when the zirconia were not treated with APA (P＜0.05). SignificanceThe optimized microstructured zirconia surface with circular microstructures and 60 % void volume fabricated by the latest NPJ printing technology could greatly enhance the zirconia bond strength and durability in combination with APA treatment and application of MDP-containing resin cement, which might be promising for adhesively bonded indirect restorations of NPJ-printed zirconia.

The Effects of Metakaolin on the Properties of Magnesium Sulphoaluminate Cement.

Magnesium sulphoaluminate (MSA) cement has good bonding properties and is suitable as an inorganic adhesive for repairing materials in civil engineering. However, there are still some problems with its use, such as its insufficient 1 day (d) strength and poor volumetric stability. This paper aims to investigate the influences of metakaolin (MK) on the physical and mechanical properties of magnesium sulphoaluminate (MSA) cement. The hydration products and microstructures of typical MSA cement samples were also analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the addition of metakaolin reduces the fluidity and shortens the setting time of the MSA cement. The initial setting time and final setting time shortened maximally by 15-27 min and 25-48 min, respectively, with the addition of 10-30% metakaolin. Moreover, the compressive strength and flexural strength of the MSA cement improved significantly with the addition of 10-30% metakaolin at a curing age of 1 d. Compared with the compressive and flexural strengths of the control sample at 1 d, the compressive strengths of the modified samples showed obvious increases of 98%, 101%, and 109%, and the flexural strengths increased by 39%, 31%, and 26%, respectively, although they decreased slightly when the curing ages were 7 d, 14 d, and 28 d. The addition of 10% metakaolin improved the water resistance of the MSA cement immersed in water for 7 d and resulted in even higher water resistance at 28 d. The addition of 10-30% metakaolin improved the volumetric stability of the MSA cement with increasing dosages before 28 d of ageing. XRD and SEM-EDS analyses showed that the metakaolin accelerated the early hydration reaction and optimised the phase composition of the MSA cement. The results indicate that the addition of 10-20% metakaolin improved the strength after 1 d of ageing, water resistance, and volumetric stability of the MSA cement, providing theoretical support for the application of MAS cement as an inorganic bonding agent for repairing materials.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: Prevalence and Treatment Needs in 7- to 9-year-old Children of Lucknow City.

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is one of the most common developmental disturbances that dental practitioners encounter, which may influence the child's quality of life and can impact their future dental health. To determine prevalence and treatment needs of MIH in children of Lucknow. A total of 800 children aged 7 to 9 years were clinically screened for the presence of MIH. All demographic details were filled in by the examiner in communication with the parents, and examination was performed using the Würzburg MIH concept. The overall prevalence of MIH in the children examined was 5.12%. A higher prevalence was found in males (7%) than in females (3.25%). The distribution of MIH was higher in the mandibular arch than in the maxillary arch. Mandibular molars were the most affected teeth, followed by maxillary incisors, and the least affected teeth were maxillary molars. On the basis of severity, 55.14% of teeth with MIH had no breakdown or hypersensitivity followed by 30.14% of teeth with hypersensitivity but no breakdown, and 7.35% of teeth had both hypersensitivity and breakdown. Based on severity, in 39.70% of teeth, the intervention suggested was fluoridated toothpaste, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) remineralizing agent, and varnish application. This was followed by the application of sealants and low-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) in 38.97% of teeth, and in 7.35% of teeth, short- and long-term restorations, including stainless steel crown (SSC), were recommended. Prevalence of 5.12% was observed in children of Lucknow city. The characteristics of MIH defects were predictive of the treatment of the affected first permanent molars and incisors and can guide their management. Chowdhury AR, Singh N, Rathore M. Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: Prevalence and Treatment Needs in 7- to 9-year-old Children of Lucknow City. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):790-795.

The Influence of the Comonomer Ratio and Reaction Temperature on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of Lignin Oil-Sulfur Composites.

Although lignin is a plentiful biomass resource, it continually exists as an underutilized component of biomass material. Elemental sulfur is another abundant yet underutilized commodity produced as a by-product resulting from the refining of fossil fuels. The current study presents a strategy for preparing five durable composites via a simple one-pot synthesis involving the reaction of lignin oil and elemental sulfur. These lignin oil-sulfur composites LOSx@T (where x = wt. % sulfur, ranging from 80 to 90, and T represents the reaction temperature in °C) were prepared via the reaction of elemental sulfur and lignin oil (LO) with elemental sulfur. The resulting composites could be remelted and reshaped several times without the loss of mechanical strength. Mechanical, thermal, and morphological studies showed that LOSx@T possesses properties competitive with some mechanical properties of commercial building materials, exhibiting favorable compressive strengths (22.1-35.9 MPa) and flexural strengths (5.7-6.5 MPa) exceeding the values required for many construction applications of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and brick formulations. While varying the amount of organic material did not result in a notable difference in mechanical strength, increasing the reaction temperature from 230 to 300 °C resulted in a significant increase in compressive strength. The results reported herein reveal potential applications of both lignin and waste sulfur during the ongoing effort toward developing recyclable and sustainable building materials.

New Insights Into Application Relevant Properties of Cu2+-Doped Brushite Cements.

Doping of brushite cements with metal ions can entail many positive effects on biological and physicochemical properties. Cu2+ ions are known to exhibit antibacterial properties and can additionally have different positive effects on cells as trace elements, whereas high Cu2+ concentrations are cytotoxic. For therapeutical applications of bone cement, a combination of good biocompatibility and sufficient mechanical properties is required. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate different physicochemical and biological aspects, relevant for application, of a brushite cement with Cu2+-doped β-tricalcium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate monohydrate and phytic acid as setting retarder. Additionally, the ion release was compared with a cement with citric acid as setting retarder. The investigated cements showed good injectability coefficients, as well as compressive strength values sufficient for application. Furthermore, no antibacterial effects were detected irrespective of the Cu2+ concentration or the bacterial strain. The cell experiments with eluate samples showed that the viability of MC3T3-E1 cells tended to decrease with increasing Cu2+ concentration in the cement. It is suggested that these biological responses are caused by the difference in the Cu2+ release from the hardened cement depending on the solvent medium. Furthermore, the cements showed a steady release of Cu2+ ions to a lesser extent in comparison with a cement with citric acid as setting retarder, where a burst release of Cu2+ was observed. In conclusion, despite the anticipated antibacterial effect of Cu2+-doped cements was lacking and mammalian cell viability was slightly affected, Cu2+-concentrations maintained the physicochemical properties as well as the compressive strength of cements and the slow ion release from cements produced with phytic acid is considered advantageous compared to citric acid-based formulations.

Improving the hydraulic and mechanical properties of a degraded paleustult: Potential of combined application of poutry manure and Portland cement

Improving the hydraulic and mechanical properties of a degraded paleustult: Potential of combined application of poutry manure and Portland cement

Application of antibiotic bone cement combined with lobulated perforator flap based on descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery in treatment of infected traumatic tissue defects of foot

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness of antibiotic bone cement combined with the lobulated perforator flap based on the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (d-LCFA) in the treatment of infected traumatic tissue defects in the foot, in accordance with the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) concept.MethodsFrom December 2019 to November 2022, 10 patients with infected traumatic tissue defects of the foot were treated with antibiotic bone cement combined with the d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap. The cohort comprised 6 males and 4 females, aged 21 to 67 years. Initial infection control was achieved through debridement and coverage with antibiotic bone cement, requiring one debridement in nine cases and two debridements in one case. Following infection control, the tissue defects were reconstructed utilizing the d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap, with the donor site closed primarily. The flap area ranged from 12 cm×6 cm to 31 cm×7 cm. Postoperative follow-up included evaluation of flap survival, donor site healing, and ambulatory function of the foot.ResultsThe follow-up period ranged from 7 to 24 months, averaging 14 months. Infection control was achieved successfully in all cases. The flaps exhibited excellent survival rates and the donor site healed by first intention. Based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, pain and function were evaluated as excellent in 3 cases, good in 5 cases, and moderate in 2 cases.ConclusionThe application of antibiotic bone cement combined with the d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap is an effective treatment for infected traumatic tissue defects of the foot with the advantages of simplicity, high repeatability, and precise curative effects. The application of the d-LCFA lobulated perforator flap in wound repair causes minimal damage to the donor site, shortens hospital stays, lowers medical expenses, and accelerates patient rehabilitation, aligning with the ERAS concept. Therefore, it is a practice worth promoting in clinical use.

Effect of different surface treatments and adhesive cementation on the surface topography and flexural strength of translucent and ultra-translucent monolithic zirconia.

To evaluate the effect of different surface treatments and adhesive cementation on the miniflexural strength (MFS) of monolithic zirconia. Two-hundred and forty (240) sintered bars of translucent zirconia (ZT) and ultra-translucent zirconia (ZUT) were obtained (8 mm ×2 mm ×1mm). The bars were divided into 16 groups (n = 15) according to the factors "Zirconia" (ZT and ZUT), "Cementation" (Cem) and "surface treatment" (Ctrl:Control, Al:Aluminum oxide/Al2O3 50 µm, Si:Silica/SiO2 coated alumina particles oxide 30 µm, Gl:Glazing+hydrofluoric acid). Half of the bars received an adhesive layer application, followed by application of resin cement and light curing. The surface roughness was measured in non-cemented groups. All the bars were subjected to the MFS test (1.0mm/min; 100 kgf). Scanning electron microscopy was used for qualitative analyses. MFS data (MPa) and roughness (µm) were statistically evaluated by three-way and two-way ANOVA respectively and Tukey's test (5%). The surface treatment and the interaction were significant for roughness. Glazing promoted less roughness compared to silicatization. Regarding MFS, only the zirconia and surface treatment factors were significant. For ZT, the sandblasted groups had an increase in MFS and glazing reduced it. There was no difference between the groups without cementation for the ZUT; however, ZUT.Si/Cem, and ZUT.Al/Cem obtained superior MFS among the cemented groups. Sandblasting increases the flexural strength for ZT, while glaze application tends to reduce it. Applying resin cement increases the flexural strength of ZUT when associated with sandblasting. Sandblasting protocols promote greater surface roughness.

Enhancing self-healing properties of engineered cementitious composites through the application of super-sulfated cement

To date, no prior research has addressed the self-healing performance of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) prepared with super-sulfated cement (SSC), despite its potential to reduce carbon emissions compared to Portland cement (OPC). This paper addresses this significant research gap in the literature by exploring the influence of SSC on the recovery ability of pre-cracked ECC samples. In addition to the mechanical characterization at the sound state, an exhaustive investigation was undertaken to comprehensively assess the self-healing ability of flexural strengths, deflections, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and rapid chloride permeability (RCPT) of preloaded SSC-based ECCs. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) was employed to evaluate the microstructural changes and development of self-healing products within the microcracks of SSC mixtures prepared with various amounts of FA. The findings indicated that SSC-based ECC, while maintaining comparable mechanical and ductility properties, exhibited significant improvements in the recovery rates of ECC, reaching more than 27%, 7%, and 76% for flexural strength, UPV, and RCPT, respectively, compared to the OPC-based control ECC. The microstructural SEM-EDS results confirmed the enhanced precipitation of ettringite as a new self-healing product related to the inclusion of SSC in ECCs, along with the conventional C-S-H/C-A-S-H gels.