Application Of Innovative Materials Research Articles

Agriculture 4.0: Polymer Hydrogels as Delivery Agents of Active Ingredients.

The evolution from conventional to modern agricultural practices, characterized by Agriculture 4.0 principles such as the application of innovative materials, smart water, and nutrition management, addresses the present-day challenges of food supply. In this context, polymer hydrogels have become a promising material for enhancing agricultural productivity due to their ability to retain and then release water, which can help alleviate the need for frequent irrigation in dryland environments. Furthermore, the controlled release of fertilizers by the hydrogels decreases chemical overdosing risks and the environmental impact associated with the use of agrochemicals. The potential of polymer hydrogels in sustainable agriculture and farming and their impact on soil quality is revealed by their ability to deliver nutritional and protective active ingredients. Thus, the impact of hydrogels on plant growth, development, and yield was discussed. The question of which hydrogels are more suitable for agriculture-natural or synthetic-is debatable, as both have their merits and drawbacks. An analysis of polymer hydrogel life cycles in terms of their initial material has shown the advantage of bio-based hydrogels, such as cellulose, lignin, starch, alginate, chitosan, and their derivatives and hybrids, aligning with sustainable practices and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.

Rehabilitation Of The Afsluitdijk

The ‘Afsluitdijk’ is a 32 km long dam, which divides the Wadden Sea from the Lake IJssel. The dam has been rehabilitated by increasing the crest level to reduce the wave overtopping and reinforce the armour layers on the seaward and lake side of the dam. The Dutch Ministry of infrastructure and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat division) commissioned Levvel, a consortium of BAM, Van Oord and Rebel, to carry out this renovation. Rijkswaterstaat encouraged contractors to offer innovative design solutions for the rehabilitation works as the dam is one of the icons in Dutch hydraulic engineering history. Levvel proposed two new armour materials to protect the dam against wave action and reduce the wave overtopping over the crest. A combination of Quattroblocks® a product of Holcim Coastal and Levvel-blocs, internationally known as Xblocplus® by BAM have both been introduced for the first time for the design of the dam. The application of innovative materials and/or techniques may incorporate uncertainties and because of the Afsluitdijk is one of the primary sea defenses preventing the Netherlands for flooding the contract included requirements for the Contractor to carry out physical model tests on the main failure mechanisms of the dam. Besides the contractual requirements, Levvel also used physical model tests to optimize the armour elements and the geometry of the dam. The verification of the design has been carried out with large scale 2D physical model tests in the Delta Flume of Deltares and small scale 2D model tests have been used to optimize design solutions.

Biochar as Alternative Material for Heavy Metal Adsorption from Groundwaters: Lab-Scale (Column) Experiment Review.

The purpose of this manuscript is to present a review of laboratory experiments (including methodology and results) that use biochar, a specific carbon obtained by a pyrolysis process from different feedstocks, as an alternative material for heavy metal adsorption from groundwater. In recent years, many studies have been conducted regarding the application of innovative materials to water decontamination to develop a more sustainable approach to remediation processes. The use of biochar for groundwater remediation has particularly attracted the interest of researchers because it permits the reuse of materials that would be otherwise disposed of, in accordance with circular economy, and reduces the generation of greenhouse gases if compared to the use of virgin materials. A review of the different approaches and results reported in the current literature could be useful because when applying remediation technologies at the field scale, a preliminary phase in which the suitability of the adsorbent is evaluated at the lab scale is often necessary. This paper is therefore organised with a short description of the involved metals and of the biochar production and composition. A comprehensive analysis of the current knowledge related to the use of biochar in groundwater remediation at the laboratory scale to obtain the characteristic parameters of the process that are necessary for the upscaling of the technology at the field scale is also presented. An overview of the results achieved using different experimental conditions, such as the chemical properties and dosage of biochar as well as heavy metal concentrations with their different values of pH, is reported. At the end, numerical studies useful for the interpretation of the experiment results are introduced.

Prospects for utilizing secondary resources in the construction of facilities for various purposes

The objective of this research is to explore potential opportunities for utilizing secondary resources in the road construction, and construction of agricultural facilities, considering the changes in their technical and consumer attributes over the lifespan of used materials and their ecological impact. This study examines the challenges associated with implementing innovative materials, such as fiber-reinforced concrete and low carbon materials in the road and agricultural industry. Taking into account generally accepted indicators for assessing the properties of materials, a method based on a separate analysis of regulatory and methodological support for the construction preparation process was applied. The main tool for influencing the design process is the formalization of requirements for preparing design documentation, which involves the use of innovative building materials. These requirements need to be consolidated in the form of an improved mechanism for introducing innovations, providing for the expansion of possible areas of application of innovative materials, taking into account their technical and cost characteristics. The article is recommended to a wide range of specialists in civil, agricultural and road construction, as well as environmental engineering.

A State-of-The-Art Technical Review on Seismic Resilience of Rcc Structural Components Using Seismic Resistance Based Retrofitting Techniques

Existing buildings can be at a greater seismic risk due to non-conformance to current design codes and may require structural retrofitting to improve building performance. The most recent example of that can be seen from the 2015 AD earthquake in Nepal and other sub continental regions, where numbers of buildings were destroyed with more fatal consequences have drawn the attention of the government authorities of Nepal and the general public for seismic earthquake resistance design of buildings. Following the post seismic assessment of building in Nepal after 2015 earthquake, it is revealed that the existing reinforced concrete buildings have some inadequacies in structural components and thus the intensive research and study is required to for the better understanding of the structure in terms of immediate consequences due to direct damage and way to recovery using seismic retrofit assessment.
 This paper presents an overview on performance based evaluation of retrofitted rcc structural member using some advanced retrofitting techniques which is innovative and can be cost effective retrofitting strategies demanding less skilled man power. It is concluded that better seismic resilience can be achieved with the help of innovative methods with the application of innovative materials like textile mortars and fibers. In the following sections a review of experimental flexural loading on beam is presented.

Recent Advances in Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Innovative Materials in Removal of Water Contaminants

Water is a scarce resource with a close and intricate nexus with energy [...].

Application of Innovative Materials and Methods in Green Buildings and Associated Occupational Exposure and Health of Construction Workers: A Systematic Literature Review

Application of Innovative Materials and Methods in Green Buildings and Associated Occupational Exposure and Health of Construction Workers: A Systematic Literature Review

Ponašanje valjkastih uzoraka betona ovijenih CFRP-om – laboratorijska studija

The research presented in this paper focuses on the application of innovative materials for the repair and strengthening of RC columns of buildings in seismically active regions. The analytical and laboratory research for defining the compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete cylinders confined with CFRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymers) was carried out at the Skopje-based Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology – IZIIS in order to present the possibilities and benefits of using these materials. Selected results from laboratory testing of built-in materials, and some analytical results from the designed CFRP-confined RC columns for quasi static tests, are presented in this paper.

Appraising efficacy of existing and advanced technologies for the remediation of beta-blockers from wastewater: A review.

The discharge of emerging pollutants, such as beta-blockers (BB), has been recognized as one of the major threats to the environment due to the ecotoxicity associated with these emerging pollutants. The BB are prescribed to treat high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases; however, even at lower concentration, these pollutants can pose eco-toxic impacts towards aquatic organisms. Additionally, owing to their recalcitrant nature, BB are not effectively removed through conventional technologies, such as activated sludge process, trickling filter and moving bed bioreactor; thus, it is essential to understand the degradation mechanism of BB in established as well as embryonic technologies, like adsorption, electro-oxidation, Fenton process, ultraviolet-based advance oxidation process, ozonation, membrane systems, wetlands and algal treatment. In this regard, this review articulates the recalcitrant nature of BB and their associated removal technologies. Moreover, the major advantages and limitations of these BB removal technologies along with the recent advancements with regard to the application of innovative materials and strategies have also been elucidated. Therefore, the present review intends to aid the researchers in improving the BB removal efficiency of these technologies, thus alleviating the problem of the release of BB into the environment.

Optimization of design solutions of protective structures of erections of nuclear power stations

The ideas of optimization of constructive solutions of protective erections of nuclear power stations are presented. A problem of such optimization for the securing of nuclear and radiation safety for different regime of nuclear power stations exploitation, including extreme action, is very topical at present time. Modern home and international achievements on the considered subjects are demonstrated and modern demands, analysis methods, and problems of design of erections of nuclear power stations that give an opportunity to assure their safety exploitation under collision of flying objects are given as well. The results confirm wide opportunities of improvement of the constructive solutions of protective shells of reactor sections of nuclear power stations with the application of innovative materials that give the prospects to economize the material resources considerably and to raise the reliability and safety of exploitation of erections of nuclear power stations simultaneously.

Construction of hierarchical nanocarrier via a “MOFs plus graphene” strategy for sustained release and rust-induced self-healing

The fact that conventional self-healing coating is susceptible to the leakage of self-healing agents and investigated so far to mostly cope with the corrosion resulted from the mechanical damage of coating as a function of complex internal/external stimuli motivates researchers to fucus on the application of innovative materials on the coating system. Herein, a gallic acid-loaded hierarchical nanocarrier (UiO-66-NH2@rGO) combined porous UiO-66-NH2 (Zr6O4(OH)4(bdc-NH2)6; bdc-NH2 = 2-amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) (UiO-Universitetet i Oslo) frameworks with reduce graphene oxide (rGO), and was engineered to assist the self-healing at defined target sites beneath the lossless coating. With the prominent stability, abundant encapsulation and straightforward sustained release, this hierarchical structure contributes to preventing leakage of guests suffered from the structure damage and simplify the response factor of self-healing effect. Besides, the self-healing on mild steel is induced by the formation of rust layer and firstly introduced for the inhibition of local coating delamination and corrosion activity – that is, an additional metal-phenolic passivating film deposited via the continuous etching and assembly with Fe (III) from rust layers. This work contributes to the focus of researchers on the frameworks or hierarchical material in the field of self-healing material and molecule delivery while also providing a novel strategy of target healing to the long-term corrosion inhibition of lossless coating.

Efficiency of investment projects to modernize facilities housing and communal services (case of Kazakhstan)

The article presents the results of evaluating the economic efficiency of four investment projects for the modernization of housing and communal services. To get the results presented, the authors have previously collected a large database of investment projects for the modernization of housing and utilities. The projects have been prepared for various regions and cities of Kazakhstan, on the basis of which business plans have been developed for more than 30 projects aimed at using innovative technologies in heating, electricity, water and other utilities provided to apartment buildings. The economic evaluation of investment projects was carried out in the framework of digitalization, construction of "smart homes", construction of new non-traditional sources of electricity, introduction of green economy in housing and utilities, expansion of solid waste disposal, application of innovative materials in the construction of residential buildings, use of mechanisms for financing investment projects through public-private partnership. "Catalog of industrial and innovative projects for the modernization of housing and communal services" and "Methods of economic evaluation of investment projects of housing and communal services" were published based on the research results. Individual results of scientific research carried out within the framework of the grant project are presented mainly in tables.

One-Shot Preparation of Polybasic Ternary Hybrid Cryogels Consisting of Halloysite Nanotubes and Tertiary Amine Functional Groups: An Efficient and Convenient Way by Freezing-Induced Gelation.

A convenient method for the preparation of polybasic ternary hybrid cryogels consisting of Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and tertiary amine functional groups by freezing-induced gelation is proposed. Ternary hybrid gels were produced via one-shot radical terpolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), and DEAEMA in the presence of HNTs. The equilibrium swelling in various swelling media and the mechanical properties of the produced ternary hybrid gels were analyzed to investigate their network structure and determine their final performance. The swelling ratio of HNT-free gels was significantly higher than the ternary hybrid gels composed of high amount of HNTs. The addition of HNTs to terpolymer network did not suppress pH- and temperature-sensitive behavior. While DEAEMA groups were effective for pH-sensitive swelling, it was determined that both HEMA and DEAEMA groups were effective in temperature-sensitive swelling. Ternary hybrid gels simultaneously demonstrated both negative and positive temperature-responsive swelling behavior. The swelling ratio changed considerably according to swelling temperature. Both DEAEMA and HEMA monomers in terpolymer structure were dominant in temperature-sensitive swelling. Mechanical tests in compression of both as-prepared and swollen-state demonstrated that strength and modulus of hybrid cryogels significantly increased with addition of HNTs without significant loss of mechanical strength. Ultimately, the results of the current system can benefit characterization with analysis tools for the application of innovative materials.

Low Lactic Acid-Producing Strain of Lachancea thermotolerans as a New Starter for Beer Production.

Growing consumer interest in new beer flavors is contributing to the application of innovative materials and non-Saccharomyces yeast in brewing. The goal of this study was to test the impact of the low lactic acid-producing Lachancea thermotolerans MN477031 strain on the process of fermenting beer wort, with two different concentrations of bitter compounds, and on the quality of the beer produced. Qualify factors were broadly analyzed, including ethanol content, apparent degree of fermentation, sugars, organic acids, free amino nitrogen, glycerol, volatile compounds, ions and so on. It was proven that the L. thermotolerans MN477031 strain demonstrated a high capacity for rapid initiation of wort fermentation, and a tolerance to hop-derived compounds. As a result, the alcohol content in beer from this method of production was approximately 20% lower, while the content of the real extract was significantly higher in comparison to commercial Safbrew T-58. This strain stands out from many strains of L. thermotolerans due to the low lactic acid production and only marginal influence on pH decrease compared to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Therefore, the potential of MN477031 in the production of different types of beer (not only sour) is very high. The composition of volatile compounds in L. thermotolerans beer differs—not only in terms of the use of the strain, but also in hop variety.

Application of innovative materials in the construction of oil and gas processing facilities

The article deals with the main aspects of construction of Bush sites in the difficult conditions of the far North. The main focus is on the effectiveness of the introduction of innovative technologies in the construction of road surfaces in such conditions with the use of nano-fiber concrete. A comparative calculation of the economic efficiency of using such technology with traditional ones is carried out.

Application of innovative materials with stochastic nano- and microstructure of the surface: control of turbulent flows in plasma and aerodynamics

It is proposed to control plasma turbulence near the LCMS of a tokamak with a system of electrodes made from porous tungsten. We propose to apply the RF modulation at the ion-cyclotron resonance frequency for driving of fluctuations near the LCMS. Porous tungsten plates used as biasing electrodes are the advantage to increase the emissivity of the porous surface and to reduce a surface erosion. To reduce the drag and thermal load on streamlined surfaces at supersonic and hypersonic speeds, it is proposed to cover the aircraft with materials of high porosity. The first experiments were carried by using model with fractal surfaces having non-Gaussian height statistics from ∼ 500 nanometers to ∼ 200 micrometers obtained by plasma treatment. The advantage of such a surface is the coincidence of the spectral and statistical characteristics of the stochastic topography of the surface with the turbulence characteristics of the flow.

Prilog proučavanju stambene arhitekture Alfreda Melameda u Beogradu (1933-1941)

Architect Alfred Melamed is one of the lesser-known Belgrade architects and we have only a few data about his life and work. However, the conducted research has revealed that Melamed had a fruitful career with several high-quality achievements. Therefore, this paper aims to present more details about his life and work to a wider public. Melamed graduated in Berlin, where he also spent his first several years of designing career. He returned to his hometown Belgrade around 1933 where he set up his own designing office. Until the outbreak of World War II, Melamed mainly designed residential buildings, which will be the focus of this paper. From his Belgrade opus, three designs particularly stand out: the unfinished house in 6 Puškinova Street (1933), residential and commercial building in 5 Savska Street (1936) and the residential building in 34 Miloša Pocerca Street (1939-1940). Melamed's architectural expression is characterized by application of innovative materials and solutions in the decoration of façades but also in the spatial organization, which is why he could be included among the most eminent protagonists of modernism in Belgrade.

Technical and economic background for siting production of well-killing liquid at oil fields

Modern development of technology allows for significant reduction of operation costs in many processes, including production of well-killing fluid. Efficiency of manufacturers and prerequisites of its economic profitability are a composite of lower operating costs, application of innovative materials with lower prices together with the basic technologies of labor costs optimization. This paper proposes introducing new approaches in implementing removal of salt from associated water. A feature of this method is evaporation of salts from solution by thermocompressive vacuum evaporation. A project for formation water treatment assumes building a plant for a complex solution of the salt removal problem. One of the main objectives of the project is to achieve annual turnover of 30,000 t of dietary salt, as well as production of well-killing liquid in the amount of 40,000 t per year. The environmental component of the project it its important feature: first, the load on the water treatment system is lowered, as is the risk of unauthorized spills; second, the quality of produced dietary salt meets the requirements of GOST 13830-91 and SanPin 42-123-4089-91. Locations near the oil fields will allow achieving all the aforementioned objectives. The project will be profitable and advantageous in technological, economic and environmental sense. The optimal solution for import substitution: reduction of electricity costs for water transportation. Sale of new products and reduction of environmental load will also allow diversifying the industrial infrastructure of the oil-and-gas-producing region at the late stages of oil fields development and will make it possible to use the released labor force and energy facilities.

High-performance machining of fiber-reinforced materials with hybrid ultrasonic-assisted cutting

A main approach for sustainable and efficient products is the application of innovative materials like fiber-reinforced plastics. Despite the excellent properties, the machining requirements, especially the hard cutting conditions, restrain the wide application of these materials. Thus a major task is the realization of the required part qualities combined with efficient machining strategies. The project ULTRASPAN, a joint venture of partners from industry and research institutes funded by the BMBF, attends to this challenge. The goal is the development of new hybrid machining concepts and process technologies for enhanced cutting of composite materials with ultrasonic-assistance. Prior condition is the development of novel robust actuators. Therefore, prototypic actuators for longitudinal and torsional vibration systems are developed in the project. Besides the novel actuator concepts, the results of ultrasonic-assisted drilling (UAD) on composite parts are presented in this paper. Machining tests in drilling of fiber-reinforced plastics with the novel prototype actuator systems were performed. Focus of the investigation was the influence of the ultrasonic vibration support on the bore quality. The superimposition of drilling with ultrasonic vibrations influences the process characteristics and engagement of the cutting edge. Machining tests showed the potential to enhance the bore quality with UAD in a certain parameter field.

Economic efficiency of application of innovative materials and structures in high-rise construction

The article is devoted to the analysis of technical and economic efficiency of application of tube confined concrete structures in high-rise construction. The study of comparative costs of materials with the use of different supporting columns was carried out. The main design, operational, technological and economic advantages of the tube confined concrete technology were evaluated, conclusions were drawn about the high strength and deformation properties of axial compression of steel tubes filled with high-strength concrete. The efficiency of the tube confined concrete use is substantiated, which depends mainly on the scale factor and percentage of reinforcement affecting its load-bearing capacity.