Binder Components Research Articles

Assessment of Aging Impact on Wax Crystallization in Selected Asphalt Binders.

For a better understanding of the changing trend in crystalline components of asphalt binders, asphalt binders originating from the SHRP Materials Reference Library with different oxidation degrees (unaged, 20 h PAV, and 60 h PAV) were prepared. The native asphalt binders and their oxidized residues were characterized by liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-temperature gas chromatography (HTGC). The results showed that, compared with other carbon types, the content of internal methylene carbons of long paraffinic chains between different SHRP binders was quite different. The NMR average length of a long paraffinic internal methylene chain showed a good correlation with the wax content obtained at -20 °C using the methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) precipitation method and also the recently developed variable-temperature Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (VT-FTIR) method. In most cases, the average length of straight internal methylene carbons of a long paraffinic chain terminated by a methyl group increased with the oxidation of the asphalt binder. However, the difference caused by oxidation was significantly smaller than the difference caused by the source of the asphalt binder. In general, oxidation will make the n-alkanes distributed in asphalt binder fall within a narrower range. The carbon number of n-alkanes in the asphalt binder generally grew with oxidation.

Biobased additives for asphalt applications produced from the hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge

Sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants is a large source of organic waste with suboptimal disposal solutions available. Current common handling solutions include disposing of it as fertilizer on arable land, or direct discharge in the sea. This work investigates the valorization of sewage sludge into biocrude oils using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). Biocrude oils are bitumen-like materials with potential applications as green additives for asphalt binder, one of the most used materials in infrastructure. Here, we study the links for sewage sludge between feedstock (digested versus non-digested sludge), HTL conditions (temperature, biomass loading to the reactor and reaction time) and yields of biocrude oil. Our data suggests that non-digested sewage sludge leads to higher biocrude oil yields (30–40 wt%) at temperatures of 300–320 °C and biomass loadings of 20 wt%. Furthermore, we use density functional theory (DFT) calculations to study the reactivity and clustering mechanisms of asphaltenes – a key molecular component of asphalt binder, and largely responsible for its mechanical performance. Biobased asphaltenes are present in biocrude oil, and our aim was to understand their differences with fossil asphaltenes derived from petroleum. Our data suggests that biobased asphaltenes are similar to petroleum-based ones in terms of thermodynamic stability and π-π stacking, despite the higher content in polar chemical functionalities in biobased asphaltenes. Overall, the chemical features and intermolecular interactions indicate that biocrude oils produced from sewage sludge via HTL are promising candidates for application as asphalt additives.

Effect of glutaraldehyde-chitosan crosslinked graphene oxide on high temperature properties of SBS modified asphalt

Composite material using glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linked chitosan (CTS) and graphene oxide (GO-CTS-GA) was designed applying electrostatic interaction strategy under strong alkali environment. GO-CTS-GA was in turn applied to prepare styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) GO-CTS-GA/SBS composite modified asphalt (MA)_binder. The effect of GO-CTS-GA on the physical properties of SBS modified asphalt binder was investigated and its mechanism of action was analyzed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy tests confirmed the retainment of GO flakes microscopic dimensions while compensating for the chemical structural defects and mechanical property damage of GO. The results of dynamic shear rheometer and multi-stress creep recovery tests indicated that the GO-CTS-GA/SBS-MA binder exhibited better viscosity performance and elasticity performance, rutting resistance and high temperature thermal stability. At 64 °C, the loss modulus of 0.10 % GO-CTS-GA/SBS-MA was 29.5 % and 25.2 % higher than that of SBS-MA and GO/SBS-MA, respectively. SEM and TEM analyses of the four components of asphalt binder before and after modification revealed that the change of asphaltene microscopic morphology seriously affects the stability of asphalt colloidal system. Fourier transform infra-red analysis of the MA binder revealed that the change of saturation fraction and colloidal polarity by GO-CTS-GA is responsible for the dispersion and cross-linking of SBS chain segments in the asphalt binder phase. This study provides important reference information for nanomaterials to change the macroscopic mechanical properties by modulating the microstructure, physical and chemical properties of asphalt binder at the micro and nano-scale.

DEVELOPMENT OF EPOXY POLYMER MATRICES FOR COMPOSITE REINFORCEMENT WITH INCREASED MODULUS OF ELASTICITY

Composite polymer reinforcement (CPA) is increasingly applied in modern building industry. The areas of application of CPA are determined by the special properties of this material, such as stability in aggressive environments, magnetic inertness, low thermal conductivity. Glass composite reinforcement (GCR) are in the greatest demand, due to the availability of chemically resistant fiberglass and wide industrial elaboration of the GCR manufacturing technology. However, the relatively low modulus of elasticity, which does not exceed 50 GPa, is an obstacle to its application in concrete structures, that operate on bending. Proposed solution for increasing of modulus of elasticity of composite polymer reinforcement is the creation of combined reinforcement based on low-modulus and high-modulus fibers impregnated with epoxy polymer binder.Achieving the goal made it possible to establish trends for increasing the modulus of elasticity of composite reinforcement based on glass and carbon fibers with the use of an epoxy polymer matrix by evaluating the optimal ratio of the components of the epoxy binder within the framework of the well-known technology of the fillerless manufacturing method. It has been established that one of the methods of increasing the modulus of elasticity of composite reinforcement is the modification of the thermosetting polymer binder with a reactive diluent - diglycidyl ether of the epichlorohydrin homooligomer. The action of the latter is based on its ability, in small quantities, to influence the structure of the matrix epoxy anhydride binder net, ensuring a relatively high yield of the sol fraction under the conditions of a shortened period of hardening time, provided for by the technology of obtaining composite reinforcement. It is shown that in the presence of hybrid reinforcement and the optimal amount of the modifier, it is possible to achieve an elastic modulus of 50 GPa, which, in our opinion, is due to the implementation of increased adhesive contact with glass and carbon fibers and ensuring the necessary monolithicity of the polymer composite. Keywords: composite polymer reinforcement, glass and carbon fiber, modulus of elasticity, adhesive strength.

Recycling of Cement Industry Waste for Alkali-Activated Materials Production.

The cement industry is recognized as an environmental nuisance, and so there is a need to not only minimizes the consumption of cement, but also to completely recycle the waste of the cement industry. This paper’s originality lies in the fact that, for the first time, a comprehensive study of the structure formation of alkali-activated materials (AAM) based on aspiration dust and clinker dust has been carried out. The tasks for achieving this goal were to characterize cement production waste as a new binder and comprehensively research the microstructure, fresh, physical, and mechanical properties of alkali-activated material based on a cement-free binder. Grains of cement production waste are represented by coarse volumetric particles with pronounced cleavage, and a clear presence of minerals is observed. The mineral composition of cement production waste is characterized by calcium silicates, which guarantee good binding properties. The results of the X-ray diffraction analysis of the samples (based on the alkaline-activated cement-free binder using clinker dust and aspiration dust) confirmed the presence of calcite, quartz, feldspar close to albite, micas, and zeolites. The obtained products of the chemical interaction of the binder components confirm the effectiveness of the newly developed AAM. As a result of comparing several binders, it was found that the binder based on aspiration dust with Na2SiO3 and Na2SiF6 was the most effective, since, for specimens based on it, a density of 1.8 g/cm3, maximum compressive strength of 50.7 MPa, flexural strength of 5.6 MPa, minimum setting time (starting at 24 min and ending at 36 min), and water absorption of 12.8 wt. % were obtained. The research results will be of interest to specialists in the construction industry since the proposed recipes for eco-friendly, alkali-activated materials are an alternative to expensive and energy-intensive Portland cement, and they provide for the creation of strong and durable concrete and reinforced concrete composites.

Feedstock Development for Material Extrusion-Based Printing of Ti6Al4V Parts.

In this work, a holistic approach for the fabrication of dense Ti6Al4V parts via material extrusion methods (MEX), such as fused filament fabrication (FFF) or fused feedstock deposition (FFD), will be presented. With respect to the requirements of the printing process, a comprehensive investigation of the feedstock development will be described. This covers mainly the amount ratio variation of the main binder components LDPE (low-density polyethylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and wax, characterized by shear and oscillation rheology. Solid content of 60 vol% allowed the 3D printing of even more complex small parts in a reproducible manner. In some cases, the pellet-based FFD seems to be superior to the established FFF. After sintering, a density of 96.6% of theory could be achieved, an additional hot isostatic pressing delivered density values better than 99% of theory. The requirements (mechanical properties, carbon, and oxygen content) for the usage of medical implants (following ASTM F2885-17) were partially fulfilled or shortly missed.

Thermal and Flow Analysis of Stainless Steel and Alumina Feedstock Used for 2C-PIM Process

Within this research, rheological analysis and thermal properties of two component feedstock based on ceramic and metallic powders are carried out to understand their flow behaviour. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Thermogravimetric (TGA) and Capillary Rheometer were employed to set up optimum conditions for moulding, debinding and sintering process. DSC results defined the melting point for both backbone binder components were recorded at the same point, 55 oC. TGA results showed total weight loss of alumina and stainless steel feedstock was 17.4% and 6.43% respectively. Throughout rheological analysis, both feedstock exhibit pseudoplastic behaviour as viscosity reduce with the increase of shear rate, with shear sensitivity index less than 1. The activation energy, E for alumina and stainless steel feedstock had E values in the range of 101.93 - 2934.3 J/mol and 7132.3 - 10436 J/mol, respectively. For both alumina and stainless steel feedstock, high mouldability index occurred at the highest temperature with shear rate of 96 s-1 and 4070 s-1 which had the value of 47 x 103 and 24 x 103 respectively. The optimum injection temperature for stainless steel and alumina feedstock should be 190 °C and 230 °C respectively, since the feedstock exhibits the best characteristics for injection.

Identifying the influence of redispersed polymers on cement matrix properties

The physical-mechanical influence and chemical effect of calcium formate, vinyl acetate/versatate, and vinyl-acrylate copolymer on the processes of solidification, hardening, and structure formation of the cement matrix were studied during the research reported here. The compositions of mixtures containing additives in the amount of 1, 3, and 5 wt % were investigated. Noteworthy is the water-holding nature of vinyl acetate/versatate and vinyl-acrylate copolymer. With the introduction of appropriate additives, an increase in working time of the mixtures is noted, which was manifested in prolonging the end time of solidification duration. Calcium formate reduced the end time of solidification duration with an increase in the content of the additive. During 28 days of hardening, a decrease in strength gain was observed with an increase in the content of the additive compared to control samples. At 1 wt % of the additive, the decline in strength on day 28 was 8.7 % for calcium formate, 13 % for versatate, and 15.5 % for vinyl-acrylate copolymer. For versatate and vinyl acrylate with the addition of 3 and 5 wt % in the mixture, the loss of strength is 23–25 % and 27–56.7 %, respectively. 5 wt % calcium formate admixture, compared to 3 wt %, on day 7 and day 28 of hardening has a higher strength index. This nature of the effect of additives is explained by the formation of polymer structures throughout the volume of the mixture with the introduction of versatate and copolymer vinyl acrylate, as well as their chemical interaction with the components of the cement binder during hydration in the formed alkaline medium. Calcium formate plays the role of both a filler and a hardening accelerator due to the introduction of an additional amount of calcium ions. The reported results can be used as a basis for continuing to study the effect of redispersed additives on the durability of cement articles, the development of new formulations for building mixtures, and their potential use in the production of concrete.

The Effect of Carbon Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cemented Carbides with a CoNiFeCr High Entropy Alloy Binder.

CoNiFeCr high entropy alloy (HEA) was used as a binder in cemented carbides for developing a new high-performance binder. The microstructure of WC-HEA cemented carbides with different binder components and carbon contents was subsequently studied. It was observed that the (Cr,W)C phase precipitated at the WC/HEA interface, and a coherent interface with a low degree of misfit was formed between WC and (Cr,W)C, thereby resulting in a significant reduction in the interfacial energy and stress concentration. The (Cr,W)C phase exerted a pinning force (Zener-drag) on the moving grain boundaries, which effectively inhibited the growth of WC grains. As a result, compared with WC-Co, WC-CoNiFeCr had smaller WC grain size, smoother grain shape and larger mean free path (MFP) of the binder, which resulted in slightly lower hardness and higher transverse rupture strength (TRS) and fracture toughness. The lower limit of carbon content in WC-CoNiFeCr was higher than that of WC-Co. With the addition of Ni, the width of the two-phase region became wider, whereas the width of the two-phase region became narrower with the addition of Fe and Cr.

Minimizing the Global Warming Potential with Geopolymer-Based Insulation Material with Miscanthus Fiber.

Approximately 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the construction and use of buildings. Thermal insulation of buildings in the current context of climate change is a well-known strategy to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The development of renewable insulation material can overcome the drawbacks of widely used insulation systems based on polystyrene or mineral wool. This study analyzes the sustainability and thermal conductivity of new insulation materials made of Miscanthus x giganteus fibers, foaming agents, and alkali-activated fly ash binder. Life cycle assessments (LCA) are necessary to perform benchmarking of environmental impacts of new formulations of geopolymer-based insulation materials. The global warming potential (GWP) of the product is primarily determined by the main binder component sodium silicate. Sodium silicate’s CO2 emissions depend on local production, transportation, and energy consumption. The results, which have been published during recent years, vary in a wide range from 0.3 kg to 3.3 kg CO2-eq. kg−1. The overall GWP of the insulation system based on Miscanthus fibers, with properties according to current thermal insulation regulations, reaches up to 95% savings of CO2 emissions compared to conventional systems. Carbon neutrality can be achieved through formulations containing raw materials with carbon dioxide emissions and renewable materials with negative GWP, thus balancing CO2 emissions.

Engineering performance and microstructure characteristics of natural marine sediment stabilized with quicklime-activated GGBS under different lime proportions

The safe treatment of marine sediment has been a global-scale challenge. To reduce the environmental impacts associated with Portland cement (PC), an environment-friendly binder consisting of quicklime and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) was used in the stabilization/solidification of natural marine sediment. Although the combination of lime and GGBS is used to stabilize the sediment with very low water content or moderate water content in previous studies, the natural marine sediment with such a high water content has not been treated by the quicklime–GGBS binder up to now. Therefore, a series of tests were performed to study the physicochemical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics of quicklime–GGBS stabilized sediments. The results indicated that the quicklime–GGBS solidified/stabilized sediment had a similarly low water content at a proper quicklime-binder ratio to that of PC-stabilized sediments. The pH of quicklime–GGBS solidified sediments gradually decreased as the quicklime-binder ratio decreased and the curing period increased. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of quicklime–GGBS stabilized sediments was 1.4 times higher than that of the corresponding PC-stabilized sediments using the same test conditions. The hydration products effectively bonded the sediment particles and filled the pores between the sediment particles, facilitating the improvement of the UCS of the quicklime–GGBS stabilized sediment. The findings indicated that the use of GGBS and a small amount of quicklime can replace PC to stabilize natural marine sediment with high water content. This would be to provide binder dosage and component proportion for the field application of quicklime–GGBS binder and to significantly improve the economical and environmental effects of the treatment of high water content sediment. HIGHLIGHTS Innovative lime-activated GGBS is used as a binder in the improvement of sediment with ultrahigh water content. The water content, pH, and UCS of lime–GGBS stabilized sediments are contrastively studied. The engineering performances of lime-GGBS stabilized sediments are better than those of PC-stabilized sediment. An optimal and appropriate lime-binder ratio is suggested. Microstructure mechanism of lime–GGBS stabilized sediment is revealed through series of micro-tests.

Achieving the Interface Stability of LiMn2O4 Cathode Using Aqueous Polyacrylic Acid/acrylate Copolymer and Nanoscale CaCO3 to Improve the High‐Temperature Cycling and Storage Performance of Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Based on a strategy of stabilizing the LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode interface, the high‐temperature cycling and storage performance of 18 650‐type LMO/graphite lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is effectively improved. The LMO cathode is prepared using lithium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCLi)–polyacrylic acid/acrylate copolymer composite binder and nanoscale CaCO3 functional component (marked as binder C). Compared with the traditional oily binder, the dissolution of Mn2+ from LMO cathode into the electrolyte can effectively decrease, and the structure stability of LMO cathode can increase. The batteries exhibit retention capacity of 80.3% at 1 C after 600 cycles at room temperature and 76.7% at 1 C after 200 cycles at temperature of 45 °C. The high‐temperature storage performance is also improved and there are 81.1% and 73.5% residual capacities when the fully charged batteries are stored in 60 °C for 14 and 28 days. The enhanced performance is mainly attributed to the interfacial stability of LMO cathode due to the bonding ability of composite binders and the elimination of HF by CaCO3. These results reveal the application prospect of as‐developed aqueous binders and provide a way to improve the performance of LMO‐based LIBs through stable interface strategy.

Mixing of flour mixture components in the production of pasta from nontraditional raw materials

Along with a balanced amino acid composition and high protein digestibility, food products should contain complex carbohydrates and ballast substances (dietary fibers) that ensure the normal functioning of the digestive organs. In this regard, fresh raw foods for dietary pasta are of interest for modern pasta production. It is to such raw materials for the manufacture of dough that flour and starch from some cereals, triticale flour, and stale deformed bread are referred. When forming pasta dough from nontraditional flour raw materials, an important technological value for giving the best rheological properties of the dough is the uniform distribution of the binder component in the mixture – dry wheat gluten (DWG). As an object of experimental research to study the mixing process, a loose flour mixture of cereals (barley, oats, corn, buckwheat, millet, peas, and soybeans) was used, compiled based on calculating the recipe using computer programs. The prepared mixtures are a valuable source of nutrients and minerals. At the same time, to improve the technological properties of the dough as a biologically active additive, 25% DWG is introduced to improve the rheological properties of the dough.

DUMP SLUDGE FROM ALUMINA PRODUCTION STUDY

"The paper explores the possibility of involving in the processing of waste sludge from alumina production and ash and slag from thermal power plants of Aluminum of Kazakhstan JSC for the production of building products. Alumina production in the Republic of Kazakhstan is concentrated in Aluminum of Kazakhstan JSC and is characterized by a large amount of waste sludge and ash and slag generated by Pavlodar TPP-1, which is part of the structure of the enterprise. In the work, studies were carried out to obtain concrete mixtures consisting of alumina production sludge within 25–45 %, ash and slag from thermal power plants within 31–45 %, lime within 5–15 %, water 10–23 %. Waste sludge in the composition of concrete served as a component of a mixed binder and hydraulically active filler, ash and slag – the role of mineral aluminosilicate additives in the composition of a mixed binder, lime – the role of hardening activators of a mixed binder. In the course of the conducted experimental studies, it was found that mixture No. 1, including 25 % of alumina production dump sludge, 38 % of ash and slag TPP, 15 % quicklime and 22 % water."

Reflective properties and radiation resistance of components of thermal control coatings based on CaSiO3 – PbSiO3

The paper is focused on the study of the CaSiO3-PbSiO3 two-component system, which is promising for use as a basis for thermal control spacecraft coatings. The thermal behavior of silicate powders, their reflectivity, radiation resistance, as well as structural changes under electron irradiation with an energy of 30 keV, have been studied. When a mixture of α-CaSiO3-PbSiO3 powders is heated above the melting point of the binder component (800 °C), a phase transition of pseudo-wollastonite to β-CaSiO3 (wollastonite) is observed. The reflectivity of the powder mixture is lower than that of the original pure pigment of CaSiO3, which is explained by the presence of a silicate binder.

Investigating the relationship between chemical composition and mechanical properties of asphalt binders using atomic force microscopy (AFM)

As a complex mixture, the composition-structure-mechanics relationship of asphalt binders is not well-understood. Thus, it is essential to understand the relationship between chemical composition and mechanical properties. Saturate, aromatic, resin and asphaltene (SARA) fractions are crucial chemical components of asphalt binders. At present, the main challenge faced by many researchers is the relationship between the SARA fractions and the microstructure, and how the SARA fractions affect the micro-mechanical properties of asphalt binders. In this paper, the composition-structure-mechanics relationship were studied using atomic force microscopy. The asphalt samples were divided into two groups. Firstly, different kinds of asphalt binders with different SARA content were compared. Then, new asphalt binders were derived and their properties were analyzed. Results show that bee structure appears on the surface of asphalt binders with higher asphaltene and resin contents, it means that the formation of bee structures is related to the aggregate of asphaltene and resin. Moreover, the micro-mechanical properties of the asphalt binders are affected by two fractions rather than a single fraction. The adhesion force increases with the increase in saturate and aromatic contents, and decreases with the increase in asphaltene and resin contents. The Derjaguin–Müller–Toporov (DMT) modulus, storage and loss modulus increase with the increase in asphaltene and resin contents, and decreases with the increase in saturate and aromatic contents. Furthermore, SARA fractions have the same effect on both the micro- and macro-rheological properties of asphalt binders. These findings will help to improve the understanding of the composition-structure-mechanics relationship of asphalt binders, which in turn will aid in optimizing their performance.

Preparation and performance of electrocatalytic carbon membranes for treating micro-polluted water

Porous carbon membranes (PCMs) with three functions of adsorption, electrocatalytic oxidation and membrane filtration were prepared from coconut shell activated carbon using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC, 10 wt%) and benzoxazine resin (BR, 10 wt%-40 wt%) as the binder components. The morphology and microstructure of PCMs were characterized by SEM, XRD, Raman and nitrogen adsorption. An electrocatalytic membrane reactor (ECMR) was constructed using PCMs as the anode materials to investigate their water treatment performance. Results show that the PCMs have well-developed hierarchical macro, meso and micropores, whose macropore size decreases with the particle size of the activated carbon. The mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the PCMs increased with BR content and carbonization temperature. The water flux decreased as the average particle size of the activated carbon decreased and the iodine value decreased with decreasing BR content. The PCM performed best with an excellent comprehensive performance in adsorption, electrocatalytic oxidation and filtration when it was prepared from an activated carbon of average particle size of 37.9 μm using a BR content of 30 wt% and a carbonization temperature of 950 °C. For the micro-polluted Lingshui River water in Dalian, the removal of COD, UV254, turbidity and bacteria with the ECMR reached 94.3%, 90.5%, 96.3% and 100%, respectively, and heavy metal ions (Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+) were removed to levels below the detection limits, and the anti-fouling performance was good. The excellent performance in treating micro-polluted water is ascribed to the combined effects of adsorption, electrocatalytic oxidation and filtration.

Fresh and mechanical properties of low-cement mortars for 3D printing

The trend of concrete science is aimed at reducing the consumption of cement and the use of 3D printing technologies. Based on non-traditional technical silica, 3D printed mortars were designed with a saving of 70% of cement. The binder components were studied by X-ray spectral microanalysis, diffraction granulometric analysis, while the finished mixtures were tested for freshness and mechanical properties. It was established that the PFM-NLK additive at a concentration of 0.7% is characterized by the greatest plasticizing effect; in this case, the maximum slump flow is reached 179 mm. The presence of a larger number of particles with a size of 3 to 12 µm in the developed binders of low water demand provides a more complete interaction of cement particles with water during hydration, significantly reducing the number of non-hydrated grains in the binder. The setting time and rheological parameters of the developed cement pastes make them suitable for 3D printed mortars. The mechanical properties of low-cement mortars indicate their high strength in bending and compression. The compressive and flexural strength of the developed mortars at the age of 28 days reached 62.9 MPa and 7.9 MPa, which is better than the control cement CEM I 42.5 N by 23% and 52%, respectively.

Tensile Strength And Moisture Sensitivity of Sulfur Waste in Asphalt Mixtures As An Eco-friendly Filler

Sulfur waste (SW) materials continue to accumulate in Iraq, posing an expensive disposal and gas emission problem. Utilizing SW as a mineral filler is a cost-effective way to reduce the amount of common filler (calcium carbonate; CaCO3) used and hazardous gas emissions. SW was used to gradually replace a component of the asphalt binder in hot asphalt mixes. The purpose of this research is to explore the use of SW as a mineral filler in the construction of sustainable pavements. Three sulfur waste asphalt concrete (SWAC) mixes with asphalt binder penetration grades of 40–50 were created and compared to the study's CaCO3-asphalt concrete (AC) reference mix. Different percentages of SW (4%, 5%, and 6%) by weight and one AC blend contained a CaCO3 content of 5% (by weight) were prepared. The Marshall stability, Marshall quotient, tensile strength ratio at 25 and 60°C, tensile strength modulus at 25 and 60°C, tensile strength ratio, and tensile stiffness modulus of AC and SWAC mixtures were all determined. Tensile strength, tensile stiffness modulus, tensile strength ratio, and resilience modulus are all decreased in SWAC mixtures. Despite the lower SWAC percentage, tensile strength ratios remain higher than the required minimum of 85 percent when 40-50 penetration grade asphalt is used. Additionally, SWAC combinations have higher flow values, indicating a greater strain capacity to rupture. As long as the proper binder content is maintained, all SWAC combinations meet the ASTM standards for 8kN stability, 2-4mm flow, 5% air voids, and 14% VMA. This study found that SW can be reused and used as a mineral filler in pavement applications at a rate of 4–5% by aggregate weight

Dry Synthesis of Binder-Free Ruthenium Nitride-Coated Carbon Nanotubes as a Flexible Supercapacitor Electrode.

Ruthenium nitride was successfully deposited on a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) forest grown on a stainless-steel mesh substrate by radiofrequency plasma-assisted pulsed laser deposition. This novel dry fabrication method for flexible supercapacitor electrodes eliminates toxic byproducts and the need for any binder component. Experimental results show a successful thin film coating of the individual MWCNTs with RuNx under various synthesis conditions. The electrochemical characterization demonstrates a significant improvement in capacitance of the synthesized RuNx-MWCNT electrode compared to the bare MWCNT forest, with a large potential window of 1.2 V. Capacitance values as high as 818.2 F g-1 (37.9 mF cm-2) have been achieved.