Binder Composition Research Articles

Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Ferrocement through Incorporation of a Novel Binder and through Optimization of Alkaline Activator Ratios

Geopolymer ferrocement is geopolymer mortar, reinforced with wire mesh. The ratios of binder composition and alkaline activator, with which the geopolymer has been prepared, have profound influence on the mechanical performance of geopolymer ferrocement. In this study the influence of a binder material Alccofine and variation in ratios of alkaline activators have been studied for their effect on mechanical properties of geopolymer ferrocement. Alccofine was replaced with varying proportions of Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag (GGBS). The molarities of NaOH and NaOH/Na₂SiO₃ ratios were also variated to find their influence on strength and crack control of ferrocement, when combined with single, double, and triple-layers of ferro mesh configurations. Tests such as direct shear test, three-point bending, and four-point flexural tests were conducted to to measure shear strength, flexural strength and to estimate region of pure bending. It was observed that the mix with 20% Alccofine and 80% GGBS, an A/B ratio of 0.5, and a NaOH/Na₂SiO₃ ratio of 1.5 yielded a compressive strength of 50 MPa at 90 days of geopolymer ferrocement. Also the triple-layer mesh configuration exhibited the best results, achieving 10 N/mm² in shear strength and 12 N/mm² in flexural strength, compared with other configurations. These findings indicate that by incorporation of Alccofine, optimizing binder composition, activator ratios and reinforcement, the strength parameters of geopolymer ferrocement can be significantly improved.

Glass-ceramic binder of cordierite composition for low-temperature sintering of high-strength ceramic materials based on oxygen-free silicon compounds

The mechanical properties of composite ceramic materials obtained based on oxygen-free silicon compounds are largely determined by the properties of the glass binder. This paper presents the results of studies aimed at determining the most fusible glass in the pseudo-binary system 2MgO2Al2O35SiO2–2MnO2Al2O35SiO2 with a high tendency to crystallize as a glass-ceramic binder for low-temperature sintering of high-strength ceramic materials based on oxygen-free silicon compounds. The crystallization tendency of the experimental melts decreases with an increase in in the content of manganese cordierite, as confirmed by X-ray and infrared spectroscopic studies. Based on experimental studies, a melting diagram was constructed, which was used to determine the ratio between magnesium cordierite and manganese cordierite (50:50 wt.%), ensuring a minimum melt temperature of 12750C. The melting point of the glass of the specified composition is 14500C. The synthesized glass is characterized by a softening point of 8000C and crystallizes intensively at 10300C. The The thermal coefficient of linear expansion of the crystallized glass samples is 20.810–7 0C–1. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopic studies have shown that the developed glass is almost completely crystallized during heat treatment for 2 hours, forming a cordierite solid solution 2(Mg,Mn)O2Al2O35SiO2. The size of the cordierite phase crystals ranges from 0.5 to 3.0 m. Due to its fusibility and high crystallization tendency, the developed glass, can be proposed as a promising glass-ceramic binder for the production of high-strength ceramic materials (wear and impact resistant) based on SiC and Si3N4 with reduced sintering temperatures.

Effects of composite binder and sintering temperature on the microstructure, properties and reaction mechanism of polycrystalline diamond

Effects of composite binder and sintering temperature on the microstructure, properties and reaction mechanism of polycrystalline diamond

Development of craquelure patterns in paintings on canvas

Canvas paintings are layered structures composed of canvas support sized with animal glue, a preparatory layer of the ground, and paint and varnish layers on the top. Preventing or limiting humidity-induced stresses in these structures requires an understanding of the relevant processes and risks. A three-dimensional model of a canvas painting was used to analyse stresses and crack development in the two-layer structure comprised of a glue-sized canvas on a wooden stretcher with a layer of stiff chalk-glue ground representing a pictorial layer in historic canvas paintings. The model was subjected to a large relative humidity fall which induced shrinkage of the glue-sized canvas. The modelling revealed that when a stretcher with flexible wooden bars is considered, high tensile stresses arise in the ground layer at the corners of the painting, and cracks are formed in these areas in the direction perpendicular to the painting’s diagonal. Ratios of critical distances between cracks to the ground layer thickness for which stresses in the midpoints between the cracks dropped to below the level inducing fracture in the material were estimated for various magnitudes of the relative humidity drop and thicknesses of the ground layer. Increasing ground layer thickness limits the hygric response of the sized canvas and makes the paintings less vulnerable to humidity variations. The ratio of stress along the diagonal calculated for painting with one crack to the solution without cracks was described by the double Lorentz function. A simple procedure of calculating stress variations along the diagonal—using the function—on a sequential addition of cracks was developed. Cracks in central parts of canvas painting were found to be induced by permanent cumulative drying shrinkage of the oil-based paints and grounds due to the evolution of the molecular composition of the oil binder. The outcome of the modelling indicated that the risk of cracking of the pictorial layers in canvas paintings due to drops in ambient relative humidity was small.

Development of Technology for Providing Antimicrobial Properties to Medical Disposable Masks.

Wearing masks to protect against communicable diseases is an effective tool used in many countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The antibacterial activity, antibacterial efficiency, microbial purity, and breathability properties of medical disposable masks are very important. Ag is most commonly applied to antimicrobial textiles. In this work, three antimicrobial additives were used. Four compositions of the binders with antimicrobial additives were prepared and applied to one-layer non-woven PP material. The influence of the binder antimicrobial polymer coating on the breathability and antibacterial activity of the non-woven PP material was evaluated. The results show that the composition of the polyacrylic acid binder had the least effect on their breathability and samples with the silver chloride formulation showed the best antimicrobial response. Based on the microbiological and air permeability results of the samples of the one-layer non-woven material with coating, the samples of two layers and three layers of the medical mask model were prepared. Microbiological studies have shown that a three-layered medical mask model with silver chloride composition in the middle layer, on both sides of the model, has antibacterial efficiency against three pathogens (E. Coli, K. Pneumoniae, and S. Aureus). The performance of this medical mask model has been found to meet the requirements for type I medical masks according to the EN 14863 standard. Studies have shown that the microbial purity of the mask model is CFU/g < 3.

Long-Term Mechanical Deterioration Trends and Mechanisms of SBS-Modified Asphalt Mixtures

Understanding the long-term performance deterioration trends and mechanisms of asphalt pavement is crucial for effective maintenance strategies. This study characterizes and correlates the multi-scale performance deterioration of a 14-year asphalt pavement. Air void measurements, indirect tensile (IDT) fatigue testing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) testing were conducted on pavement cores and recovered binder. Multiple regression analysis was then performed on various performance indicators. Laboratory results indicate that the chemical composition and viscoelastic properties of SBS-modified binders evolve rapidly in the first few years, followed by a relatively stable aging rate. After 14 years, the mechanical and rheological properties of lower-layer mixtures deteriorate to a similar degree as the surface layer. Correlation analysis revealed that the residual strength of the mixture is more influenced by air voids, while reductions in fatigue life are primarily driven by binder aging. These findings highlight the necessity of applying preventive maintenance within the first 3–5 years to rejuvenate the surface asphalt and rehabilitate both the surface and underlying layers after long-term service.

Improving the Performance of Mortar under Carbonization Curing by Adjusting the Composition of Ternary Binders

As the most widely used building material, cement has attracted the attention of scholars because of its large carbon emission. To alleviate the problems of carbon emission and limited resource use caused by cement production, this study focuses on the performance of mortar after carbonization curing by regulating the composition of ternary binders. Testing involved mechanical parameters, carbon shrinkage, water absorption, hydration product, microstructure, adsorption of carbon dioxide, calcium carbonate content, and carbonization degree of mortar, as well as comparisons with the effect of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud. We carried out several studies which demonstrated that carbonization curing and adjusting the content of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud were beneficial to improve the mechanical properties, peak load displacement, slope, elastic energy, plastic energy, carbon shrinkage, carbon dioxide adsorption, calcium carbonate content, and carbonization degree of mortar, while the addition of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud increased the water absorption of mortar, and the greater the dosage, the greater the water absorption. Meanwhile, adding 25%–50% calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud still had negative effects on the mechanical properties of mortar. But carbonation curing and the addition of calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud could promote the hydration reaction and consume calcium hydroxide formed by hydration to form calcium carbonate. When the dosage was 50%, the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity, calcium carbonate content, and carbonization degree of calcium carbide slag mortar were higher than those of sintered red mud mortar, which increased by 29.56%, 102.73%, and 28.84%, respectively. By comparison, calcium carbide slag and sintered red mud still showed superior carbon sequestration capacity, which was higher than fly ash and Bayer red mud. From the experiment, we came to realize that adjusting the composition of cementitious materials could realize the carbon sequestration of cement-based materials and promote the road toward low-carbon sustainable development of cement.

Life cycle assessment of green binder for organic soil stabilization

Increasing construction on soils with low bearing capacity is a geotechnical challenge currently faced in several parts of the world. Highly compressible organic soils require intervention to improve their mechanical behavior. In this case, mass stabilization with binder is an applicable technique, however the commercial cement used (Ordinary Portland Cement) generates environmental impacts that can be minimized with its replacement by environmentally friendly binders. Blended binders can use secondary materials from the industry (waste or by-products) and promote environmental gains. In this case, this research proposes the use of carbide lime and granulated blast furnace slag with the complement of Portland cement for the stabilization of an organic soil. A comparison of the strength obtained with the blended binder versus Portland cement is analyzed in soil stabilization. A Life Cycle Assessment is performed to verify if the proposed blended binder has environmental benefits in replacing conventional cement. Results show that the blended binder has similar capacity to stabilize the organic clay soil compared to commercial cement. The life cycle analysis showed that the use of secondary materials from industry in the composition of blended binder promotes a significant reduction in environmental impacts assessed.

Compatibility analysis of waste polymer recycling in asphalt binder using molecular descriptor and graph neural network

Recycling of waste polymers for valuable use is important for circular economy and environmental sustainability. This study introduces a novel approach to evaluating the compatibility between waste polymers and asphalt binders using advanced molecular representation models. The solubility parameters of waste polymers were predicted using traditional machine learning (ML) models and geometry-enhanced graph neural network (GeoGNN), respectively. The compatibility index was then calculated based on the absolute difference between the solubility parameters of polymers and asphalt. Results indicate that GeoGNN outperforms traditional ML and other GNN models due to its superior ability to capture complex spatial structures. The study also identifies key molecular descriptors that significantly influence solubility parameters of waste polymers. Given the variability in asphalt binder composition, the most compatible waste polymers differ across binders, making the data-driven approach especially valuable. The GeoGNN model greatly enhances the ability to assess compatibility in the polymer-asphalt system. This complements experimental techniques by integrating geometric information to analyze molecular features uncovering the structure-property relationship of material.

Adaptive reuse of waste plastic as binders in composites for sustainable construction

Effective and efficient handling of solid waste remains a significant issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and densely populated urban areas. Waste plastic is identified as a major contributor to solid waste streams. This study highlighted the viable reuse of waste Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) plastic as a binder and full replacement for cement in composite blocks. An extrusion technique was adopted to melt the plastic and mix it with the sand fillers to create a homogenous waste plastic binder composite block. Composite block samples were produced at various mixture ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 with waste plastic or cement as binder and sand as filler. The composite samples' compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, UPV, thermal conductivity, skid resistance, Cantabro mass loss, and morphology were investigated. In addition, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the composites were carried out. The results showed that composite blocks containing waste LLDPE plastic as binder exhibited lower compressive strength, higher flexural strength, and tensile strength, better thermal insulation, and abrasion resistance compared to composite blocks containing cement as binder. Meanwhile, the cement binder composite gave better skid resistance when the surface was wet than the waste plastic binder composite. However, the waste LLDPE plastic composite mixes considered gave compressive strength above 5 N/mm2, which is the minimum requirement for building bricks according to BS 3921: 1985.

Enhancing performance of Si/C composite anode in high energy density lithium-ion batteries with CMC-CPAM-SBR binder

Abstract The utilization of polymeric binders is indispensable in the implementation of silicon/carbon anode materials in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This necessity arises from their pivotal function in upholding structural integrity. However, current water-based binders solely focus on binder adhesion, neglecting the crucial interaction with the carbon material. In this work, a composite binder (CMC-CPAM-SBR) was constructed by combining Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) network binder with self-healing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). This innovative binder formulation was designed to enhance the performance of Si@C/graphite composite anodes. A capacity retention rate of 92.86% was achieved after 100 cycles, which represents the improvement over the performance of electrodes utilizing the CMC-CPAM binder, which only retained a capacity of 84.53% after the same number of cycles. A full battery with a capacity of 1992.8 mAh was designed, and the battery capacity remained at 80.6% of its capacity after completing 500 cycles. This research presents an effective technique for manufacturing high-performance anode materials.

Effect of Cr, Al and Mo additives on the wetting characteristics of molten Ni on (Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta)C high entropy ceramics

For the first time, the wetting behavior of the (Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta)C) high entropy carbide ceramics by molten Ni-based alloys was investigated using a sessile drop technique in a vacuum environment. Adding 10wt% of Cr, Mo, or Al into Ni resulted in final contact angles of 14°, 10°, and 14° on the (Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta)C substrate, respectively. The interaction mechanism between (Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta)C and Ni-based alloys occurs in two stages: the dissolution and interaction of the elements Ti, Zr, Hf with the alloys and the dissolution of NbC and TaC at the grain boundaries. SEM observations revealed that Cr and Al additives do not interact with carbides, while Mo was dissolved in carbides. Due to the low contact angle, minimal interaction region between alloy and ceramic, and short time of drop spreading, NiAl alloy is proven to be a promising binder for the HEC-based composites.

Slurry Casted Ultrathin Li3Zr2Si2PO12 Electrolyte Film for Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

Thin and flexible solid-state electrolyte (SSE) films with high ionic conductivity and low interfacial resistance are urgently required for lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, it's still challenging to reduce the film thickness to <20µm, especially for those with high ceramic contents. Herein, a facile slurry casting method is developed to prepare the ultra-thin (14µm) Li3Zr2Si2PO12 (LZSP) films with ceramic content up to 91% using a composite polymer binder, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polyethylene oxide (PEO). It shows that PEO not only enhanced the film flexibility but also makes it be easily peeled off to form a freestanding membrane, PLN. To promote the interfacial ion transport, PEO/lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) is introduced to the film surface, and the resultant tri-layer film, PPLN, shows a satisfying room temperature ionic conductivity of 0.116mScm-1, high Li+ transference number of 0.79, and good compatibility with metal lithium. As a result, LMBs using LiFePO4 cathode and PPLN electrolyte exhibit excellent safety as well as electrochemical performances in the wide temperature range between room temperature (RT) and 100°C.

The influence of binder composition on the healing of cracks in cement composites

The composition of the binder in cement composites influences the partial or complete restoration of the material's properties during the self-healing process. The subject of the research was the influence of the binder composition on the ability to fill cracks in cement composites. The aim of the research was to assess the effectiveness of reducing scratches during autogenous self-healing of cement mortars with a binder containing metahalloysite and calcium sulphate-aluminate cement. The results of the conducted tests showed that the partial replacement of cement with a calcium-sulfate-aluminate binder and metahalloysite influenced the growth of cracks in the designed cement mortars

Ultra-Low Alginate-Based Multifunctional Composite Binders for Enhanced Mechanical, Electrochemical, and Thermal Performance of Li-S Batteries.

The practical application of Li-S batteries, which hold great potential as energy storage devices, is impeded by various challenges, such as capacity degradation caused volume change, polysulfide shuttling, poor electrode kinetics, and safety concerns. Binder plays a crucial role in suppressing volume change of cathode side, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries. In this research, a novel network binder (SA-Co-PEDOT) composed of sodium alginate is presented, Co2+ ions as cross-linking agent and PEDOT as an electronic conductor. The theoretical analysis and experimental testing confirm that the SA-Co-PEDOT binder with synergistic combination of catalytic center and electron transfer network effectively mitigates large volumetric changes during cycling while simultaneously enhancing electrode kinetics through controlling the deposition morphology of sulfur end product and its nucleation and dissolution. As a result, it achieves a capacity of 844 mAh g-1 after 150 cycles at 0.2 C. Moreover, the electrode with SA-Co-PEDOT binder subjected a bending test maintains a capacity of 395 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C, exhibiting an impressively low decay rate of only 0.11%. Even with an ultra-low content of 2 wt.% SA-Co-PEDOT binder, the electrode still maintains a capacity of 999.7 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 C.

BINDERS FROM SECONDARY RAW MATERIALS OF COAL ENRICHMENT WASTE FOR CONSTRUCTION OBJECT ERECTION USING THE 3D PRINTING METHOD

Formulation of the problem. The 3D printing construction technology is one of the modern methods of rapid construction, which allows for a significant automation of the building process while achieving high precision in the fabrication of complex configurations using equipment (3D printers) controlled by software to define precise coordinates of the printed structure model. The main materials for construction 3D printing technology are composite mixtures based on binders. Cement or composite binders can be used as binders [1]. The cement production technology involves the firing of its components at 1 450 °C, which requires significant energy resources and affects its final cost and the overall mixture. The utilization of coal enrichment waste, which contains clay minerals, quartz, pyrite, and a small amount of carbonates, impurities, and combustible substances, allows for reducing the consumption of technological fuel and the firing temperature of the binder by harnessing the heat-generating properties of coal inclusions. Thus, coal enrichment waste can be used as a fuel component in obtaining the binder. The purpose. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that the use of component binders derived from coal enrichment waste shows promise in the construction of buildings using 3D printing technology. By harnessing the heat-generating properties of these waste materials, it is possible to reduce the consumption of technological fuel and firing temperature required for binder production, consequently lowering CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and reducing the final cost of the construction mixture for 3D printing.

Analytical characterization of historical mortars from the Roman villa of Frielas (Loures, Portugal)

The analytical characterization of mortar samples from the Roman archaeological site of Frielas, located in Lisbon, Portugal; was carried out by means of X-diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG), optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), acid attack and granulometric analysis. A total of eighteen mortar samples were collected from the different structures of the villa with different functional uses (render, filler, and floor). The results showed a similar composition of binder, while differences in aggregates allowed to establish several groups. Results were discussed as evidence of manufacturing techniques, production technologies, and provenance of possible raw materials. There was no prominent variation that can suggest a different chronology between the group of samples. Though, it is assumed that there might be some renovation, restoration, or partial rebuilding that occurred in the same period. In terms of production technology, proportions ruled by Vitruvius were not followed.

Effects of Laboratory Ageing on the Chemical Composition and High-Temperature Performance of Warm Mix Asphalt Binders

Warm asphalt mixtures can suffer from decreased short-term high-temperature performance; therefore, introducing additional modifiers can mitigate this risk. This study investigates the effects of a liquid organosilane warm mix additive (WMAd) and grade-bumping polyethylene-based additive added simultaneously to asphalt binders on their chemical composition and its relationship with performance characteristics. Previous studies found relationships between the formation of certain chemical species during bitumen ageing and the increase in their viscosity, stiffness and other performance characteristics—the present work intended to verify these relationships when the two mentioned additives are used. Two asphalt binders were investigated—a paving-grade 50/70 binder and a 45/80-55 polymer-modified bitumen. The chemical analysis was performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode and focused on the quantification of carbonyl, sulfoxide, polybutadiene and polystyrene structures in the asphalt binders subjected to laboratory short- and long-term ageing. Additionally, the relationships between asphalt binder performance and selected FTIR indices were evaluated using a dynamic shear rheometer. It was found that the investigated additives significantly affected the apparent contents of all evaluated chemical structures in the asphalt binders; however, these changes were not reflected in their performance evaluation.

Interface reinforced by polymer binder for expandable carbon fiber structural lithium-ion battery composites

Carbon fiber (CF) composite structural battery (SB) is a novel energy storage device that integrates electrochemical energy storage with mechanical load-bearing capability. Carbon fiber's inherent conjugated carbon network possesses excellent electronic conductivity, thus serving as a current collector for electrode active materials. The bonding between active materials and carbon fibers relies on their manufacturing processes, requiring optimization of their electrochemical performance and addressing the challenges of large-scale production. In this work, a LiFePO4/PEO-LiTFSI/CF composite cathode was fabricated using the direct coating method. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) acted as a binder to form a stable LiFePO4 (LFP) coating on the carbon fiber woven fabric, while multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were employed to construct a conductive network. This significantly enhanced both the charge-discharge performance and interface stability of the composite cathode. This composite cathode achieved a first-cycle discharge-specific capacity of 133.21 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 C rate and retained 93.7 % of its capacity after 200 cycles at 1 C rate. Based on this composite cathode, multiple active material coatings were integrated onto a carbon fiber woven fabric to manufacture an expandable multi-cell structural battery. Its advantage lies in the ability of multiple battery cells to disperse stress under load, thus achieving a higher capacity retention rate under bending loads. The structural battery possesses a high degree of customizability, allowing for adjustment of the area, position, and quantity of active material coatings to meet the demands of practical conditions.

Effects of antioxidants on chemical and rheological properties of asphalt binders from different crude oil sources

Antioxidants can effectively mitigate or delay the oxidative aging degradation of asphalt binder, thereby improving pavement durability. While research has largely concentrated on the application of antioxidants to asphalt binders from a single source, limited studies have explored their effects on binders derived from different crude oil sources. Moreover, the relationship between the chemical and rheological properties of antioxidant-modified asphalt binders remains insufficiently understood. In this study, three antioxidants - zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDC), Irganox 1010 and kraft lignin - were utilized and blended with base binders sourced from three distinct regions globally. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to analyze the impact of these antioxidants on the chemical composition of aged binders. Additionally, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests were conducted to assess the high- and low-temperature performance of the antioxidant-modified binders, identifying the most effective antioxidant. The linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test further evaluated the performance of ZDC across binders from different crude oil sources. The results revealed three key findings: first, chemical functional group changes due to antioxidants are not always reflected in rheological performance; second, ZDC demonstrated superior performance across different base binders, as evidenced by improved aging indices, high-temperature rutting resistance, and enhanced fatigue and low-temperature cracking resistance; and third, asphalt binders from different crude oil sources exhibit varying sensitivities to antioxidant type and dosage. This study underscores the necessity of determining optimal antioxidant dosages for different asphalt binders, as the relationship between antioxidant dosage and effectiveness is not straightforward.