Binder Dosage Research Articles

Mycotoxin binder for immune and intestinal histopathology ameliorations against Newcastle disease in vaccinated broilers

Background In broiler farming, vaccination against Newcastle disease (ND) is essential. Nonetheless, during the post-vaccination phase, production may be negatively impacted by mycotoxin contamination in feed. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mycotoxin binders on immune and intestinal histopathology ameliorations against newcastle disease in vaccinated broilers with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) toxication. Methods A total of 20 broilers were randomly assigned into 4 groups with 5 replications i.e. (C-) broiler groups with basal feed, (C+) broiler groups with AFB1 and OTA feed contamination, (T1) and (T2) broiler groups with exposed AFB1, OTA, and toxin binders as feed additives with dose 1.1 g/kg and 1.6 g/kg feed, respectively. ND vaccination was carried out on day 7 and 21. Antibody titers were evaluated from serum samples of broiler on days 14, 28, and 35 for further hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Histopathology of the cecum and colon organs was evaluated using HE staining on day 36. HI test and histological scoring were analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s test with a p < 0.05 in SPSS v.26 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results As a result, histopathological improvement of the cecum and colon was reported based on mucosal rupture, hemorrhage and necrosis on day 35. An increase in the mean antibody titer compared to days 14 and 28 was observed on day 35, with significant changes observed in serum samples based on the C+ group, which was significantly different from the C- and T2 groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study revealed that a 1.6 g/kg toxin binder dose in feed can increase antibody titer and histopathology of cecum and colon in broiler chickens after ND vaccination fed with mycotoxin-contaminated feed.

Evaluating the performance and environmental impact of low calcium fly ash-based geopolymer in comparison to OPC-based concrete.

The current paper explores the performance, microstructure and environmental consequences of low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete compared to OPC-based concrete. The performance of the concrete is assessed based on strength, permeability, sulfate resistance, and acid attack. Two geopolymer mixes were designed by adjusting the binder dosage. The geopolymer concrete mixes achieved 11-16% higher strength than OPC-based concrete. However, increasing the binder dosage from 30 to 40% led to 5% reduction in strength at later ages. Geopolymer concrete demonstrated superior resistance to sulfate and acid attacks, as well as lower penetration depth and permeability coefficient compared to OPC-based concrete. Microstructural analysis was conducted using XRD and SEM techniques, identifying sodium aluminosilicate gel as the product formed during the polymerization process. The environmental impact was evaluated through a life cycle assessment using a cradle-to-gate approach. Geopolymer concrete requires 25-33% less energy and emits 14-28% less kg-CO2 eq. than OPC-based concrete. The production of OPC-based concrete had the greatest negative environmental impact, except in the categories of metal depletion (MDP) and ionizing radiation (IRP_HE). In geopolymer concrete, the use of alkaline activators accounted for higher energy consumption and accounted for 73-75% kg-CO2 eq. emissions. Overall, fly ash-based geopolymer concrete showed higher strength and excellent resistance to acid and sulfate attacks, along with a lower carbon footprint and energy consumption.

Evaluating the Strength and Durability Properties of Geopolymer-Stabilized Soft Soil for Deep Mixing Applications

Soft soil poses serious challenges and is unsuitable for engineering projects because of its insufficient bearing capacity, low shear strength, and high compressibility. Deep soil mixing (DSM) is one of the most popular methods of enhancing soft soil qualities, such as increased bearing capacity and reduced settling, which are critical for building any structure. The environmental effects of creating binders such as cement and lime make it crucial to identify alternative materials for geotechnical applications. This study employed fly ash (class C) --based geopolymer to investigate its effectiveness as an environmentally friendly substitute for cement for DSM applications. The experimental program included unconfined compressive strength, flexure strength, and durability tests. The parameters in the study are binder content (10, 15, and 20%) and activator/binder ratio (0.4, 0.6). Results revealed that UCS and flexural strength, GP-treated soil were in the range of 0.9–5.3 and 0.8–1.5 MPa, respectively (depending on the ratio of fly ash and activator). These strengths were even higher than those of cement-stabilized soil. The geopolymer-treated specimens exhibited excellent endurance over the wetting-drying cycle, with a modest weight loss of less than 4.5%. A binder dosage of more than 10% and an AC ratio of 0.6 were recommended to meet DSM application guidelines. The current study concludes that employing a fly ash-geopolymer binder to stabilize soft soil is an effective alternative to cement in DSM applications.

Mechanical properties and engineering applications of low-dosage cement/lime-stabilized loess improved with nano-MgO and nan-SiO2

Loess has poor engineering performance and needs to be improved for engineering applications by adding a large amount of lime or cement, which is not consistent with the goal of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. In this study, nano-SiO2 (NS) and nano-MgO (NM) were applied to improve the engineering performance of low-dosage lime/cement- stabilized loess. The improvement mechanisms of each binder on loess were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS) tests. The impact of binder dosage and curing time (T) on unconfined compressive strength (UCS), resilient moduli (MR), California bearing ratio (CBR), internal friction angle (φ), cohesion (c), and compression coefficient (a1-2) of each stabilized loess were also explored by conducting a range of laboratory experiments. The results show that the addition of NS did not result in the formation of new substances. However, theformation of MH was noted with the addition of NM. The combination of lime and NS can significantly enhance the UCS, CBR, MR, and c of the stabilized loess, followed by the combination of cement and NS. With the increasing NM content, the above mechanical indices first increased and then decreased for the stabilized loess. Both the binder content and type caused a lesser impact on the φ and a1-2 than on other mechanical indices. Moreover, the mix ratio and feasibility of each stabilized loess applied in various engineering fields were analyzed based on relevant standards and the construction requirements of lime and cement. Finally, estimation models were established for the above mechanical indices of lime-NS stabilized loess, which can provide a reference for engineering design and quality control.

Optimizing epoxy asphalt tack coat formulations for improved adhesion and working performance of ultrathin wearing course

Insufficient adhesion between ultrathin wearing courses (UTWCs) and substrate layers can result in pavement distress. Epoxy asphalt exhibits potential as a tack coat due to its high bonding strength and thermal stability. However, its rapid curing may pose challenges to construction schedules. This study aimed to optimize the formulations of epoxy asphalt tack coats (EATCs) to enhance the interfacial adhesion and working performance of UTWCs. The adhesion of EATCs was evaluated through rotational viscosity and tensile tests. Design parameters were optimized using analysis of variance and microscopic tests. Road performance was assessed via interlayer shear and tensile testing on three pavement structures. The results indicated that the curing agent strongly influenced the properties and curing kinetics of EATCs. Formulations containing complex polysebacic polyanhydride (CPSPA-EA) exhibited superior bonding while meeting construction schedules. Microscopic analysis of CPSPA-EA revealed a stable crosslinked network formed at 30% binder dosage. The amount of spraying significantly impacted the adhesion in UTWC structures. The optimal spraying amounts were 0.60 kg/m2 for asphalt concrete (AC-13), 0.55 kg/m2 for stone matrix asphalt (SMA-13), and 0.40 kg/m2 for cement concrete substrate layers. These findings presented an optimization framework for designing EATCs to enhance UTWCs working and long-term performance through balanced tack formulations and application parameters.

Durability of Slag Based Geopolymer Stabilized Clay with High Moisture Condition

Clay soils, characterized by their cohesiveness and water retention capacity, exhibit low aeration and tend to swell when water is absorbed, leading to subsequent contraction. The moisture content significantly affects the properties of marine clay, resulting in low strength and high compressibility. Traditional stabilizers such as lime and cement have been extensively studied for their ability to enhance the compressive strength, reduce swelling potential, and improve the overall durability of the soil. These stabilizers offer numerous benefits in terms of soil properties and have been extensively researched. However,due to environmental concerned, geopolymer has been explored as an alternative replacement to the traditional stabilizer. In this research, stabilized clay soil using ground granulated blast furnace slag(GGBS) based geopolymer were prepared and tested for the compressive strength and durability characteristic. Different percentages of GGBS (10%, 20% and 30%) were used to stabilize the clay soil with different activator/binder ratio (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0) and initial moisture content (0.75wL, 1.0wL, and 1.25wL). Cement stabilized specimen were also prepared for comparison. Unconfined compression test and wet-dry cycle were performed to evaluate the compressive strength and durability of treated soil. It was found that the strength of treated sample decreased with increment of initial moisture content. Increasing the binder dose was necessary to achieve the strength requirements for high water content soils. Thus, it shows that the use of a GGBS based geopolymer binder for the purpose of stabilizing soft soil is an alternative that is both effective and environmentally friendly.

Physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics of fly ash replaced cement deep mixing columns

The novel approach of the study is implementing the installation procedure of fly ash (FA) replaced cement deep mixing (DM) columns to field cases aiming at managing FA waste and reducing cement utilization. FA replaced cement DM columns (diameter of 30 cm and length of 80 cm) were installed on clayey soils using a laboratory type DM machine. The effect of installation parameters such as the binder dosage, FA replacement ratio, superplasticizer content, water/binder ratio, and the liquidity index (LI) of the soil on column performance was investigated. The design of experiments and optimization process were conducted using the Taguchi method, S/N and ANOVA analyses, and the desirability function method. Observations have shown that the mixing time required for a homogeneously mixed column depends on the LI of the soil and the volume ratio (VR) of the slurry. A key parameter (LI∙VR) is defined to decide the minimum number of the mixing process. The blade rotation number should be minimum of 252 rev/m to obtain a homogeneous soil-slurry mixture. The highest strength of the column was obtained when LI of fresh soilcrete (LImix) is 1.25∙LI. Optimum installation parameters were determined as binder dosage of 425 kg/m3, FA replacement ratio is 40%, superplasticizer content is 3%, water/binder ratio is 0.8, and LI of the untreated soil is 1. In the optimum design, the mixing efficiency of the soil-slurry mixture increased and the best column performance was obtained. In addition, cement utilization and binder cost decrease 40% and 33%, respectively, in FA-replaced cement DM columns. SEM images prove the increase in column performance due to the cementation products (CSH and CAH gels) formed in the microstructure of the column.

Comparative Study Evaluating the Effect of the Administration of Vitamin K1 versus Placebo on Vascular Calcification in Haemodialysis Patients

Abstract Background Cardiovascular calcification is a risk factor and contributor to morbidity and mortality in End stage kidney disease patients. Cardiovascular calcification is most likely due to an imbalance of promoters (e.g. Calcium and phosphate) and inhibitors (e.g. fetuin-A and matrix Gla protein). Aim of the Work We aimed to study the effect of oral vitamin k1 on serum carboxylated Matrix gla protein in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and to study its effect as an important marker of vascular calcification. Patients and Methods This Placebo Controlled clinical trial was conducted for 3 months on 80 adult ESRD patients on regular Hemodialysis randomly allocated into 2 groups of either vitamin K1 versus oral placebo tablet administration for 3 months. Patients in both groups were age and sex matched, study group included 18 (45%) males and 22 (55%) females with mean age ± SD 47.350 ± 14.420 years, while the placebo group included 16 (40%) males and 24 (60%) with mean age ± SD 49.500 ± 14.509 years, with no significant difference between both groups as regard demographic data, access of hemodialysis, and duration of Hemodialysis. Results There was no significant change in bone parameters (serum Ca, PO4 & Ca/PO4 product) after 3 months of vit K1 administration compared to baseline in the study group. Serum phosphorus levels showed a minimal, yet statistically significant decrease after 3 months of placebo administration, this might be attributed to the different doses of PO4 binders in patients of both groups. Consequently, Ca/ PO4 product showed a statistically significant decrease after 3 months of placebo administration (P = 0.002), mostly attributed to the significant decrease in serum phosphorus in the same group over the same period. We observed that serum MGP levels significantly increased after administration of vitamin k1 in study group (P < 0.001) with 78.05% increase. However, a much lower increase, yet statistically significant increase in serum MGP level was noticed in the placebo group (P < 0.001) with 40.60 % increase. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups according to their risk factors regarding smoking, HTN, HCV, DM, and ISHD. Conclusion We concluded that Oral vitamin K1 therapy significantly increased serum active form of Matrix GLA protein levels among hemodialysis patients with potential decrease in cardiovascular calcification and cardiovascular diseases.

Sustainable approach to quality assurance in cement-improved soil: applications of handheld XRF for geotechnical solutions

Traditional methods for evaluating the quality of the Deep Mixing Method (DMM) in Japan, such as the phenolphthalein tracer method, present limitations in ensuring strength improvement. This study explores handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a sustainable alternative for quality assessment. The elemental composition of cement-treated soil was investigated, focusing on Calcium (Ca), Silicate (Si), and Sulfate (S), which play crucial roles in the formation of hydrated products, aiming to accurately determine their influence on the strength development of the improved soil. A controlled protocol was employed using commercial Kaolin clay and the needle penetration test for strength assessment. Our laboratory experiments, conducted with a cement-based binder (C) dosage of 110 kg/m3 and a water-cement (W/C) ratio of 1, furthered our understanding of the hydration process. Results indicate an apparent increase in Ca amount over time, correlating with improved strength, while the apparent amount of Si decreases, suggesting its integration into hydration products such as C-S–H gel. Strength assessment rose significantly between day 1 and 28, aligning with variations observed in Si, Ca, and S, underlining their role in strength evolution. This research underscores the potential of handheld XRF as a sustainable substitute for conventional methods in field-quality assurance, offering real-time data on the formation of possible hydrated products during the hydration process for improved soil in geotechnical engineering.

Preparation and safety study of TKX-50/CL-20 composite explosives

ABSTRACT CL-20, as the best comprehensive high nitrogen energetic material, plays an important role in weaponry, equipment, and national defense. TKX-50, as a new type of ionic explosive, is commonly used for composite explosives due to its excellent desensitization effect. This work combines TKX-50 and CL-20, and then encapsulates them using demulsification method. TKX-50/CL-20 composite explosives were successfully prepared at the binder dosage of only 1.5 wt.%, which showed good encapsulation effects. The results showed that the Polyvinyl butyraldehyde (PVB) and wax were successfully coated on the surface of the explosive particles, and the crystal structure of CL-20 in the composite did not change, while the excellent detonation property of ε-CL-20 is retained. Our study found that TKX-50 has a catalytic effect on the decomposition of CL-20, and when mixed alone, the activation energy of CL-20 is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the activation energy of the TKX-50/CL-20 composite explosive prepared has hardly changed compared to CL-20, and it has better thermal stability compared to TKX-50/CL-20 (1:1). The impact sensitivity and friction sensitivity of TKX-50/CL-20 composite explosives have also been significantly improved, with 2 J and 96 N higher than the TKX-50/CL-20 (1:1) raw materials, respectively, demonstrating good desensitization effect.

Research on the preparation and road performance of modified epoxy resin chip seal

Abstract In order to explore the road performance of modified epoxy resin on cement concrete surfaces, based on the modified epoxy resin and flexible curing agent, the road performance of modified epoxy resin chip seal with different pavement structures and binder dosage was studied. When using the premixed structure with 3 to 5 mm gravel, the friction coefficient value of the chip seal was 48, the 7d wet wheel wear value was 254.5 g/m2. When using the layered structure with 3 to 5 mm gravel, the friction coefficient value of the chip seal was 84. The bond strength between the modified epoxy chip seal and the cement concrete surface was 3.13 MPa using the layered structure. The research results showed that the road performance of the layered structure chip seal was better than that of the premixed structure chip seal. The chip seal with a layered structure was more suitable for the preventive maintenance of cement concrete pavement.

Key fuel characteristics and techno-economic aspects of torrefied rubberwood biomass pellets produced by incorporating various cassava-based binders at varied doses.

Improving energy content and hydrophobic nature of woody biomass can be pursued through torrefaction. This gives torrefied biomass with a low bulk density, potentially increasing storage and transport costs. To overcome this issue, densifying the torrefied biomass is necessary. However, poor binding of particles makes densification challenging without using a binder. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics and techno-economic aspects of torrefied rubberwood biomass (TRWB) when pelletized using various cassava-based binders at different blending ratios. The selected binders included cassava starch (CS), cassava pulp (CP), and cassava chip (CC). Each binder at 5%, 10%, or 15% (wt.) was mixed with TRWB and water before pelletizing using a flat die machine. The results revealed that pelletizing TRWB with different cassava-based binders at various blending ratios influenced the physicochemical characteristics of the TRWB pellets, particularly dimensions, bulk density, fuel and atomic ratios, and energy content. The TRWB pellets demonstrated energy densities in the range of 7.95-11.39 GJ/m3, and their mechanical durability and fine content fell within acceptable ranges. The TRWB pellets maintained their shape during 120min of water soaking, with water absorption levels varying by binder dose. The pelletizing ability, material, and energy costs of TRWB pellets depend on binder type and dose. CP can be applied as a binder for pelletizing torrefied rubberwood biomass. However, the mechanical durability of the product needs to be above the user requirement or standard.

Calcined alunite-modified alkali-sulphate-activated slag as a novel binder for high-performance cemented paste backfill

The free water content and pore structure significantly affect the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. Because of high water-to-cement ratio and low binder dosage, cemented paste backfill (CPB) is characterized by high free water content and high porosity, which lead to a low strength. In this study, calcine alunite (CA) was used to modify the alkali-sulphate-activated slag (ASAS) to synthesis high-strength CPB with low porosity and low free water content. The results show that at dosage ≤3 %, CA can significantly enhance the strength of ASAS-CPB, and the strengthening effect becomes more prominent as both the dosage and curing time rise. An addition of 3 % CA leads to a 184 % increase in strength at 14 days. However, excessive CA (5 %) reduces 3-day strength by 65 %, but provides the greatest strength at 56 days. As the dosage increases up to 3 %, the promoting impact of CA on early hydration of ASAS-CPB gradually increases, and the duration of induction stage and acceleration stage gradually decreases. Nevertheless, 5 % CA prolongs the duration of induction stage by 921 %. Electrical conductivity and volume water content can be used to assessing the hydration process of ASAS-CPB. Besides, the addition of CA can promote the hydration of slag, resulting a greater formation of C–S–H and ettringite. The hydration products fill the pores and transform the macropores into micropores. Furthermore, mechanisms of CA-induced enhancement in strength is discussed. The results of this study can offer a reference for the synthesis of high performance CPB.

Parameters of back filling material prepared from mine tailing, fly ash, and mine water

The article investigates the influence of mine tailing, fly ash, and mine water on strength parameters as mine paste filling material performing the strength tests on different recipes of mortar mixes with individual types of fillers and wastewater from extraction of mine tailings. Recipe is prepared in proportions corresponding to the standard mortar and compared with a reference recipe according to the fresh mortar consistency test using a shaking table according to ČSN EN 1015-3. Resulting measured values on 40 × 40 × 160 mm solids samples for which the evaluation of the volume weight was carried out in the range of 2, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90 days according to EN 1015-10 (722400). The results showed that that it is possible to prepare relatively fluid mixtures with extremely low binder dosage. And not only the water coefficient but also the granulometry of the raw material plays an important role in the long-term strengths of samples.

Study on the characteristics of glass fiber‐reinforced polymers from recycled wind turbine blades as reinforcement in particleboard

AbstractGlass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP), extensively employed in diverse industries, generates considerable waste, especially from decommissioned wind turbine blades. Our research group has developed a new method of mechanical recovery for GFRP from wind turbine blades. In this study, waste GFRP was processed into a mixed particle size of 0.9–6 mm using a crusher and a screening machine, and then added as reinforcement materials to particleboards. The effects of different levels of four factors (GFRP addition, hot pressing temperature, hot pressing time, and binder dosage) on the properties of GFRP particleboards were evaluated by orthogonal experiments. The study results showed that the particleboards with 30 wt% GFRP improved modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and internal bonding strength (IB) by 74.94%, 42.28%, and 92.05%, respectively, compared to pure poplar particleboards. Moreover, GFRP particleboards demonstrated better water resistance and dimensional stability than commercial particleboards and excelled in thermal stability. Recycling GFRP waste from decommissioned wind turbine blades and incorporating it into particleboard production can reduce environmental pollution, increase the resource recovery utilization rate, and contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices.Highlights Low‐cost and efficient methods of recycling wind turbine blades were proposed. Recycled GFRP from wind turbine blades can be used as reinforcement for particleboard. The prepared particleboards have excellent physical and mechanical properties and are thermally stable. Determination of the optimal glass fiber‐reinforced polymer addition level in particleboard at 30 wt%.

Green approach to ironmaking: Briquetting and hydrogen reduction of mill scale using novel binders

The transition to sustainable and low-carbon ironmaking processes has necessitated innovative solutions. The most prominent solutions are the establishment of a circular economy by recirculating the iron-rich residues from steelworks and the adoption of hydrogen as a clean reducing agent to mitigate fossil CO2 emission. One such residue is mill scale, which is generated during steelmaking, casting, and rolling processes. However, the fine particles and easy reoxidation of the mill scale make it difficult to be used directly in iron and steel production without proper compaction. This paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility of mill scale briquetting using organic binders to meet the requirements of hydrogen-based direct reduction. The study will investigate the influence of binder type, binder dosage, moisture content, and compaction pressure on the briquetting process and the briquettes quality. Moreover, the reducibility of optimized briquettes will be examined by hydrogen at 900 °C using a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with a quadrupole mass spectroscopy (TGA-QMS). The optimal combination for achieving the best mechanical strength and reducibility was a briquette produced with 1% Alcotac® CB6, 1% KemPel, and 2.5% moisture content, compressed at a pressure of 125 kN.

Environmental, economic, and social impacts of sugar cane bagasse and eggshell wastes for soil stabilization.

Sustainability is a core topic for all sectors including geotechnical engineering (e.g., design of foundations, earthworks structures, and pavements for major infrastructure and building projects). Despite being comprised of environmental, economic, and social pillars, most sustainability studies in this area have focused on the first. Furthermore, social impacts and the three pillars integration are little explored. As a result, there is a lack of systemic and holistic assessments of innovative geotechnical alternatives. This research advances in this area by performing a complete sustainability assessment and integration of the environmental, economic, and social pillars of two expansive soil stabilization alternatives: (i) sugar cane bagasse ash combined with hydrated eggshell lime alkali-activated by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and (ii) Portland cement. Individual analyses were carried out to determine the environmental, economic, and social impacts, and the single sustainability index. Alkali-activated binder dosages showed higher impacts in 4 out of 10 environmental categories. For both binders, high-density/low-binder dosages contributed to environmental and economic sustainability as they require lower quantities of raw materials and diesel for materials transportation. The total costs of alkali-activated binder dosages ($189.79 and $154.45) were higher than that of Portland cement ($72.49 and $54.04), mainly due to the high cost of NaOH acquisition. However, the alkali-activated binder dosages implied lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and thus lower social cost of CO2. The alternative binder presented a higher positive social impact. The alkali-activated high-density/low binder dosage is the most sustainable soil stabilization strategy.

Utilization of solid residue from hydrothermal liquefaction of breadfruit pulp for the production of bio-briquette using cassava starch as binder

The generation of agro-waste as a result of increase in agro and food processing activities is on the increase due to rapid increase in human population. Hence the need to eliminate these waste by converting them into a useful product or energy source. This work presents the use of bio-char from hydrothermal liquefaction of breadfruit pulp to produce bio-briquettes with cassava starch as a binder. The response surface method using design expert was used to design the experiment with particle size, press pressure and binder dosage as factors, to determine the parameter combination that will produce briquettes of high energy density. The briquette with the highest calorific value 26.75 MJ/kg was produced at the parameter combination of 450 mm−6 particle size, 5 MPa press pressure, and 20 % binder dosage. The ultimate analysis carried on the produced briquette gave carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur content of 47.22 %, 3.88 %, 0.69 %, and 0.42 % respectively, with oxygen content of 4.79 % by percentage mass difference. While the proximate analysis gave moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon content of 7.8 %, 3.9 %, 43.7 %, and 44.6 % respectively. Other characterization test carried out gave combustion rate of 4.5 g/min, ignition time of 3.5 min, density of 0.86 g/cm3, compressive strength of 8.31 N/mm2, shatter index of 0.89, and hydrophobicity of 61.3 %. These findings shows that briquettes produced with bio-char from HTL of breadfruit pulp can be used as solid fuel for domestic and mini-industrial heating purposes, as well as eliminate waste from processing of breadfruit.

Using Cyclic CBR Method to Determine Resilient Modulus of Hydraulic Binder Stabilised Road Pavement Base Layers

The mechanistic-empirical (E-M) design of pavement structures requires knowledge of the elastic modulus of the layers comprising the structure. The necessary cyclic (dynamic) triaxial testing is expensive and cumbersome for low-volume forest and agricultural roads. Opiyo (1995) developed a method called cyclic CBR (cCBR) to determine the resilient modulus (Mr) of granular road construction materials using CBR testing equipment. The present study tested the cCBR method on silty, fine sand stabilised with lime and a lime-cement mixture. For the test, 24 test specimens were prepared by adding 3, 5 and 7% pure lime and a 70–30 lime-cement mixture at the targeted 8–23% water content. Three metrics were used to express the bearing capacity of the specimens: (1) the commonly used CBR% value, (2) the Mr value calculated as a function of load force and elastic deformation determined as a result of the cCBR test, and (3) the resilient modulus calculated from the CBR value. The experimental results showed that the initial water content had a greater effect on the bearing capacity than the binder dosage. The present study found the cCBR procedure to be feasible. The test results were converted to a resilient modulus value using the formula developed by Opiyo and Molenaar, respectively. The calculated resilient modulus values from the CBR value exhibited a wide variation. Uzan's formula provided similar results to those calculated by Molenaar's formula. A 250 m long experimental road section was also constructed to verify the laboratory data. Based on the laboratory tests, five different 50 m long stabilisation layers were built. The bearing capacity data measured with the handheld BC-1 LFWD and KUAB-FWD equipment verified Molenaar's formula.

Optimal Initiation of Tenapanor Treatment Analyzed by Baseline Phosphate Binder Dose: A Subanalysis of the OPTIMIZE Study

Optimal Initiation of Tenapanor Treatment Analyzed by Baseline Phosphate Binder Dose: A Subanalysis of the OPTIMIZE Study