Binder Type Research Articles

Assessment of fracture toughness in fibrous concrete via Brazilian test: Experimental study with low-clinker cementitious binder

As the predominant and cost-effective material in the construction industry, concrete is susceptible to tension weaknesses, leading to significant flaws such as cracking and brittle fracturing. Recent advancements in fibrous concrete have emerged as a solution to mitigate these issues. Incorporating steel fibers in concrete has emerged as a promising solution to improve crack resistance and structural integrity. This study focuses on developing eco-friendly concrete using a low-clinker cementitious binder and short steel fibers to enhance fracture toughness and mitigate the environmental impact by effectively utilizing lime sludge. Concrete specimens were prepared with three binder types: treated lime sludge (TLS) at 15 % and 30 % and calcined clay (CC) at 15 % and 30 %, replacing conventional clinker. Short steel fibers were added at 1.5 % by volume to enhance mechanical properties. Fracture toughness was evaluated using notched Brazilian disc specimens, assessing mode I, II, and mixed-mode (I/II) fracture at multiple notch orientations (β = 0°, 15°, 28.83°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°). Microstructural analysis during strength development was performed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The findings revealed that specimens containing 15 % TLS, 30 % CC, and 1.5 % steel fibers exhibited the highest fracture toughness. Mode II fracture toughness exceeded mode I, indicating improved resistance to crack propagation. The addition of fibers to the specimens under mode II demonstrated improved fracture toughness, ranging from 0.44 to 0.53 MPa·m^1/2 compared to the corresponding non-fibrous specimens. The fibrous specimens showed significantly higher ultimate loads at β = 90° compared to β = 0°, indicating superior crack resistance and structural integrity under perpendicular loading conditions. The Brazilian disc specimens demonstrated variability in fracture toughness across different loading orientations, highlighting their suitability for mixed-mode fracture assessment.

Production and characterization of coconut shell charcoal-based bio-briquettes as an alternative energy source for rural communities

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has driven interest in the utilization of agricultural residues, such as coconut shells, for bio-briquette production. This study investigates the impact of binder types (cassava and corn) and concentrations (5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%) on the properties of bio-briquettes made from dried coconut shells with two particle sizes (40 mesh and 60 mesh). The experimental evaluation focuses on several performance indicators, including density, shatter index, percentage moisture content (PMC), percentage volatile matter (PVM), percentage ash content (PAC), percentage fixed carbon (PFC), higher heating value (HHV), ignition time, burning time, and boiling time. The results indicate that briquettes with 10 % fine charcoal cassava binder achieved the highest density of 0.764 g/cm³ due to improved compaction. Briquettes with 15 % coarse charcoal corn binder demonstrated the highest shatter resistance at 96.99 %, reflecting their superior structural integrity. The highest PMC and PVM values were observed in briquettes with 15 % coarse charcoal cassava binder, at 8.13 % and 31.25 %, respectively. Conversely, the highest PAC was 16.34 % for 5 % coarse charcoal cassava binder. Briquettes with 10 % fine charcoal corn binder exhibited the highest PFC of 70.79 % and HHV of 31.51 MJ/kg. Boiling times ranged from 15 min 53 s to 36 min 35 s, with the shortest boiling time for briquettes with 10 % fine charcoal corn binder. The findings highlight the superior mechanical properties and energy performance of bio-briquettes with specific binder concentrations and particle sizes. This study demonstrates the potential of coconut shell bio-briquettes as a viable and sustainable energy source, offering economic and environmental benefits through the effective utilization of agricultural waste and reduction of carbon emissions.

Physical and rheological properties of agglomerated milk protein isolate–guar gum mixtures: effect of binder type and concentration

Physical and rheological properties of agglomerated milk protein isolate–guar gum mixtures: effect of binder type and concentration

Effect of High Polymer, Crumb Rubber, and Epoxy-Modified Asphalt Binders on Laboratory Performance of Open-Graded Friction Course Mixtures

Open-graded friction course (OGFC) is a thin asphalt mixture surface layer. It is gap-graded with a high percentage of coarse aggregates that are nearly uniform in size, resulting in a high percentage of interconnected air voids and asphalt binder, which provides improved skid resistance, visibility, and decreased pavement–tire noise. However, construction personnel at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reported that conventional OGFC mixtures have durability issues and shorter service life, compared with thin asphalt mixture lifts. Hence, effects of different asphalt binder types on the performance of OGFC mixtures were evaluated. Five types of asphalt binder were utilized: conventional styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) asphalt binder PG 76-22M; high SBS content asphalt binder PG 88-28; diluted epoxy asphalt (EA) binder with two different dosages (25% and 50%); and a hybrid modified asphalt binder prepared with SBS and crumb rubber modifier PG 76-22G. The optimal aggregate structures were determined based on minimum required air voids and voids in coarse aggregate. Physical and mechanical tests were conducted to assess the performance of OGFC mixtures, including draindown, permeability, loaded wheel track, and Cantabro abrasion loss. Results indicate that OGFC mixtures incorporating diluted EA binder exhibited lower draindown values than mixtures containing PG 76-22M and PG 88-28. Moreover, mixtures with PG 88-28 and 50% EA binders demonstrated improved resistance to rutting. Mixtures with 50% EA and PG 88-28 binders demonstrated improved durability, compared with mixtures with PG 76-22M for unaged and aged conditioning, as measured by Cantabro abrasion loss values.

Study on the salt-dissipating and settlement-preventing performance of composite modified cushion layers in the roof-propping body of earthen sites' basal sapping zone

Cushion layer replacement is currently an important method for preventing and treating salinized deterioration in the earthen sites' basal sapping zone. The water resistance, salt-dissipating property, and load-bearing capacity are key indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of capping replacement. In this study, gravel is an inorganic admixture for the calcareous soil base material. Prepared 19 soil samples through the cross-combination of gravel with three types of organic binders. These samples were subjected to tests on wave velocity, volume shrinkage, permeability, capillary rise, and consolidation. The suitability of the composite materials for reinforcing the rammed earth heritage capping layers was further studied using the AHP-CRITIC-TOPSIS method. The results show that: (1) The wave velocity and volume shrinkage rate of the samples increased over time and reached stability after 7 days. Moreover, the water resistance, salt dissipation, and load-bearing capacity of the samples were significantly enhanced; (2) Comprehensively evaluating the suitability of the composite materials for the capping layers in the earthen sites' basal sapping zone using six indicators: wave velocity, volume shrinkage rate, permeability coefficient, capillary water absorption rate, compression coefficient, and final settlement, it was found that the SMS-S: G7:3 mixture showed the best suitability. This study provides a reliable theoretical basis for the restoration of earthen sites in the arid areas of Northwest China.

Investigations of Silica/MOF composite coating and its dehumidification performance on a desiccant-coated heat exchanger

Desiccant materials have an important impact on the dehumidification performance of desiccant-coated heat exchanger (DCHE). In this paper, a desiccant-coated heat exchanger based on a composite desiccant material of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and silica gel was proposed. The coating was experimentally prepared and tested for its hygroscopic performance under different binder types (PVP, PVA, and PVB), different binder mass concentrations, and different MOF mass concentrations in the composite adsorbent. Further simulations were performed to investigate the effects of key structural and operational parameters on the performance of DCHE. Experimentally, the optimal hygroscopic performance of the composite adsorbent was obtained at 15 wt% PVP and 20 wt% MOF, which was 51.71 % higher than that of silica coating, and the cost of the composite adsorbent drops 78.04 % by comparing to the pure MOF for laboratory fabrication, and based on the novel economic efficiency index proposed in this paper, the mass concentration of the MOF should not exceed 32.8 wt%. Simulation results showed that under the conditions as follows: 1.2 mm (fin spacing), 25 mm (fin height), 0.28 mm (coating thickness), 25 °C (cooling water temperature), and 0 % (initial moisture content), the corresponding moisture removal capacity (MRC) and of DCHE was 6.740 g/kg, which was 149.63 % higher than that of silica coating.

The influence of binder type on the properties and performance of taphole clays for blast furnaces

Taphole clay (THC) is an unshaped refractory commonly used in blast furnaces to seal the taphole after the tapping process has been completed. THC is typically bonded with conventional coal tar pitch (CTP), but alternative binders have been developed due to the high toxicity of this material. This study investigated the performance of various binders commonly added to THCs, including CTP, phenolic novolac resin (PNR), low benzopyrene coal tar pitch (ECTP), and a petroleum-based binder (PBB). The properties of the prepared THCs were investigated, and the analytical hierarchy process was used to infer the behaviour of the prepared materials during blast furnace operation. The results obtained show that the best binder for a particular THC depends on its operational requirements. In cases where excellent injectability and hearth protection are mandatory, CTP or ECTP are highly recommended. Conversely, if a low-toxicity and easy-to-drill THC is required, PBB emerges as a promising binder. PNR is the recommended choice for blast furnaces where rapid cure and tapping stability are priorities.

Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Mortar Generated by using Lunar Soil Simulant

This study investigates the mechanical properties of mortar produced using lunar soil simulant, with the aim of assessing its suitability for construction in extraterrestrial habitats. Various tests including fineness test, specific gravity, standard consistency and compressive test were conduct to evaluate the performance of the mortar. Factor such as particle size distribution, binder type, curing conditions and environmental influences were scrutinized to gain comprehensive insights into the material’s suitability for construction purposes. The findings provide insights into the feasibility of utilizing lunar soil simulant based mortar for future space missions and lunar colonization efforts

Enhancing mechanical properties and density of WC-Co with pressureless sintering via shell structure binder jetting additive manufacturing

The binder jetting (BJT) additive manufacturing (AM) process is suitable for producing complex WC-Co cemented carbide parts. To achieve near-full-density in the final parts, the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) sintering process is typically employed to enhance densification. However, HIP sintering requires high equipment specifications and is relatively more costly compared to conventional pressureless sintering. To improve the density of WC-Co parts printed by BJT AM under the pressureless sintering environment, the shell structure printing method was used in this study. The shell structure printing only jets binder to the model's outer profile, creating a shell that encapsulates the central powder, mitigates binder pyrolysis and residual effects on particle densification, and enhances post-sintering density. In this work, the effect of shell thickness, binder type, and printing layer thickness on the density and mechanical properties of the WC-12Co parts under pressureless sintering conditions were investigated. The results show that the density and mechanical properties of the WC-12Co parts significantly improved with the decreasing shell thickness. Specifically, the WC-12Co printed using shell structure achieves a relative density of over 98% and a transverse rupture strength (TRS) of 1954 MPa after pressureless sintering, a result comparable to BJT printed samples treated with HIP sintering. Moreover, the results indicate using a binder with lower residual carbon content and smaller printing layer thickness has a more positive effect on improving density and mechanical strength when employing the shell structure printing method. Microstructure morphology and phase analysis results indicate that the shell structure printing method does not affect the growth of WC grains in the shell and center regions, nor does it influence its phase composition. The shell structure printing method offers a new approach to the manufacturing of near-full-dense WC-Co materials using the BJT process.

Mini review polyurethane hybrids: preparation, characterization and applications

Polyurethane hybrids (PUHs) are a type of versatile materials with a broad variety of possible applications. Considering the connections between their structure and characteristics, this is especially true. Because of its special mechanical stability, toughness, stickiness, sustainability of the finished product, biological properties, and chemical properties, PUHs are the subject of extensive research and development for use in a wide range of applications. Polyurethane /acrylic hybrids are important type of binders in coating industries due to their exceptional properties. This mini review aims to provide an overview of different types of polyurethane/acrylic hybrids, including waterborne, blending, and UV curable hybrids. The synthesis of these hybrids through addition and emulsion polymerization techniques is discussed, emphasizing the importance of achieving intimately homogenous latex. The hybrids (PUHs) enhanced the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the final products including coatings, paints, adhesives, and performance of other products. In addition, the anticorrosion coatings based on PUHs exhibits the properties of polyurethane and acrylic to reduce or prevent the corrosion.

Performance Requirements and Optimum Mix Proportion of High-Volume Fly Ash 3D Printable Concrete

In this study, a procedure for mixture design was proposed with the aim of meeting the requirements of extrudability, buildability, and shape stability in 3D printable concrete. Optimum water/binder ratio, sand/binder ratio, binder type, utilization ratio, aggregate particle distribution and quantity, and type and utilization ratio of chemical admixtures were determined for 3D printable concrete in terms of print quality and shape stability criteria. A total of 32 different mixtures were produced. It was determined that mixtures produced using a binder content with approximately 40% fly ash, a w/b ratio of 0.35, and aggregates with Dmax of 1 mm exhibit acceptable characteristics. Investigations were also conducted into the thixotropic behavior, rheological characteristics, and mechanical properties of the mixes that were deemed acceptable. As a result, it was determined that the increase in the amount of fly ash usage positively affected the buildability of the printed layers. Additionally, the dynamic yield stress ranging from 114 to 204 Pa, viscosity ranging from 22 to 43 Pa.s, and structural build-up value ranges suitable for the production of 3D printable concrete mixtures were determined.

A study of the efficacy and structural performance of modified coal tar and dimethylpolysiloxane as binders for coal-carbon composites

Amidst global resource depletion and population growth, repurposing carbon-containing waste as raw materials into products offers promise for a more resource-efficient, circular economy. This research examines the efficacy of using coal tar modified through air-blowing as a binder for producing coal composite, alongside exploring dimethylpolysiloxane as an alternative binder. The effects of the binder type, mixing ratios, and coal fine composition on the properties of the composites were systematically studied. Microscopic analysis revealed anisotropic spherules in pitch formed at 400 °C/9 h and 450 °C/6 h possess favorable chemical properties like low H/C ratios (0.24–0.25) and high carbon content (96–97 %). Pyrolyzed coal fines and modified pitch-based composites exhibited moderate weight loss (11–17 %), notable compressive strength (106.58–344.71 MPa), and flexural strength (49–160 MPa). However, composites produced from coal tar pitch (400 °C/9 h) blended with 50 % GG1 and further pyrolyzed at 600 °C for 5 h exhibited a high water absorption (19 %). Also, composites with inferior flexural strength were produced using dimethylpolysiloxane as a binder, rendering them unsuitable for structural applications. This straightforward approach offers a viable means to repurpose significant quantities of coal fines and coal tar destined for landfills. This research is intended as a reference for researchers seeking to tranform coal waste into structural composites, thereby promoting circularity, and mitigating associated environmental risks.

Strength and Acid Resistance of Mortar with Different Binders from Palm Oil Fuel Ash, Slag, and Calcium Carbide Residue

This study deals with the use of ground palm oil fuel ash (GPOFA) in combination with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and ground calcium carbide residue (GCR) to produce the binary and ternary binders-based alkali activated mortar. The appropriate content of materials in each binder type was determined as a function of compressive strength. The results revealed that both GPOFA:GGBFS and GPOFA:GCR binders had an optimum blending ratio of 70:30 wt%, while the GPOFA:GGBFS:GCR binder was 55:30:15 wt%. An alkaline catalyst of NaOH was admixed to the best mixture in each binder type to stimulate the mortar's compressive strength. The sulfuric acid (H2SO4) resistance of the mortar in terms of weight change was also examined. The addition of 1M NaOH in both binary and ternary binders could enhance the compressive strength and H2SO4 resistance of the mortar. The highest compressive strength and lowest weight change due to soaking in H2SO4 solution were found in the ternary binder mortar with a 1 M NaOH. The mortar with GCR immersed in H2SO4 solution resulted in an increased weight, which was different from that of the mortar without GCR. The microstructural analysis of the alkali-activated pastes indicated more reaction products than in the case of the pastes without alkali activator. However, a higher concentration of 2 M NaOH resulted in a poor microstructure, which had a negative effect on the compressive strength and H2SO4resistance. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-07-08 Full Text: PDF

Influence of Silica Modulus on the Activation of Amorphous Wollastonitic Hydraulic Binders with Different Alumina Content: Study of Hydration Reaction and Paste Performance.

This study investigates how different sodium silicate SiO2/Na2O MS ratios (0.75, 0.9, and 1.2) affect the hydration behavior of amorphous wollastonitic hydraulic (AWH) binders containing various amounts of Al2O3 content (4, 7, 10, and 12%wt). The effects of and interaction between the MS ratio of the activator and the Al2O3 content of the sample on the hydration reaction and paste performance were investigated. The reaction was followed by calorimetry, and the pastes' compressive strength performances were tested at different curing times (2, 7, and 28 days). The hydrated pastes were characterized by FTIR, thermogravimetry analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The calorimetric results show that a higher Al2O3 cContent and a higher MS ratio result in a longer induction period. In terms of paste performance, an increase of the Al2O3 coupled with an activation with a 1.2 MS ratio results in a lower compressive strength after 28 days of hydration; the results range from 76 to 52 MPa. A decrease of the MS ratio to 0.9 allowed the obtention of a narrower range of results, from 76 to 69 MPa. Even though a decrease of the MS ratio to 0.75 led to higher hydration kinetics and high compressive strength results at early ages, at 28 days of curing, a decrease in compressive strength was observed. This may be a consequence of the fast kinetic of the mixture, since the rapid growth of hydration products may inhibit the dissolution at later ages and increase the porosity of the paste. Moreover, the high Al intake in the hydration product, facilitated by the high sodium content of the activator, promotes the formation of a higher number of calcium aluminate silicate hydrate structures (C-A-S-H) to the detriment of calcium silicate hydrate structures (C-S-H), decreasing the compressive strength of the samples. The TGA results indicate that the samples hydrated with the MS075 solution resulted in a higher number of hydrated products at early ages, while the samples hydrated with the MS09 and MS1.2 solutions exhibit a steady increase with curing time. Hence, an equilibrium in the hydration kinetic promoted by Si saturation-undersaturation appears to be fundamental in this system, which is influenced by both the MS ratio and the Al(OH)4- content in solution. The results of this study suggest that for this type of binder, optimal performance can be achieved by decreasing the MS ratio to 0.9. This composition allows for a controlled kinetic and overall higher compressive strength results in pastes produced with this AWH precursor.

Improving Asphalt Binder Durability Using Sustainable Materials: A Rheological and Chemical Analysis of Polymer-, Rubber-, and Epoxy-Modified Asphalt Binders

When exposed to sun radiation and heat, asphalt binders age, resulting in reduced flexibility, cracking, and pavement failure. Given the increasing demands of traffic, environmental concerns, and resource scarcity, highway agencies and researchers are actively seeking solutions that meet performance requirements and demonstrate awareness of using non-renewable resources. Epoxy asphalt (EA) promotes sustainability concepts due to its production at significantly lower mixing and compaction temperatures, enhanced durability, improved serviceability, reduced maintenance needs, and successful recycling and reuse in hot asphalt mixtures. Crumb rubber, a widely recognized recycled waste tire material, is considered a viable option for promoting sustainability and enhancing asphalt binder properties. This study aims to enhance the durability and long-term performance of asphalt binders by utilizing sustainable materials. Six types of asphalt binders were employed: PG 67-22 base asphalt binder; styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified PG 76-22 and PG 88-22H (3.5% and 7.0% dosage rates, respectively); a hybrid PG 76-22CS-modified asphalt binder prepared with SBS and crumb rubber modifiers; and 25EAB and 50EAB epoxy-modified asphalt binders prepared at 25 and 50% dosage rates, respectively. Results indicate that the sustainable asphalt binders PG 76-22CS, 25EAB, and 50EAB demonstrated comparable or superior performance compared to SBS-modified asphalt binders, as measured by rutting and fatigue factors. Additionally, epoxy asphalt binders had better anti-aging and cracking resistance, as shown by the outcomes of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and linear amplitude sweep tests, respectively. This study contributes valuable insights into the potential of sustainable materials to enhance the overall performance and resilience of asphalt binders.

Converting municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash into the value-added artificial lightweight aggregates through cold-bonded granulation technology

To effective recycle the Municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA), this study adopts cold consolidation granulation technology to develop eco-friendly artificial lightweight aggregates (ALCBAs), and the materials are over 50 % dosage of MSWIBA, less 50 % fly ash (FA) or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and 10 % ordinary Portland cement (OPC). This study investigated the effects of different binder types and dosages on the properties of ALCBAs, including compressive strength, water absorption rate, bulk density, microstructures, pore development, heavy metal leaching behavior, and sustainability. The feasibility of ALCBAs to design green concrete was also explored. The results show that with higher content of MSWIBA and binders of FA, GGBFS and OPC, the ALCBAs with compressive strength greater than 2.5 MPa, bulk density of about 1000 kg/m3 and water absorption rate greater than 12 % was successfully developed. Increasing the content of FA/GGBFS is beneficial to improve the compressive strength and reduce the water absorption rate and the total porosity and lower the air bubbles percentage of ALCBAs. More importantly, both FA and GGBFS are mixed into ALCBAs, the compressive strength is at 2.5 MPa-3.0 MPa, the water absorption rate is significantly reduced, and the energy consumption, carbon footprint and cost are also significantly reduced. As the content of ALCBAs increases, although the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength are not as good as concrete with natural aggregates, the density of low-carbon concrete with ALCBAs gradually decreases, and the interface transition zone is gradually improved. Overall, ALCBAs can be beneficial to the conservation of natural resources (natural aggregates) and effectively solve the shortage of natural aggregates, and can be used to deal with the accumulation of solid waste in a green way, and it also can open up new channel for solid waste recycling.

Influence of recycled rubber and glass aggregates on magnesium sulfate resistance of geopolymers: Physio-mechanical properties and mechanisms

Recycled rubber aggregates (RRA) and recycled glass aggregates (RGA) are sustainable alternatives to natural aggregates. However, the influences of RRA and RGA on the magnesium sulfate resistance of geopolymers remain unclear. Previous studies have focused on the influences of binder type and composition on magnesium sulfate resistance but have neglected the role of aggregates. This study bridges this gap and demonstrates the influences of RRA and RGA on the magnesium sulfate resistance of geopolymers. This study investigated the physical properties, mechanical properties and phases of FA and GBFS-based geopolymers containing 0:10 – 10:0 RRA and RGA after being exposed to 5 % MgSO4 solution for 90 days. The results showed that compared to 100 % RGA, the 90-day length and mass of 100 % RRA increased by 50.48 and 33.22 times, respectively, and the 90-day compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths of 100 % RRA decreased by 65 %, 43.28 % and 56.75 %, respectively. However, the changes in length and mass of 100 % RGA were very small, and the mechanical properties even slightly increased rather than decreased. RRA + RGA showed an interval performance between 100 % RRA and 100 % RGA. The different magnesium sulfate resistance of RRA and RGA were attributed to the following mechanisms. RRA caused much higher drying shrinkage of geopolymers than RGA because the soft nature of RRA increased uncoordinated deformation, leading to micro-cracks in the matrix before magnesium sulfate exposure. The pre-existing micro-cracks served as physical transportation paths for external ions to diffuse into the interior of specimens, leading to expansive gypsum crystals formed in these micro-cracks. The accumulation of expansive gypsum crystals enlarged these micro-cracks and facilitated their propagation, leading to the expansion, cracking and degraded mechanical properties. By contrast, RGA reduced drying shrinkage due to its hard nature, which limited the availability of micro-cracks as physical transportation paths for external ions and therefore reduced the formation of expansive gypsum crystals and improved the magnesium sulfate resistance of geopolymers.

Influence of the Binder Type on the Activity of Pt-Containing Catalysts Based on MFI Zeolite in Isomerization of the Aromatic С8 Fraction

Influence of the Binder Type on the Activity of Pt-Containing Catalysts Based on MFI Zeolite in Isomerization of the Aromatic С8 Fraction

Development and Experimental Verification of Inorganic Electromagnetic Pulse Shielding Paint for Building Interiors Using Carbon-Based Materials.

The term electromagnetic pulse (EMP) generally refers to high-power electromagnetic waves and can be classified into EMPs caused by nuclear weapons, non-nuclear EMPs, and EMPs caused by natural phenomena. EMPs can cause catastrophic damage to any electronic device consisting of electromagnetic components, including communications devices and transportation. In this study, the shielding effectiveness of paint was evaluated depending on the type and content of carbon material and binder. To analyze the compatibility and dispersibility improvement of the raw materials used in paint manufacturing, experiments were conducted in two stages, using 27 mixtures. The shielding effectiveness was evaluated for the optimal mixture developed through mixture experiments. The results of this study confirmed that the developed EMP shielding paint can improve the shielding effectiveness of concrete by 25-40 dB. Additionally, the adhesion strength and moisture resistance evaluation of the EMP shielding paint were evaluated. The average adhesive strength of the EMP shielding paint was 1.26 MPa. In moisture-resistance testing at a temperature of 50 ± 3 °C and a relative humidity of 95% or higher for more than 120 h, no cracks or peeling were observed on the painted surface.

Exploring binder efficacy in the fabrication of charcoal briquettes from palmyra palm and oil palm shells: A comprehensive analysis

The fabrication of charcoal briquettes was considered using two distinct bases: palmyra palm and oil palm shells. The critical role of binders – namely tapioca starch, molasses, and termite mound clay (TMC) – were emphasized in influencing the properties of the briquettes. ANOVA results revealed that both the type of binder and charcoal significantly impacted various characteristics, such as proximate components like volatile matter content, and physical properties including combustion time. Briquettes made from palmyra palm shells notably demonstrated superior performance in terms of combustion time and onset time of saturation (OTS). Among the binders, tapioca starch was distinguished for contributing to the lowest ash content and the highest fixed carbon in the briquettes. Conversely, briquettes bound with TMC, despite having the lowest volatile matter percentage, also exhibited the highest ash content and fragility, in addition to the shortest combustion time. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate binders to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of charcoal briquettes, aligning with the increasing demand for environmentally conscious energy solutions in the face of escalating global energy needs.