Calcium Component Research Articles

Invitro: Evaluasi Aktifitas Peluruhan Batu Ginjal Ekstrak Daun Kemangi (Ocimum Basilicum) Menggunakan Spektrofotometer Serapan Atom

A kidney stone is a disease that is quite often found in the community. Kidney stone disease is characterized by the formation of small stones due to precipitation in the urine. This stone can clog urethra and cause pain. The most common kidney stone content is calcium oxalate. Kemangi (Ocimum basilicum) contains several secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and tannins. The content of secondary metabolites is thought to shed kidney stone. This study aims to reveal other properties of kemangi plant as anticalculi. Method: The stages in this study consisted of making kemangi leaf ethanol extract, extract characterization, phytochemical extract screening, kidney stone calcium making, and kidney stone calcium decay test stage. Testing the effect of the destruction of kidney stone is carried out in vitro by testing the rate of decay of kidney stone calcium components in various concentrations of ethanol extracts of kemangi leaf in physiological NaCl. Kidney stone calcium decay was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (ASS). Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and continued with the LSD test. Results: ethanol extract of kemangi leaf at a concentration of 600 ? x ?1600 ppm could shed kidney stone calcium significantly greater than negative controls. Conclusion: the kemangi leaf ethanol extract has potential as the destruction of kidney stone.

Investigation of Mineral Carbonation with Direct Bubbling into Concrete Sludge.

Mineral carbonation, which is CO2 fixation through a carbonation reaction using alkaline earth metals, is being investigated as a carbon capture and utilization method to reduce CO2 atmospheric emissions. Concrete sludge is an alkali waste material from the concrete industry and contains abundant calcium components. We investigated the applicability of concrete sludge for mineral carbonation. In this study, gas containing CO2 was bubbled through the model concrete sludge solution and the effects of the solid–liquid ratio, bubbling time, gas flow rate, and the partial pressure of CO2 on the CO2 fixation ratio and fixation rate were investigated. The CO2 fixation ratio decreased with increasing CO2 bubbling time, CO2 flow rate, and CO2 partial pressure. The CO2 fixation rate increased with increasing CO2 flow rate and CO2 partial pressure. The formation of calcite, a form of calcium carbonate, was confirmed.

Metallic Calcium as a Precursor for Sol-Gel Synthesis of CaCO3-SiO2 and CaO-SiO2 Systems

A series of binary oxide systems with Ca/Si molar ratios of 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 have been synthesized by the sol-gel technique from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and metallic calcium powder. Upon calcination, a side effect of wollastonite formation as a result of the reaction between the components of the material has been observed in the two calcium-richest systems. The increase in calcium content produces an effect of porosity promotion. At high calcium contents, the homogeneity of the systems is limited by the ability of silica to disperse the calcium component. The properties of these systems are determined by the silica surface coverage with a large amount of the scattered CaCO3 fine microcrystallites (calcite), resulting from the phase segregation. The gels were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, low temperature nitrogen adsorption, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM and SEM/EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and FT-IR spectra, to describe the parameters important from the point of view of their application as a support for metal-based catalysts.

Effect of Cold Plasma on the Levels Mineral Blood Components <i>In Vivo</i>

This study illustrates effect of cold plasma CAP on the mineral blood components in vivo. the mineral blood component (Ca, Na, Cl, K and Fe) are used. Floating Electrode-Dielectric Barrier Discharge (FE-DBD) system of probe diameter 4cm is used for this purpose, and variable voltage (0-20) kV and variable frequency (0-30) kHz, the output power was ranged from (10 - 70) W. the effect of cold atmospheric plasma on mineral blood is studied with different exposure durations (30,45,60) sec. As the plasma exposure duration increases, the calcium, potassium and iron components in the blood increased, while The sodium and chlorine elements decreased. These results give an indication of the cold plasma receptor to be used to treat many diseases related to mineral blood components.

Effect of Synthesis Method on the Catalytic Performance of Ca-Mg-Al Mixed Metal Oxide Nanocatalyst for Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil

The synthesized nanomaterials by two different methods were used as a catalyst in the transesterification
 of waste cooking oil to produce biodiesel. For both environmental and economic reasons, it is beneficial to produce biodiesel from waste cooking oils. It is desirable to help solve waste oil disposal by utilizing its oils as an inexpensive starting material in biodiesel synthesis. The structure, morphology, and surface properties of resulting nanocatalysts were characterized by X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The synthesized nanocatalysts' efficiency in
 the production of biodiesel was studied by Gas Chromatography (GC) as well as leaching amounts of surface active components of each catalyst investigated by the EDX technique. The reactions were performed at 65°C using a 9:1 methanol to oil ratio for 3 h. The results indicate that the impregnated mixed metal oxide catalyst ( Ca-MgAl) shows a higher surface area and better mechanical strength than the totally co-precipitated mixed metal oxide catalyst (CaMgAl(O)). Although both of the fully co-precipitated and impregnated catalysts represented about 90% of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) yield the leaching of active calcium component was significantly reduced from 45.8% in precipitated CaMgAl(O) to 8% for the impregnated Ca-MgAl catalyst. This improved structure represents the advantage of the impregnation technique to co-precipitation procedure for fabrication of robust nanostructures.

Impact of decalcification on antibacterial properties of eggshell against selected poultry pathogens

Background: Eggshell which is primarily composed of more than 98% calcium carbonate crystal, serves as the physical protective and active barrier structure of egg content. Recently, antimicrobial properties of eggshell are fast becoming center of interest among stakeholders of poultry industry. However, few studies have focused on the rigidity factor of calcium components of eggshell as antimicrobial agent. Thus, this study was designed to determine the effect of decalcification on the ability of eggshell to inhibit common poultry and egg bacterial pathogens.Methods: Raw eggshell denoted as calcified eggshell (CES) and decalcified eggshell (DES) were extracted and made into fine powder. Standard protocol was used for preparations of CES and DES at concentrations of 10, 5, 2.5 and 1.25 mg/ml, and their antibacterial assays on selected bacterial pathogens (Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhi) were performed by agar diffusion method. Gentamicin 80mg solution (CC1) and distilled water (CC2) served as controls. Data were analysed with SPSS version 20.0 and presented as mean±SD for descriptive statistics. Friedman's two-way test ANOVA was used to compare the differences in mean values between CES, DES, CC1 and CC2 at significance level of p<0.05.Results: The mean zone diameter of inhibition produced by DES (range 13–28mm) for the isolates was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that produced by CES (range 10-21mm). However, the mean zone diameter of inhibition produced by CC1 (gentamicin) (range 16-40mm) was higher than that produced by DES or CES (p<0.05). The concentrations of DES and CES have no significant antibacterial effect on B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae (p>0.05), but had inverse effect on P. aeruginosa. Overall, DES had a better inhibitory effect than CES against B. subtilis, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, but notably, neither DES nor CES had inhibitory effect on E. coli and S. Typhi.Conclusion: Poor antibacterial effect of CES may be attributed to the calcium-protein interactions within bacterial cell membrane, which hinders absorption or mobility mechanism of the antibacterial factor of the eggshell, but decalcification had significant impact on the antibacterial profile of the eggshell for some bacterial isolates. However, S. Typhi and E. coli were totally resistant to both DES and CES. Breed of eggs with minimal calcified eggshell to withstand transportation fragility, may enhance antibacterial index and shelf-life of table eggs.
 Keywords: Decalcification; Antibacterial; Eggshell; Poultry; Pathogens

Serotonergic Modulation of Persistent Inward Currents in Serotonergic Neurons of Medulla in ePet-EYFP Mice.

Serotonergic (5-HT) neurons in the medulla play multiple functional roles associated with many symptoms and motor activities. The descending serotonergic pathway from medulla is essential for initiating locomotion. However, the ionic properties of 5-HT neurons in the medulla remain unclear. Using whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we studied the biophysical and modulatory properties of persistent inward currents (PICs) in 5-HT neurons of medulla in ePet-EYFP transgenic mice (P3–P6). PICs were recorded by a family of voltage bi-ramps (10-s duration, 40-mV peak step), and the ascending and descending PICs were mirrored to analyze the PIC hysteresis. PICs were found in 77% of 5-HT neurons (198/258) with no significant difference between parapyramidal region (n = 107) and midline raphe nuclei (MRN) (n = 91) in either PIC onset (−47.4 ± 10 mV and −48.7 ± 7 mV; P = 0.44) or PIC amplitude (226.9 ± 138 pA and 259.2 ± 141 pA; P = 0.29). Ninety-six percentage (191/198) of the 5-HT neurons displayed counterclockwise hysteresis and four percentage (7/198) exhibited the clockwise hysteresis. The composite PICs could be differentiated as calcium component (Ca_PIC) by bath application of nimodipine (25 μM), sodium component (Na_PIC) by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 2 μM), and TTX- and dihydropyridine-resistance component (TDR_PIC) by TTX and nimodipine. Ca_PIC, Na_PIC and TDR_PIC all contributed to upregulation of excitability of 5-HT neurons. 5-HT (15 μM) enhanced the PICs, including a 26% increase in amplitude of the compound currents of Ca_PIC and TDR_PIC (P < 0.001, n = 9), 3.6 ± 5 mV hyperpolarization of Na_PIC and TDR_PIC onset (P < 0.05, n = 12), 30% increase in amplitude of TDR_PIC (P < 0.01), and 2.0 ± 3 mV hyperpolarization of TDR_PIC onset (P < 0.05, n = 18). 5-HT also facilitated repetitive firing of 5-HT neurons through modulation of composite PIC, Na_PIC and TDR_PIC, and Ca_PIC and TDR_PIC, respectively. In particular, the high voltage-activated TDR_PIC facilitated the repetitive firing in higher membrane potential, and this facilitation could be amplified by 5-HT. Morphological data analysis indicated that the dendrites of 5-HT neurons possessed dense spherical varicosities intensively crossing 5-HT neurons in medulla. We characterized the PICs in 5-HT neurons and unveiled the mechanism underlying upregulation of excitability of 5-HT neurons through serotonergic modulation of PICs. This study provided insight into channel mechanisms responsible for the serotonergic modulation of serotonergic neurons in brainstem.

Highly efficient removal of As(III) by Fe-Mn-Ca composites with the synergistic effect of oxidation and adsorption

Developing highly effective and low-cost adsorbent is crucial for removing the more toxic arsenic wastewater. However, most of the adsorbents cannot meet the requirements for adsorbing high concentrations As(III) sewage. Here, we report the as-synthesized Fe-Mn-Ca composites with excellent adsorption performance for the treatment of high concentrations As(III)-contaminated water. It is found Fe-Mn-Ca composite with higher ratio of Ca component exhibits larger specific surface area and zeta potential, which receives a better removal efficiency. Consecutive adsorption recycling experiments demonstrate that Fe-Mn-Ca composites have remarkable reusability performance. FTIR and XPS results reveal that As(III) removal by Fe-Mn-Ca composites was attributed to the synergistic effect of oxidation and adsorption process. The calcium component on the adsorbent particles may promote the derivatization of hydrogen peroxide, resulting in more arsenite being converted to arsenate ions and thus achieving an excellent adsorption capacity. This work provides a promising adsorbent with outstanding adsorption properties toward the treatment of high-concentration arsenic wastewater in the practical industrial application. • A novel Fe-Mn-Ca adsorbent was prepared for removing high-concentration As(III). • Fe-Mn-Ca composite exhibits superior As(III) removal capability and reusability. • The optimal reaction conditions for As(III) removal were determined. • As(III) removal was attributed to a synergy effect of adsorption and oxidation. • Calcium component on Fe-Mn-Ca adsorbent promotes oxidation during the reaction.

Topological Data Analysis of Coronary Plaques Demonstrates the Natural History of Coronary Atherosclerosis

ObjectivesThis study sought to identify distinct patient groups and their association with outcome based on the patient similarity network using quantitative coronary plaque characteristics from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). BackgroundCoronary CTA can noninvasively assess coronary plaques quantitatively. MethodsPatients who underwent 2 coronary CTAs at a minimum of 24 months’ interval were analyzed (n = 1,264). A similarity Mapper network of patients was built by topological data analysis (TDA) based on the whole-heart quantitative coronary plaque analysis on coronary CTA to identify distinct patient groups and their association with outcome. ResultsThree distinct patient groups were identified by TDA, and the patient similarity network by TDA showed a closed loop, demonstrating a continuous trend of coronary plaque progression. Group A had the least coronary plaque amount (median 12.4 mm3 [interquartile range (IQR): 0.0 to 39.6 mm3]) in the entire coronary tree. Group B had a moderate coronary plaque amount (31.7 mm3 [IQR: 0.0 to 127.4 mm3]) with relative enrichment of fibrofatty and necrotic core (32.6% [IQR: 16.7% to 46.2%] and 2.7% [IQR: 0.1% to 6.9%] of the total plaque, respectively) components. Group C had the largest coronary plaque amount (187.0 mm3 [IQR: 96.7 to 306.4 mm3]) and was enriched for dense calcium component (46.8% [IQR: 32.0% to 63.7%] of the total plaque). At follow-up, total plaque volume, fibrous, and dense calcium volumes increased in all groups, but the proportion of fibrofatty component decreased in groups B and C, whereas the necrotic core portion decreased in only group B (all p < 0.05). Group B showed a higher acute coronary syndrome incidence than other groups (0.3% vs. 2.6% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.009) but both group B and C had a higher revascularization incidence than group A (3.1% vs. 15.5% vs. 17.8%; p < 0.001). Incorporating group information from TDA demonstrated increase of model fitness for predicting acute coronary syndrome or revascularization compared with that incorporating clinical risk factors, percentage diameter stenosis, and high-risk plaque features. ConclusionsThe TDA of quantitative whole-heart coronary plaque characteristics on coronary CTA identified distinct patient groups with different plaque dynamics and clinical outcomes. (Progression of AtheRosclerotic PlAque DetermIned by Computed TomoGraphic Angiography Imaging [PARADIGM]; NCT02803411)

Moisture expansion of Ca-rich ceramic body

Calcareous ceramic bodies are typical for historical pottery, e.g. majolica and faience, as well as for contemporary production of ceramic tiles. The amount of the calcium component and the ratio of the other phases together with the firing temperature are responsible for the final properties of the ceramic body. The amount of the calcium component has a fundamental effect on the relative expansion of the ceramic body after firing and also during long-term usage or eventually during storage. The expansion behaviour is mainly associated with the planarity of the final product which is required in the case of large-format tiles. Expansion of the ceramic body is also related to the long-term stability of historical ceramics, especially glazed ceramic objects. In the case of low-fired porous ceramics moisture expansion of the ceramic body occurs due to a humid environment. It is a process of rehydration/rehydroxylation of unstable non-crystalline residues which remain from clay minerals in the ceramic body after firing. This process can be suppressed with a suitable mineralogical composition of calcareous ceramics. The main aim of this work is to study moisture expansion behaviour of calcareous ceramic bodies with a focus on both historical and contemporary ceramics.

Detection of Breast Cancer on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Hybrid Feature Extraction and Deep Neural Network Techniques

Breast cancer is one of the most occurring cancers in women due to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lobules or milk ducts. The treatment for the breast cancer at an early stage is important using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which effectively measures the size of the cancer and also checks tumors in the opposite breast. The deposition of calcium components on the breast tissue is known as micro-calcifications. The calcium salts deposited in the breast are involved with the cancer and were not diagnosed accurately due to the low effectiveness of existing imaging technique namely Haralick feature extraction technique. The MRI breast cancer diagnosis creates problems during classification of breast image and leads to misclassifications, such as unidentified calcium deposits in the existing K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) classifier. The misclassification issues are overcome by an accurate classification and identification of calcium salts and checks whether deposited salt on breast tissue is involved with cancer or not. Initially, Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) is used to remove the unwanted noise in the MRI and Morphological, Multilevel Otsu’s Thresholding and region growing techniques perform segmentation to mask unwanted breast tissues. The proposed Hybrid LOOP Haralick feature extraction technique is developed by combining the both Local Optimal Oriented Pattern (LOOP) and Haralick texture feature and the hybrid parameters are applied to the Stacked Auto Encoder based (SAE) to classify the breast MRI image as a Malignant or Benign. The performance of the proposed hybrid LOOP Haralick feature extraction shows significant accuracy improvement of 3.83% when compared to the Haralick feature extraction technique.

Three Dimensional Ultra-short Echo Time MRI Can Depict Cholesterol Components of Gallstones Bright.

PurposeNon-calcified cholesterol stones that are small in size are hard to be depicted on CT or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. This institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective in vitro study aims to characterize contrast behaviors of 3 main components of the gallstones, i.e., cholesterol component (CC), bilirubin calcium component (BC) and CaCO3 (CO) on 3D radial scan with ultrashort TE (UTE) MRI, and to test the capability of depicting CC of gallstones as bright signals as compared to background saline.MethodsFourteen representative gallstones from 14 patients, including 15 CC, 6 BC and 4 CO, were enrolled. The gallstones underwent MRI including fat-saturated T1-weighted image (fs-T1WI) and UTE MRI with dual echoes. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the chemical analysis for the 25 portions of the stones were compared.ResultsBC was bright on fs-T1WI, which did not change dramatically on UTE MRI and the signal did not remain on UTE subtraction image between dual echoes. Whereas the CC was negative or faintly positive signal on fs-T1WI, bright signal on UTE MRI and the contrast remained even higher on the UTE subtraction, which reflected their short T2 values. Median CNRs and standard errors of the segments on each imaging were as follows: on fs-T1WI, −10.2 ± 4.2 for CC, 149.7 ± 27.6 for BC and 37.9 ± 14.3 for CO; on UTE MRI first echo, 16.7 ± 3.3 for CC, 74.9 ± 21.3 for BC and 17.7 ± 8.4 for CO; on UTE subtraction image, 30.2 ±2.0 for CC, −11.2 ± 5.4 for BC and 17.8 ± 10.7 for CO. Linear correlations between CNRs and cholesterol concentrations were observed on fs-T1WI with r = −0.885, (P < 0.0001), UTE MRI first echo r = −0.524 (P = 0.0072) and UTE subtraction with r = 0.598 (P = 0.0016).ConclusionUTE MRI and UTE subtraction can depict CC bright.

Synthesis of metaettringite from blast furnace slag and evaluation of its boron adsorption ability.

Blast furnace slag (BFS) is generated as a by-product in the ironmaking process, and hence, the development of a recycling system for BFS waste is important. In this study, the calcium component of BFS obtained from a steel company in Japan was successfully used as raw material of the synthesis of metaettringite. Metaettringite has been recently considered for as an adsorbent for boron, which is toxic to humans and animals. The BFS used was amorphous, and mainly consisted of CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, and MgO; in particular, it contained 42.82 mass % CaO. The X-ray diffraction pattern and Fourier transform infrared spectrum of the synthesized sample indicated the formation of metaettringite. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy observations revealed its needle-like morphology. The synthesized metaettringite adsorbed 1.189mg-B/g-adsorbent in 240min, which was approximately 25 times greater than that achieved using the parent BFS. The metaettringite can reduce the boron concentration to below the uniform effluent standard in industrial wastewater in Japan (16mg/L).

Microstructure and Composition of Red Mud-Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers Incorporating Carbide Slag

In order to solve the problem of the recycling utilization about an industry waste solid-red mud, a kind of geopolymer material system based on red mud-fly ash-carbide slag has been developed. The microstructure and composition of the geopolymer material system at the age of 28 days was tested by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was showed that the compressive strength of the geopolymer sample was 15.1 MPa when the liquid solid ratio (L/S) was 0.7, sand-binder ratio was 3:1, alkaline activator used carbide slag, and the fly ash, red mud and carbide slag were prepared as the proportion of 4:3:3. Through SEM-EDS and XRD results, the spherical beads in fly ash were dissolved in the alkaline environment to form silicon and aluminum monomers. Carbide slag played the roles of calcium component support in C-A-S-H, C-S-H gels and alkaline activator.

Purification, crystallization and X-ray analysis of Pf-SCP (sarcoplasmic Ca-binding protein), related to storage and transport of calcium in mantle of Pinctada fucata

Pf-SCP, a 21 kDa protein with two EF-hand motifs and a phosphorylation site, was identified from mantle tissue and binds to calcium ions and transports calcium components from cell to the shell of Pinctada fucata. To reveal the molecular basis of the calcium binding activity of Pf-SCP, we expressed the recombinant protein of full-length Pf-SCP in Escherichia coli. Recombinant Pf-SCP (rPf-SCP) purified by Ni affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography appeared as a single band on SDS-PAGE. The circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that the α-helix content decreased when rPf-SCP interacted with both calcium ions and calcium carbonate. Western blotting and immunostaining verified the Pf-SCP expression in the shell and localization most in the mantle epithelial cells. To further understand the structural and functional regulation of Pf-SCP by calcium ions and calcium carbonate, the crystallization experiments of rPf-SCP in the presence of calcium ions were performed. A crystal of rPf-SCP obtained in the presence of calcium ions diffracted X-rays up to a resolution of 1.8 Å. The space group of the crystal is C2 with unit cell parameters of a = 96.828 Å, b = 55.906 Å, c = 102.14 Å and β = 90.009°, indicating that three molecules of rPf-SCP are contained in an asymmetric unit as estimated at the value of the Matthews coefficient. These results suggest that Pf-SCP may play a role in calcium ions transportation and shell mineralization by concentrating calcium ions inside the mantle epithelial cells and interacting with calcium carbonate molecules.

Calcium-suppressed Technique in Dual-layer Detector Computed Tomography to Evaluate Knee Articular Cartilage.

Calcium-suppressed (CaSupp) technique involving spectral-based images has been used to observe bone marrow edema by removing calcium components from the image. This study aimed to evaluate the knee articular cartilage using the CaSupp technique in dual-layer detector computed tomography (DLCT). Twenty-eight healthy participants and two patients with osteoarthritis were enrolled, who underwent DLCT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. CaSupp images were reconstructed from spectral-based images using a calcium suppression algorithm and were overlaid with conventional CT images for visual evaluation. The morphology of the knee cartilage was evaluated, and the thickness of the articular cartilage was measured on sagittal proton density-weighted and CaSupp images in the patellofemoral compartment. No abnormal signal or density, cartilage defect, and subjacent bone ulceration were observed in the lateral and medial femorotibial compartments and the patellofemoral compartment on MRI images and CaSupp images for the 48 normal knee joints. CaSupp images could clearly identify cartilage thinning, defect, subjacent bone marrow edema, and edema of the infrapatellar fat pad in the same way as MRI images in the three knee joints with osteoarthritis. A significant difference was found in the mean thickness of the patellar cartilage between MRI images and CaSupp images, while the femoral cartilage presented no significant difference in thickness between MRI images and CaSupp images in all 48 knee joints. The present study demonstrated that CaSupp images could effectively be used to perform the visual and quantitative assessment of knee cartilage.

Pressed recycled fly ash and carbide slag: Hydration of entirely waste-stream building components

This research investigates the engineering performance and microstructural examination of entirely waste-stream cementitious materials, that fabricated with a mixture of circulating fluidized bed fly ash (FA-1) and carbide slag (CS-2). CS-2, as the activator with its high Ca(OH)2 content, can replace ordinary chemical activator to improve compressive strength and make full use of waste and promote a circular economy. The best performance is achieved for the paste with 50 wt% FA-1 and 50 wt% CS-2 reached nearly 40 MPa after 28 days. The typical samples are tested by compressive strength, IR, TG, SEM, EDS, and MIP. The test results show that the calcium component phase evolution goes through several stages: Ca(OH)2, needle-like C-S-H, C-S-H seeds, amorphous C-S-H gels, and C-A-S-H gels several stages. First, the binders form a large number of needle-like C-S-H; second, needle-like C-S-H transforms into amorphous C-S-H gels; third, the silicon in the low Ca/Si ratio C-S-H gels are replaced by the aluminum formed C-A-S-H gels. Since the formation of needle-like C-S-H, these evolutions have been going on.

Physicochemical characterization of cow horn ash and its effect as filler material on the mechanical property of polyester-banana fibre composite

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to observe the effect of cheap cow horn ash particles (CHAp) filler as a possible replacement for expensive fillers on the mechanical properties of polyester-banana peduncle fibre (BPF) composites were evaluated using standard procedures. Design/methodology/approach Composite was developed using CHAp as a filler component, polyester resin and BPF, with the filler of varying percentage weights (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%), at particle sizes of 125 µm, using hand lay-up technique. The physicochemical properties of CHAp were examined through x-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersion spectrometric analysis (EDS) and density. Mechanical properties of the developed composites were also examined. Findings The results showed that the tensile properties and impact strength of the composites reduced marginally with the incorporation of the cow horn ash particle as a filler. However, the flexural strength of the composites increased progressively with the incorporation of BPF as the fibre loading increased. The major constituents of CHAp were CaO from XRF study, calcite (CaCO3) from XRD study and Ca in EDS study in accordance with the analytical parameter, which showed a major component of calcium. The high value of CaCO3 in CHAp improved flexural and impact strengths of the composites. CHAp presented around solid and irregular shape particle characteristic of most fillers with an average particle size of 98.13 nm. The tensile and flexural strengths of the polyester matrix composites obtained at 7.5% BPF: 7.5% CHAp was 117.87 MPa depicting satisfactory mechanical characteristics. Originality/value Generally, cow horn ash particle exhibited adequate filler component potential in composite production in keeping with its property effects on the mechanical properties of polyester-BPF composites.

Pyro processing cement kiln bypass dust: Enhancing clinker phase formation

The valorisation of cement kiln bypass dust (CBPD) is explored for sustainable production of cementitious clinker phases. CBPD can replace the calcareous component in cement manufacture and allow for a reduction in CO2 emissions, as the calcium component in CBPD is mostly decarbonised. CBPD was heated with/out the addition of alumina or silica at temperatures of 900 – 1100 °C to produce clinker phases. Belite and mayenite formed at temperatures as low as 900 °C, while alite formation was achieved at 1200 °C, which is significantly lower than is conventional (~1450 °C). Alite is thermodynamically stable only above 1250 °C; thus, the reduced temperature is potentially owing to the presence of chloride found in the CBPD (as KCl) which was also simultaneously removed through pyro processing at 1100 – 1200 °C. The investigation also confirmed that the formation of belite is enhanced in the presence of molten KCl.

Synthesis of Zeolite from Electrolytic Manganese Residue: Investigation on the Variation of the Propert of Zeolite during the Conversion Process

In this study, the cation exchange capacity (CEC); phosphate immobilization capacity (PIC); and chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characteristics of the synthesized electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) based zeolite (EMRZ) were systematically investigated during the synthesis process. By varying synthesis conditions, different zeolites with different purity were generated, and it was proven that a lower Si/Al ratio, relatively higher temperature, and relatively longer time favored the synthesis of zeolite. Besides, the decrease in Si/Al ratio and variation within a narrow range contributed to the forming of Al rich zeolite. Meanwhile, the discrepancy of CEC and PIC of EMRZ contributed to the case in which various elements in EMRZ do have an impact on CEC (Na2O element and type of zeolite) and PIC (calcium and iron components). Moreover, the synthesis conditions were optimized and evaluated in terms of their CEC, specific surface area (SSA), and crystallinity. According to the analyses using XRD, FE-SEM, and XRF and the SSA analysis, the EMRZ (mainly zeolite A, LTA) synthesized under the optimum conditions (initial Si/Al ratio of 1.5, at 100°C, for 1.5 h) was found to be mainly composed of highly ordered cubic zeolites A crystals with a Si/Al ratio of 1.02 and a CEC of 3.45 meq/g.