Mineral Composition Research Articles

PROXIMATE, MINERAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS COLLECTED FROM ORATHUR VILLAGE, THIRUPORUR TALUK KANCHEEPURAM DISTRICT TAMILNADU, INDIA

The use of medicinal plants has a long tradition as part of the human diet and has therapeutic agents. That is why they are well accepted by consumers and are generally considered to be environmentally friendly, efficient and generally considered to be safe alternative to antibiotics due to the presence of phytochemicals found in the leaves, stem bark, roots, flowers amongst others. Medicinal plant also possesses nutritional properties and play multiple pharmacological roles such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-helminthic, hepato-protective activity amongst others. This study was aimed at accessing the proximate, mineral and phytochemical composition of Tephrosia purpurea, Adhatoda vasica, Crataeva nurvala, Bauhinia racemose, Holarrhena antidysenterica and Aegle marmelos. Result on proximate analysis showed that moisture content varied from 13.57 – 16.02 %, dry matter (83.98 – 86.43 %), crude protein (5.06 – 7.12 %), ash (9.90 – 12.04 %), crude fibre (12.74 – 14.32 %), crude fat (0.10 – 0.22 %) and carbohydrates (40.30 – 50.17 %). Concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, sodium and copper ranged from 120 – 148.0 mg/100g, 180.0 – 300 mg/100g, 66.8 – 94.2 mg/100g, 41.8 – 69.8 mg/100g, 27.9 – 44.6 mg/100g, 119 – 133 mg/100g and 8.21 – 13.1 mg/100g respectively. Quantitative evaluation of tannins showed that values varied from 39.00 – 46.50 mg/g, alkaloids (26.35 – 35.09 mg/g), saponins (20.05 – 30.40 mg/g), flavonoids (66.10 – 86.11 mg/g), terpenoids (40.71 – 45.88 mg/g) and phenols (106.8 – 125.4 mg/g). In conclusion, it was discovered that it contained some essential nutrients in significant quantities. However, values obtained varied due to age of plant, specie, processing method among others. The presence of phytochemicals in these plant suggests that it has pharmacological properties. Accessing the constituent’s in this plants could lead to a novel drug discovery and curb the increasing cases in antimicrobial resistance.

Assessment of Field Performance and Nutritional Quality of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) for Food Diversification

This research was carried out to evaluate the field performance of some mung bean accessions and their nutritional composition for inclusion in household diet. Twenty-one (21) accessions of mung bean were evaluated in the early and late season of 2022 at Ile-Ife, and in the early season at Kishi out-station of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. The experiment was established according to randomized complete block design with three replications. Agronomic and yield data were collected. Six of the mung bean accessions were randomly selected and analyzed for proximate, mineral composition and sensory properties along with two cowpea varieties as standard checks. MB-3, 6, 14 and 15 produced the highest seed yield across the locations (Ile-Ife early season, Ile-Ife late season, and Kishi early season). However, the performance was generally better in the early season than in the late season. The mung bean samples had slightly lower protein values than the standard checks. The mung bean samples had considerably higher mineral levels (p ≤ 0.05) than the control samples. Moin-moin (processed bean cake) made from some of the mung bean samples compared favorably with that from Ife brown cowpea (standard check). This work revealed good adaptability of the mung bean accession to southwest agro-ecology of Nigeria. It also revealed better nutritional quality of mung bean relative to cowpea for inclusion in household meals.

Investigation of the Origin of Elevated Amounts of Iron and Manganese in a Dam Reservoir

On the outskirts of the Pinios dam reservoir (Ilia Regional Unit, Greece), a water treatment plant serves the water supply needs of the surrounding municipalities, in which high concentrations of Fe and Mn, before treatment, have been observed. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the mechanism of increased iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) levels in the reservoir of the Pinios dam, which impacts its water treatment plant operation. A wide range of hydrochemical and sedimentological analyses were conducted over a hydrological year, focusing on the spatial and temporal distribution of Fe and Mn in both water and sediment samples across the established research monitoring stations. Sediment samples from the reservoir’s bottom revealed predominantly fine-grained material, rich in total organic carbon, with elevated Mn and Fe oxide levels. Significant seasonal variations in Fe and Mn levels were also discovered, with higher Mn levels observed in the anoxic bottom waters of the reservoir during the dry season, attributed to the reduced conditions favoring Mn oxide dissolution over Fe. Conversely, during the wet season, a homogenization of metal concentrations throughout the water column was observed due to increased oxygenation and freshwater inflow. These outcomes were confirmed by the hydrochemical analysis, indicating that the redox conditions, pH, and temperature, as well as the presence of organic matter, significantly influence the mobility and bioavailability of these metals in the reservoir. The findings of this study clarify that the high concentration of Fe and Mn can be linked to the mineral composition of the upstream Neogene and flysch formations in the study area. As these formations are affected by geological weathering, they tend to enrich the streams, through soil erosion and runoff processes, with metals like Fe and Mn, which are eventually transported into the dam reservoir. This study highlights the critical influence of lithological, sedimentological, and hydrological factors on the redox conditions and seasonal stratification that govern the behavior of Fe and Mn concentrations and mobility in dam reservoirs. These findings are critical for informing water resource management practices and dam infrastructure operators and developing effective environmental conservation strategies in similar cases.

The Impact of Acid Strength and Mineral Composition on Spontaneous Imbibition with Reactive Fluids

Capillary rise experiments are conducted in a set of calcareous and siliceous rocks with varying mineralogy and petrophysical properties to understand the coupled impact of reactivity and spontaneous imbibition. A capillary rise experiment is performed in each sample: first with deionized water, then with a dilute acidic solution, and finally again with deionized water, and the capillary rise profile for each is recorded. Pre- and post-acid petrophysical properties such as porosity, permeability, pore size distribution, and contact angle are measured for each sample. The mineral makeup of the rocks significantly influences how the acidic fluids penetrate the samples. The primary reactions are the dissolution of Ca- and Mg-rich minerals which alter the pore network. The higher acid strength results in higher capillary rise in calcareous rocks and results in an increase in the average pore size. The same pH acid results in lower capillary rise in the siliceous rocks, and a general decrease in the average pore size is observed. Changes in contact angle indicate increased water affinity in carbonate and reduced affinity in sandstone. The link between capillary interactions and fluid reactivity is often overlooked in fluid flow studies, and this research sheds light on the importance of reactivity during spontaneous imbibition, offering insights into dissolution and precipitation processes during capillary flow.

Unveiling heavy metal removal mechanisms in mulberry and rice husk biochars via sacrificial mineral descriptors.

Rice husk biochar (RBC) and mulberry biochar (MBC) have gained significant attention in the removal of heavy metals in aquatic environments. Their easy affordability and eco-friendly nature make these biochar's a powerful adsorbent for sustainable water remediation applications. Although their heavy metal adsorption characteristics of individual biochar's have been widely studied, a clear understanding of how the inherited mineral composition in RBC and MBC influences Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ removal in both deionized water (DIW) and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) water is currently lacking. In this study, heavy metal removal mechanisms of RBC and MBC in these water systems were investigated using various kinetic models and correlated them with their mineral composition. With the highest correlation coefficient of modified two-compartment first-order kinetic model (MTCFOKM), the measured qe values highlight MBC as a promising candidate for heavy metal removal in both acidic and alkaline conditions. pH edge experiments revealed significant differences in metal removal efficiency between these biochars, despite their similar specific surface areas and surface charges (pHpzc). XRD and FTIR characterization provided a strong support in explaining the high heavy metal removal ability of MBC stem from calcite mineral that inherited from biomass. Furthermore, the pH edge experiment combined with MINEQL+ speciation profiles revealed that heavy metal removal by MBC at low pH is linked to calcite leaching, shift in system pH, and heavy metal precipitation.

Osumilite-bearing lavas of the Keli highlands (Greater Caucasus): petrological and geochemical characteristics, mineral composition and conditions of magmatic melts formation

Comprehensive petrological, geochemical and mineralogical studies of osumilite-bearing andesite-dacitic lavas of the volcano Kordieritoviy (Keli Highland, Greater Caucasus), erupted at the end of the Pleistocene (about 200 Ka), were carried out. The results of petrographic study of thin sections and microprobe analysis showed that the rocks contain three paragenetic mineral associations: (1) “xenogenic” (metamorphogenic) – garnet (XPrp = 0.42, XAlm = 0.51–0.53, XGrs = 0.04–0.05) + hercynite + sapphire + bronzite + pargasite + ilmenite; (2) early magmatic – hypersthene + hercynite + garnet (XPrp = 0.21–0.31, XAlm = 0.52–0.71, XGrs = 0.04–0.13) + ferro-kersutite + ilmenite; (3) late magmatic – hypersthene-ferrohypersthene + labradorite + garnet (XPrp = 0.04–0.14, XAlm = 0.65–0.81, XGrs = 0.06–0.18) + osumilite-(Mg) + phlogopite + tridymite + ilmenite + apatite. Osumilite-(Mg) (phenocrysts, xenomorphic aggregates in the rock matrix and crystals in miarolic cavities), the average formula of which for dacites of the Kordieritoviy volcano can be written as (K0.73Na0.06Ca0.02□0.20)1.00(Mg1.06Fe2+0.90Mn0.04)2.00(Al2.75Fe2+0.18Fe3+0.06Ti0.01)3.00(Si10.34Al1.66)12O30, formed mainly at late magmatic stages – in intermediate chambers immediately before the rise of the melt to the surface or after its eruption. Accordingly, this mineral in the studied lavas has purely magmatic origin. Thermobarometric calculations and petrological modeling showed that the deep magma chamber of the Kordieritoviy volcano was located at a level of 45–53 km from the surface in near the Moho boundary. The temperature of the melt at the early magmatic stage was no less than 1100°C at 17–23 kbar. Crystallization of osumilite-(Mg) in intermediate magmatic chambers (at depths of 30–40 km) and during the process of lava outpouring occurred at 1030–870°C and pressure progressively decreasing from 14–9 to 1 kbar. A petrogenetic model has been proposed to explain the reasons for the formation of exotic osumilite-containing lavas of the Kordieritoviy volcano. Its main provisions include: (1) enriched upper mantle source (lithospheric mantle metasomatized as a result of permanent interaction at the Moho boundary with the overlying lower crust composed of metamorphosed terrigenous-volcanogenic formations); (2) generation of “dry” basaltic magmas in the source; (3) crystallization differentiation in the source (fractionation of olivine and chrome spinels) with the formation of a “dry” superheated andesitic melt; (4) limited-scale assimilation by highly differentiated andesitic melts rising to the surface of the material of the lower crust, directly below the volcano, composed of leucocratic granulites, with simultaneous fractionation of garnet, orthopyroxene and ilmenite from the melt.

Quantitative characterization of damage and the cross-scale evolution mechanism of soft rock under dry-wet cycles

Soft rock undergoes internal structural redistribution and random damage under the action of dry–wet cycles, with these processes ultimately affecting its mechanical properties. In order to analyze the evolution mechanism of mineral composition inside soft rocks, an effective method for the characterization of the nonlinear damage of soft rock using a multifractal spectrum is presented. Moreover, a cross-scale correlation model of internal structural changes and strength degradation is established. Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of soft rock subjected to a varying number of dry–wet cycles, the damage propagation path was tracked via a rock-like compression failure test. The study results indicate that soft rock exhibits a random fractal damage effect under the action of dry–wet cycles. As the number of cycles increases, the multifractal spectrum becomes more asymmetric and the discretization degree becomes more uneven. The soft rock exhibits cross-scale evolution characteristics from mesostructural to macroscopic damage after encountering water. After a series of reactions between water and soft rock, the bonding between particles weakens and recombines, ultimately affecting the mechanical properties of the soft rock. The research results have enriched the research framework of soft rock failure mechanisms, and provided an effective method for quantitatively characterizing the correlation analysis between soft rock damage and damage at different scales.

The nutritional profile comparison between the white and purple Açaí in the mesoregions of Pará, Brazil

The study targeted to compare the nutritional profile of two varieties of açaí, the white and purple, found in different mesoregions of Pará, Brazil. The research focused on analyzing levels of total phenolics, total anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, and mineral composition in these two varieties. The study sought to identify significant differences between the two varieties in terms of nutritional composition and antioxidant potential, providing valuable information into the specific nutritional and functional properties of each type of açaí studied. Higher levels of total phenolics, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity were observed in purple açaí fruits, with values of 806.17 ± 17.48 mgGAE/100 g, 81.73 ± 1.77 mg/100 g, and 19.25 ± 0.35 μmol of Trolox equivalent (TE)/g, respectively, compared to 401.92 ± 52.70 mgGAE/100 g, 37.70 ± 5.34 mg/100 g, and 6.17 ± 1.07 μmol TE/g in white açaí. HPLC-MS analysis identified and quantified monomeric anthocyanins in white açaí, using two distinct analytical methods, revealing average values of 0.29 and 1.05 μg/100 g for cyanidin-3-glucoside and between 0.74 and 3.13 μg/100 g for cyanidin-3-rutinoside, respectively, which were higher than those found in yellow tropical fruits. The quality of both purple and white açaí varied significantly among mesoregions, with fruits from floodplain soils demonstrating superior quality compared to those from sandy and solid soils in southeastern Pará. Mineral composition and microbiological characteristics were similar between white and purple açaí. These findings underscore the significant influence of mesoregion and soil type on açaí quality, emphasizing the superiority of fruits grown in floodplain soils.

DEVELOPMENT OF REFRACTORY CONCRETE USING GLASS GRINDING WASTE SAND

This study investigates the utilization of glass grinding waste sand as an alternative fine aggregate in the formation of refractory concrete. Experimental refractory-concrete samples were subjected to sintering at 1200 °C, followed by a comprehensive evaluation of their physical and mechanical properties. The parameters assessed included flexural strength, volume density, shrinkage/expansion behavior upon drying and firing, thermal shock resistance, and thermal conductivity, following Vietnamese standards. Additionally, the mineral composition was determined using X-ray diffraction, while the microstructural characteristics were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. Experimental findings indicate that incorporating 5 wt.% of glass grinding waste sand enhances the degree of sintering in refractory concrete at elevated temperatures while maintaining its essential refractory properties. The XRD analysis revealed the presence of α-Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3 phases, contributing to the refractory concrete’s improved heat resistance and thermal shock resistance. The SEM analysis corroborated these findings by illustrating the microstructural modifications imparted by the glass grinding waste sand. Incorporating glass grinding waste sand at an optimal concentration of 5 w/% promotes sintering at high temperatures and preserves the critical refractory characteristics of concrete. This study underscores the potential of glass grinding waste sand as a viable alternative fine aggregate for refractory concrete, contributing to material sustainability and performance improvement.

The effect of burnt nickel-skeletal catalyst man-made raw materials on the сaracteristics of acid-resistant materials

Studies have shown that samples from HCI (the clay part of the tails of gravity of zircon-ilmenite ores), fired at a temperature of 1300 °C, do not meet the requirements of GOST for acid resistance. The introduction of a nickel-skeletal catalyst into the ceramic mass of man-made raw materials in an amount of 40 % reduces the number of plasticity, as with chamotte from 22 to 11 is considered optimal. The use of an optimal amount of man-made raw materials in the production of acid resistant materials makes it possible to obtain products with high physical, mechanical and chemical properties at a firing temperature of 1300 °C, as it contributes to the appearance of new refractory minerals on the diffractogram: corundum, mayenite (12CaO·7Al2O3) and alumomagnesia spinel (MgO·Al2O3), which significantly they improve the technical performance of acid-resistant materials. The presence of the optimal composition of the above minerals in the samples is also confirmed by IR spectra.

Experimental study on disintegration of unsaturated red clay in Ca2+ solution environment

Guilin is a world-famous karst area characterized by a high concentration of Ca2+ in its groundwater. The disintegration of red clay plays a key role in the collapse of soil caves. In order to study the disintegration mechanisms of unsaturated red clay in Ca2+ solution, disintegration tests were conducted using a self-made disintegration apparatus. The soil samples are placed on the sieve plate of the disintegration apparatus, and a tensile meter records the real-time change of samples mass to calculate the disintegration rate. XRD analysis and filter paper method were employed to determine the mineral composition and matric suction of red clay, respectively. The results show that the matric suction decreases with increasing moisture content and increases with the void ratio. When the matric suction exceeds 965 kPa, disintegration is markedly intense, and the disintegration rate shows no significant correlation with Ca2+ concentration. When the matric suction is below than 965 kPa, the disintegration rate increases from 0.057 to 3.027 g/s with the increase of Ca2+ concentration. The disintegration of red clay with high matric suction is primarily attributed to the rapid ingress of water molecules and the compression of air due to matric suction, resulting in tensile stress. The disintegration of red clay with low matric suction is primarily caused by the reduction in the diffusion layer thickness of clay particles and the weakening of interparticle attraction due to Ca2+.

Damage Mechanism of Deep Coalbed Methane Reservoir and Novel Anti-Waterblocking Protection Technology

Coalbed Methane (CBM) accounts for about 5% of China’s domestic gas supply, which has been regarded as one of the most promising energies for alleviating the energy supply–demand imbalance. Deep CBM reservoirs have the characteristics of low permeability, low porosity, and low water saturation, which easily experience reservoir damage during the drilling process, further affecting the gas productivity. Based on the analysis of coal mineral composition, pore structure distribution, and the surface micromorphology change in coal surface before and after hydration, a possible mechanism for CBM formation damage was revealed. It was found that the damage caused by drilling fluid intrusion can be divided into three stages: stripping, migration, and plugging. Based on the water-sensitive, acid-sensitive, and stress-sensitive evaluation tests, a novel anti-waterblocking agent with both wettability alteration and surface tension reduction was developed; then a reservoir protection drilling fluid for deep coal formation in Daning-Jixian block was constructed; then the reservoir protection performance of drilling fluid was evaluated. The results show that as the concentration of the anti-waterblocking agent FSS increases from 0% to 1%, the surface tension of the water phase is significantly reduced from 72.15 mN/m to 26.58 mN/m, while the maximum contact angle of water on the surface reaches 117°. This enhancement in wettability leads to an improvement in the permeability recovery rate from 56.6% to 80.0%, indicating a substantial reduction in waterblocking effects and better fluid mobility within the reservoir. These findings highlight the efficacy of FSS in mitigating formation damage and optimizing gas production in coalbed methane reservoirs. The drilling fluid has good wettability alteration, inhibition, and sealing performance, which is of great significance for protecting gas well productivity.

Mechanical Characterization of Main Minerals in Carbonate Rock at the Micro Scale Based on Nanoindentation

The mechanical characterization of carbonate rock is crucial for the development of a hydrocarbon reservoir and underground gas storage. As a kind of natural composite material, the mechanical properties of carbonate rock exhibit multiscale characteristics. The macroscopic mechanical properties of carbonate rock are determined by the mineral composition and structure at the micro scale. To achieve a mechanical investigation at the micro scale, this study designed a scheme for micromechanical characterization of carbonate rock. First, scanning electron microscope observation and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis were combined to select the appropriate micromechanical test areas and to identify the mineral types in each area. Second, the selected test area was positioned in the nanoindentation instrument through the comparison of different-type microscopic images. Finally, quasi-static nanoindentation was carried out on the surface of different minerals in the selected test area to obtain quantitative mechanical evaluation results. A typical carbonate rock sample from the Huangcaoxia gas storage was investigated in this study. The experimental results indicated apparent micromechanical heterogeneity in the carbonate rock. The Young’s modulus of pyrite was over 200 GPa, while that of clay minerals was only approximately 50 GPa. In addition, the proposed micromechanical characterization scheme was discussed based on experimental results. For minerals with an unknown Poisson’s ratio, the maximum error introduced by the 0.25 assumption was lower than 15%. To discuss the effectiveness of the nanoindentation results, the characterization abilities constituted by lateral spatial resolution and elastic response depth were analyzed. The analysis results revealed that the nanoindentation measurement of clay was more susceptible to influence by the surrounding environment as compared to other kinds of minerals with the experimental setup in this study. The micromechanical characterization scheme for clay minerals can be optimized in future research. The mechanical data obtained at the micro scale can be used for the interpretation of the macroscopic mechanical features of carbonate rock for the parameter input and validation of mineral-related simulation and for the construction of a mechanical upscaling model.

Influence of quartz types on mechanical parameters in the early silurian Longmaxi shale, Sichuan Basin

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in shales, occurring predominantly in three forms: biogenic quartz (BQ), detrital quartz (DQ) and clay-transformed quartz (CTQ). The content of quartz is typically correlated with the fracability of shale gas reservoirs. However, the origins of quartz and its influence on mechanical properties remain not fully elucidated. To address this gap, this study examines shale samples from LM1-LM8 graptolite zones in well W202 of the Weiyuan shale gas field, the Sichuan Basin as the research object. After systematic analysis of organic geochemistry, mineral composition, cathodoluminescence observation, major/trace elements, and log interpretation and calculation of shale mechanical parameters, the genetic mechanism of quartz was analyzed and the percentage of quartz of different origins and the influence on rock mechanical properties were evaluated quantitatively. The results indicate that the three types of quartz (BQ, DQ and CTQ) were variably present in the Longmaxi shale across different graptolite zones. The LM1-LM3 graptolite zones exhibit the highest abundance of BQ, with contents ranging from 58.3 to 79.6%, with an average of 65.7%. DQ predominates in the LM4-LM5 and LM6-LM8 graptolite zones, with average contents of 38.7% and 34.9%, respectively. The BQ content is marginally higher in the LM4-LM5 zone compared to the LM6-LM8 zone, averaging 12.7% and 6.1%, respectively. The three types of quartz exert a dual influence on Young’s modulus, and a single linear effect on Poisson’s ratio. An increase BQ content correlates with a decreased in Poisson’s ratio, whereas increased contents of DQ and CTQ correlate with an increased Poisson’s ratio. With the highest Young’s modulus and the lowest Poisson’s ratio, the LM1-LM3 shale is the most favorable interval for hydraulic fracturing. Furthermore, BQ is positively correlated with the Brittleness index (BI), whereas the contents of DQ and CTQ are negatively correlated with BI. When the quartz content falls between 52% and 85%, the ratio of DQ to BQ is optimal for fracture development coinciding with high BI values, which are most conducive to fracturing stimulation.

Potential use of hydrogel based on Anacardium occidentale gum in the growth of forage grasses

The development of natural hydrogels as water carrying components for controlled release is considered promising in agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a test hydrogel from cashew gum (Anacardium occidentale), on forage grass genotypes, in comparison to the commercial hydrogel composed of polyacrylamide. The completely randomized design was applied in a factorial scheme (4 × 3) with four grass genotypes, which were two grass genotypes Megathyrsus maximum: Mombaça and Massai and two grass genotypes Urochloa brizantha: Marandu and Paiaguás, associated with three forms of hydration: no hydrogel, test hydrogel and commercial hydrogel in four replications. Some morphogenetic, structural and production characteristics of the grass had significant effect of the forms of hydration, and there was effect also on the different grasses for production characteristics, showing greater growth with the use of hydrogel. The contents of crude protein and fiber were influenced by the form of hydration in the studied grasses, obtaining higher values with the use of hydrogel. The use of hydrogel improves agronomic characteristics, chemical and mineral composition of the grass genotypes. In addition, the cashew gum hydrogel showed similar or better results than polyacrylamide hydrogel on the growth and production of the grasses.Graphical

Analysis on the expansion mechanical characteristics and anchoring force evolution of self-expanding anchorage body

Adding a large proportion of a self-expanding agent11SEASelf-expanding agent (SEA) to a plain cement slurry under limited space conditions can greatly improve its anchoring force. This effect is closely related to the type and dosage of the SEA. Therefore, various types of self expanding cement22SECSelf-expanding cement, which refers to cement mixed with accelerator and a large amount of self-expanding agent(SEC) have been proposed, and the XRD, XRF and basic property testing experiments using a customized mold and steel pipes were used to examine the composition and mechanical properties and the self-expanding cement anchorage body33SEBSelf expanding cement anchorage body, which refers to solid formed by the reaction of self expanding cement with a certain proportion of water (SEB). The chemical structure composition, mineral compositions, expansion pressure, uniaxial compressive strength, fundamental mechanical properties, and ultimate anchoring force generated by SEB under different experimental conditions are analyzed. The results showed the following. (1) The expansion pressure of the SEB peaked and then gradually stabilized within 1–2 days. SEA proportions of 5–15% provided a greater stable expansion pressure. (2) When the dosages of the SEA were within 15%, adding three types of SEA to plain cement effectively improved the uniaxial compressive strength of the SEB. (3) The SEA greatly improved the anchoring force. The CSA, HSCA, and UEA SEBs had the highest anchoring force when the dosages were 20%, 20%, and 15%. The peak anchoring forces were 190.3, 185.1, and 125.8 kN, respectively, increases of 107.3%, 101.6%, and 37.0% compared to plain cement anchorage body.

Improving the performance of crumb rubber concrete using waste ultrafine glass powder

Due to its superior toughness and environmental benefits over traditional concrete, crumb rubber (CR) concrete (CRC) gained considerable attention in both research and practical engineering fields. However, the static mechanical characteristics of CRC exhibit a certain level of decline as CR demonstrates a lower elastic modulus and less effective bonding capabilities with mortar when compared to natural aggregates. Consequently, this study explores the potential of substituting cement with ultra-fine waste glass powder (WGP) to enhance the mechanical characteristics and microstructure of CRC. The impact of varying WGP substitution rates on workability, wet packing density (WPD) in the fresh phase is examined. Moreover, analyses on compressive strength, flexural-tensile strength, ductility index, dynamic elastic modulus, damping ratio, and impermeability post-hardening are presented. The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), and mercury intrusion piezometry (MIP) provided insights into the influence of WGP on the micromorphology, mineral composition, and pore structure characteristics. The results revealed that WGP introduction enhanced the fresh properties of CRC, notably in terms of workability and WPD. The slump and slump-flow increased to 270 mm and 630 mm for WGP dosing increased to 30 %. A gradual enhancement in strength, dynamic elastic modulus, and impermeability was observed with increased WGP content, alongside a significant improvement in toughness. The compressive and flexural strengths of 30 % WGP were mentioned to be about 11 % and 62 %, respectively, and the permeability coefficient was reduced to 0.78 × 10−12 m2/s. The damping ratio initially decreases, then rises to a peak of 1.6 % at a WGP content of 30 %. Integration of WGP resulted in a progressive decrease in interfacial frictional zone width, average pore diameter, and porosity, while the fraction of harmless pores increased, likely aiding the strength and dynamic elastic modulus.

Effects of particle sizes and roasting temperature on the Fe-Ni enrichment of limonite ore from the Wolo mine area, Southeast Sulawesi, using corncob char as reductant

Abstract The reduction roasting of a limonite ore sample from the Wolo mine area was investigated using corncob char as a reductant. The objectives of this study were to analyze the effects of particle sizes and roasting temperature on the mineralogical transformation and Fe-Ni enrichment during the roasting process. The limonite ore was prepared into three size fractions of mesh sieves (-100+150, -150+200, and -200 mesh). Limonite ore was roasted with 2g of corn cob char reductant at temperatures ranging between 800 °C and 1100 °C with a 1-hour reduction time. Limonite ore and roasted products were analyzed to determine the mineral and chemical composition using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) methods. Results of the mineralogical analysis indicated that the sample contained chlorite, goethite, lizardite, maghemite, and quartz. Limonite ore is mainly composed of Fe2O3 (53.59%), followed by SiO2 (12.16%), MgO (2.63%), and Ni (1.52%). Results of reduced roasting of limonite ore exhibited that the ore minerals were transformed into spinel, wustite, fayalite, and some tetrataenite (FeNi). The ore with -100+150 mesh particle and heated at 1,000 °C provided the optimum enrichment of 1.74% Ni and 42.87% Fe, respectively.

Effect of different drying techniques on the physicochemical and nutritional properties of Moringa oleifera leaves powder and their application in bakery product

The study analyzed the influence of drying methods and conditions on the quality of moringa leaves powder (MLP) and determined the optimal MLP to wheat flour ratio for cake development. Cabinet drying temperatures enhanced mass and tapped density but reduced the angle of repose, water retention capacity, and oil retention capacity. The moisture content of cabinet-dried MLP samples exhibited a substantial reduction as temperature is increased. The crude protein and fat content increased with increasing drying temperatures. Vacuum dried samples had the highest fiber content (16.62g/100g). Cabinet dried samples at 60°C had the highest ash content (8.37g/100g). The energy obtained from MLP dried in a cabinet at 70°C was the highest (383.33 Kcal/kg). The mineral composition of MLP in vacuum drying showed the largest growth. Sun drying was less efficient in preserving antioxidant components, while vacuum drying was the most successful. But sun drying was more cost effective than that of other drying methods. The composition of cakes formulated from MLP and wheat flour blends exhibited notable variations characterized by an increase in protein content and decrease in carbohydrate content with the incorporation of MLP. 5% and 10% MLP enriched cakes showed the best customer acceptance.

Features of mineral composition of garnet-bearing shales of the Kryvyi Rih basin and recommendations for further processing

Features of mineral composition of garnet-bearing shales of the Kryvyi Rih basin and recommendations for further processing