SiO2 Content Research Articles

Experimental Insights Into the Petrogenesis of Plume‐Related Magmas: Tholeiite‐Harzburgite Interaction at 2–3 GPa and 1,400–1,500°C

AbstractHow eclogite/pyroxenite‐derived melts evolve through the refractory lithosphere above a plume remains poorly understood. Here we conducted layered experiments of reaction between tholeiitic melts and harzburgite at 2–3 GPa, 1,400–1,500°C, with a run duration ranging from 2 to 24 hr. The resulting residual melts exhibit lower SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, FeO, CaO, and total alkali contents, higher Ni, MgO, and Mg#, and almost constant CaO/Al2O3 compared to the initial tholeiitic melts. The compositions of the residual melts are influenced by factors such as the melt/harzburgite mass ratio, temperature, and run duration. Decreasing the melt/rock ratio or increasing temperature and run duration leads to a greater extent of assimilation. Under disequilibrated conditions (2 hr), the residual melts have higher SiO2, FeO, and MgO, and lower CaO, Al2O3, and total alkali contents compared to those under equilibrated conditions. The results suggest that interface reactions involving olivine dissolution and orthopyroxene precipitation, and chemical diffusion occur simultaneously during the interaction process. The compositions of the residual melts are largely controlled by interface reactions within 2 hr, followed by dominant chemical diffusion between the melts and refertilized harzburgite from 2 to 24 hr. Based on the experimental results, we propose a two‐stage model for the origin of Hawaiian shield stage parental magmas. Eclogite/pyroxenite‐derived tholeiitic melts first react with harzburgite, with varying melt/rock ratios, to produce residual melts in the deep lithosphere. These residual melts subsequently mix with plume peridotite‐derived melts at shallow depths, contributing to the geochemical diversity observed in Hawaiian shield stage lavas.

MINERALOGIA, GEOQUÍMICA, FERTILIDADE E ORIGEM DOS SEDIMENTOS DE PRAIA (BARRA EM PONTAL) DAS BACIAS DOS RIOS PURUS E JURUÁ NOS TERRENOS DO ESTADO DO ACRE

The Acre state is in the southwestern part of the Brazilian Amazon region with an area of 164.123.738 km2 and a low population density (5.52 inhabitants/km2 for 2021). The geological context is mainly related to recent units that outcrop at the Acre basin and associated with the Solimões Formation, besides old alluvial terraces that follow main drainages. The Solimões Formation comprises fossil-bearing clayey siltstones intercalated to fine sandstones. The old alluvial terraces are composed by sand, silt, clay, and occasionally fossil fragments. The area of the Acre state is crossed by two main hydrographic basins: The Purus and Juruá rivers in the eastern and western part, respectively. Both rivers are the so-called “white-water rivers”. They exhibit a typical dendritic drainage pattern and are extremely meandering what give rise to lakes formed after abandoned meanders. During dry season, several beaches (point bars) are exposed on river‘s meanders, frequently used for swimming but also playing a very important role in the small-scale agriculture. These beaches are also used for planting corn (Zea-Mays) and beans (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp). The main purpose of this work is to investigate the mineralogical and geochemical aspects of those beach sediments to understand their high fertility and to identify their primary source. Fourteen stations were selected for sampling purposes throughout the river valley close to BR-364 highway. Laboratory analyses were carried out as follow: grain sizes, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy of heavy minerals concentrates; sediment whole chemistry (major and traces elements analyses including rare-earth elements) by means of ICP-MS; macronutrients (P, Mg, Ca, and K) besides available Na and Al and organic matter. The river sediments are mainly fine-grained, angular sub-angular and selected moderately. Mineralogical assemblage is represented by quartz, clay minerals (smectite, illite and kaolinite) and feldspars (K-feldspars and albite). The heavy minerals contents ranged from 0.5 to 4.6% and are mainly represented by zircon, epidote, kyanite, tourmaline, garnet, rutile, apatite, staurolite, ilmenite and hematite. Chemical results shown that the sediments are mainly composed by SiO2, besides minor amounts of Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, CaO and MgO, what is compatible with mineralogical composition. High SiO2 contents are mainly related to quartz and Al2O3 contents reflects the presence of clay minerals. Contents for alkaline and alkali-earths are relatively high for such beach environment related to feldspars and smectites. P2O5 is related to apatite and can also be adsorbed on smectite. Fe2O3 contents are mainly associated to smectite and a minor amount to ilmenite and hematite, the most common opaque minerals found in the beach sediments. Strong correlation coefficients were observed between Al2O3 and most major and trace elements, except for Zr, Hf, Ni and As. On the other hand, strong negative correlation was obtained between SiO2 and major and trace elements what points to the importance of smectites as scavenger of trace elements in such environment. The chemical results were compared with the mean of the Upper Crust and post-Archean Australian Shales (PAAS) and show that they are impoverished in MgO, CaO, Na2O and K2O in comparison with the former and MgO, in comparison with the latter. Such impoverishment is higher in samples enriched on sand fraction. The same comparison was carried out with the Chinese Changliang and Huanghe river sediments, showing impoverishment in CaO and MgO in comparison with the Changjiang River and MgO, CaO, Na2O and Sr, in comparison with the Huanghe River. The small value obtained for the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) shows that these sediments have experienced small degree of chemical weathering and consequently, physical weathering has prevailed in the source area. The beach sediments also exhibit high immature index as evidenced by the following very low rations: SiO2 / Al2O3 (11,64) and K2O/ Na2O (2,08). Rare-earth elements were normalized to the Upper Crust and to the PAAS patterns. They show similar patterns of LREE depletion and HREE enrichment. On the other hand, normalized to the chondrites present enrichment in LREE and horizontalization of the HREE, with similar standards of distribution between each other, presenting typical Eu negative anomalies of granitic and intermediary nature rocks. Analytical results for macronutrients exhibited high concentrations for P, Mg, Ca and K, and low contents of available Na and Al. Organic matter contents in below 1%. The sediments show high cation exchange capacity, base saturation over 70% and low Na and Al saturation. Accordingly, those sediments can be interpreted as representing a redistribution of the recent Miocene sediments (Solimões Formation) and the own sediments that were deposited in old alluviums. Chemical and mineralogical characteristics with a silty granulometry indicate that beach sediments are like the eutrophic cambisols.

Paleozoic Episodic Magmatism in Western Tianshan: Insight Into Assembling the Northeastern Pangea

AbstractThe late‐stage union of Pangea was associated with the convergence of Siberia with Laurussia, but the exact timing remains unclear. The orogenic duration of the Kazakhstan block can provide geochronological constraints as it connects Siberia, Baltica, and Tarim. Zircon petrochronology offers a reliable approach for ascertaining the lifespan of an ancient orogen. In this study, we explore three phases of magmatism recorded in detrital zircons from late Paleozoic and Mesozoic sandstone‐siltstones in Western Tianshan, that is, 400–470 Ma, 320–380 Ma, and 280–320 Ma. Based on their age‐propagated Hf isotopes, melt SiO2 contents, and crustal thicknesses, our findings suggest that the southern limb of Kazakhstan underwent the early Paleozoic amalgamation of microcontinents with arcs, the late Paleozoic maturation of an Andean‐like continental arc, and the late Carboniferous collision of Kazakhstan with the Junggar oceanic basin and the Tarim craton. Such characteristics manifest the long‐term orogenic progression of Kazakhstan. Combining published timelines and paleolatitudes of major orogens and blocks, we propose that the Kazakhstan block welded northeastern Pangea along with the cessation of these orogenic activities around it. Consequently, by docking Kazakhstan with surrounding cratons, the fundamental configuration of Pangea could have been established in the late Carboniferous.

Petrology and geochemistry of Mount Lurus lavas: evidence for alkaline to subalkaline transition in the rear arc of Java, Sunda Arc

Abstract Mount Lurus, a small Quaternary volcanic center in the rear of Java Island, Sunda arc, has erupted both alkaline and subalkaline lavas in a short span of active period. Furthermore, this small volcanic edifice, together with its neighboring alkaline volcanic center of Ringgit-Beser, corresponds to a shallower slab depth (∼160 km) than Muria in Central Java (270 km). We report the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of Lurus lavas and compare them to the Ringgit-Beser lavas. All Lurus lavas show typical characteristics of island arcs with elevated Ba, Sr, Pb, and K and negative anomalies of Nb and Ti. The older Lurus edifice (Old Lurus) produces alkaline lavas with high alkalinity, which are trachyandesite and phonotephrite in composition. The younger Lurus (Young Lurus) generates calc-alkaline lavas with basaltic andesite composition. Both groups have plagioclase, clinopyroxene, olivine, and opaque minerals as phenocrysts phase. Leucite is found in one sample of Old Lurus with the lowest SiO2 content (48.92 wt%) and highest alkali content (5.38 wt%). Old Lurus lavas tend to show higher contents of incompatible elements (Pb, Ba, Nd, and Rb) than Young Lurus. The mineralogical and compositional differences between these lavas suggest that these magmas are sourced from at least three magma chambers of distinct composition: highly potassic magma chamber (comparable to the evolved-K series of Ringgit-Beser) and hydrous-potassic magma which fed Old Lurus edifice; and calc-alkaline magma chamber which fed Young Lurus edifice.

Physicochemical and mineralogical characterization of silica sand from the Lemi region, Blue Nile Basin, central Ethiopia: Evaluating industrial applications and resource potential

Silica sand is an essential industrial mineral composed predominantly of quartz, formed through the weathering of rocks. In Ethiopia, silica deposits are geologically widespread, including the Lemi area in the Blue Nile Basin. This study investigates the physicochemical and mineralogical properties of silica sand from the Lemi region to determine its suitability for industrial applications. Samples from four villages in Lemi were collected, prepared, and analyzed using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), grain size analysis, bulk density measurement, and geochemical analysis. The results indicate that Lemi silica sand is predominantly composed of medium-sized, well-sorted, sub-rounded to rounded quartz grains with high silica purity (average SiO2 content of 96.13 %). Mineralogical analysis confirms high crystallinity and a low presence of contaminants. The grain size distribution and bulk density of Lemi silica sand meet industry standards for glass, foundry, and abrasive applications. Comparative analysis shows that Lemi silica sand has comparable or superior qualities to other Ethiopian deposits, making it a promising resource for industrial use. The study estimates a total resource of approximately 6.94 billion tons of silica sand in the Lemi area, highlighting its significant economic potential.

Geochemistry of Neoproterozoic arenites from the Murwara area, Katni District, Madhya Pradesh: Implications for provenance, weathering and Tectonic Setting

Geochemical analysis in terms of major, trace and rare earth elements of the Neo-Proterozoic arenites of Rewa and Bhander Groups of the Vindhyan Supergroup from Murwara, Katni district, M.P., has been carried out to determine the provenance, weathering and tectonic setting. The arenites are rich in SiO2 content but less in Na2O, K2O and CaO contents, suggesting the dominance of quartz and less amount of feldspars and rock fragments. Geochemically, these rocks are classified as quartz arenites to sub litharenite to sub-arkose. The CIA (75-98) and PIA values for these arenites and A-CN-K diagram indicates a high intensity of weathering in the source area. High LREE/HREE ratios, negative Eu anomaly and La/Sc, Th/Sc, Th/Co and Cr/Th ratio values suggest felsic source of these arenites. The discriminant diagram for these arenites indicates a quartzose sedimentary provenance. Ni vs TiO2 and Th/Sc vs Sc bivariate plots indicate that the felsic rocks have been the source rock for these arenites. The discrimination diagrams based on log (K2O+Na2O) vs SiO2 and Fe2O3+MgO vs TiO2 contents show a passive margin setting. Whereas the results of new discriminant function multi-dimensional diagram for the high silica arenites reveals a change from collision to continental rift setting

INFLUENCE OF ULTRAFINE PARTICLES OF SILICON IV OXIDE (SiO2) AND OAK BARK EXTRACT ON BACTERIAL LUMINESCENCE

Background. Phytobiotic additives and ultrafine particles (UFP), especially of metallic nature, are increasingly used in agriculture as fertilizers and components of feed additives. However, there is very little data about the effect of non-metallic UFP. In particular, silicon-containing UFP have shown high efficiency as plant growth stimulators under stress conditions, but whether they can act as antibacterial agents or as protective agents in microbial ecosystems is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the presented work is to evaluate positive and negative reactions of the model luminescent microorganism Escherichia coli K12 TG1 when exposed to suspensions of silicon IV oxide (SiO2) in various concentrations both in pure form and in combination with phytobiotic additive – oak bark extract. Materials and methods. The luminescence intensity of the recombinant strain of Echerichia coli of the natural marine microorganism Photobacterium leiongnathi with cloned luxCDABE-genes under the influence of concentrations (0.5-0.00024 M) of UFP SiO2 and aqueous extract of oak bark (2-1024 multiples) was studied. Results. It was found that UFP in pure form stimulate bacterial luminescence by 252.2 % with respect to the control in the stationary phase of growth at 0.5 mol/L. They also act as protectors of intracellular metabolism, reducing the inhibitory effect of oak bark extract. The latter in pure form suppresses more than 50 % of bacterial luminescence up to 4-fold dilution (12.5 mg/mL), which determines the possibility of its use as an alternative to antibiotic drugs. Conclusion. UFP SiO2 have pronounced protective properties with respect to microbial community.

Two Distinct Metasomatized Mantle Sources Produced Two Groups of Alkaline SiO2-Undersaturated Rocks in the Southern Central European Volcanic Province

Abstract Upper Cretaceous–Miocene alkaline SiO2-undersaturated volcanic rocks in the southern Central European Volcanic Province (CEVP) comprise two distinct rock series: (i) Upper Cretaceous–Eocene (~73–47 Ma) olivine nephelinites, basanitic nephelinites, and nepheline basanites have moderate to high MgO (8–16 wt. %), CaO, Ni, Co, Cr, Nb, and Ba, coupled with low F and SiO2 concentrations. These rocks contain abundant clinopyroxene and variable amounts of olivine macrocrysts as well as nepheline, K-dominated F-poor mica, and hydroxyapatite. Evolved and less common apatite-rich (phonolitic) haüynites/noseanites and haüyne nephelinites (~68–62 Ma) represent differentiated counterparts within this older group, showing higher alkali, Al2O3, P2O5, Nb, Zn, REE, and SO3 concentrations at low MgO (4–6 wt. %), CaO, Ni, Co, and Cr contents. (ii) Oligocene–Miocene (~27–9 Ma) olivine melilitites and melilite-bearing olivine nephelinites are characterized by even higher MgO (10–22 wt. %), CaO, Ni, Co, Cr, Nb, Ba, and high F contents at lower SiO2 concentrations, as reflected by the presence of abundant olivine macrocrysts, melilite, perovskite, Cr-rich spinel, F- and Ba-rich mica, and fluorapatite in addition to clinopyroxene and nepheline. Distinct mineral assemblages, crystallization trends, and various xenocrysts indicate different melt sources, a varying extent of enrichment, retention, and loss of volatiles (including timing of H2O and CO2 saturation), and limited wall rock interaction for the two rock groups. Partly resorbed, Fo-depleted olivine cores in the younger rocks and green-core pyroxenes in the older ones suggest early magma mixing. The nephelinitic–basanitic magmas derived from up to 6% partial melting of amphibole-bearing garnet/spinel lherzolite at or just above the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary. This source was metasomatized involving hydrous melts or fluids. On the other hand, the melilite-bearing rocks probably originated in the upper asthenosphere by less than 3.5% partial melting of amphibole ± phlogopite-bearing garnet wehrlite, previously generated by subduction-related metasomatism with high CaO/MgO and CO2/(CO2 + H2O) ratios. Infiltration and storage of the metasomatic agents occurred in the former lower lithosphere, following continuous recycling of oceanic crust, comprising the release of Ca, CO2, H2O, further volatiles, and incompatible elements. Both volcanic episodes coincide with topographic uplift, erosion, rifting, and reactivation of lithosphere-scale faults, probably related to phases of strong mechanical coupling between Alpine orogen and European foreland. The first period overlapped with an era of prolonged N-directed intraplate compressional stress due to the Adriatic-Eurasian collision, provoking large-scale deformation, isostatic compensation, erosion, and consequent lithosphere thinning in the future CEVP. The second period is associated with the Oligocene–Miocene main stage of the European Cenozoic Rift System. Onset of volcanism was accompanied by a change in deformation in the Upper Rhine Graben from (W)NW extension to (E)NE extension and transtension by a complex interplay of evasive movements responding to shortening in Alps and Jura. Magma compositions, barely magmatic graben structures, volcanic activity outside rifts, and extensive exhumation suggest that in response to rifting, passive asthenospheric doming also contributed to magmatism by causing strong lithosphere–asthenosphere interaction and providing heat.

Analysis of fracture damage mechanical properties of particle reinforced polymer composite film based on micro-macro finite element method

The particle reinforcement and related effect on fracture damage mechanical properties of polymers have been studied in this paper. Based on the uniaxial tensile test result of SiO2 particle reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites, the parameters of macro elastic-plastic finite element model and micro particle reinforced model are obtained. The effects of boundary conditions, shape and size of damage notch on fracture damage mechanical properties of PVDF composites are studied from macroscopic view. The uniaxial tensile mechanical properties and elastic modulus are increased with notch angle (0°, 30°, 60°, 120°). The damage analysis of the micro model shows that the mechanical properties of SiO2/PVDF composites are best when the content of SiO2 is 6%. Debonding between particles and matrix indicates have great effect on crack propagation. The micro-macro finite element model is effective tool to study the damage mechanical properties of particle reinforced polymers.

Structural evolution study by solid-state NMR of photopolymerizable aluminophosphosilicate hybrid materials

Aluminophosphosilicate materials of composition (mol.%) xSiO2[(Al2O3)50–(P2O5)50]100-x were prepared through sol-gel method and heat-treated yielding non-crystalline materials. The structural evolution from the hybrid to heat-treated material as a function of the SiO2 content was studied by 13C, 29Si, 31P and 27Al solid-state NMR, infrared spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). NMR analyses showed the AlPO4 formation in the matrix and heterocondensation, forming Al-O-P and P-O-Si linkages. The heat treatment promoted the formation of a more interconnected SiO2 tetrahedra network as the SiO2 content increased. Similar to the hybrid materials, the increase of SiO2 content induces the replacement of P-O-Al(IV) bonds by Si-O-Al(IV) bonds in the heat-treated materials as confirmed by 27Al NMR and 27Al{31P} REDOR data, which was also supported by Raman analysis. This sol-gel route provides a novel way to fabricate new homogeneous materials, which can be doped with rare earths and applied to new optical devices.

Modern River-Sand Geochemical Mapping in the Manufahi Municipality and Its Surroundings, Timor-Leste: Implications for Provenance

A geochemical mapping of regional modern river-sand is performed to clarify geological information in the study area of Timor-Leste. Several areas of Timor-Leste including the study area in particular have limited geological information due to limited accessibility and dense vegetation coverage, and deformed, weathered, and erosion-covered materials. A total of 53 modern river sand samples were collected and analyzed. Ten major elements were determined by using wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. Areas characterized by clastic sedimentary rocks are recognized clearly by elevated concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3, and K2O. Meanwhile, areas covered by carbonate sedimentary rocks are detected by significant concentrations of CaO and MnO. The occurrences of the altered clastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks of the Wailuli and Aitutu Formations due to metamorphic, silicification and other alteration processes were responsible for the elevated concentrations and positive correlation between SiO2, CaO, K2O, and MnO, and CaO, TiO2, and MnO in the midstream and near the downstream areas of the Clerec and Sahe River catchments. The positive correlation observed between TiO2, CaO and MnO may be ascribed to the presence of carbonate components associated with secondary Ti-bearing minerals, which are potentially formed through hydrothermal alteration processes.

PEO of additively manufactured Al10SiMg alloy: Effects of α-Al2O3 particles on energy consumption and wear behaviour

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings were developed on an additively manufactured Al10SiMg alloy pre-treated with hard anodizing (HA). The influence of α−Al2O3 particles incorporated during PEO was evaluated in terms of energy consumption, coating morphology, composition and wear behaviour. Combining a 20 μm-thick HA precursor and a PEO electrolyte with suspended α−Al2O3 particles resulted in the highest energy savings (∼60%). Wear volume loss measurements and wear track characterization revealed that the PEO coating with added particles (PEOP) outperformed the coating without particles and a conventional hard anodizing layer. This superiority was attributed to the partial sealing of the outer porous layer by the incorporated α−Al2O3 particles as well as the reduced SiO2 content and the formation of a W-rich tribolayer on the wear track surface.

Synthesis of ZSM-5 From Natural Zeolite Lampung (ZAL) and Rice Husk by Seeding Method using Microwaves

ZSM-5 can be synthesized from Lampung Natural Zeolite (ZAL) and rice husks as a source of additional silica. To speed up the synthesis time, ZSM-5 was synthesized using microwaves. Based on this, the synthesis of ZSM-5 was carried out using microwaves at a temperature of 140 oC with a power of 540 watts with time variations of 10, 15 and 30 minutes with the seeding method as a template replacement of 20%. Amorphous silica with a SiO2 content of 95.324% was extracted from rice husks with a suitable alkali solution. The influence of synthesis time on the formation of ZSM-5 has been carried out. The resulting product was characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and FTIR (Fourier-Transform-Infrared), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and BET (Brunaur, Emmet and Teller). The results of the analysis show that the results of the research show that the synthesis of ZSM-5 has been successfully carried out by changing the amorphous phase from natural Lampung zeolite and rice husks into ZSM-5 crystals using microwaves which can shorten the synthesis time 216 - 72 times faster than with heating. conventional, produces high crystallinity, provides small particle sizes with larger surface area, pore volume and pore diameter, and microwave radiation does not damage the Si-O bonds. The best sample was obtained at a synthesis time of 30 minutes with a crystallinity percentage of 96.76% and a specific surface area of 138.616 m2 /g.

Synthesis of Silica Nanoparticles from Sodium Silicate and Carbon Dioxide as Reactants

In this study, Taylor-vortex reactor was adopted to synthesize silica nanoparticles from sodium silicate solution and carbon dioxide. The outstanding advantages of the reactor have been demonstrated by comparing the synthesis results of silica nanoparticles by Erlenmeyer reactor. The results showed that silica particles synthesized from Taylor-vortex reactor are smaller in size than silica particles synthesized from the Erlenmeyer reactor. SEM images and histogram of particle size distribution obtained from experiments clearly exhibited that the concentration of SiO2 in the solution, reaction temperature, and rotation speed of the cylinder significantly affected morphology as well as size of the silica particles.

Petrographic and geochemical study of Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks in the western Anti-Atlas belt, Morocco: Facies, weathering, provenance and economic exploitation

Detrital and volcanic-detrital rocks from the Ifni Buttonhole and Lakhssas Plateau were analyzed to determine their provenance, compositional maturity, and alteration source. Geochemically, the sediments were classified as arkoses, lithic arenites, grauwackes, sandstones, lithic arenites, and Fe-rich sands, indicating low compositional and mineralogical maturity. A high average SiO2 concentration and low Al2O3 were consistent with a low abundance of shale and clay components. The geochemical signatures of the detrital and volcano-detrital (RDVD) rocks indicate that they have undergone a moderate to low degree of chemical alteration. The CIA study also suggests that the granitic, granodioritic rocks represent the source provenance which, during weathering and transport, supplied the detritus to the supra-crustal units. The major trace element data suggest that these rocks are largely derived from felsic igneous rocks, namely granitoids, with a minor contribution from intermediate sources. The carbonate rocks do not represent a wide variety of facies: dolomitic limestone, calcareous limestone, and calcaro-dolomitic chert. Calcitic and dolomitic samples show a linear increase in SiO2, regardless of their CaO/LOI ratio values, which remain relatively constant. The highest SiO2 contents are observed in the calc-dolomitic chert. Geochemical analysis of RDVD from the Ifni buttonhole determined their origin, maturity, and alteration. Major oxides decreased with higher silica content, indicating quartz control. Samples, formed under semi-arid conditions, show maturity under stable deposition. They suggest a felsic, recycled source, with moderate alteration and zircon enrichment during recycling. In the study area, limestones and dolomites serve as materials applicable in the building sector, suitable for all types of concrete. The Taliwine Formation harbors Lower Cambrian dolomites and limestones, ideal for mosaic aggregates. Described as variable in color, compact, homogeneous, very hard, and resistant to alteration, the plutonic rocks form prominent peaks. They exhibit both subalkaline characteristics in granitoids and an alkaline trend in dolerite dykes. Most samples display minimal alteration, indicating the reliability of their major element compositions for geochemical analyses. These granitoids constitute valuable deposits for ornamental and building rock purposes.

Low-salinity water flooding by a novel hybrid of nano γ-Al2O3/SiO2 modified with a green surfactant for enhanced oil recovery

This paper introduces a hybrid enhanced oil recovery (HEOR) method that combines a low-salinity water flooding (LSWF) and nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized with a green surfactant. We experimentally investigated the use of combinations of silica (SiO2) and gamma alumina (γ-Al2O3) nanohybrids stabilized with Gum Arabic (GA) at different water salinities. Nanofluids (NFs) were prepared by dispersing γ-Al2O3 and SiO2 NPs (0.1 wt%) in deionized water (DW), synthetic seawater (SSW), 2, 5, and 10 times diluted samples of synthetic seawater (in short 2-DSSW, 5-DSSW and 10-DSSW, respectively). The challenge is that NPs become unstable in the presence of cations in saline water. Moreover, an attempt was made to introduce NFs with high stability for a long period of time as the optimal NFs. The effects of temperature on the behaviour of optimal NFs in the presence of different base fluids, distinct mass ratios of γ-Al2O3/SiO2 and various concentrations of surfactant were analysed via interfacial tension (IFT) and viscosity measurements. The results of the viscosity measurement showed that with increasing temperature, the NPs dispersed in DW had lower viscosity than NPs dispersed in various salinities. However, the IFT measurement for NPs dispersed in different base-fluids revealed that with increasing temperature and presence of cations in saline water, IFT values decreases. Although, the minimum IFT for hybrid nanofluid (HNF) γ-Al2O3/SiO2 modified with GA and dispersed in 10-DSSW was reported 0.99 mN/m. Finally, according to the micromodel flooding results, in oil-wet conditions, the highest oil recovery for combination γ-Al2O3/SiO2 modified with GA and dispersed in 2-DSSW was reported 60.34%. It was concluded that NFs modified with GA could enhanced applicability of LSWF via delay in breakthrough time and improving sweep efficiency.

Silicon Fertilization Improves Sunflower Rhizosphere Microbial Community Structure and Reduces Parasitism by Orobanche cumana Wallr.

Sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) has severely restricted the development of the sunflower industry in China, and more efficient and convenient control methods are urgently needed. In this experiment, we investigated the effects of N, P and silica fertilizers on the parasitism rate of O. cumana, as well as on the yield of sunflower and native microbial communities in the field. Firstly, pot experiments were conducted to select the most effective fertilization method and to determine the physiological and biochemical indexes of sunflowers. Subsequently, field application studies were carried out to determine the physiological indexes, yield, O. cumana parasitism on sunflower, and the effect on the indigenous microbial community. The results demonstrate that compared with the CNP treatment (Control), the number of parasites under the N1P5 treatment significantly decreased by 66.15%. The exogenous application of silica can significantly reduce the number of O. cumana parasites. The treatments with N1P5 (N/P = 1:5) and available SiO2 content higher than 40 mg/kg (NS2, NS3, SF2 and SF3) significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in sunflower leaves. In the field, fertilization significantly decreased the number of O. cumana parasites. The S treatment improved the native microbial community structure and enriched beneficial microorganisms, including Vicinamibacteria and Pyrinomonadaceae. Additionally, applying the S treatment significantly increased sunflower yield by 23.82% and crude protein content by 20.20%. In summary, the application of silicon fertilizer can effectively improve the host microbial community, reduce O. cumana parasitism and improve the yield and quality of sunflower.

Effect of SiO2 content in magnesia flux pellets on softening-melting and dripping behavior of comprehensive burden structure

High-proportion pellet smelting is the current development direction of blast furnace burden structures in China. And that is an inevitable trend for the future steel industry to achieve pollution reduction and carbon reduction. This study focuses on the mixed burden of magnesia flux pellets with different SiO2 contents, sinter, and lump ore. The influence of SiO2 content on the softening-melting behavior of comprehensive burden and the high-temperature interaction between magnesia flux pellets and sinter were studied through droplet experiments and visual experiments. The results show that with increasing SiO2 content, the T10 of magnesia flux pellets gradually decreases, while the T10 of the comprehensive burden shows no significant change. The TS of both shows a gradually decreasing trend with increasing SiO2 content. However, due to the good matching of the melting range between sinter and magnesia flux pellets in the comprehensive burden, the trend of TS change in the comprehensive burden is relatively slow. The air permeability of the comprehensive burden has significantly improved compared with the single magnesia flux pellets; The interaction between magnesia flux pellets and sinter occurs through the liquid phase. The fayalite phase in the pellets reacts with the main high melting point substance Ca2SiO4 in the sinter to generate a new low melting point kirschsteinite. With the increase of SiO2 content, the content of kirschsteinite in the comprehensive burden increases. That is also the reason for the decrease in TS of the high silicon comprehensive burden; With the increase of SiO2 content, the maximum pressure difference and characteristic values of magnesia flux pellets and comprehensive burden gradually increase. When the SiO2 content exceeds 6%, the maximum pressure difference and characteristic value of a single pellet sharply increase, while the trend of the maximum pressure difference and characteristic value change of comprehensive burden is relatively gentle. Its characteristic values are below 980 kPa·°C. At this time, the air permeability of the comprehensive burden is significantly improved compared to the single magnesia flux pellets. In the case of SiO2 content exceeding 6%, the addition of a sinter can effectively address the soft melting performance of high-silica magnesia flux pellets and enhance column air permeability. In addition, the high drop temperature of the high-silica comprehensive burden is due to the presence of a large amount of MgO in the magnesia wustite during the later stage of reduction, which increases the melting point. And the MgO content in the slag is relatively low. That causes a sharp increase in slag viscosity and makes it difficult to separate the slag from iron.

Early Paleozoic tectonic evolution in the central Vietnam: evidence from geochronological and geochemical constraints

ABSTRACT Magmatic rocks distributed along the western part of the Po Ko fault, which documented tectono-thermal evolution of the Indochina block, when and how they formed are less constrained. Our new geochronological and geochemical data reveal that they were generated at 488–457 Ma and display a variety of SiO2 concentrations (SiO2 = 50.7–72.8 wt%). They also generally show slightly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.65–0.98) and enrich in LILEs (e.g. Rb and K) but deplete in HFSEs (e.g. Nb and Ta), consistent with arc-related signatures. Combined with their relatively high Mg# values (Mg# = 56–40) and initial87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7085–0.7167) but negative εNd(t) values (−2.5 to −3.7), we consider those magmatic rocks originated from an enriched mantle source (e.g. EMII), which was metasomatized in the past. In comparing our data with tectono-thermal events in the southern Truong Son belt, we infer that there existed an ocean (a branch of the proto-Tethys Ocean) between the Truong Son belt and the Kontum massif during Late Cambrian, which subsequently underwent southeast subduction beneath the Kontum mass if initiated at ~488 Ma and terminated at ~457 Ma.

Integrated use of Bayer red mud and electrolytic manganese residue in limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) via thermal treatment activation

Limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) is a crucial low-carbon alternative for the future of the cement industry. Bayer red mud (RM) and electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), byproducts of aluminum and manganese production, respectively, pose significant environmental challenges due to their high volume and hazardous components. Utilizing these materials in LC3 not only mitigates disposal issues but also leverages their rich content of Al2O3 and SiO2, which resemble the properties of calcined clay after thermal treatment. This study investigates the mixture of RM and EMR with cement clinker, limestone powder, and gypsum to create a cementitious material with low carbon emissions. It examines the impact of thermal treatment temperature on RM and EMR reactivity and determines the optimal mix design. The findings indicate that the ideal thermal treatment temperature is 600 °C, with a 1:1 RM to EMR ratio, achieving the best mechanical properties and synergistic effects. The compressive strength of the RM/EMR-based LC3 reached 43.4 MPa at 28 days with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.35. Microstructural analysis reveals that RM, EMR, and limestone powder react to form monocarboaluminate in a calcium hydroxide-induced alkaline environment. Active Al2O3 and SiO2 in the RM and calcium sulfate in the EMR facilitate a secondary hydration reaction. The cementitious material, prepared from thermally activated RM and EMR, can potentially reduce CO2 emissions by 26.2 % and energy consumption by 14.9 % per ton compared to conventional Portland cement. This study demonstrates a sustainable approach for the cement industry, offering a viable solution for waste management and carbon reduction.