Curing Of Composites Research Articles

A Three-Dimensional Surface-Adaptive Stretchable Sensor for Online Monitoring of Composite Materials Curing.

Recently, rigid sensors have been commonly applied to online monitoring of the core curing processes of composite materials to prevent both overcuring and under-curing. However, conventional rigid sensors are prone to causing cracks and bubbles in composite materials during the curing process, thereby affecting both the mechanical performance and the overall reliability of the materials. Herein, stretchable interdigital dielectric sensors with flexible substrates and electrodes are designed to conform to complex 3D surfaces, thus enabling embedded nondestructive monitoring of composite curing processes. The sensors obtained can endure 1000 cycles of bending from 0° to 180° and 1000 cycles of stretching at 30% strain while still conforming perfectly to complex 3D surfaces, thus overcoming the inability of traditional curing monitoring sensors to bend. Additionally, sensor integration with an electronic circuit enables real-time data collection and transmission, which makes the device more portable, compact, and lightweight. Moreover, after atmospheric exposure for 5 months, the unit sensitivity of the sensor decreased by only 0.1%, thus demonstrating its excellent reliability and stability. Furthermore, during curing monitoring of the complex three-dimensional surfaces of the Fendouzhe deep-sea submersible, the unit's sensitivity is close to that of conventional planar monitoring equipment, decreasing by only 0.4%. The proposed online nondestructive monitoring technology demonstrates high sensitivity, high monitoring accuracy, and high reliability during surface monitoring, thus enabling long-term curing monitoring under complex nonplanar conditions.

Comparative fitting methodology of cure kinetics models based on differential scanning calorimetry

The optimization of composite cure cycles is critical in materials engineering, requiring a deep understanding of the material’s cure kinetics. This study employs Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) coupled with advanced fitting algorithms to determine the most accurate cure kinetics models for optimizing time-temperature profiles. Given the wide variability in model selection and fitting approaches in existing literature, our research systematically compares several cure kinetics models and their fitting methodologies to identify the most effective strategies. We highlight the advantages and limitations of each approach, with a particular focus on the robustness of the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm compared to the Trust-Region-Reflective (TRR) algorithm. Given the existence of multiple local minima in the objective function, a global approach (genetic algorithm) is employed. Our findings reveal that, although the TRR and LM algorithms are faster, they are less accurate than the genetic algorithm. Moreover, the Kamal-Sourour model shows the highest prediction accuracy among the tested models. This comparative analysis provides a systematic approach and crucial insights into selecting the optimal cure kinetic model and corresponding parameters, based on experimental data, allowing for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of composite curing processes.

Experimental study on the influence of different curing methods on the performance of concrete

Curing concrete is an effective method to ensure concrete’s mechanical and durability performance. This article experimentally investigates the impact of various curing methods (air curing, sprinkler curing, geotextile curing, and composite geotextile curing) on the compressive strength of concrete at 7, 14, and 28 days, as well as the carbonation depth and chloride ion diffusion coefficient at 28, 56, and 90 days. The effects of different curing methods on concrete performance are compared. The experimental results demonstrate that sprinkler, geotextile, and composite geotextile curing at 7 and 14 days effectively enhance concrete’s mechanical and durability performance. Compared to air curing concrete at 28 days, sprinkler, geotextile, and composite geotextile curing reduced by 17.75 %, 25.11 %, and 31.51 %, respectively, but the average absolute deviation is reducing. From 28 to 90 days, air curing concrete’s chloride ion diffusion coefficient decreases by 8.5 %. For concrete specimens under sprinkler curing, geotextile curing, and composite geotextile curing, the chloride ion diffusion coefficient decreases by 20.4 %, 8.3 %, and 6.0 %, respectively. Beyond 28 days, the durability performance of concrete under composite geotextile curing, including carbonation depth and chloride ion diffusion coefficient, tends to stabilize. The optimal curing period of 28 days is determined based on comprehensive mechanical and durability performance. Composite geotextile curing retains moisture on the concrete surface, slows evaporation, reduces watering frequency and labour costs, and promotes long-term concrete performance development. Carbonation tests and durability performance, such as chloride ion diffusion coefficient, are more sensitive to concrete curing effects. Single indicators like mechanical or durability performance cannot comprehensively evaluate concrete’s long-term performance. Concrete quality should be comprehensively evaluated by considering strength, carbonation depth, chloride ion diffusion coefficient, and other indicators.

Multiscale shear failure mechanisms within a prestrained composite

AbstractThe elastic fiber prestressing (EFP) technique has been developed to balance the thermal residual stress generated during curing of a polymeric composite, where continuous fibers were prestretched under either constant stress or constant strain throughout the curing process. The tension was only removed after the resin was fully cured. It has been demonstrated that EFP is able to enhance the shear properties of the composite, while the underlying mechanics is still unknown. Here, we investigated the multiscale shear failure mechanisms induced by the EFP within a carbon composite. A bespoke biaxial fiber prestressing rig was developed to apply biaxial tension to a plain‐weave carbon prepreg, where the constant strain‐based EFP method was employed to produce prestrained composites with different prestrain levels. Effects of EFP on macro‐scale shear failure were subsequently characterized through mechanical tests and micro‐morphological analysis. Both the micro‐ and meso‐scale representative volume element (RVE) finite element models were established and experimentally verified. These were then employed to reveal the underlying stress evolution mechanics induced by EFP. It is found that EFP would improve the shear performance of a composite by enhancing the fiber/matrix interfacial bonding strength. This attributes to the elastic strain recoveries of the prestrained fibers locked within a polymeric composite, which generate compressive stresses to counterbalance the external loading. The multiscale shear failure mechanisms were then proposed. These findings are expected to facilitate structural design and application of the EFP for aerospace composites.Highlights Biaxial tension is applied to produce prestrained woven composite. Prestrain effects on microstructural stress evolution mechanics are revealed. Multiscale shear failure mechanisms are proposed for prestrained composites.

FEATURES FOR OPTIMISING THE PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS BASED ON ACRYLIC MONOMERS

Further development of research in the field of acrylic composites is aimed at creating modifiers with specified properties that will improve the characteristics of composites in specific application conditions; developing optimal ratios of composite components to ensure the required properties; developing universal mathematical models that will predict the properties of composites depending on the composition and curing conditions; searching for new applications for acrylic composites, such as industrial and civil engineering. Among all organic compounds, acrylic compounds demonstrate the highest rate of strength gain over a wide temperature range. This is due to the low activation energy of the polymerisation process of acrylic monomers, which is triggered by special initiators. Due to this feature, acrylic composites can cure even at low temperatures and gain high strength in a short time. However, despite the obvious advantages, there are a number of questions that require further research: how does the rate of strength gain and other properties of acrylic composites change at different temperatures? How does changing the ratio of composite components (pliable, filler, initiator) affect its properties? How does the curing process of acrylic composites work at the molecular level? Determining the answers to these questions will make it possible to select the optimal ratio of components to obtain a material with the required properties, control the rate of strength gain of the composite by changing the temperature and composition, and use acrylic composites in a wider range of temperature conditions. Thus, a deep understanding of the processes that occur during the curing of acrylic composites is a prerequisite for their effective use in various industries and construction. The aim of the study is to comprehensively study the properties of composite materials based on methyl methacrylate (MMA) for the purpose of their effective use. Research objectives: determination of the optimal temperature regime to achieve maximum composite strength in the shortest possible time (1.5-2 hours). Study the effect of various fillers and other components on the strength, durability and other properties of the material. Identification of effective ways to modify MMA to increase the strength of the composite. Development of methods for controlling the rate of strength gain to ensure optimal operation. Assessment of the durability of the adhesive bond under various operating conditions. Comparison of the properties of the developed composites with existing materials. The results of the study will make it possible to develop new, more efficient composite materials for repair work that will be widely used in construction, industry and other sectors. Keywords: acrylic composites, modification, methyl methacrylate, strength, temperature, curing, repair.

Effect of Vibration Pretreatment-Microwave Curing Process Parameters on the Mechanical Performance of Resin-Based Composites.

The vibration pretreatment-microwave curing process can achieve high-quality molding under low-pressure conditions and is widely used in the curing of resin-based composites. This study investigated the effects of the vibration pretreatment process parameters on the void content and the fiber weight fraction of T700/TRE231; specifically, their influence on the interlaminar shear strength and impact strength of the composite. Initially, an orthogonal experimental design was employed with interlaminar shear strength as the optimization target, where vibration acceleration was determined as the primary factor and dwell time as the secondary factor. Concurrently, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed based on process parameters that corresponded to the extremum of interlaminar shear strength, revealing a 2.17% difference in fiber weight fraction among specimens with varying parameters, indicating a minimal effect of fiber weight fraction on mechanical properties. Optical digital microscope (ODM) analysis identified interlaminar large-size voids in specimens treated with vibration energy of 5 g and 15 g, while specimens subjected to a vibration energy of 10 g exhibited numerous small-sized voids within layers, suggesting that vibration acceleration influences void escape pathways. Finally, impact testing revealed the effect of the vibration pretreatment process parameters on the impact strength, implying a positive correlation between interlaminar shear strength and impact strength.

Construction of fiber-reinforced composites with high-thickness: Achieving enhanced interfacial and mechanical properties through upconversion particles assisted near-infrared photopolymerizaton

Glass fiber reinforced polymer-based composites prepared by photocuring technology offer notable advantages. However, the traditional UV curing technology faces challenges in balancing curing efficiency, penetration depth, and mechanical properties when producing high-thickness fiber-reinforced composites. This study introduced a new method for crafting thick glass fiber reinforced composites via upconversion particle-assisted near-infrared photopolymerization (UCAP). Near-infrared (NIR) radiation had superior penetration in glass fiber composites system, effectively curing of specimens exceeding 20 mm in thickness. Through micro-CT and atomic force microscopy, it was verified that UCAP specimens had fewer interfacial defects and a wider interphase, making contribution to enhanced interlaminar and interfacial shear strength. Additionally, uniform curing effectively alleviated stress concentration under external forces, resulting in a 78.5 % increase in flexural strength and a 32.1 % increase in impact toughness for UCAP specimens compared to UV-cured ones. This approach facilitated rapid outdoor curing of large-sized glass fiber composites with sustained structural stability, showcasing the potential application of UCAP in high-performance glass fiber composites rapid prototyping.

Preparation and characterization of UV-curable composite containing nano silica for glass-to-glass bonding

Glass is a transparent and geometrically ordered element in architecture. Glass bonding can be classified into adhesive, layered, and mechanical categories. One of the best bonding materials for glass applications is adhesive. The preparation and investigation of Ultraviolet (UV)-curable composites for glass-to-glass bonding is the goal of this research. The investigation focused on the effect of raw material type and weight percentage on mechanical properties. Epoxy acrylate resin was employed as an oligomer in this study. Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), tripropyleneglycol triacrylate (TPGDA), and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA) were used as monomers. As photoinitiators, were used bis (2,4,6 trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide, hydroxycyclohexyl phenylketone, and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl diphenyl phosphineoxide. Benzophenone, acrylic acid, nano silica, and trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) were used as the additives. The mechanical properties of the samples were studied using compressive and shear tests. The degree of conversion (DC) was obtained using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mechanical behavior of the samples were measured as a function of temperature using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA); and the distribution of nanoparticles was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the sample containing 4 wt% nano silica, which also contained 24 wt% PETA and 7 wt% TMSPMA, has the best mechanical properties with 0.42 and 0.63 MPa compressive and shear strength, respectively. In the FTIR, was observed an increase of nano silica from the lowest (1 wt%) to the highest amount (5 wt%), the DC current decreased by 11 %. In the DMTA analysis, it was observed that an increase of nano silica from 1 to 5 wt%, the storage modulus increased by 41 %. The highest loss modulus and loss temperature were related to the samples containing 1 and 2 wt% nano silica with 221 MPa and 113.8 °C. Finally, the best distribution of nanoparticles was observed in the sample containing 1 wt% nano silica. In the SEM images, agglomeration of nanoparticles was seen in the sample containing 5 wt% nano silica.

Магнетит как функциональный наполнитель эластомерных композитов: эффекты размерности и структурирования

Samples of composite materials based on Fe3O4 magnetite with different particle sizes (natural and crushed in a planetary mill) and various elastomeric matrices (chloroprene rubber of sulfur regulation – PCP, styrene butadiene rubber - BSK and cold-cured polydimethylsiloxane – SKTN-A) in the concentration range of 10...200 weight parts per 100 weight parts of elastomeric matrices. The kinetics of curing of the elastomeric compositions under consideration has been studied, on the basis of which optimal molding modes have been proposed. The samples were formed both in the presence of a magnetic field up to 0.3 T and without it. The functional (electrophysical and magnetic) properties of the samples were studied and it was shown that these properties in a wide range of values can be regulated by changing the size of magnetite particles and/or structuring them by means of a magnetic field during the molding of elastomeric composites.

Cure Kinetic Modelling and Experimental Analysis to Predict Temperature Distribution during Microwave Curing of Carbon Fiber Composites

Cure Kinetic Modelling and Experimental Analysis to Predict Temperature Distribution during Microwave Curing of Carbon Fiber Composites

Shock response of two epoxy resins at up to 330 GPa pressure

Experimental studies of the shock wave properties of two epoxy resins with the same composition but different curing temperatures (160 and 200 °C) at up to 330 GPa pressure have been carried out. Laser interferometry was used to record particle velocity profiles at up to 73 GPa pressure while measuring the shock wave velocity. The release sound velocity was experimentally determined in the 3–73 GPa pressure range. Cumulative explosive shock wave generators were used to study the shock Hugoniot of epoxy resins at pressures above 100 GPa. It was shown that the shock compressibility data of both samples are approximated by a single shock Hugoniot within the experimental error. A kink on Hugoniot recorded close to 25 GPa pressure indicates a chemical decomposition in epoxy resin. Above this kink, a change in the shock wave front structure was recorded. Hugoniots of epoxy resin and unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite were compared at up to 370 GPa pressure.

Enhancing the properties of epoxidized natural rubber-graphene nanocomposites through crosslinking with imidazole-activated dicarboxylic acid-cured system

The epoxidized natural rubber containing 25 mol% epoxide (ENR-25) was cured through crosslinking reactions with dodecanedioic acid (DA), both with and without activation by 1,2-dimethylimidazole (DMI). Analysis of the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of the DMI-activated DA-cured ENR revealed new absorption peaks at 1440 cm−1 and 1505 cm−1, indicating the presence of C-N stretching vibrations and carboxylate ions compared to samples without DMI activation. Additionally, ENR-graphene (GP) nanocomposites with various GP loadings were investigated, which revealed the formation of inter- and intramolecular hydrogen and covalent bonds within the ENR and GP networks. Furthermore, DMI activation of ENR cured with dicarboxylic acid accelerated the crosslinking reaction, reducing scorch and cure times while enhancing properties such as tensile strength, toughness, and 100 % modulus. Moreover, the incorporation and increased loading of GP in ENR nanocomposites synergistically enhanced strength properties, delta torque, crosslink density, initial relaxation modulus, thermal resistance, and electrical conductivity. This enhancement is attributed to interactions between the polar functional groups on GP surfaces and the functional groups of ENR adducts cured with DMI-activated dicarboxylic acid. Moreover, the ENR-GP nanocomposites exhibited a low percolation threshold concentration at 1.25 phr, enabling the formation of fully conductive GP networks within the ENR matrix. The significance of this study is to simplify the curing and production processes of ENR composites, offering promising self-healing capabilities and potential for reuse and recycling.

Achieving property enhancements in dental resin composites via reduced concentrations of camphorquinone within a ternary initiator system

ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the impact of diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPI) on the physicochemical properties of experimental resin composites (ECRs) featuring reduced concentrations of camphorquinone (CQ)/amine. MethodsFive concentrations of CQ (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mol%) with dimethylaminoethyl amine benzoate (EDAB) in a 1:2 mol% ratio (CQ:EDAB) were incorporated into a 50:50 mass% monomer blend of bisphenol glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). An additional 5 groups with the same CQ:EDAB concentrations had 0.5 mol% DPI added. Each resin group contained 60 wt% of 0.7 µm barium-alumino-silicate glass. Light transmission (n = 3), real-time degree of polymerization (n = 3), temperature change during polymerization (n = 5), polymerization shrinkage strain (n = 3), flexural strength, and modulus (n = 12), as well as water sorption and solubility (n = 5), were evaluated. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05). ResultsLight transmission was reduced in groups containing 0.125 and 0.25 mol% of CQ without DPI. DPI increased temperature, degree and rate of polymerization, despite the reduction in CQ/amine concentration. Additionally, there was an increase in polymerization shrinkage strain, flexural strength and modulus, and a reduction in water sorption and solubility in ECRs with DPI, even with lower concentrations of CQ/EDAB. SignificanceDPI improved the assessed properties of composites across various concentrations of CQ/EDAB, showing the benefit of reducing the quantity of CQ used without compromising the properties and curing of the resin composites.

Particle filter‐based prognostics for composite curing process

AbstractProcess‐induced deformation (PID) arises in thermoset parts due to internal residual stress developed from their anisotropic properties, resulting in distortions. While passive numerical manufacturing control exists, active manufacturing control is crucial for enhancing the manufacturing process. The work focuses on diagnosing the polymerization reaction, known as the curing process, to consider the influence of uncertainties in thermal loading conditions on the behavior of cure kinetics. This is achieved using a Particle Filter approach, wherein a posterior distribution of cure evolution is recursively approximated based on observed measurements from characterization tests. The algorithm is designed to simultaneously perform the diagnosis and prognosis of the Degree of Cure and PID. This approach adopts the augmented cure formulation to address various scenarios with uncertainties in thermal loading conditions. It offers the advantage of providing comparable PID predictions with minimal computational costs. C‐shaped thermoset parts made of epoxy/carbon fibers with varying thicknesses are cured using the Manufacturing Recommended Curing Cycle, and the predictions with the developed algorithm are validated against experimental measures. Upon validation, the converged prognosis capability of the Particle Filter model is employed to assess the impact of thermal loading uncertainty on cure profiles, which, in turn, affects the final PIDs outcome.Highlights A Bayesian sampling approach enables the estimation of cure kinetics parameters. The estimated stochastic parameters forecast the process‐induced deformations. The augmented Degree of Cure accounts for uncertainties linked to thermal loadings. Analysis on AS4/8552 C‐shaped parts shows the cure kinetics impact. The framework reduces the computational costs required for active control.

A phase III randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of naftifine 2% cream versus terbinafine 1% cream in patients with superficial fungal infection of the skin

Background: Dermatophytosis is the prevailing fungal infection, typically addressed through topical, systemic antifungal medications, or a combination of both. Naftifine hydrochloride, belonging to the allylamine group, is a topical antifungal, exhibiting fungicidal properties alongside antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of naftifine hydrochloride 2% w/w in 268 patients with dermatophytosis versus terbinafine hydrochloride 1% w/w. Methods: The drugs were applied daily for two weeks, with the primary endpoint being a clinical cure at the end of the treatment. Secondary endpoints included mycological cure, composite cure, global efficacy assessment, and post-treatment relapse. Results: In both groups, most patients experienced both clinical and mycological cures, with composite cures observed in 94.07% of the test group and 87.97% of the reference group. The global assessment of efficacy was 3.59 in the test group and 3.48 in the reference group, showing no notable difference between the two groups. All adverse events in both groups were mild and resolved within four days. Overall tolerability was comparable between the study groups. Conclusions: The study concluded that topical naftifine was effective and safe in patients with dermatophytosis and its efficacy and safety were found comparable to topical terbinafine.

Electrical curing of carbon fibre composites with conductive epoxy resins

Direct electric cure (DEC) was used to cure carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). We show that the energy consumption for curing is significantly reduced, with the judicious placement of contact electrodes, by almost twelve-fold, compared to autoclave curing, and threefold compared to oven curing (0.84, 10.0, and 2.64 kW). CFRP samples of an epoxy matrix with 0-3 wt% carbon black (CB) was used to increase matrix conductivity, and the effect of this variation on the curing and mechanical properties was determined. Subsequently, the concentration with the highest flexural strength, a CFRP with 2 wt% CB was prepared, to study the effects of four different contact arrangements (Top-Bottom, Outside-Outside, Outside-Inside, Inside-Inside) under high pressure (about 2 MPa). Top-Bottom mode shows the best performance, here the electrical current flows through the ply stack perpendicular to the fibre direction. This CFRP has similar mechanical properties as samples manufactured by a range of traditional curing methods. Although the degree of cure (DOC) was reduced by 3–7 %, dependent on the placement of the electrical contacts, the through ply cures showed uniform and high degrees of cure. We show that DEC, thus provides a low capital investment solution to high-quality composite manufacture, facilitating market access for small enterprises, as part sizes and curing times are not limited by oven size nor oven thermal mass.

Effect of injection compound rolling process and curdlan gel on water retention of sauced beef

Research background and significance: Under the current development trend in the field of global food science and technology, consumers' requirements for food safety, nutritional value and sensory quality are increasing, prompting the innovation of food processing and preservation technology to become the core of the industry development. In the production of traditional food spiced beef, how to ensure the yield and quality of spiced beef is the focus of the spiced beef market. By adding edible glue can gain weight, thereby improving the yield, but previous studies have shown that carrageenan, seaweed extract and so on seriously affect the sensory quality of marinated beef, especially causing its juice oozing, colloidal attachments oozing and so on. Research content: Through the systematic study of the application of curdlan gel in the processing of brine injection spiced beef, the specific effects of curdlan gel on the water retention and sensory quality of spiced beef were discussed in this study. (1) Sensory optimization injection rolling composite curing process. The experiment was carried out with beef tendinous meat and a series of auxiliary materials, using fine processes and methods, including saline injection, rolling salting, cooking treatment, etc., and then conducting sensory evaluation. (2) Compare the quality difference of curdlan gel 1 and 2. Determination of gel strength and optimization of water retention of stewed beef were carried out. Single factor ANOVA test was used to determine the optimal dosage of curdlan gel. The results showed that the water retention of beef with brine injection could be enhanced significantly when the dosage was 2%, respectively. Under the optimal process conditions, the sensory score of brined beef was 85.4 points. Through this study, important scientific and technological findings were obtained, which did not mean that the higher the concentration of curdlan gel, the better the water retention, on the contrary, the higher the concentration of its water retention would be affected but would decrease. This research not only expands the application range of curdlan gel in the food industry, but also provides new technical solutions and theoretical support for the innovation and development of meat processing technology, and meets the needs of consumers for high-quality meat products.

Blue Laser for Polymerization of Bulk Fill Composites: Influence on dentin bond strength and temperature rise during curing and co-curing method.

Blue diode lasers are alternative curing devices for dental composites. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of blue diode laser polymerization on shear bond strength of bulk fill composites to human dentin and temperature rise during two types of polymerization. Composite cylinders of SDR Plus(SDR) and Ever X Flow(EX) were bonded to dentin slabs using Adhese Universal and curing devices blue diode laser (449nm, 1.6 W) and Power Cure LED. For each material and curing device there were two polymerization approaches: 1)conventional: separate curing of adhesive; 2)co-curing: simultaneous adhesive and composite curing. Polymerization modes for each material in conventional and co-curing(c) approach were: blue laser 2000 mW/cm2 for 5s (L5 and L5c); blue laser 1000 mW/cm2 for 10s (L10 and L10c); Power Cure 2000 mW/cm2 for 5s (LED5 and LED5c); Power Cure 1000 mW/cm2 for 10s (LED10 and LED10c). Temeperature was measured using thermal vision camera. For SDR, the highest bond strength was 24.3MPa in L10c, and the lowest 9.2MPa in LED5c. EX exhibited the highest bond strength(21.3MPa) in LED5, and the lowest in L5(7.7MPa). The highest temperature rise for SDR was in L10 and L5 (7.3 and 7.2°C), and the lowest in LED5(0.8°C). For EX, the highest temperature rise was in L5 (13.0°C), and the lowest in LED5 (0.7°C). Temperature rise was higher during blue laser polymerization, especially at high intensity and with conventional curing. Preferable blue laser curing mode is co-curing at 1000mW/cm2 for 10s.

MgO/KH2PO4 and Curing Moisture Content in MKPC Matrices to Optimize the Immobilization of Pure Al and Al-Mg Alloys.

Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cements (MKPCs) are considered a good alternative for the immobilization of aluminium radioactive waste. MKPC composition and moisture curing conditions are relevant issues to be evaluated. The corrosion of pure aluminium (A1050) and AlMg alloys (AA5754) with 3.5% of Mg is studied in MKPC systems prepared with different MgO/KH2PO4 (M/P) molar ratios (1, 2, and 3M) and moisture curing conditions (100% Relative Humidity (RH) and isolated in plastic containers (endogenous curing)). The Al corrosion potential (Ecorr) and corrosion kinetic (icorr and Vcorr) are evaluated over 90 days. Additionally, the pore ion evolution, the matrix electrical resistance, the pore structure, and compressive strength are analysed. The corrosion process of Al alloy is affected by the pH and ion content in the pore solution. The pore pH increases from near neutral for the 1M M/P ratio to 9 and 10 for the 2 and 3M M/P ratio, increasing in the same way the corrosion of pure Al (AA1050) and AlMg alloys (AA5754). The effect of Mg content in the alloy (AA5754) becomes more relevant with the increase in the M/P ratio. The presence of phosphate ions in the pore solution inhibits the corrosion process in both Al alloys. The MKPC physicochemical stability improved with the increase in the M/P ratio, higher mechanical strength, and more refined pore structure.

The effect of photooxidation aging on the cohesion and interfacial adhesion behavior of epoxy asphalt with a composite acidic curing system based on molecular simulation

AbstractThis paper investigated the cross‐linking network structure of epoxy asphalt (EA) with the different ratio of composite curing agents, and further determined the effect of photooxidation aging on the tensile and interfacial adhesion behavior of EA with different cross‐linking network structures through molecular simulation. Based on the molecular models of EA and the interface model between EA and aggregate, the crosslinking network structural characteristics and tensile mechanical behavior were determined. The interfacial adhesion behavior and the mechanization were further studied. The results indicate that 20‐EA and 6‐EA have an epoxy resin cross‐linked network with uniform pore structure and phase distribution. 2‐EA showed a denser cross‐linking network and uneven aggregation phenomenon. Photooxidative aging alleviated the aggregation phenomenon. A dense cross‐linking network improved the tensile strength and the ability of tensile performance to resist photooxidation aging. The interface of EA‐quartz exhibited higher adhesion strength than EA‐calcite due to the closer distance and stronger nonbonding interactions between EA and quartz. The low anhydride content and photooxidation aging made EA approach to the aggregate interface, increasing nonbonding interaction and interfacial adhesion strength. In addition, quartz aggregates were more suitable for application in EA mixtures due to the higher interfacial adhesion strength and lower water sensitivity.