Decorative Materials Research Articles

PRACTICAL APPLICATION TILIA CORDATA

The northern regions of Kazakhstan, including the Pavlodar region, are distinguished by rich and diverse nature, combining floodplain, steppe and forest landscapes. More than 500 species of wild higher plants grow in our region, and many of them can be used as food. However, the problem of using regional wild plants for food has not yet been sufficiently studied. However, plants serve not only as a direct source of food, but also as technological raw materials for processing traditional food products to obtain original taste qualities and maximum benefit. With the help of wild plants, it is possible to solve many everyday problems – both at home and in the field conditions, not only without a food store, but also without a hardware store. In addition, plants can provide for lovers of artistic creativity such an amount of decorative materials that it is impossible to find in specialized stores. The novelty of the results obtained consists in identifying the possibilities of using dozens of common wild plants of the Pavlodar region for food purposes, and some species are offered as raw materials for cooking, as well as in food processing technologies for the first time. The practical significance of the results obtained will make it possible to use the data obtained by food technologists, tourism instructors and school leaders for guides, as well as all nature lovers who want to diversify their menu with unusual products from wild plants.

A preliminary study on waste marble powder-based alkali-activated binders

Marble, as a widely used building decoration material, produces a significant amount of waste marble powder (WMP) during processing. To investigate the potential of WMP as a precursor in the preparation of alkali-activated binders, this paper uses WMP as the only precursor and conducts a series of macroscopic mechanical and microscopic characterization tests. The variables included the alkali activator modulus (Ms), Na2O dosage, and curing conditions. The results showed that increasing the Na2O dosage shortened the setting time of the binders, reduced the fluidity, and improved the strength. With the increase in the modulus of the alkali activator, the binder setting time was prolonged, the fluidity first increased and then decreased, and the strength decreased. Increasing the precuring temperature and prolonging the high-temperature curing time was beneficial to developing early strength. Sealed curing was more favorable for stable strength development than standard curing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) characterization tests revealed that the dissolution of WMP occurred in the alkali activator, and the hydration products contained carbonate, C-S-H, N-C-S-H, and other substances. The results of the gray correlation analysis showed that the Na2O dosage had a greater influence on the binder fluidity than the alkali activator modulus, while the setting time was the opposite. The effects of the four studied factors on the long-term flexural and compressive strengths of the specimens were in the consistent order of Na2O dosage > alkali activator modulus > precuring temperature > high-temperature curing time.

Post-Fire Mechanical Properties of Concrete Incorporating Waste EPS (Styrofoam) as Aggregate Replacement

Reusing waste is one of the most recent topics and one of the main contributors to sustainability. It is known that concrete is one of the most common materials to produce different types of construction members around the world. That is due to mainly its low cost, availability, long period of durability, and ability to withstand harsh environments. On the other hand, due to the rapid changes that have happened in the last few decades in the production of decorative materials, some material types of cladding are used for decoration purposes, such as Styrofoam (EPS) (trade name “Astropol”), which is developed from disposal materials. Discovering and implementing a method of reusing these wastes in concrete is beneficial for the environment to reduce waste around the globe. In the current study, Styrofoam (Astropol) waste was used as a replacement for fine aggregate since concrete structures contain this material in their composition. It is important to test these materials for fire resistance and expose them to an elevated temperature in order to discover the post-fire mechanical properties of the composite material. The experimental result showed that the post-fire compressive strength of concrete containing different ratios of EPS (Astropol) increases compared to conventional concrete. The compressive strengths were 19.94 MPa, 19.295 MPa, 16.806 MPa, and 17.66 MPa for 0%, 15%, 25%, and 50%, respectively, while the post-fire indirect tensile strength for all specimens containing EPS reduced as the fire duration and temperature increased.

HCHO oxidation over the δ-MnO2 catalyst: Enhancing oxidative activities of surface lattice oxygen and surface adsorbed oxygen by weakening Mn-O bond

The usages of HCHO in construction and decoration materials lead to serious indoor air pollution, removing the indoor HCHO to improve air quality is urgently required. In this work, we developed a new procedure to synthesis ultra-thin nanosheet δ-MnO2 without using traditional templates. The Mn-O bond was much weaker in the ultra-thin nanosheet δ-MnO2 than those in the β- and γ-MnO2. As a consequence, surface oxygen lattice of the δ-MnO2 was the most removable, generating the most oxygen vacancy on the surface. The oxidative ability of the lattice oxygen was the most enhanced, active surface adsorbed oxygen species were the most present on the δ-MnO2 surface. These contributed to an unexpected performance that 100 ppm HCHO was fully oxidized at 35–45 °C depending on the relative humidity between 10 and 50% at high space velocity of 300 L/(gh). When compared with HCHO oxidation performance of MnO2 in literatures, the current ultra-thin nanosheet δ-MnO2 lists the most active HCHO oxidation catalyst as regards to the lowest activation energy, the lowest temperature of full HCHO conversion and the highest rate of HCHO oxidation, giving the most promising potential application for practical indoor HCHO elimination.

A Demographic Characteristics-Based Study on the Visual Impact Assessment of the External Form of Entrance Pavilions to the Underground Stations of China’s Subway

The subway is one of urban residents’ main means of public transportation. The design of entrance pavilions to subway stations has shown a diverse development trend over time. Since most of the subway building space is underground, it is very difficult for subway users or the public to view the structure fully. In this instance, the ground-level entrance pavilion becomes the most eye-catching element in the subway system. From the perspective of the urban spatial environment, the external form of entrance pavilions is one of the components of urban architecture. The design of the external form of entrance pavilions has an important impact on the urban spatial form and affects people’s feelings about the urban space. Therefore, it is essential to study the external form of entrance pavilions. This study investigated 42 subway entrance pavilions in 17 cities in China. The following features were studied: exterior contour, façade permeability, cultural characteristics, decorative materials, and the number of exterior colors. The photostimulation method was adopted to evaluate the influence of the physical features of the external form of the entrance pavilions on respondents’ visual impact assessment. The data analysis showed that respondents with different demographic characteristics provided different visual impact assessments of the external form of the entrance pavilions, and all five physical features influenced their assessment. This study offers a valuable reference for constructing entrance pavilions and urban spaces in Chinese cities in the future.

Organophosphate esters in soils of Beijing urban parks: Occurrence, potential sources, and probabilistic health risks

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are an emerging contaminant widely distributed in the soil. OPEs have drawn increasing attention for their biological toxicity and possible threat to human health. This research investigated the pollution characteristics of two typical OPEs, organophosphate triesters (tri-OPEs) and organophosphate diesters (di-OPEs), in soils of 104 urban parks in Beijing. The median concentrations of Σ11tri-OPEs and Σ8di-OPEs were 157 and 17.9 ng/g dw, respectively. Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate were the dominant tri-OPE and di-OPE, respectively. Consumer materials (such as building insulation and decorative materials), traffic emissions, and reclaimed water irrigation may be critical sources of tri-OPEs in urban park soils. Di-OPEs mainly originated from the degradation of parent compounds and industrial applications. Machine learning models were employed to determine the influencing factors of OPEs and predict changes in their concentrations. The predicted OPEs concentrations in Beijing urban park soils in 2025 and 2030 are three times and five times those in 2018, respectively. According to probabilistic health risk assessment, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of OPEs can be negligible for children and adults. Our results could inform measures for preventing and controlling OPEs pollution in urban park soils.

Application of Green Design Concept in the Intelligent System of Interior Art Design under the Information Technology Environment

Based on the information technology environment, this paper studies the application of the green design concept in the interior design intelligent system. First, it introduces the connotation and basic characteristics of the green design concept, and then elaborates on the four perspectives of space layout, decoration materials, furniture selection, and ventilation and lighting. The specific application of green design concept in interior design. After use, it can be recycled and reused, implement the concept of sustainable development, and establish a scientific ecological awareness; ventilation design and natural lighting, as well as a comfortable thermal environment should be fully considered in the interior design process; environmentally friendly materials are used to ensure indoor health It is safe, and the original ecological materials can be used to make the interior more environmentally friendly and artistic.

Grey relational analysis method for building material suppliers selection based on the 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic number

The construction of real estate projects is a large and complex system project, and the completion of the construction goals on time and with quality is the key to the sustainable development of construction enterprises. In the process of real estate project construction, the management performance of building decoration material suppliers will directly affect the efficiency of real estate enterprises. How to correctly evaluate the building material suppliers (BMSs) of real estate enterprises and establish a good partnership affects the economic benefits of the enterprise and the possibility of subsequent cooperation between the two sides, which has become one of the issues of importance to real estate enterprises. The selection and application of BMSs is the MAGDM. In this defined paper, the defined 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic number (2TLNN) grey relational analysis (2TLNN-GRA) decision method is generated based on GRA and 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic sets (2TLNSs). The 2TLNN-GRA method is generated for MAGDM. Finally, the decision example for BMSs selection is generated and some comparisons is generated.

Calcium silicate hydrate decorated by Fe, Ti co-modified birnessite direct multi-component photocatalyst: Design, preparation and photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

Constructing a multi-component structure is an effective strategy to promote the formation of oxygen vacancies (OVs), which can enhance electron transition to improve the photocatalytic activity of materials. In this work, it was designed a series of novel photocatalysts supported on calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) via density functional theory calculation. These designed photocatalysts were then synthesized and marked as Bir@C-S-H, TiO2/Bir@C-S-H, and α-Fe2O3/TiO2/Bir@C-S-H, respectively. In comparison to other catalysts, α-Fe2O3/TiO2/Bir@C-S-H photocatalyst has a higher specific surface area, a lower band gap, more OVs, which can activate more dioxygen molecules, and more reactive radicals. The photocatalytic activity of as-synthesized photocatalysts was verified by using HCHO as the target pollutant. To the treatment of 80 ppm HCHO, the α-Fe2O3/TiO2/Bir@C-S-H exhibits 100% HCHO conversion corresponding gas hourly space velocity of 60 L/(g•h) with a relative humidity of 60% under visible light irradiation, while Bir@C-S-H and TiO2/Bir@C-S-H present 89.92% and 94.17% HCHO conversion, respectively at same conditions. This work demonstrates a more effective calcium silicate hydrate decorated by Fe, Ti co-modified birnessite heterostructures for HCHO oxidation, which can be directly used as decorative materials, providing a novel guidance for practical application.

Research Progress on the Improvement of Flame Retardancy, Hydrophobicity, and Antibacterial Properties of Wood Surfaces

Wood-based materials are multifunctional green and environmentally friendly natural construction materials, and are widely used in decorative building materials. For this reason, a lot of research has been carried out to develop new and innovative wood surface improvements and make wood more appealing through features such as fire-retardancy, hydrophobicity, and antibacterial properties. To improve the performance of wood, more and more attention is being paid to the functioning of the surface. Understanding and mastering technology to improve the surface functionality of wood opens up new possibilities for developing multifunctional and high-performance materials. Examples of these techniques are ion crosslinking modification and coating modification. Researchers have been trying to make wooden surfaces more practical for the past century. This study has gradually gained popularity in the field of wood material science over the last 10 years. This paper provides an experimental reference for research on wood surface functionalization and summarizes the most current advancements in hydrophobic, antibacterial, and flame-retardant research on wood surfaces.

The contribution of archeometry in characterization of decorative materials from the site of Villa di Teodorico in Galeata (Italy)

Villa di Teodorico in Galeata (Forlì-Cesena, Emilia Romagna) is an important archeological site in the north of Italy occupied from sixth century BC to twelfth century AD. The most interesting results concern the Roman age, when a large villa was built, and the late antiquity, when the Ostrogothic king Theodoric decided to build in this area his palatium (early sixth century AD). The archeometric investigation was performed on Roman wall paintings fragments and on late antique glass sectilia fragments belonging to Palazzo di Teodorico by using a multi-technique approach that included micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, UV–visible–NIR diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry with optic fibers and optical stereo-microscopy.. This analytical approach allowed the identification of all components, collecting molecular, elemental, microscopic, morphological and chromatic data. The characterization of samples supplied essential archeological, historical and technological information. The production techniques and the rich materials employed suggest the importance of the site in different periods. The evolution of the manufacturing technologies and the possible trade routes mainly during late antique period are witnessed by the change in the raw materials.Graphical abstract

Preparation and Properties of Hydrophobic and Oleophobic Coating for Inkjet Printing

As a functional decorative material on the surface of printing and packaging, coating plays the role of increasing gloss, wear resistance, and antifouling. It has broad application prospects in high-end printed materials such as posters, art reproductions, and maps. In this paper, dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate was used as the fluorine-containing monomer, which was used to modify the epoxy resin and introduce fluoride first. Under the action of polymerization inhibitor and catalyst, the epoxy resin was further modified by ring opening, esterification, and neutralization with acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, and organic base as raw materials. Additionally, a fluorine-containing coating with hydrophobic and oleophobic properties was obtained finally. The effects of fluorine modification of epoxy resin and synthetic polymer were characterized by infrared spectrometer and photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that fluorine monomer could be successfully grafted to the molecular body of epoxy resin, and fluorine had been introduced into the surface of the polymer film. Using the contact angle tester, combined with the performance parameters such as grafting rate, thermal stability, adhesion, and gloss, the effects of the amount of fluorine monomer on the properties of the synthetic coating were discussed. The results showed that the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of the copolymer film surface were closely related to the amount of fluorine monomer. When the molar ratio of the epoxy group to dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate was 26:1, the mass fraction of fluorine on the film surface was 18.09%, and the contact angles of water and ethylene glycol were 121.8° and 78.2° respectively. At the same time, the printability of self-made hydrophobic and oleophobic coating was tested in this paper. The liquid repellency of inkjet printing before and after glazing and the influence of the coating on the optical properties of printed images were discussed and studied too. The results showed that the coating synthesized by the experiment was suitable for inkjet printing. It had improved the printing quality performance and the functional modification on the surface of inkjet printings, such as liquid repellency, gloss, and color reproduction.

Hydroquinone triggers pyroptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress via AhR-regulated oxidative stress in human lymphocytes

Benzene is a frequent component of environmental pollution and is abundant in petrochemicals, decorative materials, motor vehicle exhaust and cigarette smoke. Benzene is a well-known carcinogen in humans and animals, but the molecular mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Our earlier research indicated that hydroquinone (HQ), one of the main reactive metabolites of benzene, could activate aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which is essential for HQ-induced toxicity, including apoptosis and DNA damage. Since AhR is an important regulator of the immune system that integrates the environmental stimulus and immune response, we examined whether and how HQ-induced AhR activity could lead to NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis in JHP cells. Our results showed that HQ could cause inflammation process and resultant pyroptosis. In JHP cells, HQ also induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) by releasing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). The activation of pyroptosis induced by HQ treatment was reversed by an antioxidant (NAC) and an ERS inhibitor (4-PBA). Interestingly, the treatment of CH223191, an AhR inhibitor, reversed HQ-induced oxidative stress, ERS and pyroptosis. These data suggested that AhR-mediated HQ-induced ERS, ROS and inflammasome activation may play vital roles in the toxic effects of benzene. This work provides insights and prospective strategies into potential mechanisms for reducing benzene-induced hematotoxicity.

Research on Decorative Materials Properties Used in the Production of Cabinets Based on Visual/Tactile Experience

With the further deepening of ageing in China, the ageing-in-place model is gaining more and more attention. In order to improve the quality of home life of the elderly, this paper takes age-friendly cabinets as the research object, from the perspective of material design, and takes the visual/tactile experience of the elderly as the entry point, classifies the current market cabinet materials, and selects the test samples. The physical properties of the samples were examined and analysed with the subjective emotional changes that the elderly experience with different cabinet materials. The objective physical properties of the cabinet materials were correlated with the visual/tactile subjective emotional factors, and through subjective tests and mathematical and statistical methods, an evaluation model of “visual/tactile subjective emotional factors—objective physical properties of materials” was established for the selection of materials in age-friendly cabinet design. It provides scientific guidance for the selection of materials in age-appropriate cabinet design.

Improving mechanical/colorimetric properties of self-compacting mortar using an intensively colored-nanoparticle containing polymeric paste

Colored self-compacting mortars (C-SCMs) are important decorative materials for construction and building industries. It has been found that using inorganic/organic pigments for coloring the SCMs causes considerable decrement in the mechanical and aesthetic properties. In the last decade, latex modified C-SCMs were developed that showed improved color properties with lower effects on the mechanical properties. In present work, high performance-water based colored pastes were prepared using SBR latex (as binder), phthalocyanine blue (as organic pigment at 1.5 and 3 wt%) and CaCO3 nanoparticles (as reinforcement). The pre-fabricated pastes were added to a SCM mix design as coloring agent. The prepared samples were evaluated for colorimetric (i.e. L*, C* and H*) and mechanical (i.e. compressive and flexural) properties. For comparison, the organic pigment (at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.5 wt%) and SBR latex (at 5 wt%) were also used to prepare latex modified C-SCM samples. The results showed that addition of 3 wt% of CaCO3 nanoparticles to the pre-fabricated colored paste caused improvement in the flexural strengths (by 28%) and flexural toughness (by 86%) of the prepared mortars compared to the latex modified C-SCM. Despite of using an organic pigment, the colorimetric properties (i.e. color difference and uniformity) and the pigment saturation point (by 100%) of the prepared C-SCMs were also improved using the nano-based coloring pastes.

Surface modification study of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-Fe2O3 base system high temperature phase reconstruction

The fly ash was used as raw material to prepare glass ceramic base body, on which a layer of glaze slurry was applied, then, the complex was successfully prepared by sintering at 1180 °C through single-sinter process. Influences of quartz sand content on crystal phase evolution, physical–mechanical properties, and surface morphology of products were studied systematically. Finally, an opaque glaze with 15 wt% quartz sand fitting on glass ceramic base body had been produced, exhibiting a unique main phase, mullite, which ensured a significant Vickers microhardness of 8.1 GPa, improving the mechanical properties of solid waste glass ceramic base body. It was also found that the water absorption of the product was .66%, which greatly enhanced the waterproof function of the base surface. The complex products developed in this study were expected to be used as building decoration materials and provided new ideas for effective reuse of other similar solid wastes.

A facile green and cost-effective manufacturing process from coal gangue-reinforced composites

Utilization of high-filler coal gangue (CG) to produce cost-effective composites is a promising strategy. To clarify the impact of high-filled CG on composite preparation and performance, in this research, the composite was prepared from CG and polyethylene (PE) through physical mixing and then hot-pressing. The role of CG in the properties of the composites and the influence of the interface formation mechanism are obtained by establishing the relationship between CG content and the composites' feature. The results show that: high-filler CG is helpful to the increment of the composite's mechanical and thermostable properties. When the CG addition is up to 80%, the density and hardness from 0.93 g/cm3 and 50.5 HD increased to 1.60 g/cm3 and 66.5HD, which was increased by 72.0% and 31.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, the bending strength and modulus reach 17.5 MPa and 3400.6 MPa, which is respectively exceeded by 56.3% and 628.6% than composite from pure PE (11.2 MP and 466.7 MPa). In addition, high-filler CG is beneficial for the enhancement of entanglement between CG and PE during the composite preparation, and has the effect of heterogeneous nucleation, which facilitated the crystallization and thermal stability of the composite. The properties of the composites prepared by this simple technique meet national standards and are more economical and environmentally sustainable than composites prepared with other fillers. This new material holds great promise for the development and realisation of carbon-neutral decorative materials such as assembly buildings, vehicles and coloured panels.

Acoustic Quality of Volcanic Rock Material for Interior Space Control and Design: Evidence from Teaching Space

A good school environment means that the campus environment formed by school buildings shows perfect overall characteristics and that various facilities included in the planning and design meet or surpass the demands of users in their education, living, and studying aspects. In this study, the learning space is taken as the research object to discuss the design method and value of using volcanic rock as a wall decoration material in space by carrying out sound test research on the volcanic rock material in the room. A sound field experiment was conducted based on the characteristics and principles of sound propagation in space combined with the design status quo of the teaching space and the acoustic environment in ordinary colleges and universities. Thus, the sound absorption effects of the volcanic rock used as the decoration material in teaching space and its advantages in this field were studied. The study results show that using volcanic rock in spatial design leads to better sound absorption effects than using other materials. In the future, it can be applied as an interior decoration material in spaces requiring acoustic control.

Litracon: An alternative source for conventional concrete

The consumption of artificial light, especially in urban areas, leads to global warming. As a remedy this light transmitting concrete acts as a solution for global warming. Light transmitting concrete is made with cement ,water , very fine sand and thousands of optical fibres reinforced in concrete from one face to another face which guide the light passing through it. Light transmitting concrete is a concrete that is improved in terms of transparency by installing optical fibres into concrete. We used 3% of optical fibre in this concrete. Due to its pellucidity property, it is also called translucent concrete. The application of light transmitting concrete which allows light to transmit through non-transparent concrete reduces energy in closed environments and global warming. Translucent concrete is used in fine architecture as a decorative material. It has all these properties which an eco-friendly technique should have to keep up the green building concept into consideration. The present investigation about the light translucent concrete by using optical fibre and comparing it with conventional concrete. Compressive strength test is performed on the concrete specimen. Utilising 3% more optical fibres enhanced the compressive strength. compressive strength of concrete cube depends on the diameter of the holes in the mold & the diameter of the optical fibre. It is directly proportional to its compressive strength.

Robust and facile detection of formaldehyde through transition metals doped olympicene sensors: a step forward DFT investigation.

Formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (VOC) released by building and decoration materials, has many applications in the chemical feedstock industry. Excessive release of formaldehyde can cause serious health issues, such as chest tightness, cough, cancer, and tissue damage. Therefore, detection of formaldehyde is required. Herein transition metal (Fe, Ni, and Pd) doped olympicene is evaluated as a gas sensor for the detection of formaldehyde. The performance of the designed electrochemical sensor is evaluated through interaction energy, natural bond orbital (NBO) non-covalent interaction (NCI), electron density differences (EDD), electrostatic potential (ESP), quantum theory of atom in molecule (QTAIM), frontier molecular orbital (FMO), and density of states (DOS) analysis. Interaction energies obtained at B3LYP-D3/def-2 TZVP level of theory shows that formaldehyde is physiosorbed over the surface of transition metal doped olympicene. The trend for interaction energy is OLY(Ni)/HCHO > OLY(Fe)/HCHO > OLY(Pd)/HCHO. The presence of non-covalent interactions is confirmed by the QTAIM and NCI analyses, while transfer of charges is confirmed by natural bond orbital analysis. The reduced density gradient (RDG) approach using noncovalent interaction (NCI) analysis demonstrates that electrostatic hydrogen bonding interactions prevail in the complexes. Recovery time is calculated to check the reusability of the sensor. This study may provide a deep insight for the designing of highly efficient electrochemical sensor against formaldehyde with transition metals doped on olympicene.