Direct Incorporation Research Articles

A life cycle assessment of cover crop ensiling and co-digestion with cattle manure

AbstractCover crops offer a potential biogas feedstock, and to enable continuous operation of the biogas plant, ensiling can be used for biomass preservation. The aim of the present study was to assess the environmental impacts of biogas production at an organic dairy farm for two modelled scenarios: (1) harvesting and ensiling of cover crops and cereal straw and co-digestion with cattle manure, or (2) mono-digestion of cattle manure and direct cover crop soil incorporation. The biogas scenarios were modelled in a consequential LCA in relation to a common baseline without anaerobic digestion, with cover crop soil incorporation and field application of raw cattle manure. Biogas scenarios resulted in decreased global warming impacts of (1) 250 and (2) 120 Mg CO2eq for a 1000-hectare example dairy farm due to substitution of natural gas. However, emissions from ensiling, biogas plant operation, and agronomic effects increased other environmental impacts. Agronomic modelling with the Daisy model showed a crop yield increase of 0.11 Mg DM ha−1 year−1 on a sandy loam soil with cover crop digestion, but also an increase in N leaching of 38% and a decrease in soil C stocks of 8.1 Mg C ha−1 over 100 years relative to the reference. Emissions of VOCs and NOx during ensiling increased ozone formation and negative impacts on human health and ecosystems, although further research is needed to better understand these emissions. In conclusion, this modelling study shows that greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by using ensiled cover crops for co-digestion with manure when biogas is used to substitute fossil gas, although trade-offs with other environmental categories must be considered.

Light-induced synthesis of Highly stable CsPbCl3:Mn2+@mSiO2 nanocomposites for white Light-Emitting Diodes

All-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) exhibit great promise in optoelectronics and photovoltaics. However, their intrinsic low-thermal/oxygen/moisture stability and the rigorous synthesis procedures have limited the practical applications. Here, we present a facile, one-step, light-induced method to synthesize CsPbCl3:Mn2+ NCs at room temperature by using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as the halide source. The corresponding formation mechanism of CsPbCl3:Mn2+ NCs is revealed, where CsPbCl3:Mn2+ NCs are formed through the direct incorporation of [MnCl6]4− octahedral into the perovskite lattice during the nucleation and growth process. Additionally, we demonstrate the in-situ growth of CsPbCl3:Mn2+ NCs within mesoporous silica (mSiO2) spheres to form CsPbCl3:Mn2+@mSiO2 nanocomposites via the light-induced method, resulting in a remarkable improvement in high-temperature and long-time stability. As a prototype experiment, a white light-emitting diode (WLED) device is constructed using CsPbCl3:Mn2+@mSiO2 nanocomposites, which exhibits a bright white-light emission with the CIE chromaticity coordinate of (0.352, 0.340). It is anticipated that light-induced synthesis method provides a straightforward strategy for synthesizing multifunctional halide perovskite nanocrystals and nanocomposites for versatile applications.

Direct Introduction of Perfluoroacyl (−CORF) Groups into Organic Substrates

AbstractThe direct addition of perfluoroacyl (−CORF) groups to organic frameworks has seen a resurgence in interest due to the benefits of these groups in late‐stage modification of pro‐drugs and biologically active compounds, helping to identify new active leads. The presence of −CORF groups positively impacts the structure‐activity relationships of these compounds. In that sense, both polar methods and radical protocols have been developed for the direct syntheses of trifluoromethyl and perfluoroalkyl ketones. In particular, methodologies to tame the unstable trifluoroacyl radical, which could be a key intermediate in the late‐stage syntheses of trifluoroacyl‐substituted compounds, has allowed much progress in this area. In the next sections, the direct incorporation of perfluoroacyl groups into (hetero)aromatic compounds, −CORF substitutions at Csp3−H, alkyl halides, alkenes, amides, and N‐atoms will be discussed in detail, suggesting the future directions and perspectives in the field. These known reactions are summarized in Table 1.

Opinion dynamics beyond social influence

Abstract We present an opinion dynamics model framework discarding two common assumptions in the literature: (a) that there is direct influence between beliefs of neighboring agents, and (b) that agent belief is static in the absence of social influence. Agents in our framework learn from random experiences which possibly reinforce their belief. Agents determine whether they switch opinions by comparing their belief to a threshold. Subsequently, influence of an alter on an ego is not direct incorporation of the alter’s belief into the ego’s but by adjusting the ego’s decision-making criteria. We provide an instance from the framework in which social influence between agents generalizes majority rules updating. We conduct a sensitivity analysis as well as a pair of experiments concerning heterogeneous population parameters. We conclude that the framework is capable of producing consensus, polarization and fragmentation with only assimilative forces between agents which typically, in other models, lead exclusively to consensus.

Hazard assessment of fenozan, a released non-intentionally added substance from polyester-based can coating

Since the safety of new-generation polyester-based internal coatings regarding the migration of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) is poorly documented, studies are needed to identify NIAS originating from these food-contact materials (FCM). The aim of this study was to identify volatile and semi-volatile NIAS from polyester-based coatings in order to assess their hazard and ensure consumers’ safety with regard to exposure from canned food. Extraction and migration tests were carried out on a single polyester-coated tin plate (5 batches) using two solvents: acetonitrile and ethanol 95%, then FCM’s extracts and migrates were analysed by GC-MS. An antioxidant degradation (hydrolysis) product, 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid or fenozan (CAS RN: 20170-32-5), was identified and confirmed by reference standard in all migrates. To assess fenozan’s toxicity, several in vitro bioassays, such as the Ames test (to assess point mutation), the micronucleus assay (to detect chromosomal aberrations), and the iodide uptake assay (to study one mode of action for thyroid disruption) were conducted. Fenozan was negative in the Ames test on three strains of S. typhimurium (TA98, TA100, and TA1535) and on one strain of E.coli (WP2), with and without metabolic activation system (S9 mix) using direct incorporation and pre-incubation methods. The in vitro micronucleus assay conducted on HepG2 cells also exhibited a negative response following a 4-hour treatment with the S9 mix, and a 48-hour treatment without the S9 mix. A weak inhibitory effect was obtained when testing fenozan in the iodide uptake assay using rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Significant inhibition started from 800 µM of fenozan, with a maximal inhibition of almost 47% at 1000 µM. The findings indicate that fenozan exhibits an anti-thyroid activity in vitro.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in Photocatalytic Concrete: Synthesis, Characterization, and Comprehensive Performance Assessment of Nano-TiO2-Modified Recycled Aggregates

This study presents an exhaustive exploration into the development and rigorous evaluation of nano-TiO2-modified recycled aggregates (NT@RAs) as an environmentally sustainable substitute for natural aggregates in concrete applications. A methodical framework was devised for the synthesis and thorough characterization of NT@RAs, emphasizing the optimization of nano-TiO2 loading onto the RA surface and within its intricate porous structure. The investigation encompassed three distinct types of recycled aggregates: recycled glass sands (RGSs), recycled clay brick sands (RCBSs), and recycled concrete sands (RCSs). Of particular interest, NT@RGS, with its properties of an inherently smooth surface texture and low water absorption, was found to exert a favorable influence on the rheological behavior of concrete, manifested in reduced yield stress, thereby underscoring the potential for fine-tuning mix designs to enhance workability. As the substitution levels of NT@RGS and NT@RCBS escalated, an initial decrement in compressive strength was discernible, which subsequently reversed to strength restoration at optimized substitution ratios. This phenomenon is attributed to the synergistic interplay among NT@RA components. Remarkably, NT@RA-incorporated concrete demonstrated unparalleled self-cleaning abilities, surpassing the performance of concrete with direct nano-TiO2 powder incorporation. This comprehensive research contributes significantly to the advancement in sustainable, high-performance photocatalytic construction materials within the realm of concrete technology. It underscores the potential for enhancing not only the rheological and mechanical properties but also the environmental responsiveness of concrete through the innovative utilization of NT@RAs.

When are predictions useful? A new method for evaluating epidemic forecasts

BackgroundCOVID-19 will not be the last pandemic of the twenty-first century. To better prepare for the next one, it is essential that we make honest appraisals of the utility of different responses to COVID. In this paper, we focus specifically on epidemiologic forecasting. Characterizing forecast efficacy over the history of the pandemic is challenging, especially given its significant spatial, temporal, and contextual variability. In this light, we introduce the Weighted Contextual Interval Score (WCIS), a new method for retrospective interval forecast evaluation.MethodsThe central tenet of the WCIS is a direct incorporation of contextual utility into the evaluation. This necessitates a specific characterization of forecast efficacy depending on the use case for predictions, accomplished via defining a utility threshold parameter. This idea is generalized to probabilistic interval-form forecasts, which are the preferred prediction format for epidemiological modeling, as an extension of the existing Weighted Interval Score (WIS).ResultsWe apply the WCIS to two forecasting scenarios: facility-level hospitalizations for a single state, and state-level hospitalizations for the whole of the United States. We observe that an appropriately parameterized application of the WCIS captures both the relative quality and the overall frequency of useful forecasts. Since the WCIS represents the utility of predictions using contextual normalization, it is easily comparable across highly variable pandemic scenarios while remaining intuitively representative of the in-situ quality of individual forecasts.ConclusionsThe WCIS provides a pragmatic utility-based characterization of probabilistic predictions. This method is expressly intended to enable practitioners and policymakers who may not have expertise in forecasting but are nevertheless essential partners in epidemic response to use and provide insightful analysis of predictions. We note that the WCIS is intended specifically for retrospective forecast evaluation and should not be used as a minimized penalty in a competitive context as it lacks statistical propriety. Code and data used for our analysis are available at https://github.com/maximilian-marshall/wcis.

Crystal structure of l-threonine-O-3-phosphate decarboxylase CobC from Sinorhizobium meliloti involved in vitamin B12 biosynthesis

Vitamin B12 is involved in many important biochemical reactions for humans, and its deficiency can lead to serious diseases. The industrial production of vitamin B12 is achieved through microbial fermentation. In this work, we determine the crystal structures of the l-threonine-O-3-phosphate (Thr-P) decarboxylase CobC from Sinorhizobium meliloti (SmCobC), an industrial vitamin B12-producing bacterium, in apo form and in complex with a reaction intermediate. Our structures supported the Thr-P decarboxylase activity of SmCobC and revealed that the positively charged substrate-binding pocket between the large and small domains determines its substrate selectivity for Thr-P. Moreover, our results provided evidence for the proposition that the AP-P linker is formed by direct incorporation of AP-P in the biosynthetic pathway of vitamin B12 in S.meliloti.

Single Crystalline GeSe Van Der Waals Ribbons With Uniform Layer Stacking, High Carrier Mobility, and Adjustable Edge Morphology.

Performance of the group IV monochalcogenide GeSe in solar cells, electronic, and optoelectronic devices is expected to improve when high-quality single crystalline material is used rather than polycrystalline films. Crystalline flakes represent an attractive alternative to bulk single crystals as their synthesis may be developed to be scalable, faster, and with higher overall yield. However, large - and especially large and thin - single crystal flakes are notoriously hard to synthesize. Here it is demonstrated that vapor-liquid-solid growth combined with direct lateral vapor-solid incorporation produces high-quality single crystalline GeSe ribbons with tens of micrometers size and controllable thickness. Electron microscopy shows that the ribbons exhibit perfect equilibrium (AB) van der Waals stacking order without extended defects across the entire thickness, in contrast to the conventional case of substrate-supported flakes where material is added via layer-by-layer nucleation and growth on the basal plane. Electrical measurements show anisotropic transport and a high Hall mobility of 85 cm2V-1s-1, on par with the best single crystals to date. Growth from mixed GeSe and SnSe vapors, finally, yields ribbons with unchanged structure and composition but with jagged edges, promising for applications that rely on ample chemically active edge sites, such as catalysis or photocatalysis.

Physicochemical Characterization, Rheological Properties, and Antimicrobial Activity of Sodium Alginate-Pink Pepper Essential Oil (PPEO) Nanoemulsions.

Essential oils (EOs) have antimicrobial properties, but their low solubility in water and strong flavor pose challenges for direct incorporation into food, as they can negatively impact organoleptic properties. To overcome these issues, strategies such as oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions have been developed to improve EO dispersion and protection while enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. The objective of this study was to create sodium alginate-pink pepper essential oil (PPEO) nanoemulsions using microfluidization. Various formulations were assessed for physicochemical, physical, and antimicrobial properties to evaluate their potential in food applications. The microfluidized emulsions and nanoemulsions had droplet sizes ranging from 160 to 443 nm, polydispersity index (PdI) ranging from 0.273 to 0.638, and zeta potential (ζ) ranging from -45.2 to 66.3 mV. The nanoemulsions exhibited Newtonian behavior and remarkable stability after 20 days of storage. Antimicrobial testing revealed effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 200 µg/mL for both microorganisms and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL, respectively, proving that encapsulation of PPEO in nanoemulsions significantly increased its antibacterial activity. These results present the possibility of using PPEO nanoemulsions as a more effective natural alternative to synthetic preservatives in food systems.

Influence of Twin Screw Extrusion Conditions on MWCNT Length and Dispersion and Resulting Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Polycarbonate Composites

The processing conditions were varied during the production of polycarbonate-based composites with the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) Baytubes® C150 P (Bayer MaterialScience AG, Leverkusen, Germany), by melt mixing with an extruder on a laboratory scale. These included the screw design, rotation speed, throughput, feeding position and MWCNT content. Particular attention was paid to the shortening of the MWCNT length as a function of the conditions mentioned. It was found that there is a correlation between the applied specific mechanical energy (SME) during the melt mixing process and MWCNT dispersion, which was quantified by the agglomerate area ratio of the non-dispersed nanotubes based on optical microscopic analysis. The higher the SME value, the lower this ratio, which indicates better dispersion. Above an SME value of about 0.4 kWh/kg, no further improvement in dispersion was achieved. The MWCNT length, as measured by the quantitative analysis of TEM images of the MWCNTs dissolved from the composites, decreased with the SME value down to values of 44% of the original MWCNT length. At a constant loading of 3 wt.%, the tensile strength and tensile modulus were almost independent of the SME, while the elongation at break and notched impact strength showed an increasing trend. The variation in the feeding position showed that feeding the MWCNTs into a side feeder led to slightly better electrical and mechanical properties for both types of MWCNTs studied (Baytubes® C150 P and Nanocyl™ NC7000 (Nanocyl S.A., Sambreville, Belgium)). However, feeding into the hopper led to better CNT dispersion with Baytubes® C150 P, while this was the case with Nanocyl™ NC7000 when feeding into the side feeder. The screw profile had an influence on the dispersion, the MWCNT length and the electrical resistance, but only to a small extent. Distributive screws led to a greater shortening of the MWCNT length than dispersive screws. By varying the MWCNT content, it was shown that a greater MWCNT shortening occurred at higher loadings. Two-stage masterbatch dilution leads to stronger shortening than composite production with direct MWCNT incorporation.

Optimized Incorporation of Silver Nanoparticles onto Cotton Fabric Using k-Carrageenan Coatings for Enhanced Antimicrobial Properties.

The incorporation of bactericidal properties into textiles is a widely sought-after aspect, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used for this. Here, we evaluate a strategy for incorporating AgNPs into a cotton fabric. For this purpose, a bactericidal textile coating based on a composite of AgNPs and kappa-carrageenan (k-CA) was proposed. The composite was obtained by heating the silver precursor (AgNO3) directly in k-CA solution for green synthesis and in situ AgNPs stabilization. Cotton substrates were added to the heated composite solution for surface impregnation and hydrogel film formation after cooling. Direct synthesis of AgNPs on a fabric was also tested. The results showed that the application of a coating based on k-CA/AgNPs composite can achieve more than twice the silver loading on the fabric surface compared to the textile subjected to direct AgNPs incorporation. Furthermore, silver release tests in water showed that higher Ag+ levels were reached for k-CA/AgNPs-coated cotton. Therefore, inoculation tests with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (SA) using the agar diffusion method showed that samples covered with the composite resulted in significantly larger inhibition halos. This indicated that the use of the composite as a coating for cotton fabric improved its bactericidal activity against SA.

Nanoparticle Decorated Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) Composites for Energy, Catalysis, and Biomedical Applications

AbstractDecorating cellulose nanocrystals(CNC) with nanoparticles(NPs) allows to engineer novel CNC/NPs composites for advanced technologies and applications. NPs are well‐known for their unique and highly efficient properties. However, NPs present challenges and limitations due to their aggregation, non‐uniform growth, size distribution, and nanotoxicity. CNC surface overcomes most of these drawbacks by providing an attractive matrix/template to grow NPs of desirable morphology, distribution, and functionality. CNC has distinctive properties such as biodegradability, high surface area, low cost, good mechanical strength, surface functionality, and chiral nematic self‐assembly. CNC/NPs composites combine the unique properties of both CNC and NPs. This review highlights the unique characteristics of CNC, NPs, and their composites for energy, catalysis, and biomedical applications. First, different production methods for CNC with their effect on morphology, crystallinity index, and yield are presented. Both organic and inorganic NPs are used to decorate either a pristine or a functionalized CNC surface. In situ nucleation and growth methods are compared with the direct incorporation of pre‐formed NPs on the CNC surface. Applications of CNC/NPs composites are reviewed for energy storage material, conductive materials, catalysts, antibacterial agents, biosensors, and bioimaging. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives are presented for unleashing new possibilities in developing functional CNC‐NPs composites.

A dual growth mode unique for organic crystals relies on mesoscopic liquid precursors

Organic solvents host the synthesis of high-value crystals used as pharmaceuticals and optical devices, among other applications. A knowledge gap persists on how replacing the hydrogen bonds and polar attraction that dominate aqueous environments with the weaker van der Waals forces affects the growth mechanism, including its defining feature, whether crystals grow classically or nonclassically. Here we demonstrate a rare dual growth mode of etioporphyrin I crystals, enabled by liquid precursors that associate with crystal surfaces to generate stacks of layers, which then grow laterally by incorporating solute molecules. Our findings reveal the precursors as mesoscopic solute-rich clusters, a unique phase favored by weak bonds such as those between organic solutes. The lateral spreading of the precursor-initiated stacks of layers crucially relies on abundant solute supply directly from the solution, bypassing diffusion along the crystal surface; the direct incorporation pathway may, again, be unique to organic solvents. Clusters that evolve to amorphous particles do not seamlessly integrate into crystal lattices. Crystals growing fast and mostly nonclassically at high supersaturations are not excessively strained. Our findings demonstrate that the weak interactions typical of organic systems promote nonclassical growth modes by supporting liquid precursors and enabling the spreading of multilayer stacks.

Exogenous ECM in an environmentally-mediated in vitro model for cardiac fibrosis.

Few clinical solutions exist for cardiac fibrosis, creating the need for a tunable in vitro model to better understand fibrotic disease mechanisms and screen potential therapeutic compounds. Here, we combined cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and exogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to create an environmentally-mediated in vitro cardiac fibrosis model. Cells and ECM were combined into 2 types of cardiac tissues- aggregates and tissue rings. The addition of collagen I had a drastic negative impact on aggregate formation, but ring formation was not as drastically affected. In both tissue types, collagen and other ECM did not severely affect contractile function. Histological analysis showed direct incorporation of collagen into tissues, indicating that we can directly modulate the cells' ECM environment. This modulation affects tissue formation and distribution of cells, indicating that this model provides a useful platform for understanding how cells respond to changes in their extracellular environment and for potential therapeutic screening.

Extraction of phenolic compounds from Juglans regia L. leaves using aqueous solutions of eutectic solvents

The leaves of Juglans regia L. (walnut tree) are a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can be used in cosmetic applications due to their antioxidant properties. Conventionally, these compounds are extracted using volatile organic solvents. This study focuses on a more sustainable approach by designing a heat-assisted extraction process using aqueous solutions of eutectic solvents (ES) composed of cosmetic-compatible ingredients aiming for direct incorporation into cream formulations. In this context, aqueous solutions of the ES betaine + urea and betaine + 1,3-propanediol (PPD) were selected, considering their potential as cosmetic ingredients. The screening process targeted the maximum extraction yield of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids), quantified by HPLC-DAD. The selected variables were water content (25, 50 and 75 % in weight) and the molar proportion of the ES components. For comparison purposes, pure water was used as a reference solvent.The total phenolic content ranged between 5.5 and 14.6 mg/g of dry plant. Betaine:urea (2:1), betaine:PPD (1:2), betaine, and PPD, all with 50 % water mass percentage, were among those resulting in higher extraction yields and were further selected for bioactivity analysis. The system containing betaine presented the best antioxidant capacity, analysed through ferric reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging, and TBARS assays. The extracts obtained with PPD presented the highest antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and yeast. The results show the potential of using binary aqueous mixtures of betaine, or 1,3-propanediol, which are simple ingredients in cosmetics formulations, to efficiently extract phenolic compounds from a natural matrix. Moreover, the bioactivity results, particularly in the antioxidant dimension, support using J. regia leaves as a source of natural antioxidants.

Organophosphorus Synthesis beyond P-Cl Bond: The Development of Shelf-stable Reagents for [RP] Transfer

: The direct chlorine-free incorporation of P1 units into organic molecules has very important synthetical value owing to environmental considerations and the prospect of accessing unique compounds with fascinating structures and useful properties. This selective survey presents a panorama of phosphorus species that are synthetic equivalents of free singlet phosphinidenes [R-P] and highlights the state-of-art of the [RP]-transfer reactions with emphasis on the synthesis of molecular architectures difficult to reach using traditional methods. Among stabilized phosphinidene precursors capable of RP-transfer are terminal transition-metal phosphinidene and phosphinidenoid complexes, dibenzo-7λ3- phosphinobornadienes, phosphinidene-phosphoranes, inversely polarized phosphaalkenes, phosphaketenes, intramolecularly base-stabilized phosphinidenes, (cyclo)polyphosphines and diphosphenes.

Positron emission tomography imaging using radiolabeled iron oxide nanomaterials

This review aims to demonstrate the usability of radiolabeled iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) as PET imaging contrast agents and their perspectives in biomedical research and clinical practice. Magnetite and maghemite IONPs are superparamagnetic and released for multiple biomedical uses. Combining these nanoparticles with PET imaging significantly improves diagnostic capacities and treatment outcomes. Chelating agents and direct incorporation during synthesis are two techniques used in radiolabeling of nanoparticles to monitor particles in vivo. The review covers the background information on PET imaging, the opportunities provided by IONPs, and possible difficulties when using them. With new advancements in bimodal IONP templates, it is possible to use MRI and PET simultaneously for single-cell resolution imaging. The prospects centre on improving IONP safety and efficiency, utilizing nanomaterials with the 52Mn label, and applying IONPs in multimodal imaging. Copper-64 has also emerged as applicable in nuclear medicine, particularly in cancer diagnosis, using the copper-64 as a radiolabeling agent. These new generation automobiles of radiolabeled IONPs for PET imaging are a significant advancement to molecular and cellular imaging with possible enhancements in diagnostic precision and elements of precision medicine.

Destructive and non-destructive strength performance of iron slag recycled aggregate concrete using regression and grey correlation analysis

The future construction industry will demand for sustainable concrete, either by recycling or direct incorporation of industrial by-products for effective solution of ecological concerns. The paper covers, outcomes of an investigation conducted to assess the ‘performance of iron slag (0–30 %) recycled aggregate concrete (ISRA) with different levels of recycled (0–100 %) concrete aggregates (RCA)’ using destructive (DT) ‘(compressive, split-tensile and flexure strength)’ and non-destructive ‘(pulse velocity, electrical resistivity and rebound hammer)’ testing (NDT). The strength characters were evaluated to develop statistical regression and grey co-relations. ISRA concrete resulted majorly in decrease of pulse velocities, electrical resistance (up to 28 %) and rebound numbers (by 10) at higher alteration levels. The correlation coefficients were evaluated using linear regression and grey analysis. The grey correlations resulted in visible variations, indicating disparity in magnitude of ISRA concrete. The higher regression (>0.75) and grey coefficients (GRG>0.8) postulates higher probability of accuracy, successfully validate the outcomes.

Study on the Preparation and Compressive Strength of Boron Mud-Based Basic Magnesium Sulfate Cement.

The direct discharge of boron mud poses significant environmental hazards to soil and groundwater. Despite extensive research efforts, the reprocessing of boron mud has not yielded significant advancements. Recently, the development of magnesium cement has spurred interest in the reutilization of boron mud. However, the direct treatment of boron mud remains challenging, necessitating pre-treatment in most studies to achieve substantial results. Consequently, research on the direct incorporation of untreated boron mud is scarce. This study explores the feasibility of using uncalcined boron mud as a base material in basic magnesium sulfate cement (BMSC), composed of lightly calcined magnesia and magnesium sulfate heptahydrate. The effects of varying boron mud content on the compressive strength of the BMSC system were investigated. The results indicate that the 5·1·7 phase is the primary strength phase of BMSC. When the boron mud content is 30%, the uncalcined boron mud has a minimal impact on the formation of the 5·1·7 phase. Additionally, the 28 days compressive strength of BMSC-B30 showed a slight difference compared to the control group BMSC-C, registering at 66.7 MPa. TG-DSC analysis revealed that the presence of a small amount of boron mud inhibits the micro-expansion trend of the BMSC structure. Furthermore, XRD and SEM analyses confirmed that the addition of uncalcined boron mud does not significantly alter the phase structure of the 5·1·7 phase in BMSC. This study provides a foundational basis for the long-term development of direct boron mud treatment.