Effect Of Fillers Research Articles

Effect of SiC fillers on the microstructure, adhesive strength and corrosion resistance of polycarbosilane-derived coating on steel

Polycarbosilane-derived (PCS-derived) coating containing SiC fillers with enhanced adhesive strength and corrosion resistance were fabricated on Q235 steel by a simple method of dip coating. The effects of content and particle size of SiC fillers on the phase composition, surface morphology, adhesive strength and corrosion resistance of PCS-derived coatings were studied. Addition of SiC fillers could reduce the microcrack width on the coating surface. The microcrack width decreases with the decrease in particle size of SiC fillers. Addition of 2.5 wt% SiC fillers with particle size of 30 nm could make the coating surface crack-free. Different from particle size, the effect of filler content on the microcracks has a moderate value which is corresponding to lower microcrack width. In addition to the microcracks, SiC filler content and particle size have significant effects on the adhesive strength between coatings and substrates. The higher adhesive strength is 319.1 MPa for coatings fabricated with a particle size of 500 nm and a content of 10 wt%. SiC fillers can improve the corrosion resistance of the PCS-derived coatings. In comparison with particle size of filler, filler content has a greater effect on the corrosion resistance of the coatings. The corrosion mechanism was analyzed. Appropriate content of fillers reduce the microcrack width and further improve the corrosion resistance of the coatings.

Effect of Binary Blended Fillers on the Durability Performance of Recycled Cold-Mix Asphalt

Cold-mix asphalt is a greener alternative to pavement construction, processed at 10–40 °C, which is typically lower than other techniques like warm-mix asphalt and hot-mix asphalt. Huge amounts of construction and demolition waste, such as broken bricks, recycled concrete aggregates, reclaimed asphalt pavement, ceramic waste, etc., are generated every year due to the acceleration in infrastructure development. The production of such massive amounts causes landfilling issues, and their disposal is a serious issue nowadays. This study examines the effect of binary blended fillers on the performance of cold asphalt mixes using emulsified binders and 50% reclaimed asphalt pavement materials. Moreover, three types of binary blended fillers (BBFs), cement, fly ash, and Stabil Road, were used at different dosages. Overall, 500 samples were prepared for the mix design, and the optimum emulsion content was determined as 11% and 9% for the CM and 50R mixes, respectively, based on the Marshall stability peak value and volumetric properties such as voids in the mineral aggregates, total voids, and dry density. The moisture susceptibility of the recycled cold-mix asphalt (RCMA) mixture was evaluated using the tensile strength ratio. Cantabro abrasion loss was used to assess the cohesion resistance of the mixtures. The dynamic response of the mixes to the applied load was evaluated using the resilient modulus. The results of the present study reveal that using BBFs in the RCMA improved the inter-particle bonding and strength. Furthermore, BBF incorporation enhanced the performance of the recycled cold-mix asphalt.

Clinical and Histological Effects of Calcium Hydroxyapatite Filler in the Orofacial Region: A Study in Rats.

Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) dermal filler has been increasingly used in facial aesthetic procedures. To investigate clinical and histological changes associated with calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) dermal filler in the orofacial region. Forty-eight female Wistar rats were divided into CaHA and control groups. The material was applied in the ventral tongue and the submandibular region; the animals were euthanized after 7, 30, and 90 days. After 7 days, yellowish nodules with a firm consistency were observed on the tongue. In 2 animals, the material migrated to the base of the tongue. Histopathological examination revealed CaHA spheres surrounded by an infiltrate, predominantly composed of macrophages. In the CaHA group, the percentage of collagen in the tongue and dermis was higher compared with the control group ( p < .05) at both 30 and 90 days. The thickness of the epidermis/dermis was also higher in the CaHA group ( p < .05). In 5 submandibular glands containing material, areas of edema and hyperemia were observed, along with infiltrates of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Changes in the morphology of ducts and acini in adjacent regions were evident. CaHA exhibits satisfactory properties for filling and collagen biostimulation in the tested regions. Further studies are required to explore the potential for migration and the glandular alterations.

Hydration kinetics and apparent activation energy of cement pastes containing high silica fume content at lower curing temperature

To promote the application of silica fume (SF) in civil engineering in cold regions, relative influences from SF content and low temperature environment on the early hydration kinetics of composite cement pastes were evaluated based on the isothermal calorimetric method. The effect of high SF content on the apparent activation energy (Ea) of Portland cement and the filler effect (via the index of area multiplier) of SF on the hydration parameters was also analyzed. The results showed that the intensity of the shoulder peak (Al peak) of the hydration kinetic curve (heat flow curve) gradually grew as the SF content increased, and the double-peak phenomenon was gradually clear. The heat flow peak is delayed and lowered with the decreasing curing temperature, while the final time of the induction stage and the duration of the acceleration stage are delayed. Moreover, the duration of the acceleration stage was slightly extended with the increase of SF content. The full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) value of the heat flow curves dropped as the SF content and curing temperature increased. The low temperature environment and the inclusion of SF inhibited the growth in early hydration degree. The higher SF content mitigated the impact of low temperature on the hydration time parameter τ. The apparent Ea results also indicated that the SF reduced the temperature sensitivity of the hydration process of the composite cement pastes, which might contribute to the development of the hydration reaction at low temperatures. The AM (Area Multiplier) factor increased approximately linearly with increasing SF replacement levels. Apparent Ea decreased linearly with increasing AM, which may be attributed to a further reduction in the diffusion-controlled hydration rate of composite cement pastes with larger AM.

The Effect of Filler and Modifier on the Fatigue Characteristics of Road Bitumen

The Effect of Filler and Modifier on the Fatigue Characteristics of Road Bitumen

The effects of ceramic fillers’ performance and preparation process on PZT-based/P(VDF-TrFE) flexible composite films

The effects of ceramic fillers’ performance and preparation process on PZT-based/P(VDF-TrFE) flexible composite films

Objective Noninvasive Measurement of the Volumizing Effect of a Dermal Filler: An In Vivo Study

BackgroundInformation about the volumizing effects of dermal fillers is critical for physicians’ understanding of product features and prudent decision-making in clinical practice. It is important for material engineers to develop and optimize new dermal fillers, especially when comparing the physiochemical properties of a new product with those of existing fillers that are used worldwide.ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a reliable, noninvasive method for in vivo quantitative evaluation of the filling effect in order to predict possible effectiveness after filler injection and to evaluate the degradation trend over time.MethodsA rabbit model of ear injection with dermal fillers was established. Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler was injected into the subcutaneous layer of rabbit ears, resulting in a stable skin bulge. Ultrasonography was used to noninvasively measure the skin bulge for volume calculation; the volume change was analyzed periodically until 38 weeks. Pathological examination, the gold standard, was performed to confirm degradation.ResultsThe immediate volumizing effect of HA filler injection was macroscopically observed as a local skin bulge. Ultrasound was able to precisely detect the shape of the filler and calculate the length, width, and height of the skin bulge at each time point. The degree of uplift and amount of residual samples in the pathological evaluation were consistent with the results of morphological observation using ultrasound.ConclusionEvaluation of the volume impact of dermal filler through the rabbit ear injection model evaluation enables material science evaluation in the early stage of material development, and has certain clinical reference value.Level of Evidence IThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Effect of radiation sensitizer on the friction, mechanical and thermal degradation properties of electron beam cured FKM-PTFE composite

Friction coefficient behaviour of electron beam cured vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer fluorocarbon rubber (FKM) with 30% loading of polytetrafluoroethylene micro-powder (PTFEMP) irradiated at 250 kGy dose were studied by using a pin-on-disk tribometer for a total testing distance of 360 m in dry conditions at a sliding speed and applied normal load (FN) of 0.05 m/s and 1 N respectively. The same tests were done on the 70/30 blend added with radiation sensitizers n,n-1,3 phenylene bismaleimide (HVA2), trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA) and tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA). The average friction coefficient (μ) value of all the composites with sensitizer decreased with the TMPTA system recording the lowest μ value which reduced by almost half compared to the pure composite due to better crosslinking density of the vulcanizate. Analysis of the friction coefficient curve behaviour showed an initial low value but displaying an increasing trend versus distance in the TMPTA and TPGDA composites while HVA2 composite recorded an initial high value but showed a reducing trend versus distance. HVA2 composite also recorded the best tensile strength results due to its influence in promoting better synergistic effect and miscibility of PTFEMP filler in FKM matrix.

Strength and durability performance of acid-mechanically treated recycled aggregate concrete with metakaolin, lime powder, and A-fine

This study examines the effectiveness of lime powder (LP) and metakaolin (MK) in concrete containing acid-mechanically treated recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). The acid-mechanically produced recycled fine, i.e., A-Fine (AF), is also evaluated as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). According to the strength activity index (SAI) for AF, it has a low pozzolanic reactivity in comparison to MK and a higher pozzolanic reactivity in comparison to LP. An optimal dosage of AF (15 %), LP (17 %), and MK (22 %) improves the physical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). The compressive strength of RAC with AF (RAC-AF) is closer to that of RAC with LP (RAC-LP), and RAC with MK (RAC-MK). As a result of their partial or complete chemical inertness, AF, LP, or MK decrease the self-cementing capability of RCA and reduce the mechanical properties and fracture energy of RAC. While the split tensile and flexural strength of RAC-AF is greater than that of RAC-LP, it is smaller than that of RAC-MK. As a result of their higher elastic modulus, RAC-AF and RAC-MK are more ductile than RAC and RAC-LP. As a result of low ion penetration and high electrical resistance, RAC, RAC-AF, RAC-LP, and RAC-MK are classified as low permeability materials. AF or MK as a cement substitute does not alter the sorptivity of RAC despite improvement. In contrast, RAC has higher initial and final absorption when LP substitutes for cement. According to their pozzolanic reactivity and filler effect, RAC sorptivity varies with these SCMs. There is a strong correlation between the compressive strength and UPV of RAC, RAC-AF, RAC-LP, and RAC-MK with R2 = 0.94. The sorptivity and electrical resistivity are also correlated with R2 = 0.94. Due to the formation of Si-rich C-S-H gels, SEM and EDS show a more uniform and denser microstructure in RAC-AF, RAC-LP, and RAC-MK.

Cure characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanizates filled with untreated pyrolytic tire char

AbstractUntreated pyrolytic tire char was used in natural rubber (STR20) composites as single filler at loadings of 30–70 phr and co‐filler with carbon black (N330) at a total loading of 50 phr. The results were compared with rubbers filled with N330 and crumb rubber at 30 phr. The effects of fillers on cure characteristic, crosslink density, filler dispersion in natural rubber vulcanizates and their mechanical properties were investigated. The slight reversions were seen for the cure characteristics of 70 phr‐char‐filled and all co‐filler samples because the sulfur amount in the char together with the added sulfur could shift the vulcanization system from EV to SEV, whereas plateau cure curves were seen for the rest. While the highest tensile strength of char‐filled sample was obtained at 50 phr loading, whose tensile strength was about 88% of the N330 sample at 30 phr, 70‐phr‐char filled sample was superior in surface hardness, abrasion resistance and tear strength to N330 sample at 30 phr. For rubber with co‐fillers, the mechanical properties depended on the mass ratio of N330 to pyrolytic tire char. Therefore, it is possible to use untreated char as reinforcing filler for suitable applications according to their properties.

High-strength steel fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete utilising recycled granite waste and rice husk ash

A limited number of research studies have managed to attain high-strength geopolymer concrete, especially by utilising waste materials. In this study, granite waste (GW) from the mining industry, which contaminates the surrounding environment and causes air pollution, and rice husk ash (RHA) from agricultural waste were used to produce high-strength steel fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete (HSFRGC). To reduce natural sand consumption, GW was utilised as a fine aggregate. RHA was added at 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight of coal fly ash to enhance the properties of HSFRGC. In addition, hooked-end steel fibres were employed as reinforcement at 0%, 0.5%, and 1% by volume of the concrete. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of incorporating GW and RHA into HSFRGC, examining properties such as workability, strength, durability, and microstructure. Additionally, an assessment was conducted on the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of the HSFRGC system with additives to determine its feasibility for practical scenarios. The results showed that the addition of 1% RHA as an additive in the geopolymer system, which led to microstructural homogeneity in the geopolymer matrix, could effectively enhance the mechanical properties and durability. Moreover, the addition of hooked-end steel fibres along with 1% RHA further improved the mechanical performance compared to samples without steel fibres, increasing both compressive strength by 25% and flexural response by 70%. Meanwhile, incorporating 1% RHA in mixtures could assist in mitigating chloride migration by approximately 10% due to the filler effect occurring in the geopolymer matrix. Regarding to environmental impact and cost-effectiveness, the incorporation of 1% RHA and 0.5% steel fibre demonstrated a suitable balance, exhibiting eco-strength efficiency with an increase of 15% compared to plain geopolymer concrete, making it a reasonable choice for both environmental concerns and cost efficiency.

Supported Ionic Liquid-Phase Materials (SILP) as a Multifunctional Group of Highly Stable Modifiers and Hardeners for Carbon and Flax Epoxy Composites.

This paper introduces a novel approach to enhance epoxy resin formulations by using SILP materials as multifunctional hardeners and fillers in composite structures reinforced with carbon and flax fibers. This study explores the integration of ionic liquids (ILs) onto a silica support structure, presenting various permutations involving silica selection, ionic liquid choice, and concentration. The focus of this study was to elucidate the influence of SILP on resin curing ability and the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. Detailed research was conducted, including Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis (BET) for SILP materials and curing characterization for epoxy resin formulations with different SILP materials. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the obtained composites were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis (SEM) (the force at break, the maximum elongation at break, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity). Through SILP incorporation, the mechanical properties of composites, including the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength, are substantially improved, a phenomenon akin to traditional filler effects. The findings highlight SILP materials as prospective candidates for concurrent hardening and filling roles within composites (through a single-step procedure, with prolonged storage stability and controlled processing conditions), particularly pertinent as the composite industry veers toward epoxy bioresins necessitating liquefaction via temperature application.

Effect of Filler (SrWO4) on Structural, Dielectric, and Electrical Properties of Polymer Matrix PVDF

Effect of Filler (SrWO4) on Structural, Dielectric, and Electrical Properties of Polymer Matrix PVDF

The effect of skim milk powder on physical, chemical, and microbiology characteristics of goat milk kefir powder

This research was to determine the effect of skim milk powder fillers on the physical, chemical, and microbiology of goat's milk kefir powder. The benefit obtained from this research is that it can increase the diversification of fermented milk products that have a long shelf life. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments were P1: Addition of 0% (w/v) powder skim milk filler, P2: Addition of 2.5% (w/v) powder skim milk filler, P3: Addition of 5% (w/v) powder skim milk filler, P4: Addition of 7.5% (w/v) powder skim milk filler and P5: Addition of 10% (w/v) powder skim milk filler. The results showed that the addition of skim milk fillers has a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on yield, solubility, total dissolved solids, total acid, pH value, water content, fat carbohydrate content, and microbiological quality which has no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on viscosity, protein content and ash content. The conclusion that can be obtained is the addition of 2.5% skim milk filler is the best treatment.

Cellulose fibres enhance the function of hemostatic composite medical sealants.

Tissue adhesives and sealants offer promising alternatives to traditional wound closure methods, but the existing trade-off between biocompatibility and strength is still a challenge. The current study explores the potential of a gelatin-alginate-based hydrogel, cross-linked with a carbodiimide, and loaded with two functional fillers, the hemostatic agent kaolin and cellulose fibres, to improve the hydrogel's mechanical strength and hemostatic properties for use as a sealant. The effect of the formulation parameters on the mechanical and physical properties was studied, as well as the biocompatibility and microstructure. The incorporation of the two functional fillers resulted in a dual micro-composite structure, with uniform dispersion of both fillers within the hydrogel, and excellent adhesion between the fillers and the hydrogel matrix. This enabled to strongly increase the sealing ability and the tensile strength and modulus of the hydrogel. The fibres' contribution to the enhanced mechanical properties is more dominant than that of kaolin. A combined synergistic effect of both fillers resulted in enhanced sealing ability (247%), tensile strength (400%), and Young's modulus (437%), compared to the unloaded hydrogel formulation. While the incorporation of kaolin almost did not affect the physical properties of the hydrogel, the incorporation of the fibres strongly increased the viscosity and decreased the gelation time and swelling degree. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that all studied formulations exhibited high cell viability. Hence, the studied new dual micro-composite hydrogels may be suitable for medical sealing applications, especially when it is needed to get a high sealing effect within a short time. The desired hemostatic effect is obtained due to kaolin incorporation without affecting the physical properties of the sealant. Understanding the effects of the formulation parameters on the hydrogel's properties enables the fitting of optimal formulations for various medical sealing applications.

Facile fabrication of next-generation sustainable brick and mortar through geopolymerization of construction debris

Waste from construction and demolition (also known as CDW) is one of the most harmful environmental issues. This study's primary goal is to produce new mortar and brick materials from recycled concrete powder (RCP) and recycled brick powder (RBP), two of the most popular CDW. Geopolymeric mortar and brick samples were produced by passing RCP and RBP through sieve No. 50 (with sand filler if necessary) and combining them with an alkaline solution made of water glass (WG) and NaOH. In this study, the mixture was then cured for three days at 80 °C in an oven. The effects of filler, RBP amount, WG amount, and the concentration of NaOH alkaline solution on the samples’ strength were examined. Additionally, XRF and SEM/XRD tests were performed to verify the materials' composition and microstructure. The mechanical strength of the samples showed an increase with the increase of RCP values, so the brick sample with filler showed the highest compressive strength, measuring 59.53 MPa. The study's samples exhibited strong mechanical properties. Additionally, all of the bricks' water absorption fell within the standard range. In summary, according to different standards, both waste concrete and waste brick can be used to produce geopolymer materials especially bricks for construction and paving purposes.

Soft Gel Filler Embedded Elastomer with Surfactant Improved Interface for Dielectric Elastomer Actuators.

Stretchable materials are the foundation of dielectric actuators (DEAs) for artificial muscle. However, the inadequate dielectric constant of stretchable materials has always greatly limited the performance of artificial muscle. Recently, soft fillers have been proposed to improve the dielectric property and preserve the stretchability for softness, aiming to avoid the stiffening effect of traditional rigid fillers. As composites, an amount of interfacial region is generated, which remarkably affects composites' performance from dielectrics to mechanics. Herein, we demonstrate that the size effect, interfacial binding, and compatibility have a great impact on soft filler doped composites. Particularly, according to the liquid characteristics of soft fillers, we explore an interfacial modification method using surfactants. Composite breakdown strength is thus enhanced 2.2-fold from that in the control group due to the reduction of mismatch between fillers and matrix. Moreover, surfactants alleviate the well-known stiffening effect in small fillers. The area strain of the composites reaches 10.3 ± 0.4% at a low electric field of 7 MV/m, and a soft micropump is successfully assembled. These findings demonstrate a unique and combined interfacial influence of soft filler doped elastomer, which promotes the advancements of the dielectric elastomer artificial muscle.

Effects of compound compatibilizer and CaTiO3 filler on the properties of polypropylene/polyphenylene ether/glass fiber composites

AbstractThe present study used polyphenylene ether/Polypropylene/glass fiber (PPO/PP/GF) composites as the matrix material to obtain the dielectric plate material to be used in the dielectric phase shifters for 5G base stations. First, the reinforcement effect of the compound compatibilizers comprising PP‐g‐MAH and SEBS‐g‐MAH on the PPO/PP/GF composites was investigated. The experimental results revealed that the compound compatibilizers could dramatically improve the compatibility and performance of the PP/PPO/GF composites through synergistic compatibility. Next, the crystallization effect of CaTiO3 fillers on the PPO/PP/GF composites was investigated. The DSC analysis revealed that using a small amount of CaTiO3 promoted the crystallization of PP, while using a large amount of CaTiO3 inhibited the crystallization effect. At a compatibilizer content of 6 wt% and CaTiO3 in the range of 10–85 wt%, the CaTiO3/PP/PPO/GF composite presented a continuously adjustable dielectric constant (εr = 2.32–20.9), low dielectric loss (tanδ &lt; 0.0019), and high heat resistance (VST = 169.5–177°C), and could, therefore, be used as a dielectric plate material in the dielectric phase shifters for 5G base stations.Highlights The compound compatibilizers comprising PP‐g‐MAH and SEBS‐g‐MAH could dramatically improve the compatibility and performance of the PP/PPO/GF composites through synergistic compatibility. A small amount of CaTiO3 promoted the crystallization of PP and a large amount of CaTiO3 inhibited the crystallization effect. The CaTiO3/PP/PPO/GF composites could serve as ideal dielectric plate materials in the development of dielectric phase shifters for 5G base stations.

Rheological properties of high-performance SCC using recycled marble powder

Due to the impacts of cement manufacturing and depletion of the natural aggregates for concrete production, recycling of construction and demolition waste materials has become an alternative replacement to natural materials that lower their consumption and satisfy the environment. One of these alternatives is replacing cement with recycled materials from marble, ceramic, granite, and concrete wastes or even replacing the coarse aggregate with crushed marble and other stone wastes. Marble, granite, and natural stone wastes rapidly increase each year due to unmanaged waste disposal processes and the incremental increase in construction potential. Marble slurry, which comes from washing and cleaning marble surfaces, shows a filler effect by giving the concrete a denser and homogenous structure. This study evaluates the marble filler effects on the rheology in the fresh state of self-compacting concrete (SCC) through four SCC mixes by incorporating 10% marble powder (MP) and 33% fly ash (FA) as a partial ordinary Portland cement (OPC) replacement. Tests on paste and mortar were conducted to assess the suitability of the marble dosage on the water content and the superplasticizer amount. Spread flow and V-funnel tests were assessed. The results showed that mixes with MP required additional mixing water to ensure the same workability. Regardless of the high viscosity and air content, the overall developed marble SCC mixes reduced the cement quantity by up to 11% and provided excellent rheological properties like that of the reference mix. Besides the economic benefits, this transformation of waste to valuable materials involves environmental advantages and sustainability promotion.

Valorization of agricultural residues in the development of biodegradable active packaging films

The demand for sustainable and biodegradable packaging has urged the use of agricultural wastes in food packaging. Agricultural residues are good and cheap sources of biopolymers which are the major materials required for development of biodegradable films. These residues are generally subjected to the extraction of biopolymers which are further utilized for the preparation of biodegradable films. In the present research, orange peels were directly utilized for the development of biodegradable packaging films. Wheat straw and rice husk in different concentrations (i.e. 0%, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12%) were used as reinforcement material/filler in orange peel films. The effect of fillers on mechanical (thickness, tensile strength & elongation at break), structural (FTIR, SEM), optical, water barrier (WVP, water solubility, swelling index) active (DPPH antioxidant and antimicrobial activity) and biodegradation properties was evaluated. The results reported a significant increase in thickness, tensile strength and opacity in reinforced films compared to native orange peel films. However, the tensile properties increased upto 6% and decreased above this concentration due to agglomeration of filler particles in film matrix. Moisture contents, swelling index, solubility, WVP, biodegradability and elongation at break decreased with increasing filler concentration. FTIR results showed physical interaction between film components and fillers. SEM results revealed that the films reinforced with wheat straw and rice husk showed rough surface. Moreover, reinforcement also improved the active properties of orange peel films. RH and WS being rich sources of bioactive compounds, significantly enhanced DPPH scavenging activity and TPC. All films showed a clear inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus.