Addition Of Fillers Research Articles

Tailoring Ce-Centered Metal-Organic Frameworks for Fast Li+ Transport in Composite Polymer Electrolyte.

Regulating metal nodes to innovate the metal-organic framework (MOF) structure is of great interest to boost the performance of MOFs-incorporated composite solid electrolytes. Herein, Ce4+ with a low-lying 4f orbital is selected as metal center to coordinate with organic ligand to prepare MOF of Ce-UiO-66. The unsaturated open metal sites and defected oxygen vacancies furnish Ce-UiO-66 with strengthened Lewis acidity, which promotes Ce-UiO-66 interacting effectively with both poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and Li salt anions. Accordingly, Ce-UiO-66 as additive fillers can be uniformly dispersed in PEO matrix to form an advanced composite solid-state electrolyte (Ce-UiO@PEO) with accelerated Li+ transport. The optimized Ce-UiO@PEO displays a boosted ionic conductivity of 4.20 × 10-4 S cm-1 and an improved Li+ transference number of 0.39 at 60 °C, which are highly comparable to those of other MOFs@PEO electrolytes. Combined with the mechanical and thermal stabilities, such a Ce-UiO@PEO electrolyte enables Li/Li symmetric and Li/LiFePO4 full cells with superior cycling stability and rate performance. The Ce-UiO@PEO electrolytes are of great potential to be applied in high-performance lithium metal batteries.

The mechanics of extruded polylactic acid: An investigation into the effects of its multiple recycling and the inclusion of fly ash

Abstract This study examines variations in the material properties of the 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) components after they have been recycled multiple times. Additionally, virgin polylactic acid was supplemented with fly ash from the thermal power plant, and the material's behavior was examined after it was recycled on multiple times. By means of different tests, the impacts of filler addition on the mechanical behavior of the recycled materials are investigated. Using various forms including broken pieces, flakes, and fine powders, the filament extrusion was performed using used polylactic acid material during recycling. Under multiple recycling conditions, the mechanical characteristics of the polylactic acid and fly ash added polylactic (PLA-FA) were investigated. This work also investigates the impact of the polymer's particulate size during the filament extrusion process. After recycling, it was found that the fine powder additions during the extrusion process provided high tensile strength of 32.61 MPa and flexural strength of 47.32 MPa for the PLA specimens. After recycling processes, the maximum tensile strength of 25.64 MPa and flexural strength of 50.22 MPa were found in fly ash enriched PLA. In contrast, the hardness of both PLA and fly ash-included PLA increased following each recycling procedure. Multiple recycling of PLA material turned the ductile material into brittle material by means of amorphous phase emergence. When compared to other particle sizes which were bigger in size, the specimens developed with filaments extruded with fine powder showed maximum results in all the tests. The tensile strength of PLA material decreased by 17.25%, while the tensile strength of PLA-FA material decreased by 21.35% after recycling. In PLA, the flexural strength drop following three recycling was 17.56% while in PLA-FA material it was 9.01%. After three times of material recycling, the hardness increased by 3.52% in PLA and by 2.48% in PLA-FA.

High rubber elasticity and thermal conductivity in plasticized polyvinyl chloride film with flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties

AbstractFor hydrogenated nitrile‐butadiene rubber (HNBR) modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC), magnesium hydroxide and antimony trioxide are frequently employed as flame retardants. Fume silica is thought to be useful reinforced agent for rubber as well as efficient flame retardant for polymer‐based composites. The plasticized PVC and HNBR blend in this work were combined with three fillers mentioned above to create rubber‐plastic composites that performed well overall, with a notable improvement in combustion. The limiting oxygen index of the composites increased from 23.7% to 33.8% with no droplets falling during combustion, the smoke density rating decreased from 23.8% to 7.9%, and the maximum smoke density dropped from 95.5% to 15.5%. The cone calorimetry test findings revealed that the three fillers simultaneously prevented the emission of smoke and heat from combustion. High thermal conductivity is typically linked to excellent flame retardancy. The thermal conductivity of composites rose from 0.193 to 0.583 W m−1 K−1 with the addition of fillers. Furthermore, the low glass transition temperature and permanent set of improved composites reflect its softness and rubber elasticity. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to examine the thermal stability of the composites in nitrogen and air, and the results indicated the addition of fillers improved the thermal stability.

Preparation and Properties of High‐Temperature‐Resistant and Low‐Dielectric Constant Silicon‐Containing Arylacetylene Resin/SiO2 Syntactic Foams

A silicon‐containing arylacetylene resin (PSA)/SiO2 syntactic foam was prepared through a chemical foaming approach, with PSA serving as the matrix, quartz sand (QS) and nanosilica (nSiO2) acting as fillers, and their structures and properties were characterized. The results show that the incorporation of appropriate amounts of QS and nSiO2 can reduce the cell size and apparent density of the syntactic foam, and improve its heat resistance, dielectric properties and wave transmission properties. The addition of QS can increase the compressive strength of the syntactic foam, while the addition of nSiO2 decreases the compressive strength. The apparent densities of the PSA/9QS and PSA/9nSiO2 syntactic foams with 9% filler addition are 0.242 g cm−3 and 0.157 g cm−3, respectively, and the temperatures at 5% weight loss (Td5) under a nitrogen atmosphere were 692 °C and 658 °C, respectively. The dielectric constants were 1.59 and 1.25, respectively. The wave transmittance within the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz was 98.5% and 96.8%, respectively. PSA/SiO2 syntactic foam can be used as a lightweight and high‐temperature‐resistant wave‐transmission material in aerospace and other fields.

Nanocellulose‐polypropylene composites with novel antimicrobial complex salt

AbstractPolypropylene composites with different contents of zinc‐ammonium salts (3, 5 and 7 wt%) and nanocellulose (1 wt%) after enzymatic bioconversion were characterized by structural, dispersion‐morphological, thermal, antimicrobial and mechanical analysis. It was shown that the use of a newly synthesized salt significantly affected the formation of the supermolecular structure of the polymer matrix and increased the nucleation activity, thermostability and flexibility of the composite materials. Moreover, the addition of the inorganic filler allowed to obtain composites with very good antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. An interesting relationship between the degree of filler dispersion in the polymer matrix and the formation of polymorphic varieties was elucidated in the study, which contributes to the improvement of final performance characteristics of composite materials. It is noteworthy that a hybrid filler in the form of nanometric cellulose and a biocidal additive containing zinc‐ammonium complex salt was used for the first time. Research has shown that such polymer composites can find application during the manufacture of smart packaging materials with enhanced barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor as well as improved biocidal characteristics, which will notably extend food storage time. At the same time, the presented process of obtaining the innovative composite materials is an excellent example of sustainable technologies for the design of antimicrobial treatments, while guaranteeing the possibility of further processing of these composite materials through material recycling.Highlights Zinc‐ammonium complex with antimicrobial properties was obtained The strength properties and thermal stability of the composites were improved Degree of filler dispersion in polymer affects formation of polymorphic varieties The composites can be applied in the production of smart packaging materials

Use of Ni/CNT Particles as Additive Fillers in Ebonite Bipolar Plates for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Use of Ni/CNT Particles as Additive Fillers in Ebonite Bipolar Plates for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials from Vegetable Oils.

The production of materials based on fossil resources is yielding more sustainable and ecologically beneficial methods. Vegetable oils (VO) are one example of base materials whose derivatives rival the properties of their petro-based counterparts. Gaps exist however and one way to fill them is by employing sol-gel processes to synthesize organic-inorganic hybrid materials, often derived from silane/siloxane compounds. Creating Si─O─Si inorganic networks in the organic VO matrix permits the attainment of necessary strength, among other property enhancements. Consequently, many efforts have been directed to optimally achieve organic-inorganic hybrid materials with VOs. However, compatibilization is challenging, and desirable conditions for matching the inorganic filler in the organic matrix remain a key stumbling block toward wider application. Therefore, this review aims to detail recent progress on these new hybrids, focusing on the main strategies to polymerize and functionalize the raw VO, followed by routes highlighting the addition of the inorganic fillers to obtain desirable composites.

Characterisation and properties of Nanohybrid Dental Composite (NhDC) reinforced with zirconia and alumina

A trial nanohybrid dental composite (NHDC) was developed using silica extracted from biowaste rice. Aim: This study aims to test the effect of mixture of the silica and other filler which is zirconia and alumina, focusing on the characterization and their properties. Nano-silica obtained from rice husk was used as NHDC filler. Methods: Nanosilica white powder, derived from rice husk, was used. There were three groups: Group I, Zr (2%) and Al (3%); group II, Zr (3%) and Al (2%); and group III, Zr (3%). The distribution of filler particles and the chemical structure of filler particles were determined by FESEM images and FTIR test. Then, testing on Vickers hardness (VHN) and fracture strength (FS) of the samples was performed. Results: The distribution of filler particles showed a uniform distribution, and each peak element of the fillers was shown in the FTIR spectrum images. There was significantly increased on VHN and FS after addition of zirconia and alumina. Conclusion: This study concluded that zirconia and alumina strengthen the NHDC properties with addition of zirconia and alumina filler.

Comparative study of microstructural evolution and mechanical properties in friction stir processed, reinforced friction stir processed, and heat-treated reinforced friction stir processed Al composites

The development of friction stir welding (FSW) created the basic foundation for friction stir processing (FSP). This process entails refining the local microstructure and achieving the localised plastic deformation due to the stirring effect of the tool, which may involve adding additional filler material as required. The rotating tool involved in the process has a shoulder and pin responsible for heat generation for plastic deformation and localised mixing. The rotating tool is inserted and traversed on the desired surface, tailoring the material properties. The tool’s exposure to the surface causes localised plastic deformation and thermal gradient, and microstructural changes occur locally. The present investigation uses Friction Stir Processing (FSP) to fabricate an aluminium metal matrix composite. Recently, the use of aluminium alloy has been replaced by composites because of their increased mechanical and physical properties (specific properties). The experiment leads to manufacturing an aluminium metal matrix composite using aluminium oxide, boron carbide and commercially pure copper dust. Later, the effect of heat treatment on the respective metal matrix composite is studied. A comparative study among three different types of FSP techniques viz. FSP, Reinforced FSP, and Heat-treated Reinforced FSP have been performed. The tool revolution speed (RPM) and tool traverse speed of 400 RPM and 10 mm/min had been implemented, respectively. The T4 Heat-Treatment cycle was used during the current investigation. This investigative study was performed to analyse the changes in grain sizes and hardness values at the stir zone (SZ), thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), heat affected zone (HAZ) and on the base materials (BM) of the samples. The reinforced FSP metal matrix composite (MMC) showed an 81.26% increase in the micro-hardness value (HV) compared to the base metal. Further on analysing the microstructures, the reinforced FSP composite showed a 65.20% reduction in grain size. Moreover, the Heat-Treated sample showed an increase in the micro-hardness value by 99.8%.

Effect of sawdust fillers loaded on Cucumis sativus fiber‐reinforced polymer composite: a novel composite for lightweight static application

AbstractThis research investigates the impact of sawdust fillers on Cucumis sativus fiber‐reinforced polymer composites through a conventional hand layup process. The objective is to develop a novel material suitable for static applications that is both lightweight and environmentally sustainable. A range of analytical techniques including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis were employed to thoroughly characterize the resulting composite material. By integrating Cucumis sativus fibers and sawdust fillers into a polymer matrix, the study demonstrates the potential to create materials with improved mechanical properties due to addition of sawdust filler, including tensile strength (27.61 MPa), flexural strength (32.84 MPa), impact resistance (14.7 J cm−2) and hardness (42). These enhancements, averaging at 16.2%, are attributed to the addition of sawdust filler, which opens new avenues for environmentally conscious engineering solutions. XRD analysis reveals the composite's crystalline structure, indicating a crystallinity index of 64.5% and the orientation of crystalline planes. FTIR spectroscopy identifies chemical bonding and CO and CO functional groups present in the material with major peaks at 2123 and 2438 cm−1. TGA assesses the composite's thermal stability and decomposition behavior up to 380 °C. Additionally, SEM imaging elucidates the microstructural features and distribution of Cucumis sativus fibers and sawdust fillers within the epoxy matrix, while EDX analysis provides quantitative data on elemental composition. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Intrinsic Metal Component-Assisted Microwave Pyrolysis and Kinetic Study of Waste Printed Circuit Boards

Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) hold great recycling value, but improper recycling can lead to environmental issues. This study combines pyrolysis and microwave technologies, leveraging the unique phenomenon where metal materials tend to “spark” in a microwave field, to develop a microwave pyrolysis process for WPCBs that incorporates metal fillers. The research analyzes the effects of microwave power, metal filler addition, and pyrolysis time on the efficiency of microwave pyrolysis. It explores the mechanisms of microwave pyrolysis and the pathways of pyrolysis product formation, and the kinetics of the pyrolysis reaction of WPCBs. The results indicate that microwave-assisted pyrolysis greatly improves efficiency. Within the experimental range, the optimal conditions are found to be a microwave power of 1600–1800 W, a metal filler addition of 10%, and a pyrolysis time of 10 min. Under these conditions, the yield of pyrolysis liquid was 12.8%, with approximately 5–12 different components, while the yield of pyrolysis gas was 12.7–13.4%, with about 9–11 different components. Compared to conventional pyrolysis products, the liquid products from microwave pyrolysis are simpler and more advantageous for resource utilization. Theoretical calculations show that the average activation energy for the microwave pyrolysis process is 81.05 kJ/mol, with an average reaction order of 0.93, which is greatly better than the 147.75 kJ/mol of the conventional pyrolysis process.

Dynamic Mechanical Performance of Glass Microsphere-Loaded Carbon Fabric–Epoxy Composites Subjected to Accelerated UV Ageing

This study investigates the effects of incorporating glass microspheres (GMSs) as fillers in carbon fabric–epoxy composites (CFECs) on their degradation behavior under environmental conditions such as moisture and ultraviolet rays. The GMS-filled composites were subjected to accelerated ageing and evaluated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the Charpy impact test, and inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) tests. The results indicate that the addition of GMS fillers significantly improves the stiffness and viscoelastic behavior of the composites. However, the impact strength of the composites decreases with the addition of GMS fillers and accelerated ageing. The ILSS results demonstrate that the addition of GMS fillers improved the interfacial bonding between the carbon–epoxy matrix and fillers. This study provides insights into the mechanical properties of GMS-filled carbon–epoxy composites.

Evaluation and comparison for higher temperature performance index of emulsified asphalt mastic using coal gangue powder

In order to investigate the rheological behavior and the influence of solid waste coal gangue powder on the high-temperature performance of cold recycled Emulsified Asphalt Mastics (EAM), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) tests were conducted using three different fillers and four powder-to-binder ratios of EAM. Evaluation indexes such as rutting factor (G*/sinδ), improved rutting factor (G*/1−1/sinδ∙tanδ), Unrecoverable Creep Compliance (Jnr), Cumulative Strain (CS) and Creep Recovery Ratio (R) were used to analyze the influence of filler type and dosage on high temperature of EAM, and the effectiveness of these indexes to evaluate high temperature is considered. Moreover, atomic force microscopy experiments were carried out to study on interaction mechanism between the fillers and emulsified asphalt. Finally, grey relational analysis method was used for quantitative assessment of these indexes for EAM. The results indicate that all three fillers effectively improve the high-temperature performance, with a larger improvement observed as the filler dosage increases, among which the tunneling coal gangue powder is the most significant. Under a stress level of 0.1 KPa, the coal gangue filler mastic appears the best deformation recovery ability, whereas under a stress level of 3.2 KPa, the cement filler mastics appears the best deformation recovery ability. The additional fillers significantly influence the nano-scale surface morphology of the residues, and the tunneling coal gangue powder appears a stronger adsorption capacity for free polar components compared to the cement and limestone mineral powder. It is suggested that the Jnr and CS can be used as evaluation indexes of high temperature evaluation index of EAM, instead of G*/1−1/sinδ∙tanδ or G*/sinδ or R.

Profile of a Composite Based on Bacterial Cellulose and Polyvinyl Alcohol as a Drug Release Matrix for Tetracycline Hydrochloride

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer with good mechanical properties and hydrophilicity. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic polymer widely used in medicine. Both have been researched for their potential in drug release and acceptance. This study aims to determine the role of BC and PVA as drug release matrices for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), with additional fillers such as graphite (G) and TiO2. The results showed that the composites with BC matrix had lower mechanical properties than those with PVA matrix, with tensile strength values of 6.4075 and 17.446 MPa, respectively. However, the BC matrix was superior in porosity and swelling ability. The drug release testing of TCH from the composites showed that the appropriate model to describe drug release in BC matrix composites was in zero order, while the PVA matrix was in first order. The antibacterial activity of the composites on both matrices was tested against Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicate that both composites have potential applications in promising biomedical fields.

Upcycling PVC and PET as Volume-Enhancing Functional Fillers for the Development of High-Performance Bio-Based Rigid Polyurethane Foams

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) contribute significantly to global plastic waste, with only 9% recycled in recent years. In this work, these plastic wastes were upcycled as functional fillers to improve the rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) properties. To attain this target, we leveraged the intrinsic polarity of the C=O and C-Cl groups of PVC and PET to induce intermolecular attractions with the N-H groups of the polyurethane matrix, evidenced by the observed IR peak shifts. This enhanced the nucleating effect during foaming, increasing the foams’ compressive strengths by 77% and 22% with the addition of 10% PVC and 5% PET filler, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of PVC and PET fillers increased the foam volume. Thus, the collective utilization of PPW and its corresponding impact on the CO-based RPUF’s properties signifies a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 14.15% and 17.52% for PVC and PET, respectively. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed improved thermal stability and degradation profiles of the produced RPUFs. Overall, this work highlights potential advancement in environmentally responsible upcycling strategies for common end-of-life plastic wastes, while enhancing rigid foam properties.

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMER INCLUSION MEMBRANES BASED ON BIODEGRADABLE CELLULOSE/ALGERIAN CLAY FOR HEAVY METALS REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER

Separation membranes have gained attention as promising options for water and wastewater treatment due to their financial sustainability, and eco-friendliness. However, practical challenges have limited their application in water separation. To overcome these limitations, inorganic-organic hybrid membranes have been developed in this study. The present work deals with two attractive aspects: (i) economical, through the valorization of a local clay (Algerian kaolin), and (ii) environmental, which is based on the membrane selectivity for metal ions. The principal objective of this work is the development of enhanced nanocomposite membranes. It is achieved with low costs, based on cellulose triacetate (CTA) as a polymeric matrix modified by the addition of a lamellar filler, i.e. yellow clay obtained from Jijel, located in the east of Algeria, and plasticized by dioctyl phthalate (DOP). A further objective of this paper was the treatment of wastewater polluted by lead (Pb2+) and cadmium (Cd2+). The prepared membranes were characterized by various characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). All synthetized membranes had an amorphous structure, with homogeneous pore morphology and distribution. Moreover, the presence of nanocomposite clay showed effective integration into the membrane matrix and led to a significant improvement in thermal resistance. These membranes were applied to treat a synthetic aqueous solution contaminated with heavy metals, namely Pb2+ and Cd2+. The results revealed a rejection rate higher than 50%, suggesting the potential effectiveness of a stable and environmentally sustainable polymer inclusion membrane system for water purification.

Environmental sustainability and waste conversion of Prosopis juliflora fibre-reinforced ZnO nanofiller particulates PLA composite- mechanical and thermal analysis

The presence of large quantities of Prosopis juliflora (PJ) fibers in natural habitats presents substantial threats to the environment and economies of numerous developing countries. Utilizing natural fibers in polymer composites can effectively enhance their characteristics. The primary objective of this study is to create a composite material by combining Prosopis Juliflora (PJ) fiber with a polylactic matrix that has been combined with zinc oxide nanofillers. The fabrication process will involve the hand layup technique. In order to have a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical characteristics, thermal behavior, and thermal stability of the PJ composite, it is necessary to undertake additional investigations. The results showed that the inclusion of zinc oxide filler enhanced the tensile strength (67.29 MPa), flexural strength (64.27 MPa), compressive strength (56.79 MPa), and impact energy (34 J) in sample S5. Additionally, the thermal properties, including thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, and short-term heat resistant capacity, were also improved by the addition of zinc oxide filler in sample S5. The deterioration temperature of the PJ composite was determined to be between 312 and 342 °C using thermogravimetric analysis. The failure mode of the PJ composite was investigated using scanning electron microscopy.

Effect of wheat bran filler particulates nettle fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composite − A novel material for thermal insulation application

This research examines the mechanical and thermal characteristics of composites made from nettle fiber-reinforced wheat bran filler particulate epoxy framework. It highlights the influence of different filler materials on the performance of these composites. A thorough examination of mechanical properties was carried out, focusing on the flexibility, bending strength, impact resistance, and Shore D hardness. The malleable quality was completely changed by adding a filler ingredient, reaching a peak of 51.36 MPa. The flexural strength reached 47.38 MPa, showing excellent ability to withstand loads. The assessment of affect quality reached a maximum of 13 kJ/m2, indicating high energy absorption and durability. The Shore D hardness, which indicates the surface’s ability to resist indentation, ranged from 52 to 61, indicating differences in the stiffness of the composite material. The addition of bran filler to this composite provides an ideal thermal conductivity value of 0.98 W/mK. The morphological properties of the composites were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which provided detailed insights into their internal structure. The SEM images revealed a uniform distribution of nettle filaments and bran fillers inside the epoxy matrix, with well-formed samples exhibiting strong fiber–matrix adhesion and minimal voids.

The Influence of Diatomite on the Sound Absorption Ability of Composites.

Diatomites are well-known mineral materials formed thousands of years ago from the skeletons of diatoms. They are found in many places around the world and have a wide range of applications. This article presents innovative research related to the possibility of using diatomite as a filler in composites to improve their sound absorption properties. The results of the study of the effect of diatomite processing (calcination) and its degree of fineness on the sound absorption coefficient of thermoplastic composites are presented. Three fractions of diatomite (0 ÷ 0.063 mm; 0.5 ÷ 3 mm; 2 ÷ 5 mm) and its variable mass proportion (0, 25, and 50 wt.%) were used. The composites were made with flax fibers as a reinforcement, polylactide as a matrix, and diatomite as an additional filler. This paper also presents the results of oxide chemical composition, diatomite mineral phase composition, morphology, and thermal conductivity coefficient of all diatomite fractions studied. In addition, the average particle size for diatomite powder was also determined. The most important of the studies was the determination of the acoustic properties of the aforementioned composites. As a result of the tests, it was found that the smallest fraction of diatomite particles and a variant without thermal treatment give the best effect in terms of sound absorption.

Characterization and application of fine aggregate from Rio Branco do Sul – PR with quartz filler additions: innovations in concrete performance

Understanding the properties of a material is essential to ensure its efficient application and achieve good results. This study addresses the characterization and applicability of quartz sand from the Rio Branco do Sul region, Paraná (PR), Brazil, in civil construction, focusing on procedures such as ceramic block laying, plastering, and rendering. Additionally, quartz filler (quartz powder) was added as a pozzolanic additive in fractions of 10% and 20% relative to the weight of the cement, along with samples without additives, to compare the results. To evaluate performance, the test specimens were subjected to two curing processes: thermal curing, aimed at activating pozzolanic reactions between the quartz powder and the chemical components of the concrete; and wet curing, which, although it does not stimulate chemical reactions, preserves the physical effects of the addition, such as reducing the concrete’s porosity and increasing its compressive strength. The specimens were analyzed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of age.