Increment In Strength Research Articles

The Effect of Thermo-Oxidative Aging on Properties of Thermoplastic Starch Biocomposites Films

The non-biodegradable and non-renewable nature of synthetic plastics poses a long-term threat to ecosystems, contributing to environmental pollution and depletion of natural resources. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is a biodegradable biopolymer and has been identified as one of the best alternatives to replace synthetic polymers, especially in packaging application. In this study, hybrid inorganic/organic fillers were incorporated into the TPS to form hybrid biocomposites films that performed better performance compared to the neat TPS. Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OP) and dolomite (DO) were combined to form the hybrid fillers of the TPS biocomposites in the ratio of 1:4, 2:3, 3:2 and 4:1. Neat TPS was also prepared as control sample. The effect of thermo-oxidative aging on the mechanical properties of all the samples was evaluated. The structure of all samples was assessed using. X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescent (XRF). Based on the results, the TPS films with the hybrid fillers exhibited 61 % increment in tensile strength compared to the neat TPS films. In this study, OP4DO1 is best loading of the hybrid fillers to incorporated in TPS matrix as it achieved the highest value of tensile strength (5.61 MPa), modulus of elasticity (66.13 MPa) and elongation at break (59.93 %). Apparently, this study demonstrates a significant improvement in the tensile properties of the TPS when incorporated with these OP/DO hybrid fillers, thus indicate the potential of utilizing this TPS hybrid biocomposite in packaging applications.

Ageing response and microstructural evolution of biodegradable Zn-1.5Cu-1.5Ag alloy

In this study, the age-hardening response and microstructural evolution of an as-extruded biodegradable Zn-1.5Cu-1.5Ag (wt.%) alloy during ageing at 25 ℃, 100 ℃, 150 ℃ and 200 ℃ are studied. The age-hardening response is generally weak, and the largest hardness increment is observed after ageing at 150 ℃ for 24 h. Discontinuous precipitation (DP) and continuous precipitation (CP) occur competitively during ageing at 150 ℃ or 200 ℃, while only DP is observed during ageing at 25 ℃ or 100 ℃. All the precipitates formed through DP and CP are identified as ε-(Ag, Cu)Zn4 that has a hexagonal structure. Analysis of possible strengthening mechanisms shows that grain boundary strengthening and precipitation hardening contribute to the major part of yield strength in the as-extruded condition. Ageing treatments generate a limited increment in yield strength due to the small difference between the hardness of ε-(Ag, Cu)Zn4 and the Zn matrix and the reduced solid solution strengthening effect. Artificial ageing at 150 ℃ for 48 h effectively improves the stability of the mechanical properties of the as-extruded Zn-1.5Cu-1.5Ag alloy. This process fully depletes the excessive solutes in the supersaturated Zn matrix, ensuring that the alloy maintains consistent mechanical properties when stored at room temperature.

Tensile, Flexural, and Fatigue Responses of Lightweight Pumice-Reinforced Magnesium Composite: Experimentation Followed by an Analytical Modeling

Abstract Featherweight material to sustain mountainous loads is an extreme contrast. Still, in reality, the automobile and aerospace industries seek very light materials with high specific strength to survive in global competition. This study offers a timely answer to the problems faced by those sectors. Through the use of a stir-assisted squeeze casting method, the current investigation aims to generate a lightweight magnesium composite that is reinforced with porous low-density pumice particles at weight percentages of 5%, 10%, and 15%. An examination of the density indicates that there is a downward tendency in conjunction with the growing reinforcement. In comparison to the magnesium alloy in its natural state, the Pumice 15 coupon achieves a tensile strength increment of 47%, flexural strength increment of 35%, and a 10-time increment in service cycle at fatigue increase. The micromechanics model is implemented to justify the strengthening process in terms of the adhesion between the filler matrix and the interface shear strength. The property plots that were drafted provide evidence that the suggested material is lightweight while exhibiting a significant amount of strength in tensile, flexural, and fatigue. Post-fracture surface morphology analysis exhibits distinct tensile, flexural, and fatigue patterns.

Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of TiB-Reinforced Ti-6.5Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V Matrix Composites Obtained by Vacuum Arc Melting and Spark Plasma Sintering

Ti-6.5Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V/TiB metal matrix composites with 3 wt.% of TiB2 were obtained using vacuum arc melting and spark plasma sintering methods and compared with an unreinforced Ti-6.5Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V alloy. The microstructures of the unreinforced Ti6.5Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V alloy in the as-cast and as-sintered conditions were quite typical and consisted of colonies of α-lamellae embedded in the β matrix. The microstructure of the as-cast Ti-6.5Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V/TiB composite composed of TiB fibers randomly distributed within the two-phase α/β matrix, while the as-sintered composite had a network-like microstructure, in which areas of the two-phase α/β matrix were delineated by walls of TiB fibers. At room temperature, the yield strength of the as-cast and as-sintered Ti-6.5Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V alloy were 800 and 915 MPa, respectively, with a plasticity of 18% in both conditions. The addition of TiB fibers contributed to a ~40 and 50% strength increment, with values of 1100 and 1370 MPa for the as-cast and as-sintered composites, respectively. In the as-sintered composite, the strengthening effect reduced at 400 °C and almost disappeared at elevated temperatures of 800–950 °C. The as-cast composite showed much higher strength during warm and hot deformation—at 800–950 °C, the yield strength of the as-cast composite was 50% higher compared to the Ti-6.5Al-2Zr-1Mo-1V unreinforced alloy. A higher rate and degree of globularization were established for the as-cast composite compared to the unreinforced alloy. For the as-sintered composite, a noticeably lower rate and degree of globularization was shown. During hot compression of the as-cast composite, TiB fibers reoriented towards the metal flow direction, while the network microstructure formed in the as-sintered composite transformed into clusters of borides unevenly distributed within the matrix. Based on the obtained results, the apparent activation energy of plastic deformation was calculated, and the operating deformation mechanisms were discussed both for the as-cast and as-sintered composites. The Arrhenius flow stress model and the dynamic material model were used to evaluate the deformation behavior of composites beyond the experimentally studied temperatures and strain rates.

High permittivity electroluminescence coating for improving flashover strength and visualizing surface defects

Abstract In gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), the metallic particles on spacers initiate discharges and significantly reduce flashover strength. It is crucial to sensitively detect the surface defects and improve the flashover strength. In this work, a high permittivity electroluminescence coating, with ZnS:Cu as fillers and cyanoethyl cellulose (CEC) as polymer matrix was developed to improve flashover strength and visualize surface defects. The dielectric constant, flashover strength, and electroluminescence properties of ZnS:Cu/CEC coatings with different concentration of ZnS:Cu fillers were tested and the underlying mechanism was investigated. Due to the strong-polarity cyanide group in CEC and the effect of ZnS:Cu fillers on polymer chains, a high-permittivity coating was obtained, which can effectively mitigate the electric field distortion on spacers, and improve the flashover performance. For the basin insulator, maximum increments of flashover strength were realized by doping 12.5 wt% ZnS:Cu fillers, with 11.36%, 31.22%, and 5.83% improvements in air, 0.3 MPa air, and SF6 gas respectively. Moreover, the electroluminescence coating can effectively indicate the location of defects and the distribution of electric field on the surface of insulators. This paper provides a new insight into the electroluminescent materials used in non-destructive self-testing of surface defects and enhancement of flashover strength.

Investigation of Impact Behaviour of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde Composites

Short Sisal fiber reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde resin composites are prepared with varied fiber lengths (5 mm and 10 mm) and for varied weight fraction (20%, 25% and 30%) of the fibers. Here in this work, Sisal fiber is used as reinforcement. Since it is abundantly available in nature and majority of it is getting wasted without being used as reinforcement in engineering applications. Over the last thirty years composite materials, plastics and ceramics have been the dominant emerging materials. The 10 mm fiber length reinforced composite shown improved mechanical properties than 5 mm fiber length reinforced composite. Increase in impact strength is seen when the fiber content in the composite is increased from 20% to 25% and 25% to 30%. The fiber strength, for different fiber lengths and fiber volume fraction, the work of fracture is proportional to the fiber length and fiber volume fraction. Although results show increment in impact strength with fiber volume fraction, proportionality is not demonstrated. This suggests that there are other mechanisms that affect the impact strength of the composites. Crack propagation is the predominant toughening mechanism in notched impact test. Improvement in impact strength characterizes that fibers as stress transferring medium are able to absorb impact energy effectively. Good interaction with crack increases the energy needed for further crack formation and propagation. The exceptional case could be due to low fiber content and relatively short fiber length so that the energy is not dissipated effectively. Weak interfacial bonding of natural fibers is mainly due to incompatibility of hydrophobic matrix and hydrophilic fiber. High moisture absorption causes dimensional changes of natural fibers as well.

Effect of Si on the Yield Strength of Medium-Carbon Steels Consisting of Ferrite and Pearlite

To enhance the intrinsic yield strength of the ferrite-pearlite microstructure that inevitably forms in a non-quenched-and-tempered steel for large structural components, this study analyzed the effect of adding Si. The resulting ferrite-pearlite microstructure in medium-carbon steels was examined, and the resulting increase in yield strength was interpreted based on strengthening mechanisms. Hot-rolled sheets of 0.3C-1.5Mn steels were fabricated with Si ranging from 0.22 to 2.21 wt. %. Austenitization was conducted at 880°C followed by slow continuous cooling, and ferrite-pearlite microstructures were formed. With increasing Si, the yield strength increased from 409.1 to 573.6 MPa. Although there was a negligible change in the austenitic grain size, the mean diameter of the ferritic grains decreased from 8.8 to 5.0 μm, while the mean interlamellar spacing of the pearlites decreased from 196.6 to 109.9 nm. Using these quantitative data about microstructural features and considering possible strengthening mechanisms, a model to predict yield strength was derived via a constrained optimization method. The resulting model indicated that the major mechanisms are the refinement of pearlitic interlamellar spacing and the solid solution strengthening of ferrite by Si. Their contribution to the increment in yield strength was over 75 %, while others such as ferritic grain refinement and increased pearlitic volume fraction have limited influence.

Surface engineering of carbon fiber using microwave micro arcing (MwMA) for enhanced performance of resulting PEEK composites

In this work microwave micro arcing (MwMA) has been utilized to engineer the surfaces of carbon fibers (CF) to enhance the interfacial bonding of resulting PEEK based composites. The CF were subjected to MwMA at different power levels ranging from 360 W to 900 W for 60 s to engineer their surfaces. The influence of MwMA on CF at various power levels was analyzed using SEM, contact angle measurement, AFM scans, and XPS study. Subsequently, MwMAed CF reinforced PEEK composite laminates were developed using compression molding. The MwMA on CF increased the surface wetting energy by 38% at 540 W microwave power level. XPS analysis suggested that MwMA at 540 W introduced oxygen containing functional group (C-O and C = O), which are likely responsible for increasing the adhesion between CF and PEEK polymer. The current study suggests that MwMA CF at 540 W showed an increment in tensile strength, flexural strength, interlaminar shear strength, and impact strength nearly by 22%, 61%, 28%, and 98% respectively. The MwMA method is novel method to improve the surface properties of carbon fibers and shows the potential use in structural applications.

Enhancing strength and toughness in a pearlitic rail steel via multi-alloying and accelerated cooling

The demand for higher speeds and heavier loads has emphasized the necessity to tackle the inherent trade-off between strength and toughness in pearlitic rail steels. Herein, the co-additions of Cr, Ni and Cu and accelerated cooling rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a medium carbon pearlitic steel were systematically investigated. In comparison with base alloy, the new steel exhibits smaller prior austenite grain size (PAGS) due to the drag effect of Cu and Ni solutes. The finer PAGS and lower C content increased the volume fraction of proeutectoid ferrite. The finer pearlitic nodule size (PNS) and pearlitic colony size (PCS) were attributed to the small PAGS and greater extent of undercooling due to the combined effect of multi-alloying and accelerated cooling. Additionally, the synergistic effects of multi-alloying and accelerated cooling rate decrease the pearlitic phase transformation temperature, accountable for the finer interlamellar spacing (IS). Compared with the base steel, the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the new steel increased from 587 MPa to 1069 MPa to 740 MPa and 1178 MPa, respectively, with a simultaneous increase of ductility from 12.4 % to 14.7 %. The strength increments are mainly attributed to the finer IS in the new steel. Meanwhile, the new steel possesses a higher impact toughness compared to the base steel due to the increased volume fraction of proeutectoid ferrite, and finer PNS and IS.

Study on Shear Strength of Soil-Root Systems of Different Vegetation Types.

The root systems of vegetation significantly contribute to enhancing slope stability. The shear strength of soil-root systems is a crucial parameter for assessing slope stability. This study focuses on six types of vegetation in the Yellow River Basin of China (woodland: Populus przewalskii and Broussonetia papyrifera; shrubland: Periploca sepium and Ziziphus jujuba; grassland: Artemisia hedinii and Setaria viridis), employing in situ shear tests and the Wu-Waldron model (Wu model) to investigate the shear strength of soil-root systems. The results show that the shear stress-displacement curves for P. przewalskii, B. papyrifera, and Z. jujuba are higher and steeper, with clear inflection points. The tensile strength of the roots from the six vegetation types decreases as the root diameter increases. According to the Wu model, the additional root cohesion is ranked as follows: A. hedinii > B. papyrifera > P. przewalskii > Z. jujuba > P. sepium > S. viridis. Based on the in situ shear tests, the shear strength increments are ranked as follows: Z. jujuba > B. papyrifera > P. przewalskii > A. hedinii > P. sepium > S. viridis. Overall, the additional root cohesion obtained by the Wu model in each soil layer is greater than the shear strength increment measured from the in situ shear tests. In the 0-30 cm soil layers, the soil-root systems of Z. jujuba, B. papyrifera, P. przewalskii, and A. hedinii exhibit a better shear strength, whereas P. sepium and S. viridis perform poorly. A principal component analysis reveals that the shear strength of the soil-root systems of different vegetation types is primarily influenced by the soil moisture content and root mass density. Z. jujuba, B. papyrifera, P. przewalskii, and A. hedinii are recommended for ecological restoration projects in the Yellow River Basin of China.

Synergetic effect of diamond particle size on thermal expansion of Cu-B/diamond composite

Diamond particles reinforced Cu matrix (Cu/diamond) composites have promising applications for heat dissipation of high-power electronic devices because of their high thermal conductivity and suitable coefficient of thermal expansion. The effect of diamond particle size on thermal conductivity has been addressed; however, the effect of diamond particle size on thermal expansion still needs to be clarified. In this study, Cu-B/diamond composites with various diamond particle sizes ranging from 66 μm to 701 μm were fabricated to assess the impact of diamond particle size on the thermal expansion behavior. The composites exhibit low and adjustable coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values of 4.58–6.63 × 10−6 K−1, which align with 4–8 × 10−6 K−1 of widely employed semiconductors. The CTE of the Cu-B/diamond composites first decreases and then increases with increasing diamond particle size, which arises from a synergetic effect of interfacial bonding strength and matrix strengthening effect. As the diamond particle size is smaller than 272 μm, the interfacial bonding strength rises with increasing particle size, enabling the diamond particles to restrain the expansion of the Cu matrix more effectively and to reduce the CTE. As the diamond particle size exceeds 272 μm, the dislocation density in the Cu matrix continually decreases with increasing particle size, reducing the strength increment in the Cu matrix and increasing the CTE. The effect of thermal cycling on the thermal expansion of the Cu-B/diamond composites was also investigated, and all the composites show an increase in the CTE after 100 thermal cycles. Notably, the composite with 272 μm diamond particle size exhibits the lowest CTE increment. It shows a CTE value of 5.29 × 10−6 K−1 after thermal cycling, still compatible with the semiconductors for electronic packaging applications.

Micro-Structure Analysis and Mechanical Behaviour of Hot Mix Asphalt Modified with Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Using Palm Kernel Shell Ash as Mineral Filler

In pavement construction and production of hot mix asphalt HMA, the use of industrial and agricultural waste has gained much relevance because of its economic and environmental benefits. This research examined the effects of palm kernel shell ash PKSA on the physical and volumetric properties of HMA modified with reclaimed asphalt pavement RAP. All preliminary test conducted on the modified asphalt mixture in accordance with relevant standards showed adequacy for use in production of HMA. Marshall method of mix design was adopted for the HMA production. The bitumen content was varied from 4.5 to 6.5% (at intervals of 0.5%). The palm kernel shell ash was varied from 25% to 75% (at interval of 25%). A maximum stability of 7.1kN was recorded at 5.5% bitumen content which is a little increment in strength but good significance in material (virgin bitumen) when compared to the maximum stability of 6.9kN at 6% bitumen obtained from the control mix. The microstructural analysis of the hot mix asphalt done on the palm kernel shell ash PKSA showed a rough surface texture needed in flexible pavement construction and when comparison was done between the control specimen and the modified specimen, it shows an improvement in the interlocking arrangement of aggregates resulting in a denser mixture for the modified hot mix asphalt. In conclusion this study confirms that a blend of a 50% RAP and 50% virgin aggregates with 50% palm kernel shell ash PKSA as mineral filler at 5% bitumen content can improved strength performance of HMA, hence, the effect of PKSA as a mineral filler in HMA containing RAP is significant.

Optimal development and performance evaluation of electrolytic graphene oxide synergistic all-solid waste cementitious grouting material

The low-carbon and friendly alkali-activated cementitious (AACM) grouting material has a broad application potential in the field of grouting engineering due to its excellent workability and higher early strength and is expected to replace cement grouting material in the future. In this study, an AACM grouting material using electrolytic graphene oxide (EGO) synergistic ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS)-fly ash (FA)-rice husk ash (RHA) solid waste was proposed. The optimal ratio was 0.025 % EGO, 8.13 % FA, 26.6 % RHA, and 65.27 % GGBS, which determined by the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Entropy Weight Method (EWP), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. A systematic evaluation of the mechanical properties and impermeability of the proposed AACM grouting material was conducted by macro experiments (compressive strength, flexural strength and permeability) and micro experiments (XRD, SEM-EDS, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and Thermogravimetry Analysis (TG)). The results show that the increment of compressive strength and flexural strength for AACM grouting material with 0.025 % EGO compared to the cement water-glass grouting material were 161.2 % and 2.9 %, respectively, at 7-day. While the permeability coefficient compared to AACM grouting material without EGO decreased by 43.9 %. The XRD results show that the EGO reduced the intensity of AACM grouting material diffraction peaks, and FTIR analysis reveals that EGO increased the visibility of O-C-O characteristic peaks. These confirmed that EGO could enhance the degree of alkali activation reaction. The TG results indicate that the addition of EGO promoted the formation of carbonates, which strengthen the mechanical properties of AACM grouting material. The SEM-EDS results demonstrate that EGO increased the Ca/Si ratio, promoted the formation of highly polymerized hydration products.

Microstructure evolution and mechanical property of B4C/Ti65 composites via laser directed energy deposition

Application of laser additive manufacture technique to fabricate the discontinuous reinforced high-temperature titanium matrix composites found its great potential in the complex components of aerospace industry. This work prepared the B4C/Ti65 composites by laser directed energy deposition (LDED) with special attention paid to the relationship between microstructure and mechanical property of composites. The microstructure of B4C/Ti65 composites under different laser power and B4C content were investigated, based on which the tensile strength and ductility evolution and the underlying strengthening mechanism of the B4C/Ti65 composites were discussed. The submicron TiBw were randomly distributed in the composites with additions of 0.1 wt% and 0.2 wt% B4C. The TiBw and TiCp in the composites with addition of 0.3 wt% B4C exhibited a uniform distribution rather than distributed along the prior β grain boundaries at high laser power. There existed the network structure of TiBw and TiCp in the 0.5 wt% B4C/Ti65 composites. TiCp always adhered to TiBw, and both TiBw and TiCp acted as the nucleation sites for equiaxed α grain, which is responsible for the finer α colonies that benefit to strength with higher B4C content. The tensile tests showed that the 0.3 wt% B4C/Ti65 composite shows a good combination of ultimate tensile strength (1201 MPa) and elongation (5.54 %). The grain refinement strengthening played the dominant role in the strength increment of the B4C/Ti65 composites. In addition, the formation of clustered submicron-TiBw and network structure of TiBw and TiCp in the 0.5 wt% B4C/Ti65 composites greatly upgraded the yield strength.

Carbon nanotubes perpendicularly grown on graphene oxide nanosheets derived from metal-organic frameworks: Synergistic reinforcement of poly(l-lactic acid) scaffold

The construction of the nanohybrid composed of two carbonaceous nanomaterials is a promising strategy to inhibit their aggregation, and effectively exert the advantages of their excellent mechanical properties as reinforcement for polymers. Here, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were in situ perpendicularly growing on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) through metal-organic frameworks (MOF)-derived strategy by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), aiming to facilitate their dispersion on poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) bone scaffold fabricated by selective laser sintering (SLS). Specifically, GO provided nucleation sites for the growth of MOF, and worked as the templates when CNTs grew, in which MOF provided catalysts and carbon sources simultaneously. The precursor was heated to 550 °C and kept for 2 h, then heated to 900 °C and kept for 2 h before cooling. The obtained nanohybrid (GO@CNT) exhibited a superior dispersion state than the pure GO in the scaffold at the same loading, especially when the loading was 0.75 wt%. Adding 0.75 wt% GO@CNT endowed the scaffold with a remarkable increment in tensile strength and compressive strength of 13.36 MPa and 24.72 MPa with enhancement of 55.35% and 18.85%, respectively, compared to the scaffold containing 0.75 wt% GO. A crack extension model combined with experiment results was proposed to better understand reinforcement mechanisms. Additionally, the scaffold containing GO@CNT exhibited benign cytocompatibility with a cell-spreading area of 86.31% and cell density of 564 cells/mm2 after culturing for 5 d according to the results of cell adhesion and immunofluorescence tests, making it a promising candidate for bone defect repair.

Using pulse current to tailor hydride networks while improving the strength and plasticity of pure titanium

Interstitial hydrogen atoms in titanium usually deteriorate the mechanical properties of titanium by brittle hydride phase or hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity. In this study, hydride was used as the second phase to improve the tensile strength and elongation of TA1 pure titanium. The continuous coarse hydride network is precipitated in TA1 pure titanium after the hydrogen-charged. Then pulse current treatment is used to decompose the original coarse hydride network and reduce the size and number of hydride strips. Finally, a small uniform hydride network is formed in TA1 pure titanium. The results of tensile experiments indicate that the tensile strength of hydrogen-charged TA1 pure titanium treated by pulse current increases from the 286.4 MPa to 316.1 MPa and the elongation increases from the 47.6 % to 56.8 %. The improvement of mechanical properties demonstrate that the small and uniform hydrides can significantly improve the mechanical properties of TA1 pure titanium. In hydrogen-charged TA1 pure titanium treated by pulse current, the increment of strength is mainly caused by hard phase hydrides, and the increase in plasticity is attributed to the role of twins in coordinating deformation during plastic deformation. This study manifests that in addition to being used as a temporary alloying element to optimize the microstructure of titanium, hydrogen can also be directly act as a second phase in titanium to improve the mechanical properties.

Application of biomineralisation for enhancement of interfacial properties of rice husk ash blended concrete

The present study is comprehensive research on application of biocementation to enhance the properties of concrete including rice husk ash (RHA) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). RHA has a large potential to be used as SCM because it has high silica content which eventually forms C–S–H gel by reacting with calcium and water, which increases strength of the cementitious material. However, using high doses of RHA causes a decrease in concrete strength because excessive silica is available to react with calcium hydroxide, forming silica clumps within the concrete matrix, which reduce the bonds within the concrete constituents causing micro cracks. Hence to mitigate this problem, enzyme induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICCP) process was used to treat the micro cracks, and enhance the mechanical and durability properties of RHA blended concrete. Results showed that EICCP process enhanced the strength of the mix at each replacement level and 10% replacement level exhibited optimum results. with nearly 29% increment in compressive strength. This mix also exhibited enhanced durability as compared to the control specimens. Since concrete constitutes a significant portion of embodied carbon footprint, using greener concrete mixes like “Experimental Mix” has the potential to considerably decrease the carbon footprint of construction.

Research on Alkali-Activated Slag Stabilization of Dredged Silt Based on a Response Surface Method.

To improve the resource utilization of dredged silt and industrial waste, this study explores the efficacy of using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), active calcium oxide (CaO), and sodium silicate (Na2O·nSiO2) as alkali activators for silt stabilization. Through a combination of addition tests, response surface method experiments, and microscopic analyses, we identified key factors influencing the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized silt, optimized material ratios, and elucidated stabilization mechanisms. The results revealed the following: (1) CaO exhibited the most pronounced stabilization effect, succeeded by Na2O·nSiO2, whereas GGBS alone displayed marginal efficacy. CaO-stabilized silt demonstrated rapid strength augmentation within the initial 7 d, while Na2O·nSiO2-stabilized silt demonstrated a more gradual strength enhancement over time, attributable to the delayed hydration of GGBS in non-alkaline conditions, with strength increments noticeably during later curing phases. (2) Response surface analysis demonstrated substantial interactions among GGBS-CaO and GGBS-Na2O·nSiO2, with the optimal dosages identified as 11.5% for GGBS, 4.1% for CaO, and 5.9% for Na2O·nSiO2. (3) X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses clarified that the hydration reactions within the GGBS-Na2O·nSiO2 composite cementitious system synergistically enhanced one another, with hydration products wrapping, filling, and binding the silt particles, thereby rendering the microstructure denser and more stable. Based on these experimental outcomes, we propose a microstructural mechanism model for the stabilization of dredged silt employing GGBS-CaO-Na2O·nSiO2.

Performance enhancement of asphalt mixture through the addition of recycled polymer materials

Enhancing the performance of asphalt binders is essential for ensuring the long-term durability and serviceability of asphalt mixtures, as it can help reduce the frequency of maintenance and repair work, ultimately leading to the development of more sustainable transportation infrastructure. To achieve this goal, this study investigates the effects of incorporating recycled polymer materials, including reclaimed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) derived from household waste, into hot mix asphalt. The experimental work involved subjecting the polymer-modified asphalt binders to a range of physical tests, such as softening point, penetration, ductility, indirect tensile strength, Marshall stability, and moisture susceptibility, and the results showed that the addition of recycled polymers, with an optimal content of 4%, led to lower penetration values and higher softening point temperatures, indicating improved resistance to temperature changes. Further analysis of the asphalt mixture performance revealed several beneficial outcomes, including a decrease in flow, a boost in the asphalt mixture's resistance to moisture-induced damage, and an improvement in Marshall stability and indirect tensile strength, with the inclusion of 4% recycled polymers yielding increases in Marshall stability of 43.7% and 37.4% for PVC and PS-modified mixes, respectively, and increments in indirect tensile strength of 32.2% and 29.7% for the same mixes. The study concludes that the use of recycled polymers can effectively enhance the performance and durability of asphalt mixtures, contributing to the development of more sustainable asphalt pavement construction practices by utilizing locally available or reused materials, which could lead to the increased knowledge and application of stronger and more weather-resistant asphalt mixes, ultimately promoting the advancement of sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Association between grip strength, walking pace and incident peripheral artery disease: A prospective study of 430,886 UK biobank participants

Background and aimsPatients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) presented overall muscle weakness and reduced physical performance. Previous study focused on the impact of muscle weakness on outcomes of established PAD, however the relationship between compromised muscle function and incident PAD remained unclear. MethodsA prospective study involving 430,886 participants aged 40–69 y from UK biobank was conducted. The main outcome was incident PAD. Grip strength and walking pace were used as indicators for muscle function. Grip strength was measured using a Jamar J00105 hydraulic hand dynamometer, while walking pace was self-reported by the participants. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to investigate the relationship between grip strength, walking pace, and incident PAD. ResultsA total of 430,886 individuals were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the participants were 56.44 years, and 55.3 % were female. Over a median follow-up period of 13.81 years, 5,661 participants developed PAD. Higher grip strength, whether absolute or relative, exhibited a dose-dependent inverse association with incident PAD. Each 1 kg increment in absolute grip strength and each 0.01 kg/kg increase in relative grip strength were associated with reduced PAD risk by 2 % (HR: 0.98; 95 % CI [0.97–0.98]) and 83 % (HR: 0.17; 95 % CI [0.13–0.23]), respectively. Slow walking pace significantly correlated with increased PAD risk, while brisk walking pace was associated with decreased PAD risk. ConclusionAbsolute grip strength, relative grip strength and walking pace were inversely associated with the risk of incident PAD.