Mineral Additives Research Articles

Lightweight Plastering Compound Using Volcanic Tuff

Lightweight reinforced plaster coatings include a group of special types of textile concrete, which also includes concrete sheets, reinforced plaster coatings, including lightweight and heat-insulating ones. The basis for any type of textile concrete is a modified binder, the formulation of which is currently being developed by foreign and domestic research centers. active mineral additives (both natural and by-products of other industries) can be used in the binder, and it is also possible to use construction waste prepared accordingly. Development of the scientific basis for selecting the composition and the formation of a methodology for selecting the composition of the modified binder as the main component of textile concrete, including the use of finely ground construction waste obtained during the dismantling of construction projects, including within the framework of the housing renovation program. The purpose of the research outlined in the article was to develop a methodology for selecting the composition of the binder, predicting the properties and optimizing light plaster coatings based on a modified hydraulic binder, volcanic tuff and construction waste. The use of a composite binder will expand the possibilities of using these materials, and the introduction of finely ground waste will reduce the consumption of Portland cement clinker, which also increases the energy efficiency of such materials.

Dietary L-Methionine modulates the gut microbiota and improves the expression of tight junctions in an in vitro model of the chicken gastrointestinal tract

BackgroundThe poultry industry encounters a number of factors that affect growth performance and productivity; nutrition is essential for sustaining physiological status and protecting against stressors such as heat, density, and disease. The addition of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to the diet can help restore productivity and support the body’s defense mechanisms against stress. Methionine (Met) is indispensable for poultry’s energy metabolism, physiology, performance, and feed utilization capacity. Through this study, we aimed to examine the physiological effects of methionine supplementation on poultry as well as alterations of intestinal microbiome.MethodsWe utilized the DL- and L- form of methionine on Caenorhabditis elegans and the FIMM (Fermentor for intestine microbiota model) in-vitro digesting system. A genomic-analysis of the transcriptome confirmed that methionine supplementation can modulate growth-related physiological metabolic pathways and immune responses in the host poultry. The C. elegans model was used to assess the general health benefits of a methionine supplement for the host.ResultsRegardless of the type or concentration of methionine, supplementation with methionine significantly increased the lifespan of C. elegans. Feed grade L-Methionine 95%, exhibited the highest lifespan performance in C. elegans. Methionine supplementation increased the expression of tight junction genes in the primary intestinal cells of both broiler and laying hens, which is directly related to immunity. Feed grade L-Methionine 95% performed similarly or even better than DL-Methionine or L-Methionine treatments with upper doses in terms of enhancing intestinal integrity. In vitro microbial cultures of healthy broilers and laying hens fed methionine revealed changes in intestinal microflora, including increased Clostridium, Bacteroides, and Oscillospira compositions. When laying hens were given feed grade L-Methionine 95% and 100%, pathogenic Campylobacter at the genus level was decreased, while commensal bacteria were increased.ConclusionsSupplementation of feed grade L-Methionine, particularly L-Methionine 95%, was more beneficial to the host poultry than supplementing other source of methionine for maintaining intestinal integrity and healthy microbiome.

Mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of phosphate slag-cement based materials under varied curing temperatures

Recycling of wasted phosphate slag (PS) into useful mineral additives shows great significance not only in carbon reduction but also contributes to the availability of green additives to cement-based materials. This work aims to explore a feasible way of disclose the mechanism of PS added cement-based materials. It was found that compressive strengths of pastes were all declined with increasing addition of PS both at early age of 2 d and long age of 28 d, increased the curing temperatures from 20 °C to 40 °C helped to improve the above situation. A remarkable increase of compressive strength in 10SF+20PS sample with the value of 55.48 MPa was obtained at 28 d. The enhanced mechanical property was related with the generation of large amount of hydration products such as C–S–H, Ca(OH)2 and AFt.

Investigation on Binary, Ternary, and Quaternary Blended Cement Mortar Integrated with Mineral Additives

Investigation on Binary, Ternary, and Quaternary Blended Cement Mortar Integrated with Mineral Additives

An experimental study on the sulfuric acid resistance of mineral additive mortars

Mineral additives are preferred to improve the physical, mechanical and durability properties of cement-based composites and to reduce the use of cement to prevent environmental pollution and high production costs. Within the scope of this study, a new pozzolanic material, ground profillite powder (GPP), was evaluated by comparing it with granular ground blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), and it was used as a substitute for cement at ratios of 5, 10 and 15% by weight. The effects of these two mineral additives on the mechanical and physical properties of mortars and their resistance to sulfuric acid (SA) were investigated. In the production of the mortar samples, CEM I 42.5/R-type Portland cement (ordinary Portland cement) was used as the binder, and 0–4 mm crushed sand was used as the aggregate. Mineral additive and non-additive mortars were produced in the laboratory environment in dimensions of 40 × 40 × 160 mm. Spreading values, bending and compressive strengths, water absorption and porosity values and weight and strength loss values under the effect of SA were examined comparatively. It was determined that the mortar samples produced using GPP showed higher resistance to SA attacks than the pure and GGBFS-added mortars, reducing weight losses up to 21% and compressive strength losses up to 30%.

The Influence of Mineral Additives and Sands on the Performance of Self-Compacting Sand Concretes

Abstract The chosen plan for our case study is a network mixture design consisting of 21 mixtures. The application of this method has proven to be immensely useful in studying the influence of composition parameters (composite design) and the utilization of various types of mineral additives (mixture design). The application of the Design of Experiments (DOE) method, based on a statistical approach, allowed for a better understanding of the effect of formulation parameters, including the proportion of alluvial sand (75%), dune sand (25%), the total amount of sand kept at constant percentages, the dosages of brick powder, limestone filler and ceramic powder (all varying from 0 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 %), while keeping the dosage of superplasticizer and the water/binder ratio constant. This approach helped to understand the interactions between these parameters and their impact on the process. Mathematical models relating the variations of these parameters to the workability and compressive strength of such concrete mixtures have been established. The results obtained show that the workability of SCSC (expressed by slump flow and V-funnel flow) improves with the increase in the dosage of limestone filler (FC), brick powder (PB), and ceramic powder (PC), with element having a different impact, be it alone or in a combination. Moreover, they all improved the behavior of SCSC in both the fresh and hardened states. The experiment shows that increasing the proportions of FC and PC in the mixture, whether linear, binary, or ternary, leads to a significant improvement in compressive strength. Furthermore, better strength is observed in the ternary mixture at 28 days, with a strength of 43 MPa, with the following proportions (FC 70%, PB 20%, PC 10%). Finally, the result at 180 days of 48 MPa confirms the following proportions (PC 60 %, FC 30 %, PB 10 %) The compliance of some SCSC compositions was tested according to the recommendations of the French Association of Civil Engineering.

Biological availability of mineral elements

The animal husbandry industry is the leading branch of our country’s agro-industrial complex, on the one hand, its development determines the level of public consumption of valuable food products, and on the other hand, the economic well-being of the agricultural sector of the economy. It is known that the productivity of farm animals depends on feeding and keeping conditions by 70–80 % and on genetic potential by 20–30 %. Balanced animal nutrition is an important part of the efforts to increase livestock productivity, it is based on meeting the energy and nutrient needs of animals and poultry at different ages. If this requirement is met, you can expect high growth and development of young animals, and high productivity. The application of biologically active substances, including minerals, as catalysts for metabolism is one of the means to increase animal productivity and resistance. Numerous studies have proven their significant role in the processes of tissue respiration, hematopoiesis, reproduction, nervous and endocrine system functions, and consequently in the processes of strengthening the natural immune defenses of animals. Breeders use different sources of macro- and microelements to compensate mineral deficiencies in the diet. It can be mineral additives of industrial production, or natural sources or industrial waste containing certain mineral elements. The availability of certain macro- and microelements in mineral sources, the cost of these additives, and the costs of their purchase and transportation are important. Particular attention is paid to the mineral nutrition of poultry, which has high growth energy, intensive metabolism and a well-developed reproductive function. Special attention is focused on the mineral nutrition of poultry, as they have high growth energy, intensive metabolism and a well-developed reproductive function. An unbalanced mineral nutrition significantly reduces the body’s productivity and resistance, causes significant metabolic disorders, reproductive disorders and diseases, which can often cause poultry death. The most common reason for the declining productivity and immune system is insufficiently balanced feeding in the conditions of production intensification. The intensive use of poultry causes changes in metabolism, reducing the content of micro and macro elements, vitamins and other biologically active substances in the body.

Effect of Silica Fume Utilization on Structural Build-Up, Mechanical and Dimensional Stability Performance of Fiber-Reinforced 3D Printable Concrete.

It is known that 3D printable concrete mixtures can be costly because they contain high dosages of binder and that the drying-shrinkage performance may be adversely affected. Mineral additives and fibers are generally used to control these negative aspects. In this study, the use of silica fume, a natural viscosity modifying admixture, was investigated to improve the rheological and thixotropic behavior of 3D printable concrete mixtures reinforced with polypropylene fiber (FR-3DPC). The effect of increasing the silica fume utilization ratio in FR-3DPC on the compressive strength (CS), flexural strength (FS), and drying-shrinkage (DS) performance of the mixtures was also examined. A total of five FR-3DPC mixtures were produced using silica fume at the rate of 3, 6, 9, and 12% of the cement weight, in addition to the control mixture without silica fume. As a result of the tests, the dynamic yield stress value decreased with the addition of 3% silica fume to the control mixture. However, it was found that the dynamic yield stress and apparent viscosity values of the mixtures increased with the addition of 6, 9, and 12% silica fume. With the increase in the use of silica fume, the CS values of the mixtures were generally affected positively, while the FS and DS behavior were affected negatively.

Analysis of the Rheological Properties of Natural Hydraulic Lime-Based Suspensions for Sustainable Construction and Heritage Conservation.

Natural hydraulic lime (NHL)-based binders play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage structures, ensuring integrity and longevity. Beyond traditional uses, these binders exhibit potential for integration into both non-structural and structural components, being compatible with innovative manufacturing processes such as digital fabrication. Meticulously designed grouts, with applicability in their fresh and hardened states, are essential for heritage stability. This study explores the relationships between mineral additions, chemical admixtures, and lime for grout formulations, aiming to advance our understanding and inform the optimization of materials for heritage restoration. Key questions include the influence of natural volcanic pozzolan (NVP) and metakaolin (MK) on rheology and the impact of varying ratios of superplasticizer on NHL-based grout's rheological behavior. This systematic evaluation of rheological parameters aims to innovate mix designs, expanding NHL-based binders' applicability in construction and science. Our hypotheses suggest that well-designed lime grout formulations, incorporating NVP and MK, can enhance rheological properties, addressing challenges in sustainable construction and heritage conservation. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing lime-based materials, fostering advancements in heritage restoration, and promoting wider NHL-based binder adoption in diverse construction applications.

Feasibility of Using New Sustainable Mineral Additions for the Manufacture of Eco-Cements.

Due to a continuously developing population, our consumption of one of the most widely used building materials, concrete, has increased. The production of concrete involves the use of cement whose production is one of the main sources of CO2 emissions; therefore, a challenge for today's society is to move towards a circular economy and develop building materials with a reduced environmental footprint. This study evaluates the possibility of using new sustainable supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) from waste such as recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and mixed recycled aggregates (MRAs) from construction and demolition waste, as well as bottom ash from olive biomass (BBA-OL) and eucalyptus biomass ash (BBA-EU) derived from the production of electricity. A micronisation pre-treatment was carried out by mechanical methods to achieve a suitable fineness and increase the SCMs' specific surface area. Subsequently, an advanced characterisation of the new SCMs was carried out, and the acquired properties of the new cements manufactured with 25% cement substitution in the new SCMs were analysed in terms of pozzolanicity, mechanical behaviour, expansion and setting time tests. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of using these materials, which present a composition with potentially reactive hydraulic or pozzolanic elements, as well as the physical properties (fineness and grain size) that are ideal for SCMs. This implies the development of new eco-cements with suitable properties for possible use in the construction industry while reducing CO2 emissions and the industry's carbon footprint.

Alkaline mineral addition to anoxic to hypoxic Baltic Sea sediments as a potentially efficient CO2-removal technique

Recent studies have begun to explore the potential of enhanced benthic weathering (EBW) in the Baltic Sea as a measure for climate change mitigation. To augment the understanding of EBW under seasonally changing conditions, this study aims to investigate weathering processes under anoxia to hypoxia in corrosive bottom waters, which reflect late summer conditions in the Baltic Sea. Dunite and calcite were added to sediment cores retrieved from Eckernförde Bay (Western Baltic Sea) with a constant flow-through of deoxygenated, CO2-enriched Baltic Sea bottom water. The addition of both materials increased benthic alkalinity release by 2.94 μmol cm−2 d−1 (calcite) and 1.12 μmol cm−2 d−1 (dunite), compared to the unamended control experiment. These excess fluxes are significantly higher than those obtained under winter conditions. The comparison with bottom water oxygen concentrations emphasizes that highest fluxes of alkalinity were associated with anoxic phases of the experiment. An increase in Ca and Si fluxes showed that the enhanced alkalinity fluxes could be attributed to calcite and dunite weathering. First order rate constants calculated based on these data were close to rates published in previous studies conducted under different conditions. This highlights the suitability of these proxies for mineral dissolution and justifies the use of these rate constants in modeling studies investigating EBW in the Baltic Sea and areas with similar chemical conditions. Generally stable pH profiles over the course of the experiment, together with the fact that the added minerals remained on the sediment surface, suggest that corrosive bottom waters were the main driving factor for the dissolution of the added minerals. These factors have important implications for the choice of mineral and timing for EBW as a possible marine carbon dioxide removal method in seasonally hypoxic to anoxic regions of the Baltic Sea.

Study of Reinforced Concrete with the Addition of Pozzolanic against the Penetration of Chlorides through Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

The present work analyzes the behavior in terms of corrosion resistance of three reinforced concrete formulations over a period of 1 year. The samples were subject to a monitoring methodology using the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIE) technique, working only with the real component over time. Three mixtures were used, one conventional without pozzolanic addition (REF) and two others with pozzolanic additions, rice husk ash (RHA) and metakaolin (MK). Prototypes were created and exposed to the action of a 165 g/L NaCl sodium chloride solution. The characterization of the materials was carried out by determining the chloride diffusion profile (ASTM 1556), analyzing images using tomography and with the support of analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. The monitoring methodology using EIE demonstrated the positive effect of the insertion of pozzolans, rice husk ash (RHA) and metakaolin (MK) in delaying the process of chloride diffusion in the concrete, resulting in greater resistance to corrosion. The EIE also showed that the active mineral addition in concrete, resulting in aluminum-silicic composition (MK), had a predominant protective effect on the steel/concrete interface against the attack of chloride ions.

Rearing density and food variety impact growth, development, and survival of larvae in the declining amphibian, Pseudacris maculata.

Boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata Agassiz 1850) are a widespread amphibian in North America, but several populations are in decline. Specifically, we are developing captive breeding and reintroduction methods for the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence-Canadian Shield population. Here we present the effects of tadpole density, food variety, and addition of supplemental minerals to rearing water on the growth, development, and survival during the larval and metamorph/juvenile stages. We conducted two experiments using a factorial design. We found that low tadpole density (1vs. 2 tadpoles/L) and high food variety (fivefood items vs. three food items) significantly increased tadpole body length and Gosner stage after 2 weeks (p < .001), increased survival to metamorphosis (p < .001), decreased time to metamorphosis (p < .001), and increased weight after metamorphosis (p < .001). On average, tadpoles in the high density/low food treatment, compared to the low density/high food, were 25% smaller after 2 weeks, had 3.9× lower survival to metamorphosis, took 1.25× longer to reach metamorphosis, and weighed 1.5× less after metamorphosis. In contrast, neither density (0.5vs. 1 tadpole/L) nor mineral supplemented water affected growth and development, but tadpole survival was higher at 1 tadpole/L. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of rearing boreal chorus frogs in captivity and provide guidelines for rearing this and similar species in a laboratory environment.

Badania wpływu pola magnetycznego na proces tworzenia kamienia w urządzeniach termicznych

Water is used as working fluids in hydro and thermal power engineering, as well as in heat supply and cooling systems. In the process of heating water in water-heating boilers, scale forms due to the precipitation of crystals of mineral additives and mineral salts. Over time, the accumulation of scale with low thermal conductivity leads to a decrease in the internal diameter of the pipes. Consequently, the flow of liquid is hindered, the hydraulic resistance increases and the thermal conductivity of the device decreases. The scale layer is usually removed by acid washing of the internal heat exchange surfaces or mechanical washing. However, both methods involve the use of a substantial amount of chemicals and result in highly polluted wastewater. In addition, it significantly increases operating costs. The article uses statistical methods for processing experimental data, and generally accepted methods for conducting experiments to study the patterns of scale formation using control and measuring instruments and accurate methods for measuring technological parameters. The main purpose of the paper is to study the influence of a constant magnetic field on the formation of mineral salts deposits on the surface of walls of thermal appliances used in chemical, oil refining, and food processing industry. The influence of a constant magnetic field on the formation of scale on the surface of the walls of the heating element in a water heater has been established. According to the results of an experiment aimed at preventing the accumulation of mineral salt deposits on the surface of the heating element in a water heating boiler under the influence of a magnetic field, the amount of mineral salt precipitate deposited on such surface can be reduced up to 5.2 times. Consequently, the prevention of mineral scale formation is achieved, eliminating the need to use expensive chemicals. The stable operation of the devices contributes to enhanced thermal efficiency. Under the influence of a magnetic field, scale formation decreases on average by a factor of 5, as long as the water temperature does not exceed 70°C. However, if the temperature rises above 90°C, the scale formation rate gradually increases.

Improved of Mechanical Characteristics of Gargar Mud by Mineral Additives

The operational dams in Algeria lose 32 million m3 of water storage capacity each year, and fifteen of these dams are threatened by siltation. This investigation forms a component of a management strategy for dredged silt in the Gargar Dam, the third-largest dam in Algeria with considerable sedimentation. This paper comprises two main axes: a detailed experimental study based on the studied dam mud's physico-chemical, rheological, and mechanical analysis. The second part is based on the study of the valorization of Gargar mud to be acceptable for use in road civil engineering. In order to obtain this goal, the Gargar mud was treated with lime (0-6%), sand (20%), and natural pozzolana (20%). Test results show that the properties of Gargar mud are significantly improved after treatment, and the soil becomes more friable and more resistant; it can therefore be used as a foundation layer in road civil engineering.

Enterosorbent from modified glauconite concentrate in the feeding of young cattle

Currently, the fi rst place is taken by the qualities of feed additives used in feeding highly productive cattle, such as biological and sorption activity, harmlessness and bioavailability. For this reason, recently there has been a significant increase in scientific and practical interest in the use of feed additives that help not only increase the productivity of farm animals, but also improve their health. The purpose of the work was to study enterosorbent from a modifi ed glauconite concentrate in feeding young cattle. A study of glauconite from the Bondar deposit in the Tambov region as a feed additive in the ratrions of young cattle was carried out. New knowledge has been obtained about the sorption properties of this mineral, its eff ect on the absorption and excretion of various metals from the body of animals, including micro- and macronutrients, as well as metal pollutants. Safe eff ective doses of its introduction into animal rations have been determined. It was experimentally fed to older replacement young animals as part of a mono feed. It has been established that the use of enterosorbent based on a modifi ed glauconite concentrate in the ration of young cattle at a dose of 0,2 g/kg of live weight helped to remove nickel from the body of animals up to 60 %, and lead up to 36 % of the total amount, which on average was excreted in feces. The sorbent showed average effi ciency in relation to copper approximately 13 % of its amount is bound and excreted in feces. In this case, the mineral accumulated in the digestive tract of animals for 3–4 days. Under conditions of copper defi ciency in feed, sorbent retention promoted better absorption of inorganic forms of this nutrient consumed with mineral additives.

Enhancing Concrete Performance with Crumb Rubber and Waste Materials: A Study on Mechanical and Durability Properties

In addressing the dual challenges of sustainable waste management and environmental conservation in the construction industry, particularly the disposal of waste tire crumb rubber (CR) and the demand for eco-friendly building materials, this study explores a novel solution. It examines the sustainable incorporation of waste tire crumb rubber and mineral additions—namely silica fume (SF), marble slurry powder (MSP), and fly ash (FA)—as partial substitutes for natural fine aggregates and cement in concrete. Through comprehensive testing of seventeen concrete samples, the study reveals that the specific mix of R10S5M10F15 that contained 10% crumb rubber as replacement of fine aggregates, and 5% silica fume, 10% marble slurry powder and 15% fly ash as replacements of cement, not only achieves compressive and split tensile strength comparable to the control mix, while the 90 days flexural strength was improved by 4.48%; credited to SF’s pozzolanic action and the filler effects of MSP and FA, but also that the inclusion of CR, while reducing compressive strength due to material variations, enhances ductility and improves resistance to sulfate and acid attacks, despite increasing water absorption. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of using waste materials in concrete to foster more sustainable construction practices. The objectives include a detailed assessment of the mechanical properties and durability of concrete incorporating these waste materials, aiming to determine the optimal mix proportions for their effective utilization. This study’s novelty lies in its detailed analysis of the synergistic effects of combining CR, SF, MSP, and FA in concrete, contributing to the field by offering a sustainable alternative approach to traditional concrete formulations and highlighting the delicate balance required for optimized concrete performance.

Microplastics as emerging contaminants in textile dyeing sludge: Their impacts on co-combustion/pyrolysis products, residual metals, and temperature dependency of emissions

As emerging contaminants in textile dyeing sludge (TDS), the presence and types of microplastics (MPs) inevitably influence the combustion and pyrolysis of TDS. Their effects on the co-combustion/pyrolysis emissions and residual metals of TDS remain poorly understood. This study aimed to quantify the impacts of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) on the transports and transformations of gaseous emissions and residual metals generated during the TDS combustion and pyrolysis in the air, oxy-fuel, and nitrogen atmospheres. Thermal degradation of the MPs in TDS occurred between 242–600 °C. MPs decomposed and interacted with the organic components of TDS to the extent that they increased the release of VOCs, dominated by oxygenated VOCs and hydrocarbons under the incineration and pyrolysis conditions, respectively. The presence of PE exerted a limited impact on the concentration and chemical form of metals, while PP reduced the residual amount of most metals due to the decomposition of mineral additives. Also, PP (with CaCO3 filler) reduced the acid-extractable content of cadmium, copper, and manganese in the bottom slag or coke but increased that of chromium. This study provides actionable insights into optimizing gas emissions, energy recovery, and ash reuse, thus reinforcing the pollution control strategies for both the MPs and TDS.

Study on the Preparation and Properties of Vegetation Lightweight Porous Concrete.

The objective of this study is to formulate vegetated light porous concrete (VLPC) through the utilization of various cementing materials, the design of porosity, and the incorporation of mineral additives. Subsequently, the study aims to assess and analyze key properties, including the bulk density, permeability coefficient, mechanical characteristics, and alkalinity. The findings indicate a linear decrease in the volume weight of VLPC as the designed porosity increases. While higher design porosity elevates the permeability coefficient, the measured effective porosity closely aligns with the design values. The examined VLPC exhibits a peak compressive strength of 17.7 MPa and a maximum bending strength of 2.1 MPa after 28 days. Notably, an escalation in porosity corresponds to a decrease in both the compressive and the bending strength of VLPC. Introducing mineral additives, particularly silicon powder, is shown to be effective in enhancing the strength of VLPC. Furthermore, substituting slag sulfonate cement for ordinary cement significantly diminishes the alkalinity of VLPC, resulting in a pH below 8.5 at 28 days. Mineral additives also contribute to a reduction in the pH of concrete. Among them, silica fume, fly ash, fly ash + slag powder, and slag powder exhibit a progressively enhanced alkaline reduction effect.

Effect of dietary calcium source, exogenous phytase, and formic acid on inositol phosphate degradation, mineral and amino acid digestibility, and microbiota in growing pigs.

The choice of the calcium (Ca) source in pig diets and the addition of formic acid may affect the gastrointestinal inositol phosphate (InsP) degradation and thereby, phosphorus (P) digestibility in pigs. This study assessed the effects of different Ca sources (Ca carbonate, Ca formate), exogenous phytase, and chemical acidification on InsP degradation, nutrient digestion and retention, blood metabolites, and microbiota composition in growing pigs. In a randomized design, 8 ileal-cannulated barrows (24kg initial BW) were fed 5 diets containing Ca formate or Ca carbonate as the only mineral Ca addition, with or without 1,500 FTU/kg of an exogenous hybrid 6-phytase. A fifth diet was composed of Ca carbonate with phytase but with 8g formic acid/kg diet. No mineral P was added to the diets. Prececal InsP6 disappearance and P digestibility were lower (P ≤ 0.032) in pigs fed diets containing Ca formate. In the presence of exogenous phytase, InsP5 and InsP4 concentrations in the ileal digesta were lower (P ≤ 0.019) with Ca carbonate than Ca formate. The addition of formic acid to Ca carbonate with phytase diet resulted in greater (P = 0.027) prececal InsP6 disappearance (87% vs. 80%), lower (P = 0.001) InsP5 concentration, and greater (P ≤ 0.031) InsP2 and myo-inositol concentrations in the ileal digesta. Prececal P digestibility was greater (P = 0.004) with the addition of formic acid compared to Ca carbonate with phytase alone. Prececal amino acid (AA) digestibility of some AA was greater with Ca formate compared to Ca carbonate but only in diets with phytase (P ≤ 0.048). The addition of formic acid to the diet with Ca carbonate and phytase increased (P ≤ 0.006) the prececal AA digestibility of most indispensable AA. Exogenous phytase affected more microbial genera in the feces when Ca formate was used compared to Ca carbonate. In the ileal digesta, the Ca carbonate diet supplemented with formic acid and phytase led to a similar microbial community as the Ca formate diets. In conclusion, Ca formate reduced prececal InsP6 degradation and P digestibility, but might be of advantage in regard to prececal AA digestibility in pigs compared to Ca carbonate when exogenous phytase is added. The addition of formic acid to Ca carbonate with phytase, however, resulted in greater InsP6 disappearance, P and AA digestibility values, and changed ileal microbiota composition compared to Ca carbonate with phytase alone.