Optimum Binder Research Articles

Assessing cracking resistance and threshold limits of bituminous mixtures with IDEAL-CT and predictive modeling techniques

This paper presents a comprehensive study to establish the threshold limit of CTIndex for the Marshall mixes. The study also aims to assess the impact of different design factors on the cracking resistance of bituminous mixtures using the Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT) test. This study considers 2 different aggregate sources, 2 different gradations, 5 different types of Design Aggregate Gradation (DAG), 3 binder types, and 5 levels of compactive effort. The test results show that higher cracking resistance can be achieved using a smaller nominal maximum size of the aggregate (NMAS), finer gradation, modified binder, and decreased compactive effort with aggregates having low abrasion and absorptive characteristics. This study also comprehends the influence of volumetric parameters of the bituminous mixes on fracture resistance. It was found that at a particular Optimum Binder Content (OBC), higher bulk specific gravity of the compacted specimen (Gmb) and voids filled with asphalt (VFA) result in reduced CTIndex, specifying poor cracking performance. While higher air voids (AV) and voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) lead to increased CTIndex, indicating better-cracking resistance. Statistical analysis tools were used to evaluate the significance of the influential factors that are affecting the cracking potential of the mix. Different Machine learning models were also developed to predict CTIndex based on the design factors considered in the study. The random forest (RFR) model showed strong accuracy, reflected by low Mean Absolute Error (MAE=3.16), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE=9.57), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE=4.23), and a high coefficient of determination (R²=0.95) value, notifying a precise fit and reliable predictions. Additionally, a GUI has been also developed to enhance the practical usability of the model for wider usage. Further, the present study proposes the threshold value of CTIndex for the selection of crack-resistant bituminous mixtures. Moreover, the study investigated the correlation between laboratory and field compaction methods and validated the initial threshold specification of CTIndex for the Marshall mixes. Despite of the variations in different compaction methodologies and specimen thickness, a strong positive correlation (R² > 0.76) between laboratory and field cores of BC-1 and DBM-2 indicates that the performance criteria are adequate and justified.

Enhancing lateritic soil for sustainable pavement subbase with polymer-modified cement: A comparative study of styrene butadiene rubber and styrene acrylic latex applications

This study evaluates styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and styrene acrylic latex (SA) as modifiers in cement-treated subbase materials (CTSB) to enhance mechanical properties and reduce cement usage sustainably. Optimal ratios for stabilizing sub-standard lateritic soils were identified, reducing water demand and increasing mechanical strength in polymer-modified cement pastes. A 10 % SA and a 15 % SBR as cement replacement by mass significantly improved bearing strength and strain capacities in CTSB, signifying enhanced flexibility and elasticity. Despite slight changes in compaction characteristics, the study identified 1.6 % SA and 2.4 % SBR as optimal binder (i.e., polymer-cement mixture) contents, compared to 3.3 % cement for conventional CTSB with similar unconfined compressive strength standards. SBR-enriched CTSB exhibited superior resilient modulus, indicating stronger inter-particle bonding. The integration of SA and SBR reduced capillary rise and enhanced moisture stability. This sustainable approach enhances pavement durability and reduces CO2 emissions by minimizing cement use. The findings emphasize the potential of polymer-modified CTSB for cost-effective and environmentally friendly road construction, offering significant implications for advancing pavement engineering materials and promoting eco-friendly practices within the industry.

Impact of Binder Content and Type on the Electrochemical Performance of Silicon Anode Materials.

Binders are crucial for stabilizing the cycling performance of silicon (Si) materials by preventing Si particle pulverization during lithiation and delithiation. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are the two most studied binders for Si electrodes, with PAA being an elastic polymer and CMC a rigid polymer. Starting with the elastic PAA, in this work the impact of binder content on the cycling performance of Si electrodes is studied. It is found that regardless of Si particle size, there is an optimal binder content between 20 % and 25 % for the cycling stability of Si electrodes. On the other hand, the rigid CMC binder results in lower capacity and faster capacity fading for Si electrodes compared with the elastic PAA. AC-impedance analysis reveals that the lower capacity is due to higher grain boundary resistance (Rgb) in CMC-coated electrodes, leading to high charge-transfer resistance (Rct) and increased polarization. This high polarization triggers premature termination during the discharging process (i. e., the lithiation) of Li/Si cells, underutilizing the Si active material. Additionally, the rapid capacity fading of CMC-coated electrodes is attributed to the rigid binder's inferior ability to prevent Si particle pulverization.

Optimization of Ni-Cu binder composition and sintering time for enhanced mechanical properties of Mo alloys via liquid phase sintering

Liquid phase sintering of refractory alloys offers a promising approach to enhance mechanical properties while ensuring cost-effectiveness and near-net shaping capabilities. This study systematically explores the impact of sintering time and Ni-Cu binder composition on densification, shape retention, and mechanical properties of Mo alloys processed via liquid phase sintering. The aim is to identify optimal binder composition and sintering time for low-cost production of dense, near-net-shape Mo alloys with superior mechanical properties. The sinterability of Mo compacts is enhanced as the Ni-Cu ratio increases. However, excessive Ni content induces geometric distortion during sintering. Alloys with Ni-rich binders exhibit two liquids at the sintering temperature, each with differing Mo solubility, resulting in a dual-phase matrix on solidification. Both Cu-rich and Ni-rich binder compositions exhibit brittle δ-MoNi intermetallic compound formation, whose quantity increases with prolonged sintering times. Alloys characterized by low Mo solubility in the matrix, high Mo volume fraction, high Mo grain contiguity, and large dihedral angles demonstrate high structural integrity and resistance to geometric distortion. Conversely, alloys featuring high matrix volume fraction, low grain contiguity, elevated Mo solubility in the binder, and strong Mo-matrix interfaces exhibit enhanced strength, hardness, and ductility. Notably, an alloy with a Ni-Cu ratio of 3:1 sintered for just 30 min at 1420°C demonstrates outstanding mechanical properties—hardness of 410 HV, tensile strength of 920 MPa, and elongation of 9 %—comparable to or better than many previously reported refractory alloys.

Electrochemical and mechanical characterization of thermosets as fluorine‐free cathode binders for Li‐ion batteries

AbstractThis study demonstrates fluorine‐free cross‐linked (meth)acrylate polymers as alternatives to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2 (NMC111) cathodes. We determine the effects of thermal initiator content, polymer content, and curing environment for two polymer chemistries: a flexible acrylate polymer, and a stiff methacrylate polymer. Electrodes are manufactured and tested for final electrochemical performance and mechanical properties. The results show that the flexible acrylate polymer exhibits higher rate capability compared to the stiff methacrylate polymer because calendering fractures the brittle network of stiff polymer. Electrode adhesion to the current collector and cohesion between particles are found to be a strong function of thermal initiator ratio and oxygen inhibition. Furthermore, there exists an optimal binder concentration that maximizes rate capability performance. Under the right conditions, the two polymers exhibit comparable performance to PVDF electrodes. These results provide important implications for designing cross‐linked polymers as cathode binder alternatives to PVDF.

Effect of Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Polyvinyl Alcohol on the Dispersibility and Chemical Functional Group of Nonwoven Fabrics Composed of Recycled Carbon Fibers.

In this study, recycled carbon fibers (rCFs) recovered from waste carbon composites were used to manufacture wet-laid nonwoven fabrics. The aim was to improve dispersibility by investigating the changes in the dispersibility of carbon fibers (CFs) based on the content of the dispersant carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and the binder polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the length and basis weight of the CFs. In addition, the chemical property changes and oxygen functional group mechanisms based on the content of the CMC dispersant and PVA binder were investigated. The nonwoven fabrics made with desized CFs exhibited significantly improved dispersibility. For nonwoven fabrics produced with a fixed binder PVA content of 10%, optimal dispersibility was achieved at a dispersant CMC concentration of 0.4%. When the dispersant CMC concentration was fixed at 0.4% and the binder PVA content at 10%, the best dispersibility was observed at a CF length of 3 mm, while the maximum tensile strength was achieved at a fiber length of 6 mm. Dispersibility remained almost consistent across different basis weights. As the dispersant CMC concentration increased from 0.2% to 0.6%, the oxygen functional groups, such as carbonyl group (C=O), lactone group (O=C-O), and natrium hydroxide (NaOH), also increased. However, hydroxyl group (C-O) decreased. Moreover, the contact angle decreased, while the surface free energy increased. On the other hand, when the dispersant CMC concentration was fixed at 0.4%, the optimal binder PVA content was found to be 3%. As the binder PVA content increased from 0% to 10%, the formation of hydrogen bonds between the CMC dispersant and the PVA binder led to an increase in C=O and O=C-O bonds, while C-O and NaOH decreased. As the amount of oxygen increased, the contact angle decreased and the surface free energy increased.

Synthesis of boron-based High-Energy composite microspheres via the Co-Flow microchannel method

Boron-based metastable intermolecular composites (MIC), renowned for their swift energy release and elevated thermal output, exhibit significant promise for utilization in domains such as gunpowder, propellants, and powdered fuel ramjet fuels. The work successfully accomplished the safe and efficient preparation of B/Bi2O3 microunits by utilizing co-flow microchannel technology. The choice of the optimal binder, F2603, for this system was determined by simulation analysis. The practicality of the microchannel platform was then verified using Fluent. SEM analysis demonstrated that an amount of 10 % F2603 resulted in the formation of spherical particles. In terms of physical properties, boron treated with 10 % F2603 exhibits a reduction in its angle of repose from 35° of the raw material to 15°, along with a significant enhancement in hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the MICs lower the reaction temperature of raw boron from 840℃ to 770℃. In the constant volume combustion test, the MIC output pressure increased by 33.3 %. In the constant pressure combustion test, the MIC ignition delay time was reduced from 0.7262 s to 0.5566 s. The structural characteristics of the system decrease the distance for mass and heat transmission across components, resulting in improved overall performance. The study unequivocally demonstrates the efficacy of co-flow microchannel technology in swiftly, effectively, and securely producing energetic molecules. It establishes a solid foundation for future industrial manufacturing.

An alternative approach for increasing the visibility of roads

Visibility problems occur on highways that are not sufficiently illuminated at night, endangering traffic safety. Phosphor material, which has a natural glow feature under ultraviolet (UV) light, is planned to increase road visibility in areas with inadequate lighting. Phosphor powder (PP) was used in four different percentages (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) as fillers in hot mix asphalt (HMA), reduced to filler size. Asphalt specimens were prepared using a super pave gyratory compactor and super pave volumetric mixture design. Compacted specimens were exposed to artificial 12V UV light for 10-minute intervals in a dark room, and UV light absorption was observed. Visibility analyses were performed on the specimens by taking high-resolution photos with long exposure from a distance of approximately 30 cm from the asphalt specimen using a professional camera. According to the analysis results, the visibility values increased by 200.4%, 378.5%, 538.1%, and 728.5% compared to the reference specimen for substitution rates of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. Experiments were conducted to determine the behavior of the specimens prepared as phosphorus substitutes in the mixture. After selecting the optimum binder contents, the modified Lottman test procedure was applied to measure the specimens' strength values and moisture sensitivity prepared at optimum ratios. The indirect tensile test results show that the 25% PP-substituted specimen had a better strength value. The tensile strength ratio (TSR) value, the ratio of dry and wet tensile stresses, was determined to have minor moisture sensitivity in the 50% PP-substituted specimen. HWTT was applied to the specimen containing 50% PP content, which exhibited the best TSR ratio, resulting in improved rutting performance compared to the reference specimen.

Characterization and Properties of Binder and Nano-Filler in Geopolymer Paste with Graphene Oxide

Globally, current research has developed new cement-based materials to meet increased demands for performance, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. Geopolymer, cost-effective, and high-early strength concrete binder alternative, has grown in popularity. Geopolymer reduces emissions by 80% during production while maintaining strength levels comparable to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). In their natural state, geopolymer binders have a microstructure that is cross-linked and significantly more brittle than OPC. To improve the properties of geopolymer, several approaches were adopted. However, recent study suggests that incorporating nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO) to geopolymer has shown an improvement in physical and mechanical properties. Graphene oxide is an inorganic nanomaterial that improves the mechanical characteristics of various composite materials by showing substantial filling effects on composite materials that significantly improve composite material integrity. The investigation into the potential of GO to improve the efficacy of geopolymer composite materials in various engineering applications has garnered considerable attention in recent years. The simplified hummer’s method was employed to synthesise the GO. Various characterization techniques involving SEM, XRD, and FTIR were utilized to understand the crystalline structure and microstructure of GO nanoparticles. GO powder were used as 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, and 0.25% by weight of binder that includes fly ash class F and steel slag with an optimum binder modification of 40% fly ash and 60% steel slag. The influence of GO on Bulk density, microstructure, and mechanical strength were determined. The compressive strength results indicated an improvement of compressive strength by 21.48% in geopolymer paste with 0.15% GO after 28 days of curing.

Optimising waste cooking oil as rejuvenator for recycled mixtures: a laboratory-based approach

Global waste accumulation necessitates sustainable pavement solutions. This study focuses on sustainable pavements by adopting the waste-to-wealth approach using waste cooking oil (WCO) as rejuvenator to incorporate higher reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). A novel approach optimises WCO for recycled mixtures with different field RAP contents. The optimum WCO was assessed for mixtures with laboratory-aged RAP, considering binder performance, properties of laboratory-aged RAP binder, and moisture susceptibility. Optimum dosages were then determined for the mixtures with field RAP without compromising moisture susceptibility. These dosages depend on the percentage and viscosity of the extracted binder of field RAP. Results indicated that the recycled mixture with field RAP and corresponding optimum WCO assessed from the proposed method exhibited satisfactory moisture susceptibility unlike the recycled mixtures without WCO. Also, the method suggested a way to estimate the total optimum binder content, if higher RAP is being used considering the inactive binder of RAP.

Перспективы переработки угля с низкой степенью метаморфизма

Introduction. The relevance and significance of this work is due to the fact that the soils of Kazakhstan are about 48% salt marshes. The reasons for their occurrence are different: harsh climatic conditions, the drying Aral Sea, the Baikonur cosmodrome, numerous test sites, etc. With an increased content of water-soluble salts in the root layer of soils, most cultivated plants develop poorly and yield a reduced yield. To solve the above problem, the technology of processing brown coal from the Kiyakty deposit and its substandard part for the production of drugs-growth stimulants for agricultural plants, high-calorie fuel briquettes and coal-alkali reagents is proposed. Materials and methods. Development of technology for the production of a humic preparation from brown coal deposits in Kazakhstan. It is known that these coals are amorphous polymers containing bitumen, humic acids, residual organic substances and moisture. Laboratory experiments were carried out by the method of biotesting according to B.P. Strogonov in glasses with a capacity of 0.5 liters in accordance with the requirements of GOST (GOST 10250–80, GOST 12038–84). The methodology for conducting research on the manufacture of briquettes, carbon-alkali reagents based on the humic acid hypothesis and various local binding materials with the involvement of certified CeLSIM laboratories is substantiated. The most optimal binder is a liquid bardic concentrate. Results. As a result of the application of new methods of pre-sowing treatment of rice seeds with a 2.5 % aqueous solution of the preparation from coal, its yield increased by 9.5–12.1 quintals per 1 ha, or by 33.8–41 % compared with the control. Discussion. The works of a number of foreign and domestic researchers on this topic have proved the possibility of using humic substances from brown coals to obtain organo-mineral fertilizers, and a comparative study of the chemical composition has been conducted. However, according to our technology, it is clear that we do not get fertilizer, but plant growth stimulants. It should be noted that the technology developed by the authors makes it possible to obtain a humic preparation, the use of which on low-yielding soils of Kazakhstan ensures a stable increase in the yield of cereals and legumes. Conclusion. The developed technology for the production of humic preparations for various purposes can be used to increase crop yields on degraded soils, for the bio recultivation of man-made formations, the manufacture of a substrate for greenhouse farms, the production of fuel briquettes and coal-alkali reagents, as well as during the operation of other brown coal deposits of the Republic of Kazakhstan with a high content of humic acids in their composition. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The territory of Kazakhstan is considered to be arid zones of dry steppe soils without rains. In these conditions, agricultural technicians resort to plants of halophyte varieties, therefore, the prospects for using this technology are very large, for example, to suppress dust formation on the surface of tailings ponds with the cultivation of green mass of wild plant varieties. Preparations from brown coals can be used to purify water and wines, leach precious metals, etc.

Effects of Varying Binder Proportions to the Mechanical, Physico-Chemical and Combustion Properties of Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) Leaves-Derived Biochar Briquettes

The study aimed to characterize the mechanical, physico-chemical and combustion properties of biochar-derived briquettes from the banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) leaves and determine the optimum binder proportion of the briquettes. Physical properties include moisture content, density, and compressive strength. Physico-chemical properties were evaluated using proximate analysis which includes volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon. Combustion properties were comprised of ignition time and burning rate. Freshly harvested, oven dried, and milled banana leaves underwent slow pyrolysis at 300 °C for 8 hours. The retrieved biochar was combined with varied concentrations of cassava starch binder at 10%, 30%, and 50%. It was then molded into briquettes and dried at 80 °C until 5% moisture content was achieved. Results showed that as binder proportion increased, compressive strength, volatile matter, and ignition time also increased. However, an increase in binder proportion induced a decrease in burning rate. Moreover, compressive strength, volatile matter, ignition time, and burning rate are found to be statistically significant in relation to binder proportion as analyzed using One-way ANOVA at 95% confidence level. Other parameters that were statistically insignificant in relation to binder proportion included moisture content, density, ash content, and fixed carbon. After performing optimization through Simplex Lattice in Design Expert, optimum cassava binder proportion was found to be 41.14%.

Fresh and hardened properties for a wide range of geopolymer binders – An optimization process

The objective of this study was to identify the optimal geopolymer binder compositions produced from local industrial by-products and compare them with commercially available materials. The first part investigated the optimal binder composition by studying 27 mixtures. In this part of the research, three series of binders were created: the first series of 18 mixtures was Na-based fly ash-slag, the second series consisted of 8 mixtures of K-based fly ash-slag, and the third series were a mixture of metakaolin-slag based geopolymer. The compressive strengths of the mixtures at the age of seven days ranged from 2.18 to 96.23 MPa. The strength development is clearly defined by the components and proportions of the blends. Geopolymers reach about 80% of their 28-day strength in seven days. The 25% water content was optimal for slag-fly ash geopolymers. The strength of the material increased from 68.08 to 96.23 MPa when the Blaine surface area of the slag increased from 3500 to 4500 cm2/g. The optimal proportions of the alkali solution were the intermediate ratios: SiO2/Na2O = 2.0 and SiO2/K2O = 1.5. In the case where Visonta fly ash is prepared for blending, the fly ash content can be maximized by 30%–50% in addition to the blast-furnace slag. In the second part of the research, mortars were prepared from the selected binders: 4 mixtures were prepared with two different binders. In one of these mortars, the solid part of the binder consisted of local raw materials originating from Hungary. This mixture was prepared with 43 m% fine aggregates. The optimal composition of the tested 27 binders tested was selected as the geopolymer matrix for the production of three further mortar mixtures. In these geopolymer mortars, 55, 65, and 75 m% of aggregate applied. The flowtable values of fresh mortars decreased when the proportion of sand increased. The lower the additive content was, the higher the strength of the geopolymer mortar. The 28-day compressive strengths of filtered fly ash-slag mortar sample with 55%, 65%, and 75% of fine aggregate (F–S-a55, F–S-a65, and F–S-a75) made with the selected optimised filtered fly ash-slag geopolymer binder of group A-I.3 (F–S-A-I.3) varied between 11.39 and 40.15 MPa, whereas the Visont fly ash-slag mortar sample with 43% of fine aggregate (V–S-a43) has been 25.05 MPa. For 28 days, the density ranged between 1870 and 2204 kg/m3. The V–S-a43 is found to be the lowest-density blend. The chloride migration test revealed that geopolymer mortars with higher slag content have higher resistance to Cl− ions.

Improving Soft Subgrade Stability Using a Novel Sustainable Activated Binder Derived from By-Products

Soft soil concerns, due to high compressibility and low bearing capacity, prompted an investigation into stabilizing clay soil. Traditionally, binder including cement or lime has been used as stabilizers though a current requirement of alternatives is stem from environmental concerns. The study focused on the viability of using a novel binary activated blended binder composed of environmentally friendly materials, namely ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) activated by cement kiln dust (CKD). The experimental work included investigating the impact of the developed binders on the Atterberg limits, standard Proctor compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. CBR tests were conducted after 7 days of curing or soaking, while UCS and SEM analyses were conducted after 7 and 28 days of curing. A fixed binder ratio of 9% was maintained, with GGBS blended at 25%, 50%, and 75% with CKD. For comparison, samples of untreated and treated soils with unary binders from GGBS and CKD were also prepared. Results indicated that activated binders notably decreased soil plasticity and maximum dry density, while elevating optimum moisture content, CBR, and UCS, especially in later stages of treated soil and unary GGBS binder. Unary CKD binder exhibited a similar trend to activated binders. The activating of 25% GGBS with 75% CKD provided the optimum binder which increased the mechanical strengths by about 6 times than untreated soil. SEM revealed substantial formations of C-S-H and C-A-H gel, along with ettringite, intensifying with time. This research provides viable outcomes for stabilizing clay soil using environmentally friendly binders, demonstrating significant improvements in soil properties, particularly when using the binary activated blended binder consisting of GGBS and CKD.Graphical

Experimental Analysis of Resilient Characteristics of CRMB – 55 & 60 Grade with Grade-II Aggregates on Pavement

An evaluation of the physical and engineering properties of modified binders was conducted in this paper, namely Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB - 55 grade & CRMB - 60 grade) containing cement as a mineral filler of 2 % and varying binder contents between 4% and 6% for determining the Optimum Binder Content (OBC) for aggregates of nominal size 13.2 mm in Grade-II. As a result of varying stress levels from 10% to 40%, the specimens have been cast for indirect tensile strength (ITS), moisture susceptibility, and fatigue cycles’ estimation. Keywords: Stability, Modified binder, In-direct tensile strength, fatigue cycle of modified binders.

Investigating the Dynamic Creep of Polymer Modified Hot Mix Asphalt

Abstract Jordan's road network continues to deteriorate as a consequence of the continuous increase in traffic and the absence of adequate maintenance work. The primary objective of this study was to enhance HMA performance by using polymer-modified asphalt mixtures. The polymer modifier known commercially as Eastman (EE-2) was mixed with binder penetration grade (60–70) at a ratio of 12%. In order to investigate the performance of polymer, the dynamic creep, the resilient modulus and the stability-flow tests were performed. Marshall Mix design was utilized to prepare a total of 50 samples, of which 20 were used to determine the optimal binder content, and the remaining samples were used to determine the effect of EE-2 modifier on asphalt mixtures. The results showed that the optimal asphalt content was 4.57 percent and revealed that the addition of EE-2 polymer to asphalt cement contributed to the production of a variety of desirable properties. The most important indicator of these developments is increased rutting resistance. For instance, the total permanent deformation has decreased by 87% (8500 to 1000 μm). Conversely, addition of EE-2 has resulted in a threefold increase in the resilience modulus (from 3632 to 10590 MPa). Finally, effect of the EE-2 polymer on the stability was demonstrated by increasing the stability value by about 52%

Preparation and Evaluation of Metronidazole Tablets Produced with Different Binders Using Wet Granulation Method

In tablet formulation, binders are essential for ensuring proper powder mix, granulation and overall tablet quality. Variations in binder quality and concentration can impact drug bioavailability, strength and manufacturing processes. The inconsistency in bioavailability and therapeutic response of metronidazole from different manufacturers highlights the importance of binder selection in tablet formulation. This study evaluates the impact of different binding agents on tablet quality. The optimum binder concentration for each of the binders was assessed to obtain suitable concentration that was used to prepare metronidazole tablets. Metronidazole tablets were formulated with four different binder vis, acacia, gelatine, PVP, maize starch at 3% concentration using wet granulation method after which the tablet properties were evaluated. Metronidazole powder exhibited poor flow indices, as indicated by angle of repose: 39.92 ± 1.85, Carr’s compressibility index (CI): 20.13 ± 0.28 and Hausner’s ratio (Hr): 1.26 ± 0.01, whereas its granules exhibited good flow properties. The crushing strength (CS), friability (FR), disintegration time (DT) (CSFR/DT) ratio for batches showed values in 3% binder concentration, indicating higher strength as compared to other concentrations. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the CSFR/DT ratio for gelatine (2.22) in formulation F2 compared to maize starch in Formulation F4. The formulated tablets with the various binders have met with the British Pharmacopeial criteria of 80% drug release from uncoated immediate-release tablets. Amongst the four binders, gelatine was found to be the best in the formulation of robust metronidazole tablets by wet granulation method at an optimised concentration of 3% w/w. Tablets produced with gelatin exhibited greater mechanical strength than those produced with other binders, while also demonstrating a slightly longer DT. Metronidazole tablets produced with gelatine have met the British Pharmacopeial requirements including an acceptable in-vitro drug release profile.

Performance Investigation and Optimization of Composite Materials in Household Dehumidifiers

The efficiency of household dehumidifiers is affected by air temperature and the temperature used for regeneration. A regeneration temperature that is too high can lead to increased energy use, heat build-up in the desiccant wheel, and lower dehumidification efficiency. In this study, we developed a LiCl@Al-Fum composite material and evaluated it through physical characterization and module testing. The results show that the LiCl@Al-Fum composite with a 20% mass fraction is particularly effective as a desiccant material. Additionally, a 15% volume concentration of neutral silica sol was identified as the optimal binder concentration. A comparative analysis of the effects of glass-fiber desiccant wheels (GF DWs), aluminum desiccant wheels (Al DWs), and commercial desiccant wheels (CM DWs) on household dehumidifier performance revealed that the Al DWs outperformed the CM DWs, showing a 13% improvement in the dehumidification rate and a 12.56% increase in the DCPP. An increase in the dehumidifier structure led to increases in the dehumidification rate by 11.8%, 11.9%, and 10% and in the DCPP by 11.6%, 12.1%, and 10%, respectively. Moreover, the modifications resulted in a 3.85 °C, 3.34 °C, and 3.8 °C decrease in the temperature.

Experimental Investigations of Bituminous Concrete Using Dissimilar Trash Which Improve the Results

Abstract: Bituminous mixture is an admixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and fill. CRMB is based on a unique technology that permits homogeneity. CRMB is suited for use in heavy load traffic lanes, air fields. In this study, Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB-60) blended with normal asphalt binder VG-30 with various different percentages of crumb rubber in different proportions with constant optimum binder content i.e. 5% which shows improved characteristics when compared with regular bitumen. The cost for Bituminous course for CRMB-60 came out to be Rs 68.23 Lacs per Km which was 20.81% economical than the bituminous work done by normal VG- 30 bitumen. The Marshall Mix design using CRMB 55 with 0.04 % Zycosoil chemical, reflects the significant rise in stability, unit weight and flow values for better compaction and enhancing the workability conditions.

Plastic roads: asphalt mix design and performance

Plastic materials are extensively utilized in various aspects of daily life. However, the substantial amount of plastic waste generated can cause significant global environmental issues without efficient waste management practices. To address this problem, the utilization of waste plastics in high-value applications such as highway construction through hot mix asphalt (HMA) has been deemed ideal. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are the three most prevalent types of plastic waste found in municipal solid waste. The impact of plastic-type and content on the mechanical, volumetric, and durability properties of hot mixed asphalt (HMA) was investigated by utilizing varying plastic contents of PET, LDPE, and HDPE. Tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM standards on twelve HMA mixtures made with an optimal binder content (OBC) of 4.3%, and plastic contents of 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% by weight of OBC. Marshall stability and flow tests were conducted to ascertain the optimal plastic content for each tested mixture. The findings indicated that the stability and flow values improved as the plastic content was raised. 9% LDPE mix gave a maximum Marshal stability value of 12 kN. Additionally, as the plastic content increased, the values for air voids and voids filled with asphalt decreased in all 12 mixes tested. This research aligns with the United Nations 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs), including SDGs 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, and presents a viable method for implementing the 3Rs approach towards sustainable plastic waste management.