Performance Of Different Blends Research Articles

The Influence of the Affinity between Aggregate and Bitumen on the Mechanical Performance Properties of Asphalt Mixtures.

Two of the main problems encountered in flexible pavements are the stripping of coarse aggregates and the formation of rut depth due to increases in the volume of road traffic and heavy vehicle loads, especially in areas where speeds are low. The existence of rut depth also affects the comfort and safety of road users due to the water accumulation on the pavement surface and reducing tire/pavement friction, which can lead to hydroplaning phenomena. In this research, it was proven that the use of fillers of different origins influences the affinity between aggregates and the binder. The effect of an adhesion promoter in the mix design (such as the amine included in cellulosic fiber pellets) was also studied. Several tests were carried out to determine the binder/aggregate adhesiveness, water sensitivity and resistance to permanent deformation, to evaluate the performance of different blends. It was found that the addition of this additive increased 10% of the aggregate surfaces covered with bitumen when compared with the aggregates without this addition. As expected, the water sensitivity tests showed that the mixture with granitic filler had the lowest indirect tensile strength ratio (ITSR) value (70%), while the mixtures with limestone filler led to the highest percentages (ranging from 83 to 93%). As for the results of the wheel tracking tests (WTT), it was confirmed that the use of limestone filler translates into an improvement in the performance against the permanent deformation of the asphalt mixtures. The mixture with higher bitumen content and adhesion promoter revealed the best average results.

A first worldwide multispecies survey of invasive Mediterranean pine bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae)

Several European and Mediterranean species of pine bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) have become established in North America and the southern hemisphere, posing a novel threat to planted and naturally-occurring pine forests. Our objectives were to investigate (1) the occurrence and relative abundance of pine bark beetles in these regions, and (2) the trapping performance of different blends of multispecies lures. In 2016–2017 a network of interception traps was installed in six non-European countries (Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States, and Uruguay), and in six European countries (France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) for comparison. Half of the traps were baited with alpha-pinene and ethanol, and the other half with alpha-pinene, ethanol, and a combination of bark beetle pheromones (ipsdienol, ipsenol, and Z-verbenol). Five Mediterranean scolytine species (Hylurgus ligniperda, Hylastes ater, H. angustatus, Orthotomicus erosus, and O. laricis) were found in non-European countries. Hylurgus ligniperda and Hylastes ater were the most widespread species found in several of the invaded regions, while O. laricis and H. angustatus occurred only in Argentina and South Africa, respectively. Despite large variation among species and countries, most species were trapped with the blend containing bark beetle pheromones, except O. erosus, which was more attracted to alpha-pinene and ethanol alone. This study represents the first step towards the development of an international monitoring protocol based on multi-lure traps for the survey and early-interception of invasive alien bark beetle species.

Synergistic Effect of Thiourea and Surfactants on Corrosion Inhibition of Stainless Steel-410 in Presence of Sulfuric Acid

The inhibition of corrosion of stainless steel (SS)-410 in sulfuric acid using thiourea and three different surfactants, cetyle trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and X-Triton was studied. Corrosion rates were determined by using corrosion coupons. The corrosion rate was found to be decreased with increase in inhibitor concentration. It was observed that the maximum corrosion inhibition occurred in the post micellar concentration of the surfactants. By optimizing the corrosion inhibition performance of different blends of surfactants and thiourea in 3 M H2SO4, the corrosion inhibition order was found as: Triton X-100 + thiourea > CTAB + thiourea > SDS + thiourea. The best results obtained by the addition of 200 ppm thiourea in 500 ppm of Triton X-100 in 3 M H2SO4 acid solution. This blend decreased the corrosion rate of SS-410 to 657.66 mpy.

Performance of Soybean and Neem Methyl Esters as Biodiesel on Diesel Engine

To study the feasibility of using two local produced plant oils Soybeans (Glycine max, Family: Fabaceae), and Neem (Azadirachta indica, Family: Meliaceae) as diesel substitute, a comparative study on their combustion characteristics on a C.I. engine were made. Experimental investigations were carried out on diesel engine with bio diesel blends of Soybeans oil Methyl Esters and Neem Oil Methyl Esters .The engine used for the experiments was single cylinder four stroke air cooled. Soybeans Methyl Esters and Neem Methyl Esters were derived through transesterification process and parameters of transesterification were optimized. The blending was done with pure diesel in the ratio of 15:85(B15 and N15), 20:80 (B20 and N20), 25:75 (B25 and N25), by volume. Pure diesel was used as control. Tests were carried out to examine their engine performance of different blends in comparison to diesel. From the experimental results it was shown that B20 has more closer performance to diesel, followed by B25%, in terms of torque, brake power and specific fuel consumption, with B20% giving a higher toque above that of diesel at 1800rpm. While Neem biodiesel blends have poor performance. These studies have revealed that soybean oils at 20% and 25% blend with diesel can be used as a diesel substitute without bringing any modifications in the engine. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n13p47