Physicomechanical Characteristics Research Articles

Selection of the means of auxiliary transportation facilities and adaptation of their parameters to specific operation conditions

Purpose. To improve selection methods of operation schedules as well as means of auxiliary transportation facilities involving adaptation of their parameters to the specific application environment while preparing new extraction pillars for coal mining. Methodology. The current methods for substantiating the operational parameters of the means of internal mine transport do not take into account the impact of mining-geological and technological factors, which change inadequately in space and time, on their productivity. The recommended method for selecting transport and technological schemes and increasing their adaptability in the real conditions of the mine environment is based on the comprehensive use of methods of expert evaluation of the operational indicators of the new generation of auxiliary transport means and modeling of the conditions of their interaction with arch support and side rocks at the stages of mining and their operation when preparing new mining pillars for cleaning mining. Findings. The expert evaluation concerning technological features of mining field preparation as well as assembling and dismantling operations has determined that for the specific conditions of Western Donbas mines, the suspended diesel monorail locomotive and self-propelled machines are the most promising options. Gear clutch rail diesel locomotives are recommended as the auxiliary transport for the accelerated preparation of extraction pillar and introduction of a longwall into operation. Originality. New approaches have been substantiated to improve selection of the efficient means of auxiliary transportation facilities and identify their operational parameters for the well-timed preparation of extraction pillars for their removal under the intensified underground mining conditions. A transportation schedule has been proposed to supply heavy tonnage loads by means of the suspended diesel rail locomotives as well as methods to calculate the expected loads on suspension members of the monorail road taking into consideration physico-mechanical characteristics of roof rocks within a development mine working. Practical value. It has been proved that under the conditions of the intensified mining operations, the recommended engineering solutions meet the requirements of the well-timed preparation of new extraction pillars. In addition, they are considered as a new tendency to improve current schemes of auxiliary transportation facilities for regional mines and provide operational reliability of the available underground transport equipment.

Improving the physicomechanical performance of geopolymer mortars using human hair as fibers: new horizons for sustainable applications

Blast furnace slag-based geopolymer mortars strengthened with human hair fibers were synthesized in the present study. The mixture of NaOH and Na2SiO3 was used as activating solution. Zero percent, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, and 1.25% hair fibers were added by weight of slag. Several analytical approaches, including compressive strength, flexural strength, P-wave velocity, bulk density, porosity, water absorption, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, were used to assess the physicomechanical and microstructural characteristics of the geopolymer mortars. Overall, the results found revealed that the incorporation of human hair fibers into the slag-based geopolymer matrix brought about a noticeable improvement in the mechanical characteristics of the geopolymer mortars. Similarly, based on FTIR analysis, the geopolymer mortar is characterized by the presence of three principal bonds, namely, the stretching of Al-O, a shift of the absorption band of the Si-O-Si (Al), and the stretching of the O-C-O. Likewise, the mineralogical analysis shows that quartz and calcite are two crystalline phases dominant in the geopolymer matrix. In addition, SEM-EDS analysis shows a dense and continuous morphology devoid of microcracks with a few pores existing on the matrix surface with perfect integration of the hair fiber in the geopolymer matrix. According to these relevant properties, the synthesized geopolymers have potential applications as a suitable substitute for many Portland cement-based materials whose manufacture is energy-consuming and polluting.

Evaluation of physicomechanical properties of milled versus 3D-printed denture base resins: A comparative in vitro study

Statement of problemStudies comparing the physicomechanical characteristics of denture base resins manufactured by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milling and 3-dimensional (3D) printing are sparse, resulting in challenges when choosing a fabrication method for complete dentures. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the impact strength, flexural strength, and the surface roughness of denture base resins manufactured by CAD-CAM milling and 3D printing before and after thermocycling and polishing. Material and methodsEvaluation of the physicomechanical properties (n=35) was completed before and after 500 thermocycles. Impact strength (n=14) was measured with a Charpy impact tester and flexural strength (n=14) with the 3-point bend test. Surface roughness (Ra) was evaluated (n=7) with a profilometer before and after thermocycling and polishing and by viewing the surface topography before and after polishing using a scanning electron microscope at ×2000. The Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon sign rank test were used for statistical analysis (α=.05). ResultsMilled specimens showed statistically significantly higher impact strength before thermocycling and statistically significantly higher flexural strength before and after thermocycling (P=.004) compared with 3D-printed specimens. The Ra values for the milled group were significantly lower than for the 3D-printed group both before and after thermocycling (P=.006) and after polishing (P=.027). Thermocycling resulted in a statistically significant difference in flexural strength (P=.018) in both groups and in surface roughness in the milled group (P=.048); but no significant effect was found on impact strength (P>.05). Ra values for the 3D-printed group decreased after polishing (P=.048). ConclusionsMilled specimens had higher flexural and impact strength and lower surface roughness values than 3D-printed specimens. Polishing significantly reduced the surface roughness in 3D-printed specimens but had no significant effect on milled specimens.

Sintering of silicon carbide obtained by combustion synthesis

An activated combustion synthesis method was utilized to synthesize silicon carbide from the elementary mixture in the presence of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a thermochemical promoter and product's morphology modifier. Thermodynamic calculations in the initial Si–C-(C2F4)n mixture revealed the influence of PTFE amount and external gas pressure on the adiabatic temperature and equilibrium composition of the products. Combustion parameters and phase composition of the product were sensitive to silicon particle size, PTFE amount, sample diameter and gas pressure. Optimum conditions for the preparation of a mixture of alpha and beta SiC with up to 200 nm in particle size were determined. After consolidation by the spark plasma sintering technique some physicomechanical characteristics of the bulk specimens were measured.

Evaluation of the Effects of Untreated and Treated Sugarcane Bagasse Fibers and RHA on the Physicomechanical Characteristics of Cementitious Composites

Evaluation of the Effects of Untreated and Treated Sugarcane Bagasse Fibers and RHA on the Physicomechanical Characteristics of Cementitious Composites

Wet-Dry Cycles and Microstructural Characteristics of Expansive Subgrade Treated with Sustainable Cementitious Waste Materials.

This work presents an experimental study on the physico-mechanical and microstructural characteristics of stabilised soils and the effect of wetting and drying cycles on their durability as road subgrade materials. The durability of expansive road subgrade with a high plasticity index treated with different ratios of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and brick dust waste (BDW) was investigated. Treated and cured samples of the expansive subgrade were subjected to wetting-drying cycles, California bearing ratio (CBR) tests, and microstructural analysis. The results show a gradual reduction in the California bearing ratio (CBR), mass, and the resilient modulus of samples for all subgrade types as the number of cycles increases. The treated subgrades containing 23.5% GGBS recorded the highest CBR value of 230% under dry conditions while the lowest CBR value of 15% (wetting cycle) was recorded for the subgrade treated with 11.75% GGBS and 11.75% BDW at the end of the wetting-drying cycles, both of which find useful application in road pavement construction as calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel was formed in all stabilised subgrade materials. However, the increase in alumina and silica content upon the inclusion of BDW initiated the formation of more cementitious products due to the increased availability of Si and Al species as indicated by EDX analysis. This study concluded that subgrade materials treated with a combination of GGBS and BDW are durable, sustainable and suitable for use in road construction.

Steel fiber's effects on the physical and mechanical characteristics of selfcompacting concrete (SCC) made of recycled gravel

In order to adapt the concrete to structures with more complex and highly reinforced sections,research has been carried out in recent years in Japan with the aim of developing concrete formulationscharacterized by high workability while being stable. (Low segregation, bleeding, and compaction), withgood mechanical characteristics and durability. The culmination of this research has given rise to a newtype of concrete that can satisfy the properties mentioned above, called self-compacting concrete (SCC).SCC is characterized by its high volume of paste, a large amount of fines, the use of superplasticizers, anda low volume of gravel. For the preservation of the environment and in the vision of sustainabledevelopment, due to the increasing demand for the use of aggregates, crushed gravel can be replaced byrecycled concrete gravel. To improve the properties of SCCs based on recycled concrete gravel, metal fibersare added. The objective of this work is to study the effect of the introduction of metal fibers in selfcompacting concretes based on recycled concrete gravel on the physico-mechanical properties of theseSCCs. The results obtained show that 50% recycled concrete gravel is the best, and the 1% fibers improvethe physico-mechanical characteristics of these SCCs.

Positive impact of polymer impregnated on the enhancement of the physico-mechanical characteristics and thermal resistance of high-volume fly-ash blended cement

To predict the enhanced performance and microstructure design of cement-based composites to achieve sustainability in construction, our study aims to investigate for the first time the positive impact of polymer impregnation on fire resistance and mechanical properties of cement-based composite pastes especially those with high percentages of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) at different water/cement ratios of 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45 and cured up to 90 days. These pastes were dried and impregnated with methyl methacrylate monomer and thermally treated at 70 °C for 3 h using 1% benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The effect of water/cement ratio, curing time, gel space ratio, and bulk density were investigated. Also, XRD, DTG/TGA analysis, and SEM are included. The compressive strength and polymer load were measured after the formation of impregnated- polymer pastes. The results indicated that reducing the w/c ratio leads to the production of hardened cement pastes with dense structures and relatively high compressive strength. For the polymer-impregnated samples, the values of compressive strength were decreased with increasing w/c ratio. The obtained data affirmed that the application of polymer impregnation within a cement matrix can be used to strengthen structures exposed to elevated temperatures. The impregnated cement pastes of ordinary Portland cement (mix OPC1) and blended cement OPC-FA pastes (mix OF1) with water/cement ratios of 0.35 showed higher compressive strength values when thermally treated up to 600 °C after 14 and 28 days of curing.

Применение арабиногалактана для минерализации древесины

Formulation and technological solutions aimed at improving the physico-chemical and physico-mechanical characteristics of pine wood construction materials by mineralization of the plant raw materials matrix due to its treatment with an aqueous organomineral suspension based on arabinogalactan and pre-mechanoactivated silica-containing sand have been developed and scientifically substantiated. The natural polysaccharide arabinogalactan isolated from larch wood can act as a stabilizer of aggregation and sedimentation stability of suspension particles for wood processing. Experimental data on the thermal effect calorimetric measurement of the enthalpy of complexation for a series of experimental samples with different contents of a silica-containing component are presented. The results confirming the high efficiency of arabinogalactan as a surfactant have been obtained. The fact of the formation of a chemical bond during the impregnation of wood samples with an organomineral suspension between organic macromolecules (cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose) of vegetable raw materials and silica of the mineral component was found, which contributes to the consolidation of the latter in the structure of the wood matrix. Mineralization of the wood surface with compositions containing arabinogalactan and silica nanoparticles gives an increase in density and hardness, as well as the acquisition of hydrophobic properties and resistance to oxidative degradation. This indicates the possibility of using this composition for petrifying wood. The kinetic description of the complexation process is given, the conditions of stable long-term existence of the complex in an aqueous medium are established. It is shown that the treatment of wood with suspension for 24 hours in a spontaneous mode with a rationally selected composition leads to an increase in the density of vegetable raw materials by 10 %, an increase in strength along the fibers by 80 %, Brinell hardness by 3,4 times. Impregnation of wood samples in autoclave mode with a similar suspension (under an excess pressure of 1,35…1,40 MPa) significantly intensifies the process of mineralization of plant raw materials. Thus, over a time period of 24 hours, the density of wood increases by 70 %, the increase in strength along the fibers was 91 %, Brinell hardness increases by 3,5 times, water absorption decreases by 21 %. It was found that the impregnation of wood with a suspension of the developed organomineral composition does not lead to a change in the geometric dimensions and texture of the samples.

Modification of polyvinyl alcohol by ozonated oxidation in an aqueous solution

Currently, the task of obtaining polyvinyl alcohol oligomers (PVA) is urgent to create functional materials of a new generation with specified properties. One of the methods of modification of PVS is ozonolysis, which has a number of advantages over other methods of oxidative degradation of polymers. The aim of the work is to evaluate the structural changes and physico–mechanical characteristics of film samples of PVS modified by ozonated oxidation. To carry out the oxidation process, a 5% aqueous solution of PVA brand 1799 was prepared. The ozone-oxygen mixture was obtained using an ozonizer of a known design. The oxidation of PVS was carried out in a glass thermostatically controlled flask at 70 ° C, blowing an ozone-oxygen mixture through an aqueous solution of PVS for 40 minutes. Sampling was carried out after 10, 20 and 40 minutes of oxidation. The films were obtained by irrigation followed by air drying, after which they were subjected to IR spectrometric analysis and strength indicators were determined. As a result of the study, it was found that the modification of PVA brand 1799 by ozonated oxidation in an aqueous medium is accompanied by the following change in IR spectrograms: in the region of 1400 - 1600 cm-1, a sharp decrease in the intensity of the peak corresponding to hydroxyl groups forming hydrogen bonds is observed for ozone-oxidized PVA, in the region of 1650 – 1700 cm-1, a pattern of decrease in intensity is noted the peak with an increase in the oxidation time of PVA with ozone, which indicates a decrease in the MM of the polymer as a result of oxidative degradation, in the region of 3400 – 3600 cm-1 marked a change in the nature of the spectrogram, which also indicates a change in the structure of hydrogen bonds in oxidized PVS; the physico-mechanical properties of film samples subjected to 40-minute ozonated oxidation of PVS change towards a decrease in both strength and elongation at break by an average of 4 times, the Young's modulus decreases by more than 3 times, and the stretching diagram changes character in the zone of highly elastic deformation (the intensity of stress growth decreases by 1.5-2 times as the film elongates during stretching) and the fracture zone (the diagram acquires a stepwise character without a sharp break), which is associated with a decrease in the molecular weight of the PVS, the acquisition of new functional groups, a change in the stereoregularity of the hydroxyl groups of the main polymer chains, an increase in amorphousness and a change in their relaxation time.

Heterocene-catalyzed ethylene/oct-1-ene copolymerization under MAO-free and low-MAO conditions: The synthesis of highly statistical copolymers and their use in blending with HDPE

Sandwich SiMe2-bridged ansa-complexes of zirconium, containing heterocycle-fused η5-cyclopentadienyls, derivatives of 2,5-dimethyl-7H-cyclopenta[1,2-b:4,3-b']dithiophene (2), 5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole (3) and 5,6-dihydroindeno[2,1-b]indole (4) – 'heterocenes' – catalyzed ethylene homopolymerization and ethylene/oct-1-ene (E/O) copolymerization in the presence of triisobutylaluminum (TIBA) without MAO and perfluoroaryl borate activators, the benchmark bis(η5-fluorenyl) complex 1 was virtually inactive under these conditions. In the absence of MAO, E/O copolymerization resulted in a formation of copolymers not containing EOOE fragments even at E/O ratio of 2.4. Addition of 10 eq. of MMAO-12 resulted in increase of both catalytic activities of 2–4 and oct-1-ene incorporation. E/O copolymers POE-05 (obtained on TIBA activated precatalyst 2) and POE-17 (obtained on TIBA/MMAO-12 activated precatalyst 4) were not inferior to the best commercial E/O copolymers in physico-mechanical characteristics at −45 °C. Extrusion blends of POE-05 and POE-17 with high density polyethylene (HDPE) demonstrated high impact strength and frost resistance.

Micro–composition evolution of the undisturbed saline soil undergoing different freeze–thaw cycles

The micro–composition of the soil is closely related to its engineering properties. In Northeast China, seasonal freezing and thawing can induce deterioration of the physicomechanical characteristics of saline soil, which can ultimately lead to engineering failures and geological disasters. To investigate the micro composition evolution including the microstructure and grain size distribution of saline soil under the influence of freeze–thaw cycles, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and laser particle size analysis (LPSA) were used to test undisturbed saline soil specimens undergoing different freeze–thaw cycles. The pore size distribution curves showed a double–peak shape and the grain size distribution curves showed a bidirectional change. Overall, the pores >0.4 μm increased while the pores smaller than 0.4 μm decreased with increasing freeze–thaw cycles. Moreover, the grain size distribution showed a different changing trend at a pore diameter of approximately 10 μm. During the whole freeze–thaw cycle process, the fragmentation of coarse particles (> 10 μm) and the aggregation of fine particles (< 10 μm) were evident, causing the transformation of different pore sizes, and the bidirectional change existed synchronously in the whole process. The freeze–thaw cycles for saline soil caused the lyotropic salt precipitation and dissolution and the ice volumetric expansion and ice segregation to change the grain size distribution leading to the evolution of pore distribution, ultimately changing the soil micro–composition and resulting in the change of macro engineering characteristics. The study is useful for understanding the change in the engineering properties of saline soil under freeze–thaw cycles from a microscale perspective.

Electrospun Polycaprolactone/Chitosan Nanofibers Containing Cordia myxa Fruit Extract as Potential Biocompatible Antibacterial Wound Dressings.

The goal of the current work was to create an antibacterial agent by using polycaprolactone/chitosan (PCL/CH) nanofibers loaded with Cordia myxa fruit extract (CMFE) as an antimicrobial agent for wound dressing. Several characteristics, including morphological, physicomechanical, and mechanical characteristics, surface wettability, antibacterial activity, cell viability, and in vitro drug release, were investigated. The inclusion of CMFE in PCL/CH led to increased swelling capability and maximum weight loss. The SEM images of the PCL/CH/CMFE mat showed a uniform topology free of beads and an average fiber diameter of 195.378 nm. Excellent antimicrobial activity was shown towards Escherichia coli (31.34 ± 0.42 mm), Salmonella enterica (30.27 ± 0.57 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (21.31 ± 0.17 mm), Bacillus subtilis (27.53 ± 1.53 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.17 ± 0.12 mm) based on the inhibition zone assay. The sample containing 5 wt% CMFE had a lower water contact angle (47 ± 3.7°), high porosity, and high swelling compared to the neat mat. The release of the 5% CMFE-loaded mat was proven to be based on anomalous non-Fickian diffusion using the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Compared to the pure PCL membrane, the PCL-CH/CMFE membrane exhibited suitable cytocompatibility on L929 cells. In conclusion, the fabricated antimicrobial nanofibrous films demonstrated high bioavailability, with suitable properties that can be used in wound dressings.

Physico-mechanical, thermal insulation and resistance characteristics of diatomite and attapulgite based geopolymer foam concrete: Effect of different curing regimes

This study investigated the physicomechanical, durability and microstructure characteristics of geopolymer foam concrete (GFC) with a unit weight of less than 1500 kg/m3produced using attapulgite and diatomite. In the blends, as the main binder was used 10, 20 and 40% attapulgite instead of ground blast furnace slag (GBFS). In addition, 30, 40 and 50 kg/m3foam were used in the blends. Three alternative curing methods were used on GFC: steam (80 °C), water (∼22 °C), and an oven (80 °C). Thermal curing regimens last 24 h at a temperature of 80 °C. The blends’ porosity ranges from 36.8 to 53.3%, while their levels of water absorption range from 32.5 to 49.4%. Unit weights of hardened GFC samples range from 475 to 1226 kg/m3. On the 28th day, after applying the steam curing to blends with a 30 kg/m3foam dosage, the compressive strength is greater than 5 MPa. After 900 °C heat treatment (elevated temperature effect), a blend with a foam dosage of 30 kg/m3and 40% attapulgite produced compressive strengths of greater than 4 MPa. The blends’ depths of water penetration range from 22.1 to 27.8 mm. The drying shrinkage of the blends was increased by adding more foam and attapulgite. GFC’s thermal conductivity coefficient varies from 0.134 to 0.354 W/m.K. Increasing the attapulgite and foam decreased the thermal conductivity coefficient. Reaction products such as CASH and NASH gels were observed in SEM examinations. As a result, it has been determined that the most suitable results (In terms of physico-mechanical, thermal insulation and strength Properties) can be obtained if steam curing is applied in blends with 20% attapulgite and 30 kg/m3foam dosage.

Nuclear radiation attenuation and physicomechanical features for yttrium aluminum garnet/cerium zirconate composites

Nuclear radiation attenuation and physicomechanical features for yttrium aluminum garnet/cerium zirconate composites

Fabrication of Novel Polymer Composites from Leather Waste Fibers and Recycled Poly(Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate) for Value-Added Products

This investigation was focused on evaluating the utilization of Leather-waste, i.e., “Leather Shavings”, to develop “Poly(ethylene-vinyl-acetate)” (EVA) based “polymer matrix composites”. Composites with the highest ratio of 1:1 were developed using a rolling-mill, which was then subjected to hot-press molding for value-added applications, notably in the “floor-covering”, “structural”, “footwear”, and “transportation domain”. The specimens were examined for evaluating the “physico-mechanical characteristics” such as, “Compressive and Tensile, strength, Abrasion-resistance, Density, tear-resistance, hardness, adhesion-strength, compression, and resilience, damping, and water absorption” as per standard advanced testing techniques. Raising the leather-fiber fraction in the composites culminated in considerable enhancement in “physico-mechanical characteristics” including “modulus”, and a decline in “tensile-strain” at “fracture-breakage”. The thermo-analytic methods, viz. TGA and DSC studies have evidenced that substantial enhancement of thermo-stability (up to 211.1–213.81 °C) has been observed in the newly developed PMCs. Additionally, the DSC study showed that solid leather fibers lose water at an endothermic transition temperature of around 100 °C, are thermo-stable at around 211 degrees centigrade, and begin to degrade at 332.56-degree centigrade for neat recycled EVA samples and begin to degrade collagen at 318.47-degree centigrade for “leather shavings/recycled EVA polymer composite samples”, respectively. Additionally, the “glass transition temperature” (Tg) of the manufactured composites was determined to be between −16 and 30 °C. Furthermore, SEM and EDAX analysis have been used to investigate the morphological characteristics of the developed composites. Micrograph outcomes have confirmed the excellent “uniformity, compatibility, stability and better-bonding” of leather-fibers within the base matrix. Additionally, the “Attenuated-total-reflection” (ATR-FTIR) was carried out to test the “physicochemical chemical-bonding”, “molecular-structure”, and “functional-groups” of the “base matrix”, and its “composites” further affirm the “recycled EVA matrix” contained additives remain within the polymeric-matrix. An “X-ray diffraction study” was also conducted to identify the “chemical-constituents” or “phases” involved throughout the “crystal-structures” of the base matrix and PMCs. Additionally, AFM analysis has also been utilized to explore the “interfacial adhesion properties” of mechanically tested specimens of fabricated polymeric composite surfaces, their “surface topography mapping”, and “phase-imaging analysis” of polymer composites that have leather-shavings fibers.

Smart waste management perspective of COVID-19 healthy personal protective materials in concrete for decorative landscape pavements and artificial rocks

This paper presents a new method for determining the effect of healthy personal protective material (HPPM) stripes, such as surgical masks, protective suits, and overhead and foot covers, on the durability and physicomechanical characteristics of concrete for use in architectural forms. Because of the current global epidemic caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), the use of HPPM, such as surgical masks, protective suits, and overhead and foot covers, has increased considerably. COVID-19’s second and third waves are currently affecting various countries, necessitating the use of facemasks (FM). Consequently, millions of single FM have been discharged into the wild, washing up on beaches, floating beneath the seas, and ending up in hazardous locations. The effect of stripe fibers on the physicomechanical characteristics of concrete, such as the workability, Uniaxial Compressive Strength UCS, flexural strength, impact strength, spalling resistance, abrasion resistance, sorptivity, Water absorption Sw, porosity (ηe), water penetration, permeability, and economic and eco-friendly aspects, need to be determined. With a focus on HPPM, especially single-use facemasks, this study investigated an innovative way to incorporate pandemic waste into concrete structures. Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction patterns were employed to analyze the microstructures and interfacial transition zones and to identify the elemental composition. The HPPM had a pore-blocking effect, which reduced the permeability and capillary porosity. Additionally, the best concentrations of HPPM, particularly of masks, were applied by volume at 0, 1, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%. The use of mixed fibers from different HPPMs increased the strength and overall performance of concrete samples. The tendency of growing strength began to disappear at approximately 2%. The results of this investigation showed that the stripe content had no effect on the compressive strength. However, the stripe is critical for determining the flexural strength of concrete. The UCS increased steadily between 1 and 1.5% before falling marginally at 2.5%, which indicates that incorporating HPPM into concrete had a significant impact on the UCS of the mixture. The addition of HPPM to the mixtures considerably modified the failure mode of concrete from brittle to ductile. Water absorption in hardened concrete is reduced when HPPM stripes and fibers were added separately in low-volume fractions to the concrete mixture. The concrete containing 2% HPPM fibers had the lowest water absorption and porosity percentage. The HPPM fibers were found to act as bridges across cracks, enhancing the transfer capability of the matrices. From a technological and environmental standpoint, this study found that using HPPM fibers in the production of concrete is viable.

Physico-mechanical and microstructural characteristics of Entandrophragma angolense (edinam) logging residues from different forest sites and their correlations

Physico-mechanical and microstructural characteristics of Entandrophragma angolense (edinam) logging residues from different forest sites and their correlations

Mechanical performance and thermal stability of hardened Portland cement-recycled sludge pastes containing MnFe2O4 nanoparticles

This study focused on investigating the possibility of using different ratios (5, 10, 15 mass%) of recycled alum sludge (RAS) as partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), to contribute to solving the problems encountered by cement production as well as stockpiling of large quantities of water-treated sludge waste. MnFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles (NMFs) were used to elaborate the mechanical characteristics and durability of different OPC-RAS blends. The outcomes of compressive strength, bulk density, water absorption, and stability against firing tests fastened the suitability of utilization of RAS waste for replacing OPC (maximum limit 10%). The inclusion of different doses of NMFs nanoparticles (0.5, 1 and 2 mass %) within OPC–RAS pastes, motivates the configuration of hardened nanocomposites with improved physico-mechanical characteristics and stability against firing. Composite made from 90% OPC–10% RAS–0.5% NMFs presented the best characteristics and consider the optimal choice for general construction applications. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. affirmed the positive impact of NMFs particles, as they demonstrated the formation of enormous phases as ilvaite (CFSH), calcium silicate hydrates (CSHs), MnCSH, Nchwaningite [Mn2 SiO3(OH)2 H2O], [(Mn, Ca) Mn4O9⋅3H2O], calcium aluminosilicate hydrates (CASH), Glaucochroite [(Ca, Mn)2SiO4, and calcium ferrite hydrate (CFH). These hydrates boosted the robustness and degradation resistance of the hardened nanocomposites upon firing.

A prediction method for abrasion loss rate of some Egyptian carbonate rocks due to cyclic salt crystallization weathering using physico-mechanical deterioration: insights from laboratory investigations

Salt crystallization is the most important weathering processes that causes problems for rocks used as building stones. Therefore, assessment of the physico-mechanical properties of stones against cyclic salt crystallization is a critical issue for rock engineering applications in salty environmental conditions especially prone to abrasion. This research aims at investigating the relationship between the degradation of various physico-mechanical properties including apparent porosity, point load index, unconfined compression strength and abrasion loss rate for rocks during salt weathering process. For showing rock weathering in the salt crystallization process, five kinds of carbonate rocks were sampled from different areas of Egypt and subject to cyclic salt crystallization, up to twenty cycles. The variation rates of their physico-mechanical characteristics and abrasion loss values were calculated after each five cycles of salt weathering. The results showed that the studied rocks are suitable for use as building and decorative stones in areas prone to crystallization of salts, but attention must be paid to rocks with high porosity and low strength characteristics such as El-Minia limestone specimens. It was also found that there are strong linear correlations between the physico-mechanical degradation parameters and the abrasion loss rate of the studied rock samples at the end of the twentieth cycle of salt weathering. These relationships may be used to estimate the abrasion loss rate of the studied rock types against the cyclic salt weathering conditions and hence to make a rapid evaluation of the stone durability.