Seawater Immersion Research Articles

Study on the mechanical property and durability of alkali-activated seawater and sea sand recycled aggregate concrete

This study investigates the potential of Alkali-Activated Seawater Sea Sand Recycled Aggregate Concrete (ASSRAC) as a novel sustainable construction material. By utilizing recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste, seawater, sea sand, and alkali-activated materials such as fly ash and blast furnace slag, this innovative concrete aims to mitigate carbon emissions from cement production and optimize resource usage. The impact of recycled aggregate replacement rate, water-to-binder ratio, and sand type on the compressive strength of ASSRAC was examined through analysis of variance. Cylindrical axial compression and prism flexural tests were conducted to evaluate the long-term performance of ASSRAC under seawater immersion. The results indicate a decrease in compressive strength with higher recycled aggregate replacement rates and water-to-binder ratios, with recycled aggregates being the primary weak link. Additionally, increasing the water-to-binder ratio hampers hydration by diluting alkali activators, weakening polycondensation reactions. Under seawater immersion, ongoing reactions foster denser C-(A)-S-H structures, enhancing compressive strength and elastic modulus over time. Moreover, higher recycled aggregate replacement rates result in improved ductility, attributed to reactions between the old mortar on recycled aggregate surfaces and slag/fly ash at interfaces. For specimens immersed for 0 and 90 days, most theoretical models accurately predict results, except for the CEB-FIP model, which only accurately reflects the stress-strain curve at 180 days. The seawater-sea sand group's flexural strength initially exceeds that of the freshwater-river sand group due to accelerated early hydration, but this advantage diminishes over time due to high salt content.

Identification of stiffness and damping characteristics of magnetorheological elastomers due to immersion in seawater

ABSTRACT Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) materials are commonly used as vibration dampers in offshore structures. Therefore, it is urgent to investigate the degradation of this smart material because of seawater interaction. This work focuses on the immersion of MRE material in seawater, which alters its rheological and mechanical characteristics. Hence, it is important to investigate the impact of seawater immersion on the rheological characteristics of substances. This study contributes to the assessment of the stiffness and damping characteristics of MRE materials after exposure to seawater for one year. The MRE samples comprise MRE with a silicone matrix devoid of any Carbonyl Iron Particle (CIP) and MRE with 70% CIP, exhibiting both isotropic and anisotropic properties. Immersing the subject in seawater was carried out for one year. The study involved doing multiple tests, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and rheological testing. The findings indicated that the samples underwent harm, erosion, and deterioration of their rheological characteristics during immersion. The stiffness values for isotropic MRE and anisotropic MRE decreased by 97% and 11%, respectively. Meanwhile, the deterioration of the damping characteristics values of isotropic MRE and anisotropic MRE was 96% and 14%, respectively.

Evolution mechanism of element Ni on matrix, surface and interface during static soaking of copper-nickel alloy

This article uses XRF, WLI, SEM, EDS, XPS and EIS techniques to characterize the surface element segregation and the state of corrosion product films under different periods of artificial seawater immersion. The research results show that when the film is intact, a uniform Ni-rich layer is formed below the film due to the preferential dissolution of Cu elements, which weakens the segregation degree of Ni elements on the surface of the substrate. At the same time, Ni elements enter the film in the form of doping, which increases the resistance of the film. When the film layer is damaged, the Ni-rich layer between matrix and surface will be rapidly converted to NiO, the enrichment state of Ni element will be destroyed, and the segregation degree will be increased. However, NiO only plays a temporary protective role, and it is easy to hydrolysis into loose Ni (OH)2, resulting in the film layer fall off. After the matrix is exposed, the Cu element is preferentially dissolved again, and the nickel-rich layer is re-formed on the substrate surface.

A comprehensive investigation of oxygen/graphite carbon nitride smart Nano coatings for sustainable maintenance and sacrificial anode protection of mild steel

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study enhancing the corrosion resistance of mild steel (MS) by incorporating photo‐catalyst‐doped graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C₃N₄) nano‐sheets containing silver (Ag) and oxygen (O₂) into a solar light‐active photoelectrochemical anticorrosion paint with polyester (PE). The objective is to provide sacrificial anode protection through visible light activation.RESULTSThe developed paint forms a uniform film on the MS surface, effectively providing anodic protection under visible light. Characterization techniques, including energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–Vis spectroscopy, confirm the molecular structure of the nano‐sheets. Corrosion resistance, assessed through weight loss measurements and open circuit potential (OCP) tests, shows significant improvement with the addition of Ag/g‐C₃N₄ and Ag‐O₂/g‐C₃N₄ nano‐sheets at an optimized concentration of 15 mg. The protection efficiency is ranked as follows: O₂‐g/C₃N₄ > O‐g/C₃N₄ > Ag‐O₂/g‐C₃N₄ > Ag‐g/C₃N₄ > g‐C₃N₄. After 28 days of immersion in seawater, MS coated with O₂/g‐C₃N₄ exhibited the least weight loss, with an inhibition efficiency of up to 99%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further demonstrated enhanced coating resistance for the O₂/g‐C₃N₄ coating (Rct = 3.76 kΩ.cm2, Rcoat = 1.69 kΩ.cm2) compared to pure PE (Rct = 0.005 kΩ.cm2, Rcoat = 0.096 kΩ.cm2).CONCLUSIONThe synthesized O₂/g‐C₃N₄ and Ag‐O₂/g‐C₃N₄ nano‐sheets exhibit high surface areas and enhanced water dispersibility, which contribute to significant corrosion protection of MS. The electrochemical performance, including weight loss and OCP measurements, highlights the potential of these nano‐sheet photo‐catalysts in advancing corrosion resistance technologies, with broad implications for materials science and engineering applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Advancements in seawater immersion wound management: Current treatments and innovations.

With advancements in naval warfare, the number and severity of seawater injuries have skyrocketed, necessitating effective seawater immersion (SWI) wound management. The unique marine pathogens, salinity, low temperature and alkalinity of seawater are the main environmental factors that can influence SWI wound healing. The current treatment strategy for SWI wounds follows a standard protocol based on terrestrial wound conditions, neglecting seawater conditions. The key requirements for ideal SWI treatment include good adhesion to the wound surface to minimize further exposure to seawater, enhanced wound healing properties to minimize wound healing time and antibacterial properties to prevent infections from marine pathogens. Current SWI wound-specific treatments range from elaborate techniques like vacuum-sealed drainage and vacuum-assisted closure for severe blast injuries to simple application of hydrogels or collagen dressings for minor injuries. This review discusses the current status and development of various treatment modalities for SWI wounds. The development of these treatment strategies and an understanding of their mechanisms of action make us better prepared to manage and treat SWI injuries.

Impact of Seawater Immersion of (Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4)x(Bi, Pb)-2223 Composites

This work investigated the effects of adding Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles in (Bi, Pb)-2223 superconductor. The conventional solid-state reaction method was used to create (Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4)x(Bi, Pb)-2223 composites (0.00 ≤ x < 0.40 wt. %). X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the main phase of the tetragonal (Bi, Pb)-2223. The morphology and elemental contents of the produced samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). When compared to the pure (Bi, Pb)-2223 sample, EDX verified that adding Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 to the superconductor improved the adsorption of saltwater components. Vickers microhardness (Hv) was measured at room temperature for 30 seconds with different applied forces (0.49 to 9.80 N) and different durations of the saltwater immersion (2, 6, 12, and 24 hours). Hv increased with increasing the immersion time in seawater from 2 to 24 hours. An optimum improvement (69.08%) was obtained for an addition of 0.04 wt. % of Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4, where Hv values increased from 0.524 GPa to 0.886 GPa. With a deviation of less than 5%, the indentation-induced cracking (IIC) model provided the best theoretical analysis at the plateau limit region for measurements made before and after immersion in seawater.

Deferoxamine alleviates ferroptosis in seawater immersion combined with traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, with its severity potentially exacerbated by seawater immersion. Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, has been implicated in TBI pathogenesis. However, the specific occurrence and underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis in the context of TBI compounded by seawater immersion remain unclear. Subsequently, we investigated the effects of seawater immersion on ferroptosis after the application of deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator and ferroptosis inhibitor, to explore its potential therapeutic value. We conducted RNA sequencing, protein expression analysis, oxidative stress assessment, histopathological examination, and behavioral testing to comprehensively evaluate the impact of DFO on ferroptosis and neurological outcomes. Our results demonstrated that seawater immersion significantly exacerbated ferroptosis in TBI. DFO treatment, however, attenuated ferroptosis, alleviated oxidative stress, reduced brain tissue damage, improved neuronal survival, and promoted motor function recovery. Despite these benefits, DFO exhibited limited effects on anxiety, novel object recognition, and spatial learning and memory. These findings suggest that ferroptosis represents a novel pathological mechanism in TBI under seawater immersion, and that DFO is a promising neuroprotective agent capable of modulating ferroptosis and enhancing neurological function. This study offers new insights into the complex injury conditions associated with TBI and seawater immersion, highlighting the potential of targeting ferroptosis for therapeutic intervention.

Interface mechanical properties of CFRP-seawater sea sand concrete under simulated seawater immersion

In this study, the interfacial mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheet reinforced seawater sea sand concrete (SSSC) in simulated seawater immersion environment were studied. The results present that the interface bearing capacity of CFRP-SSSC decreases significantly after seawater immersion. The decreasing rate increases greatly with the extending of immersion periods. Seawater immersion also affects the failure mode of interface between CFRP and SSSC, which leads to the damaged surface expanding from the base layer of concrete to the junction section of resin and aggregate. The distribution of strain and stress along the bonding direction presents the load transfer from the loading end to the free end. The shear stress peak locates near the loading end and decreased about 15–20 % due to seawater immersion as a result of the deterioration of the interfacial property. The analysis on the microstructure of CFRP-SSSC interface proves that the chemical ions in seawater causes the hydrolyzation of epoxy resin adhesive layer. The CFRP-SSSC interface presents a lower interfacial bonding properties than CFRP reinforced normal concrete (NC). The improvement of strength grade of concrete from C30 to C50 increases the bonding properties of the CFRP about 9–12 % and mitigates the influence of seawater immersion. The obtained bond-slip curve indicates that the seawater immersion decreases the interface ductility. A modified Popovics model is applied to predict the bond-slip curve and presents a high fitting degree.

Stepwise-Induced Synthesis and Excellent Corrosion Protection of Ce/Eu Codoped ZnO Solid Solution Materials.

Under purely inorganic conditions, a synthesis route was devised wherein elements were introduced stepwise via coprecipitation based on differences in compound solubility. This synthesis method can change the microscopic morphology of the material without relying on a templating agent, resulting in the formation of the multilayered lamellar Ce/Eu codoped zinc oxide solid solution (ZCEOSS) with a self-assembled nested imbrication structure. The study improves the critical matter of corrosion by focusing on the electron and energy transfer mechanisms. By introduction of the bandgap modulator cerium element and fluorescence enhancer europium element into the ZnO material, the anticorrosion material has been successfully endowed with both photocathodic protection and luminescent initiative/stress dual corrosion defense functions. Due to the energy level staircase protection mechanism synergistically generated by the 4f electron shell of rare-earth elements in concert with semiconductor zinc oxide, the energy band positions were modulated to progressively guide the direction of electron flow, thereby suppressing corrosion reactions. In particular, the ZCEOSS material synthesized by doping 1% cerium and 7% europium and adding rare-earth elements at pH 7 exhibited the best corrosion inhibition performance. After immersion in simulated seawater for 96 h, Tafel polarization test results showed that compared to epoxy resin and ZnO anticorrosion systems, the ZCEOSS anticorrosion system exhibited significantly improved corrosion inhibition efficiency with enhancements of 1028.3 and 402.9%, respectively. This study provides new insights into the development of highly efficient inorganic anticorrosion materials.

Composite fluorescence probe towards a smart coating for early corrosion detection of carbon steel

Herein, a composite fluorescent probe was developed as a smart indicator in acrylic resin-based coatings for the early detection of steel corrosion. The Fe3+-sensitive Rhodamine B derivative probe (Rxbxja) was synthesized, and the SiO2 nanoparticle-supported probe S-Rxbxja was prepared through the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The successful synthesis of S-Rxbxja was confirmed using a variety of techniques i.e. SEM and FTIR. A fluorescence microscope was utilized to assess the self-reporting performance of coatings. EIS and seawater immersion tests were employed to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the coating. The fluorescence test results revealed the absence of premature fluorescence in the composite coating, owing to the exceptional compatibility between S-Rxbxja and the coating. The scratched area in the 0.5 wt% sensor-doped coatings exhibited fluorescent and colorimetric dual-channel signals after soaking in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 2 h before any visible corrosion phenomenon. The EIS results demonstrated that the |Z|0.01Hz value of composite coating maintained 107 Ω cm2 even after being immersed in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 7 days, indicating the excellent anti-corrosion properties of the S-Rxbxja coating. Moreover, mechanical property tests showed that the S-Rxbxja coating had excellent mechanical properties due to the introduction of SiO2 nanoparticles.

Role of Excessive Mitochondrial Fission in Seawater Immersion Aggravated Hemorrhagic Shock-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction and the Protective Effect of Mitochondrial Division Inhibitor-1.

Aims: Seawater immersion significantly aggravated organ dysfunction following hemorrhagic shock, leading to higher mortality rate. However, the effective treatment is still unavailable in clinic. Mitochondria were involved in the onset and development of multiple organ function disorders; whether mitochondria participate in the cardiac dysfunction following seawater immersion combined with hemorrhagic shock remains poorly understood. Hence, we investigated the role and possible mechanism of mitochondria in seawater immersion combined with hemorrhage shock-induced cardiac dysfunction. Results: Mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) was activated and translocated from the cytoplasm to mitochondria in the heart following seawater immersion combined with hemorrhagic shock, leading to excessive mitochondrial fission. Excessive mitochondrial fission disrupted mitochondrial function and structure and activated mitophagy and apoptosis. At the same time, excessive mitochondrial fission resulted in disturbance of myocardial structure and hemodynamic disorders and ultimately provoked multiple organ dysfunction and high mortality. Further studies showed that the mitochondrial division inhibitor mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 can significantly reverse Drp1 mitochondrial translocation and inhibit mitochondrial fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, mitophagy, and apoptosis and then protect circulation and vital organ functions, prolonging animal survival. Innovation: Our findings indicate that Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission could be a novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of seawater immersion combined with hemorrhagic shock. Conclusion: Drp1 mitochondrial translocation played an important role in the cardiac dysfunction after seawater immersion combined with hemorrhage shock. Drp1-mediated excessive mitochondrial fission leads to cardiac dysfunction due to the mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics impairment.

Fatigue-induced fracture assessment for FRP-steel bonding joints after seawater exposure

This paper investigates fatigue durability of FRP-steel double-lap shear bonded structure in seawater environment. Three simulated environments (original-salinity seawater dry-wet cycle, triple-salinity seawater dry-wet cycle, and triple-salinity seawater immersion) with 30-, 60-, and 90-day maintenance duration are tested. Experimental results indicate that both the quasit-static and fatigue strength are degraded by the seawater maintenance, and longer maintenance will lead to continued deterioration of the bonded joints. The failure/damage of bonded joints primarily originates from the bonding failure in the docking zone and extend towards the two ends. For a specific bonded joint, the load amplitude (∆F) and cycle number (N) can be approximated fitted by a linear logarithmic curve. Based on this observation, a prediction model of the cycle number (N) for the bonded joints is proposed, and comparison demonstrated that the prediction model can effectively assess the fatigue strength of GFRP-steel double-lap shear bonded joints after seawater maintenance. The findings of this study can offer both theoretical and experimental foundations for assessing the durability of FRP-steel bonded structures in seawater corrosion environments.

Flexural behavior of coral aggregate concrete beams reinforced with BFRP bars under seawater corrosion environments

The combined utilization of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites with coral aggregate concrete (CAC) in remote island areas contributes to the reduced construction cost and construction period, offering a promising application. However, the evolution pattern and deterioration mechanism of flexural behavior for FRP bars reinforced CAC beams in marine service environments remains unclear. Thus, this paper investigates the flexural behavior of basalt-FRP (BFRP) bars reinforced CAC beams under seawater immersion and dry-wet cycle conditions using laboratory-accelerated aging methods. The research considers the effects of exposure temperature and corrosion age on their failure modes, flexural stiffness, ultimate loading capacity, and deformation deflection. The experimental results revealed that with the increase in corrosion age and exposure temperature, the amount of vertical cracks of CAC beams decreased and their crack depth also exhibited a slight reduction, but their crack width and spacing at failure significantly increased. After being attacked by seawater environments, the load-deflection curves of CAC beams experienced an enhanced slope of the ascending section (i.e., flexural stiffness), but this strengthened flexural stiffness did not result in an enhancement in the ultimate load capacity. Instead, with prolonged corrosion and higher temperatures, the ultimate load of CAC beams displayed significant degradation, accompanied by reduced mid-span deflection. After 12 months of seawater exposure to wet-dry cycle conditions at 60 °C, the ultimate load and mid-span deflection of CAC beams degraded by approximately 25.0 % and 56.6 %, respectively. The study also predicted the flexural bearing capacity of CAC beams utilizing existing specifications for FRP-reinforced normal aggregate concrete (NAC). It was concluded that the formulae for flexural loading capacity for FRP-reinforced NAC beams were still suitable for CAC beams.

Long-term superhydrophobic, antibacterial, and corrosion-resistant Ag-loaded LiAl-LDH composite coating grown in-situ on MAO coating

This study successfully prepared long-term superhydrophobic, antibacterial, and corrosion-resistant lithium aluminum layered double hydroxide (LiAl-LDH) modified with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTES) through a hydrothermal reaction. The LiAl-LDH was in situ grown on the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film and loaded with Ag nanoparticles. The results showed that at a hydrothermal reaction temperature of 150 °C, LiAl-LDH effectively filled the microscopic defects of the MAO coating, significantly enhancing its hydrophobicity. After PFOTES treatment, the water contact angle remained above 150° even after 75 days of immersion in simulated seawater. Additionally, the introduction of Ag+ notably improved the antibacterial properties of the coating. Electrochemical tests indicated that the corrosion resistance of the coating increased with higher hydrothermal temperatures. The corrosion current density of the coating obtained at 150 °C was measured at 2.30 × 10−9 A∙cm−2, which is two orders of magnitude lower than that obtained at 100 °C. Following hydrophobic modification, the corrosion current density decreased further, and after 50 days of immersion in simulated seawater, the |Z|0.01Hz value remained above 108 Ω·cm2, demonstrating excellent corrosion resistance. This study provides important experimental and theoretical foundations for developing metal surface protective coatings with broad application prospects.

Review of aging mechanisms, mechanical properties, and prediction models of fiber‐reinforced composites in natural environments

AbstractFiber‐reinforced composites are widely used in civil engineering, aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors. However, these composites undergo aging due to factors such as temperature, humidity, load, and so on, during their usage. As a result, their performance deteriorates, and predicting their durability under real service conditions is a significant challenge. In order to better understand the durability of fiber‐reinforced composites, this article summarizes their microscopic aging mechanism under natural aging conditions and analyzes the changing rules of tensile, bending, and shear properties of composites under seven typical climate types, including tropical desert climate, temperate continental climate, temperate oceanic climate, Mediterranean climate, seasonal climate, tropical rainforest climate, and seawater immersion. This article reviews various durability prediction models, such as the Arrhenius model, prediction models based on residual modulus of elasticity and residual strength, and median strength regression analysis. To enhance the accuracy of aging life prediction during the natural aging process of composites, it is important to consider the influence of loads under real service conditions, incorporate different climatic types, utilize comprehensive mechanical property indices, establish an equivalent conversion relationship between natural aging and accelerated aging, and create a database with unified test standards.Highlights The aging mechanisms of FRP after exposure in natural aging environments are discussed. The tensile, bending, and shear properties of FRP after exposure under seven climate types are discussed. The predictive models are proposed for the FRP used in natural aging. The future research needs are proposed for the FRP used in natural aging.

Discovering Halite Traces on a Victim’s Clothing through a Forensic Geoscience Analytical Approach: A Suspicious Case in Italy

This suspect case focuses on investigating the presence of halite (NaCl) crystals on the clothing of a deceased individual to determine whether they resulted from immersion in seawater or residual absorption after immersion (i.e., the crystals were left on the clothing after contact with the victim’s wet body). Thirteen clothing samples were collected from various garments worn by the victim and were subjected to optical stereomicroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA). Optical stereomicroscopy revealed numerous white-colored, vitreous, and greasy luster microcrystals dispersed between fabric fibers, with higher concentrations observed near the hem seams and metal rivets. These microcrystals exhibited predominantly cubic and irregular morphologies. Additionally, sandy particles and organic elements, such as plant fragments and micro seashells, were detected, indicative of coastal environment exposure. SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the presence mainly of sodium and chlorine in stoichiometric ratios consistent with halite, with crystals exhibiting amorphous, needle-shaped, or cubic morphologies. Furthermore, STA analysis identified weight loss events attributed to organic decomposition and halite decomposition at high temperatures, corroborating SEM-EDS findings. The distribution and characteristics of halite crystals, along with other trace elements, support the hypothesis of immersion in seawater while wearing clothing. Specifically, the higher concentrations of halite crystals near thicker fabric portions and metal rivets suggest slower drying rates and longer evaporation times, indicative of immersion rather than residual absorption after swimming. This finding not only helps in determining the victim’s exposure to seawater but also establishes a methodology for distinguishing between different sources of halite residue on clothing. Overall, the comprehensive mineralogical characterization of halite crystals on clothing samples, using best practices of forensic mineralogy, provides valuable forensic insights related to the circumstances that led to the victim’s death. This approach aided investigators in reconstructing the sequence of events, enhancing the accuracy of forensic reconstructions. Moreover, this study contributes to the broader field of forensic geoscience by demonstrating the practical applications of mineralogical analysis in criminal investigations, potentially guiding future research and improving investigative techniques in similar cases.

Aerophilic Surfaces for Sustained Corrosion Protection of Metals Underwater

AbstractCorrosion and biofouling are wetting‐related phenomena that limit the effective use of metals in aqueous media. Nonwettable surfaces can mitigate the adverse effects of wetting by minimizing contact with water. However, current achievements in this field fall short of meeting industrial requirements due to the short lifetime of plastrons. This study proposes a method to measure the protective sustainability of plastron. Superhydrophobic (SHS) and aerophilic (APhS) surfaces are constructed on lightweight aluminum and are initially analyzed by conventional goniometry, which show comparable values. However, the plastron that develops underwater is substantially different. While SHS exhibit unevenly broken plastron, APhS show uniform, continuous plastron. As an example of the sustained protective performance of plastron, the corrosion resistance of SHS and APhS is presented. Potentiodynamic polarization, impedance spectroscopy, and long‐term immersion in seawater show a drastic enhancement in corrosion resistance, exclusively for APhS. In fact, almost no electrochemical signals are measurable, and no pitting corrosion is observed after 415 days of immersion in seawater. Conversely, SHS show no noticeable improvement and corrode faster than bare Al due to plastron loss. Since goniometric measurements do not provide information on plastron, it is essential to analyze the plastron for any non‐wettable surface utilized underwater.

Mechanical behavior and energy characteristics of red sandstone with different seawater immersion heights under biaxial compression

Rock structures engineered during undersea mining are typically subjected to varying water distributions due to the motion of seawater, which considerably influences their stability. Hence, it is essential to understand the influence of seawater distribution on the mechanical behavior and energy characteristics of rocks. In this study, biaxial compression tests were conducted on red sandstone at various seawater immersion heights, and acoustic emission signals during compression were monitored. The results illustrate that the mechanical properties of the red sandstone deteriorate significantly upon seawater immersion. With an increase in seawater immersion height, the peak strength and elastic modulus of the rock specimens decreased exponentially. When the seawater immersion height was varied from 0 to 1/4 H under lateral stresses of 5, 10, 15, and 20 MPa, the peak strength decreased by 18.94%, 20.29%, 17.47%, and 14.87%, respectively, and the elastic modulus decreased by 4.6%, 8.1%, 11.7%, and 10.9%, respectively. Brittleness also decreased gradually. During compression, the acoustic emission (AE) and accumulated AE counts exhibited a stationary phenomenon, first increasing slowly and then suddenly. However, the AE counts decrease with increasing seawater immersion height. Meanwhile, with increasing seawater immersion height, the proportion of tensile cracks gradually increased and that of shear cracks gradually decreased. As the seawater immersion height increased, both the peak total input strain energy and peak total elastic strain energy decreased, whereas the peak total dissipated strain energy exhibited the opposite trend.

Durability test study of laminated specimens for large glass fiber protective structures in seawater

The mechanical properties of glass fiber composite structures prepared by vacuum forming manufacturing process are influenced by various factors and have a certain degree of dispersion, resulting in unclear durability characteristics when applied in corrosive seawater engineering. Firstly, a variety of resin materials for underwater protective structures are tested for seawater degradation, and excellent resins that can still ensure the structural load-bearing capacity and stability after immersion are selected. Secondly, based on relevant standards and specifications, the article conducted seawater immersion aging tests at room temperature and accelerated seawater immersion aging tests at 60°C on glass fiber specimens of 430 epoxy bisphenol vinyl resin and 1967 polycyclic pentadiene resin. Finally, the degradation characteristics of strength, modulus, and impact toughness of the specimens were obtained through a series of mechanical property tests, such as bending, compression, shear and impact, under different aging time periods in room temperature and 60°C seawaters, respectively. The article summarizes the differences in the durability and mechanical properties degradation of large glass fiber protective structures with different resins during seawater immersion.

Empirical and modified hemostatic resuscitation for liver blast injury combined with seawater immersion: A preliminary study

PurposeTo compare the effects of empirical and modified hemostatic resuscitation for liver blast injury combined with seawater immersion. MethodsThirty rabbits were subjected to liver blast injury combined with seawater immersion, and were then divided into 3 groups randomly (n = 10 each): group A (no treatment after immersion), group B (empirical resuscitation with 20 mL hydroxyethyl starch, 50 mg tranexamic acid, 25 IU prothrombin complex concentrate and 50 mg/kg body weight fibrinogen concentrate), and group C (modified resuscitation with additional 10 IU prothrombin complex concentrate and 20 mg/kg body weight fibrinogen concentrate based on group B). Blood samples were gathered at specified moments for assessment of thromboelastography, routine coagulation test, and biochemistry. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and survival rate were also documented at each time point. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to examine the normality of data distribution. Multigroup comparisons were conducted with one-way ANOVA. ResultsLiver blast injury combined with seawater immersion resulted in severe coagulo-fibrinolytic derangement as indicated by prolonged prothrombin time (s) (11.53 ± 0.98 vs. 7.61 ± 0.28, p＜0.001), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (s) (33.48 ± 6.66 vs. 18.23 ± 0.89, p＜0.001), reaction time (R) (min) (5.85 ± 0.96 vs. 2.47 ± 0.53, p＜0.001), decreased maximum amplitude (MA) (mm) (53.20 ± 5.99 vs. 74.92 ± 5.76, p＜0.001) and fibrinogen concentration (g/L) (1.188 ± 0.29 vs. 1.890 ± 0.32, p = 0.003), and increased D-dimer concentration (mg/L) (0.379 ± 0.32 vs. 0.051 ± 0.03, p = 0.005). Both empirical and modified hemostatic resuscitation could improve the coagulo-fibrinolytic states and organ function, as indicated by shortened APTT and R values, decreased D-dimer concentration, increased fibrinogen concentration and MA values, lower concentration of blood urea nitrogen and creatine kinase-MB in group B and group C rabbits in comparison to that observed in group A. Further analysis found that the R values (min) (4.67 ± 0.84 vs. 3.66 ± 0.98, p = 0.038), APTT (s) (23.16 ± 2.75 vs. 18.94 ± 1.05, p = 0.001), MA (mm) (60.10 ± 4.74 vs. 70.21 ± 3.01, p < 0.001), and fibrinogen concentration (g/L) (1.675 ± 0.21 vs. 1.937 ± 0.16, p = 0.013) were remarkably improved in group C than in group B at 2 h and 4 h after injury. In addition, the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (mmol/L) (24.11 ± 1.96 vs. 21.00 ± 3.78, p = 0.047) and creatine kinase-MB (U/L) (85.50 ± 13.60 vs. 69.74 ± 8.56, p = 0.013) were lower in group C than in group B at 6 h after injury. The survival rates in group B and group C were significantly higher than those in group A at 4 h and 6 h after injury (p < 0.001), however, there were no statistical differences in survival rates between group B and group C at each time point. ConclusionsModified hemostatic resuscitation could improve the coagulation parameters and organ function better than empirical hemostatic resuscitation.