Clay Type Research Articles

Impact of soil types on chemical composition of essential oil of purple basil

Purple basil is among the most important basil varieties and its essential oil is used for several purposes including medicinal and aromatic uses. Soil types may impact the plant growth, development, and essential oil composition. Hence, it is important to find the most suitable soil type which may produce basil plants having essential oil with the best composition and concentration. For this reason, plant samples of purple basil that were grown in areas with clay, loamy sand, and sandy-clay loam soil types were collected and evaluated to determine the changes in the yield and essential oil components. Essential oil contents were determined with the Clevenger Device, and essential oil compositions were determined by using GC and GC/MS analysis. The highest essential oil yield according to soil types was obtained from the plant samples that were grown in the loamy sand soil. It was also found that the main compounds present in Arapgir town purple basil were methylcinnamate and linalool that was also present in all Turkish purple basil under all types of soil. According to the soil types, the highest concentration (46.03%) of methylcinnamate was observed in loamy sand soils, and the lowest (42.33%) was obtained from sandy-clay loam soils and found to be significantly different. Data regarding correlations between soil types and essential oil ratios showed that organic matter and P2O5 had a significant negative correlation with methylcinnamate. The present study will help researchers and farmers to choose the most suitable soil type to achieve maximum essential oil production from purple basil.

Assessment of γ-radiation shielding behavior of some mixed nature clays

Recently, clay materials have earned prominence as potential materials in the γ-radiation shielding and protection areas compared to other conventional materials. From this point, the present study is devoted to preparing a new composite of two types of clays, based on bentonite clay, as a natural, plentiful, and low-cost matrix. The chemical composition of prepared samples was indicated by Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX). Morphology of clay samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images showed that the homogeneity and porosity of a cross section of samples. Measurements of the γ-ray shielding performance was analyzed and determined at numerous γ-ray photon energies emitted from five point sources of γ-rays using NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. Thus, the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) was calculated by obtaining area under each peak of the energy spectrum observed from Genie 2000 software in the presence and absence of the clay sample. The experimental results obtained were compared theoretically with XCOM software. The comparison was examined the validity of experimental results. The other dependent radiation shielding parameters on the LAC such as a half attenuator layer (HAL), mean free path (MFP), Transmission factor (TF), and the radiation absorption ratio (RAR) were measured. It was confirmed that the γ-ray shielding properties were enhanced by mixing two types of clay comparing with the individual one. Clay materials would be good applicants for use in construction and civil engineering, as well as in the fabrication of building materials used in medical and nuclear establishments.

Strength properties and microstructural characteristics of clay treated with alkali activated mortar and fiber

Chemical stabilization, along with strengthening and reinforcing the soil with the use of fibers are among the methods employed for soil improvement. In recent years, the application of alkali-activated mortars has received considerable attention due to less CO2 emissions along with no need to precure the pozzolans used to make the mortar. Application of fibers in addition to chemical stabilizers can be effective to increase the ductility and tensile strength of improved soils and delay the rupture process. Basalt fibers, which are of natural origin and have very high resistance in acidic, alkaline, and saline environments, are considered as suitable options for reinforcement of alkali-activated mortars. In the present study, the improvement of a type of clay has been examined using basalt fibers and the alkali-activated mortar. To investigate the strength parameters of the improved clay soil, a combination of basalt fibers and alkali-activated mortar (Clay improved with 3% wollastonite and 16% potassium hydroxide alkaline solution) was prepared and was then subjected to uniaxial compressive strength and indirect tensile strength tests after curing times of 7, 14, 28 and 90 days. Also, electron microscope images (SEM) and EDX analyses were performed on the samples to interpret the results. The results showed that in samples improved with alkali-activated mortars, the formation of calcium silicate hydrate(C-S-H) and calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gels and their polymerization after the curing time increased the compressive and tensile strengths. In the samples improved with alkali-activated mortars reinforced with basalt fibers, the ductility of the samples also increased in addition to the increase in the compressive and tensile strengths as the gels formed were interlocked among the fibers.

Suffusion of sand–clay mixture by three-staged change of ionic strength

The suffusion of particles classified as coarse-grained soils in the Unified Soil Classification System has been relatively well investigated in previous studies, whereas suffusion of clay particles has not been thoroughly explored. For clay particles, the surface interaction energy between clay and sand can be a critical factor in conjunction with hydraulic gradient. Therefore, this paper presented a series of designed soil-column experiments for assessing the reduction of ionic strength on suffusion of clay particles in the sand–clay mixture. The three most typical clay particles (kaolinite, illite, and montmorillonite) were selected and the ionic strength was decreased during the injection. The results indicate that the sequence of decreasing ionic strength induced substantial suffusion of clay particles, mainly attributed to the decreased attraction between sand grains and clay particles. In addition, among three types of clay particles, the high swelling potential of montmorillonite particles led to the most substantial increase in relative hydraulic conductivity caused by suffusion.

Formulation of novel ecofriendly microemulsion-based drilling fluids for improving rheological and filtration characteristics

The main objective of this work was to formulate not environmentally harmful drilling fluids obtained from microemulsion systems, using an aqueous phase (water-glycerol solution 1:1), an oil phase (pine vegetable oil), and varying nonionic surfactants (Tween 80, nonylphenol ethoxylates 100 and 150). Two types of clays (filtration control) were used in the formulation of fluids, Brasgel PA and Cloisite 20 A, in the presence of a viscosifier (xanthan gum), a weighting agent (baritine), a sealant (calcite), and dispersant (water). Properties such as mass loss, filtrate volume, and rheological characteristics of the formulated fluids were analyzed since these are considered essential characteristics for a successful drilling operation. Shear stress (τ) versus shear rate (s−1) data of fluids was best fitted to the Herschel-Bulkley rheological model with R2 of 0.99. The fluids formulated with Brasgel PA obtained the lowest consistency index (k), ranging from 0.37 to 0.61, and, therefore, the force required to start the flow (τy). The thermogravimetric analysis verified that the microemulsified drilling fluids obtained can operate at temperatures up to 100 °C, making it possible to apply them in oil wells with these thermal characteristics. The fluids' filtrate loss volume varied from 2.4 mL to 4.0 mL; the maximum filtercake thickness measured 0.80 mm, and low permeability (0.0173 mD). The analyzed drilling fluids showed a significant swelling reduction when formulated with the microemulsion systems and improved lubricity. In general, it was observed that ecofriendly microemulsion-based drilling fluids were efficient in reducing swelling, showing good rheological and reduced API filtrate loss, being viable alternatives for use in drilling operations of oil wells.

Clay-hydrogen and clay-cushion gas interfacial tensions: Implications for hydrogen storage

Rock/fluid interfacial tension (γrock−fluid) govern the fluid flow dynamics, the injection/withdrawal rates, the gas storage capacity, and containment integrity during gas (H2, CO2, N2) geo-storage. Clay-gas interfacial tension (γclay−gas) data, especially for the clay-H2(γclay−H2), the clay-N2(γclay−N2) and the clay-CO2(γclay−CO2) systems, have rarely been reported in the literature due to the challenging nature of these measurements in the laboratory. In this study, Neumann's equation of state and Young-Laplace equation was combined to compute clay-gas and clay-brine interfacial tensions (IFT) parameters at realistic geo-storage temperature (333 K) and pressure (5–20 MPa). Our results show that at similar thermodynamic conditions: γclay−H2>γclay−N2>γclay−CO2. Our calculations also showed that: γkaolinite−N2>γillite−N2>γmontmorillonite−N2, and γkaolinite−CO2>γillite−CO2>γmontmorillonite−CO2. In contrast, for hydrogen a negligible difference in γclay−H2 was obtained for the three clay types, although, the IFT between clay minerals and brine in presence of hydrogen is different for these three clay types. Overall, computed γclay−H2 values were higher than γclay−N2 and γclay−CO2 values, whereas computed clay-brine interfacial tension was lower in presence of hydrogen compared to carbon dioxide and nitrogen. These results suggest that nitrogen and carbon dioxide could be used as favorable cushion gas for maintaining formation pressure during underground hydrogen storage. We also demonstrated a remarkable relationship between clay/gas IFT and gas density that could serve as a helpful tool for quick estimation of rock-fluid interfacial tension.

Media selection for anammox-based polishing filters: Balancing anammox enrichment and retention with filtration function.

Retrofitting conventional denitrification filters into partial denitrification-anammox (PdNA)- or anammox (AnAOB)-based filters will reduce the needs for external carbon addition. The success of AnAOB-based filters depends on anammox growth and retention within such filters. Studies have overlooked the importance of media selection and its impact on AnAOB capacity, head loss progression dynamics, and shear conditions applied onto the AnAOB biofilm. The objective of this study was to evaluate viable media types (10 types) that can enhance AnAOB rates for efficient nitrogen removal in filters. Given the higher backwash requirement and lower AnAOB capacity of the conventionally used sand, expanded clay (3-5mm) was recommended for AnAOB-based filters in this study. Owing to its surface characteristics, expanded clay had higher AnAOB activity (304- vs. 104-g NH4 + -N/m2 /day) and higher AnAOB retention (43% more) than sand. Increasing the iron content of expanded clay to 37% resulted in an increase in zeta potential, which led to 56% more anammox capacity compared to expanded clay with 7% iron content. This work provides insight into the importance of media types in the growth and retention of AnAOB in filters, and this knowledge could be used as basis in the development of PdNA filters. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Expanded clay showed the lowest head loss buildup and most likely will result in longer runtime for full-scale PdNA applications The highest AnAOB rates were achieved in expanded clay types and sand compared with smaller media typically used in biofiltration Expanded clay resulted in better AnAOB retention under shear, whereas sand could not withstand shear and required more frequent backwashing Expanded clay iron coating enhanced AnAOB enrichment and retention, most likely due to increased surface roughness and/or positive charge.

Ferrallisols fertility and crops safety improvement using a low-cost synthetic mineral

Ferrallisols are severely deficiency of alkaline earth elements, silicon and 2:1 clay mineral and its retention of nutrients such as NH 4 + and heavy metals adsorption capacity fell sharply, which results in poor soil fertility and decline in crop safety. In this study, a low-cost synthetic mineral (LCSM), synthesized by mechanochemical treatment of several primary minerals and contains large amounts of available K + , Ca 2＋ , Mg 2 + , Si 4 + and activated mineralogical compositions, was applied to improve the ferrallisols quality. By application of LCSM, the acidity of the ferrallisols was neutralized, the base cations and available Si lacking in ferrallisols were replenished. In addition, kaolinite as the predominant clay mineral in ferrallisols, is vulnerable in the hypersaline with substantial quantities of available K + , Na + , Ca 2＋ , Mg 2 + and Si 4 + provided by LCSM and reducing environment with high amounts of colloidal Fe contributed by ferrallisols and it alters to smectite layers and then reacts to form Fe-rich illite layers. Application of LCSM can not only markedly enhance the pakchoi yield, total N and Vitamin C content but also reduce the accumulation of Cd and Pb in pakchoi. The main mechanism of LCSM on the increase of N utilization efficiency and heavy metal immobilization can be due to the reactive mineral compositions of LCSM, which can immobilize Cd and Pb by precipitation, adsorption, and ion exchange, followed by the newly formed 2:1 type clay mineral in LCSM-amended ferrallisols which can fix the dissolved heavy metal and NH 4 + -N into the interlayers. • Kaolinite in ferrallisols transformed into Fe-smectite layers and then to Fe-rich illite layers after application of LCSM. • Ferrallisols fertility and crops yield were enhanced due to the increase of 2:1 type of clay mineral and mineral nutrients by applying LCSM. • Applying LCSM decreased the accumulation of Cd, Pb and nitrate in pakchoi.

Computation of edge- and vertex-degree-based topological indices for tetrahedral sheets of clay minerals

AbstractIn terms of soil conditions, clay minerals infrequently occur as homogenous mixtures of single constituents, gatherings, stages, or types of minerals. Rather, they contain intricate arrays of essential minerals and rippling intermediates of numerous basic and synergistic mixtures. There is also the possibility that a discrete mineral grain is composed of more than one clay type or has sections that are intermediate amongst two chosen minerals. Such minerals are alluded to as inter-stratified or mixed-layer minerals. The structures of clay minerals are the most researched compound in contemporary materials science. Tetrahedral sheets of clay minerals (TSCM) are one of the most well-known structures concentrated in materials science. QSPR/QSAR of the TSCM compounds requires articulations for the topological characteristic of these substances. Topological descriptors are indispensable gadgets for exploring chemical substances to understand the basic geography or physical properties of such chemical structures. In this article, we determine the edge-vertex-degree and vertex-edge-degree topological indices for TSCM.

Effect of humic acid on lysozyme interaction with montmorillonite and kaolinite

Humic acid (HA) as a soil natural organic matter (NOM) can participate in the interaction between proteins and clay minerals, depending on clay type, HA and protein content, and solution conditions. The effect of HA on the interaction of lysozyme (LSZ) with kaolinite (Kao) and montmorillonite (Mont) was investigated at (initial) pHi 5 and 8. In the solutions containing both HA and LSZ, HA/LSZ complexes were formed with a net charge density depending on pH and HA/LSZ mass ratio f. LSZ adsorption on clays in the presence of HA is dominated by adsorption of HA/LSZ complexes. The HA/LSZ mass ratio (fIEP,pHi) at the isoelectric point (IEP) is pH dependent. At f <fIEP,pHi the HA/LSZ complexes are positively charged and adsorb well to the negatively charged Mont and Kao surface fractions. The adsorption levels on Mont are considerably larger than on Kao, which is mainly due to the much larger area fraction of modestly hydrophobic basal plates of Mont. The presence of HA increased the plateau adsorption of LSZ on Kao and Mont for both pHi values, and the LSZ adsorption increased with increasing HA content and pHi values due to a decreasing mutual repulsion of the bound HA/LSZ complexes. At pHi 8 complications arose for low initial LSZ concentrations, for f <fIEP,pHi the HA/LSZ complexes were only weakly positive and formed dispersed aggregates and for f >fIEP,pHi the HA/LSZ complexes were negative, both conditions caused relatively high equilibrium concentrations of LSZ in solution that decreased with increasing initial LSZ concentration. The present results enhance our insight in protein soil interactions for the case that clay particles are brought in contact with aqueous solutions that contain modest amounts of both NOM and protein and stress the importance of the NOM/protein mass ratio and solution pH.

Soil Responses to High Olive Mill Wastewater Spreading

Olive manufacturing generates the most polluting wastewater. Olive mill wastewater (OMW) contains a large amount of organic and inorganic fractions. Olive-oil-producing countries have investigated several treatments and valorization processes for better management of this waste. The Tunisian government adopted OMW spreading on soil to manage the waste and improve the organic matter in the soil of olive groves. The examination of soil after OMW spreading was set up to assess the physicochemical changes and better comprehend the soil’s responses. An incubation of two types of artificial soil treated with 40 and 80 m3·ha−1 of OMW led to increased organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium contents. The adsorption of the phenolic compounds in soil was dependent on the clay type and was shown by the behavior of the soil composed of bentonite clay. The germination index of tomato and alfalfa seeds recorded a positive test with OMW applied on soil, and it was in relation to the species utilized. This practice seems to be a solution for the management of OMW because it limits the use of chemical fertilizers and might be a convenient source of carbon in organic farming.

Pore Volume Characteristics of Clay-Rich Shale: Critical Insight into the Role of Clay Types, Aluminum and Silicon Concentration

Pore Volume Characteristics of Clay-Rich Shale: Critical Insight into the Role of Clay Types, Aluminum and Silicon Concentration

Like-Charge Attraction at the Nanoscale: Ground-State Correlations and Water Destructuring.

Like-charge attraction, driven by ionic correlations, challenges our understanding of electrostatics both in soft and hard matter. For two charged planar surfaces confining counterions and water, we prove that, even at relatively low correlation strength, the relevant physics is the ground-state one, oblivious of fluctuations. Based on this, we derive a simple and accurate interaction pressure that fulfills known exact requirements and can be used as an effective potential. We test this equation against implicit-solvent Monte Carlo simulations and against explicit-solvent simulations of cement and several types of clays. We argue that water destructuring under nanometric confinement drastically reduces dielectric screening, enhancing ionic correlations. Our equation of state at reduced permittivity therefore explains the exotic attractive regime reported for these materials, even in the absence of multivalent counterions.

Clay 3D printing as a bio-design research tool: development of photosynthetic living building components

Within architecture, microalgae are employed to address sustainability issues and mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This study proposes digital fabrication of ceramic ‘living’ building components as an investigative tool for design conditions. The health of the chlorophyte (green) microalga Chlorella vulgaris was monitored over two-week periods when immobilized in kappa carrageenan and clay binder-based hydrogels, and grown on a range of digitally fabricated ceramic components. The use of 3D printing is presented in relation to laboratory testing of controlled substrate variables including the impact of ceramic firing temperature, component wall thickness, three types of geometry for exploring cell growth, surface patterns to investigate cell migration, internal chamber subdivisions and clay type. The experiments reveal the benefits and limitations of creating micro-ecologies for algae growth through the introduction of geometry variation. In this study, the natural organismal sensing abilities are explored as a means for cell distribution.

Gelation and anomalous viscosity dynamics in aqueous dispersions of synthetic hectorite

Exfoliated clay nanosheets (CNSs) of synthetic hectorite (s-hectorite) have been used for synthesizing advanced functional materials and gels that exhibit high transparency, high mechanical toughness, and many unprecedented characteristics like optical anisotropy, cell harvesting, instant strong adhesion, and self-healing. Therefore, it is important to determine the rheological properties of aqueous s-hectorite dispersions in terms of the CNS microstructures formed in the dispersion. Herein, viscosity changes in aqueous dispersions of s-hectorite were determined using a vibration viscometer to measure viscosity under agitated and static conditions. Upon varying the pH and salt concentration, aqueous dispersions of s-hectorite exhibited a maximum viscosity accompanied by gelation. Additionally, the aqueous dispersion with maximum viscosity exhibited large and complex time-dependent viscosity changes in the static state after cessation of stirring. The anomalous viscosity dynamics depended on the types of clay, acid (salt), temperature, repetitions, and agitation conditions used. The mechanisms for viscosity dynamics have been discussed in terms of variations in the CNS microstructures. It is inferred that anomalous viscosity dynamics are a general phenomenon in multicomponent dispersion systems containing CNSs.

Pottery Making Technique in the Early Islamic Era During the Period (1-4 AH / 7-10 AD) Selected Models in the Civilized Museum of Erbil

Pottery is everything made of clay and grilled with fire. As for the word porcelain, they were used for glazed pottery. Pottery is considered one of the most important artistic crafts that man has practiced since prehistoric times and used for his daily needs such as cooking and storing grains, as well as using it for religious rituals and burial of the dead for ease of formation, but in the Islamic era Pottery and pottery are among the most important industries practiced by the Muslim artist since the dawn of Islam. In the beginning, the Arabs followed the same simple traditional methods that were prevalent in the manufacture of pottery and ceramics in Iraq, Egypt and the Levant. However, these al-Fakhrani took the reins in this industry since the second century AH. They began to innovate and innovate, whether in technology, shapes, or decoration. This study deals with technology and pottery in the early Islamic era during the century (1-4 AH / 7-10 AD). Before, in this research, technology and the pottery industry in the early Islamic era were oriented with a scientific study of the types of clay used in the studied models, then we clarified the most important methods used in the studied pottery, then we clarified the most important methods used in surface treatment of pottery and ceramic models, as well as we touched on the most important errors and damage That appeared on some pottery and ceramic models before and after the process of pride, and finally we talked about the types of rims and the general rules of the models studied.

Methylene blue test and adsorption capacity of clays

This article presents results of experimental measurements focused on an ability of clay to adsorb Methylene Blue dye. This adsorption capacity is determined by a methylene blue test. Adsorption capacity could be a specific characteristics of individual types of clay which are basic component of earth. Therefore, the methylene blue test could be a good method to identify the composition of an unknown earth. Composition of earth is very important for example for final properties of unfired earth structures. The basic common element in all experiments was at least one of the elementary clay minerals (montmorillonite, kaolinite, illite). In the case of adsorption ability measurements, it was determined what is the maximum ability of a given clay to adsorb the Methylene Blue dye. The highest adsorption capacity was determined for montmorillonite clay, lower for kaolinite clay and the lowest for illite clay.

Undrained monotonic and cyclic behavior of a stiff fissured overconsolidated clay

Due to their geological history, highly overconsolidated stiff clays often contain fissures which can induce strength degradation and structural anisotropy. The aim of this paper is to deepen our knowledge on the monotonic and cyclic behavior of this type of clay. For this purpose, a series of laboratory tests on overconsolidated Merville clay samples were carried out to analyze the influence of the fissure orientation and amplitude on its behavior. Clay samples were scanned by X-ray tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to obtain a representation of the structure at the micro scale completed by observations of fissure networks within intact specimens. Specimens tested at the same effective confining pressure had different shear strengths due to the influence of the amount and orientation of pre-existing fissures. The value of the shear strength of horizontally drilled specimens was found higher than that of vertically drilled specimens. This anisotropic behavior was mainly the result of preferential orientation of the fissures within the clayey material. The results of one-way and two-way cyclic tests demonstrated also the strong influence of pre-existing fissures on the cyclic behavior. As for the monotonic shear strength, the cyclic resistance of a fissured clay is mainly governed by the intensity and the orientation of pre-existing fissures within the specimens.

Laboratory Study of High-Resistance Laterite-Based Geopolymer Bricks

A high amount of energy is required to produce different types of clay and sand-lime bricks, and a huge amount of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Also, brick waste from the destruction of dilapidated buildings pollutes the environment. Application of pozzolanic sources containing aluminosilicate and alkaline activators can be beneficial in production of geopolymer bricks, which do not need to be baked in a furnace and can be recycled. A laterite-based geopolymer brick mix design was introduced in this study as an environmental-friendly material. This type of brick is produced using available and cheap raw materials without the need for high furnace heat. The raw materials included laterite soil as aluminosilicate, laterite aggregate filler passed through sieve No. 8 and an alkaline activating solution with different concentrations. The effect of laterite aggregate size on the compressive strength of these brick samples was investigated. The results showed that the compressive strength of the prepared bricks here was much higher than the recommended standards for construction bricks and was similar to those of high-resistance bricks. The size of laterite aggregate had a significant effect on the compressive strength of geopolymer brick samples. The percentage of water absorption of the bricks with different concentrations of alkali activating solution was also within the recommended range for construction bricks.

Experimental investigation on the dynamic volume changes of varied-size pores during shale hydration

In order to improve the seepage channels in shale, soaking operation is often conducted after fracturing to carry out full shale hydration by the fracturing fluid. Previous research has mainly focused on the changes in the overall pore volume of shale due to hydration, but there is a lack of understanding on the volume changes of varied-size pores during the hydration process. In this study, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement method was carried out to obtain the size distribution of the pores in the shale in its unaltered state using ethanol as the saturation medium. Subsequently, through experiments, the shale core was saturated with fracturing fluid, and the dynamic changes in the pore size distribution under hydration were monitored using the low-field NMR technique. In addition, the relationships between the type of clay, the salinity of the fracturing fluid and the volume changes of varied-size pore were analyzed. The results of this study indicate that when the shale and fracturing fluid underwent hydration, the increase in the volumes of varied-size pores was concentrated in a certain pore-size area. This pore -size area was related to the type of clay that the shale contained. There was a strong correlation between the mixed-layer illite-smectite content and the increase in the small meso-pore volume. And the same between the illite content and the increase in the micro-pore volume. The saline fracturing fluid had an inhibitory effect on the shale hydration, mainly in the micro-pore domain. The results of this study is significant to optimize the selection of shale gas reservoirs and fracturing fluids for use in soaking measures.