Dry Mix Slag—High-Calcium Fly Ash Binder. Part Two: Durability

This work investigates durability of cement-free mortars with a binder comprised of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) activated by high-calcium fly ash (HCFA) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3): the soundness, sulfate resistance, alkali-silica reactivity and efflorescence factors are considered. Results of tests show that such mortars are resistant to alkali-silica expansion. Mortars are also sulfate-resistant when the amount of HCFA in the complex binder is within a limit of 10 wt%. The fineness of fly ash determines its’ ability to activate GGBFS hydration, and influence soundness of the binder, early strength development, sulfate resistance and efflorescence behavior. The present article is a continuation of authors’ work, previously published in MSA, Vol. 14, 240-254.

New Flexible Electrospun PET/TiO2 Composite Photoanode Layer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, DSSCs, and Its Photovoltaic Performances

Flexible polymer-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer promising potential for lightweight, cost-effective and versatile photovoltaic applications. However, the critical challenge in their widespread applications is the weak thermal stability of most polymeric substrates, which can only withstand a maximum temperature processing of 150˚C. In this study, a facile and low-cost strategy is proposed to develop at low temperature DSSC flexible photoanode based on a polymeric matrix. Highly porous nanocomposites fibrous mats composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanobars were prepared through an electrospinning process using different configurations (uniaxial electrospinning, coaxial electrospinning, and electrospray-assisted electrospinning). These techniques enabled precise control of the microstructure and the positioning of TiO2 within the composite nanofibers. Therefore, the as-produced photoanodes were loaded with N719 dye and tested in DSSC prototype using iodide-triiodide electrolyte and platinum (Pt) coated counter electrode. The results show that incorporating TiO2 on the fiber surface through the electrospray-assisted electrospinning enhanced the performance of the nanofiber composite, leading to improved dye loading capacity, electron transfer efficiency and photovoltaic performance.

Unleashing the Potential of Unidirectional Mechanical Materials: Breakthroughs and Promising Applications

The emergence of mechanically one-way materials presents an exciting opportunity for materials science and engineering. These substances exhibit unique nonreciprocal mechanical responses, enabling them to selectively channel mechanical energy and facilitate directed sound propagation, controlled mass transport, and concentration of mechanical energy amidst random motion. This article explores the fundamentals of mechanically one-way materials, their potential applications across various industries, and the economic and environmental considerations related to their production and use.

Thermomechanical Characterization of Laterite Matrix Reinforced with Typha Material for Thermal Insulation in Building

Every person, in every country and on every continent, will be affected in one way or another by climate change. A climate cataclysm is looming on the horizon due to greenhouse gas emissions. This explains a strong demand for air conditioning in the years to come, hence the need for good thermal insulation at a lower cost. However, a policy of prevention, adaptation, and resilience is necessary for the protection of the environment in the future. This work aims to respond to the United Nations SDGs 7, 11 and 13. This paper presents the results of thermomechanical characterizations of the Typha additive (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) in laterite matrices. First, we carried out a thermal characterization using the asymmetric hot plane method, which led to thermal conductivity and effusivity in different proportions. Next, mechanical tests were carried out to determine the traction and compression of each material with a matest press. Those which made it possible to obtain results according to the percentage for the thermal tests: a conductivity varying between 0.7178 W/m·K to 0.0597 W/m·K and an effusivity varying between 942.5392 J/m2·K·s1/2 at 287.0855 J/m2·K·s1/2 and for mechanical tests: traction varying between 0.035 MPa to 0.034 MPa and compression varying between 0.1115 MPa to 0.0805 MPa for the different samples. The exploitation of the results allowed us to study the conductivity, effusivity, traction, and compression as a function of their densities.

Effect of Nanostructures Addition and Enhancement of Poly (Vinylidene Difluoride) (PVDF) Energy Harvesting

With concerns in energy crisis and global warming, researchers are actively investigating alternative energy renewable solutions. Among the various methods, piezoelectric transduction stands out due to its impressive electromechanical coupling factor and coefficient. As a result, piezoelectric energy harvesting has garnered significant attention from the scientific community. In this study, we explored methods to enhance the piezoelectric properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) through two distinct approaches. The first approach involved applying external high voltages at various stages during the mixture reaction. The goal was to determine whether this voltage application could alter or enhance PVDF’s piezoelectric conformation by improving the alignment of polarized dipoles. In the second part of our study, we investigated the effects of incorporating various nanostructures (including Iron Oxide, Magnesium Oxide, and Zinc Oxide) into PVDF. To analyze changes in PVDF’s crystalline structure, we utilized Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. Additionally, we measured the electric polarization of samples using a Precision LC Meter and examined the morphology of nanofibers through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Physical and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials Based on Raw Earth and Crushed Palm Leaf Fibers (Borassus aethiopum)

The objective of this study is to seek solutions to reduce the impact of buildings on climate change and to promote the use of local bio-sourced or geo-sourced materials for sustainable construction. Different samples of raw earth from 3 sites were taken in the commune of Mlomp. Geotechnical tests showed that the raw earth samples from sites 2 and 3 have more clay fraction while site 1 contains more sand. The fact of integrating fibers from crushed palm leaves (Borassus aethiopum) (2%, 4% and 6%) into the 3 raw earth samples reduced the mechanical resistance to compression and traction of the 3 raw earths. The experimental results of thermal tests on samples of earth mixtures with crushed Palma leaf fibers show a decrease in thermal conductivity as well as thermal effusivity as the percentages increase (2%, 4% and 6%) of fibers in raw earth for the 3 sites. This shows that this renewable composite material can help improve the thermal insulation of building envelopes.

Development of Morus alba Reinforced Poly-Lactic Acid with Elevated Mechanical and Thermal Properties

This research investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of Morus alba combined with polylactic acid in comparison with other natural fibers. The study uses three different fiber and PLA compositions - 20%, 30%, and 40% respectively - to produce composite materials. In addition, another composite with the same fiber volume is treated with a 4% NaOH solution to improve mechanical properties. The composites are processed by twin-screw extrusion, granulation, and injection molding. Tensile strength measurements of raw fibers and NaOH-treated fibers were carried out using a single-fiber tensile test with a gauge length of 40 mm. It was observed that the NaOH surface treatment increases the resistance against tensile loading and exhibited improved properties for raw fiber strands. The diameter of the fibers was measured using optical microscopy. During this research, flexural tests, impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and heat deflection temperature measurements (HDT) were conducted to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composite samples. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of NaOH-treated Morus alba-reinforced polylactic acid outperform both virgin PLA samples and untreated Morus alba samples.

The Influence of Carbon Nanotubes and Nano-Silica Fume on Enhancing the Damping and Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Materials

This paper conducted experimental studies on the damping and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube-nanosilica-cement composite materials with different carbon nanotube contents. The damping and mechanical properties enhancement mechanisms were analyzed and compared through the porosity structure test, XRD analysis, and scanning electron microscope observation. The results show that the introduction of nanosilica significantly improves the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in the cement matrix. At the same time, the addition of nanosilica not only effectively reduces the critical pore size and average pore size of the cement composite material, but also exhibits good synergistic effects with carbon nanotubes, which can significantly optimize the pore structure. Finally, a rationalization suggestion for the co-doping of nanosilica and carbon nanotubes was given to achieve a significant increase in the flexural strength, compressive strength and loss factor of cement-based materials.

Study of the Influence of Clay in the Degradation of Methylene Blue by Photo-Fenton Process

Industrial effluents from textile, tannery or printing activities often have a significant pollutant load composed of dyes that are difficult to biodegrade. These dyes pose a threat to the environment. To overcome this problem, various processes have been developed to eliminate these dyes in wastewater before their release into nature. Conventional biological or physical processes most often prove to be ineffective and expensive. It is therefore necessary to resort to other processes such as advanced oxidation processes (POA). This work therefore focuses on the study of the influence of clay in the degradation of Methylene Blue by the photo-Fenton process which is one of the advanced oxidation processes (POA), with the source of irradiation, natural light. To do this, two clays from Côte d’Ivoire referenced AB and Aga were the subject of a physicochemical and mineralogical characterization. The results showed that Aga clay is composed of 75.43% quartz, 12.72% kaolinite, 8.75% illite and 3.12% goethite and AB clay consists of 61, 36% kaolinite, 28.6% quartz and 10.10% illite. Under natural light irradiation the optimal amounts of Fenton reagents (iron: 10 mg;H2O2: 0.1 mL) were determined. Finally, the addition of clay to the photo-Fenton process made it possible to improve the degradation of the pollutant (Methylene Blue). Indeed, the yield increased from 92% for the photo-Fenton process to 98.43% with the addition of AB clay and 98.13% for the addition of Aga clay. The results of the degradation kinetics clearly show that the degradation follows the pseudo-second order kinetics with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99.

Study of the Effect of Acetic Acid and Phosphate on Copper Corrosion by Immersion Tests

It was reported that hemispheric corrosion occurred in copper tubes in an acetic acid environment. When hemispheric corrosion occurred, corrosion could easily progress if water then flowed into the copper pipe, and countermeasures were needed. Therefore, we studied the copper corrosion caused by acetic acid. The present work investigated the relationship between the corrosion form of copper and acetic acid concentration using phosphorous-deoxidized copper, and reported that hemispherical corrosion was observed at acetic acid concentrations of 0.01 to 1 vol.% (0.002 to 0.2 mol·L-1) in the immersion test. In this study, the effects of acetic acid and phosphate on copper corrosion were examined using oxygen-free copper in immersion tests. The results suggested that different concentrations of phosphate in acetic acid solutions and the presence or absence of acetic acid and phosphate affected the corrosion of copper, resulting in different corrosion forms and corrosion progress.

Development and Characterization of Calcium Based Biocomposites Using Waste Material (Calcite Stones) for Biomedical Applications

Calcium-based biocomposite materials have a pivotal role in the biomedical field with their diverse properties and applications in combating challenging medical problems. The study states the development and characterization of Calcium-based biocomposites: Hydroxyapatite (HAP), and PVA-Gelatin-HAP films. For the preparation of Calcium-based biocomposites, an unconventional source, the waste material calcite stone, was used as calcium raw material, and by the process of calcination, calcium oxide was synthesized. From calcium oxide, HAP was prepared by chemical precipitation method, which was later added in different proportions to PVA-Gelatin solution and finally dried to form biocomposite films. Then the different properties of PVA/Gelatin/HAP composite, for instance, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and swelling properties due to the incorporation of various proportions of HAP in PVA-Gelatin solution, were investigated. The characterization of the HAP was conducted by X-ray Diffraction Analysis, and the characterization of HAP-PVA-Gelatin composites was done by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermomechanical Analysis, Tensile test, Thermogravimetric Differential Thermal Analysis, and Swelling Test. The produced biocomposite films might have applications in orthopedic implants, drug delivery, bone tissue engineering, and wound healing.

Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Some Sn-Zn Based Lead-Free Quinary Alloys

Although there are many lead-free soldering alloys on the market, none of them have ideal qualities. The researchers are combining binary alloys with a variety of additional materials to create the soldering alloys’ features. The eutectic Sn-9Zn alloy is among them. This paper investigated the mechanical and electrical properties of Sn-9Zn-x (Ag, Cu, Sb);{x = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6} lead-free solder alloys. The mechanical properties such as elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and ductility were examined at the strain rates in a range from 4.17 10−3 s−1 to 208.5 10−3 s−1 at room temperature. It is found that increasing the content of the alloying elements and strain rate increases the elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength while the ductility decreases. The electrical conductivity of the alloys is found to be a little smaller than that of the Sn-9Zn eutectic alloy.

Indirect Electroanalysis of 3-Methyl-4-Nitrophenol in Water Using Carbon Fiber Microelectrode Modified with Nickel Tetrasulfonated Phthalocyanine Complex

Electrochemical detection of 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (MNP) in direct phenol oxidation occurs at high potentials and generally leads to progressive passivation of the electrochemical sensor. This study describes the use of a carbon fiber microelectrode modified with a tetrasulfonated nickel phthalocyanine complex for the detection of MNP at a lower potential than that of direct phenol oxidation. The MNP voltammogram showed the presence of an anodic peak at -0.11 V vs SCE, corresponding to the oxidation of the hydroxylamine group generated after the reduction of the nitro group. The effect of buffer pH on the peak current and SWV parameters such as frequency, scan increment, and pulse amplitude were studied and optimized to have better electrochemical response of the proposed sensor. With these optimal parameters, the calibration curve shows that the peak current varied linearly as a function of MNP concentration, leading to a limit of detection (LoD) of 1.1 μg/L. These results show an appreciable sensitivity of the sensor for detecting the MNP at relatively low potentials, making it possible to avoid passivation phenomena.

Preparation of Durable Antibacterial Polyester Fabrics by Grafting with the Natural Quaternary Ammonium Compound Betaine

Recently, the textile industry has increasingly advocated for natural resource-based healthcare textiles. This research presents a facile and eco-friendly approach to developing durable antibacterial polyester fabrics. Polyester fabric was first subjected to an alkaline hydrolysis to impart hydroxyl groups on the fiber surface. A natural antibacterial agent, betaine, was then covalently bonded to the hydrolyzed polyester fiber surface through esterification. XPS, Raman, SEM, and Wicking measurements were carried out to verify the esterification reaction. Antibacterial tests confirmed that betaine treatment grafted polyester fabrics revealed a remarkable antibacterial effect with inhibition rates > 99.9% against both E. coli and S. aureus and still remained inhibition rates of up to 91.5% against both bacteria after home washing for 20 cycles. Moreover, the modification significantly increased the capillary effect of polyester fabric but did not cause apparent adverse effects on the fabric’s hand or tensile strength. Overall, this grafting strategy for durable, antibacterial polyester fabric represents a significant practicality in the textile industry.

Superplasticized vs. Conventional Concrete: A Comparative Review

The global awareness and utilization of superplasticizers (SPs) in concrete have significantly contributed to developing resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Despite this, many developing nations face limited adoption of SPs in construction practices due to a lack of knowledge. This study provides a concise overview of concrete’s mechanical and durability properties, comparing formulations with and without superplasticizers. The focus is on compressive and flexural strengths, modulus of elasticity, water sorptivity, and chloride penetration. The results underscore the considerable improvement in both mechanical and durability properties when SPs are incorporated. The study recommends the widespread use of SPs, particularly in developing countries, to enhance the longevity of concrete structures.

Dental Post Based on Epoxy Resin/Zirconium Phosphate Composite Aiming Prosthetic Dentistry

The aim of this research was to develop an intrarradicular dental post based on epoxy resin/nano zirconium phosphate composite with potential appli-cation in prosthetic dentistry. Zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoparticle was synthesized by a reaction between phosphoric acid (H3PO4) and zirconium (IV) oxide chloride 8-hydrate (ZrOCl2·8H2O) and applied as filler. Commer-cial epoxy resin and hardener were used as polymer matrix. The composites were prepared at different proportions of epoxy resin/hardener, filler amount, reaction time and temperature. Infrared revealed that degree of conversion decreased with amount of ZrP. Insoluble matter was upper than 97%. Thermogravimetry indicated two steps of degradation. The best values of flexural modulus and flexural strength were achieved for the post desig-nated as 1:0.25:0.25. Laser scanning confocal microscopy suggested that the morphology of the posts fractured surface varied according to epoxy-resin:hardener ratio and the ZrP amount. From atomic force micros-copy, the topographic view exposed the shape and size of ZrP particles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy indicated good adhesion between epoxy resin matrix-ZrP and that the pres-ence of phosphate rendered brittle the fracture surface.

Evaluation of Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 Cord Fabrics for Scooter Tyre Production under Different Curing Conditions

Cord fabric is a critical material used in the manufacture of tyres and various composite materials to increase durability and strength. The tyre consists of many layers of cord fabric, with each layer being referred to as a cord ply. These layers are strategically positioned within the tyre’s internal structure, particularly in the tread and sidewall areas, to improve handling, durability and impact resistance. The cord fabric also serves a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of the tyre, ensuring that it retains its contour and resists deformations under different operating conditions. This study discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using Nylon 6 (NY6) and Nylon 66 (NY66) cord fabrics in scooter tire production, with a focus on their mechanical behavior under varying curing temperatures and pressures. It was observed that while the curing time for both NY6 and NY66 remained consistent across different platen temperatures and pressures, their mechanical properties showed significant differences. NY6, known for its flexibility and impact resistance, exhibited greater changes in cord-breaking strength and elongation with increasing temperature, showing a marked decrease in breaking strength at higher temperatures. In contrast, NY66 maintained better stability and performance under similar conditions.

Development and Characterization of Hybrid Film Made of Hydroxyapatite, Poly Vinyl Alcohol and Gelatin for Biomedical Application

In the recent research field of bone tissue engineering, polymeric materials play an implacable role in mimes the natural behavior of hard and soft tissues. In some medical conditions such as diabetics, osteoarthritis, burns, or joint replacement conditions, this polymeric materials implication enhances the internal mechanical activities which result in the early recovery of disease by facilitating the wound healing process. In this study, hybrid films have been synthesized based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin, and gelatin with glycerin incorporated with different concentrations of pre-prepared hydroxyapatite (HAP) by solution casting method at room temperature in biosafety cabinet. Glutaraldehyde has been added as a crosslinker in this whole procedure. The mechanical property, swelling, and porosity percentage have been conducted to characterize the structural stability of the synthesized hybrid films. Porosity and swelling of samples are also represented by proper biocompatibility (>90% porosity and swelling in DDW and PBF vary between 287%~72%). Tensile strength (TS), E modulus (Young’s modulus), Elongation at maximum, and Elongation at break are observed to perceive the mechanical properties of hybrid film samples, which are compatible with mechanical properties of different tissue such as trabecular bone, articular cartilage, tendon, nerve and skin tissue. Though, biocompatibility tests both in vivo and in vitro are essential for clinical application in the future. However, the experiment carried out till now explains the true possibility of newly synthesized hybrid films for long-term drug delivery directly on wound sites for wound healing and burn dressing patients in head-neck surgery reconstruction, diabetic gangrene foot, as well as cartilage or joint replacement therapy.

Dependence of Lower Molding Temperature Limit and Molding Time on Molding Mechanism in Dental Thermoforming

Effectiveness and safety of a sports mouthguard depend on its thickness and material, and the thermoforming process affects these. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of differences in molding mechanisms on the lower molding temperature limit and molding time in dental thermoforming. Ethylene vinyl acetate resin mouthguard sheet and two thermoforming machines;vacuum blower molding machine and vacuum ejector/pressure molding machine were used. The molding pressures for suction molding were −0.018 MPa for vacuum blower molding and −0.090 MPa for vacuum ejector molding, and for pressure molding was set to 0.090 MPa or 0.450 MPa. Based on the manufacturer’s standard molding temperature of 95˚C, the molding temperature was lowered in 2.5˚C increments to determine the lower molding temperature limit at which no molding defects occurred. In order to investigate the difference in molding time depending on the molding mechanism, the duration of molding pressure was adjusted in each molding machine, and the molding time required to obtain a sample without molding defects was measured. The molding time of each molding machine were compared using one-way analysis of variance. The lower molding temperature limit was 90.0˚C for the vacuum blower machine, 77.5˚C for the vacuum ejector machine, 77.5˚C for the pressure molding machine at 0.090 MPa, and 67.5˚C for the pressure molding machine at 0.45 MPa. The lower molding temperature limit was higher for lower absolute values of molding pressure. The molding time was shorter for pressure molding than for suction molding. Significant differences were observed between all conditions except between the pressure molding machine at 0.090 MPa and 0.45 MPa (P < 0.01). A comparison of the differences in lower molding temperature limit and molding time due to molding mechanisms in dental thermoforming revealed that the lower molding temperature limit depends on the molding pressure and that the molding time is longer for suction molding than for pressure molding.

Evaluation of the Inhibitory Gel Aloe vera against Corrosion of Reinforcement Concrete in NaCl Medium

Most reinforced concrete structures in seaside locations suffer from corrosion damage to the reinforcement, limiting their durability and necessitating costly repairs. To improve their performance and durability, we have investigated in this paper Aloe vera extracts as a green corrosion inhibitor for reinforcing steel in NaCl environments. Using electrochemical methods (zero-intensity chronopotentiometry, Tafel lines and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), this experimental work investigated the effect of these Aloe vera (AV) extracts on corrosion inhibition of concrete reinforcing bar (HA, diameter 12mm) immersed in a 0.5M NaCl solution. The results show that Aloe vera extracts have an average corrosion-inhibiting efficacy of around 86% at an optimum concentration of 20%.