Properties and Characterization of Two Clays Raw Material from Mountain District (West of Côte d’Ivoire) for Use in Low-Carbon Cements

This work was devoted to the study of the physico-chemical properties of two clay minerals from the Mountain District (West Côte d'Ivoire) referenced ME1 and ME2. These samples were characterized by the experimental techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetry (DTA-TG), Brunauer, Emett and Teller method (BET), laser particle size analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The main results of these analyses reveal that the two clay samples mainly contain quartz (52.91% for ME1 and 51.72% for ME2), kaolinite (36.60% for ME1 and 41.6% for ME2) and associated phases, namely goethite and hematite (13.47% for ME1 and 11.00% for ME2). The specific surface values obtained for samples ME1 and ME2 are 34.78 m2/g and 29.18 m2/g respectively. The results obtained show that the samples studied belong to the kaolinite family. After calcination, they could have good pozzolanic activity and therefore be used in the manufacture of low-carbon cements.

Formulation of Geopolymer Cements from Two Clays Containing Kaolinite and Muscovite: Effect of Temperature on the Physicomechanical Properties of the Products

The paper talks about the elaboration of geopolymer with two types of kaolinite clays containing muscovite. The kaolinite materials were first calcined at different temperatures, and mixed with an activator solution, called liquid precursor, at a different solid/liquid mass ratio depending on their normal consistency to produce geopolymer binders. Results show that the geopolymer products obtained from the different clays have good physichomechanical properties: their open porosity and their water absorption rate decrease while their compressive strength and their apparent density increase with the increase in calcination temperature of the clays. The density of GABD binders varies between 2.92 and 2.47 g/cm3 and that of GARD binders between 1.86 and 2.16 g/cm3. Specimens in the GABD series have the best mechanical performance, ranging from 14.43 to 31.37 MPa, while those in the GARD series oscillate between 6.18 and 11.56 MPa. These properties make kaolinite materials from this region suitable for use as construction materials for adequate waterproof structures.

Influence of nanosized magnesia on the hydration of borehole-sealing cements prepared using different methods

Gas drainage is an efective technology for gas control in coal mines.A high borehole-sealing quality is the fundamental precondition for efcient gas drainage.The expansibilities of cement pastes used in borehole-sealing processes are critical for the borehole-sealing efect.Nanosized magnesia expansive agents are used to improve the expansibilities of cement pastes and improve the borehole-sealing efect.Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy were adopted to study the efects of nanosized magnesia on the hydration of borehole-sealing cements used with diferent preparation methods.The results showed that an increase in the mass fraction of the nanosized magnesia promoted cement hydration,and the mass fraction was positively correlated with the promotion efect.The use of diferent preparation methods did not change the water-phase distribution in the cement.When using the wet-mixing preparation method,nanosized magnesia promoted the induction,acceleration,and deceleration periods of hydration;when using the dry-mixing preparation method,the nanosized magnesia promoted the induction period of cement hydration,and the promotion efect was less obvious than that seen when using the wet-mixing method.When using the wet-mixing preparation method,the nanosized magnesia was uniformly dispersed,thus enlarging the surface area of the reaction,which provided more nucleation sites for the hydration products of the cement and therefore accelerated the hydration reaction.When using the dry-mixing preparation method,the nanosized magnesia powders were dispersed nonuniformly and aggregated.Under these conditions,only a few nanosized magnesia particles on the surfaces of the aggregated clusters took part in hydration,so only a small number of nucleation sites were provided for the hydration products of cement.This led to inconsistent hydration of cement pastes prepared using the dry-mixing method.The surface porosity of the cement prepared with the wet-mixing preparation method frst decreased and then increased with increases in the mass fraction of the nanosized magnesia.The cement surface exhibited compact hydration products and few pores,and the surface was relatively smooth.In comparison,the surface porosity of the cement prepared using the dry-mixing method fuctuated with increasing mass fraction of the nanosized magnesia,resulting in a rough cement surface and microfractures on some surfaces.The two preparation methods both reduced the surface porosity of the cement.The wet-mixing preparation was more efective and consistent in improving the compactness of the cement than the dry-mixing preparation.These results provide important guidance on the addition of nanosized magnesia in borehole-sealing engineering and the selection of cement preparation methods,and they also lay a solid foundation for realizing safe and efcient gas drainage.

Degradation of chemical and mechanical properties of cements with different formulations in CO_(2)-containing HTHP downhole environment

The increasing energy demand has pushed oil and gas exploration and development limits to extremely challenging and harsher HTHP (High Temperature and High Pressure) environments. Maintaining wellbore integrity in these environments, particularly in HPHT reservoirs with corrosive gases, presents a significant challenge. Robust risk evaluation and mitigation strategies are required to address these reservoirs' safety, economic, and environmental uncertainties. This study investigates chemo-mechanical properties degradations of class G oil well cement blended with silica fume, liquid silica, and latex when exposed to high temperature (150 °C) and high partial pressure of CO_(2) saturated brine. The result shows that these admixtures surround the cement grains and fill the interstitial spaces between the cement particles to form a dense crystal system of C–S–H. Consequently, the cement's percentage of pore voids, permeability, and the content of alkali compounds reduce, resulting in increased resistance to CO_(2) corrosion. Liquid silica, a specially prepared silica suspension, is a more effective alternative to silica fume in protecting oil well cement against CO_(2) chemical degradation. Micro-indentation analysis shows a significant deterioration in the mechanical properties of the cement, including average elastic modulus and hardness, particularly in the outer zones in direct contact with corrosive fluids. This study highlights the significance of incorporating admixtures to mitigate the effects of CO_(2) corrosion in HPHT environments and provides a valuable technique for quantitatively evaluating the mechanical-chemical degradation of cement sheath.

Calcium phosphate cements for bone engineering and their biological properties

Calcium phosphate cements （CPCs） are frequently used to repair bone defects. Since their discovery in the 1980s, extensive research has been conducted to improve their properties, and emerging evidence supports their increased application in bone tissue engineering. Much effort has been made to enhance the biological performance of CPCs, including their biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity, biodegradability, bioactivity, and interactions with cells. This review article focuses on the major recent developments in CPCs, including 3D printing, injectability, stem cell delivery, growth factor and drug delivery, and pre- vascularization of CPC scaffolds via co-culture and tri-culture techniques to enhance angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

Long-term Antibacterial Properties and Bond Strength of Experimental Nano Silver-containing Orthodontic Cements

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long time antibacterial properties and shear bond strength of experimental nano silver-containing cements （NSC）. Nano silver base inorganic antibacterial powder was added to the reinforced glass ionomer cement at five different weight ratios to obtain a series of nano silver-containing cements, then the antibacterial properties of three orthodontic cement products and five NSC samples were evaluated by the direct contact test （DCT） and the agar diffusion test （ADT）. The DCT, which was based on turbidness determination of bacterial growth in 96-well microtiter plates, was performed in both fresh and aged for 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks tested materials. The shear bond strengthes of three orthodontic cement products and five NSC samples were examined using a universal testing machine. The ADT results indicated that there were no significant differences between NSCs and ORTHO LC fresh specimens. In the DCT experiment, all fresh silver nanoparticles-containing tested samples presented powerful antibacterial properties, but they gradually lost the effective antimicrobial agents with the extension of aging time. Finally, none of the tested materials maintained its antibacterial property after aging for 8 weeks. A gradually decreasing trend of bond strength presented with the increasing incorporation of nano silver base inorganic antibacterial powder into the glass ionomer cement, even though all the tested material specimens reached the ideal bond strength range. We may conclude that NSCs can contribute to decrease the demineralization rate around brackets without compromising bond strength.

REINFORCEMENT OF CALCIUM PHOSPHATE CEMENTS WITH PHOSPHORYLATED CHITIN

Phosphorylated chitins (P-chitins) as the additives of calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) were prepared by the phosphorylation of chitin with phosphorus pentoxide in methanesulfonic acid. Their physical properties and effects on CPCs from monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) and calcium oxide (CaO) or dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2)] were investigated. Addition of P-chitin (M-w = 2.60 x 10(4); degree of substitution, DS = 0.68) to the liquid phase in amounts up to 3 wt.% for MCPM and CaO cements or 1.5 wt.% for DCPD and Ca(OH)(2) cements could enhance the mechanical strength considerably, while little influence on the setting time was observed. However, further addition of P-chitin will cause no setting.

Immediate and delayed micro-tensile bond strength of different luting resin cements to different regional dentin

We sought to evaluate immediate and delayed micro-tensile bond strength of Panavia F2.0 and Multilink Sprint resin cement to superficial, deep and cervical dentin. Thirty-six freshly extracted non-carious human molars were sectioned in the mesiodistal direction to expose three different dentin regions including superficial dentin （1 mm below the dentine-enamel junction）, deep dentin （1 mm above the highest pulp horn） and cervical dentin （0.5 mm above the cemento-enamel junction and 0.5 mm below the dentine-enamel junction）. Resin cements were applied on dentin surfaces and composite blocks were luted under constant seating pressure. Each group was divided into three subgroups according to time intervals. Specimens were sectioned to obtain sticks of 1 mm2 in diameter and subjected to microtensile bond strength testing at a cross head speed of 1 mrn/min. Both resin cements showed higher micro-tensile bond strength to superficial dentin than that to deep or cervical dentin （P 〈 0.001）. Micro-ten- sile bond strengths of Panavia F2.0 were higher than those of Multilink Sprint at different dentin regions （P 〈 0.001）. Immediate ＂micro-tensile bond strengths were higher than those of delayed micro-tensile bond strengths for both resin cements （P 〈 0.001）. It was concluded that resin cements with different chemical formulations and applications yield significantly different micro-tensile bond strengths to different dentin regions.

Selective dissolution of eodiagenesis cements and its impact on the quality evolution of reservoirs in the Xing＇anling Group,Suderte Oil Field, Hailar Basin, China

Reservoirs in the Xing＇anling Group in the Suderte Oil Field,Hailar Basin exhibit ultra-low to low permeability and high tuffaceous material content.This study comprehensively analyzed diagenesis and quality evolution of these low-permeability reservoirs using thin sections,SEM samples,rock physical properties,pore water data,as well as geochemical numerical simulations.Calcite and analcite are the two main types of cements precipitated in the eodiagenetic stage at shallow burial depths in the reservoirs.These two cements occupied significant primary intergranular pores and effectively retarded deep burial compaction.Petrography textures suggest selective dissolution of massive analcite and little dissolution of calcite in the mesodiagenetic stage.Chemical calculations utilizing the Geochemist＇s Workbench 9.0indicated that the equilibrium constant of the calcite leaching reaction is significantly smaller than that of the analcite leaching reaction,resulting in extensive dissolution of analcite rather than calcite in the geochemical system with both minerals present.Numerical simulations with constraints of kinetics and pore water chemistry demonstrated that the pore water in the Xing＇anling group is saturated with respect to calcite,but undersaturated with analcite,leading to dissolution of large amounts of analcite and no dissolution of calcite.Significant secondary intergranular pores have formed in analcite-cemented reservoirs from selective dissolution of analcite in the mesodiagenetic stage;the analcite dissolution formed preferential flow paths in the reservoirs,which promoted feldspar dissolution;and dissolution of such minerals led to the present reservoirs with medium porosity and low permeability.Calcite-cemented tight reservoirs have not experienced extensive dissolution of cements,so they exhibit ultra-low porosity and permeability.

Antibacterial Properties of Nano Silver-containing Orthodontic Cements in the Rat Caries Disease Model

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of experimental nano silver-containing cements（NSCs） using rat caries disease model. Nano silver base inorganic antibacterial powder was added to the reinforced glass ionomer cement at three different weight ratios to obtain a series of nano silver-containing cements, then two orthodontic cement products and three NSC samples were implanted into rat caries disease model, and their antibacterial properties were evaluated by the scanning electron microscope（SEM）. Moreover, the rat caries disease model were established by inoculating cariogenic bacteria S mutans into antibiotics treated rat mouths and feeding with cariogenic diet. The tested materials were bonded on the surface of the buccal half crowns of the upper fi rst premolar, and then fi xed under the rats＇ front teeth lingual side to acquire enough retention. The SEM results indicated that the growth of streptococcus mutans was very active in group of Transbond XT. One month later, S mutans scattered on the GC Fuji ORTHO LC surface, and then the number signifi cantly increased and arranged in chains after three months. In groups of NSC2, NSC3 and NSC4, the number of S mutans presented the downward trend and tended to disperse individually with the increase of silver nanoparticle content. We may conclude that the incorporation of silver nanoparticle enhanced GC Fuji ORTHO LC the adhesion restrain and killing effect to S mutans.

Anti-biofilm Effect of Glass Ionomer Cements Incorporated with Chlorhexidine and Bioactive Glass

The effect of glass ionomer cement and resin-modified glass ionomer cement incorporated with chlorhexidine and bioactive glass on antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties were investigated. The experimental results showed that groups incorporated with 1% chlorhexidine exhibited a significant reduction of optical density values of the bacterial suspension and increased the degradation of Streptococcus mutans biofilm. However, groups incorporated with 10% bioactive glass did not affect the optical density values and the biofilm formation. The mechanical properties of the materials and the polymerization were not influenced by the addition of chlorhexidine. Nevertheless, the compressive strength was lower when the materials were incorporated with bioactive glass. It can be concluded that glass ionomer cements incorporated with chlorhexidine can maintain its mechanical properties as well as reduce early S mutans biofilm formation. Controlled release/sustained release technology may be required to optimize the antibacterial activity of glass ionomer cements incorporated with bioactive glass.

Mechanical Behaviour of Composite Bioactive Bone Cements Consisting of Two Different Types of Surface Treated Hydroxyapatite as Filler

Bioactive bone cements based on a paste-paste system for orthopaedic applications were developed consisting of hydroxyapatite （ HA ） filler panicles in a methacrylate matrix comprising urethane dimethacrylate （ UDMA ） and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate （ TEGDMA ）. To improve the interface between inorganic filler and organic matrix the HA panicles were subjected to two different surface treatment methods, using polyacrylic acid （PAA） and γ-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane （γMPS）. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of surface treatment and the inclusion of multifunctional methacrylates on the mechanical properties, namely 3-point flexural strength （FS） and fracture toughness of the cements and the effect of ageing in simulated body fluid. Comparing the mechanical properties of the two cements, the γMPS- HA cement showed that the fracture toughness of the experimental bone cements were significantly greater （ p 〈 0.001） compared to that of the PMMA cement, whereas PAA-HA containing cement had strength vollues around 20% lower. Interestingly, PAA was found to be more effective in improving the interface as the PAA treated HA cement （ UTHAPPA ） maintained its strength on immersion in SBF, suggesting that PAA provided a coupling, which was less sensitive to moisture, a similar trend was also observed with the inclusion of the carboxyl containing multifunctional methacrylates.

An <i>in Vitro</i>Study of Microleakage Comparing Total-Etch with Bonding Resin and Self-Etch Adhesive Luting Cements for All-Ceramic Crowns

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the dye leakage present following cementation of all-ceramic crowns with 7 currently used cements to compare total-etch (TE) with dentine bonding agent (DBA) and self-etch (SE) systems. Methods: Forty-two Authentic? crowns were fabricated and cemented onto extracted human teeth using 7 currently available cements (2 two-stage adhesives (TE + DBA): Panavia 21 Kuraray;Paracore, Coltene Whaledent and 5 all-in-one adhesives (SE): MaxCem Kerr;Panavia F2.0 Kuraray;RelyX Unicem 3MEspe;seT SDI). Following storage in water and thermal cycling, the teeth were exposed to dye, sectioned and examined under confocal microscopy. Leakage was determined by two blinded examiners and scoring was carried out on a scale of 0 - 8 per tooth (0 = no leakage, 8 complete leakage across the section). One overall reading was obtained per tooth with 6 teeth per material. Results: The results showed a wide range of scores between the different cements. Only a few specimens which used TE + DBA showed slight marginal leakage: Paracore (mean score 0 ± 0) and Panavia 21 (0.3 ± 0.5). The majority of specimens using SE showed leakage: RelyX Unicem (0.8 ± 0.8), SmartCem (1.7 ± 2.1), MaxCem (3.2 ± 1.7), Panavia F2.0 (4.5 ± 2.4) then seT (5.2 ± 2.5). Statistical analysis was carried out showing that Paracore and Panavia 21 were significantly less prone to leakage than MaxCem, (P = 0.002) and seT (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, the choice of luting cement is important in reducing dye leakage. This study strongly favours the use of a TE with separate adhesive system placed prior to the composite luting resin.

Cooperation Cements Sino-Russian Relations

At the first "no-necktie" summit held between China and Russia in November1998, the two heads of state coordinated their stands on their bilateral relationsas well as the basic trend of the world development at the turn of the century andreached a consensus on the prospect of promoting the long-term strategy of mutualcooperation. Agreement was also produced on a series of major international issues,such as advancement of multi-polarization, advantages and disadvantages of eco-

Calcium Silicate Cements Application in Lateral Root Perforation Repair: A Case Report with 16-Month Follow-Up

Lateral root perforations are unfortunate procedures during endodontic treatment and often lead to tooth extraction. Conditioning factors such as time, size, location, inappropriate disinfection and sealing, are indispensable to achieve acceptable long-term outcomes. Calcium silicate cements are bioactive materials used for perforation repair. They can be set in moist environments such as blood, saliva and dentinal fluid making them a reliable material for clinical applications. This case report describes the treatment and repair after a 16-month follow-up of a lateral root perforation of the maxillary lateral incisor.

The Durability of Alkali-Activated Materials in Comparison with Ordinary Portland Cements and Concretes:A Review

China is the largest producer and user of ordinary Portland cement(OPC),and the rapid growth of infrastructure development demands more sustainable building materials for concrete structures.Alkali-activated materials(AAMs)are a new type of energy-saving and environmentally friendly building material with a wide range of potential applications.This paper compares the durability of AAMs and 0 PC-based materials un der sulfate attack,acid corrosion,carb on ation,and chloride penetratio n.Different AAMs have shown distinct durability properties due to different compositions being formed when different raw materials are used.According to the calcium(Ca)concentration of the raw materials,this paper interprets the deterioration mechanisms of three categories of AAMs:calcium-free,low-calcium,and calcium-rich.Conflicts found in the most recent research are highlighted,as they raise concerns regarding the consistenee and long-term properties of AAMs.Nevertheless,AAMs show better durability performances than OPC-based materials in general.

Polymethylmethacrylate bone cements and additives: A review of the literature

Polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA) bone cement technology has progressed from industrial Plexiglass administration in the 1950 s to the recent advent of nanoparticle additives. Additives have been trialed to address problems with modern bone cements such as the loosening of prosthesis, high post-operative infection rates, and inflammatory reduction in interface integrity. This review aims to assess current additives used in PMMA bone cements and offer an insight regarding future directions for this biomaterial. Low index(< 15%) vitamin E and low index(< 5 g) antibiotic impregnated additives significantly address infection and inflammatory problems, with only modest reductions in mechanical strength. Chitosan(15% w/w PMMA) and silver(1% w/w PMMA) nanoparticles have strong antibacterial activity with no significant reduction in mechanical strength. Future work on PMMA bone cements should focus on trialing combinations of these additives as this may enhance favourable properties.

An evaluation of the inflammatory response of lipopolysaccharide-treated primary dental pulp cells with regard to calcium silicate-based cements

This study compared the biological changes of lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-treated dental pulp （DP） cells directly cultured on mineral trioxide aggregate （MTA） and calcium silicate （CS） cements. DP cells were treated with LPS for 24 h. Then, the LPS-treated DP cells were cultured on MTA or CS cements. Cell viability, cell death mechanism and interleukin （IL）-1β expressions were analysed. A one-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the significance of the differences between the means. A significantly higher IL-1β expression （2.9-fold） was found for LPS-treated cells （P〈0.05） compared with DP cells without LPS treatment at 24 h. Absorbance values of LPS-treated cells cultured on CS cement were higher than a tissue culture plate. A significant difference （P〈0.05） in cell viability was observed between cells on CS and MTA cements 24 h after seeding. At 48 h, a high concentration of Si （5 mM） was released from MTA, which induced LPS-treated DP cell apoptosis. The present study demonstrates that CS cement is biocompatible with cultured LPS-treated DP cells. MTA stimulates inflammation in LPS-treated DP cells, which leads to greater IL-1β expression and apoptosis.

The Early Strength of Slag Cements with Addition of Hydrate Microcrystals

The effect of hydrate microcrystals such as calcium silicate hydrates ( CSH) and ettringite on the early strength of slag cements was studied. The authors explored the possibility of improving the early strength of the slag cement by applying crystal seed technology. It is shown that slag crystal seeds make the early strength of the cement increased due to the action of hydrate crystal seeds , which speed up the hydration of clinker minerals in the nucleation of ettringite. Therefore, the early strength of the slag cement is obviously improved.