Experimental investigation of vibration pretreatment-microwave curing process for carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composites

The vibration pretreatment-microwave curing process is an efficient,low energy consumption,and high-quality out-of-autoclave curing process for carbon fiber resin matrix composites.This study aims to investigate the impact of vibration pretreatment temperature on the fiber weight content,microscopic morphology and mechanical properties of the composite laminates by using optical digital microscopy,universal tensile testing machine and thermo-gravimetric analyzer.Additionally,the combined mode of Bragg fiber grating sensor and temperature measurement fiber was employed to explore the effect of vibration pretreatment on the strain process during microwave curing.The study results revealed that the change in vibration pretreatment temperature had a slight impact on the fiber weight content when the vibration acceleration remained constant.The metallographic and interlaminar strength of the specimen formed at a vibration pretreatment temperature of 80℃ demonstrated a porosity of 0.414% and a 10.69% decrease in interlaminar shear strength compared to autoclave curing.Moreover,the introduction of the vibration energy field during the microwave curing process led to a significant reduction in residual strain in both the 0°and 90°fiber directions,when the laminate was cooled to 60℃.

Fabrication and Properties of a New Reactive Diluent for Cationic UV Curing

The reactive diluent prepared by siloxane modified Trimethylene oxide can improve the performance of the UV curing system.Therefore,1,7-bis[(3-ethyl-3-methoxyoxacylobutane)propyl]octadecylosiloxane(BEMOPOMTS)was synthesized from diethyl carbonate,trimethylopropanes,allyl bromide,and 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octadecylosiloxane as the main raw materials.BEMOPOMTS can be used as reactive diluents in the field of cationic UV curing.It has good thermal stability,and the addition of BEMOPOMTS significantly improves the tensile strength and elongation at break of epoxy resin.Compared with the pure epoxy resin,adding 20%BEMOPOMTS increased the elastic modulus by 25%to 677 MPa.

Alkali Tolerance of Concrete Internal Curing Agent Based on Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch

Internal curing agents (ICA) based on super absorbent polymer have poor alkali tolerance and reduce the early strength of concrete.An alkali tolerate internal curing agent (CAA-ICA) was designed and prepared by using sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMS) with high hydrophilicity,acrylic acid (AA) containing anionic carboxylic group and acrylamide (AM) containing non-ionic amide group as the main raw materials.The results show that the ratio of CAA-ICA alkali absorption solution is higher than that existing ICA,which solves the low water absorption ratio of the ICA in alkali environment.The water absorption ratio of CAA-ICA in saturated Ca(OH)_(2) solution is 95.8 g·g^(-1),and the alkali tolerance coefficient is 3.4.The application of CAA-ICA in cement-based materials can increase the internal relative humidity and miniaturize the pore structure.The compressive strength of mortar increases up to 12.95%at 28 d,which provids a solution to overcome the reduction of the early strength.

Synthesis of Ionic and Non-Ionic Modified Waterborne Polyurethane Curing Agent

By using HDI and TMP as the main raw materials,polyethylene glycol 400(PEG400)is used as a non-ionic hydrophilic modifier,and sodium hydroxyethyl sulfonate is used as an ionic hydrophilic modifier to synthesize a dual hydrophilic modified polyurethane curing agent.Research revealed that introducing PEG400 for hydrophilic chain segments and sodium hydroxyethyl sulfonate for hydrophilic ionic groups in the polyurethane curing agent component leads to a uniform distribution of hydrophilic components,significantly enhancing compatibility with the aqueous polyol component,and results in excellent film performance.The synthesis process and film were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy in the study.

Advancements and Applications of Polyurethane Curing Technology in Railway Track Bed Construction in China

This paper examines the application of polyurethane curing technology in the construction of railway track beds,with a specific focus on its implementation in China’s rapidly developing railway infrastructure.The study begins by identifying the limitations of traditional ballasted track beds,especially under the demands of high-speed and heavyload railways.It then methodically analyzes the advantages of polyurethane-cured track beds,highlighting their improved mechanical properties,including enhanced stability and durability.The paper further explores the benefits of transitioning to prefabricated polyurethane track beds,emphasizing significant cost reductions,better construction quality,and enhanced maintainability.Through a detailed review of experimental data and practical applications,the paper demonstrates the efficacy of polyurethane track beds in various railway settings.A critical part of the research involves optimizing the structural parameters of polyurethane track beds to achieve the best balance of mechanical and damping properties.The conclusion of the paper underscores the potential of polyurethane curing technology as a transformative approach to railway track bed construction,offering a solution to the challenges posed by traditional methods and aligning with the evolving needs of modern railways.

Securing the Sea Lanes

Some people,mainly in the West,were taken by surprise when six Chinese warships were seen near the Red Sea in October 2023 amid the conflict in Gaza.Some Western media and politicians tried to frame China’s mission as an escalatory move in the Middle East.

Securing Sustenance

National food security is the backbone of any economy,and achieving food security is essential for the prosperity of a nation.During my study in China at the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development,Peking University,from September 2022 to July 2023,I leant how China has managed to achieve food security despite its large population of around 1.4 billion and numerous other challenges by means of strategic planning,e"ective policy execution,technological advancement and global collaboration.

Multiphysics processes in the interfacial transition zone of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites under induced curing pressure and implications for mine backfill materials: A critical review

The mesoscale fiber-matrix interfacial transition zone(FM-ITZ) under induced curing pressure plays a key role in the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement and the engineering application of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites(FRCCs). This critical review establishes the link among induced curing pressure(i.e., external loading condition), multiphysics processes(i.e., internal governing mechanism), and interface behavior(i.e., material behavior) for FRCC materials through analysis of the state-of-the-art research findings on the FM-ITZ of FRCC materials. The following results are obtained. For the mechanical process, the induced curing pressure changes the stress state and enhances multicracking behavior, which can strengthen the FM-ITZ. For the hydraulic process, the strengthened seepage of the FM-ITZ under induced curing pressure weakens the effective stress and exaggerates the deficiency in water retention capacity between the bulk matrix and the FMITZ. For the thermal process, the induced curing pressure causes a steep temperature gradient in the FM-ITZ and thus influences the temperature evolution and thermally-induced microcracks in the FM-ITZ. For the chemical process, the induced curing pressure enhances hydration kinetics and results in the formation of additional hydration products in the FM-ITZ. Moreover, recommendations are proposed on the basis of findings from this review to facilitate the implementation of fiber reinforcement in cemented paste backfill technology.

Effect of High Temperature Curing on the Frost Resistance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete and the Physical Properties of Second-Generation Recycled Coarse Aggregate under Freeze-Thaw Cycles

With the emphasis on environmental issues,the recycling of waste concrete,even recycled concrete,has become a hot spot in the field of architecture.But the repeated recycling of waste concrete used in harsh environments is still a complex problem.This paper discusses the durability and recyclability of recycled aggregate concrete(RAC)as a prefabricated material in the harsh environment,the effect of high-temperature curing(60℃,80℃,and 100℃)on the frost resistance of RAC and physical properties of the second generation recycled coarse aggregate(RCA_(2))of RAC after 300 freeze-thaw cycles were studied.The frost resistance of RAC was characterized by compressive strength,relative dynamic elastic modulus,and mass loss.As the physical properties of RCA_(2),the apparent density,water absorption,and crushing value were measured.And the SEM images of RAC after 300 freeze-thaw cycles were shown.The results indicated that the frost resistance of RAC cured at 80℃ for 7 days was comparable to that cured in the standard condition(cured for 28 days at 20℃±2℃ and 95%humidity),and the RAC cured at 100℃ was slightly worse.However,the frost resistance of RAC cured at 60℃ deteriorated seriously.The RAC cured at 80℃ for 7 days is the best.Whether after the freeze-thaw cycle or not,the RCA that curd at 60℃,80℃,and 100℃ for 7 days can also meet the requirements of Grade III RCA and be used as the aggregate of non-bearing part of prefabricated concrete components.RCA_(2) which is cured at 80℃ for 7 days had the best physical properties.

Influence Mechanism of Curing Regimes on Interfacial Transition Zone of Lightweight Ultra-High Performance Concrete

This study aims to clarify the effects of curing regimes and lightweight aggregate(LWA)on the morphology, width and mechanical properties of the interfacial transition zone(ITZ) of ultra-high performance concrete(UHPC), and provide reference for the selection of lightweight ultra-high performance concrete(L-UHPC) curing regimes and the pre-wetting degree LWA. The results show that, under the three curing regimes(standard curing, steam curing and autoclaved curing), LWA is tightly bound to the matrix without obvious boundaries. ITZ width increases with the water absorption of LWA and decreases with increasing curing temperature. The ITZ microhardness is the highest when water absorption is 3%, and the microhardness value is more stable with the distance from LWA. Steam and autoclaved curing increase ITZ microhardness compared to standard curing. As LWA pre-wetting and curing temperatures increase, the degree of hydration at the ITZ increases, generating high-density CSH(HD CSH) and ultra-high-density CSH(UHD CSH), and reducing unhydrated particles in ITZ. ITZ micro-mechanical properties are optimized due to hydration products being denser.

Internal Curing Mechanism of Sepiolite in Cement Paste

In order to explore the internal curing mechanism of sepiolite in cement-based materials,the effects of sepiolite on the water consumption of standard consistency,setting time,viscosity,strength,pore structure characteristics,micro-hardness characteristics and two-dimensional surface characteristics of cement paste were studied,respectively.The experimental results show that the water consumption of standard consistency increases linearly with the increase of sepiolite content.The setting time and viscosity are also lengthened and increased with the addition of sepiolite,respectively.When the content of sepiolite exceeds 5%,the strength of the specimen increases significantly.The BET results show that the pore structure of the interfacial transition zone(ITZ)in hardened cement paste(HCP)with sepiolite is optimized after curing for28 d and its pore volume content with below 10 nm is decreased,especially for the specimen with a lower watercement ratio.The characteristics of microhardness and strength of specimens have the same law.Backscattered electron image(BSE-IA)shows that the ITZ of the specimen with sepiolite is denser and the unhydrated cement particles are less than the reference specimen.

Synergistic Use of CO_(2) Pretreatment and Accelerated Carbonation Curing for Maximum Recycling of Steel Slag

Two carbonation approaches are considered for studying the effects on the hardening mechanisms of slurries made of 100 wt%electric arc furnace steel slag (EAF) slag or 80 wt%EAF slag incorporating 20 wt% of Portland cement,which are applied during the hot-stage pretreatment with simulated gas for raw steel slag or the accelerated carbonation curing of slurry.The mechanical strengths,carbonate products,microstructures and CO_(2) uptakes were quantitatively investigated.Results manifest that accelerated carbonation curing increases the compressive strengths of steel slag slurry,from 17.1 MPa (binder of 80 wt% EAF and 20 wt%cement under standard moisture curing) to 36.0 MPa (binder of 80 wt%EAF and 20 wt%cement under accelerated carbonation curing),with a CO_(2) uptake of 52%.In contrast,hot-stage carbonation applied during the pretreatment of steel slag increases the compressive strengths to 43.7 MPa (binder of 80 wt%carbonated EAF and 20 wt%cement under accelerated carbonation curing),with a CO_(2) uptake of 67%.Hotstage carbonation of steel slag is found for particle agglomeration,minerals remodeling and calcite formed,thus causing an activated steel slag with a dense structure and more active components.Accelerated carbonation curing of steel slag slurry paste results in the newly formed amorphous CaCO_(3),calcite crystalline and silica gels that covered the pores of the matrix,facilitating microstructure densification and strength improvement.Adopting the combinative methods of the hot-stage CO_(2) pretreatment and accelerated carbonation curing creates a promising high-volume steel slag-based binder with high strengths and CO_(2) storage.

Numerical Study on the Resin Transfer Molding Curing Process for Thick Composites Materials

The successful manufacture of thick composites is challenging since the highly exothermic nature of thermoset resins and limited temperature control make avoiding the onset of detrimental thermal gradients within the composite relatively difficult.This phenomenon is mainly caused by exothermic heat reactions.The so-called Michaud's model has been largely used in the literature to reduce the gap between experience and simulation with regard to the effective prediction of the temperature cycle in these processes.In this work,another solution is proposed to simulate the curing process for thick composites,namely preheating the resin to activate the curing reaction before resin injection into the mold.A good agreement between the experiment and the simulation is found.Moreover,in order to minimize the thermal gradient in the final composite,the thermophysical properties of the fiber and the torque(temperature,time)of the Plate have been varied leading to interesting results.

Effects of Curing Methods on the Permeability and Mechanism of Cover Concrete

Curing methods are one of the most important factors in determining the quality and compactness of cover concrete.The effect of curing methods on the water absorption and sorptivity coefficient of cover concrete with the substitution ratio of fly ash(FA)and ground granulated blast slag(GGBS)for cement between 30 wt%and 40 wt%was studied by capillary water absorption test.The vacuum saturation test and mercury intrusion test were employed to characterize these differences in the pore structure of cover concrete under different curing methods.With further analysis of the compactness of microstructure by SEM,the mechanism of the impact of curing methods on the permeability of cover concrete was revealed.The results obtained indicate that the effect of curing methods on the water absorption,sorptivity coefficient and porosity of cover concrete shows the trend of natural curing>cover curing>water curing>standard curing.It is also shown that reasonable curing is advantageous to reduce the porosity and permeability of cover concrete.In natural curing conditions,the appearance of porosity increasing and pore structure coarsening is more critical for covering concrete with mineral admixtures than for pure cement concrete.Therefore,the permeability of cover concrete with mineral admixtures is more sensitive to the early-age curing methods.

Application of Polyurethane Curing Barn in Flue-cured Tobacco Production

[ Objective] This study aimed to investigate the curing performance of polyurethane curing barn and reduce the cost of tobacco leaf flue-curing. [ Meth- odl The temperature control effect, curing effect and curing cost of polyurethane curing barn and traditional bulk curing barn were analyzed and compared. [ Re- suit] The results showed that there were no significant differences in curing performance between two types of curing barns. Horizontal temperature differences in- creased slightly as the temperature rose. Specifically, horizontal temperature differences between each layer ranged from 0.2 ~C to 0.5 ~. Both two types of curing barns exhibited uniform air distribution. Polyurethane curing barn exhibited stable vertical temperature differences. Both two types of curing barns presented good curing effects with slight differences. Polyurethane curing barn exhibited higher economic benefits, lower coal cost, lower electricity cost, lower labor cost and lon- ger service life than traditional bulk curing barn, but its construction cost was higher. [ Conclusion] Polyurethane curing barn exhibits better curing performance with ~ood application prospects.

Curing mechanism of alkaline phenolic resin with organic ester

To study the curing mechanism of alkaline phenolic resin with organic ester, three esters were chosen to react with three systems — alkaline phenolic resin, potassium hydroxide aqueous solution containing phenol, and potassium hydroxide aqueous solution. The variations of pH, heat release and gel pH during the reactions were monitored and measured. Infrared spectroscopy(IR) and thermal gravity analysis(TG) techniques were used to characterize the curing reaction. It was found that organic ester is only partially hydrolyzed and resin can be cured through organic ester hydrolysis process as well as the reaction with redundant organic ester. The sequential curing mechanism of alkaline phenolic resin cured by organic ester was identified as follows: a portion of organic ester is firstly hydrolyzed owing to the effect of the strong alkaline; the gel is then formed after the pH decreases to about 10.8-10.88, meanwhile, the redundant organic ester(i.e. non-hydrolysis ester) starts the curing reaction with the resin. It has also been found that the curing rate depends on the hydrolysis velocity of organic ester. The faster the hydrolysis speed of the ester, the faster the curing rate of the resin.

COMPARISON OF THE E44 EPOXY RESINS IN DIFFERENT CONTENTS OF CURING AGENT BY MICROWAVE AND THERMAL CURING METHODS

This paper discusses the fundamental principle of microwave heating, and based on the advantages of microwave heating, use maleic anhydride as curing agent. The technology of microwave curing E44 epoxy resins is investigated, the mechanical properties of cured epoxy resin samples in different contents of curing agent by microwave and thermal curing methods are measured respectively, and then some experimental results for which are obtained. At last, this paper analyses why microwave curing can improve mechanical property of epoxy resin.

Effect of CO_(2) Curing on the Physical Properties of Recycled Coarse Aggregate with Different Attached Mortar Contents

The effects of carbon dioxide (CO_(2)) curing conditions (temperature,relative humidity and CO_(2) curing time) on the physical properties of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) with varying attached mortar (AM) contents were studied.Before and after CO_(2) curing,the physical properties in terms of the apparent density,water absorption and crushing value of RCA were tested and the quality of RCA was determined.Besides,scanning electron microscope was used to observe the microstructure of RCA.Results show that the physical properties variation of RCA with higher AM content are more significant,and the quality of RCA with lower AM content is easier to be upgraded during CO_(2) curing.The physical properties of RCA with 40.8% AM content are earlier stable than that with no less than 44.5% AM content during CO_(2) curing.The optimal temperature and relative humidity are 50 ℃ and 55% for CO_(2) curing,respectively.CO_(2) curing is incapable of upgrading the quality of RCA with AM no less than 50.6%.The quality of RCA with 44.5% AM content can be upgraded only under the optimum CO_(2) curing conditions.Under relative humidity higher than 40% and the CO_(2) curing time more than 12 h,CO_(2) curing upgrades the quality of RCA with 40.8% AM content.

Strength evolution and deformation behaviour of cemented paste backfill at early ages： Effect of curing stress, filling strategy and drainage

In this study, a pressure cell apparatus is developed to investigate the early age evolution of the strength and deformation behaviour of cemented paste backfill(CPB) when subjected to various loading conditions under different curing scenarios. The different curing scenarios that are simulated include:(1)drained and undrained conditions,(2) different filling rates,(3) different filling sequences, and(4) different curing stresses. The findings show that drainage, curing stress, curing time and filling rate influence the mechanical and deformation behaviours of CPB materials. The coupled effects of consolidation, drainage and suction contribute to the strength development of drained CPB subjected to curing stress. On the other hand, particle rearrangement caused by the applied pressure and suction development due to self-desiccation plays a significant role in the strength gain of undrained CPB cured under stress.Furthermore, curing stress induces slightly faster rate of cement hydration, which can contribute to strength acquisition.

Synthesis and curing of a novel amino-containing phthalonitrile derivative

A novel phthalonitrile derivative containing an amino group, 3,5-bis（3,4-dicyanophenoxy）aniline （CPA）, was synthesized via a nucleophilic displacement of 4-nitrophthalonitrile and 5-aminoresorcinol hydrochloride. The structure of CPA was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra （FT-IR） and nuclear magnetic resonance （^1H NMR）. Thermal analysis performed on CPA revealed that the novel phthalonitrile derivative showed a self-promotion curing behavior and the resulting polymer exhibited outstanding heat-resistance.