Recent developments in asphalt-aggregate separation technology for reclaimed asphalt pavement

Reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP)has significant recycling value because it contains nonrenewable resources including asphalt and aggregate.However,thus far,only a small part of RAP materials can be used in the con-struction of recycled asphalt pavement,and the usage is regarded as a low-value utilization in the underlying layers.One of the most important reasons for this shortcoming is the problem of false particle size and pseudo gradation of RAP materials.Therefore,identifying suitable asphalt-aggregate separation technology is essential for improving the utilization of RAP materials in recycled asphalt mixture and enhancing the construction quality of recycled asphalt pavement.To address this,the paper performed a systematic review of asphalt-aggregate separation technologies for processing RAP materials and their prospects.Firstly,based on the composition of the asphalt mixture and the characteristics of RAP materials after aging,the key RAP separation technologies were proposed.Then,the concept,principle,and implementation methods of physical,chemical,and biological sep-aration methods of RAP materials were comprehensively analyzed.Moreover,the advantages and disadvantages of various separation technologies were discussed by comparing them with the related technologies in the petrochemical industry.The application prospects of various asphalt-aggregate separation methods for RAP materials can provide a reference for upgrading and expanding solid waste recycling technology for asphalt pavement.

Bioinspired and biomimetic membranes for water purification and chemical separation: A review

Bioinspired and biomimetic membranes that contain biological transport channels or attain their structural designs from biological systems have been through a remarkable development over the last two decades.They take advantage of the exceptional transport properties of those channels,thus possess both high permeability and selectivity,and have emerged as a promising solution to existing membranes.Since the discovery of biological water channel proteins aquaporins(AQPs),extensive efforts have been made to utilize them to make separation membranes–AQP-based membranes,which have been commercialized.The exploration of AQPs’unique structures and transport properties has resulted in the evolution of biomimetic separation materials from protein-based to artificial channelbased membranes.However,large-scale,defect-free biomimetic membranes are not available yet.This paper reviews the state-of-the-art biomimetic membranes and summarizes the latest research progress,platform,and methodology.Then it critically discusses the potential routes of this emerging area toward scalable applications.We conclude that an appropriate combination of bioinspired concepts and molecular engineering with mature polymer industry may lead to scalable polymeric membranes with intrinsic selective channels,which will gain the merit of both desired selectivity and scalability.

Effect of Rare Earth Elements on Exchange Performances of Cesium Ion-Sieve

The exchange performances and the distribution coefficient of Cesium Ion-Sieve (Cs-IS) for cesium and for some rare earth elements were compared. In particula r, the effects of neodymium on the cesium ion exchange and the Cs+ selectivity v ariation on Cs-IS owing to introduction of rare earth elements into HLLW were s tudied. Though rare earth elements exhibit a small influence on the distributio n coefficient for Cs+, they impair Cs-exchange capacity of Cs-IS to some ext ent. This interruption on the selectivity to Cs+ can be significantly eliminat ed provided an appropriate ratio of liquid to solid V:m is used.

The use of botulinum toxin A in chemical component separation: a review of techniques and outcomes

Fascial closure is crucial for abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) but can be especially difficult in patients with massive ventral hernias or loss domain. Recently, botulinum toxin A (BTA) has been increasingly utilized as an adjunct in AWR to aid in fascial closure. This review aims to evaluate the current literature on the use of BTA in AWR to assess current treatment regimens, side effects, outcomes and complications. A literature search was performed, yielding 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant amount of heterogeneity in treatment regimens, with studies differing in BTA injection timing, dosage, concentration, and location. The majority of studies showed that injection of BTA preoperatively was able to augment abdominal wall musculature, with many showing a decrease in mean transverse defect size and high rates of successful fascial closure. No major complications were reported from BTA administration, with only mild side effects reported by some studies. The most common side effects include a weak cough or sneeze, bloating, and back pain, which generally all resolved prior to surgery. While BTA appears to be a promising adjunct for AWR, further investigation is needed to determine optimal patient selection and treatment regimens.