Chemical Analysis of Magnesia and Magnesia-Alumina Refractory Materials——Gravimetric method for determination of loss on ignition

1 Scope This standard specifies the gravimetric method for determination of loss on ignition.

Loss on Ignition-Based Indices for Evaluating Organic Matter Characteristics of Littoral Sediments

Understanding organic matter characteristics （e.g., amount and state） of sediments is necessary for evaluating both the sediment and water environments; however, methods that have been proposed to investigate these characteristics are relatively expensive. This study attempted to evaluate the organic matter characteristics of littoral sediments by employing solely the loss on ignition （LOI） method, which is the most economical and accessible method in developing countries. Different types of sediments were first oven dried at 100 ~C and then continuously burned at 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 ~C for 4 h at each temperature. The mass LOI at each temperature was calculated and compared with the 100 ℃oven-dried weight. Our results suggested that the mass LOI across the temperature range of 200-300 ℃（LOI200-300）：mass LOI at 600 ℃ （LOI600） ratio （LOI200-300/LOI600） could represent different types of sediments as well as the organic matter：organic C ratio. Compared with the sediments unaffected by wastewater, the sediments that were more influenced by the inflow of domestic wastewater had a higher LOI200-300/LOI600. Interestingly, LOI200-300/LOI600 could also represent changes in the organic matter characteristics as a function of organic matter decomposition in sediments. In conclusion, the organic matter characteristics of littoral sediments could be evaluated using solely the LOI method, particularly with LOI200 - 300/LOI600.

Typhoon events recorded in coastal lagoon deposits,southeastern Hainan Island

Coastal lagoon deposits provide evidence for the magnitude and frequency of past tropical cyclones prior to instrumental records and historical documentation.In the present study,we attempt to analyze the sedimentary records containing typhoon information for the northern South China Sea region.For this purpose,sediment cores were collected from two coastal lagoons in the southeastern Hainan Island,and were analyzed in laboratory to derive the data sets about grain size,organic and inorganic carbon contents,and deposition rates.The grain size and organic-inorganic carbon data were used to formulate the proxies of typhoon events.The deposition rates,as calculated using the CRS 210 Pb method,are around 0.5 mm/a for both lagoons,on the basis of which an age model is established.Within the cores,sedimentary layers associated with 35 typhoon events have been identified.On such a basis,a 350 year history of local typhoon activities is reconstructed by incorporating the 210 Pb dating results,typhoon-induced sedimentation patterns and the historical documents.A comparison of the frequency of typhoon occurrence with the regional climate records indicates that the observed changes in tropical cyclone activity patterns,as revealed by the lagoon sedimentary records,may be related to El Ni？o,Pacific Decadal Oscillation（PDO）,North Atlantic Oscillation（NAO）,sunspot,and other potential climate drivers that affect the tropical cyclone variability.This study demonstrates that the sedimentary record of storms can be analyzed in combination with historical documents,to provide meaningful information on past storm activities and their long-term variability.

The Effect of Fly Ash Quality on the Engineering Properties of High-Performance Concrete

Fly ash is the most inexpensive cementitious material,and its presence in concrete has increased in recent years because it has become more durable and environmentally friendly.This study examines densified mixture concrete and the effect of fly ash quality on high-flow,high-strength concrete.Tests show that when the same mixture achieves identical flow standards(slump >250 mm;slump flow >600 mm),the fly ash quality affects the nature of the concrete;additionally,and adding Class F fly ash to concrete(loss on ignition=6%)is more workable than adding Class C fly ash(loss on ignition=3%).However,adding fly ash with a high loss on ignition(9%)to concrete requires a substantial increase in the mixing water and a dose of superplasticizer to achieve the required workability.This reduces the quality of the concrete,which subsequently deteriorates its safety and durability.

Non-standard tests for process control in chemically bonded sands

Chemically bonded sand cores and molds are more commonly referred to as precision sand systems in the high production automotive powertrain sector. Their behavior in contact with molten metal can lead to casting defects. Consequently, the interaction is of great interest and an important part of metal casting technology. The American Foundry Society(AFS) sand testing is based on physical, mechanical, thermal and chemical properties of the sand system. Foundry engineers have long known that certain AFS sand tests provide limited information regarding control of molding and casting quality. The inadequacy is due to the fact that sand casting processes are inherently thermo-mechanical, thermo-chemical and thermo-physical. Non-standard foundry sand testing has proven useful for laboratory measurement of these characteristics in foundry sand using a disc-shaped specimen. Similarly, the equivalent disc-shaped specimens are used for casting trials. In order to accomplish near-net-shape casting with minimal defects, it is necessary to understand both the properties of the sand system, as well as the interface of molten metal when different binders, additives and/or refractory coatings are used. The methodology for the following non-standard chemically bonded sand tests is described:(1) disc transverse;(2) impact;(3) modified permeability;(4) abrasion;(5) thermal distortion;(6) quick loss on ignition. The data related to the non-standard sand tests were analyzed and interpreted. The test results indicate that there is relatively lower test-to-test variability with the disc-shaped specimens. The non-standard tests were able to discriminate between the chemically bonded polyurethane cold box sand specimens. Further studies should be conducted on various other sand and binder systems as well as on different specimen thicknesses.