Comparative Analysis of Rigid PVC Foam Reinforced with Class C and Class F Fly Ash

Fly ash particles are usually spherical and based on their chemical composition;they are categorized into two classes: C and F. This study compares the microstructural, mechanical and thermal properties of extruded rigid PVC foam composites reinforced with class C and class F fly ash. The mechanical properties: such as tensile and flexural strength of composites containing class C fly ash were superior to the composites containing class F fly ash particles. Composites containing 6 phr class C fly ash showed a 24% improvement in the tensile strength in comparison to a mere 0.5% increase in composites reinforced with class F fly ash. Similarly, the addition of 6 phr of class F fly ash to the PVC foam matrix resulted in a 5.74% decrease in the flexural strength, while incorporating the same amount of class C fly ash led to a 95% increase in flexural strength. The impact strength of the composites decreased as the amount of either type of fly ash increased in the composites indicating that fly ash particles improve the rigidity of the PVC foam composites. No significant changes were observed in the thermal properties of the composites containing either type of fly ash particles. However, the thermo-mechanical properties measured by DMA indicated a steep increase in the viscoelastic properties of composites reinforced with class C flyash. The microstructural properties studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed that fly ash particles were mechanically interlocked in the PVC matrix with good interfacial interaction with the matrix. However, particle agglomeration and debonding was observed in composites reinforced with higher amounts of fly ash.

Utilization of Class C Fly Ash As A Raw Material for Manufacturing of Refractory Materials

There have been increasing efforts to utilize energy by-products （EBP） all over the world. In the Czech Re- public fly ash is usually used in ceramic technology, es- pecially in brick manufacturing and for ceramic tiles. The average production of EBP is about Ig million tons per year. The range of potential products, where EBP could be used, is very wide and energy by-products have become an important raw material source. In this paper the attention was focused on class C fly ash and its usage in field of refractory materials. Experimental works were carried out on mixtures with fly ash and clay. There were also tested batches for lightweight fireclay bricks. The maximal amount of CFA should be up to 50%.

Zeolite P synthesis based on fly ash and its removal of Cu(Ⅱ) and Ni(Ⅱ) ions

Zeolite P was synthesized through hydrothermal method based on a kind of Class C fly ash(FA). X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET) were used to analyze and characterize the synthetic sample. The kinetics and thermodynamics of copper and nickel ions removed by the zeolite samples were experimentally explored in detail. The results of kinetic treatment showed the second-order exchange second-order saturation model(SESSM) can well describe the removal process of copper ions, while the first-order empirical kinetic model(FEKM) is the best kinetic model for nickel ions. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to fit the equilibrium concentration of Cu(Ⅱ) or Ni(Ⅱ) under certain conditions. Whether for copper or nickel ion, the Langmuir model is in good agreement with the experimental equilibrium concentration.The apparent theoretical removal capacities for Cu(Ⅱ) and Ni(Ⅱ) can reach to 138.1 mg·g^(-1) and 77.0 mg·g^(-1),respectively.

Prediction of Geopolymer Concrete Compressive Strength Using Convolutional Neural Networks

Geopolymer concrete emerges as a promising avenue for sustainable development and offers an effective solution to environmental problems.Its attributes as a non-toxic,low-carbon,and economical substitute for conventional cement concrete,coupled with its elevated compressive strength and reduced shrinkage properties,position it as a pivotal material for diverse applications spanning from architectural structures to transportation infrastructure.In this context,this study sets out the task of using machine learning(ML)algorithms to increase the accuracy and interpretability of predicting the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete in the civil engineering field.To achieve this goal,a new approach using convolutional neural networks(CNNs)has been adopted.This study focuses on creating a comprehensive dataset consisting of compositional and strength parameters of 162 geopolymer concrete mixes,all containing Class F fly ash.The selection of optimal input parameters is guided by two distinct criteria.The first criterion leverages insights garnered from previous research on the influence of individual features on compressive strength.The second criterion scrutinizes the impact of these features within the model’s predictive framework.Key to enhancing the CNN model’s performance is the meticulous determination of the optimal hyperparameters.Through a systematic trial-and-error process,the study ascertains the ideal number of epochs for data division and the optimal value of k for k-fold cross-validation—a technique vital to the model’s robustness.The model’s predictive prowess is rigorously assessed via a suite of performance metrics and comprehensive score analyses.Furthermore,the model’s adaptability is gauged by integrating a secondary dataset into its predictive framework,facilitating a comparative evaluation against conventional prediction methods.To unravel the intricacies of the CNN model’s learning trajectory,a loss plot is deployed to elucidate its learning rate.The study culminates in compelling findings that underscore the CNN model’s accurate prediction of geopolymer concrete compressive strength.To maximize the dataset’s potential,the application of bivariate plots unveils nuanced trends and interactions among variables,fortifying the consistency with earlier research.Evidenced by promising prediction accuracy,the study’s outcomes hold significant promise in guiding the development of innovative geopolymer concrete formulations,thereby reinforcing its role as an eco-conscious and robust construction material.The findings prove that the CNN model accurately estimated geopolymer concrete’s compressive strength.The results show that the prediction accuracy is promising and can be used for the development of new geopolymer concrete mixes.The outcomes not only underscore the significance of leveraging technology for sustainable construction practices but also pave the way for innovation and efficiency in the field of civil engineering.

宝钢Ⅰ级粉煤灰和超细矿渣微粉制备套筒灌浆料的性能及应用研究

套筒灌浆料作为应用于钢筋套筒连接的结构材料,要求其具有早强、高强和高流动性的特点。本文采用宝钢Ⅰ级粉煤灰和超细矿渣微粉制备套筒灌浆料,研究其物理力学性能和工程应用效果。研究表明,宝钢超细矿渣微粉有利于降低套筒灌浆料的用水量,提高流动性以及3h和24h竖向膨胀率,改善粘度,能明显提高3d和28d抗压强度;利用超细矿渣微粉与粉煤灰双掺制备套筒灌浆料,Ⅰ级粉煤灰可进一步降低套筒灌浆料用水量,明显改善粘度和流动性,提高强度,且基本不影响到竖向膨胀率,从而制备出28d抗压强度超过110MPa的性能优良的套筒灌浆料,并成功应用于工程实践。

Experiences of Using Alternative Raw Materials in Manufacturing of Refractory Materials

The article describes the experiences of alternative materials for the manufacturing of the refractory materi- als in the company P-D Refractories CZ a. s. The atten- tion is focused on energy by-products （EBP）. Energy by-products are generated during burning and desul- phurization in thermal power plants. Classical high-tem- perature -fly ash （class F.fly ash according to ASTM C618） is the most important and .fly ash from .fluidized technology （ class C-fly ash） is the second group. In the Czech Republic, power plants produce about 14 million tons of energy by-products every year. Utilization of these products in ceramic technology means a reduction of raw material costs and also it helps to reduce adverse environ- mental impact. Class F-fly ash （ FFA ） and cinder from high temperature combustion （CD） were used in light- weight insulation fireclay bricks. We can use these mate- rials as a grog and a lightening agent for materials with bulk density over 900 kg · m-3 and classification tem- perature up to 1 150 ℃. Class C.fly ash （CFA） is be- ing tested in a wide range of the refractory materials. For example, it can be used in lightweight fireclay bricks, fireclay bricks for stoves, acid-resistant fireclay bricks or refractory castables. The range of potential products, where EBP could be used, is very wide and energy by-products have become an important raw mate- rial source.