Thermal Dechlorination Kinetics of Rare Earth Oxychlorides

The kinetics of a thermal dechlorination and oxidation of NdOCl and GdOCl were investigated by using a non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis under various oxygen partial pressures. The conversions of NdOCl and GdOCl into each of their stable oxides (Nd2O3 and Gd2O3) appeared to be an oxygen-dependent endothermic and one-step reaction. The observed activation energy for the conversions of NdOCl and GdOCl were determined as 228.3±6.1 kJ·mole-1 and 137.7±4.1 kJ·mole-1, respectively. The conversions of NdOCl and GdOCl into each of their stable oxides (Nd2O3 and Gd2O3) could be described by a power law (g(α)=α3/2) and a linear-contracting boundary reaction (g(α)=α), respectively.

Efficient Preparation and Electrochemical Properties of BiOCl/Graphite by One-step Solvothermal Method

We used the surface-pretreated graphite paper(Gp)as a carrier and loaded BiOCl with high selectivity to Cl^(-)on its surface by solvothermal method to form BiOCl@Gp electrode.The morphology,structure,and composition of the materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption,and the results showed that the spherical BiOCl particles were uniformly dispersed on the surface of the Gp,forming a mesoporous BiOCl@Gp composite with a specific surface area of 22.82 m^(2)/g and a pore volume of 0.043 cm3/g.Furthermore,cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to test the electrochemical properties of the composites,and the stability of BiOCl and the high conductivity of Gp were synergistic,the BiOCl@Gp exhibited a specific capacitance of 30.2 F·g^(-1) at a current density of 0.5 A·g^(-1),and the selectivity of the BiOCl@Gp materials for Cl^(-)was significantly higher than that of SO_(4)^(2-),NO_(2)^(-),and HCO_(3)^(-).Therefore,BiOCl@Gp composite electrode materials can be used for the selective adsorption of Cl^(-)in wastewater,in order to achieve efficient wastewater recycling.

Long-term Properties of Aeolian Sand-magnesium Oxychloride Cement Composites and Its Engineering Application

In order to prepare a new material with long-term stable performance,low cost,easy construction,and ecological environmental protection,the influence of aeolian sand on the compressive and flexural strength as well as micro morphology and phase composition of magnesium oxychloride cement(MOC)was studied.The experimental results indicate that,with the increase of content of doping sand,the compressive strength and flexural strength of MOC decrease significantly.However,when the quality ratio of aeolian sand and light burned magnesia powder is 1:8,the performance meets the actual engineering needs.Namely,the compressive strength of MOC is not less than 18 MPa,and flexural strength is not less than 4 MPa.Meanwhile,within 12 months of age,the compressive strength and flexural strength are stable.There is no obvious change in phase composition,and its main phase is still 5·1·8 phase.Microscopic appearance changes from needle-like to gel-like shape.Based on engineering applications,it is found that when the novel sand-fixing material is used in the field for one year,its macroscopic feature is not damaged,compressive strength and flexural strength are also more stable,phase composition negligibly changes,and micro morphology has also been turned into be gellike shape.These further confirm the long-term stability and weather resistance of MOC doping aeolian sand,providing theoretical and technical support for the widely application of MOC in the field of sand fixation in the future.

Preparation and Performance of Chitosan/Citric Acid Modified Magnesium Oxychloride Cement

Citric acid(CA)and chitosan(CS)were employed to modify magnesium oxychloride cement(MOC).Multiscale measurements were implemented to study the properties of the modified MOC pastes.Results show that the addition of CA/CS significantly changes the content of each phase and the microstructure of phase 5.The single addition of CA can effectively increase the compressive strength of MOC after 7 d curing,while CS exerts no obvious effect on the compressive strength.As to the simultaneous addition of CA and CS,the compressive strength of MOC gradually decreases with the increasing content of CS.Interestingly,mixing CA and CS significantly enhances the water resistance of MOC and decreases the degradation rate of MOC in phosphate buffered solution,which can be ascribed to the low specific surface area of the plate-like crystals in the modified MOC and the reduction of pores in the structure.

Consolidation Mechanism of Chloride Ion in Soda Residue from Ammonia Soda Process Method

Soda residue-magnesium oxychloride cement is prepared with soda residue from ammonia soda process method,magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate heptahydrate as main raw materials,and its consolidation mechanism of chloride ion is studied.The results show that the hydration products of soda residue-magnesium oxychloride cement are mainly 5-phase,gypsum and brucite,which exist in the matrix in needle rod shape,long plate shape and hexagonal plate shape,respectively.When the molar ratio of MgO/MgCl_(2) is 8:1,the concentration of MgSO_(4) is 29%,and the mass ratio of soda residue:magnesium oxide:magnesium sulfate heptahydrate is 45.8:36.4:17.8.The chloride ion consolidation effect of the sample is the best,and the chloride ion consolidation content of the 7 d sample is about 93%.The chloride ion consolidation content of the 28 d sample is about 96%.

Synthesis of BiOCl photocatalyst by a low-cost,simple hydrolytic technique and its excellent photocatalytic activity

A novel photocatalyst, bismuth oxychloride （BiOC1） micro-nano particles with a fine ferrite plate structure, was prepared by a low-cost, simple hydrolytic method. The as-prepared BLOC1 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis （TGA-DTA）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra （DRS）. The effects of preparation conditions such as sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate （SDBS） dispersant, HC1 concentration, and heat treatment temperature on BiOC1 performances were investigated. Moreover, its photocatalytic activity was evaluated on the degradation of methylene orange （MO） and was compared with that of TiO2 （P25）. The experimental results confirmed that BiOC1 micro-nano particles prepared with SDBS, the HC1 concentration of 1.5 mol/L, and the heat treatment temperature of 80℃ exhibited the best performance for the photodegradation of MO solution, and they showed good stability and better photocatalytic activity than P25 photocatalyst.

Effects of H_3PO_4 and Ca(H_2PO_4)_2 on mechanical properties and water resistance of thermally decomposed magnesium oxychloride cement

The effects of H3PO4 and Ca（H2PO4）2 on compressive strength, water resistance, hydration process of thermally decomposed magnesium oxychloride cement （TDMOC） pastes were studied. The mineral composition, hydration products and hydration heat release were analyzed by XRD, FT-IR, SEM and TAM air isothermal calorimeter, etc. After being modified by H3PO4 and Ca（HzPO4）2, the properties of the TDMOC are improved obviously. The compressive strength increases from 14.8 MPa to 48.1 MPa and 37.1 MPa, respectively. The strength retention coefficient （Kn） increases from 0.38 to 0.99 and 0.94, respectively. The 24 h hydration heat release decreases by 10% and 4% and the time of hydration peak appearing is delayed from 1 h to about 10 h. The XRD, FT-IR and SEM results show that the main composition is 5Mg（OH）z＇MgCIz＇8H20 in the modified TDMOC pastes. The possible mechanism for the strength enhancement was discussed. The purposes are to extend the potential applications of the salt lake magnesium resources and to improve the mechanical properties of TDMOC.

Influence of MgO/MgCl_2 Molar Ratio on Phase Stability of Magnesium Oxychloride Cement

Formation, solution and phase change of hydration products in MgO-MgCl2-H2O system was studied with thermodynamics method, and resistance to water immersion and phase change of magnesium oxychloride cement with different MgO/MgCl2 molar ratio was experimented. The results show that pH value of immersion solution of cement paste has a remarkable influence on phase stability of hydration products. A higher pH value leads to a lower solubility and a better phase stability of hydration products. When the solution pH value is higher than 10.37, the precipitation of much Mg（OH）2 crystal induces a worse phase stability of hydration products. With the increasing MgO/MgCl2 molar ratio （lower than 6）, the more amount of MgO in the hydration products enhances the alkalinity of solution and the phase stability is improved. However, when the MgO/MgCl2 molar ratio is higher than 6 and the excessive MgO exsits in the hydration products, the cement paste may be damaged by the excessive crystallization stress of a great deal of Mg（OH）2 formation.

Effects of Citric Acid on Hydration Process and Mechanical Properties of Thermal Decomposed Magnesium Oxychloride Cement

In order to make full use of salt lake magnesium resources and improve the strength of the thermal decomposed magnesium oxychloride cement （TDMOC）, the effects of citric acid on the hydration process and mechanical properties of TDMOC was studied. The hydration heat release at initial 24 h and strengths at 3, 7, and 28 days of TDMOC specimens were conducted. The hydration products and paste microstructure were analyzed by XRD, FT-IR and SEM, respectively. The results showed that citric acid can not only reduce the 24 h hydration heat release and delay the occurring time of second peak of TDMOC, but also produce more 5Mg（OH）z.MgC12.SH20 and less Mg（OH）2 in hydration process of TDMOC. More perfect and slender crystals were observed in the microstructure of the TDMOC pastes with citric acid. The results demonstrated that citric acid as an additive of TDMOC can decrease the hydration heat release and increase the compressive strength and flexural strength of TDMOC. The possible mechanism for the strength enhancement was discussed.

RESEARCH ON THE WATER-RESISTANCE OF MAGNESIUM OXYCHLORIDE CEMENT——I:THE STABILITY OF THE REACTION PRODUCTS OF MAGNESIUM OXYCHLORIDE CEMENT IN WATER

In this paper .the change of the crystalline phases in hardened magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) paste in mater was analyzed by XRD. It was developed that the reaction products 5 phase or 3 phase of MOC are instable in water and can be changed into Mg(OH)2 by the action of water, which causes the content of 5 phase or 3 phase to be less and less,the content of Mg(OH)2 to be more and more and the strength to be the lower the lower,after hardended MOC paste was immersed in water. The change of 5 pliase and 3 phase into Mg(OH)2 is not a dissolve process, but a hydrolysis process. The hydrolysis products of 5 phase and 3 phase are Mg(OH)2 precipitation and soluble Cl-,AIg+ ions and H2O. The hydrolysis is sponta-neous thermodynamically and its chemical kinatic equation is C = C,,e-k Thus .it is suggested that only by enhancing the stability of 5 phase or 3 phase in water and preventing 5 phase or 3 phase from the hydrolyzing can the water resistance of MOC be improved well.

Flame-retardant Mechanism of Magnesium Oxychloride in Epoxy Resin

Flame-retardant mechanism of magnesium oxychloride （M OC） in EP was in-vestigated by limiting oxygen index （LOI）, XRD, SEM, TG-DTG and DSC. The results show that MOC performed well as an inorganic flame-retardant in EP. When the content of MOC is 50%, the LOI of EP reaches 29.6% and mass of residual char reaches 9.6%. The flame retarde mechanism of MOC is due to the synergies of diluting, cooling, catalyzing char forming and obstructing effects.

Influence of Fly Ash and Silica Fume on Water-resistant Property of Magnesium Oxychloride Cement

By incorporation of fly ash or silica fume into magnesium oxychloride （MOC） cement, a high water resistance material can be formed for successful industrial applications. The influences of fly ash and silica fume on water-resistant property were investigated by SEM and EDS. It is found that the incorporation of fly ash or silica fume can improve the water-resistance of the MOC. The improvement of the water resistance of the MOC incorporated with fly ash or silica fume may be attributed to the alumino-silicate 5·1·8 gel or silicate 5·1·8 gel.

The Salt Attack Performance of Magnesium Oxychloride Cement Exposure to Three Kinds of Brines

Salt attack performance of magnesium oxychloride cement(MOC) in brine was investigated from the viewpoints of strength development and strength coefficient. Microstructure was studied using quantitative X-ray diffraction(QXRD), thermogravimetry(TG) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM). The results show that MOC mortars have outstanding salt attack performance after aging brine and raw brine immersion. The salt attack coefficients of MOC mortars are higher than 0.8, which is qualified for application in saline soil and salt lake area. The reason is that salt brine solution enters into the voids of MOC and plays a role of toughening and strengthening in the MOC.

Characterizing properties of magnesium oxychloride cement concrete pavement

The performance of magnesium oxychloride cement concrete(MOCC)in road engineering in the arid region in northwest China was investigated over a two-year period.Two categories of MOCC pavement,light-burnt magnesia concrete road(Road-L)and dolomite concrete road(Road-D),were prepared with light-burnt magnesia and a mixture of light-burnt magnesia and caustic dolomite(1:3 by mass),respectively.Variations in the properties of the MOCC pavement,such as compressive and flexural strength,mineralogical phase,and microstructure,after being exposed to two rainy seasons in the field were monitored.The compressive strength of the cored samples were conducted after being aged for 28 d,and the compressive and flexural strength were tested at ages of 1,2,3,28,90,180,270,360 and 720 d.The mineralogical phase and microstructure of the pavement were also analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The results demonstrate that MOCC pavement obtained desirable compressive and flexural strengths after curing for 3 d for Road-L and 28 d for Road-D.Both of the compressive and flexural strength of Road-L and Road-D decreased slightly after experiencing two rainy seasons,with the major hydration products being 5Mg(OH)2 MgCl28H2O(Phase 5)and 3Mg(OH)2 MgCl28H2O(Phase 3).The decomposition of Phase 5 is mainly responsible for reducing the mechanical strength of the MOCC pavement.

Synthesis of RE(OH)_2Cl and REOCl (RE=Eu, Tb) nanostructures

Anisotropic structures, nanoneedles, and nanospindles of rare earth hydroxychloride （RE（OH）2Cl） and oxychloride （REOCl） （rare earth=Eu and Tb） were synthesized. The rare earth hydroxychloride nanostructures were formed via a thermally assisted hydrolysis of the rare-earth sesquioxide nanocrystals. The morphological evolution of the nanostructures was studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, while the structural evolution was investigated using X-ray diffraction techniques. The thermal stability of the rare earth hydroxychlorides was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. The rare earth oxychloride nanospindles were synthesized via a simple heat-treatment of rare earth hydroxychloride nanospindles.

Gas solid techniques for preparation of pure lanthanum hexaboride

The processes reported for the preparation of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) from lanthanum oxide involve the use of carbon either elemental or in the form of boron carbide or elemental boron itself as reducing agents, fused salts at high temperatures or reactions which require the product boride to be leached out. Each of these techniques either increases the process costs and/or increases chances of contamination in fi-nal product. Pure LaB6 can best be prepared by a reaction which produces a gaseous byproduct. In the present study, such a reaction was successfully used to yield pure lanthanum hexaboride. The process involved mixing of anhydrous lanthanum chloride with aluminium and boron and heating the charges under dynamic argon flow. Lanthanum chloride is known to be highly hygroscopic; hence the process using improperly dehydrated LaCl3 led to the formation of lanthanum oxychloride which does not convert to LaB6 under conditions wherein LaCl3 converts. Not only the formation of AlCl3 but also its continuous removal from the reaction zone is necessary for the success of the process.

Effects of EVA Latex on the Properties of Glass-fiber/Magnesium-oxychloride Cement Composites

The effects of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate copolymer （EVA） latex as an additive or a glass fiber surface modifier on the properties of Glass-Fiber （ GF ）/ Magnesium Oxychloride Cement （MOC） composites was studied. The mechanical properties, water resistance aud aging resistance of the cured GF/ MOC composites were estimated and chemical ingredients analysis and morphological study of the GF/ MOC composites were also performed. It is found that EVA added to the MOC matrix could substantially improve the interfacial adhesion, water resistance aud aging resistance of GF/ MOC composites. EVA treatment on glass fibers resulted in decreasing initial flexural strength of GF/ MOC composites while enhancing the soft coefficients. In addition, the drying time and dilution of the EVA treatment on glass fibers also had an otwioas effect on the properties of GF/ MOC composites. However, excessive EVA interfered with the growth of the 5 Mg（ OH）2· MgCl2 ·8H2O crystal and the properties of GF / MOC composites.

THE PROPERTIES OF SILICA FUME-MAGNESIUM OXYCHLORIDE CEMENT MATERIALS

The properties of a new magnesium Oxychloride cement (MOC) material formed by silica fume uniformly mix in MOC paste was presents. The influence of silica fume on the water resistance and compressive strength of MOC paste was invesigated in this study. It is shown that when 30 weight percent of silica fume is added to the MOC paste, a high strength and water resisting new material with 112MPa compressive strength and 1 00 water resisting coefficient could by obtained.

Microstructure and Properties of Cement Foams Prepared by Magnesium Oxychloride Cement

Microstructural features including pore size distribution, cell walls and phase compositions of magnesium oxychloride cement foams（MOCF） with various MgO powders and water mixture ratios were studied. Their infl uences on compressive strength, water absorption and resistance of MOCF were also discussed in detail. The experimental results indicated that moderate and slight excess MgO powders（MgO/MgCl2 molar ratios from 5.1 to 7） were beneficial to the formation of excellent microstructure of MOCF, but increasing water contents（H2O/MgO mass ratios from 0.9 to 1.29） might result in opposite conclusions. The microstructure of MOCF produced with moderate and slight excess MgO powders could enhance the compressive strength, while serious excess MgO powders addition（MgO/MgCl2 molar ratios = 9） would destroy the cell wall structures, and therefore decrease the strength of the system. Although MOCF produced with excess MgO powders could decrease the water absorption, its softening coefficient was lower than that of the material produced with moderate MgO powders. This might be due to the instability of phase 5, the volume expansion and cracking of cell walls as immersed the sample into water.

Investigation on Upconversion Luminescence of Tm^(3+)/Yb^(3+)-Codoped Oxychloride Tellurite Glasses

Tm^3 ＋/Yb^3 ＋-codoped oxychloride tellurite glasses were prepared. Thermal stability, Raman spectra and upconversion luminescence spectra were studied, and upconversion luminescence mechanisms were analyzed. The results show that the intense blue and relatively weak red emissions centered at 476 and 649 nm corresponding to the transitions ^1G4→^3H6 and ^1G4→^3H4 of Tm^3＋ , respectively, were simultaneously observed at room temperature under 980 nm LD excitation. With increasing while PbCl2 content, thermal stability of host glasses increases, phonon energy of host glasses decreases, and upconversion luminescence intensities increase, which indicate that Tm^3＋/ Yb^3＋-codoped oxychloride tellurite glasses can be used as potential host materials for upconversion blue lasers.