Influence of Plastic and Coconut Shell (Cocos nucifera L.) on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of the 8/6 Composite Rafter

In this paper, the authors aim to propose the use of waste plastics as a binder in a coconut shell reinforcement for the development of an 8/6 size composite rafter to replace the natural 8/6 size backbone in construction. Following a study into the choice of the best proportions, a total of 30 size 8/6 composite rafters with different proportions of 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 50% plastic content were developed. All the 8/6 composite rafters were subjected to mechanical (3-point bending strength and Monnin hardness) and physical (bulk density and water absorption) characterization analyses. The results show that flexural strength increases from 27.56 MPa to 33.30 MPa for proportions ranging from 20% to 35% plastic content. Above 35% plastic, the strength drops to 19.60 MPa for a 50% plastic content. Similarly, the Monnin hardness drops from 9 mm to 5 mm when the plastic content varies from 20 to 50%. As for the results of the physical characterisation, the values obtained for apparent density vary from 0.89 to 1 for proportions varying from 20% to 35% plastic content and drop to 0.94 for 50% plastic content. As for water absorption, values drop from 6.82% to 2.45% when the plastic content increases from 20% to 50%. These mechanical strengths stabilise at 35% plastic content. The development of an 8/6 chevron composite material based on plastic and coconut shell could therefore be a way of recovering waste and solving the problem of deforestation.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Coral Sand in the Nansha Islands

Coral sand is a unique material developed in the tropical ocean environment, which is mainly composed of coral and other marine organism debris, with the CaCO3 content up to 96 %. It has special physical and mechanical properties due to its composition, structure and sedimentary environment. In this contribution, we discuss its specific gravity, porosity ratio compressibility, crushing, shearing and intensity for coral sand samples from the Nansha islands based on laboratory mechanical tests. Our results show distinct high porosity ratio, high friction angle and low intensity as compared with the quartz sand. We believe that grain crushing is the main factor that influences the deformation and strength of coral sand. Comprehensive study on the physical and mechanical properties of coral sands is significant in providing reliable scientific parameters to construction on coral islet, and thus avoids accidents in construction.

Organo-silane compounds in medium density fiberboard:physical and mechanical properties

We studied the effects of nanoparticles of organo-silane（NOS） compounds in the size range of20–80 nm on physical and mechanical properties in medium density fiberboard,and used NOS at four consumption levels of 0,50,100,and 150 g kg-1dry wood fibers.Density of all treatments was kept constant at 0.67 g cm-3.The water-repellent property of organo-silane significantly reduced water absorption（WA） and thickness swelling but mechanical properties declined due to the reduced proportion of wood-fiber as organo-silane was added to the matrix：the compression ratio of MDF panels and the integrity among wood-fibers both declined,resulting in reduced mechanical properties.We recommend use of 50 g of NOS/kg wood-fiber to improve WA and thickness swelling while retaining acceptable mechanical properties.

Effect of carbon nanotube on physical and mechanical properties of natural fiber/glass fiber/cement composites

The objective of this investigation was to introduce a cement-based composite of higher quality. For this purpose new hybrid nanocomposite from bagasse fiber,glass fiber and multi-wall carbon nanotubes（MWCNTs）were manufactured. The physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured composites were measured according to standard methods. The properties of the manufactured hybrid nanocomposites were dramatically better than traditional composites. Also all the reinforced composites with carbon nanotube, glass fiber or bagasse fiber exhibited better properties rather than neat cement.The results indicated that bagasse fiber proved suitable for substitution of glass fiber as a reinforcing agent in the cement composites. The hybrid nanocomposite containing10 % glass fiber, 10 % bagasse fiber and 1.5 % MWCNTs was selected as the best compound.

Influence of cooling speed on the physical and mechanical properties of granite in geothermal-related engineering

In deep-earth engineering,the high earth temperature can significantly affect the rock's mechanical properties,especially when the rock is cooled during the construction process.Accordingly,whether the cooling speed affects the mechanical and physical properties of rocks is worth to be investigated.The present study explored the influence of the cooling rate on the physical and chemical properties of granite heated at 25–800°C.The mechanical and physical properties involved in this study included uniaxial compression strength,peak strain,modulus,P-wave velocity,mass and volume,the change of which could reflect the sensitivity of granite to the cooling rate.Acoustic emission(AE)monitoring,microscopic observation,and X-ray diffraction(XRD)are used to analyze the underlying damage mechanism.It is found that more AE signals and large-scale cracks are accounted for based on the b-value method when the specimens are cooled by water.Furthermore,the microscopic observation by polarized light microscopy indicates that the density,opening degree,and connectivity of the cracks under water cooling mode are higher than that under natural cooling mode.In addition,the XRD illustrates that there is no obvious change in mineral content and diffraction angle at different temperatures,which confirms that the change of mechanical properties is not related to the chemical properties.The present conclusion can provide a perspective to assess the damage caused by different cooling methods to hot rocks.

Mechanical and acoustic emission characteristics of anhydrite rock under freeze-thaw cycles

To study the damage mechanisms of anhydrite rock under freeze-thaw cycles, the physicalmechanical properties and the microcracking activities of anhydrite rock were investigated through mass variation, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscope tests, and uniaxial compression combined with acoustic emission(AE) tests. Results show that with the increase of freeze-thaw processes,the mass, uniaxial compression strength, and elastic modulus of the anhydrite specimens decrease while the porosity and plasticity characteristics increase.For example, after 120 cycles, the uniaxial compression strength and elastic modulus decrease by 46.54% and 60.16%, and the porosity increase by 75%. Combined with the evolution trend of stressstrain curves and the detected events, three stages were labeled to investigate the AE characteristics in freeze-thaw weathered anhydrite rock. It is found that with the increase of freeze-thaw cycles, the proportions of AE counts in stage Ⅰ and stage Ⅱ show a decaying exponential trend. Contrarily, the proportion of AE counts in stage Ⅲ displays an exponential ascending trend. Meanwhile, as the freeze-thaw cycles increase, the low-frequency AE signals increase while the intermediate-frequency AE signals decrease. After 120 cycles, the proportion of low-frequency AE signals increases by 168.95%, and the proportion of intermediate-frequency AE signals reduces by 81.14%. It is concluded that the microtensile cracking events occupy a dominant position during the loading process. With the increase of freeze-thaw cycles, the b value of samples decreases.After 120 cycles, b value decreases by 27.2%, which means that the proportion of cracking events in rocks with small amplitude decreases. Finally, it is proposed that the freeze-thaw damage mechanism of anhydrite is also characterized by the water chemical softening effect.

Study on the Structural Characteristics and Physical and Mechanical Properties of Phoebe bournei Thinning Wood

The artificial afforestation of precious Phoebe bournei has been carried out in China.During the cultivation process,thinning wood will be produced.The properties of thinning wood might vary greatly with matured wood and require evaluation for better utilization.The objective of the present study aims to determine the wood structure,fiber morphology,and physical and mechanical properties of the Phoebe bournei thinning wood to help us understand the wood properties and improve its utility value.Three 14-year-old Phoebe bournei were cut from Jindong Forestry Farm of Hunan Province,China.The wood structure and fiber morphology were observed and analyzed with a light microscope and scanning electron microscope.The physical and mechanical properties were tested according to the Chinese national standards.The results showed as follows:(1)The Phoebe bournei thinning wood has a beautiful wood figure and fine texture,whereas the heartwood has not yet formed.(2)It is a diffuse-porous hardwood with small and less pores as well as fine wood rays.(3)The wood fiber is medium length and extremely thin wall thickness.(4)It is low in density and has excellent dimensionally stability.(5)The wood mechanical properties belong to the low to medium class and the comprehensive strength of wood belongs to the medium-strength class.It is concluded that Phoebe bournei thinning wood is suitable for wood carving,handicraft,high-end furniture,and decorative furniture parts.

Synthesis, Characterization and Vulcanizing Properties of Rare Earth Complexes with 2-Mercaptobenthiazole

Eight complexes of rare earth with 2 mercaptobenthiazole, RELCl 2·RE(OH) 3· x H 2O (L=2 mercaptobenthiazole, RE= La～Gd, Y, except for Pm, x =0, 2～4), were synthesized in unhydrous ethanol and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra and thermal analyses. The results show that the ligand is coordinated to the RE ion through both the exocyclic sulfur and the thiazole nitrogen. The vulcanizing properties of the La complex as accelerator were studied in the traditional tire rubber, which indicate that the cross linked rubber accelerated by the rare earth complex has good physical and dynamic mechanical properties by comparison.

The effect of urea pretreatment on the formaldehyde emission and properties of straw particleboard

For manufacturing low-formaldehyde emission particleboard from wheat straw and urea-formaldehyde （UF） resins using urea treatment for indoor environments, we investigated the influence of urea treatment on the formaldehyde emission, physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured particleboard. Wheat straws were treated at three levels of urea concentration （5%, 10%, 15%） and 95℃ as holding temperature. Wheat straw particleboards were manufactured using hot press at 180℃ and 3 MPa with two types of UF adhesive （UF-45, UF-91）. Then the formaldehyde emission values, physical properties and mechanical properties were considered. The results show that the for- maldehyde emission value was decreased by increasing urea concentration. Furthermore, the results indicate that the specimens under urea treatment have better mechanical and physical properties compared with control specimens. Also specimens under urea treatment at 10% concentration and UF-91 type adhesive have the most optimum physical and mechanical strength.

Effects of Radial-Orientation-Die Structure Parameters on Properties of Short Fiber and Rubber Composite Material

The radial-orientation-die has special structure to make short fibers get radial orientation in rubber matrix during extrusion process,which means the physical and mechanical properties of short fiber and rubber composite material will be influenced by the die different structures. The effects of radial-orientation-die structure parameters on properties of short fiber and rubber composite were studied experimentally by different structure parameters, including expansion ratio, expansion angle, dam clearance, molding channel length, convergence angle, and transition channel length. The experimental results indicated that short fiber and rubber composite could get good properties with optimized radial-orientation-die structure parameter. And the optimized structure parameters are that expansion ratio is about 5with an expansion angle of 150°,dam clearance is about 4 mm,molding channel length is about 50 mm,convergence angle is about120°,and transition channel length is about 30 mm. Accordingly,the physical and mechanical properties of the composite can be remarkably improved,which give an obvious anisotropy.

Review and prospect of the effects of freeze-thaw on soil geotechnical properties

Freeze-thaw hazard is one of the main problems in cold regions engineering and artificial ground freezing engineering.To mitigate freeze-thaw hazards,it is essential to investigate the effects of freeze-thaw on soils engineering properties.This paper summarizes the effects of freeze-thaw on the physical and mechanical properties of soils reported in recent studies.The differences of freeze-thaw conditions between freezing shaft sinking and cold regions engineering are discussed.Based on the technological characteristics of freezing shaft sinking in deep alluvium,we further attempt to identify key research needs regarding the freeze-thaw effects on the engineering properties of deep soils.

Some Properties of Bamboo Composite Lumber Made of Gigantochloa pseudoarundinacea

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of bamboo-wood layer compositions on the properties of bamboo composite lumber. Laboratory scale bamboo composite lumbers （BCLs） with four different core layer materials, i.e., bamboo strips glued vertically, jabon wood plank （Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.）, manii wood plank （Maesopsis eminii Engl.） and sengon wood plank （Falcataria moluccana （Miq.） Barneby ＆ J.W. Grimes） were fabricated using Andong bamboo （Gigantochloa pseudoarundinacea （Steud.） Widjaja） strips glued horizontally as the outer layers and Andong bamboo zephyrs used as the second and the fourth layers. BCLs were manufactured using water based polymer-isocyanate （WBPI） adhesive with the glue spread of 250 g/m2, and the cold pressing time applied was 1 h. Results showed that physical and mechanical properties of BCLs were significantly affected by the layer compositions. The BCL consisted of 100% bamboo strips exhibited higher density （0.754 g/cm3） and mechanical properties （modulus of rupture （MOR） 1,162 kgf/cm2, modulus of elasticity （MOE） 173,757 kgf/cm2, compression strength 644.7 kgf/cm2 and hardness 553 kgf）, compared to BCLs, of which the core layer was made of wood plank （density 0.533 g/cm3, MOR 648 kgf/cm2, MOE 77,893 kgf/cm2, compression strength 389.7 kgf/cm2 and hardness 355 kgf, respectively）. No delamination occurred in all samples, indicating a high bonding quality. BCL made of 100% bamboo strips had strength values comparable to wood strength class I, while BCL with core layer made of wood plank of jabon, manii or sengon had strength values similar to wood strength class III. All BCLs produced are suitable for solid wood substitute.

Comparative Study of the Reactivity of Clay Earth Materials for the Production of Compressed Earth Blocks in Ambient Conditions: Effect on Their Physico-Mechanical Performances

This study assesses the reactivity of four (04) different types of clayey earthen materials (Kamboinsé, Pabré, Saaba, and Kossodo) with Ca(OH)2, analytical lime (AL) versus lime residu (LR), in ambient conditions. The effect of the stabilization of the earth with the LR was also studied on the performances of compressed earth blocks (CEB). The lime content varied from 0% to 20% with respect to the mass of dry earth material. The analysis of the reactivity and physico-mechanical properties were respectively carried out on the solutions of the mixtures (earth + LR and earth + AL) and CEB (earth + LR). The mixtures were cured between 0 and 60 days at the ambient temperature of laboratory (30℃ ± 5℃). The results showed that the reactivity of the clayey earth materials with AL is comparable to that with the LR. At the same time, this reactivity improved the physical and mechanical properties of stabilized CEB depending on the type of earth material, lime content and curing time. The maximum values of the dry compressive strength, observed for each material stabilized with 20% LR, are 6 and 7 MPa (Kamboinsé), 8.8 and 9.3 MPa (Pabré), 6 and 6.5 MPa (Saaba), 8.8 and 9.7 MPa (Kossodo) respectively at curing time of 28 and 45 days. The structural efficiency of CEB was also improved which implies that, in the current conditions, the stabilization of earth materials using LR allows to produce the CEB for potential applications in wall masonry.

Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of Ash Concrete from Palm Nut Shells: Pouzzolanic Effect

The use of agricultural waste in construction is an advantage favorable to environmental sanitation, the preservation of non-renewable resources but also to the execution of an ecological work. The objective of this work is to study the influence of the addition of palm nut cockles ash as an adjuvant on the physico-mechanical properties of concrete. For this study, ordinary concretes and ash concretes were made and subjected to physical and mechanical characterization tests at different maturation periods. The results of the tests carried out indicate that the presence of ash reduces the workability and porosity of the concrete and then increases the density of the concrete to 6.3%. In addition, we found that incorporating the ash improves the mechanical strength of the concrete compared to the control concrete. Thus, the compressive strength of ash concrete is 32.07 MPa and that of splitting is 2.76 MPa at 28 days, which is satisfactory vis-à-vis the threshold of construction projects for ready concrete for use, which recommends a minimum of 25 MPa (compression) and 2.6 MPa (splitting) at 28 days. This improvement in mechanical performance can be attributed to the pozzolanic effect of the constituents of the ash. Therefore, the ash from palm nut shells can be used to improve the mechanical properties of concrete.

Interaction of the Mining Environment on the Properties of Hydraulic Mortars in Silty Sands in Togo

The objective of this study is to determine the influence of the surrounding soils on the granular properties of the silty sands of Togo and on the resistance of the mortars. Sand compositions are made by substituting silty sands with clay soil, vegetal soil, lateritic soil or fine elements (<0.08 mm) which are the surrounding land polluting the sands in Togo. After identification tests, the mixtures were used to prepare test specimens of mortar which are subjected to bending and compression. It appears that additions of clay and plastic soils (ES = 0, VBM > 0.53 and IP > 19) from 10% to 35% cause drops in resistance of mortars from 7% to 96%;this loss is 8% to 70% for the rates of addition of less clayey soil (ES = 33, VBM = 0.40 and IP = 0) at rates of 10% to 100%. As for fine powdery soils (ES = 56.53 and VBM = 0.25), they have virtually no influence on resistance (loss of less than 3% for rates of 100%). Construction stakeholders thus have a decision-making tool for the choice of silty sand extraction zones according to the surrounding land and the quality of the desired concrete.

Mechanical Behavior of Bamboo,and Its Biomimetic Composites and Structural Members:A Systematic Review

Bamboo is a typical biological material widely growing in nature with excellent physical and mechanical properties.It is lightweight with high strength and toughness.The naturally optimized bamboo structure,which has inspired global material scientists and engineers for decades,is significantly important for the bionic design of novel structural materials with ultra-light,ultra-strong,or ultra-tough and comprehensive properties.Typical literature on innovative composite materials and structural members inspired by bamboo are reviewed in this paper,and the research progress and prospects in this field are expounded in three parts.First,the structural characteristics of the bamboo wall layer along the thickness and height directions are described in terms of chemical composition,gradient structure,pore structure,and hollow structure with variable cross-section.Second,this paper summarizes the research progress on new composite materials and structural components by applying bamboo’s structural features from the perspective of sustainability,designability,and customization.Finally,given the limitations of current research,the biomimetic scientific research on bamboo’s structural characteristics is prospected from the interpretation of bamboo structure,new bamboo-like materials,and structural design optimization perspectives,providing a reference for future research on biomimetic aspects of biomass.

Design and Development of Composite Plywood that Integrates Fire Resistance,Water Resistance and Wear Resistance

In order to improve the fire resistance,water resistance and wear resistance of ordinary plywood products in the wood processing industry,three composite structures of plywood products S1,S2 and S3 were designed in this paper,and a reasonable production process was proposed.Through the physical and mechanical properties and fire resistance testing and technical and economic analysis,the applicability of composite plywood was evaluated.The results of the study showed that the physical mechanics of the three kinds of composite structure plywood met the standard requirements,and their fire resistance was far better than that of ordinary plywood.Among them,the S1 structural board had the best overall physical and mechanical properties.The S3 structural board showed the best fire resistance,which was about 1.9 times more than that of ordinary plywood,and the added cost was the lowest.The thin cork board added to the S2 structural board had poor fire performance since the air in the cork board cavities had a certain combustion-supporting effect,which inhibited the fire resistance of high-pressure laminate(HPL)layer.Moreover,the additional cost of the S2 board was the highest,and its comprehensive performance was the worst.The S3 structural plywood product composed of HPL fireproof board with a thickness of about 1 mm in the surface layer and ordinary plywood with a thickness of about 12 mm in the core layer was the most cost-effective product,which could meet the needs of various fields such as construction,home furnishing,decoration and transportation.

The Influence of Elimination of Roving Frame on Ring Spun Cotton Yarn Characteristics

Generally, ring spun yarns are manufactured from roving which is produced by roving frame. In this paper, an experiment has been done producing ring spun cotton yarn directly from finisher drawn sliver eliminating the roving frame. Total 3 types of yarn with the various linear density of 8 Ne, 10 Ne & 12 Ne were produced using a roving frame and without using a roving frame. In the next step, physical and mechanical properties of those yarns including unevenness, imperfections, hairiness & tenacity were investigated. The result showed that ring spun cotton yarns produced from sliver exhibited inferior physical and mechanical properties compared with samples from the conventional ring spinning system.

Cement-bonded particleboard with a mixture of wheat straw and poplar wood

We investigated the hydration behavior and some physical/mechanical properties of cement-bonded particleboard （CBPB） containing particles of wheat straw and poplar wood at various usage ratios and bonded with Portland cement mixed with different levels of inorganic additives. We determined the setting time and compression strength of cement pastes containing different additives and particles, and studied the effects of these additives and particles on thickness swelling, internal bond strength and modulus of rupture of CBPB by using RSM （Response Surface Methodology）. The mathematical model equations （second-order response functions） were derived to optimize properties of CBPB by computer simulation programming. Predicted values were in agreement with experimental values （R2 values of 0.93, 0.96 and 0.96 for TS, IB and MOR, respectively）. RSM can be efficiently applied to model panel properties. The variables can affect the properties of panels. The cement composites with bending strength 〉 12.5 MPa and internal bond strength 〉 0.28 MPa can be made by using wheat straw as a reinforcing material. Straw particle usage up to 11.5% in the mixture satisfies the minimum requirements of International Standard, EN 312 （2003） for IB and MOR. The dose of 4.95% calcium chloride, by weight of cement, can improve mechanical properties of the panels at the minimum requirement of EN 312. By increasing straw content from 0 to 30%, TS was reduced by increasing straw particle usage up to 1.5% and with 5.54% calcium chloride in the mixture, TS satisfied the EN 312 standard.

Acoustic experimental study of two types of rock from the Tibetan Plateau under the condition of freeze-thaw cycles

Under the condition of freeze-thaw cycles, two types of rocks （granite and andesite）, used as slope protection for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, were tested according to the special climatic conditions in the Tibetan Plateau, and their various damage processes in ap- pearance were carefully observed. Observation results show that damage of andesite was more serious than that of granite. Using an acoustic instrument, ultrasonic velocity was tested. The changing trends of velocity with the number of freeze-thaw cycles were analyzed, and the freeze-thaw cycle damaging the physical and mechanical properties of rocks can be seen. According to the changing trends of ultrasonic velocity with the number of freeze-thaw cycles, mechanical parameters of rocks, such as dynamic elasticity modulus, Poisson＇s ratio, and dynamic bulk modulus were analyzed. It is found that they all have declining trends as the number of fi＇eeze-thaw cycles increases, and in particular, when the cycle number reaches a certain extent, the Poisson＇s ratio of rocks begins to become negative.