Replacement of alkali silicate solution with silica fume in metakaolin-based geopolymers

A metakaolin(Mk)-based geopolymer cement from Tunisian Mk mixed with different amounts of silica fume(SiO_2/Al_2O_3 molar ratio varying between 3.61 and 4.09) and sodium hydroxide(10M) and without any alkali silicate solution, is developed in this work. After the samples were cured at room temperature under air for 28 d, they were analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD), Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry, ^(27)Al and ^(29)Si nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopy, and compression testing to establish the relationship between microstructure and compressive strength. The XRD, FTIR, and ^(27)Al and ^(29)Si NMR analyses showed that the use of silica fume instead of alkali silicate solutions was feasible for manufacturing geopolymer cement. The Mk-based geopolymer with a silica fume content of 6 wt%(compared with those with 2% and 10%), corresponding to an SiO_2/Al_2O_3 molar ratio of 3.84, resulted in the highest compressive strength, which was explained on the basis of its high compactness with the smallest porosity. Silica fume improved the compressive strength by filling interstitial voids of the microstructure because of its fine particle size. In addition, an increase in the SiO_2/Al_2O_3 molar ratio, which is controlled by the addition of silica fume, to 4.09 led to a geopolymer with low compressive strength, accompanied by microstructures with high porosity. This high porosity, which is responsible for weaknesses in the specimen, is related to the amount of unreacted silica fume.

Adsorption-desorption of phenolic compounds from olive mills wastewater using Tunisian natural clay

Olive mills wastewater(OMW) exhibit substantial contaminated properties due to their content of phenolic constituents and organic substances. The purpose of this work was the investigation of the efficiency of clay materials for the adsorption of phenolic compounds, which are contained in OMW.Furthermore, thermal activation of the clay took place in order to improve phenolic compounds uptake and afterwards, desorption process was studied. The adsorbent was characterized using XRD, XRF and BET surface area analyses. The adsorption efficiency of phenolic compounds by raw and calcined clay at 600 °C was 77.61% and 84.21%, respectively at acidic p H. The values of Gibbs free energy indicated that adsorption process is spontaneous and beneficial at higher temperatures. Alkaline medium was propitious for phenolic compounds desorption. The obtained results showed that natural clay could be used as a low-cost adsorbent for OMW treatment.

Effect of Changing Anion on the Crystalline Structure, Crystal Structure, Hirschfield Surface, IR and NMR Spectroscopy of Organic Salts and Hybrid Compounds: C6H4(NH3)2Cl2 (I), β-[C6H10N2]2ZnCl4 (II), Respectively

Two organic-inorganic hybrid materials, C6H4(NH3)2∙Cl2 (I) and β-[C6H10N2]2ZnCl4 (II), have been synthesized by hydrothermal method. These two materials are one of the hybrid materials have emerged as one of the most brilliant components classes. These extraordinary compounds synergistically combine the desired physical properties of both organic and inorganic components into a single compound offering the possibility to achieve great improvement over time in terms of science across various sectors. Their structures were determined by XRD pattern investigations and single crystal X-ray diffraction. These two compounds are crystallized in the monoclinic system;C2/c space group. In the both structures, the anionic-cationic entities are interconnected by hydrogen bonding contacts and p-p Interaction forming three-dimensional networks. Intermolecular interactions were investigated by Hirshfeld surfaces and the contacts of the four different chloride atoms in (II) were compared. The vibrational absorption bands were identified by infrared spectroscopy. These compounds were also investigated by solid state13C NMR spectroscopy.