Ingenieurwissenschaften und zugeordnete Tätigkeiten
Filtern
Dokumenttyp
Sprache
- Englisch (146)
- Deutsch (5)
- Portugiesisch (1)
Referierte Publikation
- ja (152) (entfernen)
Schlagworte
- Corrosion (17)
- Cement (8)
- Rheology (8)
- Rubber (7)
- Concrete (6)
- Carbon steel (5)
- Durability (5)
- Flame retardant (5)
- Graphene (5)
- Microstructure (5)
Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 7 Bauwerkssicherheit (152) (entfernen)
Paper des Monats
- ja (3)
A long-term study was conducted on double-lap spruce wood-concrete joints to investigate their shear strength and stiffness over a 12-month period. These joints were manufactured using both wet and dry processes, each incorporating two adhesive types for bonding the wood to the concrete: a brittle epoxy and a ductile polyurethane (PUR). The experimental design exposed the joints to three specific long-term environments: (1) outdoor exposure, (2) indoor conditions with applied load, and (3) outdoor conditions with applied load. The wood concrete joints exposed to outdoor conditions were subjected to destructive shear testing at intervals of 0 (serving as the reference sample), 2, 4, 6, and 12 months, respectively. For joints subjected to both indoor and outdoor conditions with shear loading, the shear deformation of joints was monitored continuously over the 12 months before performing the destructive tests. A gradual reduction in the shear stiffness and strength of dry joints (produced using the dry bond method) exposed to outdoor conditions was observed over a 12-month period, primarily due to bond failure at the concrete-adhesive interface. The wet joints exhibited no degradation in shear stiffness and strength across long-term conditions over the same period. The bond failure observed in dry joints was predominantly associated with stresses arising from dimensional changes in the wood. No degradation was found in the cross-linking density of the adhesive or in the concrete’s compressive stiffness and strength.
A combination of neutron time-of-flight and neutron backscattering spectroscopy was used to investigate the molecular dynamics of Janus polynorbornenes (Janus poly(tricyclononenes)) on a microscopic level.
These Janus polynorbornenes, denoted as PTCNSiOR, have a semirigid backbone with −Si(OR)3 side groups attached to it. R represents the length of the alkyl side chain. Here side chain lengths of R = 3 (propyl) and R = 8 (octyl) were considered. It is worth mentioning that these polymers have some potential as active layers in gas separation membranes, especially for the separation of higher hydrocarbons. The combination of time-of-flight and backscattering will ensure a reasonably broad time window for analysis where the incoherent intermediate scattering function SInc(q,t) is considered. Previously, it was shown by X-ray investigations that the system undergoes a nanophase separation into alkyl side chain-rich domains surrounded by a backbone-rich matrix. For PTCNSiOPr (R = 3), the alkyl side-chain-rich domains are truly isolated in the backbone-rich matrix, whereas for PTCNSiOOc (R = 8) these domains percolate through the matrix. Further, it was also previously shown that the alkyl side-chain-rich domains undergo a glass transition. The advantage of neutron scattering experiments discussed here is that besides temporal also spatial information is obtained which will allow conclusions to be drawn about the type of molecular fluctuations. At the lowest measured temperature, the decay in Sinc(q,t) is due to the methyl group rotation. The methyl group dynamics is analyzed in terms of a modified jump-diffusion in a 3-fold potential and yields to a reasonable fraction of hydrogens which contribute to the methyl group rotation. At higher temperatures, the decay in SInc(q,t) is due to both the methyl group rotation and the segmental dynamics in the alkyl side-chain-rich domains. The segmental diffusion is modeled by a sublinear diffusion. For the analysis of the scattering function SInc(q,t) of PTCNSiOPr an elastic scattering due to the immobilized backbone-rich matrix must be taken into account. The analysis reveals that the segmental dynamics is confined by the finite size of alkyl chain-rich domains and that it is intrinsically heterogeneous in nature. Both effects are more pronounced for PTCNSiOPr in comparison to those of PTCNSiOOc.
Characteristics of environmental stress cracking of PE-HD induced by biodiesel and diesel fuels
(2024)
In the context of the increasing effect of carbon dioxide emissions on the global climate biodiesel produced from renewable sources has emerged as a promising contender replacing fossil fuels, especially in long-range transport vehicles, using existing engines and infrastructure.
High-density polyethylene is one of the prevailing materials for pipe and container applications for storage and transport of such fuels, both, from fossil and renewable resources. The contact with the respective fuels raises questions concerning material compatibility as biodiesel exhibits significant differences compared to conventional diesel fuel affecting its sorption and plasticization behavior in polyethylene. In this study, its behavior with respect to environmental stress cracking, considered one of the most frequent damage mechanisms leading to failure of polymer parts and packaging, was evaluated using the well-established Full Notch Creep Test. This
approach allows for a detailed fracture surface analysis using imaging techniques, such as optical and laser scanning microscopy, as well as infrared spectroscopy. Comparing the environmental stress cracking behavior in standard surfactant solutions with that in biodiesel and diesel, respective crack propagation rates, showing different levels of acceleration, were determined and details of the underlying mechanisms could be revealed.
Furthermore, the specific infrared absorption of the biodiesel’s ester functionality allows its semi-quantitative determination on the fracture surface of the tested specimens after failure. Thus, a preferred uptake of sorptive fluids in the fracture zone due to local morphological changes of the polyethylene could be directly evidenced by infrared spectroscopy.
Revolutionizing our polymer industry for adaption to a sustainable carbon circular economy has become one of today’s most demanding challenges. Exploiting renewable resources to replace fossil-fuel—based plastics with biopolymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is inevitable while using waste streams as a raw material resource at least is promising. When it comes to using PLA as technical polymer, its high flammability must be addressed by flame retardants compatible with the thermoplastic processing of PLA and its compostability. This study proposes microalgae enriched with phosphorus from wastewater (P-Algae) as an elegant way towards a kind of sustainable organophosphorus flame retardant. The concept is demonstrated by investigating the processing, pyrolysis, flammability, and fire behavior of PLA/P-Algae, while varying the P-Algae content and comparing P-Algae with four alternative bio-fillers (phosphorylated lignin, biochar, thermally treated sewage sludge, and metal phytate) with different P-contents as meaningful benchmarks.
Polymers of intrinsic microporosity exhibit a combination of high gas permeability and reasonable permselectivity, which makes them attractive candidates for gas separation membrane materials. The diffusional selective gas transport properties are connected to the molecular mobility of these polymers in the condensed state. Incoherent quasielastic neutron scattering was carried out on two polymers of intrinsic microporosity, PIM-EA-TB(CH3) and its demethylated counterpart PIM-EA-TB(H2), which have high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area values of 1030 m2 g-1 and 836 m2 g-1, respectively. As these two polymers only differ in the presence of two methyl groups at the ethanoanthracene unit, the effect of methyl group rotation can be investigated solely. To cover a broad dynamic range, neutron time-of-flight was combined with neutron backscattering. The demethylated PIM-EA-TB(H2) exhibits a relaxation process with a weak intensity at short times. As the backbone is rigid and stiff this process was assigned to bendand-flex fluctuations. This process was also observed for the PIM-EA-TB(CH3). A further relaxation process is found for PIM-EA-TB(CH3), which is the methyl group rotation. It was analyzed by a jump-diffusion in a three-fold potential considering also the fact that only a fraction of the present hydrogens in PIM-EATB(CH3) participate in the methyl group rotation. This analysis can quantitatively describe the q dependence of the elastic incoherent structure factor. Furthermore, a relaxation time for the methyl group rotation can be extracted. A high activation energy of 35 kJ mol-1 was deduced. This high activation energy evidences a strong hindrance of the methyl group rotation in the bridged PIM-EA-TB(CH3) structure.
Relation of craze to crack length during slow crack growth phenomena in high‐density polyethylene
(2024)
The craze‐crack mechanism occurring in high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) causing slow crack growth and environmental stress cracking is investigated in detail with respect to the relation of crack length and the related craze zone. This is essential for the understanding of the resulting features of the formed fracture surface and their interpretation in the context of the transition from crack propagation to ductile shear deformation. It turns out that an already formed craze zone does not inevitably result in formation of a propagating crack, but could also undergo ductile failure. For the examination, the full notch creep test (FNCT) was employed with a subsequent advanced fracture surface analysis that was performed using various imaging techniques: light microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray micro computed tomography scan. FNCT specimens were progressively damaged for increasing durations under standard test conditions applying Arkopal, the standard surfactant solution, and biodiesel as test media were used to analyze the stepwise growth of cracks and crazes. From considerations based on well‐established fracture mechanics approaches, a theoretical correlation between the length of the actual crack and the length of the preceding craze zone was established that could be evidenced and affirmed by FNCT fracture surface analysis. Moreover, the yield strength of a HDPE material exposed to a certain medium as detected by a classic tensile test was found to be the crucial value of true stress to induce the transition from crack propagation due to the craze‐crack mechanism to shear deformation during FNCT measurements.
Highlights
- Progress of crack formation in high‐density polyethylene is analyzed by different imaging techniques
- Determined growth rates depend on distinction between craze zone and crack
- The ratio of the present crack to the anteceding craze zone is validated theoretically
- The transition from crack propagation to ductile shear deformation is identified
- An already formed craze zone may still fail by ductile mechanisms
Rotational rheometry test of Portland cement-based materials - A systematic literature review
(2024)
This study systematically reviews 62 papers on the use of rotational rheometry to assess the fresh state behavior of Portland cement-based materials. The research highlights the wide variation in test methods and aims to provide a comprehensive overview. Findings reveal that 50.0% of studies employed vane geometry, despite its limitations in providing transformation equations. Regarding dynamic shearing tests, 67.0% followed a consensus using a pre-shearing step and a step-wise routine with stabilization times ≥ 10 s. While the Bingham model is commonly used, the study emphasizes the importance of considering shear-thinning behavior in cementitious materials. Models like Herschel-Bulkley and modified Bingham may be more appropriate. This review offers insights into testing conditions for rotational rheometry of cementitious materials, serving as a foundation for future research in the field.
Oxidative aging induces significant stiffening of asphalt binders that leads to a pronounced reduction in the overall durability of asphalt pavements. The strategic implementation of antioxidant additives provides a potential solution to alleviate this issue. This work presents results from the second phase of the global consortium for antioxidants research aimed at investigating the effectiveness of potential antioxidants in increasing the durability of asphalt binders. Sixteen laboratories around the world participated in this effort and a total of 28 binders from diverse geographical regions were tested. Two promising antioxidants, namely zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDC) and kraft lignin were evaluated in this phase and blended with the binders at specific proportions. Subsequently, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to assess rheological characteristics and chemical properties of the various blends, utilising Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) measurements and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The findings indicate that additives such as ZDC hold considerable promise as an effective antioxidant, particularly when considering a wide diversity of binders. In general, its incorporation does not compromise the rutting performance of the binders and significantly improves fatigue performance. Therefore, research efforts should be focused on exploring additional facets to assess its practical applicability in field.
The corrosion behavior of galvanized steels and zinc components under atmospheric exposure depends mostly on the corrosion product‐based cover layer formation under the prevailing conditions. The use of agar‐based gel electrolytes makes it possible to use electrochemical methods to obtain a characteristic value from these cover layers that describe their current and future protective capacity. It is shown here that different states of galvanized steel can be distinguished very well under laboratory conditions and that this method is also suitable for use under practical conditions. Based on the characteristic values and assuming future time of wetness, it is very easy to draw up a forecast for the future corrosion rate, which provides plausible values.
Esta pesquisa avaliou o fenômeno de autocicatrização nas propriedades mecânicas e absorção capilar de concretos estruturais. Foram avaliados dois aditivos cristalizantes em pó, dosados de acordo com o teor recomendado pelos fabricantes. Aditivos cristalizantes aumentam a densidade do gel C-S-H e formam cristais insolúveis, bloqueando fissuras. Três traços de concreto foram produzidos: referência, aditivo-X com 0,8% e aditivo-Y com 2,0% em relação a massa do cimento. Aplicou-se 75% da carga de ruptura aos 3- e 14-dias para gerar microfissuras e comparar com a referência. Posteriormente, a autocicatrização foi avaliada aos 28- e 76-dias. A propriedade de resistência à compressão axial foi determinada aos 28-dias, revelando que os aditivos cristalizantes contribuíram para um aumento médio de 12% desta propriedade. A idade do carregamento dos concretos não apresentou um impacto significativo na resistência à compressão axial, mas apontou resultados significativos entre os tipos de aditivos estudados, conforme ANOVA. As propriedades de absorção de água por capilaridade foram avaliadas aos 28- e 76-dias, indicando uma redução de absorção de água média de 42% devido ao uso dos aditivos cristalizantes. Em conclusão, a incorporação dos aditivos cristalizantes contribuiu de maneira positiva para a autocicatrização dos concretos estudados, indicando uma recuperação parcial das microfissuras.
The output of C&D waste is increasing year by year, among which low-quality recycled brick aggregates (RBAs) have not been well utilized and brought environmental burden. The durability of steam-cured concrete (HCC) is often compromised due to the detrimental effects of this curing regime on the long-term performance and microstructure development of the concrete material. To address this issue, this study investigates the potential of incorporating RBAs to improve the long-term durability of HCC. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of a small amount of RBA (10–20%) not only enhances the 28-d strength of HCC by 2.5–11.3%, but also improves its impermeability by mitigating heat damage effects. The combined application of fine and coarse RBA was found to effectively balance the negative effects of coarse RBA on the performance of HCC. Furthermore, the utilization of RBA in HCC was shown to have economic and environmental benefits. The results of this study demonstrate a simple and effective approach to improve the long-term durability of HCC while promoting the high-value utilization of solid waste.
Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) based on phosphinine and thiophene building blocks have been synthesized with two different side groups. The materials are denoted as CPSF-MeO and CPSF-EtO where CxxF correspond to the covalent framework, whereas P and S are related to heteroatoms phosphorous and sulfur. MeO and EtO indicate the substituents, i.e. methoxy and ethoxy.
Their morphologies were studied by scanning electron microcopy and X-ray scattering. The absence of crystalline reflexes in the X-ray pattern reveal that both materials are amorphous and can be considered as glasses. Furthermore, N2 adsorption measurements indicate substantial Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area values pointing to the formation of three-dimensional pores by stacking of the aromatic 2D layer. An analysis of the porosity of both COFs showed a mean radius of the pores to be of ca. 4 nm, consistent with their chemical structure. The COFs form nanoparticles with a radius of around 100 nm. The thermal behavior of the COFs was further investigated by fast scanning calorimetry. These investigations showed that both COFs undergo a glass transition. The glass transition temperature of CPSF-EtO is found to be ca. 100 K higher than that for CPSF-MeO. This large difference in the glass transition is discussed to be due to a change in the interaction of the COF sheets induced by the longer ethoxy group. It might be assumed that for CPSF-EtO more individual COF sheets assemble to larger stacks than for CPSF-MeO. This agrees with the much larger surface area value found for CPSF-EtO compared to CPSF-MeO. To corroborate the results obtained be fast scanning calorimetry dielectric measurements were conducted which confirm the occurrence of a dynamic glass transition. The estimated temperature dependence of the relaxation rates of the dielectric relaxation and their absolute values agrees well with the data obtained by fast scanning calorimetry. Considering the fragility approach to the glass transition, it was further found that CPSF-MeO is a fragile glass former whereas CPSF-EtO behaves as a strong glass forming material. This difference in the fragility points also to distinct differences in the interaction between the 2D COF molecules in both materials.
Despite the advances in hardware and software techniques, standard numerical methods fail in providing real-time simulations, especially for complex processes such as additive manufacturing applications. A real-time simulation enables process control through the combination of process monitoring and automated feedback, which increases the flexibility and quality of a process. Typically, before producing a whole additive manufacturing structure, a simplified experiment in the form of a beadon-plate experiment is performed to get a first insight into the process and to set parameters suitably. In this work, a reduced order model for the transient thermal problem of the bead-on-plate weld simulation is developed, allowing an efficient model calibration and control of the process. The proposed approach applies the proper generalized decomposition (PGD) method, a popular model order reduction technique, to decrease the computational effort of each model evaluation required multiple times in parameter estimation, control, and optimization. The welding torch is modeled by a moving heat source, which leads to difficulties separating space and time, a key ingredient in PGD simulations. A novel approach for separating space and time is applied and extended to 3D problems allowing the derivation of an efficient separated representation of the temperature.
The results are verified against a standard finite element model showing excellent agreement. The reduced order model is also leveraged in a Bayesian model parameter estimation setup, speeding up calibrations and ultimately leading to an optimized real-time simulation approach for welding experiment using synthetic as well as real measurement data.
Polymers with intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are gaining attention as gas separation membranes. Nevertheless, they face limitations due to pronounced physical aging. In this study a covalent organic framework containing λ5-phosphinine moieties, CPSF-EtO were incorporated as a nanofiller (concentration range 0-10 wt%) into a PIM-1 matrix forming dense films with a thickness of ca. 100 μm. The aim of the investigation was to investigate possible enhancements of gas transport properties and mitigating effects on physical aging. The incorporation of the nanofiller occurred on aggregate level with domains up to 100 nm as observed by T-SEM and confirmed by X-ray scattering. Moreover, the X-ray data show that the structure of the microporous network of the PIM-1 matrix is changed by the nanofiller.
As the molecular mobility is fundamental for gas transport as well as for physical aging, the study includes dielectric investigations of pure PIM-1 and PIM-1/CPSF-EtO mixed matrix membranes to establish a correlation between the molecular mobility and the gas transport properties. Using the time-lag method the gas permeability and the permselectivity were determined for N2, O2, CH4 and CO2 for samples with variation in filler content. A significant increase in the permeability of CH4 and CO2 (50 % increase compared to pure PIM-1) was observed for a concentration of 5 wt% of the nanofiller. Furthermore, the most pronounced change in the permselectivity was found for the gas pair CO2/N2 at a filler concentration of 7 wt%.
Future lunar exploration will be based on in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) techniques. The most abundant raw material on the Moon is lunar regolith, which, however, is very scarce on Earth, making the study of simulants a necessity. The objective of this study is to characterize and investigate the sintering behavior of EAC-1A lunar regolith simulant. The characterization of the simulant included the determination of the phase assemblage, characteristic temperatures determination and water content analysis. The results are discussed in the context of sintering experiments of EAC-1A simulant, which showed that the material can be sintered to a relative density close to 90%, but only within a very narrow range of temperatures (20–30 °C). Sintering experiments were performed for sieved and unsieved, as well as for dried and non-dried specimens of EAC-1A. In addition, an analysis of the densification and mechanical properties of the sintered specimens was done. The sintering experiments at different temperatures showed that the finest fraction of sieved simulant can reach a higher maximum sintering temperature, and consequently a higher densification and biaxial strength. The non-dried powder exhibited higher densification and biaxial strength after sintering compared to the dried specimen. This difference was explained with a higher green density of the non-dried powder during pressing, rather than due to an actual influence on the sintering mechanism. Nevertheless, drying the powder prior to sintering is important to avoid the overestimation of the strength of specimens to be fabricated on the Moon.
We report the selective ring opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) of
oxetane and phthalic thioanhydride by a heterobimetallic Cr(III)K
catalyst precisely yielding semi-crystalline alternating poly(esteralt-
thioesters) which show improved degradability due to the
thioester links in the polymer backbone.
Impact resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures can be significantly improved by strengthening RC members with thin composite layers featuring high damage tolerance. Indeed, to limit the well-known vulnerability of cement-based materials against impact loading, the synergistic effects of short fibres and continuous textile meshes as hybrid reinforcement has been proved to be highly beneficial. This paper addresses the characterisation of novel cement-based hybrid composites through accelerated drop-weight impact tests conducted on rectangular plates at different impact energies. Two distinct matrices are assessed, with particular interest in a newly developed limestone calcined clay cement (LC3)-based formulation. Important parameters quantifying energy dissipation capability, load bearing capacity and damage are cross-checked to compute the ballistic limit and estimate the safety-relevant characteristics of the different composites at hand. Although textiles alone can improve the damage tolerance of fine concrete to some extent, the crack-bridging attitude of short, well-dispersed fibres in hybrid composites imparts a certain ductility to the cement-based matrices, allowing a greater portion of the textile to be activated and significantly reducing the amount of matrix spalling under impact.
The effect of resting time on the rheological properties of cement suspensions is generally explained by early formed structure and overconsumption of polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs). In this paper, we propose that the influence of resting time on the rheological properties is closely related to size variation of non-absorbed PCE. To identify this, glass bead suspensions were prepared with various amounts of PCE and ionic solution, and their rheological properties were evaluated at various times. We found that the yield stress increases with time at higher PCE concentrations and higher ionic strength solutions. Adsorbed PCE during resting tends to bridge the particles rather than disperse them. In addition, it was found that hydrodynamic radius of PCE increased with resting time, and depletion forces resulting from non-absorbed PCE size changes correlate well with the increased yield stress.
In this article, a partial selection of experiments on enhancing the impact resistance of structural components with non-metallic, textile-reinforced concrete is discussed. The focus is on the experimental investigations in which the impact resistance of thin, textile-reinforced concrete plates is characterized. The article discusses the materials, fabrics and test setup used. For the experimental work, a drop tower from the Otto Mohr Laboratory, which belongs to the Technische Universtät Dresden, was used. Furthermore, the experimental results are presented and evaluated using different methods. Based on the collected data, a suitable approach to determining the perforation velocity of an impactor through the investigated thin, textile-reinforced concrete plates is shown.
Polymers that help tailoring rheological properties during the casting process have become inevitable constituents for all kinds of high-performance concrete technologies. Due to lacking industries, these typically crude-oil based admixtures are not readily available in many parts of the world, which limits the implementation of more sustainable high-performance construction technologies in these regions. Alternative polymers, which often demand for less processing, can be derived from local plant-based resources. The paper provides experimental data of flow tests of cement pastes with polysaccharides from Triumfetta pendrata A. Rich, acacia gum and cassava without and in the presence of polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer. The flow tests are amended by observations of the zeta potentials and the hydrodynamic diameters in the presence of and without calcium ions in the dispersion medium. The results show that in the presence of and without calcium ions all polysaccharides provide negative zeta potentials, yet, they affect flowability and thixotropy in different ways. Cassava starch, acacia gum, and the gum of Triumfetta pendrata A. Rich qualified well for robustness improvement, strong stiffening, and additive manufacturing, respectively. The reason for the different effects can be found in their average sizes and size distribution. Due to the promising results, a flow chart for local value chains is derived on the example of yet unused cassava wastes, which can be converted in parallel.
The built environment significantly impacts the health of individuals and populations in various ways. The health and durability of the built environment are intertwined with availability ofnaturally occurring and man-made resources and their supply chains. Therefore, resource con servation is a key to ensure sustainability of built environments. Many industrial wastes can be turned into valuable resources for reuse in construction of the built environment. For instance, biowaste (woody/ leafy biomass and animal waste) have been used to make construction adhesives (Fini et al., 2011), some urban wastes have been used in road construction (Poulikakos et al., 2017; Schmidt et al., 2021), end of life plastics and polymers have made their way to roadway construction, bio-oils and algae harvested from wastewater treatment plants has been used to make antiaging for outdoor building elements to mitigate UV aging (Kabir et al., 2021); sulfur has been used as an extender in asphalt and recycled mineral powders such as silica and alumina have been used to increase strength and durability against acidic compounds (Fini et al., 2019). These are just a few examples of recycling venues with beneficial uses in the built environment.
The construction and operation of the built environment and the traffic that it attracts or facilitates significantly contribute to the emis sion of greenhouse gasses (GHG) and cause air pollution. The direct and indirect impacts of GHG and air pollutants on the environment and so cieties have been weil established. The built environment can be used as a powerful platform not only for recycling and resource conservation but also to remove near-ground gaseous contaminants. This can be done via tailored design and engineering of adsorptive construction materials via recycling of waste materials. For instance, advanced sorbent systems can be made for removing C02, H2S, and formaldehyde from air. This re quires tailored sorbent design, topology optimization, and catalytic conversion of collected gaseous compounds to name a few.
This special issue covers innovative materials, methods, and man agement practices which aim to simultaneously address durability ofthe built environment, air quality, resource conservation, and supply chain resilience. Such innovative materials, methods, and management prac tices will transform the built environment into not only an active contributor to no waste, no pollution for healthy environment, but also a medium that converts the waste and pollution into beneficial products for use in the built environment, thereby promoting resource conser vation. Followings are examples of topics that the special issue is interested in:
• Venuses to advance resource conservation specifically via novel ap proaches in the built environment.
• Innovative construction materials for passive or active adsorption of harmful gaseous emissions to conserve air, energy, and water.
• Advanced materials, methods, and management practices to pro mote well-being of the built environment.
• Smart buildings to promote resource conservation.
• Research convergence in the built environment for zero waste, zero pollution economy.
Non-conventional densely packed concrete mixtures are proposed and evaluated in this paper using engineered recycled mineral admixtures and recycled aggregates obtained from steel slag, quartz mining tailings, and quartzite mining tailings. High fines content sand-concretes containing coarser- and finer-than-cement recycled powders were designed to obtain blends with broader particle-size ranges and improved packing density. As a result, compressive strength up to 99 MPa, cement intensity up to 2.33 kg/m³/MPa, and consumption of recycled material up to 95 vol% were obtained. Compressive strengths up to 66 MPa and cement intensity up to 2.34 kg/m³/MPa were also obtained with the addition of coarse aggregates to such sand-concrete mixtures, with consumption of recycled material up to 96.5%. The results launch new insights on the role of recycled admixtures and aggregates on the mixture design of cement-based composites regarding efficiency improvement and technological performance.
Design : and use of engineered recycled mineral admixtures obtained from industrial and mineral waste are promising strategies to increase the range of materials suitable for use in cement-based composites. In this work, Portland cement-blended pastes containing mineral admixtures designed for improving particle packing were evaluated in the presence of low- and high-charge polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers. The powders were obtained from basic oxygen furnace slag, iron ore tailings, quartz mining tailings, and quartzite mining tailings. The zeta-potentials of the particles were obtained via electrophoretic mobility. The flow properties were evaluated by rheological tests performed in a Couette type rheometer. The hydration kinetics was evaluated by isothermal calorimetry and an adapted method based on the Vicat needle test. The high-charge PCE and the finer mineral admixtures produced more stable blends. Coarser mineral admixtures led to increased flowability and delayed hydration compared to finer ones. Steel slag powders presented the most significant plasticizer effects, but also the largest setting delays and segregation tendency. Quartz-rich superfines reduced the setting delays caused by the superplasticizers. In summary, both superplasticizers were effective in improving flow properties, but the high-charge PCE was effective in preventing segregation in pastes containing mineral admixtures coarser and heavier than cement.
Abstract: Increasing demand for sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon construction materials has highlighted the potential of Compacted Mineral Mixtures (CMMs), which are formulated from various soil types (sand, silt, clay) and recycled mineral waste. This paper presents a comprehensive inter- and transdisciplinary research concept that aims to industrialise and scale up the adoption of CMM-based construction materials and methods, thereby accelerating the construction industry’s systemic transition towards carbon neutrality. By drawing upon the latest advances in soil mechanics, rheology, and automation, we propose the development of a robust material properties database to inform the design and application of CMM-based materials, taking into account their complex, time-dependent behaviour. Advanced soil mechanical tests would be utilised to ensure optimal performance under various loading and ageing conditions. This research has also recognised the importance of context-specific strategies for CMM adoption. We have explored the implications and limitations of implementing the proposed framework in developing countries, particularly where resources may be constrained. We aim to shed light on socio-economic and regulatory aspects that could influence the adoption of these sustainable construction methods. The proposed concept explores how the automated production of CMM-based wall elements can become a fast, competitive, emission-free, and recyclable alternative to traditional masonry and concrete construction techniques.
We advocate for the integration of open-source digital platform technologies to enhance data accessibility, processing, and knowledge acquisition; to boost confidence in CMM-based technologies; and to catalyse their widespread adoption. We believe that the transformative potential of this research necessitates a blend of basic and applied investigation using a comprehensive, holistic, and transfer-oriented methodology. Thus, this paper serves to highlight the viability and multiple benefits of CMMs in construction, emphasising their pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and resilience in the built environment.
The existing cement and concrete standards are not capable of making full use of the current technology capacity due to strong focus on conventional concrete and thus they are not fit for the current and future challenges of construction industry. The paper highlights shortcomings with regard to the implementation of the existing standards. It can be seen that future-oriented standards are generally required to contribute to a lower-carbon footprint of the industry. These changes are significantly more relevant in sub-Saharan Africa, due to the rapidly increasing urbanisation challenge and the enormous potentials to develop lower-carbon technologies than elsewhere in the world.
The current paper develops a novel accelerated corrosion test method based on Faraday’s law to investigate the performance of different inhibitors in reinforced concrete elements under electrical voltage. Using the proposed method two commercially available and three lab-made inhibitors were tested. Lab-made inhibitors based on potassium fluorosilicate and amine carboxylate showed the best performance over others. Furthermore, it is found that under an electrical potential environment beyond 3.6 V, the higher the concrete strength, the more efficient is the corrosion inhibition. Based on experimental results, a novel model describing the corrosion evolution in reinforced concrete was proposed.
In this work, engineered recycled mineral admixtures were obtained from four different industrial residues: basic oxygen furnace slag, iron ore tailings, quartz mining tailings and quartzite mining tailings.
The grinding performance was evaluated in two different programs and the characterization included chemical and mineralogical composition, particle morphology, and physical properties. Performance evaluations were carried out in blended pastes and mortars, including flow properties, hydration kinetics, soundness, pozzolanic activity, and compressive strength. Coarser-than-cement admixtures allowed better flow performance, greater dimensional stability and more economical production, while finer-thancementn admixtures improved mechanical performance by both filler effect and cementing activity.
The structural build-up of fresh cement paste is often considered as a purely thixotropic phenomenon in literature even though cementitious materials undergo a non-reversible hydration process that can have an influence on the structuration process. In the current paper a method is proposed to validate the impact of the non-reversible structural build-up. It is shown that fresh cement paste samples lose their structural gain almost completely due to thixotropy while the structural build-up due to hydration can be observed but occurs in a significantly lower order of magnitude over the course of the first hours of hydration. In addition, it is shown, that the chemical component of the structural build-up accelerates with the onset of the acceleration period of hydration, while its contribution in the entire structural build-up remains constant.
The retardation mechanism of cement hydration as imparted by the addition of polyphosphate comb superplasticizer to model cement containing C3S, C3A and calcium sulfate hemihydrate is studied using XRD, ss NMR and calorimetry. Our findings show the retardation effect caused by the direct addition of polyphosphate comb superplasticizer differs significantly to that of conventional polycarboxylate superplasticizers. Conversely to polycarboxylates, polyphosphates, at a low dosage, inhibits the silicate reaction without affecting the aluminate reaction and formation of ettringite. Yet, at high doses, both reactions are hampered, and the induction period extended, followed by accelerated aluminate and silicate reactions.
Effect of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer in Ordinary Portland Cement and Sulfate Resistant Cement
(2023)
Polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCE) are the most widely used admixtures in today’s cementitious construction materials. The molecular structure has a decisive influence on the effectiveness of PCE, which also can be tailored to serve in a different cementitious system.
The current study investigates the influence of the backbone charge density of PCE on the rheology, hydration kinetics, and adsorption behavior of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and sulfate-resistant cement (SRC). The results indicate that regardless of the PCE type, OPC requires a higher amount of PCE to be adsorbed to induce changing of rheological parameters and hydration kinetics. Regardless of the cement type, the PCE with a higher charge density exhibits higher adsorption behavior, corresponding to lower viscosity measurement.
Compared to OPC, SRC is more sensitive to the introduction of both PCEs and has a lower saturation dosage, indicating that SRC generally provides better workability properties regardless of the PCE.
There is no consensus on which hydration stoppage method is optimal to preserve the microstructure and mineral composition of samples, especially considering the specific aspects of different testing methods, such as TGA, MIP, or XRD. This paper presents a quantitative comparison between the most popular hydration stoppage strategies and parameters such as the sample piece size, the soaking time in a solvent, and the type, as examined on cement paste hydrated for 7 days. It was found that the carbonation appears either for samples smaller than 2.36 mm and bigger than 4.75 mm or samples soaked in a solvent for longer than 1 h. Fast solvent replacement leads to ettringite diminution and total pore volume increase. Among others, solvent replacement with subsequent gentle heating under a vacuum was found to be the most efficient, whereas it was experimentally demonstrated that isopropyl alcohol stops hydration faster than ethanol and acetone.
Materials that support natural biodiversity on their surfaces can compensate for human activities that have a negative impact on nature and thus contribute to a carbon-neutral and nature-positive world. Specifically designing bioreceptive materials which favor the growth of biofilms on their surface is an approach complementing conventional, macroscopic green façades. But what exactly characterizes a bioreceptive substrate and how do biofilm and substrate interact? How and why does a spontaneous colonization and the formation of biofilms take place? What are biofilms and how can they be established in a laboratory setting? How can this existing knowledge be transferred to the artificial stone concrete so that this material can be tuned to increase (or decrease) its bioreceptivity?
This review paper aims at summarizing the existing state of knowledge on bioreceptive concrete and pointing out inconsistencies and contradictions which can only be removed by more interdisciplinary research in the field.
Quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steels are characterized by an excellent combination of strength and ductility, opening up great potentials for advanced lightweight components. The Q&P treatment results in microstructures with a martensitic matrix being responsible for increased strength whereas interstitially enriched metastable retained austenite (RA) contributes to excellent ductility. Herein, a comprehensive experimental characterization of microstructure evolution and austenite stability is carried out on a 42CrSi steel being subjected to different Q&P treatments. The microstructure of both conditions is characterized by scanning electron microscopy as well as X‐ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis. Besides macroscopic standard tensile tests, RA evolution under tensile loading is investigated by in situ XRD using synchrotron and laboratory methods. As a result of different quenching temperatures, the two conditions considered are characterized by different RA contents and morphologies, resulting in different strain hardening behaviors as well as strength and ductility values under tensile loading. In situ synchrotron measurements show differences in the transformation kinetics being rationalized by the different morphologies of the RA. Eventually, the evolution of the phase specific stresses can be explained by the well‐known Masing model.
In this work, a methodology based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)spectroscopy and multivariate evaluation is presented to estimate the aging sensitivity of bitumen based on the unaged samples and thus without the need for time- and material-consuming aging simulations. For this purpose, factor analysis and linear discriminant analysis are used to develop a statistical model based on the FTIR spectra of unaged bitumen samples, which can be used fast and simple in everyday laboratory work and allows to assign the bitumen to a low, moderate, or strong aging sensitivity. The evaluation of the aging sensitivity is based on the complex shear modulus|G* | and the phase angle δ from the measurement with a dynamic shear rheometer(DSR), whose aging-related changes were captured as the slope in the Black diagram. A relevant influence on the classification concerning the aging sensitivity has the oxygen-containing compounds(sulfoxide, hydroxyl and partly carbonyl compounds), whereby lower contents and thus less preaged bitumen tend to have a stronger aging sensitivity. However, in addition to the oxygen-containing compounds, the structure of the aliphatic and aromatic compounds and, in particular, the interaction of the different structures are decisive for the aging sensitivity
The site of Schöningen (Germany), dated to ca. 300,000 years ago, yielded the earliest large-scale record of humanly-made wooden tools. These include wooden spears and shorter double-pointed sticks, discovered in association with herbivores that were hunted and butchered along a lakeshore. Wooden tools have not been systematically analysed to the same standard as other Palaeolithic technologies, such as lithic or bone tools. Our multianalytical study includes micro-CT scanning, 3-dimensional microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, supporting a systematic technological and taphonomic analysis, thus setting a new standard for wooden tool analysis. In illustrating the biography of one of Schöningen’s double-pointed sticks, we demonstrate new human behaviours for this time period, including sophisticated woodworking techniques. The hominins selected a spruce branch which they then debarked and shaped into an aerodynamic and ergonomic tool. They likely seasoned the wood to avoid cracking and warping. After a long period of use, it was probably lost while hunting, and was then rapidly buried in mud. Taphonomic alterations include damage from trampling, fungal attack, root damage and compression. Through our detailed analysis we show that Middle Pleistocene humans had a rich awareness of raw material properties, and possessed sophisticated woodworking skills. Alongside new detailed morphometrics of the object, an ethnographic review supports a primary function as a throwing stick for hunting, indicating potential hunting strategies and social contexts including for communal hunts involving children. The Schöningen throwing sticks may have been used to strategically disadvantage larger ungulates, potentially from distances of up to 30 metres. They also demonstrate that the hominins were technologically capable of capturing smaller fast prey and avian fauna, a behaviour evidenced at contemporaneous Middle Pleistocene archaeological sites.
Inelastic incoherent neutron time-of-flight scattering was employed to investigate the low-frequency vibrational density of states (VDOSs) for a series of glassy Janus-poly(tricyclononenes), which consist of a rigid main chain and flexible alkyl side chains. Here, the length of the flexible side chains was systematically varied from propyl to octyl. Such materials have potential applications as active separation layers in gas separation membranes as a green future technology, especially for the separation of higher hydrocarbons. From the morphological point of view, the Janus polynorbornenes undergo a nanophase separation into alkyl side chain-rich nanodomains surrounded by a rigid polynorbornene matrix. Here, the influence of the nanophase-separated structure on the low-frequency VDOS is investigated from a fundamental point of view. The low-frequency VDOSs of these Janus polynorbornene show excess contributions to the Debye type VDOS known as the Boson peak (BP) for all side chain lengths. Due to the high incoherent scattering cross-section of hydrogen, most of the scattering comes from the alkyl side chain-rich domains.
Compared to conventional glass-forming materials, in the considered Janus polynorbornenes, the BP has a much lower intensity and its frequency position is shifted to higher values. These experimental results are discussed in terms of the nanophase-separated structure where the alkyl chain-rich domains were constrained by the surrounding matrix dominated by the rigid backbone. With increasing alkyl chain length, the size of the alkyl chain-rich domains increases. The frequency position of the BP shifts linearly to lower frequencies with the size of these nanodomains estimated from X-ray measurements. The obtained results support the sound wave interpretation to the BP
The addition of nanoparticles as reinforcing fillers in elastomers yields nanocomposites with unique property profiles, which opens the door for various new application fields. Major factors influencing the performance of nanocomposites are studied by varying the type and shape of nanoparticles and their dispersion in the natural rubber matrix. The industrial applicability of these nanocomposites is put into focus using two types of graphene and a nanoscale carbon black, all commercially available, and scalable processing techniques in the form of a highly filled masterbatch production via latex premixing by simple stirring or ultrasonically assisted dispersing with surfactant followed by conventional two-roll milling and hot pressing. Different processing and measurement methods reveal the potential for possible improvements: rheology, curing behavior, static and dynamic mechanical properties, swelling, and fire behavior. The aspect ratio of the nanoparticles and their interaction with the surrounding matrix prove to be crucial for the development of superior nanocomposites. An enhanced dispersing method enables the utilization of the improvement potential at low filler loadings (3 parts per hundred of rubber [phr]) and yields multifunctional rubber nanocomposites: two-dimensional layered particles (graphene) result in anisotropic material behavior with strong reinforcement in the in-plane direction (157% increase in the Young's modulus). The peak heat release rate in the cone calorimeter is reduced by 55% by incorporating 3 phr of few-layer graphene via an optimized dispersing process.
This study investigated the effect of incorporating three types of nanosilica (NS), two powders, and one colloidal suspension on the hydration, strength, and microstructure of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement pastes prepared with and without a superplasticizer (SP). X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compressive strength tests were performed after 2, 5, and 28 days of hydration. The results showed that both NS powders delayed cement hydration at an early age, which was attributed to particle agglomeration (confirmed by dynamic light scattering). Whereas well-dispersed colloidal NS did not significantly affect the hydration of CSA at the investigated ages. SP incorporation improved the dispersion of CSA cement particles, resulting in a 10% increase in the degree of hydration of ye’elimite at 28 days for the system without NS. Conversely, when the SP was incorporated in NS-containing mixtures, it hindered cement hydration of the systems with powdered NS, but did not significantly affect the cement hydration of the system containing colloidal NS. The SEM images suggested that the SP changed the ettringite morphology, thereby negatively affecting the mechanical strength of the CSA pastes.
NMR is becoming increasingly popular for the investigation of building materials as it is a non-invasive technology that does not require any sample preparation nor causes damage to the material. Depending on the specific application it can offer insights into properties like porosity and spatial saturation degree as well as pore structure. Moreover it enables the determination of moisture transport properties and the (re-)distribution of internal moisture into different reservoirs or chemical phases upon damage and curing. However, as yet most investigations were carried out using devices originally either designed for geophysical applications or the analysis of rather homogeneous small scale (< 10 mL) samples. This paper describes the capabilities of an NMR tomograph, which has been specifically optimized for the investigation of larger, heterogeneous building material samples (diameters of up to 72 mm, length of up to 700 mm) with a high flexibility due to interchangeable coils allowing for a high SNR and short echo times (50 - 80 m s).
This paper aimed to perform an exploratory literature review, focusing on the aspects of hydration and rheological properties of cementitious composites with açaí fibers. The use of natural fibers as a reinforcement in cementitious matrices has been widely studied, and açaí fiber is a promising option due to its unique characteristics. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the correlation between fiber parameters and the technological properties of composites, which limits the development of new applications, such as 3D printing. The review provided an overview of the main characteristics of açaí fibers and the parameters for their application in cementitious matrices. Alkali treatment with 5% NaOH solution for 1 h shows increased mechanical and physical properties in açaí fibers. Despite the potential advantages of these composites, they pose challenges due to the different fiber surface treatment and interfacial transitions and the processing conditions of the fibers. Although small addition of açaí fibers slightly decreases the cement hydration process, keeping the cross-compatibility index high (>95). To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to evaluate the rheological behavior of cementitious materials with açaí fibers, which has not been reported in the literature. By doing so, it will be possible to optimize the processing conditions and develop new applications, such as additive manufacturing, which has never been explored with açaí fibers.
In the processing of nanocomposites, high shear stresses at elevated tempera-tures orient two-dimensional nanoparticles like graphene. This orientationleads to anisotropic mechanical, thermal or barrier properties of the nanocom-posite. This anisotropy is addressed in this study by comparing graphene (few-layer graphene, FLG) with a nanoscaled carbon black (nCB) at a filler contentof 3 phr, by varying the vulcanization, and by comparing different FLG con-tents. Transmission electron microscopy gives insight into the qualitative ori-entation in the nanocomposite with FLG or nCB. The storage moduli paralleland normal to the orientation reveal the direction dependency of reinforce-ment through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Dimensional swellingmeasurements show a restriction of the expansion parallel to the FLG orienta-tion, and an increased expansion normal to the orientation. The vulcanizationsystem and crosslinking determine the respective level of property values, andhigher crosslinking densities increase the anisotropy in DMA resulting invalues of up to 2.9 for the quantified anisotropy factor. With increasing FLGcontent, the anisotropy increases. A comparison of the results reveals swellingmeasurements as the most suitable method for the determination of anisot-ropy. Compared to recent literature, the presented processing induces higheranisotropy, leading to higher reinforcing effects in the direction of orientation
Binary systems composed of Portland cement (PC) and calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement have stood out for applications requiring high early strengths. Nevertheless, the application of these systems may be limited due to their properties in the fresh state, which requires a better understanding of the rheological behavior of these materials. Thus, this study evaluated the incorporation of different polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer (SP) contents (0.15, 0.20, and 0.25 wt%) on PC and PC-CSA binary cement pastes. Rotational rheometry, isothermal calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nitrogen adsorption and desorption tests to assess the pore size distribution of cement pastes were conducted. While the SP incorporation reduced the dynamic yield stress of PC pastes, it progressively increased the yield stress of PC-CSA systems. The increase in SP content increased the main heat flow peak of PC-CSA pastes, although it did not significantly affect the cumulative heat after 160 h of hydration. FTIR and XRD confirm higher ettringite contents in the binary systems and indicate the presence of carboaluminates phases after 7 d of hydration in both PC and PC-CSA and hemicarboaluminate in PC-CSA pastes. The CSA incorporation reduced the cumulative pore volume by up to 32% compared to PC pastes, while the SP content evaluated did not significantly affect the porosity of PC-CSA pastes.
A thorough characterization of base materials is the prereq- uisite for further research. In this paper, the characterization data of the reference materials (CEM I 42.5 R, limestone pow- der, calcined clay and a mixture of these three components) used in the second funding phase of the priority program 2005 of the German Research Foundation (DFG SPP 2005) are presented under the aspects of chemical and min- eralogical composition as well as physical and chemical properties. The data were collected based on tests performed by up to eleven research groups involved in this cooperative program.
Single reuse of asphalt is an approved practice, but its success highly depends on restoring the properties of the aged binder. Rejuvenators have become increasingly important for softening the binder because they make it possible to increase the amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) while reducing the dependence on virgin bitumen. The vital questions to be investigated are how the rejuvenators affect the ageing properties of bitumen and if rejuvenators offer the possibility of cyclic bitumen reuse. The main objective of this publication is to present the current state of the art regarding the effects of rejuvenators on bitumen ageing. The results of laboratory life cycle simulations indicate that repetitive ageing and rejuvenation processes are possible, but reuse mainly depends on the rejuvenator type and its interaction with the respective bitumen sample. There are rejuvenators that have good rejuvenating properties but accelerate subsequent ageing, which is essential to consider when evaluating a rejuvenator. Bitumen rejuvenated with petroleum-based products, such as aromatic extracts, performs slightly better after subsequent ageing than when rejuvenated with bio-based products. As there are a limited number of studies simulating cyclic bitumen reuse, more studies are necessary to evaluate the general limits of bitumen reuse.
Two types of cements were selected as the reference cement in the priority program 2005 of the German Research Foundation (DFG SPP 2005). A thorough characterization of CEM I 42.5 R has been made in a recent publication. In this paper, the characterization data of the other reference cement CEM III/A 42.5 N are presented from the aspects of chemical and mineralogical compositions as well as physical and chemical properties. The characterization data of the slag, which is the second main constituent of this specific cement besides the clinker, are presented independently. For all data received, the mean values and the corresponding errors were calculated. The data shall be used for the ongoing research within the priority program. Also, researchers from outside this priority program can benefit from these data if the same materials are used.
Supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) can reduce the total amount of Portland cement clinker in concrete production. Rice husk ashes (RHA) can be converted from an agricultural by-product to a high-performance concrete constituent due to a high amount of reactive silica with pozzolanic properties if they are burnt under controlled conditions. The way and duration of combustion, the cooling process as well as the temperature have an effect on the silica form and thus, the chemical and physical performance of the RHA. Various studies on the best combustion technique have been published to investigate the ideal combustion techniques. Yet, the process mostly took place under laboratory conditions. Investigating the difference between the performance of RHA produced in a rural environment and laboratory conditions is useful for the assessment and future enhancement of RHA production, and its application both as building material, for example in rural areas where it is sourced in large quantities, and as additive for high performance concrete. Thus, the paper presents a comparison between RHA produced under rudimentary conditions in a self-made furnace in the rural Bagamoyo, Tanzania and under controlled laboratory conditions at the Technical University of Munich, Germany, with different combustion methods and temperatures. In a second step, RHA was ground to reach particle size distributions comparable to cement. In a third step, cement pastes were prepared with 10%, 20% and 40% of cement replacement, and compared to the performance of plain and fly ash blended cement pastes. The results show that controlled burning conditions around 650 °C lead to high reactivity of silica and, therefore, to good performance as SCM. However, also the RHA burnt under less controlled conditions in the field provided reasonably good properties, if the process took place with proper burning parameters and adequate grinding. The knowledge can be implemented in the field to improve the final RHA performance as SCM in concrete.
Compared with most common construction materials, fiber reinforced cementitious materials are well known to exhibit better physical, working and mechanical properties. In this study, three fibers were selected: polypropylene fiber (PPF) and polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVAF), which represented synthetic fibers, and sisal fiber (SF), which represented natural fibers. Effects of these fibers on the flowability, rheological properties, and adsorption behavior of the cement paste with polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) were investigated. Furthermore, the above experimental results were verified by measuring the contact angle of the fiber with water and PCE solution and the apparent morphology of the fiber. Results revealed that the addition of fibers significantly reduces the fluidity of the cement paste, while the yield stress and plastic viscosity of the cement paste increase with the addition of fibers. From the contact angle and scanning electron microscope, the surface of SF was relatively rough, and the contact angle of SF with water or PCE solution was the smallest. It can be concluded that the plant fiber has a significant influence on the fluidity and rheology of cement paste.
The mechanical properties of unstabilised earthen building materials are distinctively influenced by changes in material moisture content. However, this moisture-dependency often remains unconsidered in the calculation of the load-bearing capacity of earth constructions. This paper aims to derive a convenient way to sufficiently consider the impact of different material moisture contents on the mechanical properties of unstabilised earth masonry. Therefore, the influence of relative humidity and temperature on the strength and deformation characteristics of unstabilised earth blocks, earth mortar and earth masonry is evaluated by conducting compression tests under various climate conditions. The results show that the compressive strength and the modulus of elasticity are linearly correlated with the relative humidity, whereas changes in temperature at constant relative humidity have no significant influence. To account the distinct moisture-dependency, a general applicable modification factor for unstabilised earthen materials is provided, which enables the adjustment of the compressive strength and the modulus of elasticity in dependency of arbitrary hygroscopic material moisture contents.
The corrosivity of atmospheres in Europe has changed significantly in recent decades. For the Federal Republic of Germany, no current values for the corrosion rate based on 1‐year atmospheric exposure of standard specimens can be found in the scientific literature after 2000. This paper presents results from a field exposure study in the Berlin metropolitan area and Helgoland in 2016. Based on standard specimens, values for the corrosion rate and the corresponding atmospheric corrosivity category are determined for open exposure and indirect weathering in a ventilated enclosure as sheltering after 1 year of exposure. The results prove that determined corrosivity categories are material‐specific. Sheltered exposure is a typical atmospheric situation for many building components. It allows statements on the effect of the concentration of airborne substances on the corrosivity beyond the normative requirements.
Investigation of the Thermal Stability of Proteinase K for the Melt Processing of Poly(L‑lactide)
(2022)
The enzymatic degradation of aliphatic polyesters offers unique opportunities for various use cases in materials science. Although evidently desirable, the implementation of enzymes in technical applications of polyesters is generally challenging due to the thermal lability of enzymes. To prospectively overcome this intrinsic limitation, we here explored the thermal stability of proteinase K at conditions applicable for polymer melt processing, given that this hydrolytic enzyme is well established for its ability to degrade poly(L-lactide) (PLLA). Using assorted spectroscopic methods and enzymatic assays, we investigated the effects of high temperatures on the structure and specific activity of proteinase K. Whereas in solution, irreversible unfolding occurred at temperatures above 75−80 °C, in the dry, bulk state, proteinase K withstood prolonged incubation at elevated temperatures. Unexpectedly little activity loss occurred during incubation at up to 130 °C, and intermediate levels of catalytic activity were preserved at up to 150 °C. The resistance of bulk proteinase K to thermal treatment was slightly enhanced by absorption into polyacrylamide (PAM) particles. Under these conditions, after 5 min at a temperature of 200 °C, which is required for the melt processing of PLLA, proteinase K was not completely denatured but retained around 2% enzymatic activity. Our findings reveal that the thermal processing of proteinase K in the dry state is principally feasible, but equally, they also identify needs and prospects for improvement. The experimental pipeline we establish for proteinase K analysis stands to benefit efforts directed to this end. More broadly, our work sheds light on enzymatically degradable polymers and the thermal processing of enzymes, which are of increasing economical and societal relevance.