Article
Construction & Building Technology
Gaoshang Ouyang, Jingsong Wang, Rui Wang, Leping Chen, Bo Bu
Summary: The rheokinetics of geopolymer slurry and its fluidity modification methods were studied using viscosity time dependence experiments and a cement comparative experiment. The viscosity curve of geopolymer slurry fits well with power law equations, and can be employed to characterize the geopolymerization process and describe the variations of fluidity with time. K+ activated geopolymer and naphthalene-based superplasticizer exhibit better fluidity.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Jennifer N. Mills, Norman J. Wagner, Paramita Mondal
Summary: Study on aluminosilicate gel systems provides better control over chemical composition in alkali-activated binders, revealing the intricate reaction mechanisms. Different aluminum concentrations lead to distinct structural and rheological behaviors in the gel development process.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Muralidhar Kamath, Shreelaxmi Prashant, Rahul Ralegaonkar
Summary: This paper investigated the micro-level properties of alkali-activated pastes cured in ambient conditions. The influence of fly ash, slag, and metakaolin on setting time and microstructure development was studied. After 56 days of ambient curing, the compressive strength of the binders and their ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) were tested. The results revealed that NASH gel delayed setting and exhibited lower compressive strength, while CASH gel set early and had higher compressive strength. The alkali-activated binder systems developed with fly ash and metakaolin showed the presence of NASH gel, whereas the one developed with GGBS contained multiple gels including N, C-ASH, and CSH. The molecular structures of CSH, CASH, NASH, and N, C-ASH were also determined using high score plus software.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xian Zhou, Yuchi Chen, Shuoxun Dong, Honghu Li
Summary: This study introduced industrial solid waste steel slag as an alkali substitution for Shell gasification coal fly ash, and the addition of steel slag can reduce the consumption of alkali for the preparation of high-strength geopolymers. The steel slag accelerates the dissolution rate of coal fly ash, promoting the early strength of the geopolymers and increasing the long-term strength with higher devotion of coal fly ash.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jingkun Yuan, Lizhi Li, Peigang He, Zhangwei Chen, Changshi Lao, Dechang Jia, Yu Zhou
Summary: The study found that different kinds of alkali-activated ions have a significant impact on the geopolymerization process, especially in the reacting and curing stages. The increase in the atomic number of alkali-activated ions in corresponding geopolymer cement pastes accelerates the geopolymerization reaction process.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Balaguer Pascual, Tohoue Monique Tognonvi, Arezki Tagnit-Hamou
Summary: The study focused on the optimization of recycled glass powder-based alkali-activated mortars, incorporating metakaolin. The research found that the best conditions for the material's mechanical strength were a w/b ratio of 0.42, activated with 5 mol/L NaOH at 60 degrees C for 2 days and cured at 20 degrees C/50% RH. Three types of gels were detected in the materials, with Na silicate gel, C-S-H, and N-A-S-H gels playing different roles based on NaOH concentration and metakaolin content.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yanru Wang, Yubin Cao, Zuhua Zhang, Jizhong Huang, Peng Zhang, Yuwei Ma, Hao Wang
Summary: In this study, two typical binding gels in AAMs, N-A-S-H and C-(N)-A-S-H, were chemically prepared and investigated for their microstructure and composition evolution when exposed to sulfuric acid. The results showed that both gels had increased silica polymerization degree after exposure to sulfuric acid solution, with N-A-S-H gel showing faster dealumination and higher Si/Al ratio increase. The molecular framework changes caused by dealumination in the N-A-S-H gel had less effect on integrity compared to C-(N)-A-S-H gel, where coarse gypsum crystalline grains formed and led to destructive stress in hardened matrix.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tingli Yang, Xiaochun Fan, Xu Gao, Qian Gu, Shi Xu, Zhonghe Shui
Summary: In this study, a modified alkali activated slag system is designed to enhance the chloride binding capacity by promoting the formation of Friedel's salt (Fs) through the addition of calcium and aluminum. The effects of calcium and alumina contents on phase composition, chloride binding behavior, pore structure, and mechanical properties are investigated. Results show that the addition of Ca(OH)2 and nano gamma-Al2O3 increases chloride binding capacity by chemically binding chloride through the formation of Fs. The optimal Ca/Al ratio also plays a role in chloride binding capacity. Additionally, the addition of Ca(OH)2 coarsens the pore structure, while nano gamma-Al2O3 has the opposite effect. The formation of Fs slightly reduces the porosity of the binder. The compressive strength is negatively affected by Ca(OH)2 and positively affected by nano gamma-Al2O3. The modified system shows comparable mechanical properties to the reference alkali activated mixture.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Christoph Voelker, Benjami Moreno Torres, Tehseen Rug, Rafia Firdous, Ghezal Ahmad Jan Zia, Stefan Lueders, Horacio Lisdero Scaffino, Michael Hoepler, Felix Boehmer, Matthias Pfaff, Dietmar Stephan, Sabine Kruschwitz
Summary: This paper presents a new approach for developing sustainable building materials using Sequential Learning. A comprehensive computational study was conducted using compiled data sets to evaluate the proposed material design methodologies. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of machine learning in significantly reducing development time and costs. This approach challenges common practices in data-driven materials development and emphasizes the importance of practical design frameworks over accuracy of models.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Da-Wang Zhang, Ke-fei Zhao, Dong-min Wang, Hui Li
Summary: In this study, in-situ measurement and quantitative analysis were conducted to investigate the elastoviscosity properties of alkali-activated fly ash-slag with different Ms waterglass. The results suggest that the amorphous gel plays a crucial role in the development of microstructure and elastoviscosity properties, while the competitive formation mechanism between N-A-S-H gel and C-(A)-S H gel influences the rheology properties of the fresh pastes.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xiong Zhang, Baomin Wang, Jun Chang, Lin Shen, Tianru Li, Xiao Han, Ze Liu
Summary: The addition of admixtures of pozzolanic materials or solid wastes with municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) can enhance the stability and solidification properties of alkali-activated MSWIFA specimens. By replacing 40% of MSWIFA with zeolite activated by Na2O center dot 1.7SiO(2)center dot nH(2)O (FZNS), the compressive strength of FZNS specimens can be increased by 129% and strength loss during high-temperature curing can be reduced. Zeolite addition also facilitates the formation of geopolymers and improves heavy metal solidification in FZNS specimens. The modification of compressive strength, high-temperature stability, and heavy-metal stabilization efficiency by zeolite promotes the future utilization of MSWIFA as an ecological resource.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Cuifang Lu, Zuhua Zhang, Caijun Shi, Ning Li, Dengwu Jiao, Qiang Yuan
Summary: This paper comprehensively reviews the rheological properties of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) and the influence of composition factors on their rheology, providing guidance for future research directions in the field of AAM workability and mechanical requirements.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bradut Alexandru Ionescu, Alexandra-Marina Barbu, Adrian-Victor Lazarescu, Simona Rada, Timea Gabor, Carmen Florean
Summary: It is now widely known that industrial by-products rich in silicon and aluminum can be transformed into green concrete, a sustainable material in construction, through alkaline activation. This study examined the effect of using fly ash and either marble dust or blast furnace slag on the performance of geopolymer materials. Physico-mechanical methods, FTIR spectroscopy, and microscopy were used to characterize the geopolymer materials. The results showed a reduction in mechanical strength performance when fly ash was substituted as the raw material.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
L. Biondi, M. Perry, J. McAlorum, C. Vlachakis, A. Hamilton, G. Lo
Summary: Chloride-induced corrosion of reinforced concrete is a significant economic issue globally. This study demonstrates a sodium chloride sensor based on alkali-activated cements, showing potential for accurately measuring internal sodium chloride concentrations in concrete structures. Experimentally measured ion dynamics provide insight into the mechanisms of ionic conductivity in these materials, which could aid in the development of self-sensing repair and construction materials for concrete health monitoring and maintenance.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Roberta Occhipinti, Gabriele Lanzafame, Anna Lluveras Tenorio, Claudio Finocchiaro, Lara Gigli, Maria Rosaria Tine, Paolo Mazzoleni, Germana Barone
Summary: In this study, porous inorganic polymers were synthesized using alkaline activation of volcanic ash and 'ghiara' paleosoil with Al swarf and Al commercial powder as pore inducing agent. The results showed that the porosity of volcanic-based porous materials can be efficiently tailored by regulating the amount and type of Al.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
M. Fugazzotto, G. Cultrone, P. Mazzoleni, G. Barone
Summary: This research aimed to investigate the suitability of ceramic industrial tiles waste through the alkaline activation process for the production of novel and eco-friendly materials. The results showed that pure ceramic based geopolymers and binary mixtures obtained by adding few percentages of metakaolin can be produced at room temperature by only using sodium hydroxide and waterglass, reaching efficient technical characteristics for their employment in restoration.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maura Fugazzotto, Roberta Occhipinti, Maria Cristina Caggiani, Alessia Coccato, Claudio Finocchiaro, Gabriele Lanzafame, Paolo Mazzoleni, Girolamo Nucatolo, Giammarco Piacenti, Silvia Starinieri, Antonio Stroscio, Germana Barone
Summary: This paper presents a case-study of alkali activated mortars based on volcanic-ash being used directly on-site at the Monreale Cathedral in Sicily, Italy, a UNESCO Heritage site. The application focused on repairing damaged mosaic areas by filling gaps, repositioning detached tesserae, replicating the decorations, and creating new tesserae. The study highlights the challenges and improvements made during the preparation process, as well as the successful long-term results of the intervention.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annarosa Mangone, Maria Cristina Caggiani, Tiziana Forleo, Lorena Carla Giannossa, Pasquale Acquafredda
Summary: The blue color of glass and ceramic glazes produced in Apulia and Basilicata (Southern Italy) between the 13th and 14th centuries and connected to the Norman-Swabian Emperor Frederick II has been a subject of investigation. The usual association with lapis lazuli has been questioned, as the mineral hauyne, found in the region, can also give a blue color when heated. This study found hauyne crystals in a ceramic dish, supporting the hypothesis that local hauyne-bearing sources were used as raw materials.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
R. Punturo, V. Indelicato, G. Lanzafame, R. Maniscalco, E. Fazio, A. Bloise, L. Muschella, R. Cirrincione
Summary: The study aims to investigate the relationship between microstructural properties and bitumen impregnation in Pitchstone, which gives this valuable geomaterial its distinctive shades and excellent physical-mechanical properties. Various techniques including optical microscopy, synchrotron X-ray microtomography, ultrasonic testing, gas chromatographic analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry were used to analyze two differently impregnated samples representing the main pitchstone lithotypes. The results revealed a close relationship between petrofabric, petrophysical properties, and impregnation amount.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Roberta Occhipinti, Ana M. Fernandez-Jimenez, Angel Palomo, Serena C. Tarantino, Maria P. Riccardi, Marina Clausi, Michele Zema
Summary: A sulfate-bearing kaolinitic clay and sludge from Pietra Serena sandstone were used to synthesize binary alkali cements. The effect of alkalinity on the hydration products was studied using NaOH solutions with different molarities. The results showed that mechanical strength increased with the pH of the activator, and the composition of the hydration products varied with the molarity of NaOH.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Maura Fugazzotto, Paolo Mazzoleni, Isabella Lancellotti, Rachel Camerini, Pamela Ferrari, Maria Rosaria Tine, Irene Centauro, Teresa Salvatici, Germana Barone
Summary: The disposal of ceramic industrial waste is a significant problem for production plants. Utilizing these waste as precursors for alkaline-activated materials could provide a solution, generating new binders/blocks with reduced CO2 emissions. This study compares different types of industrial ceramic waste and investigates their potential for conversion into resources, showing promising results with 80%-100% waste precursor synthesis.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Gabriele Lanzafame, Alexander Bolam, Andrea Di Muro, Silvia Portale, Sandro Donato, Pascale Besson, Carmelo Ferlito
Summary: In this study, the Bellecombe products were investigated using various techniques to characterize the evolution of the magmatic system feeding the eruptive activity in Piton de la Fournaise. The results suggest that the lava flows share a geochemical affinity with the main series documented at the volcano, indicating the dynamic activity of the plumbing system in the recent past.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Roberta Occhipinti, Maria Cristina Caggiani, Lavinia de Ferri, Zhuo Xu, Calin Constantin Steindal, Nima Razavi, Fabrizio Andriulo, Paolo Mazzoleni, Germana Barone
Summary: This study investigates the structural properties of geopolymers made from locally available volcanic feedstocks for the development of sustainable non-structural building materials. Geopolymer binders and mortars based on volcanic pyroclastic residues from Mt. Etna were examined to assess their response to natural weathering. The results show that volcanic ash-based geopolymers have a better resistance to weathering in the hot summer Mediterranean climate zone compared to ghiara-based products.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Maria Cristina Caggiani, Marco Cavarra, Germana Barone, Alessia Coccato, Angela Maria Manenti, Paolo Mazzoleni
Summary: The viability of portable Raman spectroscopy as a nondestructive and noninvasive method for identifying gemstones on Hellenistic-Roman glyptics was assessed in situ at the Regional Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi in Syracuse, Italy. The study confirmed most of the identifications and found that the glyptics were mainly made of chalcedony, with other materials including garnet, glass, and amber. The noninvasive investigation allowed for both quick identifications and more detailed studies on chalcedonies and garnets with minimal interference with the museum's activities.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Salvina Panebianco, Maria Grazia Pellegriti, Claudio Finocchiaro, Agatino Musumarra, Germana Barone, Maria Cristina Caggiani, Gabriella Cirvilleri, Gabriele Lanzafame, Alfredo Pulvirenti, Agata Scordino, Paolo Mazzoleni
Summary: This study measured the elemental composition of tomato samples from different geographical areas in Sicily using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The aim was to establish a protocol for in-situ measurement and analysis that can provide quality assessment and traceability of agri-food products, showing the presence of specific elemental signatures associated with geographical origin.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Simona Raneri, Lucia Mancini, Gabriele Lanzafame, Alexander Peter Kao, Konstantinos Giannoukos, Ravi Chandra Malladi, M. Shiva Kumar, Vincenzo Palleschi, Thirumalini Selvaraj
Summary: The characterisation of lime mortars is crucial for the conservation and repair of ancient buildings. The pore structure, influenced by manufacturing processes, recipes, and technical expedients, plays a significant role in the strength and durability of mortars. Fermenting organic matter in water and adding it to lime mixture has shown promising potential for improving workability and mechanical performance. The use of high-resolution synchrotron radiation computed microtomography (SR-mu-CT) proves to be an effective tool for studying the contribution of organically fermented water in lime mortars and understanding the impact on pore structure and mechanical properties.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Maria Cristina Caggiani, Germana Barone, Paolo Mazzoleni
Summary: Raman spectroscopy is commonly used for studying glassy materials in cultural heritage, but it is more difficult to interpret the spectra and apply the technique with portable instruments. In contrast, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) can be used in archaeometric investigations as it is portable and non-invasive. However, there is limited application of this technique to historical glasses. This exploratory work demonstrates the potential of DRIFTS, in combination with portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) and EDS microanalyses, for studying the composition and alteration of glass samples in cultural heritage.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Roberta Occhipinti, Gabriele Lanzafame, Anna Lluveras Tenorio, Claudio Finocchiaro, Lara Gigli, Maria Rosaria Tine, Paolo Mazzoleni, Germana Barone
Summary: In this study, porous inorganic polymers were synthesized using alkaline activation of volcanic ash and 'ghiara' paleosoil with Al swarf and Al commercial powder as pore inducing agent. The results showed that the porosity of volcanic-based porous materials can be efficiently tailored by regulating the amount and type of Al.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)