Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1178

Abstract: Analytical expressions are obtained for the wave functions and the energy spectrum of charge carriers in the β-HgS nanolayer of a cylindrical core/shell/shell β-CdS/ β-HgS/ β-CdS nanocomposite in the presence of a strong lateral uniform electrostatic field. It is shown that, under the influence of an external field, the position of the chemical potential of the electron-hole subsystem at absolute zero shifts to the bottom of the conduction band of the sample. The displacement value is determined by the intensity of the external field and increases linearly with increasing field. The concentration, internal energy, and heat capacity of the electronic subsystem of the β-HgS layer in the presence of a field are compared with similar values in the absence of a field. Calculations show that under identical conditions, the presence of an external field leads to an increase in the carrier concentration, which in turn leads to an increase in the internal energy and heat capacity of the system of electrons and holes in the layer.

Abstract: The key drivers of the growing interest in the recovery of local materials, particularly land and waste plants, are low-cost building materials, thermal comfort, decreased energy consumption, and decreased carbon dioxide polluting emissions. This work's primary objective is to test a bio-sourced composite material that takes the form of a block of unfinished soil that has been stabilized with cement and blended with wheat straw. This study is being done with the objective of examining the impact of this fiber at different weight percentages (0, 2, 3%, and 4%) on the mechanical behavior, durability, and thermophysical properties of the produced blocks. The results obtained indicated an increase in thermal conductivity, from 2.75 W/mK for the blocks without wheat straw fiber to 0.398 W/mK for those getting 4% of the wheat straw fiber, signifying an improvement in thermal insulation. While retaining the low performance threshold required by the earth construction standard, this improvement was accompanied by an average decrease in mechanical performance.

Abstract: Self-compacting concrete is one of the major advancements in construction. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate how self-compacting concrete with steel fibres and the appropriate superplasticizer for M30 grade is presented. Effects of combining quartz flour 0 %,5 %,10 %, 15 %, 20 % and steel fibre 0 %,0.25 %,0.50 %,0.75 %, 1 % in varying amounts adding with cement. An experimental study was conducted on the fresh and hardened states of concrete. The optimal combination of quartz flour and steel fibre reinforced concrete was discovered while comparing the mixes to conventional concrete. Quartz flour with ultra-fine particles can fill holes and improve permeability resistance as well as bonding. As a result, utilizing this combination of quartz flour in self-compacting beams, studies explored the strength and ductile properties of normal and ductile details in beams, as well as comparing them to standard self-compacting concrete. Because self-compacting concrete is brittle by nature, adding fibres increases its tensile strength and ductility. Mineral admixtures improve the flow qualities.

Abstract: This investigation inspects the concurrent influence of steel fibers with different materials such as Fly Ash(FA), Silica Fume(SF) and aggregates on the mechanical behaviour of geopolymer concrete (GPC) mixes. A range of 8 to 16 molar NaOH molarities variation was observed in the experimental work. Sodium hydroxide molar (NaOH) and sodium silicate solution (NaOH) were utilised as alkaline activators in proportions of 1, 1.5, and 2 (Na₂SiO₃/NaOH). Steel crimped fibers having aspect ratio of 60 were added in the geopolymer concrete. Geopolymer concrete properties considering type of fly ash, the quantity of fly ash, silica fume, the content of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate, effect of sodium hydroxide concentration, content of sodium silicate solution and inclusion of 0.2% of steel fibers in the geopolymer concrete are analyzed.

Abstract: Globally, manufacturing industries are generating a large volume of solid waste during their processes. These wastes, when spread through soil/water affect public health. This work focuses on the use of solid industrial waste from herbal medicine and TiO₂ manufacturing industries to produce iron oxide incorporated biochar, which can be served as adsorbent and low cost catalyst for many reactions. Biochar was produced by the slow pyrolysis of waste collected from herbal manufacturing units using tubular furnace at 550°C at a heating rate of 5°C/min. The iron oxide waste collected from Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited, Kerala, India (KMML), was incorporated into the produced biochar by using planetary ball mill apparatus. Structural and elemental analysis of produced biochar and Fe₂O₃ incorporated biochar was conducted using XRD, SEM and SEM-EDS, BET surface area analysis, ICP-OES, and CHNS analysis. The H/C ratio of prepared biochar shows it has a rectangular layered structure of 50*50 aromatic cluster size. The changes in bonds and groups before and after metal incorporation were studied using FTIR spectroscopic analysis and temperature stability of prepared samples were analyzed using TGA. The molecular structure of produced biochar and changes in their bond length was studied and optimized employing Avogadro and Chemcraft software. The BET analysis shows the surface area of biochar become increased after the metallic incorporation. The same results were concluded from the molecular modelling data obtained from Chemcraft software. These results proved that the biochar surface area and pore volume can be increased by incorporation of iron oxide from industrial waste.