Solid State Phenomena Vol. 325

Abstract: The paper summarizes partial results of a study of degradation of materials based on alkali-activated blast-furnace slag (AAS) and comparative on cement CEM III/A 32.5 R after exposure to aggressive environments. It further specifies the possibilities for utilising destructive and non-destructive techniques to determine the progress of degradation and characterizes the degree of their correlation. After 28 days of ageing in a water environment, the produced test specimens (40×40×160 mm beams) were placed in aggressive media (ammonium nitrate solutions; sodium sulfate, rotating water) and after subsequent 28, 56 and 84 days of degradation were subjected to testing. Testing comprised both a destructive form (determination of compressive strength and flexural strength) and a selected non-destructive technique (Impact-echo method). The partial outputs were supplemented by the results acquired from monitoring weight changes. In addition, the development of Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity in relation to the progress of the degradation processes was also monitored. While the exposure of both test specimens to water and sodium sulfate did not result in any significant changes, the exposure to the ammonium nitrate solution exhibited rapid signs of degradation associated with a significant reduction in functional characteristics.

Abstract: The exploitation of different kind of clayey waste (halloysitic, smectitic/illitic, kaolinitic) for the production of geopolymers in the view of a circular economy of mines is the main goal of this study. In particular, the addition of low percentages of metakaolin (5-15%) was evaluated to improve the chemical-physical properties and the consolidation degree of geopolymeric formulations produced with clays classified as mine’s by-products. In fact, these secondary raw materials are often not sufficient alone to obtain chemically stable formulations with acceptable mechanical properties but require the addition of reactive fillers. All samples contained thermally treated clays (600°C-700°C) and metakaolin as aluminosilicate precursors, alkaline solution of NaOH and Na₂SiO₃, and were cured at room temperature. The influence on the final products with MK addition was monitored with the evaluation of the chemical stability in water (pH and ionic conductivity measures), the comparison of setting times (Vicat needle) and mechanical performance.

Abstract: The article presents the results of studies of the effect of lithium, sodium, potassium and ammonium nitrates on the physical and mechanical properties of aluminosilicate adhesives intended for gluing wood and structures based on them. Nitrates were introduced into the aluminosilicate adhesive of composition Na₂O·Al₂O₃·6SiO₂·20H₂O in amounts of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt. %. Changes in the shear strength along the fibers of substrates made of pine, beech, and oak wood were studied after 7 and 28 days of hardening of aluminosilicate adhesives in vivo. It is shown that for gluing pine wood it is most expedient to use adhesives containing lithium nitrate, potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate is within 1.5 wt. %, the shearing strength along the fibers after 28 days of hardening is 1.7-1.8 times higher than the strength of the adhesive without additives. For gluing beech wood, it is most advisable to use adhesives containing potassium and ammonium nitrate in an amount of 1.5 wt. %, the shearing strength along the fibers after 28 days of hardening is 1.5 times lower than the strength of the adhesive without additives. For gluing oak wood, it is most advisable to use adhesives containing lithium nitrate, potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate in amounts of 0.5 and 1.5 wt. %, the shear strength along the fibers increases by 1.3-1.5 times for 7 and 28 days of hardening compared to the strength of the adhesive without additives. According to the degree of influence on strength, modifying additives can be ranked in the series LiNO₃×3H₂O>KNO₃>NH₄NO₃>NaNO₃.

Abstract: Sub-base layers of walkable and running road structures usually consist of a stable subsoil with sufficient load-bearing capacity under the surface layer itself in the form of concrete covers or prefabricated paving elements. Due to their load-bearing capacity, these sub-base layers are most often constructed using cement-bonded aggregate technology. The current hot topic of rainwater management brings opportunities for the construction of water-permeable structures with good water retention capacity. The retention capacity of such a structure can be ensured in ideal conditions by making this sub-base partially permeable and with an absorbent layer while maintaining its mechanical advantages. The experiment confirmed the possibility of producing cement-bonded sub-base layers using light porous aggregates based on expanded clays. The high absorption rate of the type of aggregate used is a good starting point for increasing the retention capacity of the entire system.

Abstract: High Strength Concretes (HSC) are concretes defined mainly by compressive strength. The strength of concrete can guarantee other excellent results of properties, namely durability. Essential for the production of HSC is a careful approach to the design of concrete composition, especially the quality of raw materials. It is primarily necessary to increase the content of the binder combined mainly with Portland cement and another admixture. Due to its excellent properties, Silica fume is largely used as an admixture, where it is necessary to consider its effective amount. It is also suitable to combine this admixture with other types of active admixtures. The question of the type of coarse aggregate fractions used is crucial. The quality and purity of aggregates is an essential part of the quality design of these concretes, influencing practically all the resulting parameters of concrete. The article presents a set of tests on designed High strength Concretes, differing in the composition of the concrete to demonstrate the variability of the design concept and its effect on the resulting values of strength and durability.

Abstract: Quantification of water transport properties of concrete is crucial for prediction of the material degradation processes. In case of 80 years ́ old concrete of fortification structures of former Czechoslovakia, its permeability is the determining factor of the scale of degradation. Mercury intrusion porosimetry was used to characterize the porous system of seven existing bunkers from the defence line ”Pražská čára” and to calculate the permeability using model of Bágel and Živica. Results showed the altered structure of the old concrete, characterized by no notable peaks, which mark the critical pore radius most responsible for water intake. The majority of pores are small micropores, which does not contribute much in the water transport. However, calculated permeability is high enough to be the cause of several degradation processes. The performed program also confirmed high variability of permeability properties between individual structures.

Abstract: This paper deals with the possibility of using pumice aggregates into thermal insulation lining of industrial chimneys. It introduces the construction of modern chimneys and mentions possible risks and degradation processes associated with condensate penetration. In the experiment, mixtures with pumice as aggregate were prepared. The thermal insulation properties, compressive strengths and the resistance to sulphates in a 5% sodium sulphate solution were evaluated and compared.

Abstract: This article examines the utilization of fly ash in comparison with alumina as raw materials and sources of aluminium oxide for synthesis of forsterite-spinel refractory ceramics. Raw materials were milled, mixed in different ratios into two sets of mixtures and sintered at 1500°C for 2 hours. Sintered samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Samples were also subjected to determination of porosity, water absorption and bulk density. Thermal and thermomechanical properties were determined by thermal analyses, refractoriness, refractoriness under load, thermal shock resistance and thermal dilatometric analysis with determination of thermal expansion coefficient. Mixtures with 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% of fly ash had the most promising results compared to alumina mixtures. Thermal shock resistance and modulus of rupture were improving with increasing content of aluminium oxide in the mixture.

Abstract: This article examines the influence of fly ash on corrosion resistance of refractory forsterite-spinel ceramics by molten iron as a corrosive medium. Fly ash in comparison with alumina were used as raw materials and sources of aluminium oxide for synthesis of forsterite-spinel refractory ceramics. Raw materials were milled, mixed in different ratios into two sets of mixtures and sintered at 1550°C for 2 hours. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and thermal dilatometric analysis. Crucibles were then made from the fired ceramic mixtures and fired together with iron at its melting point of 1535°C for 5 hours. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy on the transition zones between iron and ceramics. Mixtures with increased amount of spinel had higher corrosion resistance and mixtures with fly ash were comparable to mixtures with alumina in terms of corrosion resistance and refractory properties.

Abstract: The development and subsequent production of these special kind of grog from raw materials available in the Czech Republic is one of the possibilities how to reduce income costs for the production of refractory materials with specific properties. The experimental work is focused on verifying the possibility of producing grog with increased alumina content from available raw materials. The raw materials are kaolins and claystones. To achieve a higher content of alumina in the grog, waste mullite dust is used. In order to improve the physical and mechanical properties of the grog, modifiers are used. Selected modifiers are expected to affect positively on the resulting density while maintaining the heat properties.