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Abstract: In the case of a two-part container for spent nuclear fuel, consisting of an iron-based inner structure with a copper coating, the potential perforation of copper through minor damage may result in intensive galvanic corrosion between copper and steel. The present work focuses on the corrosion of steel galvanically coupled to copper and exposed to a slightly saline environment under oxic conditions. The electrochemical processes on individual electrodes were monitored by coupled multielectrode arrays (CMEAs). The CMEAs were either in contact with groundwater saturated with bentonite or immersed in groundwater only. Very high galvanic corrosion currents were detected between carbon steel and pure copper in the early oxic phase. Additionally, the use of CMEAs further made it possible to monitor the distribution of cathodic currents around the steel electrode, which behaved anodically. Various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques were applied to identify the modes of corrosion and the type of corrosion products present at the end of the period of exposure.
Keywords: copper, steel, bentonite, Aspö groundwater, coupled multi electrode array, electrochemical properties, Raman analysis, corrosion
Published in DiRROS: 16.11.2023; Views: 399; Downloads: 67
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Abstract: Alkali activated foams have been extensively studied in recent years, due to their high performance and low environmental footprint compared to foams produced via other methods. Three types of fly ash differing in chemical and mineralogical composition and specific surface were used to synthesize alkali activated foams. Sodium perborate monohydrate was added as a foaming agent and sodium dodecyl sulphate as a stabilizing agent. Foams were characterized at room temperature and after exposure to an elevated temperature (1,000 °C). Densities from 1.2 down to 0.3 g/cm 3 were obtained, depending on the type of fly ash and quantity of foaming agent added. Correspondingly, compressive strength ranged from 1 to 6 MPa. Comparing all three fly ashes the most favorable results, in terms of density and corresponding compressive strength, were achieved from the fly ash with the highest amounts of SiO 2 and Al2 O 3 , as well as the highest amorphous phase content i.e., RI fly ash. Furthermore, after firing to 1,000 °C, the density of samples prepared using fly ash RI remained approximately the same, while the compressive strength increased on average by 50%. In the other two types of fly ash the density increased slightly after firing, due to significant shrinkage, and compressive strength increased by as much as 800%. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the occurrence of a crystallization process after firing to 1,000 ° C, which resulted in newly formed crystal phases, including nepheline, sodalite, tridymite, and gehlenite.
Keywords: foamed alkali activated materials, geopolymers, properties, micro-CT
Published in DiRROS: 22.08.2023; Views: 259; Downloads: 177
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Abstract: Novel prefabricated insulating façade panels were developed from construction and demolition waste (CDW) aggregates under the framework of the European H2020 project InnoWEE. These non-structural components, aimed at improving the thermal efficiency of existing buildings, consist of an insulating plate covered by a facing layer made of CDW aggregates bound with metakaolin, furnace slag and class F fly ash activated by a potassium silicate solution. The paper presents the design and assessment of the binder and panels for exterior use, taking into account mechanical performance, behaviour in the presence of water and durability issues. Testing was carried out on both laboratory prototypes and panels from the pilot industrial production.
Keywords: construction and demolition waste, alkali activated materials, geopolymers, properties, up-scalimg
Published in DiRROS: 21.08.2023; Views: 283; Downloads: 158
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Abstract: Full and partial restorations in dentistry must replicate the characteristics of the patient’s natural teeth. Materials must have good mechanical properties and be non-toxic and biocompatible. Microbes, which can form biofilms, are constantly in contact with restorations. In this study, we investigate how well Candida albicans adheres to a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin base with gold (Au) nanoparticles. We synthesized Au nanoparticles and characterized them. The average size of Au nanoparticles embedded in PMMA was 11 nm. The color difference ∆E between PMMA and PMMA/Au composites was 2.7 and was still esthetically acceptable to patients. PMMA/Au surfaces are rougher and more hydrophilic than pure PMMA surfaces, and the isoelectric point of both types of surfaces was 4.3. Above the isoelectric point, PMMA/Au surfaces are more negatively charged than PMMA surfaces. The added Au nanoparticles decreased the tensile strength, while the hardness did not change significantly. Adhesion measurements showed that PMMA surfaces modified with Au nanoparticles reduced the extent of microbial adhesion of Candida albicans.
Keywords: fungal adhesión, C. albicans, polymethyl methacrylate resin, Au, surface properties, composites
Published in DiRROS: 24.07.2023; Views: 379; Downloads: 147
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Abstract: We investigated several aspects of windthrow that are relevant to our understanding and management of forest ecosystems. As an example, we used an extreme event in December 2017, when the strongest storm in recent history occurred in the Slovenian Dinaric High Karst. We examined influential factors such as soil properties, wind speed, precipitation and ecological consequences for the affected forests. Soil properties were measured around standing and fallen silver fir trees at all three research sites. Tree species composition in the regeneration was observed on plots with chemical and acoustic ungulate deterrents and on control plots without deterrents. Economic estimates of yield loss due to damage were calculated at the national level. A model of the potential threat from windthrow was also developed based on data collected from windthrow events and meteorological data over the past 20 years. Our results indicate that soil depth and mineral fraction depth were similar at sites with and without damaged trees and were not the determining factors for tree toppling. Plots with acoustic deterrents showed the most effective regeneration development, the least decline in silver fir and the greatest increase in noble hardwood seedlings, while plots with chemical deterrents showed the least browsing damage. The estimated economic loss of €16.1 million is 6.6% less than the harvest under normal conditions. The economic loss was relatively low due to the nature of the storm, with the predominant type of damage being uprooted trees with no damaged trunks. The windthrow hazard model revealed that a large number of consecutive events with strong winds in each section weakened the stand, which was subsequently knocked down during the next extreme wind and rainfall event.
Keywords: natural forest regeneration, windthrow, economic loss, browsing, ungulate deterrents, forest soil properties, potential threat model
Published in DiRROS: 27.06.2023; Views: 1172; Downloads: 546
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