1. Stabilization of fish protein‐based adhesive by reduction of its hygroscopicityBranka Mušič, Jaka Gašper Pečnik, Andreja Pondelak, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Protein-based fish adhesives have historically been used in various bonding applications; however, due to the protein’s high affinity for water absorption, these adhesives become destabilized in high-moisture environments, resulting in reduced bondline strength and early failure. This limitation makes them unsuitable for industrial applications with higher demands. To address this issue, water-insoluble raw powder materials such as iron, copper, or zeolite were incorporated into natural fish adhesives. In this study, the hygroscopicity, dry matter content, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), FT-IR spectroscopy, surface tension measurements, vapour permeability, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the modified adhesives were determined. In addition, the bonding properties of the modified adhesives were evaluated by the tensile shear strength of the lap joints, and mould growth was visually inspected. The resulting modified protein-based adhesives demonstrated improved stability in high humidity environments. Enhancing the hygroscopic properties of protein-based fish adhesives has the potential to unlock new opportunities and applications, providing a healthier and more environmentally sustainable alternative to petroleum-based adhesives. Keywords: protein‐based adhesive, polymer stabilization, hygroscopicity, fish adhesive modification, fish industry waste, circular economy, bonding properties Published in DiRROS: 12.08.2024; Views: 66; Downloads: 215
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2. Lastnosti lesa iz rudnika SitarjevecMiha Humar, Boštjan Lesar, Davor Kržišnik, Andreja Pondelak, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Angela Balzano, José Gonçalves, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Rudarska tradicija v Litiji, segajoča v staro železno dobo, je vključevala intenzivno uporabo lesa v rudnikih, še posebej za podporo in zaščito rovov. Rudnik Sitarjevec je bil znova odprt za turizem leta 2017, in v letu 2021 so odprli glavni rov. Les ostaja ključen material v rudnikih, čeprav so ga v preteklosti nadomeščali z drugimi materiali. Uporabljeni les je izpostavljen razkroju zaradi visoke vlažnosti in gliv, kot je bela hišna goba. Ta gliva lahko povzroči razgradnjo lesa in je pogosta v vlažnih okoljih rudnikov. Obstoj gliv je pomemben, saj lahko vplivajo na obiskovalce rudnika. Visoka relativna zračna vlažnost (96,6 %) in stalna temperatura (10,1 °C) v rudniku ustvarjata razmere, ki so ugodne za rast gliv, vendar pa relativno nizka temperatura ni omejujoč dejavnik za razgradnjo lesa. Koncentracija glivnih spor v rudniku je visoka in je razložena z razširjenostjo gliv v samem rudniku. Poleg tega smo opazili, da je v lesu veliko anorganskih onesnaževal ter veliko kristalov. Keywords: razkroj, bela hišna goba, težke kovine, kristali, spore Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 165; Downloads: 95
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3. Lastnosti lesa iz rudnika SitarjevecMiha Humar, Boštjan Lesar, Davor Kržišnik, Andreja Pondelak, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Angela Balzano, José Gonçalves, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Rudarska tradicija v Litiji, segajoča v staro železno dobo, je vključevala intenzivno uporabo lesa v rudnikih, še posebej za podporo in zaščito rovov. Rudnik Sitarjevec je bil znova odprt za turizem leta 2017, in v letu 2021 so odprli glavni rov. Les ostaja ključen material v rudnikih, čeprav so ga v preteklosti nadomeščali z drugimi materiali. Uporabljeni les je izpostavljen razkroju zaradi visoke vlažnosti in gliv, kot je bela hišna goba. Ta gliva lahko povzroči razgradnjo lesa in je pogosta v vlažnih okoljih rudnikov. Obstoj gliv je pomemben, saj lahko vplivajo na obiskovalce rudnika. Visoka relativna zračna vlažnost (96,6 %) in stalna temperatura (10,1 °C) v rudniku ustvarjata razmere, ki so ugodne za rast gliv, vendar pa relativno nizka temperatura ni omejujoč dejavnik za razgradnjo lesa. Koncentracija glivnih spor v rudniku je visoka in je razložena z razširjenostjo gliv v samem rudniku. Poleg tega smo opazili, da je v lesu veliko anorganskih onesnaževal ter veliko kristalov. Keywords: razkroj, bela hišna goba, težke kovine, kristali, spore Published in DiRROS: 21.06.2024; Views: 396; Downloads: 135
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5. Effect of sucrose concentration on streptococcus mutans adhesion to dental material surfacesAnamarija Zore, Franc Rojko, Nives Matijaković Mlinarić, Jona Veber, Aleksander Učakar, Roman Štukelj, Andreja Pondelak, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Klemen Bohinc, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Enamel demineralization, known as dental caries, is instigated by the bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which generates acid during carbohydrate metabolism. Among carbohydrates, sucrose is the most cariogenic and capable of biofilm formation. This study aimed to explore and comprehend Streptococcus mutans’ adherence to two prevalent dental material surfaces, i.e., a cobalt–chromium(Co-Cr) alloy and a resin-based composite, under the influence of various sucrose concentrations. To understand bacterial adhesion, the surfaces were characterized using profilometry, tensiometry, and surface charge measurements. Bacterial adhesion was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and crystal violet dye methods. Results revealed that the composite surface exhibited greater rough-ness compared with the Co-Cr alloy surface. Both surfaces displayed hydrophilic properties and a negative surface charge. Bacterial adhesion experiments indicated lower bacterial adherence to the Co-Cr alloy than to the composite surface before the addition of sucrose. However, the introduction of sucrose resulted in biofilm development on both surfaces, showcasing a similar increase in bacterial adhesion, with the highest levels being observed at a 5% sucrose concentration in the bacterial suspension. In conclusion, the findings suggest sucrose-rich foods could facilitate bacterial adaptation despite less favorable surface characteristics, thereby promoting biofilm formation. Keywords: bacterial adhesion, streptococcus mutans, dental material surfaces, sucrose concentration Published in DiRROS: 31.01.2024; Views: 399; Downloads: 170
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6. Flexible polymer connections for clt structuresBoris Azinović, Andreja Pondelak, Jaka Gašper Pečnik, Václav Sebera, 2020, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: This paper explores the possibility of using flexible polymer adhesives to dissipate energy in CLT buildings during earthquakes. In the first series of tests, pull-off tests of various polyurethane (PUR) adhesives were performed. The connection was tested in pull-pull configuration using monotonic, tension-only loading. The tests have shown that the adhesive can resist large deformations already in tension loading and with small thicknesses of the bond-line. Based on the pull-off test results, one adhesive has been selected for further testing. Monotonic lap-shear tests were performed with the selected adhesive and thick bond-line (3 mm and 6 mm). The results show, that the standard method for lap-shear testing (EN 205) needs to be adapted for thick glue-line. It was found that the strength of 3 mm glue-line is higher than 6mm one, which is in agreement with adhesion theory. The flexible PUR adhesives could potentially be used in CLT structures for anchoring the CLT wall with “flexible” glued-in rods or as a “flexible” vertical shear connection between the CLT walls. Such systems have a potential to dissipate energy in seismic areas. Keywords: CLT connections, flexible adhesive, polyurethane, energy dissipation, pull-off, lap-shear Published in DiRROS: 19.01.2024; Views: 374; Downloads: 192
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7. The role of relative humidity on crystallization of calcium carbonate from calcium acetoacetate precursorAndreja Pondelak, Francesca Rosi, Celeste Maurich, Costanza Miliani, Srečo D. Škapin, Andrijana Sever Škapin, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: Calcium acetoacetate, Ca(OAcAc)2, was exposed 7, 30 and 365 days to different values of relative humidity (33%, 48%, 75% and 96%) at 40 °C in order to study its transformation to CaCO3. The resulting Ca(OAcAc)2 decomposition and the time dependence of the phase transformations were monitored and critically evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The impact of relative humidity on CaCO3 polymorph formation was thoroughly assessed. In all of the conditions used and for all ageing periods, the formed crystal structure is found to be vaterite. At the lowest relative humidity (33%), the amorphous CaCO3 remains more or less almost untransformed even after one year of exposure. It is proposed that the reason for the stability of amorphous CaCO3 is due to the limited amount of physisorbed water on the surfaces of the particles, which is considered the driving force for its transformation. However, the carbonation process is faster in the case of the highest humidity (96%). The findings are not only important for better solutions in the field of cultural heritage, but also shed new light on the fundamental mechanism of CaCO3 crystallization. Keywords: calcium acetoacetate, relative humidity, carbonation, amorphous carbonate, vaterite, mechanism Published in DiRROS: 22.11.2023; Views: 563; Downloads: 262
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8. Efficiency of novel photocatalytic coating and consolidants for protection of valuable mineral substratesAndreja Pondelak, Sabina Dolenec, Jonjaua Ranogajec, Luka Škrlep, Snezana B. Vučetić, Vilma Ducman, Andrijana Sever Škapin, 2019, original scientific article Abstract: In the process of protection and consolidation of valuable materials, the efficiency is the crucial property that needs to be considered. TiO2/ZnAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) coating and silicate- and carbonate-based consolidants were synthesized and proposed to be used for protection and consolidation of four porous mineral substrates: brick, stone, render and mortar. The photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2/ZnAl LDH coating, as well as consolidation efficiency of two consolidants, both applied on model substrates, were studied. The photocatalytic coating showed significant activity and performed well after the durability tests involving rinsing and freezing/thawing procedures. After treatment with both consolidants, a serious enhancement of consolidation of the used substrates was found. On the other hand, the application of TiO2/ZnAl LDH, as well as consolidants, caused negligible changes in the water vapour permeability values and in appearance of the porous mineral substrates, indicating a high level of compatibility. Keywords: photocatalytic coating, consolidant, protection, conservation, porous substrate, cultural heritage Published in DiRROS: 21.11.2023; Views: 427; Downloads: 264
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9. Strižna trdnost spojev z ribjim klejem lepljenega lesa ovrednotena z metodo ABESMatic Sitar, Andreja Pondelak, Samo Grbec, Milan Šernek, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: V prispevku smo s pomočjo sistema za avtomatizirano vrednotenje zlepljenosti (ABES) ugotavljali razvoj strižne trdnosti ribjega kleja pri lepljenju lesa. Uporabili smo bukov (Fagus sylvatica L.) furnir, ki smo ga lepili pri konstantnem tlaku 12 barov, medtem ko smo spreminjali temperaturo in čas stiskanja. Temperatura je znašala med25 °C in 100 °C, z intervalom 25 °C, čas stiskanja pa od 1 minute do 60 minut. Dosežena maksimalna strižna trdnost je znašala okoli 10 N/mm², dosegli smo jo pri vseh štirih proučevanih temperaturah stiskanja. Na podlagi rezultatov študije smo ugotovili, da strižna trdnost ribjega kleja pri različnih temperaturah segrevanja neenakomerno narašča. Pri višjih temperaturah segrevanja hitreje dosežemo maksimalne strižne trdnosti. Strižne trdnosti spoja lepila iz ribjega kleja smo ugotavljali tudi po standardih EN 204 in EN 205. Keywords: wood Published in DiRROS: 14.11.2023; Views: 509; Downloads: 272
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10. Improving the flame retardancy of wood using an eco-friendly mineralisation processAndreja Pondelak, Andrijana Sever Škapin, Nataša Knez, Friderik Knez, Tomaž Pazlar, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: A novel environmentally friendly method for in situ formation of CaCO3 deep inside a wood’s structure is presented. The method is based on vacuum-pressure impregnation using a one-component treatment medium – a water solution of calcium acetoacetate - and a single stage process to significantly improve the fire retardancy of the treated material. Keywords: mineralisation, flame retardancy, calcium acetoacetate, calcium carbonate, wood Published in DiRROS: 31.07.2023; Views: 572; Downloads: 395
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