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Abstract: In order to expand the use of titania indoor as well as to increase its overall performance, narrowing the band gap is one of the possibilities to achieve this. Modifying with rare earths (REs) has been relatively unexplored, especially the modification of rutile with rare earth cations. The aim of this study was to find the influence of the modification of TiO2 with rare earths on its structural, optical, morphological, and photocatalytic properties. Titania was synthesized using TiOSO4 as the source of titanium via hydrothermal synthesis procedure at low temperature (200 °C) and modified with selected rare earth elements, namely, Ce, La, and Gd. Structural properties of samples were determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and the phase ratio was calculated using the Rietveld method. Optical properties were analyzed by ultraviolet and visible light (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was used to determine the morphological properties of samples and to estimate the size of primary crystals. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the chemical bonding properties of samples. Photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalysts as well as the titania available on the market (P25) was measured in three different setups, assessing volatile organic compound (VOC) degradation, NOx abatement, and water purification. It was found out that modification with rare earth elements slows down the transformation of anatase and brookite to rutile. Whereas the unmodified sample was composed of only rutile, La- and Gd-modified samples contained anatase and rutile, and Ce-modified samples consisted of anatase, brookite, and rutile. Modification with rare earth metals has turned out to be detrimental to photocatalytic activity. In all cases, pure TiO2 outperformed the modified samples. Cerium-modified TiO2 was the least active sample, despite having a light absorption tail up to 585 nm wavelength. La- and Gd-modified samples did not show a significant shift in light absorption when compared to the pure TiO2 sample. The reason for the lower activity of modified samples was attributed to a greater Ti3+/Ti4+ ratio and a large amount of hydroxyl oxygen found in pure TiO2. All the modified samples had a smaller Ti3+/Ti4+ ratio and less hydroxyl oxygen
Keywords: TiO2, photocatalytic activity, rare earths, modification, visible light activity
Published in DiRROS: 22.11.2023; Views: 267; Downloads: 141
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Abstract: Alkali‐activated materials (AAMs) are considered a promising alternative to materials made from ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Other than considering the durability of the material itself, the use of AAMs for reinforced concrete elements also raises the question of steel corrosion processes in these materials, which are still relatively unknown. Three different alkali‐activated mortars were prepared for this study, based on either fly ash, slag, or metakaolin. Pore solutions were then extracted from each mortar and chemically analyzed. Electrochemical techniques were used to study the corrosion of steel in synthetic pore solutions containing varying concentrations of chlorides. In parallel, the same corrosion tests were performed in a generic pore solution representing OPC mortar. It was shown that the chemical composition differed in each pore solution tested, thus affecting the corrosion properties of the steel. The addition of chloride also had a varying effect on the corrosion properties of the steel in each type of pore solution tested. This study provided a basic overview of the corrosion behavior and mechanisms of the various AAM environments in comparison to that of OPC.
Keywords: alkali-aktivated materials, corrosion, electrochemical corrosion techniques, extracted pore solution
Published in DiRROS: 20.11.2023; Views: 240; Downloads: 39
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Abstract: In the field of surface treatment, laser colour marking can be used to produce coloured marks on the surfaces of metals. Laser colour markings can be applied to various materials, but on titanium alloys a wide spectra of vivid colours can be achieved. This study presents an analysis of the corrosion properties of laser treated surfaces that were exposed to aggressive environments. Different samples were prepared with laser light of various power intensities and processing speeds. The samples were prepared on low alloyed Ti. Electrochemical, spectroscopic and microstructural analyses were conducted in order to study the properties of the laser treated surfaces. Corrosion testing showed different effects of laser power and production speed on the properties of the laser treated surfaces. It was shown that a high intensity and slow processing rate affect the surfaces by forming oxides that are relatively stable in a corrosive environment of 0.1 M NaCl. Spectroscopic investigations including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses showed the differences in chemical structure of the surface layer formed after laser treatment. Similarly, microstructural investigations showed different effects on the surface and sub-surface layer of the laser treated samples.
Keywords: Ti alloy, laser treatment, XPS, corrosion
Published in DiRROS: 25.10.2023; Views: 371; Downloads: 149
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Abstract: When creating a simulation model to assess the performance of buildings, there is usually a lack of feedback information. Only in the case of measurements of a real building is a direct comparison of the measured values and simulated results possible. Parameter data related to users’ behavior or other events can also be obtained. Their evaluated frequency, magnitude and duration, along with boundary conditions, are crucial for the results. It is clear that none of them can be predicted very accurately. Most of them, however, are needed for computer modeling. In this paper we analyzed the well-defined TRNSYS simulation model of offices equipped with radiant ceiling panels for heating and cooling. The model was based on real case offices and was validated based on measurements for 1 year. The analysis included simulations in order to define what effect the parameters related mainly to users have on the energy use and the indoor air temperatures. The study confirmed that specific human activities influence the annual energy use to a relatively small degree and that their effects often counteract. It also confirmed the even more important fact that although small, these activities can influence the thermal comfort of users. It is believed that despite the fact that this research was based on an analysis of offices equipped with radiant ceiling panels, most of the results could be applied generally.
Keywords: measurements, modeling, simulation, validation, analysis, energy use, temperature
Published in DiRROS: 15.09.2023; Views: 294; Downloads: 141
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Abstract: Immersion tests with different stainless steels have been performed, while the pH was stepwise decreased and then increased again. During 8.5-day exposure, the depassivation and repassivation pH values as a function of pitting resistance equivalent number were determined. There is always a gap between both pH values (depassivation and repassivation), indicating that for every steel, there are conditions where an existing passive layer can be maintained but cannot be rebuilt after depassivation. In such environments, the passive layer is thicker, consisting mainly of molybdenum and iron rich oxides, while chromium is dissolved. Usually, depending on conditions, the passive layer is more chromium-rich, especially the inner layer. This is relevant, for example, for acidizing jobs in oil and gas industry, proving that repassivation after acidizing will happen promptly, when the pH is increased again.
Keywords: stress corrosion cracking, surface finish impact, tapered tensile specimen, autoclave, accelerated testing, light water nuclear reactor, critical threshold stress
Published in DiRROS: 30.08.2023; Views: 300; Downloads: 155
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