Insight into Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity of Cemented Paste Backfill Containing Polycarboxylate Ether-Based Superplasticizer

Recycling of tailings in the form of cemented paste backfill (CPB) is a widely adopted practice in the mining industry. Environmental performance is an important design criterion of CPB structures. This environmental performance of CPB is strongly influenced by its saturated hydraulic conductivity (permeability). Superplasticizers are usually added to improve flowability, but there is a limited understanding of their influence on the hydraulic properties of the CPB. This paper presents new experimental results on the variations of the hydraulic conductivity of CPB containing polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer with different compositions and curing conditions. It is found that the hydraulic conductivity of the CPB decreases with the addition of superplasticizer, which is beneficial to its environmental performance. The reduction is largely attributable to the influence of the ether-based superplasticizer on particles mobility and cement hydration. Moreover, both curing temperature and time have correlations with the hydraulic conductivity of CPB containing superplasticizer. In addition, the presence of sulfate and partial replacement of PCI with blast furnace slag reduces the hydraulic conductivity. The variations are mainly due to the changes in the pore structure of the CPB. The new results discussed in this manuscript will contribute to the design of more environmental-friendly CPBs, which is essential for sustainable mining.

Hybrid Cements. Mechanical Properties, Microstructure and Radiological Behavior

The use of more eco-efficient cements in concretes is one of the keys to ensuring construction industry sustainability. Such eco-efficient binders often contain large but variable proportions of industrial waste or by-products in their composition, many of which may be naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). This study explored the application of a new gamma spectrometric method for measuring radionuclide activity in hybrid alkali-activated cements from solid 5 cm cubic specimens rather than powder samples. The research involved assessing the effect of significant variables such as the nature of the alkaline activator, reaction time and curing conditions to relate the microstructures identified to the radiological behavior observed. The findings showed that varying the inputs generated pastes with similar reaction products (C-S-H, C-A-S-H and (N,C)-A-S-H) but different microstructures. The new gamma spectrometric method for measuring radioactivity in solid 5 cm cubic specimens in alkaline pastes was found to be valid. The variables involved in hybrid cement activation were shown to have no impact on specimen radioactive content. The powder samples, however, emanated 222Rn (a descendent of 226Ra), possibly due to the deformation taking place in fly ash structure during alkaline activation. Further research would be required to explain that finding.

Setting Behavior and Phase Evolution on Heat Treatment of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymers Containing Calcium Hydroxide

The setting behavior of geopolymers is affected by the type of source materials, alkali activators, mix formulations, and curing conditions. Calcium hydroxide is known to be an effective additive to shorten the setting period of geopolymers. However, there is still room for improvement in the understanding of the effect of calcium hydroxide on the setting and phase evolution of geopolymers. In this study, the setting behavior and phase evolution of geopolymer containing calcium hydroxide were investigated by XRD analysis. The setting time of the geopolymer was inconsistently shortened as the amount of calcium hydroxide increased. A low calcium hydroxide dose of up to 2% of the total mix weight could contribute to the enhancement of compressive strength of geopolymers besides a fast-setting effect. The C-S-H gel is rapidly precipitated at the early stage of reaction in geopolymers containing high calcium hydroxide with some of the calcium hydroxide remaining intact. The ex-situ high-temperature XRD analysis and Rietveld refinement results revealed that geopolymer and C-S-H gel transformed into Si-rich nepheline and wollastonite, respectively. The wollastonite was also observed in heat-treated geopolymers with a low calcium hydroxide dose. It is believed that C-S-H gel can be precipitated along with geopolymers regardless of how much calcium hydroxide is added.

Wafer-Level 3D Integration Based on Poly (Diallyl Phthalate) Adhesive Bonding

Three-dimensional integration technology provides a promising total solution that can be used to achieve system-level integration with high function density and low cost. In this study, a wafer-level 3D integration technology using PDAP as an intermediate bonding polymer was applied effectively for integration with an SOI wafer and dummy a CMOS wafer. The influences of the procedure parameters on the adhesive bonding effects were determined by Si–Glass adhesive bonding tests. It was found that the bonding pressure, pre-curing conditions, spin coating conditions, and cleanliness have a significant influence on the bonding results. The optimal procedure parameters for PDAP adhesive bonding were obtained through analysis and comparison. The 3D integration tests were conducted according to these optimal parameters. In the tests, process optimization was focused on Si handle-layer etching, PDAP layer etching, and Au pillar electroplating. After that, the optimal process conditions for the 3D integration process were achieved. The 3D integration applications of the micro-bolometer array and the micro-bridge resistor array were presented. It was confirmed that 3D integration based on PDAP adhesive bonding is suitable for the fabrication of system-on-chip when using MEMS and IC integration and that it is especially useful for the fabrication of low-cost suspended-microstructure on-CMOS-chip systems.

Brittleness of Concrete under Different Curing Conditions

In order to shorten construction periods, concrete is often cured using steam and is loaded at an early age. This changes the performance and even the durability of the concrete compared to concrete that has been cured under normal conditions. Thus, the pattern and the mechanism of concrete performance change under different curing conditions, and loading ages are of great significance. The development of brittleness under different curing conditions and loading ages was studied. The evaluation methods that were used to determine concrete brittleness were expounded. Steam, standard, and natural curing conditions were carried out on single-side notched concrete beams as well as on a concrete prism and cubic blocks. The compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of the concrete blocks along with the fracture performance of the concrete beams were tested after 3, 7, 28, and 90 days. The steam curing condition significantly improved the strength of concrete before 28 days had passed, and the standard curing condition improved the strength of concrete after 28 days. Based on the experimental fracture parameters, a two-parameter fracture model was applied to study the development of fracture toughness KICS, critical crack tip opening displacement CTODc, and critical strain energy release rate GICS with hydration age under different curing conditions. With respect to long-term performance, the standard curing condition was better at resisting concrete crack propagations than the steam curing condition was. The characteristic length lch and the material length Q under the three curing conditions and the long-term development of brittleness in the concrete indicated that steam curing increased the concrete brittleness. Considering the effects of the curing condition and the loading age, a time-dependent concrete fracture toughness model was established, and the predicted value of the model was verified against the measured value. The results indicated that the model was able to accurately predict the fracture toughness with an error rate of less than 16%.

Experimental Evaluation of Tensile Performance of Aluminate Cement Composite Reinforced with Weft Knitted Fabrics as a Function of Curing Temperature

Cement composites (CC) are among the composites most widely used in the construction industry, such as a durable waterproof and fire-resistant concrete layer, slope protection, and application in retaining wall structures. The use of 3D fabric embedded in the cement media can improve the mechanical properties of the composites. The use of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) can accelerate the production process of the CC and further contribute to improving the mechanical properties of the cement media. The purpose of this study is to promote the use of these cementitious composites by deepening the knowledge of their tensile properties and investigating the factors that may affect them. Therefore, 270 specimens (three types of stitch structure, two directions of the fabric, three water temperature values, five curing ages, with three repetitions) were made, and the tensile properties, absorbed energy, and the inversion effects were evaluated. The results showed that the curing conditions of the reinforced cementitious composite in water with temperature values of 7, 23, and 50 °C affect the tensile behavior. The tensile strength of the CCs cured in water with a temperature of 23 °C had the highest tensile strength, while 7 and 50 °C produced a lower tensile strength. The inversion effect has been observed in CC at 23 °C between 7 and 28 days, while this effect has not occurred in other curing temperature values. By examining three commercial types of stitches in fabrics and the performance of the reinforced cementitious composites in the warp direction, it was found that the structure of the “Tuck Stitch” has higher tensile strength and absorbed energy compared to “Knit stitch” and “Miss Stitch”. The tensile strength and fracture energy of the CC reinforced with “Tuck Stitch” fabric in the warp direction, by curing in 23 °C water for 7 days, were found to be 2.81 MPa and 1.65 × 103 KJ/m3, respectively. These results may be helpful in selecting the design and curing parameters for the purposes of maximizing the tensile properties of textile CAC composites.