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Florean CT, Vermeșan H, Gabor T, Neamțu BV, Thalmaier G, Hegyi A, Csapai A, Lăzărescu AV. Influence of TiO 2 Nanoparticles on the Physical, Mechanical, and Structural Characteristics of Cementitious Composites with Recycled Aggregates. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:2014. [PMID: 38730821 PMCID: PMC11084257 DOI: 10.3390/ma17092014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles (NTs) on the physical and mechanical properties, as well as the microstructural changes, of cementitious composites containing partially substituted natural aggregates (NAs) with aggregates derived from the following four recycled materials: glass (RGA), brick (RGB), blast-furnace slag (GBA), and recycled textolite waste with WEEE (waste from electrical and electronic equipment) as the primary source (RTA), in line with sustainable construction practices. The research methodology included the following phases: selection and characterization of raw materials, formulation design, experimental preparation and testing of specimens using standardized methods specific to cementitious composite mortars (including determination of apparent density in the hardened state, mechanical strength in compression, flexure, and abrasion, and water absorption by capillarity), and structural analysis using specialized techniques (scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)). The analysis and interpretation of the results focused primarily on identifying the effects of NT addition on the composites. Results show a decrease in density resulting from replacing NAs with recycled aggregates, particularly in the case of RGB and RTA. Conversely, the introduction of TiO2 nanoparticles resulted in a slight increase in density, ranging from 0.2% for RTA to 7.4% for samples containing NAs. Additionally, the introduction of TiO2 contributes to improved compressive strength, especially in samples containing RTA, while flexural strength benefits from a 3-4% TiO2 addition in all composites. The compressive strength ranged from 35.19 to 70.13 N/mm2, while the flexural strength ranged from 8.4 to 10.47 N/mm2. The abrasion loss varied between 2.4% and 5.71%, and the water absorption coefficient varied between 0.03 and 0.37 kg/m2m0.5, the variations being influenced by both the nature of the aggregates and the amount of NTs added. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed that TiO2 nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in the cementitious composites, mainly forming CSH gel. TiO2 nanoparticles act as nucleating agents during early hydration, as confirmed by EDS spectra after curing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Teodora Florean
- National Institute for Research and Development in Construction, Urban Planning and Sustainable Spatial Development URBAN-INCERC Cluj-Napoca Branch, 117 Calea Florești, 400524 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.T.F.); (A.H.); (A.-V.L.)
- Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Boulevard, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (H.V.); (B.V.N.)
| | - Horațiu Vermeșan
- Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Boulevard, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (H.V.); (B.V.N.)
| | - Timea Gabor
- Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Boulevard, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (H.V.); (B.V.N.)
| | - Bogdan Viorel Neamțu
- Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Boulevard, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (H.V.); (B.V.N.)
| | - Gyorgy Thalmaier
- Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Boulevard, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (H.V.); (B.V.N.)
| | - Andreea Hegyi
- National Institute for Research and Development in Construction, Urban Planning and Sustainable Spatial Development URBAN-INCERC Cluj-Napoca Branch, 117 Calea Florești, 400524 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.T.F.); (A.H.); (A.-V.L.)
- Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Boulevard, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (H.V.); (B.V.N.)
| | - Alexandra Csapai
- National Institute for Research and Development in Construction, Urban Planning and Sustainable Spatial Development URBAN-INCERC Cluj-Napoca Branch, 117 Calea Florești, 400524 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.T.F.); (A.H.); (A.-V.L.)
- Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Boulevard, 400641 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (H.V.); (B.V.N.)
| | - Adrian-Victor Lăzărescu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Construction, Urban Planning and Sustainable Spatial Development URBAN-INCERC Cluj-Napoca Branch, 117 Calea Florești, 400524 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.T.F.); (A.H.); (A.-V.L.)
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Iro UI, Alaneme GU, Attah IC, Ganasen N, Duru SC, Olaiya BC. Optimization of cassava peel ash concrete using central composite design method. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7901. [PMID: 38570706 PMCID: PMC10991445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58555-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cassava peel ash (CPA) is an abundant agricultural byproduct that has shown promise as an additional cementitious material in concrete manufacturing. This research study aims to optimize the incorporation of CPA in concrete blends using the central composite design (CCD) methodology to determine the most effective combination of ingredients for maximizing concrete performance. The investigation involves a physicochemical analysis of CPA to assess its pozzolanic characteristics. Laboratory experiments are then conducted to assess the compressive and flexural strengths of concrete mixtures formulated with varying proportions of CPA, cement, and aggregates. The results show that a mix ratio of 0.2:0.0875:0.3625:0.4625 for cement, CPA, fine, and coarse aggregates, respectively, yields a maximum compressive strength of 28.51 MPa. Additionally, a maximum flexural strength of 10.36 MPa is achieved with a mix ratio of 0.2:0.0875:0.3625:0.525. The experimental data were used to develop quadratic predictive models, followed by statistical analyses. The culmination of the research resulted in the identification of an optimal concrete blend that significantly enhances both compressive and flexural strength. To ensure the reliability of the model, rigorous validation was conducted using student's t-test, revealing a strong correlation between laboratory findings and simulated values, with computed p-values of 0.9987 and 0.9912 for compressive and flexural strength responses, respectively. This study underscores the potential for enhancing concrete properties and reducing waste through the effective utilization of CPA in the construction sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzoma Ibe Iro
- Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
| | - George Uwadiegwu Alaneme
- Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
- Department of Civil, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Nakkeeran Ganasen
- Department of Civil Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Bamidele Charles Olaiya
- Department of Civil, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda
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Marimuthu V, Ramasamy A. Mechanical characteristics of waste-printed circuit board-reinforced concrete with silica fume and prediction modelling using ANN. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:28474-28493. [PMID: 38558342 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33099-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The use of electronic waste in cement concrete as a fibre additive has proven to be very promising for improving mechanical characteristics and developing sustainable construction materials to reduce the waste dumped in landfills. The following study investigated the effect of electronic waste (printed circuit boards (PCBs)) on the mechanical properties of concrete and predicted the same properties with an appropriate machine learning technique. PCB fibres 45 mm in length and 1.5 mm in width were manufactured and added as fibre additions to two sets of concrete mixes with and without silica fume. A 10% volume replacement of cement was substituted with silica fume (SF) to enhance the characteristics of PCB fibre-reinforced concrete and minimize cement consumption. The study included an evaluation of the fresh properties and mechanical characteristics after a 28-day curing period; thereafter, the results were compared and studied using the Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation algorithm for predictions. The results show that the mechanical properties improved up to a 5% addition of PCB fibres, resulting in strengths of 63.55 MPa and 69.92 MPa for mixtures of PCB5% and SFPCB5%, respectively. A similar trend was achieved for other properties, such as the tensile and flexural strengths. The results of the ANN model predicted values with R2 values ranging from 0.94 to 0.99, indicating the efficacy of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- VishnuPriyan Marimuthu
- Department of Civil Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, India, 603203.
| | - Annadurai Ramasamy
- Department of Civil Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, India, 603203
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Ukpata JO, Ewa DE, Success NG, Alaneme GU, Otu ON, Olaiya BC. Effects of aggregate sizes on the performance of laterized concrete. Sci Rep 2024; 14:448. [PMID: 38172194 PMCID: PMC10764962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50998-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the high costs of traditional concrete materials in Nigeria, such as river sand, there is an increasing demand to explore alternative materials like laterite for fine aggregates. Although laterite is abundant in Nigeria, its full potential in the construction industry remains untapped. Previous studies have shown that partially replacing river sand with laterite produces concrete with competitive strength properties. This research aims to validate and extend these findings, evaluating the impact of different aggregate sizes (12 mm, 20 mm, and 40 mm) on the strength of concrete with 10% and 25% laterite replacements for fine aggregate. Results revealed that as the laterite percentage increased, compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths decreased. While 0% and 10% laterite replacements met the required strength, the mix with 25% laterite fell short. Increasing maximum coarse aggregate size led to higher strengths, with 40 mm sizes exhibiting the highest, and 12 mm the lowest. Compressive strengths ranged from 22.1 to 37.6 N/mm2, flexural strengths from 4.07 to 5.99 N/mm2 and split-tensile strengths from 2.93 to 4.30 N/mm2. This research highlights the need for meticulous mix design adjustments when using laterite, balancing workability with strength objectives. The developed regression models offer a valuable tool for predicting concrete properties based on mix parameters, providing insights for optimizing laterized concrete designs across diverse construction applications and supporting sustainable building practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph O Ukpata
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Desmond E Ewa
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria
| | | | - George Uwadiegwu Alaneme
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
| | - Obeten Nicholas Otu
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria
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Priyan MV, Annadurai R, Alaneme GU, Ravella DP, Pradeepkumar S, Olaiya BC. A study on waste PCB fibres reinforced concrete with and without silica fume made from electronic waste. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22755. [PMID: 38123638 PMCID: PMC10733379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50312-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This research goal is to appraise the effect of electronic waste on concrete properties by examining the mechanical properties of concrete reinforced with waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). PCB fibres, each 50 mm long, were mixed in varying proportions (1-5% by weight of cement). Silica fume (SF) was used as a 12% weight replacement for cement to conserve the properties of PCB fibre-reinforced concrete while tumbling cement consumption. Following a 28-day curing period, the fresh and hardened characteristics of PCB fibre-reinforced concrete were juxtaposed with those of conventional concrete. The experimental results led to the conclusion that 5% by weight of cement is the most effective proportion of PCB fibres to include in both PCB fibre-reinforced concrete and silica fume-modified PCB fibre-reinforced concrete. The addition of PCB fibres and silica fume significantly increased the mechanical strength of the concrete, making it suitable for high-strength concrete applications. Based on a similar investigational research design, an artificial neural network model was created, and it played a critical role in predicting the mechanical properties of the concrete. The model produced accurate results, with an R-squared (R2) value greater than 0.99.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vishnu Priyan
- Department of Civil Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - R Annadurai
- Department of Civil Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George Uwadiegwu Alaneme
- Department of Civil, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umudike, Nigeria.
| | - Durga Prasad Ravella
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - S Pradeepkumar
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Bamidele Charles Olaiya
- Department of Civil, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda
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Akeke GA, Inem PEU, Alaneme GU, Nyah EE. Experimental investigation and modelling of the mechanical properties of palm oil fuel ash concrete using Scheffe's method. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18583. [PMID: 37903794 PMCID: PMC10616203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45987-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explores the enhancement of mechanical properties in concrete blended with palm oil fuel ash (POFA) through Scheffe's optimization. The utilization of POFA as supplementary cementitious material in concrete has gained attention for its potential environmental benefits. Utilizing a (5,2) simplex-lattice design, a systematic approach is employed for optimizing mixture proportions based on response parameters. The laboratory tests to evaluate concrete's mechanical behavior were conducted using the computed mixture ratios from the design experimental points after 28 days of hydration. The results showed maximum flexural strength at 8.84 N/mm2 and compressive strength at 31.16 N/mm2, achieved with a mix of 0.65:0.54:2.3:3.96:0.35 for cement, water, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and POFA. Additionally, maximum splitting tensile strength reached 8.84 N/mm2 with a mix of 0.62:0.55:2.09:3.86:0.38 for the same components. Conversely, the minimum flexural, splitting tensile and compressive strength within the experimental factor space was 4.25, 2.08 and 19.82 N/mm2 respectively. The results obtained indicated a satisfactory mechanical strength performance at POFA replacement of 35 percent in the concrete mixture. The developed mathematical model was statistically validated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence interval which showed satisfactory prediction performance. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into optimizing POFA-blended concrete for enhanced mechanical performance, offering potential sustainable solutions for the construction industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Adie Akeke
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria
| | | | - George Uwadiegwu Alaneme
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
| | - Efiok Etim Nyah
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria
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