Análise da viabilidade da utilização da cinza do bagaço de cana-de-açúcar como aglomerante para a produção de matrizes cimentantes

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Civil - FEIS

Sistemi tecnologici innovativi di involucro per il recupero del patrimonio edilizio recente. L'edilizia scolastica nel Comune di Bologna

La ricerca è volta a presentare un nuovo approccio integrato, a supporto di operatori e progettisti, per la gestione dell’intero processo progettuale di interventi di riqualificazione energetica e architettonica del patrimonio edilizio recente, mediante l’impiego di soluzioni tecnologiche innovative di involucro edilizio. Lo studio richiede necessariamente l’acquisizione di un repertorio selezionato di sistemi costruttivi di involucro, come base di partenza per l’elaborazione di soluzioni progettuali di recupero delle scuole appartenenti al secondo dopoguerra, in conglomerato cementizio armato, prevalentemente prefabbricate. Il progetto individua procedimenti costruttivi ecocompatibili per la progettazione di componenti prefabbricati di involucro “attivo”, adattabile ed efficiente, da assemblare a secco, nel rispetto dei requisiti prestazionali richiesti dalle attuali normative. La ricerca è finalizzata alla gestione dell’intero processo, supportato da sistemi di rilevazione geometrica, collegati a software di programmazione parametrica per la modellazione di superfici adattabili alla morfologia dei fabbricati oggetto di intervento. Tali strumenti informatizzati CAD-CAM sono connessi a macchine a controllo numerico CNC per la produzione industrializzata degli elementi costruttivi “su misura”. A titolo esemplificativo dell’approccio innovativo proposto, si formulano due possibili soluzioni di involucro in linea con i paradigmi della ricerca, nel rispetto dei principi di sostenibilità, intesa come modularità, rapidità di posa, reversibilità, recupero e riciclo di materiali. In particolare, le soluzioni innovative sono accomunate dall’applicazione di una tecnica basata sull’assemblaggio di elementi prefabbricati, dall’adozione di una trama esagonale per la tassellazione della nuova superficie di facciata, e dall’utilizzo del medesimo materiale termico isolante, plastico e inorganico, riciclato ed ecosostenibile, a basso impatto ambientale (AAM - Alkali Activated Materials). Le soluzioni progettuali proposte, sviluppate presso le due sedi coinvolte nella cotutela (Università di Bologna, Université Paris-Est) sono affrontate secondo un protocollo scientifico che prevede: progettazione del sistema costruttivo, analisi meccanica e termica, sperimentazione costruttiva, verifica delle tecniche di messa in opera e dei requisiti prestazionali.

Desarrollo de conglomerantes basados en hipótesis constructivas de pirámides egipcias del Reino Antiguo

En la presente tesis doctoral se revisan las principales hipótesis que intentan aclarar los procesos constructivos llevados a cabo para edificar las pirámides egipcias de las Dinastías III y IV, organizándose dichas teorías desde el punto de vista de los posibles materiales constituyentes. La investigación se ha centrado en la hipótesis heterodoxa que propone, como medio para ejecutar estas construcciones, la manufactura completa de la pirámide con piedra caliza conglomerada. Con este fin, se profundiza en artículos que tienen por objeto el análisis de muestras de material de estos monumentos, de piedras calizas naturales y de piedras calizas geopoliméricas, con objeto de determinar si la hipótesis constructiva mencionada es viable. Tomando como referencia la hipótesis constructiva estudiada, se adicionan morteros de cal aérea con carbonato de sodio (natrón) y metacaolín, analizando posteriormente las nuevas características de estos conglomerantes. El cementante descrito en la teoría constructiva se enmarca dentro de la química y tecnología de los polímeros sintéticos inorgánicos activados alcalinamente, también denominados geopolímeros. Se desarrolla una primera mezcla basada en los datos extraídos de la investigación precedente. Posteriormente, se realizan varios grupos de mezclas, en las que se parte de unas proporciones iniciales correspondientes al geopolímero teórico de la hipótesis constructiva. Sobre dichas proporciones se realizan incrementos en la cantidad de cal, y los productos obtenidos son ensayados, tomando datos de: dureza Shore C, velocidad de ultrasonidos, densidades, resistencia a compresión y a flexión, difracción de rayos X, análisis térmicos y microscopía electrónica de barrido. Los resultados derivados de introducir las adiciones, en las proporciones estudiadas, mejoran notablemente algunas características de los morteros de cal convencionales. ABSTRACT In the present PhD thesis the main hypotheses about the construction processes to build the Egyptian pyramids of Dynasties III and IV are reviewed. These theories are addressed from the point of view of their possible constituent materials. The research focuses on the heterodox hypothesis that proposes, as a means to perform these constructions, the complete manufacturing of the pyramid with limestone conglomerate. In this regard, a state of the art is set on the analysis of samples of material of these monuments, natural limestone and limestone geopolymeric, to determine if the constructive hypothesis is viable. Using this constructive hypothesis as a reference, aerial lime mortars are added with sodium carbonate (natron) and metakaolin, and the new characteristics of these resulting binders are then analyzed. The cementing described in the constructive theory belongs to the chemistry and the technology of synthetic inorganic alkali-activated polymers, also called geopolymer. Based on data obtained from previous research, a first mix is prepared. Subsequently, several groups of mixes are made, starting from theoretical initial ratios corresponding to the geopolymer that was presumably used in the constructive hypothesis. Increments in the amount of lime are made upon such proportion, and the resulting products are tested for data collection about: Shore C hardness, ultrasound velocity, densities, compressive and flexural strength, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results allow to conclude that, if in the studied proportions, additions improve significantly some of the characteristics of conventional lime mortars.

Sustainable solutions for the construction sector: integration of secondary raw materials in the production cycle of concrete

The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of raw materials and energy and one of the highest contributor to green-houses gases emissions. In order to become more sustainable it needs to reduce the use of both raw materials and energy, thus lim-iting its environmental impact. Developing novel technologies to integrate secondary raw materials (i.e. lightweight recycled aggre-gates and alkali activated “cementless” binders - geopolymers) in the production cycle of concrete is an all-inclusive solution to im-prove both sustainability and cost-efficiency of construction industry. SUS-CON “SUStainable, Innovative and Energy-Efficiency CONcrete, based on the integration of all-waste materials” is an European project (duration 2012-2015), which aim was the inte-gration of secondary raw materials in the production cycle of concrete, thus resulting in innovative, sustainable and cost-effective building solutions. This paper presents the main outcomes related to the successful scaling-up of SUS-CON concrete solutions in traditional production plants. Two European industrial concrete producers have been involved, to design and produce both pre-cast components (blocks and panels) and ready-mixed concrete. Recycled polyurethane foams and mixed plastics were used as aggre-gates, PFA (Pulverized Fuel Ash, a by-product of coal fuelled power plants) and GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag, a by-product of iron and steel industries) as binders. Eventually, the installation of SUS-CON concrete solutions on real buildings has been demonstrated, with the construction of three mock-ups located in Europe (Spain, Turkey and Romania)

Mode-I fracture parameters of quasi-brittle materials: direct evaluation using DIC and relationship with Mode-II interfacial parameters

The objective of this thesis is the investigation of the Mode-I fracture mechanics parameters of quasi-brittle materials to shed light onto the influence of the width and size of the specimen on the fracture response of notched beams. To further the knowledge on the fracture process, 3D digital image correlation (DIC) was employed. A new method is proposed to determine experimentally the critical value of the crack opening, which is then used to determine the size of the fracture process zone (FPZ). In addition, the Mode-I fracture mechanics parameters are compared with the Mode-II interfacial properties of composites materials that feature as matrices the quasi-brittle materials studied in Mode-I conditions. To investigate the Mode II fracture parameters, single-lap direct shear tests are performed. Notched concrete beams with six cross-sections has been tested using a three-point bending (TPB) test set-up (Mode-I fracture mechanics). Two depths and three widths of the beam are considered. In addition to concrete beams, alkali-activated mortar beams (AAMs) that differ by the type and size of the aggregates have been tested using the same TPB set-up. Two dimensions of AAMs are considered. The load-deflection response obtained from DIC is compared with the load-deflection response obtained from the readings of two linear variable displacement transformers (LVDT). Load responses, peak loads, strain profiles along the ligament from DIC, fracture energy and failure modes of TPB tests are discussed. The Mode-II problem is investigated by testing steel reinforced grout (SRG) composites bonded to masonry and concrete elements under single-lap direct shear tests. Two types of anchorage systems are proposed for SRG reinforced masonry and concrete element to study their effectiveness. An indirect method is proposed to find the interfacial properties, compare them with the Mode-I fracture properties of the matrix and to model the effect of the anchorage.

Catalytic conversion to N2O to N2 over potassium catalyst supported on activated carbon

Catalytic conversion of N2O to N-2 With potassium catalysts supported on activated carbon (K/AC) was investigated. Potassium proves to be much more active and stable than either copper or cobalt because potassium possesses strong abilities both for N2O chemisorption and oxygen transfer. Potassium redispersion is found to play a critical role in influencing the catalyst stability. A detailed study of the reaction mechanism was conducted based upon three different catalyst loadings. It was found that during temperature-programmed reaction (TPR), the negative oxygen balance at low temperatures (< 50 degrees C) is due to the oxidation of the external surface of potassium oxide particles, while the bulk oxidation accounts for the oxygen accumulation at higher temperatures (below ca. 270 degrees C). N2O is beneficial for the removal of carbon-oxygen complexes because of the formation of CO2 instead of CO and because of its role in making the chemisorption of produced CO2 on potassium oxide particles less stable. A conceptual three-zone model was proposed to clarify the reaction mechanism over K/AC catalysts. CO2 chemisorption at 250 degrees C proves to be an effective measurement of potassium dispersion. (C) 1999 Academic Press.

Ionic selectivity of native ATP-activated (P2X) receptor channels in dissociated neurones from rat parasympathetic ganglia

1. The relative permeability of the native P2X receptor channel to monovalent and divalent inorganic and organic cations was determined from reversal potential measurements of ATP-evoked currents in parasympathetic neurones dissociated from rat submandibular ganglia using the dialysed whole-cell patch clamp technique. 2. The P2X receptor-channel exhibited weak selectivity among the alkali metals with a selectivity sequence of Na+ > Li+ > Cs+ > Rb+ > K+, and permeability ratios relative to Cs+ (P-X/P-Cs) ranging from 1. 11 to 0.86. 3. The selectivity for the divalent alkaline earth cations was also weak with the sequence Ca2+ > Sr2+ > Ba2+ > Mn2+ > Mg2+. ATP-evoked currents were strongly inhibited when the extracellular divalent cation concentration was increased. 4, The calculated permeability ratios of different ammonium cations are higher than those of the alkali metal cations. The permeability sequence obtained for the saturated organic cations is inversely correlated with the size of the cation. The unsaturated organic cations have a higher permeability than that predicted by molecular size. 5. Acidification to pH 6.2 increased the ATP-induced current amplitude twofold, whereas alkalization to 8.2 and 9.2 markedly reduced current amplitude. Cell dialysis with either anti-P2X(2) and/or anti-P2X(4) but not anti-P2X(1) antibodies attenuated the ATP-evoked current amplitude. Taken together, these data are consistent with homomeric and/or heteromeric P2X(2) and P2X(4) receptor subtypes expressed in rat submandibular neurones. 6. The permeability ratios for the series of monovalent organic cations, with the exception of unsaturated cations, were approximately related to the ionic size. The relative permeabilities of the monovalent inoganic and organic cations tested are similar to those reported previously for cloned rat P2X2 receptors expressed in mammalian cells.

Efficiency in the loading of a sodium magneto-optical trap from alkali metal dispensers

We study the loading of sodium atoms into a magneto-optical trap from current-controlled sodium metal dispensers. Contrary to what was previously reported [V. Wippel, C. Binder, W. Huber, L Windholz, M. Allegrini, F. Fuso, E. Arimondo, Eur. Phys. J. D 17 (2001) 2851 we demonstrate a significantly higher number of trapped atoms that make Na dispensers a feasible source of atoms for cold-atom studies. The inherent rise in pressure that naturally arises from metal dispensers as they are heated to release atoms is partially controlled by placing the metal dispensers near the pumping port where an ion pump is connected. We also study the effects of placing the sodium dispensers at different distances from the main vacuum chamber where the atoms are trapped and the effectiveness of using a Zeeman slower to cool the atoms as they emerge from the dispensers. We observe trapping of up to 1.9 x 10(8) atoms, which is significantly higher by almost three orders of magnitude than previously reported experiments. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Grb2-associated binder-1 mediates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation and the promotion of cell survival by nerve growth factor

Nerve growth factor (NGF) prevents apoptosis through stimulation of the TrkA receptor protein tyrosine kinase. The downstream activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) is essential for the inhibition of apoptosis, although this enzyme does not bind to and is not directly activated by TrkA. We have found that the addition of NGF to PC-12 cells resulted in the phosphorylation of the Grb2-associated binder-1 (Gab1) docking protein and induced the association of several SH2 domain-containing proteins, including PI 3-kinase. A substantial fraction of the total cellular PI 3-kinase activity was associated with Gab1. PC-12 cells that overexpressed Gab1 show a decreased requirement for the amount of NGF necessary to inhibit apoptosis. The expression of a Gab1 mutant that lacked the binding sites for PI 3-kinase enhanced apoptosis and diminished the protective effect of NGF. Hence, Gab1 has a major role in connecting TrkA with PI 3-kinase activation and for the promotion of cell survival by NGF.

A novel heat-activated current in nociceptive neurons and its sensitization by bradykinin

Pain differs from other sensations in many respects. Primary pain-sensitive neurons respond to a wide variety of noxious stimuli, in contrast to the relatively specific responses characteristic of other sensory systems, and the response is often observed to sensitize on repeated presentation of a painful stimulus, while adaptation is typically observed in other sensory systems. In most cases the cellular mechanisms of transduction and sensitization in response to painful stimuli are not understood. We report here that application of pulses of noxious heat to a subpopulation of isolated primary sensory neurons rapidly activates an inward current. The ion channel activated by heat discriminates poorly among alkali cations. Calcium ions both carry current and partially suppress the current carried by other ions. The current is markedly increased by bradykinin, a potent algogenic nonapeptide that is known to be released in vivo by tissue damage. Phosphatase inhibitors prolong the sensitization caused by bradykinin, and a similar sensitization is caused by activators of protein kinase C. We conclude that bradykinin sensitizes the response to heat by activating protein kinase C.

Activated carbon fibre monoliths

Activated carbon fibre monoliths were prepared by physical activation of carbon fibre monoliths derived from two kinds of pitch-based carbon fibre (CF) (carbon fibres from a coal tar pitch and carbon fibres derived from a petroleum pitch). The monoliths were conformed using a coal tar pitch binder. The carbon fibre monoliths and the activated carbon fibre monoliths were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and gas adsorption (i.e. N2 at 77 K and CO2 at 273 K). The results obtained reveal that monoliths perform a good activation process that produce a quite high development of microporosity (BET surface areas around 2600 m2/g and N2 micropore volume of 1.23 cm3/g). On the other hand, it is remarkable that the activation process used allow to easily control the degree of activation and hence to select the adsorption capacities of the activated carbon fibre monoliths.

Supercapattery based on binder-free Co3 (PO4)2·8H2O multilayer nano/microflakes on nickel foam

A binder-free cobalt phosphate hydrate (Co3(PO4)2·8H2O) multilayer nano/microflake structure is synthesized on nickel foam (NF) via a facile hydrothermal process. Four different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mM) of Co2+ and PO4–3 were used to obtain different mass loading of cobalt phosphate on the nickel foam. The Co3(PO4)2·8H2O modified NF electrode (2.5 mM) shows a maximum specific capacity of 868.3 C g–1 (capacitance of 1578.7 F g–1) at a current density of 5 mA cm–2 and remains as high as 566.3 C g–1 (1029.5 F g–1) at 50 mA cm–2 in 1 M NaOH. A supercapattery assembled using Co3(PO4)2·8H2O/NF as the positive electrode and activated carbon/NF as the negative electrode delivers a gravimetric capacitance of 111.2 F g–1 (volumetric capacitance of 4.44 F cm–3). Furthermore, the device offers a high specific energy of 29.29 Wh kg–1 (energy density of 1.17 mWh cm–3) and a specific power of 4687 W kg–1 (power density of 187.5 mW cm–3).

Brazilian Natural Fiber (jute) As Raw Material For Activated Carbon Production.

Jute fiber is the second most common natural cellulose fiber worldwide, especially in recent years, due to its excellent physical, chemical and structural properties. The objective of this paper was to investigate: the thermal degradation of in natura jute fiber, and the production and characterization of the generated activated carbon. The production consisted of carbonization of the jute fiber and activation with steam. During the activation step the amorphous carbon produced in the initial carbonization step reacted with oxidizing gas, forming new pores and opening closed pores, which enhanced the adsorptive capacity of the activated carbon. N2 gas adsorption at 77K was used in order to evaluate the effect of the carbonization and activation steps. The results of the adsorption indicate the possibility of producing a porous material with a combination of microporous and mesoporous structure, depending on the parameters used in the processes, with resulting specific surface area around 470 m2.g-1. The thermal analysis indicates that above 600°C there is no significant mass loss.

In vitro study of the pulp chamber temperature rise during light-activated bleaching

This study evaluated in vitro the pulp chamber temperature rise induced by the light-activated dental bleaching technique using different light sources. The root portions of 78 extracted sound human mandibular incisors were sectioned approximately 2 mm below the cementoenamel junction. The root cavities of the crowns were enlarged to facilitate the correct placing of the sensor into the pulp chamber. Half of specimens (n=39) was assigned to receive a 35% hydrogen peroxide gel on the buccal surface and the other halt (n=39) not to receive the bleaching agent. Three groups (n=13) were formed for each condition (bleach or no bleach) according to the use of 3 light sources recommended for dental bleaching: a light-emitting diode (LED)laser system, a LED unit and a conventional halogen light. The light sources were positioned perpendicular to the buccal surface at a distance of 5 mm and activated during 30 s. The differences between the initial and the highest temperature readings for each specimen were obtained, and, from the temperature changes, the means for each specimen and each group were calculated. The values of temperature rise were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test at 1% significance level. Temperature rise varied significantly depending on the light-curing unit, with statistically significant differences (p<0.01) among the groups. When the bleaching agent was not applied, the halogen light induced the highest temperature rise (2.38±0.66ºC). The LED unit produced the lowest temperature increase (0.29±0.13ºC); but there was no significant difference between LED unit and LED-laser system (0.35±0.15ºC) (p>0.01). When the bleaching agent was applied, there were significant differences among groups (p<0.01): halogen light induced the highest temperature rise (1.41±0.64ºC), and LED-laser system the lowest (0.33±0.12ºC); however, there was no difference between LED-laser system and LED unit (0.44±0.11ºC). LED and LED-laser system did not differ significantly from each other regardless the temperature rise occurred with or without bleaching agent application. It may be concluded that during light-activated tooth bleaching, with or without the bleaching agent, halogen light promoted higher pulp chamber temperature rise than LED unit and LED-laser system. The tested light-curing units provided increases in the pulp chamber temperature that were compatible with pulpal health.

Parametric model for the analysis of concrete expansion due to alkali-aggregate reaction

The alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) is a chemical reaction that provokes a heterogeneous expansion of concrete and reduces important properties such as Young's modulus, leading to a reduction in the structure's useful life. In this study, a parametric model is employed to determine the spatial distribution of the concrete expansion, combining normalized factors that influence the reaction through an AAR expansion law. Optimization techniques were employed to adjust the numerical results and observations in a real structure. A three-dimensional version of the model has been implemented in a finite element commercial package (ANSYS(C)) and verified in the analysis of an accelerated mortar test. Comparisons were made between two AAR mathematical descriptions for the mechanical phenomenon, using the same methodology, and an expansion curve obtained from experiment. Some parametric studies are also presented. The numerical results compared very well with the experimental data validating the proposed method.