Achieving transparency in carbon labelling for construction materials – Lessons from current assessment standards and carbon labels

The construction industry is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions. Manufacturing of raw materials, such as cement, steel and aluminium, is energy intensive and has considerable impact on carbon emissions level. Due to the rising recognition of global climate change, the industry is under pressure to reduce carbon emissions. Carbon labelling schemes are therefore developed as meaningful yardsticks to measure and compare carbon emissions. Carbon labelling schemes can help switch consumer-purchasing habits to low-carbon alternatives. However, such switch is dependent on a transparent scheme. The principle of transparency is highlighted in all international greenhouse gas (GHG) standards, including the newly published ISO 14067: Carbon footprint of products – requirements and guidelines for quantification and communication. However, there are few studies which systematically investigate the transparency requirements in carbon labelling schemes. A comparison of five established carbon labelling schemes, namely the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme, the CarbonFree (the U.S.), the CO2 Measured Label and the Reducing CO2 Label (UK), the CarbonCounted (Canada), and the Hong Kong Carbon Labelling Scheme is therefore conducted to identify and investigate the transparency requirements. The results suggest that the design of current carbon labels have transparency issues relating but not limited to the use of a single sign to represent the comprehensiveness of the carbon footprint. These transparency issues are partially caused by the flexibility given to select system boundary in the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to measure GHG emissions. The primary contribution of this study to the construction industry is to reveal the transparency requirements from international GHG standards and carbon labels for construction products. The findings also offer five key strategies as practical implications for the global community to improve the performance of current carbon labelling schemes on transparency.

The use of locally available materials in fish feed production

In Nigeria, the culture of fish is gaining importance, but local fish farmers face a set back because of the stoppage on importation of fish feed. Locally available raw materials such as yam, plantain, banana, cowpeas, macuna, maize, cassava, millet, sorghum, groundnut, sunnhemp seed and brewery wastes are considered as potential materials for fish feed. These have been examined on their minimum protein contributions since this is the most expensive part of the fish feed. Alternative sources to animal proteins are also examined. Plant protein from groundnut, melon, mucuna and others compare favourably with bloodmeal mixture and thus can be used to replace the more expensive animal proteins. Pellet feed can be produced on a small scale or commercial basis from the locally available raw materials and the fish farmer is advised to seek assistance from qualified fisheries personnel

La cerámica de la Segunda Edad del Hierro en el País Vasco: Estudio tecnológico, funcional y social

670 p. Capítulos de introducción, metodología, discusión y conclusiones en castellano e inglés.

微晶玻璃在大功率脉冲氙灯封接中的应用

：为提高大功率脉冲氙灯的封接强度，将微晶玻璃作为封接材料引入到氙灯封接应用中. 以 Bi2O3,ZnO,Al2O3,MgO,CaCO3,SiO2,BaO,H3BO3,P2O5,Na2O 为原料，通过高温熔融制备了大功率脉冲氙灯封接 用微晶玻璃样品. 测试了样品的热膨胀系数,并通过差热分析(Differential Thermal Analysis，DTA)对脉冲氙灯 微晶玻璃的封接温度进行了讨论，用X 射线衍射(X-ray diffraction ，XRD)表征了封接玻璃，并进行了分析. 将 制得的样品磨成玻璃粉末，制成膏剂状玻璃焊料，对大功率脉冲氙灯进行封接，得到大功率脉冲氙灯的微晶 玻璃封接件. 通过氦质谱检漏仪检测，1#、2#、4#封接件气密性良好，达到10-6 Pa.

Characterisation of impact response of metallic foam/ceramic laminates

The impact response of laminated composites consisting of alternate layers of AI ahoy foam and Al2O3 was studied experimentally in low and intermediate velocity regimes. Low velocity impacts (1.2-2.8 m s(-1)) were conducted using an instrumented falling weight apparatus and were compared with static indentation tests (0.2 x 10(-4) m s(-1)). Intermediate velocity impacts were carried out by means of both Hopkinson bar (60 m s(-1)) and gas gun (200 m s(-1)) tests, Post-impact damage was assessed using X-ray radiography and microscopy, It was found that there is good correlation between low velocity impact and quasi-static responses. In both cases, penetration of the layered targets resulted in the formation of a distinctive plug. Increasing impact velocity (intermediate velocity range) snitched the penetration mode from plugging to fragmentation, giving rise to an increase in the absorbed energy. In this range, impacts led to localisation of damage in the region under the projectile, Furthermore, a comparison has been made between the penetration response of foam laminates and dense metal laminates of equivalent areal density. Preliminary results suggest that the dense metal laminates are superseded by the foam laminates on an energy absorption basis.

Soft ferrite used as thermal-magnetic conversion intermedium in the flux pumping technology

Recent progress in material science has proved that high-temperature superconductors, such as bulk melt-processed yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) single domains, have a great potential to trap significant magnetic fields. In this paper, we will describe a novel method of YBCO magnetization that only requires the applied field to be at the level of a permanent magnet. Instead of applying a pulsed high magnetic field on the YBCO, a thermally actuated material (TAM), such as Mg0.15}hbox{Cu}0.15} hbox{Zn0.7 Ti0.04}Fe1.96boxO4, has been used as an intermedium to create a travelling magnetic field by changing the local temperature so that the local permeability is changed to build up the magnetization of the YBCO gradually after multiple pumping cycles. It is well known that the relative permeability of ferrite is a function of temperature and its electromagnetic properties can be greatly changed by adding dopants such as Mg or Ti; therefore, it is considered to be the most promising TAM for future flux pumping technology. Ferrite samples were fabricated by means of the conventional ceramic method with different dopants. Zinc and iron oxides were used as raw materials. The samples were sintered at 1100 C, 1200 C} , and 1300 C. The relative permeability of the samples was measured at temperatures ranging from 77 to 300 K. This work investigates the variation of the magnetic properties of ferrites with different heat treatments and doping elements and gives a smart insight into finding better ferrites suitable for flux pumping technology. © 2002-2011 IEEE.

A novel method to synthesize amorphous silica-alumina materials with mesoporous distribution without using templates and pore-regulating agents

In this study, a novel sol-gel method is used to synthesize amorphous silica-alumina materials with a narrow mesoporous distribution and various Si/Al molar ratios without using any templates and pore-regulating agents. During the preparation procedure, only inexpensive inorganic salts were used as raw materials, instead of expensive and harmful alkoxides. The precursor sol was dried at room temperature in a vacuum box kept at 60 mmHg until it began to form the gel. The results of a nitrogen sorption experiment indicate that the synthesized materials with different Si/Al molar ratios have similar mesoporous distributions (within 2-12 nm). Moreover, it was found that the material's pore size distribution remains at a similar value during the heat treatment from room temperature to 550 degreesC. On the basis of the nitrogen sorption, TEM, and AFM characterization results, a formation mechanism of mesopores which accounts for the experimental data is also suggested. This suggested mechanism involves rearrangement of the primary particles during the drying process to form the precursors of the similarly sized mesopores. The synthesized materials were characterized by XRD, thermal analysis (TG/DTA), Al-27 and Si-29 MAS NMR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and AFM. The results of Al-27 and 29Si MAS NMR indicate that the distribution of silicon and aluminum in the synthesized materials is more uniform and homogeneous than that in the mixed oxides prepared via the traditional sol-gel method even at high alumina contents. The type and density of the acid sites were studied using pyridine adsorption-desorption FTIR spectroscopy. It was shown that the acidity of the synthesized materials is higher than that of the silica-alumina materials prepared by conventional methods.

Valorização de resíduos industriais na formulação de produtos e pigmentos cerâmicos: processamento e desenvolvimento de cor

A valorização de diferentes resíduos industriais provenientes dosector de tratamento/revestimento de superfícies metálicas pode ser obtida utilizando-os como matérias-primas na formulação de pigmentos cerâmicos, sintetizados pelo método cerâmico convencional. Neste trabalho avaliou-se a viabilidade de incorporar lamas geradas pelos processos de (i) anodização, ricas em alumínio, (ii) de niquelagem e cromagem de torneiras, usadas como fonte de níquel e crómio, e (iii) da decapagem química de aços de uma trefilaria, ricas em ferro, utilizadas por si só, ou em conjunto com matérias-primas comerciais, para a obtenção depigmentos cerâmicos que coram, de forma estável, diversas matrizes cerâmicas e vítreas. Esta solução assegura ainda a inertização de potenciaisespécies perigosas presentes nos resíduos, resultando produtos inócuospara a saúde pública. Procedeu-se à caracterização de cada resíduo, em termos de composição química e mineralógica, comportamento térmico, grau de toxicidade, distribuição granulométrica, teor de humidade, etc. Verificou-se a constância das características das lamas, recorrendo à análise de lotes recolhidos em momentos distintos. Os resíduos são essencialmente constituídos por hidróxidos metálicos e foram utilizados após secagem e desagregação. No entanto, a lama de anodização de alumínio sofreu um tratamento térmico suplementar a 1400ºC. O método de síntese dos pigmentos englobou as seguintes etapas: (i) doseamento; (ii) homogeneização; (iii) calcinação; (iv) lavagem e moagem.Procedeu-se à caracterização dos pigmentos, avaliando a cor por espectroscopia de reflectância difusae pelo método CIELAB e determinando as características físico-químicas relevantes. Posteriormente, testou-se o seu desempenho em produtos cerâmicos distintos (corpos e vidrados), aferindo o desempenho cromático e a estabilidade. Numa primeira fase, desenvolveram-se e caracterizaram-se tipos distintos de pigmentos: (i) com base na estrutura do corundo (ii) verde Victória deuvarovite (iii) violeta de cassiterite com crómio (iv) pigmento carmim de malaiaíte; (v)pretos e castanhos com base na estrutura da espinela. Aprofundaram-se depois os estudos do pigmento carmim de malaiaítee do pigmento preto com base na estrutura da espinela. O pigmento carmim de malaiaíte, CaSnSiO5:Cr2O3, é formulado coma lama gerada no processo de niquelagem e cromagem. Avaliou-se a influência do teor de lama na temperatura de síntese e na qualidade cromática, em comparação com um pigmento formulado com reagentes puros. O pigmento preto com estrutura de espinela de níquel, crómio e ferro, foii formulado exclusivamente a partir das lamas geradas nos processos de cromagem/niquelagem e de decapagem química do aço. Avaliaram-se as características cromáticas e o grau de inertização dos elementos tóxicospresentes, em função da estequiometria e do tratamento térmico. Estudou-se ainda um novo sistema com base na estrutura da hibonite(CaAl12O19), que permite a obtenção de pigmentos azuis e que utiliza a lama de cromagem e niquelagem. As espécies cromóforas (Ni2+ ou Co2+) assumem coordenação tetraédrica quando substituem os iões Al3+ que ocupam as posições M5 da rede da hibonite. A formação simultânea de anortite permite reduzir a temperatura de síntese.Para além do carácter inovador deste pigmento de dissolução sólida, a qualidade cromática e a sua estabilidade são interessantes. Além disso, os teores de cobalto ou níquel são reduzidosrelativamente aos utilizados em formulações comerciais de pigmentos azuis, o que se traduz em importantes vantagens económicas e ambientais.

Study of 19th century wall tiles for technical replicas development

O principal objectivo deste trabalho foi sistematizar características físico- químicas dos azulejos para conservação e restauro de fachadas azulejares da cidade de Ovar, pertencentes à fase produtiva da semi-industrialização e industrialização dos finais do século XIX inico do século XX, de forma a produzir réplicas técnicas para recolocação nos locais de fachada com lacunas de azulejo. Além de se ter criado uma base de dados sobre estes materiais, formularam-se réplicas para os corpos cerâmicos calcários e pó de pedra, sugerindo matérias-primas e grau de moagem para a sua formulação, pressão de prensagem, ciclo e temperaturas máximas de cozedura conferindo-lhes características técnicas para que estas possam ser aplicadas lado a lado com os azulejos seculares, sem que perturbem a unicidade técnica da fachada. Investigaram-se duas das patologias mais recorrentes que afectam o vidrado: destacamento por cristalização de sais e fendilhamento. A primeira afecta a perda da parte pictórica do azulejo, atirando-o para uma remoção compulsiva da fachada aquando da sua intervenção para conservação restauro. A segunda permite-nos compreender possíveis compromissos técnicos feitos no passado.

Materials and concepts for CO2 lean ironmaking by pyroelectrolysis

The main purpose of this PhD thesis was to provide convincing demonstration for a breakthrough concept of pyroelectrolysis at laboratory scale. One attempted to identify fundamental objections and/or the most critical constraints, to propose workable concepts for the overall process and for feasible electrodes, and to establish the main requirements on a clearer basis. The main effort was dedicated to studying suitable anode materials to be developed for large scale industrial units with molten silicate electrolyte. This concept relies on consumable anodes based on iron oxides, and a liquid Fe cathode, separated from the refractory materials by a freeze lining (solid) layer. In addition, one assessed an alternative concept of pyroelectrolysis with electron blocking membranes, and developed a prototype at small laboratory scale. The main composition of the molten electrolyte was based on a magnesium aluminosilicate composition, with minimum liquidus temperature, and with different additions of iron oxide. One studied the dynamics of devitrification of these melts, crystallization of iron oxides or other phases, and Fe2+/Fe3+ redox changes under laser zone melting, at different pulling rates. These studies were intended to provide guidelines for dissolution of raw materials (iron oxides) in the molten electrolyte, to assess compatibility with magnetite based consumable anodes, and to account for thermal gradients or insufficient thermal management in large scale cells. Several laboratory scale prototype cells were used to demonstrate the concept of pyroelectrolysis with electron blocking, and to identify the most critical issues and challenges. Operation with and without electron blocking provided useful information on transport properties of the molten electrolyte (i.e., ionic and electronic conductivities), their expected dependence on anodic and cathodic overpotentials, limitations in faradaic efficiency, and onset of side electrochemical reactions. The concept of consumable anodes was based on magnetite and derived spinel compositions, for their expected redox stability at high temperatures, even under oxidising conditions. Spinel compositions were designed for prospective gains in refractoriness and redox stability in wider ranges of conditions (T, pO2 and anodic overpotentials), without excessive penalty for electrical conductivity, thermomechanical stability or other requirements. Composition changes were also mainly based on components of the molten aluminosilicate melt, to avoid undue contamination and to minimize the dissolution rate of consumable anodes. Additional changes in composition were intended for prospective pyroelectrolysis of Fe alloys, with additions of different elements (Cr, Mn, Ni, Ti).