Characterization of the Cu() and Zn() binding to the Amyloid-short peptides by both the Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure and the Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism spectroscopy Zhiyin Zhang, Shuaishuai Sun, Jianhua Xu et al.

Basalt fiber is a novel type of inorganic fiber which is produced from the extrusion of natural vocalnic basalt rocks through their melting process at high temperature. So the quality and strength characteristics of basalt fiber depend mainly on both the quality of raw material and manufacturing processing. Basalt fabric-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCM) are a novel composite and an extensive scientific investigation is still ongoing for geopolymer composite. Based on three types of basalt textile with respect to various net sizes, the aim of this paper is to evaluate the flexural performance of basalt textile-reinforced geopolymer composite through the four-point bending test. The specimens of rectangular form with the dimension of 400 × 100 × 15 mm³, reinforced with one to four layers of each type of basalt textile, were produced. They were then tested at the age of about 40 days after casting. On the other hand, the number of the specimens reinforced with four layers were considered to assess the mechanical strength of the specimens at longer periods of ageing time (60, 90, 150, 180 days). The experimental results showed that with the increasing number of reinforcing layers, the specimens significantly improved the mechanical strength, except for those reinforced with basalt textile of big net size. The specimens reinforced with basalt textile of big net size had no impact on post-crack mechanical strength, however, it helps to arrest the catastrophic brittle failure of the specimens; the failure of these specimens is due to localization of first crack. When the specimens were exposed to the further ageing times, the mechanical strength of the specimens were decreased over time. All the reinforced specimens have the same failure mode by flexural failure due to the rupture of fiber yarn in matrix, and no debonding of fiber yarn or a gradual peeling process of mortar matrix happened during testing.

Geopolymer foam is classified as a lightweight material with high porous in its matrix which has great offer for applications requiring fire-resistant, thermal, and acoustic properties. However, the high sensitivity to humid environments can be a major barrier of geopolymer foam that limits the variety of applications of this material. Based on this drawback, two types of hydrophobic agent (Lukosil M130 and Lukofob ELX) were used as an impregnator to treat the surface of geopolymer foam samples. This paper presented the results of water absorption properties of the untreated and treated geopolymer foam composites. The obtained properties were flexural strength, compressive strength, density, total water absorption, the rate of water absorption, and water absorption coefficient. The results showed that the samples after being impregnated with hydrophobic agents improved significantly their waterproof property especially using Lukosil M130. Moreover, the samples treated with Lukosil M130 had positive impact on their mechanical strength.

Productivity growth in the machining industry is associated with a reduction in the cost of cleaning and recycling contaminated process fluids. The proper use of process fluids or lubricants can bring a significant reduction in friction and th...