Abstract: Copper-boron-ferrite (Cu—B—Fe) composites may be prepared and immobilized on graphite electrodes in a silica-based sol-gel, e.g., from rice husks. Different bimetallic loading ratios can produce fast in-situ electrogeneration of reactive oxygen species, H2O2 and ·OH, e.g., via droplet flow-assisted heterogeneous electro-Fenton reactor system. Loading ratios of, e.g., 10 to 30 wt. % Fe3+ and 5 to 15% wt. Cu2+, can improve the catalytic activities towards pharmaceutical beta blockers (atenolol and propranolol) degradation in water. Degradation efficiencies of at least 99.9% for both propranolol and atenolol in hospital wastewater were demonstrated. Radicals of ·OH in degradation indicate a surface mechanism at inventive cathodes with correlated contributions of iron and copper. Copper and iron can be embedded in porous graphite electrode surface and catalyze the conversion of H2O2 to ·OH to enhance the degradation.

Abstract: A method for treating water (e.g., wastewater, municipal water, industrial, mining water, and water to be treated) includes receiving water to be treated at a first treatment tank, converting an alternating current (AC) source to a direct current (DC) using a DC drive, and providing electrical power to a first pair of electrodes positioned in the first treatment tank using the DC drive. The method further includes introducing ions into the water to be treated from at least one of the electrodes of the pair of electrodes and promoting flocculation of at least one impurity in the water to be treated with the ions to produce treated water.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for the purification of substrate-containing wastewater in a continuous flow-through aerobic biologically activated sludge reactor B, wherein at least part of biological sludge 6 is conditioned in a selector S under anaerobic or anoxic conditions with at least part of the substrate-containing, to-be-purified wastewater 2, optionally after a pre-treatment step VB of the supplied wastewater 1, such that at least 20 wt % of the sludge in the selector S has a residence time in the selector which is at least 20% greater than the hydraulic residence time of the sludge/water mixture in the selector, after which the thus conditioned sludge/water mixture 3, optionally after an additional anaerobic or anoxic contact step, is fed to the aerobic purification reactor B and subjected to aerobic treatment B, wherein the treated wastewater 4 after aerobic treatment is optionally separated from the sludge by settling NB, flotation or mechanical separation, and wherein (at least a portion of)

Abstract: An enhanced multiple compartmented (segmented or chambered) supplemental tank system that (i) adds another media to enhance wood chip denitrification, and (ii) includes a component for recycling treated wastewater back to the front end of the system with mainly nitrate-N recycled back and combined with organic carbon (present in wastewater) under anoxic to form nitrogen gas and CO2. The latter uses an aeration pump and tubing to reduce soluble organics and assist with the conversion of ammonia-N to nitrite-N and nitrate-N.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for enhanced biological phosphorus removal from water. In particular, the present invention provides methods for enhanced biological phosphorus removal from water by a biofilm in which the amount of oxygen supplied in the aerated step of the method is dependent on the amount of nitrite and/or nitrate detected. The invention also provides water treatment systems for enhanced biological phosphorus removal water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a mineral melt in a cupola furnace that uses at least one plasma torch to provide heat energy to the furnace. The plasma torch uses nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof as the carrier gas. The invention also relates to a cupola furnace for the preparation of the mineral melt, and the use of a plasma torch in a cupola furnace to reduce the amount of NOx and/or hydrogen in the furnace off-gas.

Abstract: To obtain a crystallized glass member having a curved shape and provide a method for producing the same. A method for producing a crystallized glass member having a curved shape, including a deformation step for adjusting the temperature of a plate glass to a first temperature zone from higher than [At+40]° C. to [At+146]° C. or lower, where At is the yield point (° C.) of the plate glass and deforming at least part of the plate glass into a curved shape by external force acting on the plate glass while precipitating crystals from the plate glass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabrication of mirror facesheets that uses a hot thermal forming process, or slumping. Rather than relying on an accurate negative form to slump the glass into, the glass is allowed to slump freely within a support ring that is outside the final required optical diameter of the shell. Such an approach allows for creation of shells over a variety of radii of curvature, simply by changing details of the heating process. However, to create an approximately parabolic shape, an additional force is required. The expected deformation can be modeled to show that a top weight with a given force just outside the optical diameter creates close to the desired shape. Experimental verification has been demonstrated for shells 120 mm in diameter. The forming fixtures and processes can be optimized and scaled to larger facesheets needed for upcoming ASM's.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a glass plate that includes chamfering processing for chamfering an edge surface of a glass plate, the chamfering processing includes a step of forming a chamfered surface by irradiating the edge surface of the glass plate with a laser beam, and a step of heating the glass plate before the chamfered surface is formed. When a temperature of the glass blank at which the glass blank is heated is Tp [° C.], a glass transition point of the glass blank is Tg [° C.], and an average coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the glass blank is ? [1/° C.], (Tg?Tp)??5.67×107·?+840 is satisfied.

Abstract: A method of making glass having a basic soda-lime-silica glass portion, and a colorant portion, the colorant portion including total iron as Fe2O3 in the range of at least 0.00 to no more than 0.02 weight percent, a redox ratio in the range of 0.35 to 0.6, and tin metal providing tin in an amount within the range of greater than 0.005 to 5.0 weight percent; the glass product has a tin side and an opposite air side, said tin side of the glass having a higher concentration of tin than the air side, the air side having a uniform concentration of tin from the air side of the glass product towards the tin side of the glass product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass for a pharmaceutical container that is excellent in ultraviolet shielding ability, and is also excellent in chemical durability. The glass for a pharmaceutical container of the present invention includes as a glass composition, in terms of mass %, 67% to 81% of SiO2, more than 4% to 7% of Al2O3, 7% to 14% of B2O3, 3% to 12% of Na2O+K2O, 0% to 1.8% of CaO+BaO, 0.5% to less than 2% of Fe2O3, and 1% to 5% of TiO2, and satisfies a relationship of CaO/BaO?0.5.

Abstract: New glass compositions and applications thereof are disclosed. A glass composition as described herein can include 50 to 55 weight percent SiO2, 17 to 26 weight percent B2O3, 13 to 19 weight percent Al2O3, 0 to 8.5 weight percent MgO, 0 to 7.5 weight percent ZnO, 0 to 6 weight percent CaO, 0 to 1.5 weight percent Li2O, 0 to 1.5 weight percent F2, 0 to 1 weight percent Na2O, 0 to 1 weight percent Fe2O3, 0 to 1 weight percent TiO2, and 0 to 8 weight percent of other constituents. Also described herein are glass fibers formed from such compositions, composites, and articles of manufacture comprising the glass compositions and/or glass fibers.

Abstract: The glass body according to the present invention includes a plate-like glass plate having a first surface and a second surface; and an antibacterial film that is formed on the first surface and in which copper ions are dispersed.

Abstract: A method includes: providing a glassy element including a glass mesh structure and gap fillers at least at an interface area; heating the glassy element to a temperature whereas the gap fillers are mobilized in relation to the glass mesh structure; employing a radio-frequency plasma process that utilizes a plasma; and exposing the interface area to kinetic interaction members having a kinetic energy, whereby the kinetic interaction members interact with the gap fillers, whereby gap fillers are removed from the glass mesh structure, the kinetic interaction members are selected from the group consisting of noble gas ions, including any combinations thereof, the kinetic interaction members are the plasma or are resulting from the plasma and are directed to the interface area of the glassy element as effect of having a velocity with a vector pointing towards the respective interface area of the glassy element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the decarbonation of limestone, dolomite or other carbonated materials. The process may include heating particles of carbonated materials in a reactor of a first circuit to obtain decarbonated particles. Particles of carbonated materials are conveyed by a first entraining gas in the first circuit for preheating. The gas includes the carbon dioxide, the gas composition being substantially free of nitrogen. The carbonated particles are separated from a first entraining gas flow. The decarbonated particles are transferred to a cooling section of a second circuit having a second entraining gas in which the conveyed decarbonated particles release a portion of their thermal energy. The decarbonated particles are separated from a second entraining gas flow. The second entraining gas is substantially free of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rapid solidification method of calcareous sand, and the method relates to the technical field of a calcareous sand reinforcement in island reef engineering. The specific method is to achieve a rapid solidification of the calcareous sand by applying a zinc sulfate solution to the calcareous sand.

Abstract: A method of calcining a raw material to obtain a cementitious material, includes providing a flow of raw material containing a metal carbonate, such as CaCO3 to a calcination system, introducing the flow of raw material into a first thermal reactor and at least partially decarbonating the raw material in the first thermal reactor by subjecting the raw material to a first heat treatment at a first temperature of at least 650° C. in order to obtain an at least partly decarbonated material and CO2, wherein the first thermal reactor is heated by electrical energy, and obtaining the cementitious material as a result of the first heat treatment.

Abstract: Described herein are processes for the activation of glass pozzolan as well as the activated product. Methods of using the activated product are also described.

Abstract: The present application relates to a concrete pre-mix composition comprising a cementitious material and a plurality of conductive carbon microfibers mixed with said cementitious material, where said conductive carbon microfibers are present in the concrete pre-mix composition in an amount such that, when said concrete pre-mix composition is hydrated to form concrete and cured, the conductive carbon microfibers are dispersed in the cured concrete in an amount of 0.75% to 2.00% of total mass of the concrete. The present application further relates to a concrete composition, a method of producing an electrically conductive concrete composition, an electrically conductive cured concrete form, and a system for heating pavement.

Abstract: A plurality of granules comprising ceramic particles bound together with an inorganic binder, the inorganic binder comprising reaction product of at least alkali silicate and hardener, wherein the ceramic particles are present as at least 50 percent by weight of each granule, based on the total weight of the respective granule, wherein each granule has a total porosity in a range from greater than 0 to 50 percent by volume, based on the total volume of the respective granule, and wherein the granule has a minimum Total Solar Reflectance of at least 0.7. The granules are useful, for example, as roofing granules.

Abstract: Method for preparing a sustainable construction material, the method including: combining construction waste, food waste comprising calcium, and water thereby forming a waste mixture; optionally moulding the waste mixture; and contacting the waste mixture with CO2 under conditions in which at least a portion of the calcium present in the waste mixture is converted to calcium carbonate thereby forming a treated waste mixture thereby forming the sustainable construction material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial marble including a binder resin, inorganic particles and quartz powder, in which the inorganic particles are particles including a barium element.

Abstract: A process for the production of a mineral foam suitable for its use as refractory material includes (i) separately preparing a slurry of cement and an aqueous foam, wherein the cement slurry comprises water (W), an aluminate cement (C) and a lithium salt; (ii) contacting the slurry of cement with the aqueous foam to obtain a slurry of foamed cement; (iii) adding lithium salt during or after stage (ii); (iv) casting the slurry of foamed cement and leaving it to set.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary method and additive for making cementitious binders that comprise primarily ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) having excellent strength at 24 hours, with preferably little or minimal amounts of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). As OPC manufacture involves carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere, the use of a GGBFS-based binder composition will help to enhance sustainability practices in the construction industry and minimizing strength losses implied by deletion of OPC. Strength in the GGBFS binder composition is enhanced by an alkaline-earth activator in combination with a strength enhancing component comprising dispersant and secondary activator.

Abstract: Binders for geopolymers, which include: a) not less than 30 w % of a mixture of at least two chemically different aluminosilicates, b) not less than 20 w % of Ordinary Portland cement, and c) 8-20 w % of a mixture of calcium sulfoaluminate cement or calcium aluminate cement with a source of calcium sulfate, wherein in the mixture the weight ratio of calcium sulfate to calcium sulfoaluminate and/or calcium aluminate is between 0.08-1.5, preferably 0.3-1.1, more preferably 0.6-1.1. Also, geopolymers using such binders as well as their use in various construction methods.

Abstract: A method for preparing low-background cement includes: uniformly mixing a seed crystal of cement, C4AF whiskers, and high-magnesium raw material to yield a first mixture, calcining the first mixture at 1400-1500° C., to yield a low-background clinker, the first mixture including 1.0-5.0 wt. % of the seed crystal of cement, 1.0-5.0 wt. % of the C4AF whiskers, and the balance is the high-magnesium raw material; and grinding a second mixture of the low-background clinker and gypsum, to yield low-background cement. The seed crystal of cement is a high-magnesium and low hydration heat clinker, has a specific activity of Ra-226 radioactive nuclides within 50 Bq/kg, and the MgO content of the clinker is between 4.0 wt. % and 5.0 wt. %, with 50 wt. % <C3S <55.0 wt. %; and the high-magnesium raw material has a MgO content between 2.5 wt. % and 3.0 wt. %.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and device for preparing an artificial core for petroleum geological exploration. The method includes: step 1, establishing a relation curve between a median grain diameter of quartz sand and a permeability, determining a type and a usage amount of epoxy resin, and preparing a cementing agent according to a principle that the epoxy resin has a direct ratio with a specific surface; step 2, based on a method of controlling a core permeability, preparing benchmark sand with quartz sand of different grain sizes in a certain ratio, fabricating a low-permeability core by adjusting a ratio of the benchmark sand to fine sand, and fabricating a high-permeability core by adjusting a ratio of the benchmark sand to coarse sand; step 3, separately and proportionally weighing quartz sand of different grain diameters and putting them into a magnetic tray, manually mixing and agitating for later use.

Abstract: A novel eco-friendly method has been developed for the fabrication of high dense (3.3-5.2 g/cc) red mud based material blocks for shielding high energy X- and ?-rays. The red mud based material blocks with various densities were fabricated by hot compacting partially melted red mud, red mud:Bi2O3, red mud:Ba(OH)2 and red mud:Bi2O3:Ba(OH)2 samples at 1150° C., 1000° C., 1050° C. and 1000° C., respectively. This material can be used to build radiation shielding structures in medical diagnosis, radiotherapy, industrial radiography, particle accelerators, food sterilization plants, nuclear power plants, and radioactive material storage rooms, without further structural support unlike lead (concrete walls). It is economically viable and will suppress the accumulation of hazardous red mud and associated environmental pollutions.

Abstract: A soft ferrite composition comprises a ferrimagnetic ceramic material having a crystal structure and a dopant in the crystal structure, wherein the ceramic material comprises an oxide including nickel, cobalt, zinc, and iron, wherein the dopant is selected from the group consisting of copper oxides, and wherein the dopant is present in the crystal structure at 0.1 to 20 weight percent based Non a total weight of the composition. The dopant can be CuO. The copper oxide doped Ni—Co—Zn ferrite can be used for very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) applications such antennas, isolators, and circulators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sintered ball that has the following crystallized phases, in mass percentages based on crystallized phases and for a total of 100%: stabilized zirconia: remainder up to 100%; monoclinic zirconia: ?20%; 4%?magnetic component?22%; crystallized phases other than stabilized zirconia, monoclinic zirconia and magnetic component: <10%; the magnetic component being chosen from among magnetic spinels, magnetic garnets, magnetic hexagonal ferrites and mixtures thereof; the sintered ball comprising, in addition to the magnetic component, CeO2 and optionally Y2O3, in contents that, in molar percentages on the basis of the sum of ZrO2, CeO2 and Y2O3, 3%?CeO2?17.5% and 1.5%?Y2O3+(CeO2)/3.5?5%.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate includes: (a) 10 to 70 wt % of silicon carbide; (b) 6 to 60 wt % of aluminum oxide; (c) 5 to 45 wt % of silicon dioxide; and (d) 0 to 15 wt %, excluding 0, of glass powder. Each component is provided as a raw material. A weight percentage of each component is based on a mass percentage of each component.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a part made from CMC for improving control of the step of densifying the part, and intermediate part for implementing said method, the intermediate part comprising a reinforcement, a matrix comprising a ceramic material, and at least one insert, which is made from a material different from that of the reinforcement and the matrix and which is designed to promote migration of liquid silicon within the intermediate part during a step of densifying the intermediate part.

Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic powder compositions that include Si, N, O, C, Mg, and/or Mn in tailored combinations of different crystalline phases for producing high temperature resistant and high strength ceramic products. In some aspects, a ceramic powder for producing high temperature-resistant and/or high mechanical strength materials comprises a silicon nitride (Si3N4) powder, comprising Si3N4 particles having a size within a range of 30 nm to 700 nm, wherein the Si3N4 powder include alpha and beta phase silicon nitride in an amount up to about 1-100% vol; and an impurity constituent intermixed with the Si3N4 powder within the ceramic powder, the impurity constituent comprising at least one of silicon (Si), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), carbon (C), magnesium (Mg), or manganese (Mn), wherein the impurity constituent constitutes less than about 0.1% wt to 15% wt of the ceramic powder.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite includes a fiber, a first interface coating layer disposed adjacent to an outer surface of the fiber, and a first protective layer disposed outward of the first interface coating layer and the fiber. The first protective layer comprises a high entropy ceramic. A method of protecting a fiber of a ceramic matrix composite includes depositing, by chemical vapor deposition or chemical vapor infiltration, a first interface coating layer on the fiber; and depositing, by chemical vapor deposition or chemical vapor infiltration, a first protective layer outward of the first interface coating layer. The first protective layer comprises a high entropy ceramic.

Abstract: A method for producing a ceramic matrix composite part, includes forming a fiber preform from a plurality of fibrous structures including core-shell particles, the core-shell particles including a core portion formed by a core of ceramic material and a shell formed by an adhesive layer, the adhesive defining an outer surface of the core-shell particles and completely coating the core of ceramic material, and sintering the core-shell particles in the fiber preform obtained in order to form the ceramic matrix in the porosity thereof.

Abstract: A dispersant for premixed fluidized solidified soil includes the following raw materials in parts by weight: 5 parts to 15 parts of an anti-adhesion water reducer, 0.5 parts to 0.8 parts of a stabilizer, and 85 parts to 95 parts of water. The anti-adhesion water reducer is compounded by an inorganic dispersant and an aminosulfonic acid-based superplasticizer (ASP), and the inorganic dispersant is at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium silicate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium pyrophosphate. In the present disclosure, on the premise of improving fluidity of mucky cohesive soil slurry, a strength of the fluidized solidified soil at each stage is adjusted through a water-reducing effect of the anti-adhesion water reducer. Moreover, rapid dispersion of the mucky cohesive soil slurry is realized, thus providing key technical support for preparation of the premixed fluidized solidified soil from undisturbed soil in non-dry conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for activating a super sulfated cement (SSC), the composition comprising calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) and/or calcium aluminate (CA) or a composition of both and calcium hydroxide (CH) wherein the composition comprises 65 wt. % to 85 wt. % CSA and/or CA and 15 wt. % to 35 wt. % CH and to a super sulfated cement comprising blast furnace slag, a calcium sulfate component and the composition for activating the super sulfated cement and concrete made from the super sulfated cement and predetermined aggregates.

Abstract: A coated fiber structure for use in a ceramic matrix composite comprises a fiber and a coating system applied to and circumscribing the fiber. The coating system comprises a first boron nitride layer, a silicon carbide layer extending coaxially with and in direct contact with the first boron nitride layer, a first thermally-grown oxide layer formed on the silicon carbide layer, and a second boron nitride layer extending coaxially with and in direct contact with the first thermally-grown oxide layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural composition which comprises (i) a water-soluble source of silicon and (ii) a silicon transport stimulant comprising an aryl substituted urea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition intended for culture substrates and/or culture solutions comprising the combination of—(a) at least one clay, siliceous or clay-siliceous mineral compound and—(b) at least one carbon compound comprising at least 5% by mass of total carbon and/or at least 1% by mass of organic carbon relative to the total mass of the carbon compound, said combination being obtainable by heat treating, in the presence of water, the mixture of compounds (a) and (b). It also relates to the method of manufacturing and using same as well as a fertilizer or soil conditioner comprising same and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for bio stimulation of plants, more specifically to a composition for bio stimulation of plants derived from the fermentation effluent of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) including bifidobacteria. The present invention further relates to the use of the composition for the bio-stimulation of plants and a method for the bio stimulation of plants being provided with the composition.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to functional microbial consortia and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods and systems for producing a microbial consortium possessing a desired function and microbial consortia produced according to such methods. The microbial consortia may be used to improve soil, e.g., for agricultural uses.

Abstract: Provided is a fertiliser ring (10), and an associated method for producing such a fertiliser ring (10), the ring (10) broadly comprising a ratio range of i) 60% to 70% manure, ii) 10% to 20% paper waste, iii) 10% to 20% water, and iv) 0.3% to 0.8% NPK compound, wherein the ring (10) is pressed and dried and operatively placeable about a plant (6) to provide controlled-release of nutrients. The fertiliser ring (10) typically also comprises at least one line of weakness (12) along which the ring (10) is breakable or separatable in order to facilitate placement about a stem (8) of the plant (6).

Abstract: A calcium sulfate urea (UCS) fertilizer granule and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The granule can include urea, calcium sulfate, and a calcium sulfate urea adduct, wherein a portion of the surface of the calcium sulfate urea adduct includes a layer comprising urea, calcium sulfate, or calcium sulfate urea adduct, or any combination or all thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stabilized solution of 70% to 100% hydrogen peroxide containing an alkali phosphate as a stabilizer, a rocket propellant including a combustible fuel and oxidizer, wherein the oxidizer is a stabilized solution of 70% to 100% hydrogen peroxide, and a rocket having a fuel store, an oxidizer store and a rocket engine, wherein the oxidizer is a stabilized solution of 70% to 100% hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A technique for forming an energetic ink is provided. The technique includes forming a non-reactive layer by disposing a composite ink on a substrate, the composite ink including a polymer binder that is solvent-permeable and porous fuel particles (e.g. porous silicon particles). Mixing, printing, casting, assembling, or otherwise handling the inert composite can occur while it remains non-reactive. Subsequently, the technique can then include depositing a liquid solution of solid oxidizer onto the non-reactive layer, which can permeate the binder and impregnate the porous fuel particles with a solid oxidizer, activating the composite ink. In this manner, components with the composite ink can be partially and safely fabricated/assembled while the ink is inert, and the ink can then be activated at a later point in a manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process for producing alpha-olefins comprising: a) contacting an ethylene feed with an oligomerization catalyst system in an oligomerization reaction zone under oligomerization reaction conditions to produce a product stream comprising alpha-olefins; and b) cooling at least a portion of the reaction zone using a heat exchange medium having an inlet temperature and an outlet temperature wherein the catalyst system comprises a metal-ligand complex and a co-catalyst; the oligomerization reaction conditions comprise a reaction temperature of greater than 70° C.; and the difference between the reaction zone temperature and the inlet temperature of the heat exchange medium is from 0.5 to 15° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing a cracking product fraction including propylene, C4 olefins, or both. In the method, a catalytic cracking feedstock containing a hydrocarbon feed including at least 5 wt-% isoparaffins is subjected to catalytic cracking in a catalytic cracking reactor.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an improved method for preparing monoalkylated cyclopentadiene species in high yield and selectivity. In the process, either a solution of dicyclopentadiene magnesium or a cyclopentadiene magnesium halide is reacted with an alkylating agent in the presence of a modifying agent to provide the monoalkylated product. In the process of the disclosure, only a mono-alkylated species is produced with no detectible amount of dialkylated product observed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for producing trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I), with a low concentration of methyl propane. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a process for producing trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) with an amount of methyl propane of 100 ppm or less.