Mechanochemically Assisted Coal Fly Ash Conversion into Zeolite

Mechanically treated fly ash (FA) was utilised to provide Al and Si atoms for zeolite synthesis. A combination of mechanical fly ash activation and classical hydrothermal synthesis led to favourable dissolution of activated fly ash and improved crystallization of zeolites. The milling activation step induced structural changes in FA to promote its reactivity in alkaline solution. The conversion of milled FA into zeolite materials was finally completed in the second step, during hydrothermal synthesis. The effect of such factors as crystallization temperature, milling time, and solution conditioning were systematically studied. The physicochemical properties characterising the obtained zeolite materials were determined via particle size distribution (PSD), nitrogen adsorption–desorption, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). As a result, the best samples achieved a high degree of crystallinity and an extensive specific surface area of 292 m2/g, 87.4 m2/g, 41.9 m2/g for Na-X, Na-P1, and Na-A, respectively. The obtained results provide new and useful data for utilising fly ash resources and synthesising other practical zeolites through an innovative, mechanochemically assisted, and template-free approach

A Critical Review on Modification Methods of Cement Composites with Nanocellulose and Reaction Conditions during Nanocellulose Production

Nanocellulose (NC) is a natural polymer that has driven significant progress in recent years in the study of the mechanical properties of composites, including cement composites. Impressive mechanical properties, ability to compact the cement matrix, low density, biodegradability, and hydrophilicity of the surface of nanocellulose particles (which improves cement hydration) are some of the many benefits of using NCs in composite materials. The authors briefly presented a description of the types of NCs (including the latest, little-known shapes), showing the latest developments in their manufacture and modification. Moreover, NC challenges and opportunities are discussed to reveal its hidden potential, as well as the use of spherical and square/rectangular nanocellulose to modify cement composites. Intending to emphasize the beneficial use of NC in cementitious composites, this article discusses NC as an eco-friendly, low-cost, and efficient material, particularly for recycling readily available cellulosic waste. In view of the constantly growing interest in using renewable and waste materials in a wide range of applications, the authors hope to provide progress in using nanocellulose (NC) as a modifier for cement composites. Furthermore, this review highlights a gap in research regarding the preparation of new types of NCs, their application, and their impact on the properties of cementitious composites. Finally, the authors summarize and critically evaluate the type, dosage, and application method of NC, as well as the effects of these variables on the final properties of NC-derived cement composites. Nevertheless, this review article stresses up-to-date challenges for NC-based materials as well as future remarks in light of dwindling natural resources (including building materials), and the principles of a circular economy

Application of the de Job method in the evaluation of the stoichiometry of uranyl phosphate complexes sorbed on bentonite

For the first time, the continuous variation method was applied for the evaluation of the stoichiometry of uranyl phosphate complexes sorbed on bentonite. Sorption of UO2(CH3COO)2⋅2H2O in the presence of Na2HPO4⋅7H2O from 0.001 mol/L solutions led to the appearance of maxima in the sorption peaks of U(VI) and P(V) ions at molar ratios of [U(VI)]/[P(V)]s = 1.4, 3.3, 3.6 and 1.2, 1.7. It is suggested, based on complementary XRD and XPS data, that the UO2HPO4 complex is located on aluminols (ºAl-OH) whereas the (UO2)3(PO4)2⋅4H2O complex is precipitated in the interlamellar space of bentonite. The participation of (UO2)3(OH)5+ and (UO2)4(OH)7+ species in the formation of U(VI) surface complexes is suggested, based on the deconvolution of sorption spectra of U(VI) on the bentonite in the presence of phosphates