Interaction Mechanism between Slags and Alkali Silicate Activators: An Approach Based on the Al Phases.

In this study, we examined the early-stage interaction of three types of slag and six activators with different chemical compositions. To determine the degree of hydration (DOH) and hydrate assemblage in alkali-activated slag (AAS), we employed EDX, XRD, and NMR analyses. We found that with increasing silicate concentration in the activator, the DOH in the AAS varied, whereas the proportion of C-(N)-A-S-H increased and the other Al-containing phase decreased.

Brittle-to-ductile transition and theoretical strength in a metal-organic framework glass.

Metal-organic framework (MOF) glasses, a new type of melt-quenched glass, show great promise to deal with the alleviation of greenhouse effects, energy storage and conversion. However, the mechanical behavior of MOF glasses, which is of critical importance given the need for long-term stability, is not well understood. Using both micro- and nanoscale loadings, we find that pillars of a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) glass have a compressive strength falling within the theoretical strength limit of ≥/10, a value which is thought to be unreachable in amorphous materials.

Hydration Characteristics of Tricalcium Aluminate in the Presence of Nano-Silica.

Tricalcium aluminate (CA) is the most reactive component of the Portland cement and its hydration has an important impact on the workability and early strength of concrete. Recently, nanomaterials such as nano-silica (nano-SiO) have attracted much attention in cement-based materials because of its pozzolanic reactivity and the pore-filling effect. However, its influence on the hydration of CA needs to be well understood.

Gender differences in UV-induced skin inflammation, skin carcinogenesis and systemic damage.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced chronic inflammation contributes to all stages of skin tumor development. In addition, gender plays an important role in inflammatory diseases or cancer. In this study, histopathology changes, hematology, oxidative stress and inflammatory response were used to evaluate sex differences in UV-induced chronic inflammation-associated cancer development.

Structure refinement of fly ash in connection with its reactivity in geopolymerization.

It's an oversimplification to evaluate the reactivity of fly ash in geopolymerization using bulk elemental ratios like Si/Al. In this study, quantitative XRD by means of Rietveld refinement was employed to proportionate the mineral and glass phases of five fly ashes. The chemical environment of Si and Al in the fly ashes was investigated by Si and Al MAS NMR spectra.