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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Enhanced pozzolanic reactivity in hydrogen-form zeolites as supplementary cementitious materials

Pozzolans rich in silica and alumina react with lime to form cementing compounds and are incorporated into portland cement as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). However, pozzolanic reactions progress slower than portland cement hydration, limiting their use in modern construction due to insufficient early-age strength. Hence, alternative SCMs that enable faster pozzolanic reactions are necessary including synthetic zeolites, which have high surface areas and compositional purity that indicate the possibility of rapid pozzolanic reactivity. Synthetic zeolites with varying cation composition (Na-zeolite, H-zeolite), SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 ratio, and framework type were evaluated for pozzolanic reactivity via Ca(OH) 2 consumption using ion exchange and in-situ X-ray diffraction experiments. Na-zeolites exhibited limited exchange reactions with KOH and Ca(OH) 2 due to the occupancy of acid sites by Na + and hydroxyl groups. Meanwhile, H-zeolites readily adsorbed K + and Ca 2+ from a hydroxide solution by exchanging cations with H + at Brønsted acid sites or cation adsorption at vacant acid sites. By adsorbing cations, the H-zeolite reduced the pH and increased Ca 2+ solubility to promote pozzolanic reactions in a system where Ca(OH) 2 dissolution/diffusion was a rate limiting factor. High H-zeolite reactivity resulted in 0.8 g of Ca(OH) 2 consumed per 1 g of zeolites after 16 h of reaction versus 0.4 g of Ca(OH) 2 consumed per 1 g of Na-zeolite. The H-zeolite modulated the pore fluid alkalinity and created a low-density amorphous silicate phase via mechanisms analogous to two-step C-S-H nucleation experiments. Finally, controlling these reaction mechanisms is key to developing next generation pozzolanic cementitious systems with comparable hydration rates to portland cement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

An innovative carbonated cementitious material and its printability and carbon mineralization capacity

The main goal of this research is to develop a carbonated cementitious material (CCMs) mix design and demonstrate its rapid stiffening for manufacturing 3D printed or precast elements for building construction (i.e., concrete with enhanced durability and CO 2 capture efficiency). The material development employs hydrated Ca(OH) 2 , and its distinct reaction with CO 2 to form CaCO 3 . Different formulations and additives including polymer materials enable the thermomechanical properties that give these CCMs 3D printability comparable with cement materials used for similar applications. Here, printable and castable CCM formulations were successfully developed and demonstrated to mineralize CO 2 to form up to 57% CaCO 3 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Affinity of LDR Organics to Cementitious Materials and Activated Carbon

The Hanford site stores approximately 56 million gallons of radioactive and hazardous waste in underground storage tanks. The current low-activity waste (LAW) vitrification facility does not have the capacity to immobilize all of the LAW. Therefore, cementitious waste forms are being evaluated as a cost-effective supplemental waste treatment, focusing on the solidification/immobilization of Land Disposal Restricted (LDR) organics, which is currently not recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a standard treatment method (40 CFR 268.42). Previous efforts by the EPA and waste management agencies have highlighted the potential for cementitious materials to retain certain organic species through physical (encapsulation) and chemical (sorption) interactions.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2025

Feasibility of Algal Biochar, a Byproduct of Biofuel Production, as a Supplemental Cementitious Material

Algal biochar, as the solid residue of biofuel production from algal biomass, is reported to explore disposition options, aiming to lessen the liability or obstacles to biofuel production processes. However, landfills and open combustion lead to adverse environmental impacts. One way to add value to such wastes is to use them as admixtures in cementitious construction materials. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of algae-derived biochar as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) at different water contents and mixture ratios. Algal biochar-cement composites were prepared with different algal biochar content as well as different water-to-cement (w/c) ratios, and the surface area, morphology, elemental, and mineralogical composition were characterized. To compensate for the high-water absorption of algal biochar, a small concentration of a superplasticizer was used since higher w/c ratios negatively impact strength. The mechanical performance of algal biochar-cement composites is compared with control composites using commercial silica fume as a typical commercial SCM. The findings suggest that algal biochar is a promising candidate to replace commercial SCM, like silica fume, since algal biochar-cement composites can reach comparable compressive strength and Young’s modulus to commercial pozzolan-cement materials with the same w/c ratio, though at later curing times, 33 days. Although the tensile strength of algal biochar-cement composites is statistically similar at 7 days, it is significantly lower at later curing times, and further investigation is required to improve this property. Algal biochar-based cement binders showed comparable embodied carbon to silica fume-based cement binders based on a cradle-to-gate lifecycle analysis. However, the ability of algal biochar to absorb large volumes of CO 2 over short periods of time, as measured in this study, makes this novel SCM an excellent alternative to reduce the embodied carbon of concrete structures cradle-to-grave at 1/10 of the cost. In conclusion, valorization of algae-derived solid waste provides great potential to reduce embodied carbon and brings credit to biofuel production and concrete-based construction.

algae-derived↗
DOE OSTI2021

Influence of supplementary cementitious materials on microstructure and transport properties of spacer-concrete interface

Reinforcement spacers are a critical component of concrete structures. Their presence affects microstructure and transport properties of concrete cover though this is not widely appreciated. This paper presents the first study to determine whether the negative effects of spacers can be mitigated through the use of supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume, fly ash and blast-furnace slag. Concrete samples (>200) with different spacers, binders, curing and drying regimes were prepared and tested for diffusion, permeation, absorption, electrical conductivity, carbonation and microstructure. It was found that spacers increase all transport properties, the extent depending on type of spacer, drying regime and transport mechanism. The spacer-concrete interface is weak, porous and micro-cracked, and this lowers the resistance of concrete to ingress of aggressive agents. The beneficial effects of SCMs (strength enhancement and densification) and prolonged curing (120-day) are insufficient to overcome the negative effects of spacers. Implications for durability are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Affinity and Treatment of LDR Organics in Low Activity Waste by Cementitious Materials – 26109

The physiochemical interactions between organic contaminants, minerals, and polymer additives in grout/cementitious materials are being identified. This research supports a proposed Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) treatment variance relevant to the Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) organics present in Hanford tank waste. It provides the technical basis to address the aspects documented by the Environmental Protection Agency in a draft memo necessary to establish that organics can be immobilized/stabilized in a cementitious matrix. The organic species may interact with cementitious minerals, including slag, fly ash, cement, and other components/dopants like activated carbon. A list of 132 reasonably expected LDR organics associated with Hanford tank waste (RPP-RPT-63493, Rev 1a) was screened by functional groups, octanol-water partitioning coefficients, and detection frequency in Hanford tank waste samples. A subset of 15 compounds spanning the identified properties was tested using sorption and leachate tests. These compounds were subjected to traditional batch sorption tests and leaching tests on/from Cast Stone cementitious material with and without activated carbon (a potential organic adsorption additive). The interactions between organic compounds were observed in traditional batch sorption and modified TCLP leachate tests for surrogate Cast Stone material with and without activated carbon addition. Specifically, phthalic acid (negatively charged) and 4-chloroaniline (polar) sorbed strongly to unmodified Cast Stone, while a group of three phenolic compounds (2,4,6-Trichlorophenol, Pentachlorophenol, o-Cresol) sorbed to and were retained by Cast Stone with a 1% activated carbon amendment. Mixtures of these compounds demonstrated visible retention of the organics within the matrix with a quantifiable affinity of the organics to the cement. This novel testing supports the notion that organics within Hanford tank waste would be retained onto the cement phase with the addition of simple materials easily added to the formulation as part of the treatment process. To further provide additional support to this claim, models employing Flory-Huggins theory in conjunction with macromolecular and organic molecule solubility parameters and species activity coefficients are being utilized to better understand these interactions. Within this context, Van Krevelen (VK) and Hansen organic and polymer solubility parameters were used to inform the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, allowing for a quantifiable method of evaluating polymer-solvent compatibility and, by extension, interactions with proposed binding additives (e.g., activated carbon). These models and measurement should test the hypothesis for our systems understanding and applicability of Flory-Huggins theory, and whether the prediction of organics in the polymer phase versus the aqueous phase can be confidently made using this strategy. The estimation of the organic molecular activity coefficient in these high salt-saturated aqueous systems is another factor that will be assessed. This project aims to predict and understand complicated organic interactions in these heterogenous systems, guiding optimal treatment and stabilization methodologies.

Jolin, Will [Savannah River National Laboratory (S↗
DOE OSTI2021

NOx sequestration by calcium aluminate cementitious materials

This study quantifies NO{sub x} uptake efficiency and explores NO{sub x} binding mechanisms in calcium aluminate cementitious (CAC) materials. Comparison between unmodified and TiO{sub 2}-modified CAC separates intrinsic NO{sub x} binding mechanisms from those related to photocatalysis. Attributed to surface-related heterogeneous reactions, the NO{sub x} binding occurs in unmodified CAC at nitrite-to-nitrate ratio of 1: 1.3 and can be increased with surface area. The photocatalytic reactions in TiO{sub 2}-modified CAC increase NO{sub x} uptake, and ~50% of converted NO{sub x} resists releasing back into the environment via dissolution. Compared to previously studied ordinary portland cement (OPC) materials, CAC increases NO{sub x} uptake capacity and demonstrates a more permanent NO{sub x} binding, potentially mitigating concerns related to the release of previously bound N-species in OPC. Examination of the interaction between NO{sub x} and a synthetic pure aluminum-bearing phase shows that the permanent NO{sub x} uptake in CAC could be largely attributed to the chemical binding of converted NO{sub x} within aluminum-bearing phases.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Continuous optical in-situ pH monitoring during early hydration of cementitious materials

A luminescent sensor technique for pH analyses has been tested in cementitious media. The optical sensors monitor in-situ pH every 5 s during early hydration reactions over a period of 100 h from initial fluid up to consolidated stage. The pH development was analysed in calcium aluminate, calcium sulfoaluminate and OPC/slag cements up to a pH level of 13.3 and directly correlated with the heat of hydration. Thus tracing the dissolution and formation processes of solid phases via pH sensor monitoring is possible. This measurement technique enables the recording of continuous and highly reproducible pH data sets from slurries, pastes, and hardening materials leading to new vistas for individual (trans)formation pathways of solids, hydration and consolidation reactions in high alkaline cementitious systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effect of PCEs with different structures on hydration and properties of cementitious materials with low water-to-binder ratio

Polycarboxylate ethers (PCEs) with different structures and densities of anchor groups in the backbone were synthesized and characterized. The surface tension of their solutions, their adsorption on cementitious particles and zeta potential of cement-silica fume pastes with PCEs were measured. Their effects on hydration and properties of cement-silica fume paste with low water-to-binder ratio were examined. Results indicated that the adsorption kinetics of theses PCEs on cementitious particles are fitted the pseudo-second-order model. The introduction of long silane chain on PCE decreased its electrostatic adsorption, while PCE was adsorbed onto the surface of particles via both chemical and electrostatic adsorption, when silicon hydroxyl is directly connected to its backbone. In the presence of PCE with higher adsorbed amount, pastes exhibited lower yield stress and higher flowability, and higher strength at 7 d and 28 d. The low plastic viscosity, autogenous and drying shrinkage were related to the low surface tension of PCE solution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Cerium oxide impact on fresh and hardened properties of cementitious materials

Cements used in global nuclear waste treatment, storage, and disposal require thorough testing of fresh and cured properties to demonstrate regulatory compliance. Using actual radioactive wastes is often cost-prohibitive during early scoping tests necessitating the use of non-radiological surrogates. Cerium (Ce) is often used as a surrogate for actinides uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) in spent nuclear fuel, yet few studies have explored how Ce impacts the properties used to qualify a cement for use. Here, this work compares the fresh and cured properties of three classes of cements – ordinary portland cements, ultra-high performance cement composites, and magnesium phosphate cements – each with and without ceria (CeO 2 ). Due to CeO 2 sorption of water (54 vol%) that effectively decreases the water available to hydrate and form binding cement phases, variations in key cement properties were detected that suggest surrogate CeO 2 –cementitious matrices may not be representative of matrix behaviors when using U and Pu sources.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Assessment of asymmetrical rheological behavior of cementitious material for 3D printing application

Among the multiplicity of construction methods based on digital concrete technologies, the most common one remains the extrusion-based process. Two opposed strategies have been developed in order to print a concrete structure using extrusion: the first one emphasizes the ease-of-pumping of material which is massively accelerated to ensure the stability of the structure, when leaving the extruder; the second one uses a firm mortar able to sustain the own weight of the structure during the printing, without requiring any accelerator. Both methods have their pros and cons and don't imply the same rheological requirements. Most of the recent literature assumes that both types of material (fluid and firm) follow the same trend of behavior and obey to the Von Mises plasticity criterion, while it has been demonstrated that firm cement-based materials can exhibit a pressure dependent behavior. Moreover, rheological study is mainly based on shear rheometry, while the extrusion-based printing process requires a description of the rheological behavior in compression to predict the global stability of the structure, and in tension to prevent cracks formation. This paper investigates the fresh behavior of cement paste and mortar under different solicitations (shear, compression, tension) for different water to cement ratios. The analysis of these results allows to describe the transition between a ductile fluid material (symmetrical in tension and compression) that obeys to a Von Mises plasticity criterion, and a brittle and firm material (asymmetrical in tension and compression) that requires a pressure dependent plasticity criterion in order to predict its strength under a given solicitation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Investigation of interlayer adhesion of 3D printable cementitious material from the aspect of printing process

The safety of structure printed by extrusion-based 3D concrete printing (3DCP) is significantly influenced by interlayer bonding, which is governed by fresh material properties and processes, including mixing, printing, and post-processing phases. Much literature focused on improving interlayer bond strength via material tailoring/bonding agent addition but gave insufficient attention to other phases' impacts. This study investigates the effects of parameters on interlayer bond strength from different phases in 3DCP, including superplasticizer dosage, printing speed, and curing condition. In the mixing phase, the superplasticizer dosage was increased to reduce I{sub thix} and increase surface moisture content (SMC), consequently improving interface microstructure and interlayer bond strength. In the printing phase, similar results were observed by increasing pumping speed to increase material shear rate. In the post-processing phase, proper curing also improved interlayer bond strength. While SMC has a critical impact on interlayer bond strength, material thixotropic index (I{sub thix}) probably has a stronger influence.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Amino acids as performance-controlling additives in carbonation-activated cementitious materials

This article presents an investigation on the application of amino acids to control the CaCO{sub 3} crystallization in carbonation cured wollastonite composites. It was observed that wollastonite carbonated without any amino acid formed calcite as the primary polymorph of CaCO{sub 3}. In contrast, the use of amino acids as admixtures resulted in the formation of stable amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), vaterite, and aragonite during the carbonation of wollastonite. The carbonated composites produced with amino acids were observed to have a lower critical pore size, but a higher total porosity, compared to the control batch. Additionally, the utilization of amino acids was observed to increase the flexural strength and compressive strength of the composites up to 106% and 48%, respectively, compared to the control batch. Such performance enhancement of the carbonated composites in the presence of amino acids was attributed to the reduced critical pore size and the formation of organic-inorganic hybrid phases in the matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Screening candidate supplementary cementitious materials under standard and accelerated curing through time-series surface resistivity measurements and change-point detection

Time-series surface resistivity (SR) measurements are evaluated as an indicator of pozzolanicity in concretes containing 13 materials of both known and unknown pozzolanicity, under standard and accelerated curing conditions, and the results were validated against portlandite consumption obtained through thermogravimetric analysis. Change-point detection (CPD) analysis is applied to the data to provide a rigorous indicator of hydration age of the onset and rate of the pozzolanic reaction, if occurring. The SR measurements were able to capture the onset of the pozzolanic reactions in concretes curing at elevated temperature regimes, which allows determination of pozzolanicity weeks earlier than at standard curing temperatures. Using CPD along with slope analysis allows a comprehensive analysis of a material's reactivity and determination of pozzolanicity in as quickly as two days. Time-series SR measurements at elevated curing conditions, along with limits on material composition, are recommended for determination of pozzolanic reactivity in novel or variable materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

3D printing of calcined clay-limestone-based cementitious materials

This paper aims to investigate the influences of high Portland cement substitutions (>60 wt%) by low-grade calcined clay (CC) and limestone (LF) on 3D concrete printability, stiffness evolution and early-age hydration. Results show that, with the same dosage of admixtures (superplasticizer and viscosity modifier), increasing LF and CC content reduced the slump, flowability and initial material flow rate, and significantly improved the buildability of fresh mixtures, which can be attributed to the reduced water film thickness (WFT). Furthermore, the stiffness evolution and SSA{sub total} development up to the first 3 h were accelerated by increasing CC content, which can also be linked to the change of WFT, and consumption of superplasticizer for the dispersion induced by hydration products. Additionally, the dilution effect on compressive strength and hydration caused by the high cement replacement was observed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗