scholarly journals Self-Sensing Alkali-Activated Materials: A Review

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 885
Author(s):  
Christos Vlachakis ◽  
Marcus Perry ◽  
Lorena Biondi

Alkali-activated materials are an emerging technology that can serve as an alternative solution to ordinary Portland cement. Due to their alkaline nature, these materials are inherently more electrically conductive than ordinary Portland cement, and have therefore seen numerous applications as sensors and self-sensing materials. This review outlines the current state-of-the-art in strain, temperature and moisture sensors that have been developed using alkali activated materials. Sensor fabrication methods, electrical conductivity mechanisms, and comparisons with self-sensing ordinary Portland cements are all outlined to highlight best practice and propose future directions for research.

Informatics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Loraine Franke ◽  
Daniel Haehn

Modern scientific visualization is web-based and uses emerging technology such as WebGL (Web Graphics Library) and WebGPU for three-dimensional computer graphics and WebXR for augmented and virtual reality devices. These technologies, paired with the accessibility of websites, potentially offer a user experience beyond traditional standalone visualization systems. We review the state-of-the-art of web-based scientific visualization and present an overview of existing methods categorized by application domain. As part of this analysis, we introduce the Scientific Visualization Future Readiness Score (SciVis FRS) to rank visualizations for a technology-driven disruptive tomorrow. We then summarize challenges, current state of the publication trend, future directions, and opportunities for this exciting research field.


Author(s):  
Amer B. Dababneh ◽  
Ibrahim T. Ozbolat

Bioprinting is an emerging technology for constructing and fabricating artificial tissue and organ constructs. This technology surpasses the traditional scaffold fabrication approach in tissue engineering (TE). Currently, there is a plethora of research being done on bioprinting technology and its potential as a future source for implants and full organ transplantation. This review paper overviews the current state of the art in bioprinting technology, describing the broad range of bioprinters and bioink used in preclinical studies. Distinctions between laser-, extrusion-, and inkjet-based bioprinting technologies along with appropriate and recommended bioinks are discussed. In addition, the current state of the art in bioprinter technology is reviewed with a focus on the commercial point of view. Current challenges and limitations are highlighted, and future directions for next-generation bioprinting technology are also presented.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 3467
Author(s):  
Ankit Kothari ◽  
Karin Habermehl-Cwirzen ◽  
Hans Hedlund ◽  
Andrzej Cwirzen

Most of the currently used concretes are based on ordinary Portland cement (OPC) which results in a high carbon dioxide footprint and thus has a negative environmental impact. Replacing OPCs, partially or fully by ecological binders, i.e., supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) or alternative binders, aims to decrease the carbon dioxide footprint. Both solutions introduced a number of technological problems, including their performance, when exposed to low, subfreezing temperatures during casting operations and the hardening stage. This review indicates that the present knowledge enables the production of OPC-based concretes at temperatures as low as −10 °C, without the need of any additional measures such as, e.g., heating. Conversely, composite cements containing SCMs or alkali-activated binders (AACs) showed mixed performances, ranging from inferior to superior in comparison with OPC. Most concretes based on composite cements require pre/post heat curing or only a short exposure to sub-zero temperatures. At the same time, certain alkali-activated systems performed very well even at −20 °C without the need for additional curing. Chemical admixtures developed for OPC do not always perform well in other binder systems. This review showed that there is only a limited knowledge on how chemical admixtures work in ecological concretes at low temperatures and how to accelerate the hydration rate of composite cements containing high amounts of SCMs or AACs, when these are cured at subfreezing temperatures.


2013 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Koshkaryev ◽  
Rupa Sawant ◽  
Madhura Deshpande ◽  
Vladimir Torchilin

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Styliani Papatzani ◽  
Kevin Paine

In an effort to produce cost-effective and environmentally friendly cementitious binders. mainly ternary (Portland cement + limestone + pozzolanas) formulations have been investigated so far. Various proportions of constituents have been suggested, all, however, employing typical Portland cement (PC) substitution rates, as prescribed by the current codes. With the current paper a step by step methodology on developing low carbon footprint binary, ternary and quaternary cementitious binders is presented (PC replacement up to 57%). Best performing binary (60% PC and 40% LS (limestone)) and ternary formulations (60% PC, 20% LS, 20% FA (fly ash) or 43% PC, 20% LS 37% FA) were selected on the grounds of sustainability and strength development and were further optimized with the addition of silica fume. For the first time a protocol for successfully selecting and testing binders was discussed and the combined effect of highly pozzolanic constituents in low PC content formulations was assessed and a number of successful matrices were recommended. The present paper enriched the current state of the art in composite low carbon footprint cementitious binders and can serve as a basis for further enhancements by other researchers in the field.


2019 ◽  
Vol 803 ◽  
pp. 262-266
Author(s):  
Osama Ahmed Mohamed ◽  
Maadoum M. Mustafa

Alkali activated slag (AAS) offers opportunities to the construction industry as an alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The production of OPC and its use contributes significantly to release of CO2 into the atmosphere while AAS is an industrial by-product that contributes much less to the environmental footprint that needs to be recycled if not landfilled. This paper outlines some of the key properties, merits and demerits of AAS when used as alternative to OPC. Competitive compressive strength of AAS concrete is amongst of the advantages of replacing cement with AAS while high shrinkage and carbonation levels are potential disadvantages.


Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 2554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Zamani Kouhpanji ◽  
Bethanie J. H. Stadler

The remarkable multimodal functionalities of magnetic nanoparticles, conferred by their size and morphology, are very important in resolving challenges slowing the progression of nanobiotechnology. The rapid and revolutionary expansion of magnetic nanoparticles in nanobiotechnology, especially in nanomedicine and therapeutics, demands an overview of the current state of the art for synthesizing and characterizing magnetic nanoparticles. In this review, we explain the synthesis routes for tailoring the size, morphology, composition, and magnetic properties of the magnetic nanoparticles. The pros and cons of the most popularly used characterization techniques for determining the aforementioned parameters, with particular focus on nanomedicine and biosensing applications, are discussed. Moreover, we provide numerous biomedical applications and highlight their challenges and requirements that must be met using the magnetic nanoparticles to achieve the most effective outcomes. Finally, we conclude this review by providing an insight towards resolving the persisting challenges and the future directions. This review should be an excellent source of information for beginners in this field who are looking for a groundbreaking start but they have been overwhelmed by the volume of literature.


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