Engineering Science and Materials Commons^™

Developing A Modular Circular Wall Over-Clad System For Facade Thermal Upgrade In Deep Energy Retrofit, Patrick Daly

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The EU has implemented several policy and legislative initiatives aimed at decarbonisation and circularity transition of the Built Environment including a strategy for large scale renovation of the building / housing stock. Modularised construction solutions are argued to be a potential acceleration pathway toward this objective. Yet there remains issues and challenges in implementing such strategies in a complex and heterogeneous stock and sector. This research investigates this decarbonisation pathway, examining the feasibility and potential of applying a modularised construction over-clad system, based on advanced circularity, in the deep energy retrofit of social housing. The research is based on a …

Detecting Electrical Submersible Pump (Esp) Failures And Estimating Run Life Using Artificial Neural Networks, Mostafa Ahmed Sobhy

Theses and Dissertations

Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) are one of the important artificial lift methods for sustaining production in mature and high-water-cut wells; but may suffer frequent failures due to mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, chemical, and operational failures. These failures can yield substantial deferred production and intervention costs. Plenty of ESP installations are fitted with downhole sensors. Yet, it is observed that the current industry practice underutilizes the wealth of available sensor and operational data and lacks standardized, explainable failure-type identification and classification.

In this thesis, a comprehensive Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) framework was introduced for ESPs that simultaneously estimates remaining …

Design And Optimization Of Anode Catalysts For Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells: Advances And Challenges In C-C Bond Activation And Selective Modulation Of The C1 Pathway, Kai-Chi Qin, Meng-Tian Huo, Yu Liang, Si-Yuan Zhu, Zi-Hao Xing, Jin-Fa Chang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs) are a promising alternative to conventional energy sources, offering high energy density, environmental sustainability, and operational safety. Compared to methanol fuel cells, DEFCs exhibit lower toxicity and a more mature preparation process. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, DEFCs provide superior storage and transport feasibility, as well as cost-effectiveness, significantly enhancing their commercial viability. However, the stable C–C bond in ethanol creates a high activation energy barrier, often resulting in incomplete electrooxidation. Current commercial platinum (Pt)- and palladium (Pd)-based catalysts demonstrate low C–C bond cleavage efficiency (

Superhydrophilic Porous Coooh Nano-Architecture With Abundant Oxygen Vacancies For Enhanced Urea Electrooxidation At Ampere-Level Current Densities, Wen-Jing Lv, Xiao-Man Tang, Xue-Tong Wang, Wen-Cai Liu, Jian-Wen Zhu, Guo-Jing Wang, Yuan-Zhi Zhu

Journal of Electrochemistry

The conversion of urea-containing wastewater into clean hydrogen energy has gained increasing attention. However, challenges remain, particularly with sluggish catalytic kinetics and limited long-term stability of urea oxidation reaction (UOR). Herein, we report the loosely porous CoOOH nano-architecture (CoOOH LPNAs) with hydrophilic surface and abundant oxygen vacancies (O_v) on carbon fiber paper (CFP) by electrochemical reconstruction of the CoP nanoneedles precursor. The resulting three-dimensional electrode exhibited an impressively low potential of 1.38 V at 1000 mA·cm⁻² and excellent durability for UOR. Furthermore, when tested in an anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer, it required only 1.53 V at …

Ceramic Waste As Sustainable Material In Self-Compacting Concrete: Experimental Study And Ann Predictive Modeling, Abderrezak Bouziane, Houssam Slimanou, Mohamed Amin Bouzidi, Nedjima Bouzidi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Recycling of ceramic waste in the construction sector is a promising option for reducing the environmental impacts of the concrete industry. The main objective of this study is the elaboration of a solid predictive model for ceramic waste based self-compacting (SCC) concrete properties, using artificial neural networks (ANN). This further, reduces its environmental impact without compromising satisfactory performance. An experimental approach was adopted with different substitution ratios: 0 to 30 wt% and particle sizes ranging from 3-8 mm and 8-15 mm. Tested properties of modified SCC as compressive strength at 7 and 28 days (fc7, fc28), spread (L), sieve stability …

Comparative Study On The Performance Of Ggbs, Uggbs, And Rha-Incorporated Cement Mortar Mixes, Devansh Goel, Sudarshan D. Kore

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The environmental footprint of cement production has accelerated the pursuit of sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), particularly those derived from industrial and agricultural waste, offer a promising approach to reducing cement consumption while maintaining performance. This study evaluates the fresh and mechanical behavior of binary, ternary, and quaternary cementitious mortar blends incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), ultrafine GGBS (UGGBS), and rice husk ash (RHA) as partial replacements for cement. A total of 32 mortar mixes were designed with water-to-binder (w/b) ratios ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 and varied replacement levels of RHA (0-20%), GGBS …

Numerical Simulation Of The Pitting Corrosion Behavior Of Stainless Steel Bellows Influenced By Varying Liquid Film Thicknesses, Lu-Jun Ren, Guo-Min Li, Zhen-Xiao Zhu, Hai-Yan Xiong, Bing Li

Journal of Electrochemistry

To advance the understanding of the corrosion behavior of stainless steel bellows in marine atmospheric environments and enhance the precision of service life predictions, this study employs finite element simulations to investigate the pitting corrosion rates and pit morphologies of bellows peaks and troughs under varying electrolyte film thicknesses. The model incorporates localized electrochemical reactions, oxygen concentration, and homogeneous solution reactions. For improved computational accuracy, the fitted polarization curve data were directly applied as nonlinear boundary conditions on the electrode surface via interpolation functions. Simulation results reveal that the peak regions exhibit faster corrosion rates than the trough regions. With …

Regulating The Amount Of Graphene Oxide For Enhanced Capacitive Energy Storage Of Mof Derived Materials, Yong-Ji Qin, Jing-Quan Yang, Hao Wang, Mei-Ling Lian, Pei-Pei Jia, Jun Luo, Xi-Jun Liu, Jun-Feng Liu

Journal of Electrochemistry

In pursuit of more efficient and stable electrochemical energy storage materials, composite materials consisting of metal oxides and graphene oxide have garnered significant attention due to their unique structures and exceptional properties. Graphene oxide (GO), a two-dimensional material with an extremely high specific surface area and excellent conductivity, offers new possibilities for enhancing the electrochemical performance of metal oxides. In this work, we synthesized metal- organic framework (MOF) and GO composites by regulating the amount of GO, and successfully prepared composites of metal oxides supported by nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks and GO through a simple one-step calcination process. Based on the …

The Utilization Of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag As Fine Aggregates In Concrete: Physical, Mechanical, And Durability Properties, Hakan Ozkan

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study examines the feasibility of using basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) as an alternative to fine crushed limestone aggregate in concrete. BOFS is sourced from two steel production facilities in Türkiye, designated as I-BOFS and E-BOFS. The experimental results showed that as the E-BOFS aggregate replacement ratio increased, the water-to-cement (w/c) ratio increased to maintain the target workability. The concrete mixtures incorporating E-BOFS exhibited consistent reductions in the compressive strength with an increase in the BOFS ratio. At the same time, I-BOFS maintained higher compressive strength, with only minor losses up to 80% of the substitution ratio. Flexural strength …

Development Of A Self-Cured Alkali-Activated Mortar, Kübra Ekiz Barış

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Alkali-activated mortars (AAM) can be produced with self-curing (SC), which supplies internal moisture to accelerate alkaline-activation reactions. The aim of using SC is to make AAMs with an early-age strength without any additional curing energy consumption and higher CO2 emissions, and to obtain in-situ practical advantages that enable the large-scale application of AAMs. The previous study produced natural pozzolan-based AAMs by applying energy-intensive heat (HC), microwave (MWC), and hybrid (HC+MWC) curing. This study investigates alternative curing regimes that reduce production energy without compromising material properties. The impacts of air curing (AC), water curing (WC), and SC on the properties were …

Naoh Molarity Effect On Mechanical And Hydrochloric Acid Resistance Of Geopolymer Mortar Based On Slag, Mahmoud Ziada, Zahraa Mohammed Kamil Al-Mayali

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The present research investigates the influence of different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) molarities on the mechanical characteristics and hydrochloric acid (HCl) resistance of geopolymer grouts manufactured from ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). Geopolymer mortars have attracted interest as sustainable substitutes for traditional cementitious materials due to their advantageous environmental effects and enhanced durability features. This study involved the fabrication of geopolymer mortar specimens by altering the NaOH molarity (M) from 6 M to 14 M. The mechanical and physical qualities were assessed using compressive strength, capillary water absorption, flexural strength, slump flow, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests. Subsequently, the geopolymer …

Effect Of Expanded Perlite And Exfoliated Vermiculite Aggregate Additives On Water Vapor Permeability Performance Of Cement-Based Lightweight Mortars, Lütfullah Gündüz, Şevket Onur Kalkan

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Vapor diffusion is the movement of water vapor molecules through porous materials such as wood, insulation products, and lightweight wall elements due to differences in vapor pressure. Vapor retarders are used to control vapor diffusion through wall sections and surfaces. All building materials provide some resistance to vapor diffusion, and the amount of resistance varies depending on the material's properties. These properties can vary with relative humidity and moisture content, age, temperature, and other factors. Vapor resistance is usually expressed using the inverse term of ``vapor permeability,'' which is the relative ease of vapor diffusion through a material. Water vapor …

Rubber-Modified Self-Compacting Mortar: Evaluating Setting Time And Strength Development, Navvar Makansi, Süleyman Ipek, Erhan Güneyisi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The influence of using crumb rubber (CR) obtained from the second scraping of used tires as fine aggregate in manufacturing self-compacting mortar (SCM) was investigated experimentally in this study. To explore this, natural fine aggregate in SCM mixes was partially replaced with CR at levels ranging from 5% to 25% by total fine aggregate volume. Two mix series, one with a total binder of 500 kg/m3 and the other with a 540 kg/m3 binder, were designed at water-to-binder ratios of 0.40 and 0.33. Ordinary Portland cement (80% by weight) and fly ash (20% by weight) were used to manufacture mortars. …

Smart Traffic Management At Intersections, Gezim Hoxha, Piotr Gorzelanczyk, Rame Likaj, Shaban Thaqi, Flori Cikaqi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Effective traffic control methods, whether at intersections or other nodes within the road network, play a critical role in ensuring traffic quality and safety. An inappropriate choice of traffic control techniques or poorly optimized light signal programming at intersections often leads to unsatisfactory service levels. This study specifically addresses the issues related to intersections controlled by traffic lights. It aims to identify the key factors influencing the regulation and programming of traffic lights, with a focus on using different microcontrollers, particularly the Raspberry Pi. The primary objective of this research is to develop a methodology and an adapted programming approach …

Identification Of Barriers And Drivers In The Adoption Of Sustainable Construction Practices In The Turkish Construction Industry: Exploratory Factor Analysis, Tülay Çivici, Mustafa Serhan Ünlütürk

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Although the importance of sustainability in the construction industry has been emphasised by many researchers and endorsed by many authorities, it is clear that the practices in the industry still need to be improved. The primary issue for adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry is identifying the barriers and drivers. For this reason, the study analysed the literature to identify the critical barriers and incentives for adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry. In light of the information from the literature, the necessary barriers and motivators in adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry were determined, and a questionnaire …

Synergistic Effect Of Alccofine As Partial Replacement Of Cement And M-Sand As Sand Substitution In Concrete For The Assessment Of Mechanical And Microstructural Properties, Yellinedi Madhavi, R.S. Ravichandran, J. Saravanan, N. Venkatasairam Kumar

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and traditional binder mass has revolutionized concrete production technology in the building industry. This study examines how Alcofine-1203 affects the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of concrete. The mechanical qualities of the mixtures were evaluated using six different mixes prepared for each M25 and M40 Grade. In the proposed mixes, cement is substituted with alccofine at 0 to 25% and M-Sand as fine aggregate. The Compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity were assessed after 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days of curing, and split tensile strength and flexure strength were evaluated after 28 and …

Sustainable Modification Of Stone Column Technique With Polyethylene Terephthalate (Pet) Plastic For Strengthening The Expansive Clay, Ng Jun Shen, Muzamir Hasan

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This research investigated the modification of stone column application by the association of PET plastic as a coarse aggregate material for sustainable material replacement. Clay soil improvement with a granular material fabricated column substantially affected its soil-bearing capacity. Subsequently, it avoided severe problems such as soil settlement and structural instability. Previous studies have mentioned the function and alteration of stone columns using materials like bottom ash and fly ash. Still, no attention has been paid to the utilization of PET plastic for this area. This study examined the feasibility and reliability of materials, PET plastic, and kaolin clay S300 before …

Effect Of Reinforcement Thickness And Content On The Properties Of Compressed Earth Blocks, Salah Eddine Mokeddem, Abdelmadjid Hamouine, Rabia Abdeldjebar, Atef Hamaidi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study explores the mechanical, hygroscopic, and thermal behavior of stabilized and unstabilized compressed earth blocks (CEB) by incorporating date palm wood chips (DPWC) as a natural fiber additive. The investigation covers a range of DPWC thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm) and content variations (0% to 1% by weight), focusing on the interaction between the bio-based reinforcement and the stabilized soil matrix, which is stabilized with 10% white Portland cement. The mixtures were compressed at a pressure of 5 MPa using a hydraulic press, providing a detailed examination of how these parameters impact the structural integrity and functional …

Energy Optimal Coverage Motion Trajectory Generation Using A Fourth-Order Motion Profile, Mathias Halinga

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Industrial machines are widely used in manufacturing sector to manufacture several products to meet customer demands. Most of these industries runs all the time throughout a day leading to high operating cost. To cut costs and satisfy customer demand for precise products, industrial machines’ motion generation is important in improving machine motion precision while using less energy. This study presents a coverage motion energy optimization which is generated by linear interpolation of each segment described by the fourth-order motion profile. The phase changes in the profile are attained with continuity of machine kinematic limits jerk, acceleration, and velocity, which are …

Effects Of Cutting Conditions On Tool Temperature And Material Removal Rate In Turning Operations, Simon I. Marandu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Cutting conditions in manufacturing processes have effects on tool temperature and material removal rate. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cutting conditions namely spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut and tool nose radius on tool temperature and material removal rate in turning operations. A total of 81 experiments were conducted to measure tool temperature and material removal rate in order to determine the effects of cutting conditions on tool temperature and material removal rate using ANOVA and regression analysis. The results show that tool nose radius, depth of cut, and spindle speed are significant …

Modeling Of Carbonization And Absorption Processes In Soda Ash Production, Nadirbek Rustambekovich Yusupbekov, Djalolitdin Paxritdinovich Mukhitdinov, Fatima Faxritdinovna Iskhakova

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The article considers the problem of modeling the ammonia-soda process of soda ash production and presents the chemistry of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) formation. The equation of the kinetics of the reaction, used as a model of the carbonation process, is derived from a system of equations and its computer model is compiled. The system of differential equations reflecting the kinetics of the process was solved in the Mathcad package. The result of the modeling is presented. Based on the experimental data, the dependence of the absorption column performance on temperature and the dependence reflecting the optimal value of the absorption …

Algorithms For Making Control Systems Based On Neural Network Technology To Automate Dynamic Plants, Jasur Sevinov, Abdishukurov Maqsudovich Shavkat

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This paper examines the stages of multilayer neural network technology for the control and identification of dynamic systems. It is seen many ways to use multilayer neural networks in control systems. Neural controllers are based on several models and algorithms. Examples of such algorithms include the predictive model-based control algorithm, the Narma-L2 control algorithm, and the benchmark model-based control algorithm. These controllers illustrate various general ways to use multilayer neural networks in control systems. Common, standard linear control architectures have been proposed for many neural controllers.

Vacuum Consistent Electrochemistry In Ionic Liquid Combined With Oxide Epitaxy, Yuji Matsumoto

Journal of Electrochemistry

We introduce our state-of-the art of “vacuum consistent electrochemistry” to an investigation of the interfaces between oxides and ionic liquid (IL). Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) has been one of the powerful and sophisticated techniques to realize nanoscale preparation of high-quality epitaxial oxide thin films. On the other hand, electrochemistry is a simple, very sensitive, and non-destructive analysis technique for solid-liquid interfaces. To ensure the reproducibility in experiment of the interfaces of such epitaxial oxide films, as well as bulk oxide single-crystals, with IL, we employ a home-built PLD-electrochemical (EC) system with IL as an electrolyte. The system allows one to …

Ambient Co2 Capture And Valorization Enabled By Tandem Electrolysis Using Solid-State Electrolyte Reactor, Yan-Bo Hua, Bao-Xin Ni, Kun Jiang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction is a promising technology for addressing global energy and environmental crises. However, its practical application faces two critical challenges: the complex and energy-intensive process of separating mixed reduction products and the economic viability of the carbon sources (reactants) used. To tackle these challenges simultaneously, solid-state electrolyte (SSE) reactors are emerging as a promising solution. In this review, we focus on the feasibility of applying SSE for tandem electrochemical CO₂ capture and conversion. The configurations and fundamental principles of SSE reactors are first discussed, followed by an introduction to its applications in these two specific areas, …

Modeling And Estimation Of Co2 Capture By Porous Liquids Through Machine Learning, Farid Amirkhani, Amir Dashti, Hossein Abedsoltan, Amir H. Mohammadi, John L. Zhou, Ali Altaee

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Porous liquids (PLs) are newly developed porous materials that combine unique fluidity with permanent porosity, which exhibit promising functionalities. They have shown ability to efficiently absorb greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂). Experimental measurement is one approach to determining the solubility of various greenhouse gases in PLs, which has drawbacks such as being expensive and time-consuming. Hence, simulation models are valuable to predict the solubility of CO₂ in various PLs. This work aims to develop machine learning (ML) modeling methods for accurately estimating CO₂ solubility under varying conditions (e.g. PLs, temperature, pressure). Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference …

Preparation And Modification Of Mxene Composites For Application In Electrochemical Energy Storage, Zhang-Hai You, Ding-Ze Lu, Kiran Kumar Kondamareddy, Wen-Ju Gu, Peng-Fei Cheng, Jing-Xuan Yang, Rui Zheng, Hong-Mei Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

With the acceleration of advanced industrialization and urbanization, the environment is deteriorating rapidly, and non-renewable energy resources are depleted. The gradual advent of potential clean energy storage technologies is particularly urgent. Electrochemical energy storage technologies have been widely used in multiple fields, especially supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries, as vital elements of storing renewable energy. In recent years, two-dimensional material MXene has shown great potential in energy and multiple application fields thanks to its excellent electrical properties, large specific surface area, and tunability. Based on the layered materials of MXene, researchers have successfully achieved the dual functions of energy storage and …

Theoretical Insights Into The Atomic And Electronic Structures Of Polyperyleneimide: On The Origin Of Photocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Activity, Yi-Qing Wang, Zhi Lin, Ming-Tao Li, Shao-Hua Shen

Journal of Electrochemistry

Polymeric perylene diimide (PDI) has been evidenced as a good candidate for photocatalytic water oxidation, yet the origin of the photocatalytic oxygen evolution activity remains unclear and needs further exploration. Herein, with crystal and atomic structures of the self-assembled PDI revealed from the X-ray diffraction pattern, the electronic structure is theoretically illustrated by the first-principles density functional theory calculations, suggesting the suitable band structure and the direct electronic transition for efficient photocatalytic oxygen evolution over PDI. It is confirmed that the carbonyl O atoms on the conjugation structure serve as the active sites for oxygen evolution reaction by the crystal …

Three-Dimensional Melamine Carbon Sponge/Nai As Cathode Materials For Sodium-Ion Batteries, Qian-Ying Huang, Yue Liu, Zi-Xin Lin, Shu-Yi Zheng, Ting-Ting Mei, Yu-Ting Tang, Ying-He Zhang, Jun Liu

Journal of Electrochemistry

The sodium-iodine (Na-I) battery exhibits significant potential as an alternative energy storage device to the lithium-ion battery. However, its development is hindered by inadequate electrical and thermal stability, as well as the dissolution and shuttling of polyiodide. In this study, we report a preparation method for melamine carbon sponge (MC) via carbonizing a commercially available kitchen sponge. It was revealed that the as-prepared MC, composed of unique self-growing carbon nanotubes, could provide both physical and chemical adsorption capabilities for intermediate polyiodides to improve the electrochemical performance of NaI. Consequently, the NaI/MC electrode effectively minimized polyiodide dissolution and reduced the electrochemical …

Understanding The Morphology And Mass Transport Resistance Of Mesoporous Carbon-Supported Pemfc Based On Modeling Analysis, Hao Deng, Jia Liu, Zhong-Jun Hou

Journal of Electrochemistry

Mesoporous carbon supports mitigate Pt sulfonic poisoning through nanopore-confined Pt deposition, yet their morphological impacts on oxygen transport remain unclear. This study integrates carbon support morphology simulation with an enhanced agglomerate model to establish a mathematical framework elucidating pore evolution, Pt utilization, and oxygen transport in catalyst layers. Results demonstrate dominant local mass transport resistance governed by three factors: (1) active site density dictating oxygen flux; (2) ionomer film thickness defining shortest transport path; (3) ionomer-to-Pt surface area ratio modulating practical pathway length. At low ionomer-to-carbon (I/C) ratios, limited active sites elevate resistance (Factor 1 dominant). Higher I/C ratios improve …

Mechanistic Insights Into Polymer-Assisted Graphene Exfoliation: The Roles Of Velocity, Adhesion, Cohesion, Temperature, Peeling Mode, And Edge Defect Via Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics, Linjiale Dai

All Theses

Graphene exfoliation is a critical step in the fabrication of high-quality graphene

layers. However, the underlying fracture mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this

work, I employed coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to

investigate how factors such as interfacial binding energy, substrate cohesion, temperature,

peeling mode, and edge defects influence the outcome of the exfoliation process. To model

polymer-assisted mechanical exfoliation, I used a finite-size system in which multilayer

graphene (MLG) is sandwiched between two thin polymer films. Leveraging the

spatiotemporal efficiency of the CG model, I performed fifty simulation iterations per

parameter set and analyzed the results from a …