Nanotechnologies in Construction: A Scientific Internet-Journal

63-72

Authors: Kuligin S.V., Kosyakov A.V., Belov P.V., Lapenko A.A., Ishkov A.D.

Introduction. This article reveals the research results of physical and chemical properties of the new filtering material, evaluation of its hydrophilic and oleophobic features as well as the efficiency of oil-in-water emulsions separation in laboratory conditions and in production. Methods and materials. As the base for creation of new filtering material a natural mixture of minerals with good prevalence of silicon earth also including some small amounts of fissile hydrous silicates (mica, clay) was chosen, which provide the durability of granulated end product at reservation of porosity and hydrophilic properties of the material surface. The research used spherical shape granules of various particle size obtained by drying, granulation and firing. Prior to filtration the granules are being impregnated with water aiming to obtain a water shell around each granule, which provides granules protection from oil and petrol products contamination as well as an easy filter cleaning by backwashing in fluidization mode. For the lab testing of oil-in-water emulsions separation parameters a test rig was built. In process a set of various tool methods of physical and chemical research was used. Results. The chemical and mineral composition of the developed filtering material and the results of its X-ray-structural analysis, photomicrography of ground substrate obtained with SEM are given as well as the porous structure data (pores size distribution and aggregate pores of granules material) obtained by the method of low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The results of laboratory and pilot testing of separating and accumulating ability of the filtering material are presented. Interpretation. The obtained data prove the fact that the developed material possesses over the prominent hydrophilic properties, while after water shell creation also over the oleophobic properties. Upon exploration of the two liquid immiscible phases separation during the filtering through the granules obtained, a significant efficiency growth of the filter after attaining the special amount of oil and petrol products retained by the filter was detected. The efficiency increase of the filter is connected with formation of a prolonged structure, which was named by the authors a “fluid net”, created by the oil and petrol products entrapped. The strings of that “fluid net” being formed in the gaps between the granules are decreasing the sizes of the passages which lets the entrapping efficiency of finer oil and petrol products droplets grow.

79-89

Authors: Ivanov L.A., Xu L.D., Pisarenko Zh.V., Wang Q., Prokopiev P.S.

The article provides an abstract review of patents. The results of creative activity of scientists, engineers and specialists, including inventions in the field of nanotechnology and nanomaterials, being implemented, allow achieving a significant effect in construction, housing and community services, and related sectors of the economy. For example, the invention «Method for liquidphase synthesis of nanostructured ceramic material in the CeO2–Sm2O3 system to create a solid oxide fuel cell» can contribute to the active development of alternative, hydrogen energy. Fuel cells have a wide range of applications – from batteries in portable electronic devices to large-scale power generation and autonomous use (for example, in remote areas). Power plants based on fuel cells are almost twice as economical as traditional ones. Their efficiency can reach 85%, and the amount of harmful emissions is almost 100 times lower due to the lack of direct chemical contact of the fuel with the oxidizer. The specialists can also be interested in the following inventions in the area of nanotechnologies: method of increasing the tensile strength of fiber composites by means of preliminary modification of carbon fibers with carbon nanotubes and molecules containing amino groups; preparation method of pure silver nanowires; towards safe and sustainable innovation in nanotechnology; method of distribution of carbon-based nanoparticles in the production of nanocomposite unidirectional thermoplastic tapes; device for reducing the impact of vibration and shock effects on the performance of technological equipment; high-density three-dimensional electrically conductive micro- and mesoporous material based on carbon nanotubes and / or low-layer graphenes and a method for its preparation; nanotechnology as a viable alternative for the removal of antimicrobial resistance determinants from discharged municipal effluents and associated watersheds; and others.

108-116

Authors: Ayzenshtadt A.M., Drozdyuk T.A., Danilov V.E., Frolova M.A., Garamov G.A.

Introduction. One of the most large-tonnage wastes of the construction industry is a concrete scrap, obtained as a result of the dismantling of buildings and structures, the service life of which has reached its maximum or requires significant capital changes. In our opinion, works on the use of the resulting dust-like fraction are of particular interest. One of the promising methodological approaches in this direction is the observance of the principles of nanotechnology, which consists of obtaining finely dispersed components as active components of the created compositions. Materials and methods. Therefore, the objects of research in this work were fine powders obtained by mechanical grinding of lightweight (sample 1) and heavy (sample 2) concrete of a five-story residential panel house built in 1979. The elemental composition and specific surface area of the samples were determined, thermogravimetry of the studied powder systems was carried out, the surface tension of the experimental samples and the dispersion and polarization components of this indicator were determined by the OVRK method. A new methodological approach to the determination of the surface tension of powder systems is proposed, based on the determination of the functional dependence of the surface tension on the pressing force of the prototypes. The possibility of calculating macroenergy characteristics (atomization energy, specific mass atomization energy) of waste concrete samples is shown. These physicochemical indicators characterize the potential supply of internal energy of the system, which is capable of transforming into free surface energy during mechanical destruction of the material. Results and discussions. Thermogravimetric analysis of experimental concrete samples showed the presence of a residual amount of belite. Calculations of the surface activity of the samples showed that it is more preferable to use a powder obtained by crushing a sample of heavy concrete as an active additive in compositions capable of exhibiting the properties of a binding agent. Conclusions. To assess the activity of dusty fractions of concrete scrap as a component in binding compositions of the hydration type of hardening, it is proposed to use the value of the surface activity of powder systems as a criterion. The absolute numeric value of this criterion is equal to the ratio of the values of the free surface energy of the investigated powder and the specific mass energy of atomization of the initial waste concrete. It was found that for concrete waste the value of this criterion is determined by the polarization component of surface tension.

124-130

Authors: Borisova O.N., Doronkina I.G., Feoktistova V.M.

This paper examines the prospective field of nanotechnology development in the area of wastewater treatment and water processing. The introduction showed (no need for comma) that the Russian problem is not the lack of water – but its quality. Water treatment is needed to prevent water facilities from pollution. Self-cleaning methods cannot withstand the massive impact of pollutants, some of which are unknown for their natural reproduction processes. The degree of purification depends on the concentration of the pollution and the content of different substances within it. The use of nanotechnologies in effluent neutralization (EN) processes will allow removing insoluble sludges, wastes of chemical industry, and harmful microorganisms. Methods and materials. This work presently uses analytical methods to study nanotechn ologies. Nanofiltration and membrane methods are frequently used in wastewater treatment. Methods such as arc charge, ablation, and gas-phase deposition are applied to obtain carbon nanotubes. Results. The authors describe promising carbon nanomaterials for production of membranes used in purification/decontamination/ desalination of water. The new generation of membranes for filtering, disinfection, and desalination have been shown. These include graphene and carbon nanotubes which present absolutely new nanomaterial. Discussion. It was revealed that such membranes are characterized not only by a high water percolation rate, but also by extraordinary selectivity. Such membranes are particularly promising in the field of biomedicine, as large membranes are necessary for the nanofiltration and desalination processes. Conclusions. This paper examines new ecological and resource-saving technologies making possible improved research, industrial and commercial activities (which by means of practical implementation of inventions will lead to improved products), technologies and organizational decisions. One of the most promising areas for the development of nanotechnologies applied in waste water treatment is the advancement of membrane technology employing innovative materials, specifically graphene and carbon nanotubes.