Volume 19 (2019): Issue 3 (September 2019)

Lignin is the second most abundant natural polymer. Due to the high content of carbon and hydrogen (C-H, C-C, C=O), it can be used as a potential dispersant for cement matrix. The objective of this study is to extract lignin from date palm and study its effect in the form of black liquor (BL) on the rheological and physic-mechanical properties of the cements and concrete. The lignin in black liquor form represents approximately 30 wt% dry weight of date palm. It is a heteropolymer composed primarily of methoxylated phenylpropylene alcohol monomeric units interconnected by a variety of stable carbon-carbon and carbon-oxygen-carbon (ether and esters) linkages. The results found show the positive effect on the workability of cement and concrete and confirms its dispersion effect by improving compressive strength of concrete during the early and the later ages of hydration.

The article characterizes the impact test method using Drop-Tower Impact Test with the registration of the value of force and energy of breaking. Based on sources, the possibilities and scope of the current application of this method were determined and the current state of knowledge on the results of these tests was reviewed. In order to determine the possibility of using the method in impact tests of high strength steel joints, investigations of hybrid PTA - GMA welding conditions on impact strength of joints of MART S1300QL steel were carried out. In particular, the influence of t_8/5 cooling time on the impact strength of welded joints by the Drop - Tower Impact Test method was determined. It has been shown that the use of dropping machine with computer-based registration of breaking force and energy values was possible in the case of impact strength testing of UHSS welded joints and enabled precise analysis of the energy distribution dynamics absorbed by the tested.

In this study, it was aimed to synthesize hydrogel based antibacterial, biocompatible and non-toxic wound dressing materials by solvent removal method usingpoly(vinylalcohol) (PVA), poly(vinylpyrolidone) (PVP) and nano pomegranate seed (PN).The morphology, swelling capacity, contact angle, antibacterial activity, biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the synthesized films were determined. From the experimental findings, it was found that the PN particles were nano-sized, showed homogeneous and spherical distribution and improved the hydrophobic properties of the materials obtained by the addition of PN. And also, their swelling capacities were decreased with increased PN amount and all of the materials showed similar antibacterial activity, hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity.

In this study, La_xMo_yO_z powders were synthesized by a cost-effective solid-state synthesis method. Four different heating cycles were designed to investigate the effects of synthesis temperature and holding time on lanthanum molybdate (LMO) formation, phase assemblies, particle size and morphology. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were performed to observe crystal structure and particle morphology of synthesized powders. The results showed that nearly ninety percent β - La₂Mo₂O₉ (43,3 nm crystal size) phase was obtained at 1000 °C for 6 h holding time. Longer holding times at 1000 °C favor more oxygen-rich compounds which cause recrystallization of various new crystalline phases. The grain size of the synthesized powder was increased from 0,2 µm to 1,5 µm with increasing holding time. In summary, it is possible to manufacture LMO powders rich in β - La₂Mo₂O₉ by one - step solid - state synthesis method. The phase assembles and particle size of LMO powders could also be tailored by optimization of heat treatment cycle.

The article presents problems accompanying the industrial TIG welding (142) of a heat exchanger perforated bottom made of steel clad with titanium B265 grade 1 with tubes made of titanium B338 grade 2. Research-related tests involved the making of test plates containing simulated imperfections formed during orbital welding. The above-named imperfections resulted from insufficient gas shielding during the welding process, the improper positioning of the tungsten electrode (excessively large or overly small circumference, around which the orbital welding process was performed), an excessive electrode travel rate being the consequence of an improperly set welding programme as well as excessively high welding current. Initial tests enabled the development of the orbital TIG welding of titanium tubes with the perforated bottom made of titanium-clad steel, satisfying acceptance criteria applied during commissioning.