RESUMEN
This research article explores the potential of using agave Americana fibers (AAFs) to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of concretes. The study investigates the impact of AAFs on concrete mix proportions in detail. Different concrete compositions are systematically created by integrating AAFs into them. The chemical structure, crystallinity, morphology, and tensile strength of extracted AAFs are examined, revealing a low cellulose content and a crystallinity index of around 41.34%. The microstructural analysis highlights the rough surface morphology of the extracted AAFs. The research also evaluates how AAFs affect concrete density, water uptake, and flexural and compressive strengths across various mixtures. The results show that incorporating AAFs in a horizontal position can increase the flexural resistance by up to 99% and the compressive resistance by up to 86% without chemical reactions occurring with mud-lime concrete. However, it is worth noting that using AAFs with cement can affect fiber durability due to the alkaline environment. As the alkali concentration increases, the fiber mechanical resistance decreases. Therefore, it is recommended to use AAFs with noncement concrete for improved sustainability and durability. Overall, this study advances our understanding of eco-friendly and resilient concrete materials.
RESUMEN
Earlier research suggested using ash to substitute cement, whereas other studies looked at the possibility of using plant-derived agricultural wastes as fiber reinforcement in cement applications. This study offered an environmentally friendly option to change traditional mortars by replacing cement with fly bottom ash (FBA) waste at 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt %. Likewise, Arundo donax leaves (ADL) were employed to reinforce the modified cement mortars at 0.4, 2, 5, and 7 wt %. X-ray diffraction analysis of used materials was performed. The morphology of composites made with FBA and ADL was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the density, water uptake, thermal conductivity, energy gain, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the prepared composites were discussed. Their flexural strength, compressive strength, and displacement were also compared. Results revealed that the addition of FBA in the mortar matrix has a positive effect on decreasing the thermal conductivity and lightness of the mortar. In addition, 20 wt % of cement replacement by FBA guarantees simultaneously moderate mechanical properties, nearly 51% of energy gain, and 20% of total CO2 emission reduction. In the same, adding ADL to the 20wt %FBA mortar reduced the thermal conductivity and the lightness of the mortar. The 0.4 wt % ADL reinforcement ensured 59% energy gain and 6% of total CO2 emission reduction. A major amelioration was observed in the compressive strength (an increase of 14%) and in the plasticity (an increase of 27%) of the considered composite materials. In conclusion, using FBA as a cement replacement with low ADL content inclusion results in a thermal-resistant composite with reasonable durability and strength.
RESUMEN
Herein, the catalytic activity of two types of iron-loaded perlite catalysts prepared by impregnation of raw and calcined perlite in terms of 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid (8-HQS) degradation was investigated by the Fenton reaction. Different iron contents were used to optimize the Fenton catalytic reaction. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized using different spectrophotometry techniques. The effect of some operating parameters on the Fenton oxidation of 8-HQS was carried out. Iron content of 10% has led to the highest catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the oxidation of 8-HQS is highly affected by the addition of H2O2, proposing that the heterogeneous Fenton reaction has been successfully activated. Whatever the type of the used catalyst, the heterogeneous catalytic oxidation process is extremely rapid, even instantaneous. The synthesized catalysts remained potentially active and retained their catalytic activity for successive Fenton reactions suggesting their economic benefit over the homogenous Fenton process. Accordingly, the newly prepared heterogeneous solid could be successfully used to treat wastewater effluents containing persistent organic compounds.