In this work, renewable composites were prepared by the association of a thermosetting resin synthesized via free-radical polymerization, using mixture tung oil, n-butyl methacrylate, and divinylbenzene, with silica-rich fillers, namely an algae biomass high silica content, well-sorted sand. Furthermore, to investigate if interaction between non-polar polar reinforcements could be improved, enh...

As society moves towards decarbonisation, it is important to assess the hydromechanical behaviour of binders that could offer a low-carbon alternative Portland cement in ground improvement technologies. This work considers two such alternatives: one still largely unexplored (metakaolin-based geopolymers) and better known (colloidal silica). Results from unconfined compressive strength, permeabi...

Abstract This study used aluminum scraps to produce a secondary metal matrix for heat storage analyses. Silica and kaolin reinforced composites were successfully produced via stir casting. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) employed phase microstructure characterization. XRD revealed alumina (corundum), kyanite phases while SEM indicated pores in the composites. Dens...

Accidental spillages or leakages of organic compound within the environment, released as non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL), result a widespread contamination of subsurface soils and groundwater. In such multi-phase flow system in porous media, interphase mass transfer mainly governs the overall transport processes that occur in the interface between the two fluid phases. Air-liquid interfacial ar...

The Pantanal of Nhecolândia, the world's largest and most diversified field of tropical lakes, comprises approximately 10,000 lakes, which cover an area of 24,000 km(2) and vary greatly in salinity, pH, alkalinity, colour, physiography and biological activity. The hyposaline lakes have variable pHs, low alkalinity, macrophytes and low phytoplankton densities. The saline lakes have pHs above 9 o...

We present results on the migration of silica colloids through laboratory columns packed with partially saturated quartz sand. The transport of the silica colloids responds to changes in the steady-state volumetric moisture content (theta) and for low theta depends on the wetting history of the sand pack prior to colloid injection. A mathematical model that incorporates a first-order rate law t...