The computer simulation study of Portland cement blending confirmed the major mechanism to be size segregation in the Interfacial Transition Zones around the aggregate particles. Fine particles tend to move through the skeleton of larger particles towards the surface of the aggregate grains, improving local density. But the most interesting feature is a disproportionately larger internal bond c...

Metallic copper fine particles used for electro conductive pastes were prepared by the chemical reduction of cupric oxide microparticles in the presence of gelatin. After reduction, the fine particles were collected by decantation with pH control and washing, followed by drying at a moderate temperature. The surface oxidation state of the obtained copper fine particles could be considerably var...