This study explores the role of nanomaterials in the performance of asphalt binders and mixtures. Two commonly available nanomaterials, i.e., nanosilica (NS) and nanoalumina (NA), were used at contents of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight of asphalt binder. A set of experiments was carried out at the binder level to investigate properties such as penetration, softening point, aging-related mass loss, nanomaterial dispersion (storage stability), and workability (rotational viscosity). In addition, the suitability of NS and NS was also assessed through the testing of nanomodified asphalt mixtures, which focused on Marshall properties, the resilient modulus, moisture susceptibility, permanent deformation, and fatigue resistance. The findings indicate that nanomaterials impart a stiffening effect and enhance binder properties while maintaining storage stability and aging characteristics within limits. Their addition also improved the asphalt mixture stability and volumetric characteristics, especially at higher contents. The resilient modulus (Mr) evaluations highlight the ability of NS and NA to sustain repetitive loading as well as enhance recovery from deformation, with significant increases of 28.7% and 16.1% observed at 8% NS and NA contents, respectively, compared with those of the control mixture. Although both nanomaterials exhibit improved resistance against moisture damage, permanent deformation, and fatigue distress, the effect of NS was more promising than that of NA. Statistical analysis confirmed the importance of selecting these nanomaterials and contents for producing asphalt mixtures. On the basis of the performance testing, 4% NS and 6% NA were the optimal contents for achieving satisfactory performance.
Antibacterial activity of CNSs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was estimated. Higher inhibition zone of 18 mm and 20 mm were observed against S. aureus and E.coli, respectively, at a concentration of 2 mg/ml of carbon nanosphere after 24 hrs of incubation at 37 ºC. In vitro cytotoxicity experiment was performed on two parasite strains of Leishmania donovani and Leishmania tropica by using MTT assay. L. donovani revealed more sensitiv to the CNSs than L. tropica. An intermediate level of cytotoxicity of 51.31 % was observed when 2.4 mg/ml of CNSs was incubated with L. donovani, while weak cytotoxicity of 37.20 % was shown when the
... Show MoreFiber reinforced polymer composite is an important material for structural application. The diversified application of FRP composite has taken center of attraction for interdisciplinary research. However, improvements on mechanical properties of this class of materials are still under research for different applications. In this paper we have modified the epoxy matrix by Al2O3, SiO2 and TiO2 nano particles in glass fiber/epoxy composite to improve the mechanical and physical properties. The composites are fabricated by hand lay-up method. It is observed that mechanical properties like flexural strength, hardness are more in case of SiO2 modified epoxy composite compare to other nano
... Show MoreIn this paper a thin films of selenium was prepare on substrates of n-Si by evaporation in a vacuum technique with thickness about 0.5μm. And then an annealing process was done on samples at two temperature (100 and 200) C ° in a vacuum furnace (10-3 torr).
Some structural, optical and mechanical properties of prepared thin films were measured. Results showed that the prepared film was the crystallization, optical transmittance and micro hardness of the prepared thin films increased significantly after annealing.
The increasing population growth resulting in the tremendous increase in consumption of fuels, energy, and petrochemical products and coupled with the depletion in conventional crude oil reserves and production make it imperative for Nigeria to explore her bitumen reserves so as to meet her energy and petrochemicals needs. Samples of Agbabu bitumen were subjected to thermal cracking in a tubular steel reactor operated at 10 bar pressure to investigate the effect of temperature on the cracking reaction. The gas produced was analyzed in a Gas Chromatograph while the liquid products were subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Heptane was the dominant gas produced in bitumen cracking at all temperatures and the r
... Show MoreSecurity concerns in the transfer of medical images have drawn a lot of attention to the topic of medical picture encryption as of late. Furthermore, recent events have brought attention to the fact that medical photographs are constantly being produced and circulated online, necessitating safeguards against their inappropriate use. To improve the design of the AES algorithm standard for medical picture encryption, this research presents several new criteria. It was created so that needs for higher levels of safety and higher levels of performance could be met. First, the pixels in the image are diffused to randomly mix them up and disperse them all over the screen. Rather than using rounds, the suggested technique utilizes a cascad
... Show MoreEpoxy (EP) – Silica (SiO2) composites are well known composites used in microelectronic industry . So it is important to study their dielectric behavior under different conditions such as
the presence carbon black (UV absorber) and immersion in the water for 30 days .
Dielectric properties were calculated over the frequency range 102 – 106 Hz for epoxy composites with different weight % of micrometer 1.5μm SiO2 particles (60%, 65% and 70wt%) modified with 0.5wt% silane coupling agent to improve adhesion between EP and SiO2 phases .