• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.10.1-10.11
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• 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the color stability, solubility, and surface characteristics of 3 calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) after immersion in different solutions. Materials and Methods: ProRoot white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and Endosequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) were placed in cylindrical molds and stored at 37℃ for 24 hours. Each specimen was immersed in distilled water, 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine, or 0.1% octenidine hydrochloride (OCT) for 24 hours. Color changes were measured with a spectrophotometer. Solubility was determined using an analytical balance with 10^-5 g accuracy. The surface characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance, the Tukey test, and the paired t-test. Results: MTA exhibited significant discoloration in contact with NaOCl (p < 0.05). White precipitation occurred on the surfaces of Biodentine and ERRM after contact with the solutions, and none of the materials presented dark brown discoloration. All materials showed significant solubility after immersion in the solutions (p < 0.05), irrespective of the solution type (p > 0.05). The surface topography and elemental composition of the samples showed different patterns of crystal formation and precipitation depending on the solution type. Conclusions: All materials presented some amount of solubility and showed crystal precipitation after contact with the solutions. Biodentine and ERRM are suitable alternatives to ProRoot MTA as they do not exhibit discoloration. The use of OCT can be considered safe for CSCs.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.364-372
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• 2023

By applying coarse-grained limestone and unprocessed coal ash as sintering raw materials for cement clinker, the microstructure and distribution of chemical components of cement clinker were compared and examined. Samples using coarse limestone as a raw material for cement clinker showed a decrease in sinterability compared to samples using reagent-grade raw materials. Samples using coal ash showed a tendency for some increase in sinterability. In samples using coarse limestone and coal ash, the formation of Belite was high at 1350 ℃. The conversion rate from Belite to Alite was high in the range of 1350~1450 ℃. Samples using coal ash showed stable formation of interstitial phase in the range of 1350 to 1450 ℃. The microstructure and chemical composition distribution of cement clinker sintered at 1350~1450 ℃ showed that all samples showed a form and composition distribution in which the calcium silicate phase and interstitial phase were clearly distinguished.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.467-484
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• 2023

Despite the significant features of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs), including better mechanical, fractural, and durability performance, their high content of cement has restricted their use in the construction industry. Although ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is considered the main supplementary cementitious material, its slow pozzolanic reaction stands against its application. The addition of nano-sized mineral modifiers, including nano-silica (NS), is an alternative to address the drawbacks of using GGBFS. The main object of this empirical and numerical research is to examine the effect of NS on the strain-hardening behavior of cementitious composites; ten mixes were designed, and five levels of NS were considered. This study proposes a new method, using a four-point bending test to assess the use of nano-silica (NS) on the flexural behavior, first cracking strength, fracture energy, and micromechanical parameters including interfacial friction bond strength and maximum bridging stress. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used for monitoring the initiation and propagation of the cracks. In addition, to attain a deep comprehension of fiber/matrix interaction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used. It was discovered that using nano-silica (NS) in cementitious materials results in an enhancement in the matrix toughness, which prevents multiple cracking and, therefore, strain-hardening. In addition, adding NS enhanced the interfacial transition zone between matrix and fiber, leading to a higher interfacial friction bond strength, which helps multiple cracking in the composite due to the hydrophobic nature of polypropylene (PP) fibers. The findings of this research provide insight into finding the optimum percent of NS in which both ductility and high tensile strength of the composites would be satisfied. As a concluding remark, a new criterion is proposed, showing that the optimum value of nano-silica is 2%. The findings and proposed method of this study can facilitate the design and utilization of green cementitious composites in structures.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.198-206
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• 2024

Given the high theoretical capacity (1,675 mAh g^-1) and the inherent affordability and ubiquity of elemental sulfur, it stands out as a prominent cathode material for advanced lithium metal batteries. Traditionally, sulfur was sequestered within conductive porous carbons, rooted in the understanding that their inherent conductivity could offset sulfur's non-conductive nature. This study, however, pivots toward a transformative approach by utilizing diatom shell (DS, diatomite)-a naturally abundant and economically viable siliceous mineral-as a sulfur host. This approach enabled the development of a sulfurlayered diatomite/S composite (DS/S) for cathodic applications. Even in the face of the insulating nature of both diatomite and sulfur, the DS/S composite displayed vigorous participation in the electrochemical conversion process. Furthermore, this composite substantially curbed the loss of soluble polysulfides and minimized structural wear during cycling. As a testament to its efficacy, our Li-S battery, integrating this composite, exhibited an excellent cycling performance: a specific capacity of 732 mAh g^-1 after 100 cycles and a robust 77% capacity retention. These findings challenge the erstwhile conviction of requiring a conductive host for sulfur. Owing to diatomite's hierarchical porous architecture, eco-friendliness, and accessibility, the DS/S electrode boasts optimal sulfur utilization, elevated specific capacity, enhanced rate capabilities at intensified C rates, and steadfast cycling stability that underscore its vast commercial promise.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.291-302
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• 2023

As the first part of the body that strikes the ground during running, sports shoes are especially important for improving performance and reducing injuries. The use of new nanotechnology materials in the shoe's sole that can affect the movement angle of the foot and the ground reaction forces during running has not been reported yet. It is important to consider the material of the sole of the shoe since it determines the long-term performance of sports shoes, including their comfort while walking, running, and jumping. Running performance can be improved by polymer foam that provides good support with low energy dissipation (low energy dissipation). Running shoes have a midsole made of ethylene propylene copolymer (EPP) foam. The mechanical properties of EPP foam are, however, low. To improve the mechanical performance of EPP, conventional mineral fillers are commonly used, but these fillers sacrifice energy return. In this study, to improve the magnificence of physical education training with nanotechnology, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) derived from recycled plastics were prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition and used as nucleating and reinforcing agents. As a result of the results, the physical, mechanical, and dynamic response properties of EPP foam combined with CNT and zinc oxide nanoparticles were significantly improved. When CNT was added to the nanocomposites with a weight percentage of less than 0.5 wt%, the wear resistance, physical properties, dynamic stiffness, compressive strength, and rebound properties of EPP foams were significantly improved.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.217-229
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• 2024

This paper presents results of visual analysis of cracks formation and propagation of concretes made of quaternary binders (QBC). A composition of the two most commonly used mineral additives, i.e. fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) in combination with nanosilica (nS), has been proposed as a partial replacement of the cement. The principal objective of the present study is to achieve information about the effect of simultaneous incorporation of three pozzolans as partial replacement to the OPC on the fracture processes in concretes made from quaternary binders (QBC). The modern and precise non-contact measurement method (NCMM) via digital image correlation (DIC) technique was used, during the studies. In the course of experiments it was established that the substitution of OPC with three pozzolans including the nanoadditive in FA+SF+nS FA+SF+nS combination causes a clear change of brittleness and behavior during fractures in QBCs. It was found that the shape of cracks in unmodified concrete was quasi-linear. Substitution of the binder by SCMs resulted in a slight heterogeneity of the structure of the QBC, including only SF and nS, and clear heterogeneity for concretes with the FA additive. In addition, as content of FA rises throughout each of QBC series, material becomes more ductile and shows less brittle failure. It means that an increase in the FA content in the concrete mix causes a significant change in fracture process in this composite in comparison to concrete with the addition of silica modifiers only.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.1747-1753
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• 2024

The accurate determination of formation density and the physical properties of rocks is the most critical logging tasks which can be obtained using gamma-ray transport and detection tools. Though the simulation works published so far have considerably improved the knowledge of the parameters that govern the responses of the detectors in these tools, recent studies have found considerable differences between the results of using a conventional model of a homogeneous mixture of formation and fluid and an inhomogeneous fractured medium. It has increased concerns about the importance of the complexity of the model used for the medium in simulation works. In the present study, we have suggested two various models for the flow of the fluid in porous media and fractured rock to be used for logging purposes. For a typical gamma-gamma logging tool containing a ¹³⁷Cs source and two NaI detectors, simulated by using the MCNPX code, a simplified porous (SP) model in which the formation is filled with elongated rectangular cubes loaded with either mineral material or oil was investigated. In this model, the oil directly reaches the top of the medium and the connection between the pores is not guaranteed. In the other model, the medium is a large 3-D matrix of 1 cm³ randomly filled cubes. The designed algorithm to fill the matrix sites is so that this realistic random (RR) model provides the continuum growth of oil flow in various disordered directions and, therefore, fulfills the concerns about modeling the rock textures consist of extremely complex pore structures. For an arbitrary set of oil concentrations and various formation materials, the response of the detectors in the logging tool has been considered as a criterion to assess the effect of modeling for the distribution of pores in the formation on simulation studies. The results show that defining a RR model for describing heterogeneities of a porous medium does not effectively improve the prediction of the responses of logging tools. Taking into account the computational cost of the particle transport in the complex geometries in the Monte Carlo method, the SP model can be satisfactory for gamma-gamma logging purposes.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.7
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• pp.2444-2451
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• 2024

This work demonstrates a new sol-gel approach for synthesizing PbO₂-doped zirconia using zircon mineral precursors. The streamlined methodology enables straightforward fabrication of the doped zirconia composites. Comprehensive materials characterization was performed using XRD, SEM, and TEM techniques to analyze the crystal structure, microstructure, and morphology. Quantitative analysis of the XRD data provided insights into the nanoscale crystallite sizes achieved, along with their relationship to lattice imperfections. Furthermore, the gamma-ray shielding capacity for the PbO₂-doped zirconia samples was estimated by the Monte Carlo simulation, which proves an increase in the gamma ray shielding properties by raising the Pb concentration. The linear attenuation coefficient increased between 0.467 and 0.499 cm^-1 (at 0.662 MeV) by increasing the Pb content between 11 and 21 wt%. By increasing the Pb content to 21 wt%, the synthesized composites' lead equivalent thickness reaches 2.49 cm. The radiation shielding properties for the synthesized composites revealed a remarkable performance against low and intermediate γ-ray photons, with radiation shielding capacity of 37.3 % and 21.4 % at 0.662 MeV and 2.506 MeV, respectively. As a result, the developed composites can be employed as an alternative shielding material in hospitals and radioactive zones.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.79-99
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• 2003

Muscovite and biotite from 52 metasediments and 5 granites in the Hwasan area, the southwest of the Okcheon metamorphic belt and the Miwon-Jeungpyeong area, central Okcheon metamorphic belt were dated by the K-Ar and $^{40}$ Ar/$^{39}$ Ar methods. Muscovite and biotite ages from metapelitic and psammitic rocks (metasediments) of the Boeun and Pibanryeong units in the Hwasan area are concentrated in the mid-Jurassic (149-180 Ma). K-Ar and $^{40}$ Ar/$^{39}$ Ar ages for metapelitic and psammitic rocks of the Boeun and Pibanryeong units in the Miwon-Jeungpyeong area show complicated age distribution. Muscovite and biotite ages are classified by three groups, 142-194 Ma, 216-234 Ma, and 241-277 Ma. Younger (Cretaceous) ages occur only in metasediments close to Cretaceous granitic rocks in the southeastern region and the older ages of 216-277 Ma are restricted to the middle Part of the Jeungpyeong area. Most ages in the other area of the central Okcheon metamorphic belt fall between 142-194 Ma (Jurassic). K-Ar and $^{40}$ Ar/$^{39}$ Ar ages for granite from the northern part in the both the southwest and central Okcheon metamorphic belt also gave middle Jurassic ages (156-168 Ma). The similar ages from both metasediments and granites in the study areas indicate simultaneous cooling of both rocks to 300-350$^{\circ}C$ during the middle Jurassic. The state of graphitization of carbonaceous material of all metasediments in the study areas Indicates fully ordered graphite falling within a small range, from 3.353 to 3.359 ${\AA}$, which indicate amphibolite facies regional metamorphism. In the southern sector of the Boeun unit from the Hwasan area, metamorphic grade indicated by mineral paragenesis during regional intermediate-P/T metamorphism is greenschist facies. Whereas, the $d_{002}$ values for carbonaceous materials in the same sector show fully ordered graphite (ca. 500$^{\circ}C$) indicating amphibolite facies. This result with the concentration of mica ages of metasediments into the middle Jurassic, the presence of low-P/T thermal metamorphic zone (>500$^{\circ}C$) in the metasediments close to the Jurassic granite and the regional intrusion of Jurassic granites and their middle Jurassic intrusion and cooling ages may indicate the low-P/T regional thermal event during the early(\ulcorner)-middle Jurassic after main intermediate-P/T metamorphism which formed main mineral assemblage regionally in the study area. The regional thermal event failed, however, to reset the mineral assemblage of regional intermediate-P/T metamorphism except for narrow aureole (1-2 km) around Jurassic granite because e duration of thermal effect was relatively short by repid cooling of the Jurassic granite. In the middle part of the Jeungpyeong area, central Ogcheon metamorphic belt, muscovite and biotite K-Ar ages from 5 samples are 263-277 Ma and 241-249 Ma, respectively. An intermediate-P/T metamorphism is currently accepted to have occurred between 280 and 300 Ma. Therefore, the muscovite and biotite ages can be interpreted as cooling ages after Ml metamorphism indicating rapid cooling to ca 350$^{\circ}C$ between 280-300 Ma and 263-271 Ma, and biotite ages indicate slower cooling to ca. 300$^{\circ}C$ between 263-277 Ma and 241-249 Ma. However, more detail study is needed to confirm why the Permian to Triassic ages occur only in the middle Part of the Jeungpyeong area.a.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.250-262
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• 2008

In order to assess the feasibility of the dipole-dipole electric method to the investigation of metallic ore deposit, both field data simulation and inversion are carried out for several simplified ore deposit models. Our interest is in a vein-type model, because most of the ore deposits (more than 70%) exist in a vein type in Korea. Based on the fact that the width of the vein-type ore deposits ranges from tens of centimeters to 2m, we change the width and the material property of the vein, and we use 40m-electrode spacing for our test. For the vein-type model with too small width, the low resistivity zone is not detected, even though the resistivity of the vein amounts to 1/300 of that of the surrounding rock. Considering a wide electrode interval and cell size used in the inversion, it is natural that the size of the low resistivity zone is overestimated. We also perform field data simulation and inversion for a vein-type model with surrounding hydrothermal alteration zones, which is a typical structure in an epithermal ore deposits. In the model, the material properties are assumed on the basis of resistivity values directly observed in a mine originated from an epithermal ore deposits. From this simulation, we can also note that the high resistivity value of the vein does not affect the results when the width of the vein is narrow. This indicates that our main target should be surrounding hydrothermal alteration zones rather than veins in field survey. From these results, we can summarize that when the vein is placed at the deep part and the difference of resistivity values between the vein and the surrounding rock is not large enough, we cannot detect low resistivity zone and interpret the subsurface structures incorrectly using the electric method performed at the surface. Although this work is a little simple, it can be used as references for field survey design and field data Interpretation. If we perform field data simulation and inversion for a number of models and provide some references, they will be helpful in real field survey and interpretation.