• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.25 no.10
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• pp.779-785
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• 2012

The epoxy/micro-and nano-mixed silica composites(EMNC) systems were prepared and the AC insulation breakdown strength was evaluated. Glass transition temperature (Tg) and crosslink density were also measured by dynamic mechanical analyzer(DMA) in order to correlate them with the electrical and mechanical properties, and the effect of silane coupling agent on the electrical properties was also studied. Electrical properties and crosslink density of epoxy/micro-silica composite were noticeably improved by addition of nano-silica and silane coupling agent, and the highest breakdown strength was obtained by addition of 0.5~5 phr of nano-silica and 2.5 phr of silane coupling agent, and the highest tensile and flexural strength were obtained by addition of 2.5 phr of nano-silica.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.387-403
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• 2022

Silica nanoparticles, which have a broad range of sizes and specific surface features, have been used in many industrial applications. This study was conducted to synthesize monodispersed silica nanoparticles directly from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with an alkaline catalyst (NH₃) based on the sol-gel process and the Stöber method. A central composite design (CCD) is used to build a second-order (quadratic) model for the response variables without requiring a complete three-level factorial experiment. The process was then optimized to achieve the minimum particle size with the lowest concentration of TEOS. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the size, dispersity, and morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles. After optimization, a confirmation test was carried out to evaluate the confidence level of the software prediction. The results revealed that the predicted optimization is consistent with experimental procedures, and the model is significant at the 95% confidence level.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.401-414
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• 2023

Organic clays are ideal habitat for flora and fauna. From a geotechnical perspective, organic clays are soft, weak, variable, heterogeneous and flocculated. Portland cement is a universally common stabiliser. However, some organic acids in soil inhibit full hydration and expose cementation products to rapid dissolution. This paper investigates scopes for use of C₃S cement to enable durable cementation. Prospects of using PP fibre alongside with C₃S cement, scopes for partial replacement of C₃S cement with a plant-based nanosilica and evolution of binders are then investigated. Binding mixtures here mimic the natural functions of rhizoliths, amorphous phases, and calcites. Testing sample population include natural and fibre-reinforced clays, compact mixes of clay - C₃S cement, clay - nanobiosilica, and clay, C₃S cement and nanobiosilica. Benefits and constraints of C₃S cement and fibres for retaining the naturally flocculated structure of organic clays are discussed. Nanobiosilica provides an opportunity to cut the C₃S content, and to transition of highly compressive organic clays into an engineered, open-structured medium with >0.5 MPa compressive strength across the strains spanning from peak to 1.5-times peak.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.459-472
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• 2024

Nanotechnology is a popular field in the construction industry due to its multiple functions. It mitigates CO₂ emissions and enhances the desirable properties of concrete by replacing small amounts of cement with supplements. This study assess the sustainability impact of using two different nanoparticles partially replacing the cement with 0.3%, 0.6%, 1.0% of nano silica (NS) and 0.03%, 0.045%, 0.06% of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) in the green concrete mix developement. Nano-sized fragments at the atomic scale tends to modify the properties of concrete. Concrete may increase its strength, durability by adding nanocomposite materials, which will decrease the amount of nano and micropores in structural parts. The strength of the structural elements can be greatly improved and allowing them to withstand higher loads and resist deformation. It improved durability properties by 64.8% in water absorption, 56.4% in acid attack, 78.1% in sulphate attack, and 53.4% in chloride attack. There was an improvement in compressive strength of 37% and split tensile strength of 90%. SEM, FTIR, and XRD investigations have used to look at the microstructural characteristics of nanoconcrete dictated the microstructure characteristics may be made more consistent and dense by adding nanocomposite materials.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.295-312
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• 2022

This study investigates the effects of nano silica (NS) and micro steel fiber on the properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). The experimental consists of three groups, each one with five percentages of NS content (0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) in addition to the 20% silica fume and 20% quartz powder proportioned according to the weight of cement added to the mixtures. In addition, three percentages of micro steel fibers (0%, 1% and 2%) were considered. Different mixtures with varying percentages of NS and micro steel fibers were prepared to set the water-to-binder ratio, such as 0.16% and 1.8% superplasticizer proportioned according the weight of the binder materials. The fresh properties, mechanical properties and elevated temperatures of the mixtures were calculated. Then, the results from the microstructure analyses were compared with that of the reference mixtureand it was found that 6% replacement of cement with NS was optimum replacement level. When the NS content was increased from 0% to 6%, the air content and permeability of the mixture decreased by 35% and 39%, the compressive and tensile strength improved by 21% and 18% and the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity increased by 20% and 11.5%, respectively. However, the effect of micro steel fibres on the compressive strength was inconclusive. The overall results indicate that micro steel fibres have the potential to improve the tensile strength, flexure strength and modulus of elasticity of the UHPC. The use of 6% NS together with 1% micro-steel fiber increased the concrete strength and reduce the cost of concrete mix.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.152-162
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• 2017

A hydrophilic coating solution was prepared by adding a silane coupling agent and a nano-inorganic oxide in aqueous surfactant solution to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation due to the introduction of antifogging and antifouling properties on the glass surface of the solar cell module. Addition of $Ludox^{(R)}$, a nano-inorganic oxide, to 1% hydrophilic coating solution showed improved hydrophilicity and excellent antifogging effect regardless of $Ludox^{(R)}$ concentration. However, the antifouling effect on the glass surface was showed only when Ludox was added more than 10%. In the case of addition of 0.7% of hydrolyzed TEOS at pH 4, the antifogging effect was maintained as a result of the steam test as well as the antifouling effect even after the coated glass surface was rubbed 100 times with a wet Kimwipe. In addition, from the surface roughness ($R_q$) calculated using AFM data, the higher surface roughness with irregular surface shape was obtained with the higher concentration of TEOS. The addition of 0.7% of TEOS showed relatively high surface roughness and well organized surface condition which can help to improve transmittance of light. In conclusion, $Ludox^{(R)}$ is not required only for the antifogging property. However, at least 10% of Ludox should be added to show antifouling effect and 0.7% of TEOS should be added for good durability.