Fly ash from biomass combustion as replacement raw material and its influence on the mortars durability

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Several types of industrial solid waste have been used as byproducts in the construction and materials industries. Some of the applications seem to...     

Evolution of hybrid functional imaging in bioelectromagnetics research

The field of bioelectromagnetics, consisting of the study of the interaction between electromagnetic fields and biological systems, has been rapidly expanding in the recent years. One important factor that contributes importantly to the development of this field is the continuing advances in technology allowing researchers to investigate different endpoints, or to more precisely measure changes, if any. Hybrid functional imaging is a rapidly maturing field that opens new, important horizons for bioelectromagnetics research. Indeed, unraveling the interaction mechanisms of electromagnetic fields on biological systems (with an emphasis on the brain) requires a monitoring of electrical, functional, and metabolic activity of living tissue at different temporal and spatial scales. Individual tools (e.g., electroencephalography, EEG; functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) are limited in their ability to detect the effects of electromagnetic interaction at specific temporal and spatial scales, so combining these imaging methods offers a unique opportunity to provide a more comprehensive view of effects in living tissue. In this paper, we will present the different imaging techniques that are available to bioelectromagnetics researchers, including their capabilities and how they are complemented by simultaneous hybrid imaging. Future possibilities of hybrid imaging technologies are discussed.     

Pulp and paper plant wastes valorisation in bituminous mixes

Nowadays, the increasing amount of wastes is a concerning reality and the environmental aspects has become a major priority. Following this worry, the purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the possibility of using pulp and paper inorganic wastes, named dregs and grits, in bituminous mixtures as aggregate replacement to reduce environmental effects of these wastes disposal.First, the wastes were chemically and physically characterized and also tested primarily taking into account the requirements for aggregates in bituminous mixtures. Then, formulations were prepared replacing aggregates with wastes in different amounts. The mechanical properties of these mixtures containing wastes were compared with reference samples based on standard methods.According to the results it was possible to verify that grits had a good performance and it might be directly tested industrially as an aggregate in road construction. On the other hand, dregs need to be treated before incorporation to guarantee stable mixes in terms of water sensitivity.     

Construction materials as a waste management solution for cellulose sludge

Sustainable waste management system for effluents treatment sludge has been a pressing issue for pulp and paper sector. Recycling is always recommended in terms of environmental sustainability. Following an approach of waste valorisation, this work aims to demonstrate the technical viability of producing fiber-cement roof sheets incorporating cellulose primary sludge generated on paper and pulp mills.From the results obtained with preliminary studies it was possible to verify the possibility of producing fiber-cement sheets by replacing 25% of the conventional used virgin long fiber by primary effluent treatment cellulose sludge. This amount of incorporation was tested on an industrial scale. Environmental parameters related to water and waste, as well as tests for checking the quality of the final product was performed. These control parameters involved total solids in suspension, dissolved salts, chlorides, sulphates, COD, metals content. In the product, parameters like moisture, density and strength were controlled.The results showed that it is possible to replace the virgin long fibers pulp by primary sludge without impacts in final product characteristics and on the environment.This work ensures the elimination of significant waste amounts, which are nowadays sent to landfill, as well as reduces costs associated with the standard raw materials use in the fiber-cement industrial sector.