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This paper presents the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of a lightweight aggregate geopolymer concrete (LWAGC) synthesized by the alkali-activation of a fly ash source (FA) before and after being exposed to elevated temperatures, ranging from 100 to 800 °C. The results show that the LWAGC unexposed to the elevated temperatures possesses a good strength-to-weight ratio compared with other LWAGCs available in the published literature. The unexposed LWAGC also shows an excellent strength development versus aging times, up to 365 days. For the exposed LWAGC to the elevated temperatures of 100 to 800 °C, the results illustrate that the concretes gain compressive strength after being exposed to elevated temperatures of 100, 200 and 300 °C. Afterward, the strength of the LWAGC started to deteriorate and decrease after being exposed to elevated temperatures of 400 °C, and up to 800 °C. Based on the mechanical strength results of the exposed LWAGCs to elevated temperatures of 100 °C to 800 °C, the relationship between the exposure temperature and the obtained residual compressive strength is statistically analyzed and achieved. In addition, the microstructure investigation of the unexposed LWAGC shows a good bonding between aggregate and mortar at the interface transition zone (ITZ). However, this bonding is subjected to deterioration as the LWAGC is exposed to elevated temperatures of 400, 600 and 800 °C by increasing the microcrack content and swelling of the unreacted silicates.

The current study concerns the preparation and characterization of marmoreal solid surface materials based on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites filled with waste stones of marble, granite and basalt. Hydrophilic nanosilica and clay Halloysite nanotubules (HNTs) were the two types of nanofillers used to prepare PMMA/stone waste nanocomposites. The effect of nanofiller type and stone nature was investigated by Rockwell hardness, flexural strength, impact toughness, abrasion loss, water absorption and luminous transmittance measurements. The prepared artificial stone samples have an eye-catching decorative effect of alabaster when lighted from rear using a low energy light source.

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