Enhancing Functionality of Epoxy–TiO2-Embedded High-Strength Lightweight Aggregates

Abstract

With the increasing trend of high-rise, large-scale, and functional modern architectural structures, lightweight aggregate (LWA) concrete that exhibits excellent strength and high functionality has garnered active research attention. In particular, as the properties of concrete vary considerably with the raw materials and the proportions of aggregates in the mix, in-depth research on weight reduction, strength improvement, and functional enhancements of aggregates is crucial. This study used the negative pressure coating of a mixed solution comprising epoxy (mixture of epoxy resin and crosslinker), hyper-crosslinked polymer, and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the LWA, and achieved an improvement in the strength of the LWA as well as a reduction in air pollutants such as NOx and SOx. Compared to a normal LWA with an aggregate impact value (AIV) of 38.7%, the AIV of the proposed epoxy–TiO2-embedded high-strength functional LWA was reduced by approximately half to 21.1%. In addition, the reduction rates of NOx and SOx gases resulting from the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles coated with epoxy were approximately 90.9% and 92.8%, respectively. Epoxy–TiO2, embedded in LWAs through a mixture, exhibited stability, high strength, and a reduction in air pollutant characteristics, despite repeated water washing. The LWA proposed herein offers excellent structural and functional properties and is expected to be used in functional lightweight concrete that can be practically applied in high-rise and large-scale architectural structures.

Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on Chloride Diffusion, Strength, and Microstructure of Ultra-High Performance Concrete

“…Additionally, micro SPW (S-SIL 10, SAC, Ulsan, Republic of Korea), with a diameter ranging from 1 to 5 μm, served as a fine filler, the chemical composition of which is detailed in Table 1 . Moreover, high-strength functional artificial lightweight aggregate (ALA), created by embedding TiO 2 epoxy into the internal pores (~0.3–300 μm) of pristine ALA and coating the external surface simultaneously (detailed coating process information is available in [ 44 ]), was utilized as a partial replacement for fine aggregate. The ALA exhibited a density of 1.4 g/cm 3 and a water absorption rate of 14.1%.…”

Effects of Coating Aggregates on Dynamic Properties of Concrete by Impact Resonance Method

“…Therefore, improving the surface texture of aggregate particle's has effects on properties of concrete. The improvements are utilized by means of coating aggregates with geopolymer [3], epoxy and polymers [4], palm oil clinker powder (POCP) [5], clay [6,7], plastics [8][9][10][11][12][13], silicon [14], hydrophobic polymers and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) [15], and other nanoparticles.…”

“…Geopolymer coatings are sustainable materials because of their low pollution, and environmental friendliness, as well as their superior performance. Lim, Taekyung, et al, [4] observed high-strength functional lightweight aggregates using epoxy-TiO2 coating. They also indicated the strength properties of the LWA are dependent on the concentration of epoxy and coating method.…”

Investigation of Effect of W-Zn-Co Alloy on Microstructure And Hardness of The Epoxy Composites

“…With extensive applications of polymer and its composites, epoxy resin polymer composites are extensively prefered in national economic construction and national defense construction works [1][2][3] due to their high specific strength-weight ratio, chemical, wear and corrosion resistance. Forexample; epoxy resins can be employed as insulating systems in high-voltage applications, including cables, generators, motors, and cast resin dry-type transformers, among others [4]. Fiori et al [5] conducted an assessment of how the inclusion of uniaxial basalt fabric layers impacts the mechanical properties of a glass mat/epoxy composite specifically designed for marine applications.…”