Ceramicrete matrix composite

Wagh and Singh [2-4] have incorporated a range of waste streams and other extenders in Ceramicrete and shown that desired properties can be obtained in Ceramicrete matrix composites. Table 14.2 compares typical properties of Ceramicrete and cement. It also lists the extenders used and niche applications. 

Typical Properties of Ceramicrete Matrix Composites and their Applications. 

Though the data given in Table 14.2 are for Ceramicrete matrix composites, similar properties in other CBPC matrix composites are possible with different extenders. Therefore, overall CBPC matrix composites are versatile materials and have the potential for varied applications as structural and nuclear materials, as well as civil engineering applications in general. In this chapter, we discuss some common CBPC matrix composites and their applications in the construction industry. Additional applications are presented in subsequent chapters. 

Two road patches were repaired at ANL with Ceramicrete matrix composite containing 50 wt% class F fly ash on a trial basis in March 1999. The potholes are located on a road with heavy traflic from dehvery trucks. The debris from the patches was not cleared, nor were the sides cut into smoother shapes as normally done. The temperature was 40 °F. After a few hours, it rained heavily, and the patches, being in low-lying areas, were under water till the next day. In spite of this weather, the patches set well the next day. They have not only withstood traflic for the last four years, but also the freeze-thaw cycles of the three winters have not affected patch integrity. At present, the intact patches show up well because the original asphalt road surrounding the patches is crumbling. 

Bindan Corp. (Oak Brook, IL) sells several compositions of Ceramicrete matrix composite as commercial road-repair materials. The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has tested one of these products [6]. Table 14.6 provides the results of their tests. 

Wagh et al. [2] conducted a systematic study of incorporating Class C and Class F ash with compositions described in Table 14.1, and their mixture in the Ceramicrete matrix. Table 14.3 provides the properties of the resulting ceramics. 

As listed in Table 14.1, various other waste streams can be incorporated in Ceramicrete to produce useful ceramic matrix composites. In addition to those listed in the table, Wagh and his group have explored incorporating drill cuttings from oil fields, slags from iron industry, wood chips, saw dust, and many other waste streams [8]. Most of these studies were limited to proof of concept, and more work is needed to demonstrate concept usefulness. Here, we discuss case studies on swarfs and red mud in which detailed work has been done. 

This versatility allows one to develop CBPC matrix composites with specific properties required for niche applications (see Table 14.2), such as heavy Ceramicrete with iron oxide or light-weight Ceramicrete with cenospheres, 7-ray shield with iron oxides or any other heavy metal oxide, neutron shield with light elements such as boron, insulators with cenospheres and ash, and comparatively better conductor with metals. The remaining chapters in this book address some of the niche applications where considerable scientific... 

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