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This study investigates the development of elastic and creep properties of sodium hydroxide-activated blast furnace slag mortar, utilizing three different molarities of the activator solution and two solution-to-binder ratio and a reference OPC-based mixture, since the earliest age. The experimental phase involves a series of hourly-repeated 5-min long creep tests on the aging material. This approach enables continuous monitoring, facilitating the characterization of early-age elastic stiffness and creep properties. Linear regression is employed to calculate the tangent unloading (elastic) modulus and Poisson's ratio. To model short-term creep behaviour, a power-law creep function is utilized. The integration of these findings with calorimetry-derived evolutions of cumulative heat release establishes linear correlation between (compressive) strength and heat release, along with a power function relationship between unloading (elastic) modulus and heat release. An optimal alkali dosage (Na2O content) appears to be vital for long-term strength development. Additionally, the creep parameters, namely amplitude (A) and kinetic (K), demonstrate a gradual decrease, although they maintain values higher than those of the corresponding OPC mixture, as the heat release progresses.

The proposed study aimed to investigate the potential use of pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as nano reinforcement in enhancing mechanical properties of hybrid MWCNT/silica fume cement composites. Dispersion of MWCNTs was facilitated utilizing very fine particles of silica fume which also helped in an improved interfacial bond between MWCNTs and the cement matrix. The MWCNTs dispersion within the hardened cement matrix was qualitatively assessed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) analysis. It was also observed that addition of MWCNTs accelerated the hydration process. The test results showed an increment in compressive strength by 12.4% and reduction in autogenous shrinkage by 8.5% for hybrid MWCNT/silica fume cement composites containing 0.01% MWCNTs (by wt. of binder). However, higher additions (greater than 0.03%) of MWCNTs appeared to have adverse effects on specimens. It was found that properly dispersed MWCNTs filled the fine pores in the cement matrix by providing an additional nucleation site for the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) that results in a denser microstructure, which in turn enhanced the strengths and limited the autogenous shrinkage. Keywords: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes, Silica fume, Dispersion of MWCNTs, Compressive strength, Autogenous shrinkage

Objectives: Various agents are currently available for treatment of hypersensitive dentine, however, their resistance to erosion intraorally by various erosive drinks is still questionable. The aim of this study is to test the efficacy of a hydroxyapatite paste to decrease dentine permeability and resist an erosion challenge., Methods: Hydroxyapatite powder was mixed with 25% phosphoric acid to form a paste which was applied on dentine having patent dentinal tubules orifices (treated with EDTA, 2 min) and the resulting layer formed on top of dentine was irradiated by Nd:YAG laser. The treated dentin surfaces were exposed to erosion challenge (6% citric acid, 1 min). Dentine permeability was measured before/after the application of the hydroxyapatite paste before/after the erosion challenge before/after the application of Nd:YAG laser using a split chamber device. The top and the fractured dentine surfaces were examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, the chemical nature of the compounds formed on top of dentine surface was examined using the SEM equipped with energy- dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS) and FTIR/ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared) techniques. The Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05) was used to compare the effects of using the hydroxyapatite paste on dentine permeability and calcium/phosphate ratio of the treated dentine surfaces., Results: The application of the hydroxyapatite paste to dentine significantly decreased dentine permeability (p < 0.05). Hydroxyapatite paste was able to occlude patent dentinal tubule orifices with a layer of calcium-phosphate compounds and the application of Nd:YAG laser on the aforementioned layer improved its erosion resistance., Conclusion: Hydroxyapatite paste applied with the technique adopted in the current study has a high potential to be a useful aid in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity. However, cost and knowledge for using Nd:YAG laser are important factors should be taken into consideration before using the aforementioned technique.