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In this work, we study a geometric structure called disjoint convex shell or simply DC-shell. A DC-shell of a polyhedron is a set of pairwise interior disjoint convex objects that collectively approximate the given polyhedron. Preventing convex objects from overlapping enables faster and robust collision response and more realistic fracturing simulation. Without the disjointness constraint, a physical realization of the approximation becomes impossible. This paper investigates multiple approaches that construct DC-shells from shapes that are either composed of overlapping components or segmented into parts. We show theoretically that, even under this rather simplified setting, constructing DC-shell is difficult. To demonstrate the power of DC-shell, we studied how DC-shell can be used in mesh unfolding, an important computational method in manufacturing 3D shape from the 2D material. Approximating a given polyhedron model by DC-shells provides two major benefits. First, they are much easier to unfold using the existing unfolding methods. Second, they can be folded easily by both human folder or self-folding machines. Consequently, DC-shell makes paper craft creation and design more accessible to younger children and provides chances to enrich their education experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decomposing a 3D model into approximately convex components has gained more attention recently due to its ability to efficiently generate small decompositions with controllable concavity bounds. However, current methods are computationally expensive and require many user parameters. These parameters are usually unintuitive thus adding unnecessary obstacles in processing a large number of meshes with various types and shapes or meshes that are generated online within applications such as video games. In this paper, we investigate an approach that decomposes a mesh P based on the identification of convex ridges . Intuitively, convex ridges are the protruding parts of the mesh P . Our method, called CoRiSe , extracts nearly convex components of P by separating each convex ridge from all the other convex ridges through the new concept of residual concavity . CoRiSe takes a single user parameter: concavity tolerance which controls the maximum concavity of the final components, as input, along with other two fixed parameters for encoding the smoothness term of graph cut. We show that our method can generate comparable (sometimes noticeably better) segmentations in significant shorter time than the current state-of-art methods. Finally, we demonstrate applications of CoRiSe , including physically-based simulation, cage generation, model repair and mesh unfolding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The on-demand assembly of 2D heterostructures has brought about both novel interfacial physical chemistry and optoelectronic applications; however, existing studies rarely focus on the complementary part—the 2D cavity, which is a new-born area with unprecedented opportunities. In this study, we have investigated the electric field inside a spacer-free 2D cavity consisting of a monolayer semiconductor and a gold film substrate. We have directly captured the built-in electric field crossing a blinking 2D cavity using a Kelvin probe force microscopy–Raman system. The simultaneously recorded morphology (M), electric field (E), and optical spectroscopy (O) mapping profile unambiguously reveals dynamical fluctuations of the interfacial electric field under a constant cavity height. Moreover, we have also prepared non-blinking 2D cavities and analyzed the gap-dependent electric field evolution with a gradual heating procedure, which further enhances the maximum electric field exceeding 109 V/m. Our work has revealed substantial insights into the built-in electric field within a 2D cavity, which will benefit adventures in electric-field-dependent interfacial sciences and future applications of 2D chemical nanoreactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collision prediction is a fundamental operation for planning motion in dynamic environments. Existing methods usually exploit complex behavior models or use dynamic constraints in collision prediction. However, these methods all assume simple geometry, such as a disc, which significantly limits their applicability. This paper proposes a new approach that advances collision prediction beyond disc robots and handles arbitrary polygons and articulated objects. Our new tool predicts collision by assuming that obstacles are adversarial. Comparing to an online motion planner that replans periodically at fixed time intervals and a planner that approximates obstacle with discs, our experimental results provide strong evidence that the new method significantly reduces the number of replans while maintaining a higher success rate of finding a valid path. Our geometric-based collision prediction method provides a tool for handling highly complex shapes and provides an approach complementary to those methods that consider behavior and dynamic constraints of objects with simple shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three series of co-graft cationic starch (St)-based flocculants with distinct structural characteristics, namely, charge density (CD), graft-chain length (L), and graft-chain distribution (N), were successfully synthesized through graft copolymerization of [(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride] and acrylamide. These St-based flocculants with different molecular structures were used to flocculate various kaolin suspensions with different initial turbidities and a sodium humate (NaHA) aqueous solution. The experimental results indicated that CD contributed to flocculation evidently, whereas average L and its N were insignificant in experimentally measured ranges. On the basis of phenomenological theory, a second-order polynomial equation was used to further quantitatively analyze the effects of the three structural factors on the flocculation performance of these St-based flocculants, which were fully consistent with the experimental results. Besides, the optimal dose and its corresponding removal rate could be predicted exactly, and the flocculation mechanisms were discussed in detail according to the established models. With the combination of floc properties and zeta potentials, the flocculation mechanisms of these St-based flocculants for flocculation of kaolin suspensions and NaHA aqueous solution were mainly ascribed to charge patching and simple charge neutralization, respectively. These results improve the understanding of the structure–activity relationship of these graft St-based flocculants, which is of significant guidance for the utilization and design of novel flocculants. Image 1 • Three series of starch-based flocculants with various molecular structure was prepared. • Charge density contributed evidently to flocculation. • Average graft-chain length and its distributions contributed insignificantly. • The structure–activity relationship was established using a quantitative equation. • Flocculation mechanisms were thus discussed deeply based on the established model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the impact of polymer loading on the microstructure, viscosity, thermal properties and mechanical performance of recycled polyethylene (rPE) modified epoxy asphalt binder. With this aim, rPE was used as a modifier to improve the toughness of a hot-mix epoxy asphalt binder. rPE particles were found to be highly swollen by the asphalt. Double phase separation was observed in rPE modified epoxy asphalt binders: asphalts dispersed in the continuous epoxy phase and rPE particles distributed in the discontinuous asphalt phase. The viscosity of epoxy asphalt binders increased with more rPE contents but the allowable construction time for pavement remained long. Results revealed that the thermal stability of epoxy asphalt binders was slightly improved with the addition of rPE. Furthermore, rPE lowered the glass transition temperature and increased the storage modulus at the rubbery state. All rPE modified epoxy asphalt binders performed better damping behaviours. In addition, at low rPE concentrations, the mechanical properties of epoxy asphalt binders were improved while at rPE loading higher than 2%, the results were opposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel, eco-friendly composited sponge dotted by a ternary catalyst was fabricated. • The sponge removes >90% and 80% of fluoroquinolones in batch and dynamic water systems. • The improved performance is owed to the synergistic adsorption and photodegradation. • The sponge is self-purified by photodegradation. • The sponge is stable and easily recovered without mass loss. In this work, a 3D lignosulfonate composited poly(vinyl formal) (PVF) sponge impregnated by BiVO 4 /polyaniline (PANI)/Ag ternary photocatalyst (PLS-BiVO 4 /PANI/Ag) was designed and fabricated. The synergistic adsorption-photodegradation of five fluoroquinolones (FQs) antibiotics onto PLS-BiVO 4 /PANI/Ag was investigated. Incorporating lignosulfonate as a carrier on PVF sponge improved its structural properties and enhanced its adsorption performance toward FQs. The BiVO 4 /PANI/Ag ternary photocatalyst was well-dispersed and tightly bound to the composited sponge, thus it efficiently degraded the adsorbed FQs through surface photodegradation. PLS-BiVO 4 /PANI/Ag achieved >90% removal efficiency for all examined FQs within 2.0 h in a batch system, while it maintained a steady 80% removal efficiency for 30.0 h in a continuous dynamic treatment system. Photoelectric characterizations and ESR results showed that BiVO 4 /PANI/Ag was consistent with the type II heterostructure and effectively improved the utilization of visible light and the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The hole was the dominant active species in the degradation of FQs, while the main degradation pathways included defluorination, decarboxylation and destruction of piperazine ring. The prepared composited sponge is thus characterized by its high performance, convenient operation, eco-friendliness, and practicality in real water treatment systems since it undergoes self-purification and is easily recovered from water without mass loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A epoxy resin cured with a mixture of dimerized and trimerized fatty acids is the first epoxy vitrimer and has been extensively studied. However, the cure behavior and thermal and mechanical properties of this epoxy vitrimer depend on the epoxy/acid stoichiometry. To address these issues, epoxy vitrimers with three epoxy/acid stoichiometries (9:11, 1:1 and 11:9) were prepared and recycled four times. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the cure behavior of the original epoxy vitrimers. The dynamic mechanical properties and mechanical performance of the original and recycled epoxy vitrimers were investigated by using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and a universal testing machine. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism of epoxy vitrimer with different epoxy/acid stoichiometry was interpreted. With an increase in the epoxy/acid ratio, the reaction rate, swelling ratio, glass transition temperature and mechanical properties of the original epoxy vitrimers decreased, whereas the gel content increased. The recycling decreased the swelling ratio and elongation at break of the original epoxy vitrimers. Moreover, the elongation at break of the recycled epoxy vitrimers decreased with the epoxy/acid ratio at the same recycling time. However, the gel content, tensile strength and toughness of the original epoxy vitrimers increased after the recycling. The mechanical properties of epoxy vitrimers can be tuned with the variation in the epoxy/acid stoichiometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) with 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 wt% loading was used to modify warm‐mix epoxy asphalt binders (WEABs). The thermal stability, structure of GO, rotational viscosity‐curing time performance, dynamic moduli, glass transitions, damping ability, mechanical performance, and phase‐separated morphology of GO/epoxy asphalt composites were investigated in the laboratory. GO significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the pure WEAB. X‐ray scattering analysis revealed that GO layers were delaminated in the epoxy asphalt binder. GO accelerated the cure reaction of the pure WEAB and thus resulted in higher rotational viscosity of GO/epoxy asphalt composites. Furthermore, the viscosity of the modified WEABs slightly increased in the GO content. GO increased the dynamic moduli and Tgs of both epoxy and asphalt for the pure WEAB. However, the damping ability of GO/epoxy asphalt composites was similar to that of the pure WEAB. Confocal microscopy observations revealed that GO was dispersed in both asphalt and epoxy phases of the phase‐separated WEAB. The asphalt domains in the continuous epoxy phase became more spherical and uniform with the existence of GO. Moreover, the dispersion of epoxy in the discontinuous asphalt phase became more evident. The mechanical properties of the pure WEAB were greatly improved with the addition of GO. The tensile toughness and strength of the pure WEAB increased by 31% and 33%, respectively, with the addition of 0.2 wt% GO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy asphalt has been extensively utilized in the construction of long-span steel deck bridges. Due to its thermosetting nature, however, the end-of-life epoxy asphalt cannot be reclaimed as thermoplastic polymer modified asphalts. In this paper, recyclable epoxy asphalt vitrimers (EAVs) were developed by introducing bond-exchange reactions into epoxy resin with fatty acids as curing agents. The existence of asphalt accelerated the bond-exchange reaction of the epoxy vitrimer (EV). Furthermore, the relaxation time of EAVs decreased with the asphalt concentration. The recycling enhanced the storage modulus of EAVs at the glassy stage. However, the glass transition temperature remained after recycling. The recycling lowered the mechanical properties of EAVs. However, both tensile strength and elongation at break of EAVs increased with the recycling time. For EAV containing 45% asphalt binder, the tensile strength and elongation at break after three-time recycling were onefold and twofold higher than those after only one-time recycling. The use of renewable epoxy resin in the development of epoxy asphalt not only reduces the dependence on petroleum resources but also makes the recycling of epoxy asphalt feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two environmentally-friendly macroscopically formal (PVF) composited sponges (PL and PLS) functionalized with lignin and lignosulfonate, respectively, were fabricated by a one-step mechanical foaming method. PLS, obtained with the fed mass ratio of 0.3:1 lignosulfonate to PVF in the preparation process, possessed a large specific surface area of approximately 22.396 m2/g, a three-dimensional skeleton structure with a skeletal density of 3.236 g/cm3, and 0.338 mmol/g of acidic oxygen-containing groups. Thus, it showed a high adsorption capacity of 0.16–0.24 mmol/g in removing seven antibiotics, of the popular fluoroquinolones (FQs) family from water. The contributions of hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction (EA) and π-π electron donor-acceptor interaction to the adsorption of FQs onto the PL and PLS sponges were analyzed systematically by investigating the pH dependence of the adsorption capacity, and the changes in adsorption of two sub structural analogs of FQs as molecular probes, and by performing theoretical calculations. The EA between the acidic oxygen-containing groups on the sponges and the amino groups of FQs played a dominant role in adsorption in near neutral conditions, leading to a superior adsorption performance for PLS. Overall, the composited sponges have the advantages of simple production, environmental-friendliness, convenient recycle, and low cost, which renders them potentially viable in treating real wastewater containing FQs. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of a high-performance lignin-based sponge for norfloxacin (NOR) removal • Improved physical and chemical properties due to lignin incorporation • Various adsorption mechanisms of lignin were dominant under different pH levels • NOR adsorption occurring through H-bond, electrostatic attraction, and π-π interaction • A facile, efficient, cost-effective, eco-friendly adsorption process developed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphaltenes tend to aggregate to nanoparticles or clusters in crude oil and solvents over a wide concentration and temperature range. In the present paper, asphaltenes extracted from the base asphalt was used as a filler to introduce into epoxy resin. The microstructure and evolution of asphaltenes aggregation in the epoxy resin were observed using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Furthermore, the effect of asphaltenes on the viscosity, dynamic mechanical behavior, thermostability, mechanical properties of epoxy resin was evaluated by Brookfield rotational viscometer, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and universal testing machine. The presence of asphaltenes increased the viscosity of the neat epoxy during all stages of cure reaction. The viscosity of epoxy/asphaltenes composites increased with the filler concentration. Fractal asphaltenes aggregation formed in the composites with 1 mass% asphaltenes. Network microstructures of asphaltenes aggregation appeared in the epoxy phase with a further increase of asphaltenes content. Moreover, the increase of asphaltenes loading resulted in denser network microstructures in the epoxy matrix. Aggregation evolution revealed that asphaltenes particles redispersed evenly in the epoxy resin in the form of some aggregates at the beginning of curing. During the cure reaction of epoxy, asphaltenes aggregates started to agglomerate and grow to network microstructures. The presence of asphaltenes led to the enhancement of the storage modulus of the neat epoxy at the rubbery stage. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the epoxy composites slightly increased with the increase of asphaltenes loading. The epoxy composite with 5 mass% asphaltenes had higher Tg than the neat epoxy. The inclusion of asphaltenes had a negligible effect on the damping properties and thermal stability of the neat epoxy. The aggregation and heterogeneous dispersion of asphaltenes resulted in the decrease of the tensile strength and elongation at break of the neat epoxy. However, the inclusion of asphaltenes significantly enhanced Young's modulus of the neat epoxy. Young's modulus of the neat epoxy was increased by more than fourfold with the addition of 5 mass% asphaltenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy asphalt bond coat (EABC) is one of the thermosetting polymer-modified asphalts, which has been widely employed as a strong waterproof bonding layer between the asphalt concrete and the orthotropic steel bridge deck. In the present work, the influences of asphalt content on the phase separation, viscosity, thermal stability, viscoelastic behavior, mechanical performance, pull-off strength, and adhesive performance of EABCs were characterized by various instruments. Laser scanning confocal microscopy observations showed that phase separation occurring in EABCs depended on the curing time. The asphalt merged to form large spherical particles in the continuous epoxy phase during the cure reaction. The size of asphalt particles increased in the asphalt content. Viscosities of EABCs were higher than that of the pure epoxy and increased with the asphalt content in the initial curing stage. However, the opposite trend was observed in the latter curing stage. The presence of asphalt slightly improved the glass transition temperature and the damping properties of the pristine epoxy. For EABCs, the damping behaviors slightly increased with the asphalt content. The thermal stability of the pristine epoxy was enhanced by the incorporation of asphalt. The addition of asphalt decreased the mechanical, adhesive properties, and pull-off strength of the pristine epoxy. What's more, these properties of EABCs decreased in the asphalt content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sasobit has been widely applied as warm-mix asphalt (WMA) additive in an environment friendly and energy saving pavement construction. Epoxy asphalt (EA) has been extensively used on the pavement of steel bridge decks. In the present paper, Sasobit was introduced into warm-mix epoxy asphalt binder (WEAB) to prepare Sasobit modified WEAB. The effect of Sasobit on the viscosity, thermal, damping and mechanical properties and morphology of the neat WEAB were investigated using various characterisation techniques. Sasobit significantly lowered the viscosity of the neat WEAB and prolonged the operational lifetime for mixture pavement. Sasobit lowered the glass transition temperature of the neat WEAB. Sasobit slightly decreases the damping properties and thermal stability of the neat WEAB. However, Sasobit increased the tensile strength of the neat WEAB. The crystalline network structures of Sasobit formed in asphalts were clearly observed. The lamellar crystalline structure of Sasobit turned to gel-like structure in curly ribbon shape with an increase of the WMA additive contents. Reaction-induced phase separation occurred in the neat WEAB and Sasobit modified WEABs. No crystalline network structures of Sasobit were observed in the dispersed asphalt phase of the modified WEABs. Sasobit decreased the size of asphalt particles in the continuous epoxy phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy asphalt bond coat (EABC) has been widely used as a bonding layer in the construction of orthotropic steel deck bridges. To withstand the vibration of the steel deck, EABC needs to have strong bonding strength. In present article, sodium montmorillonite (Mt) was used to reinforce the neat EABC. The morphology and properties of EABC/Mt nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Brookfield rotational viscometer, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, automatic adhesion tester, and universal testing machine. No intercalation structure formed in the EABC/Mt nanocomposites. Mt dispersed uniformly in the EABC matrix. The inclusion of Mt increased the viscosity of the neat EABC in the initial stage of chemical reaction. Whereas, in the later curing stage, the viscosity of the neat EABC was higher than those of EABC/Mt nanocomposites. The presence of Mt slightly reduced the glass transition temperature of the neat EABC. The damping performance of the neat EABC was improved with the inclusion of 1 wt% Mt. Mt had a marginal effect on the thermal stability of the neat EABC. The incorporation of Mt significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the neat EABC. The tensile strength and toughness of the neat EABC increased by 30% and 26%, respectively, with the inclusion of 3 wt% Mt. The existence of Mt greatly enhanced adhesion strength of the neat EABC. The lap‐shear adhesion strength and pull‐off adhesion strength of the EABC nanocomposite with 5 wt% Mt were 33% and 29% higher than those of the neat EABC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Sasobit modified epoxy asphalt rubber (EAR) has been developed. • The addition of Sasobit lowers the viscosity and glass transition temperature of the neat EAR. • The inclusion of Sasobit increases the number of spherical AR particles in the continuous epoxy phase. • The mechanical properties of the neat EAR are enhanced with the addition 1 wt% Sasobit. Abstract The utilization of crumb rubber to produce asphalt rubber (AR) for asphalt mixture pavement has been proven to be an economical and environmental way for the disposal of waste tires. As one of the most significant thermosetting polymer modified asphalt with prominent performances, epoxy asphalt (EA) has been widely used on the pavement of steel bridge decks. In present study, the mixture of epoxy oligomer and curing agent was incorporated into AR to prepare epoxy asphalt rubber (EAR). To lower the viscosity of AR, a WMA additive, Sasobit was introduced into AR to prepare Sasobit modified EARs. The effects of Sasobit on the rotational viscosity, glass transition temperature (T g), damping performance, mechanical properties and phase-separated morphology of the neat EAR were investigated. The inclusion of Sasobit significantly decreased the viscosity of the neat EAR during the whole curing process and prolonged the operational lifetime for asphalt mixture pavement. The addition of Sasobit slightly decreased the T g of the neat EAR. The T g of Sasobit modified EARs decreased with WMA additive content increasing. Meanwhile, the presence of Sasobit improved the damping properties of the neat EAR. The existence of Sasobit enhanced the mechanical properties of the neat EAR at lower WMA additive concentration. The mechanical properties of Sasobit modified EARs decreased with increasing WMA additive content. Morphological observations revealed that the phase-separated microstructures of the neat EAR consisted of the dispersed spherical and co-continuous AR particles and the continuous epoxy phase. The existence of Sasobit decreased the number of co-continuous AR particles in the epoxy matrix. In addition, the number of co-continuous AR particles decreased with increasing WMA additive content. The presence of Sasobit decreased the average diameter of the dispersed AR particles and area fraction of AR domains in the neat EAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Halogen-free flame retarded cold-mix epoxy asphalt binder (CEAB) has been developed. • The flame retardancy of the neat CEAB is significantly increased by halogen-free flame retardant. • The addition of halogen-free flame retardants improves the glass transition temperature, thermal stability and tensile strength of the neat CEAB. Abstract Fire safety of asphalt mixtures in highway tunnels has become a problem of great concerns since asphalt and polymer modified asphalt binders are quite flammable and tend to release poisonous gases and smoke while burning. Therefore, flame retardants are incorporated into asphalt binder to improve the fire retardancy of asphalt mixtures. In this paper, aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) and zinc borate (ZB) were used as halogen-free flame retardants to prepare flame retarded cold-mix epoxy asphalt binders (CEABs). The addition of halogen-free flame retardants increased flame retardancy of the neat CEAB. In addition, ATH-ZB retarded CEAB had higher limited oxygen index (LOI) than single ATH and ZB retarded CEABs at the same content. The presence of halogen-free flame retardants increased the viscosity of the neat CEAB. The viscosity of ATH/ZB retarded CEAB was lower than that of ATH retarded CEAB at a specific content. The incorporation of halogen-free flame retardants enhanced the glass transition temperature of the neat CEAB. Thermal stability of the neat CEAB was improved by the halogen-free flame retardants. ATH/ZB retarded CEAB had better thermal stability than ATH retarded CEAB at the same content. The addition of halogen-free flame retardants increased the tensile strength of the neat CEAB. Uniform dispersion of halogen-free flame retardants in CEABs was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy asphalt adhesive (EAA) has been widely used as strong waterproof-bonding layers for the orthotropic steel bridge decks in China. This research employs attapulgite (ATT), one kind of natural fibrous nanoclays, as the nanofiller to reinforce EAA. The crystalline structure, rheological property, thermal stability, mechanical properties and morphology of EAA/ATT composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brookfield rotational viscometer, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), universal test machine and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed the existence of ATT did not change the noncrystalline structure of the EAA. ATT had a significant decrement effect on the rotational viscosity of EAA. Moreover, the viscosity of EAA/ATT composites decreased with the increasing content of ATT at a specific cure time. The addition of ATT improved thermal stability of the neat EAA. In addition, the incorporation of ATT increased the tensile and adhesive properties of the neat EAA. The tensile strength, toughness, Young's modulus and adhesive strength of EAA/ATT composites increased with the increase of ATT loadings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer (SBS) and epoxy resin have been widely applied in asphalt modification. In the present work, industrial SBS-modified asphalt (SBA) was used to prepare epoxy SBS-modified asphalt (ESBA). The morphology, rheological, thermal and mechanical properties of ESBAs were characterized. LSCM observations revealed that the formation of phase-separated microstructures between epoxy and SBA in ESBAs. Secondary phase separation occurred in epoxy asphalts (EAs) with 50 and 60 wt% asphalts. The phase inversion occurred in epoxy asphalt with 60 wt% asphalt. In addition, the morphology of ESBAs also exhibited secondary phase separation. Two interlocked continuous phases appeared in SBA domains of ESBA with 40 wt% SBA. No phase inversion was observed in ESBA with 60 wt% SBA. The presence of SBS decreased the average size of dispersed domains in EA. The existence of SBS increased the initial viscosity of the epoxy asphalt during cure reaction. The viscosity of ESBA was low enough to satisfy the requirement for the pavement of steel bridge decks. The thermal stability of EA was enhanced with the existence of SBS. Furthermore, the presence of SBS significantly improved mechanical properties of the epoxy asphalt. Especially, the tensile strength, elongation at break and toughness of ESBA containing 60 wt% SBA were 125%, 55% and 113% higher than those of the epoxy asphalt with the same content of asphalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of polymer modified asphalts (PMAs), epoxy asphalt (EA) has been extensively used in the pavement of steel bridge deck due to its excellent performances. Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is one of most used polymer modifiers in PMAs. EA/EVA blends were prepared with the addition of EVA in asphalts. The effects of EVA on the morphology evolution of EA were investigated by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the rotational viscosity, thermal stability and mechanical properties of EA/EVA blends were studied. LSCM observed that epoxy resin was the continuous phase and EVA-asphalt was the disperse phase in EA/EVA blends. The presence of epoxy crosslinking network destroyed the physical interaction between EVA and asphalts. Both LSCM and SEM observations found that smaller and well-distributed EVA-asphalt particles formed in EA/EVA blends with lower EVA loadings. However, EVA-asphalt particles distributed inhomogeneously in the blends with higher EVA loadings. The addition of EVA increased the viscosity of the neat EA. Moreover, the presence of EVA improved both thermal stability and mechanical properties of the neat EA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel Z-scheme photocatalyst of {0 1 0}BiVO 4 /Ag/CdS was fabricated. • The performance of this catalyst in removal of fluoroquinolones (FQs) was enhanced. • The improved performance was due to the synergistic adsorption and photodegradation. • Holes and superoxide radicals were the main active species for FQs photodegradation. In this work, the sheet-like BiVO 4 with a higher exposure ratio of {0 1 0} facets was synthesized by the addition of TiCl 3 , and the ratio of (0 4 0)/(0 1 1) on {0 1 0}BiVO 4 was 2.85 times higher than that of normal decahedral BiVO 4. Accordingly, the {0 1 0}BiVO 4 /Ag/CdS all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction was further constructed by photoreduction of Ag and chemical deposition of CdS on the well prepared {0 1 0}BiVO 4 successively. The performance and mechanism of {0 1 0}BiVO 4 /Ag/CdS in synergistic adsorption-photodegradation of fluoroquinolones (FQs) from water were investigated in detail. The adsorption-photodegradation could be divided into three processes: adsorption, surface degradation, and solution degradation, with the rate constants of 0.118, 0.029, and 0.012 min−1, respectively. Accordingly, the adsorption was a rapid process due to the combined CdS in this composited photocatalyst had a high affinity to FQs to achieve an adsorption equilibrium on the surfaces<30.0 min. Besides, {0 1 0}BiVO 4 /Ag/CdS had a better separation efficiency of photogenerated electron-hole pairs than BiVO 4 /Ag/CdS, because the enriched {0 1 0} facets of {0 1 0}BiVO 4 caused more BiVO 4 /Ag/CdS ternary structure formed, and>90% photodegradation efficiency for five FQs (C 0 = 0.062 mmol/L) was thus obtained within 60.0 min. The radical trapping and EPR results showed that holes and superoxide radicals were the main active species for FQs photodegradation. In summary, {0 1 0}BiVO4/Ag/CdS achieved an enhanced performance in synergistic adsorption and photodegradation of organic contaminants from water, and a talented photocatalyst was thus provided in water and wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Core-shell rubbers (CSRs) with two core polymers have been used to toughen epoxy asphalt (EA). • 2 wt% CSR with polybutadiene (PB) core alters the phase separation mechanism of EA. • Both swollen polymer and asphalt particles form in the continuous epoxy phase of EA. • The area fraction of swollen PB particles is higher that of swollen SB particles. • EA modified by CSR with PB core exhibits higher damping and mechanical properties. Core-shell rubber (CSR) is a good candidate for toughening epoxy asphalt binders. However, the knowledge of the effect of the core polymer on the performance of CSR modified hot-mix epoxy asphalt binder (HEAB) is not completed and systematic yet. In this paper, CSR modified HEABs were prepared by the incorporation of 2 wt% CSR particles with different core polymers, which were in turn subjected to viscous measurements, confocal microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile tests. The results revealed that the viscosity of CSR with styrene-butadiene copolymer (SB) core (CSR SB) modified HEAB is higher than that of CSR with polybutadiene (PB) core (CSR PB) modified HEAB during curing. The shell destruction of CSR particles resulted in the swelling of the core polymers and dispersion of swollen core polymer particles in the epoxy phase in the micron scale along with asphalt particles. The phase separation of CSR PB modified HEAB occurred in the spinodal decomposition mode, which was different from the nucleation and growth mechanism of the neat and CSR SB modified HEABs. The area fraction of swollen PB particles in the CSR modified HEAB was greater than that of swollen SB particles. The core polymer had a negligible effect on the thermal stability of CSR modified HEABs. The glass transition temperatures of epoxy and asphalt, damping ability and mechanical properties of the neat HEAB were increased with the addition of CSR particles. Especially, CSR PB modified HEAB had higher tensile strength and toughness than CSR SB modified HEAB. With 2 wt% CSR PB particles being adding, the tensile strength, elongation at break and toughness of the neat HEAB were increased by 53%, 42% and 110%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal shock significantly increases the pull-off strength of the touch-dry BEBC. • The hydrophilic touch-dry BEBC becomes hydrophobic after the thermal shock. • Thermal shock greatly increases the T g of the touch-dry BEBC. • The touch-dry BEBC's tensile strength increases by about 300% after the thermal shock. • Thermal shock temperature has a limited effect on the mechanical properties of BEBCs. B-staged epoxy bond coat (BEBC) has been widely applied as a waterproof adhesive layer in the pavements of orthotropic steel bridges. During its application, the uncured BEBC layer was first paved on the surface of the steel deck or the bituminous surfacing and hot bituminous mixture would be constructed until the BEBC layer became touch-dry. In this paper, the impacts of thermal shock on the degree of cure (DOC), pull-off strength, hydrophilicity, glass transition temperature (T g), damping performance, thermal stability and mechanical behaviors of the touch-dry BEBC were investigated. Thermal shock greatly increased the DOC of the touch-dry BEBC and the touch-dry BEBC turned to be nearly fully cured after the thermal shock at a higher temperature. The pull-off strength of the touch-dry BEBC was remarkably improved by the thermal shock. After the thermal shock at 160 °C, the pull-off strengths at room temperature and at 60 °C of the touch-dry BEBC were increased by 584% and 914%, respectively. After the thermal shock, the contact angle of the touch-dry BEBC was greatly increased and the hydrophilicity of the touch-dry BEBC was converted to hydrophobicity. Thermal shock significantly increased the T g of the touch-dry BEBC. Furthermore, the T g of thermally shocked BEBCs slightly increased in the temperature. Thermal shock improved the damping performance of the fully cured BEBC. The tensile strength and toughness of the touch-dry BEBC were greatly improved by the thermal shock. However, thermal shock lowered the elongation at break of touch-dry BEBC. In the case of thermally shocked BEBCs, the temperature had a limited effect on the tensile strength, while the elongation at break increased in the temperature. The fracture energy first decreased in the temperature and increased after 150 °C. Maximum fracture energy appeared at 160 °C. After the thermal shock, the tensile strength of the touch-dry BEBC was increased by as much as 3-fold. The fracture energy of the BEBC thermally shocked at 160 °C was 182% greater than that of the touch-dry BEBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Eco-friendly fire-retarded warm-mix epoxy asphalt binders (WEABs) have been developed. • RPFR of significantly improved the fire retardancy of the pure WEAB. • RPFR hinders WEAB's cure reaction and extends the allowable construction time of WEAB mixtures. • RPFR improves the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the pure WEAB. • Double phase separation forms in RPFR modified WEABs. Epoxy asphalt binder is flammable and plenty of fumes are produced during its high-temperature pavements in tunnels. To improve fire retardancy and reduce asphalt fumes, eco-friendly flame-retarded warm-mix epoxy asphalt binders (WEABs) for road tunnel pavements were developed by incorporation of reactive polymeric flame retardant (RPFR), which was composed of a reactive polymeric brominated epoxy oligomer (BEO) and antimony oxide. The influence of RPRF on flame retardancy, rotational viscosity, microstructures, thermal properties and mechanical performance of the pure WEAB was investigated using various techniques: oxygen index instrument, Brookfield viscometer, confocal microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analyzer and universal testing machine. The presence of RPFR significantly improved the limited oxygen index (LOI) of the pure WEAB. The LOI of RPFR modified WEABs increased in the flame retardant loading. The reaction of epoxide groups of RPFR with the curing agents of epoxy asphalt reduced the viscosity of the pure WEAB and extended the allowable construction time of the WEAB mixture. The inclusion of RPFR increased the glass transition temperature (T g) of the pure WEAB. For modified WEABs, the T g increased in the RPFR loading. RPFR reacted into the epoxy asphalt backbone through the reaction between epoxy groups and curing agents. The incorporation of RPFR improved the thermal stability of the pure WEAB. The addition of 8 wt% RPFR increased the tensile strength of the pure WEAB, while the inclusion of RPFR slightly decreased the break elongation of the pure WEAB. Double phase separation occurred in RPFR modified WEAB: the main phase separation included the continuous epoxy phase and the discontinuous asphalt domains, in which the secondary phase separation formed with asphalt as the continuous phase and spherical BEO domains as the discontinuous phase. The particle size of BEO domains decreased with the increase of the RPFR loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phase separation of ESBA disrupts the original dispersion of SBS in the asphalt. • The size of SBS domains in ESBAs increases in the SBS loading. • ESBA's viscosity increases in the SBS loading. • The thermal stability of ESBAs enhances with the increase of SBS loading. • The neat EA's elongation at break increases by 56% with the addition of 3 wt% SBS. Both styrene–butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS) and epoxy resin have been widely applied in the asphalt modification. The influence of SBS concentration on the morphology, viscosity, thermal stability, glass transition temperature (T g), damping performance and mechanical behaviors of the neat EA binder was studied. Double phase separation occurred in the epoxy SBS modified asphalt (ESBA): main phase separation between epoxy and the SBS modified asphalt (SBA) and secondary phase separation between asphalt and SBS. The occurrence of phase separation in the ESBA disrupted the original dispersion of SBS particles in SBA and resulted in the redistribution of SBS in the form of smaller spherical particles. The inclusion of SBS increased the viscosity of the neat EA. Furthermore, the viscosity of ESBAs increased with the SBS content. ESBAs had as long as 150-min construction time for the mixture pavement. The presence of SBS improved the thermostability of the neat EA. In terms of ESBAs, the thermostability increased with the SBS content. The addition of SBS lowered the T g of the neat EA when the SBS content was lower than 4 wt%. The T g of ESBAs increased with the SBS content. The incorporation of SBS significantly enhanced the damping behaviors of the neat EA. The tensile strength of the neat EA was improved with the addition of 2 wt% SBS. The inclusion of SBS improved the elongation at break and the toughness of the neat EA when the SBS loading was greater than 1 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A series of actinia-shaped lignin-based adsorbent (LNAEs) was designed and fabricated. • The prepared LNAEs were applied to remove ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin from water. • Electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding were mainly involved in this adsorption. • Adsorption mechanisms were revealed from graft-chain length and distribution of LNAEs. • Structure-activity relationship of this adsorbent was built using a simple model. A series of actinia-shaped lignin-based adsorbents (LNAEs) featuring lignin(LN) as the core and grafted poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as the tentacle were designed and fabricated. LNAEs were applied to remove ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin from water, and their maximum adsorption capacities were 0.835 and 0.965 mmol/g at pH 6.0, respectively. However, their adsorption capacities were up to about 20 % and 31 % reductions in the present of NaCl and humic acid, respectively. Electrostatic attraction (EA) and hydrogen bonding (HB), including ordinary HB and negative charged auxiliary HB, were mainly involved in adsorption. Experimental and calculation results indicated HB contributes more than EA. The effects of two structural factors of LNAEs, namely, PAA branched-chain length(L) and distribution density(D), on the adsorption performance associated with HB and EA, were quantitatively discussed using a binary nonlinear model based on phenomenological theory. The fitting results were completely consistent with the experimental findings. D was more efficient than L in promoting HB and EA in adsorption due to the cooperative effects of adjacent branched-chains and enhanced activity of terminal groups. This study provides a better understanding of the structure–activity relationship of surface grafting-modified adsorbents and fundamental guidance for the exploitation and design of novel and efficient adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a simple and environmentally-friendly enhanced coagulation, by using a cationic starch-based coagulant (starch-3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, St-CTA) coupled with an optimized polysilicic acid (PSA), has been tried to coagulate the kaolin suspensions and humic acid (HA) aqueous solutions, which are used as the simulated sources of inorganic colloidal particles and organic pollutant, respectively, in micro-polluted turbid surface water. Dosing of St-CTA and PSA at the same time is more efficient and more convenient than other two separated feeding methods in this enhanced coagulation process. The synergic coagulation process and mechanism were studied and discussed in detail based on the apparent coagulation performance, floc properties, and zeta potentials of supernatants. St-CTA caused an efficient charge neutralization, i.e. compression of electric double layer of kaolin particles and electrostatic adsorption of HA, followed by an effective netting-bridging effect of PSA, resulting in an improved purification performance. St-CTA with a higher charge density showed better purification performance due to enhanced charge neutralization effect. In addition to simulated water, the validation of this enhanced coagulation process was further confirmed by comparison with a conventional coagulant, polyaluminium chloride, in treating a real surface water. This work thus provides a simple and environmentally-friendly strategy to efficiently purify micro-polluted turbid surface water and further improve the water safety. Image 1 • An enhanced coagulation is provided by a cationic starch aided with polysilicic acid. • This strategy effectively purifies the micro-polluted turbid surface water. • Two agents dosed together show highly efficient purification performance. • Charge neutralization and netting-bridging effects play important roles. • The validation of this enhanced coagulation is confirmed by treating a real water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Core-shell rubber (CSR) nanoparticle toughened epoxy asphalt (EA) has been developed. • The toughness of the pure EA increases by 2-fold with only addition of 1 wt% CSR. • The shell of CSR is broken and the core of CSR swells in the EA. • Newly micro-scale CSR phase uniformly disperses in the epoxy phase of the EA. • CSR nanoparticles alters the mechanism of phase separation of the pure EA. Core-shell rubber (CSR) has been widely applied in the improvement of the toughness for the brittle epoxy resin. In this study, an epoxy asphalt (EA) binder has been toughened by the inclusion of CSR nanoparticles with approximately 100–200 nm in diameter. The incorporation of CSR nanoparticles significantly increased the viscosity of the pure EA during curing. Even with 5 wt% CSR, the EA blend exhibited extremely long operational lifetime (more than 2.5 h) for mixture pavements. The glassy shell of CSR nanoparticles was broken and the rubbery core of CSR nanoparticles swelled in the EA. New micro-scale CSR domains formed and uniformly dispersed in the epoxy phase of the cured EA. The inclusion of CSR nanoparticles altered the phase separation mechanism of the pure EA. The sea-island morphology of the pure EA took place through the nucleation and growth (NG) mechanism, while co-continuous microstructures in the EA blends with 3 wt% and 5 wt% CSR formed through the spinodal decomposition (SD) mechanism. Both sea-island and co-continuous microstructures via combined the NG and SD mechanisms were observed in the EA blend containing 1 wt% CSR. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the pure EA was improved by the inclusion of higher CSR loadings. The incorporation of CSR greatly enhanced the mechanical properties of the pure EA. In the case of 1 wt% CSR inclusion, 29% increase in the tensile strength, 60% improvement in the elongation at break and 2-fold increment in the toughness were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waste cooking oil (WCO) modified epoxy asphalt binder (EAB) has been developed. • WCO lowers the viscosity and thus extends the construction time of the neat EAB. • Phase inversion in WEAB occurs when 6 wt% WCO is added. • WCO improves the low-temperature performance of the neat EAB. • WCO enhances the damping properties and thermal stability of the neat EAB. Waste cooking oil (WCO) was used as a warm mix asphalt (WMA) additive to modify warm-mix asphalt binder (WEAB) with the expectation of lowering the viscosity and prolonging the construction time of the binder. The viscosity, phase separation, viscoelasticity, thermostability and mechanical properties of WCO modified WEABs were studied and compared with the neat WEAB. WCO significantly reduced the WEAB's viscosity and extended the construction time of the neat WEAB. Moreover, the reducing and prolonging effects increased with the WCO content. Phase-inverted microstructure and secondary phase separation formed in the modified WEAB with 6 wt% WCO. The inclusion of WCO improved the low-temperature performance of the neat WEAB. The damping behavior and thermostability of the neat WEAB were improved with the inclusion of WCO. The presence of WCO increased the elongation at break of the neat WEAB when the waste oil content was lower than 4 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Brominated SBS (BrSBS) modified epoxy asphalt (EBrSA) binder has been developed. • The nucleophilic substitution reaction occurs between BrSBS and amine curing agent. • Phase inversion takes place in the EBrSAs with higher BrSBS contents. • The flame retardancy of the neat HEAB is significantly improved by BrSBS. • BrSBS greatly increases the glass transition temperature of the neat HEAB. Brominated styrene–butadienestyrene triblock copolymer (BrSBS) is a novel polymeric flame retardant (PolyFR), which is eco-friendly due to its huge molecule weight. In this paper, BrSBS was added into an epoxy asphalt binder (EAB) to enhance the flame resistance of EAB. The microstructure, viscosity, fire resistance, thermal stability, dynamic mechanical behaviors and mechanical properties of BrSBS modified EABs (EBrSAs) were studied. Double phase separation occurred in EBrSAs. BrSBS modified asphalt (BrSA)-rich phase co-continuously dispersed in the continuous epoxy matrix when BrSBS content was lower. However, phase-inverted morphology appeared when the BrSBS content was higher. In other words, the epoxy-rich phase dispersed in the continuous BrSA-rich phase. The amine curing agent reacted with BrSBS through a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (S N 2) mechanism, resulting in the formation of epoxy/BrSBS interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). The incorporation of BrSBS greatly increased the viscosity of the neat EAB due to the nucleophilic substitution reaction between BrSBS and amine curing agent. BrSBS with lower loading significantly improved the flame retardancy of the neat EAB. BrSBS lowered the thermal stability, mechanical and damping behaviors of the neat EAB. However, the glass transition temperature (T g) of the neat EAB was notably enhanced with the inclusion of BrSBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]