As a successively and locally plastic deformation process, ball spinning is applied to manufacturing thin-walled Nickel-Titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi SMA) tube at high temperature. NiTi SMA tube blank belongs to the as-cast state which consists of a lot of dendritic grains and a few equiaxed grains. The compression tests of NiTi SMA were carried out at various strain rates at high temperature in order to obtain the constitutive model of NiTi SMA. Because NiTi SMA is sensitive to the strain rates at high temperature, rigid-viscoplastic finite element method (FEM) is used to simulate ball spinning of thin-walled NiTi SMA tube in order to analyze the deformation behavior of ball spinning of NiTi SMA tube. Stress fields, strain fields as well as velocity fields is obtained by means of rigid-viscoplastic FEM, which lays the profound foundations for studying the metal flow rule in ball spinning and forming perfect spun NiTi SMA tube.

The coating and deposition process with excellent anti wear and suitable for industrial application were developed, and the optimum bath composition and process were obtained by studying the influence of the bath composition, temperature and pH value on the deposition rate and the plating solution stability. Moreover, the tribological properties of nano-Cu lubricating additives and electroless deposited Ni-W-P coating as well as their synergistic effect are researched using ring-block abrasion testing machine and energy dispersive spectrometer. Research results show that Ni-W-P alloy coating and nano-Cu lubricating additive have excellent synergistic effect, e g, the wear resistance of Ni-W-P alloy coating (with heat treatment and the oil with nano-Cu additives) has increased hundreds times than 45 steel as the metal substrate with the basic oil, and zero wear is achieved, which breaks through the bottleneck of previous separate research of the above-mentioned two aspects.

Samples prepared from as-extruded magnesium alloy Mg-3%Al-1%Zn (AZ31) billets were utilized in low-cycle fatigue tests in order to investigate the frequency-dependent fatigue life. Fully reversed strain-controlled tension-compression fatigue tests were carried out at frequencies of 1 Hz and 10 Hz in air. The microstructures were examined by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). When the strain amplitude was lower than 0.2%, the fatigue life exhibited a positive correlation with loading frequency, and the activity of twinning was increased at 10 Hz. When the strain amplitude was higher than 0.2%, significant twinning was observed both at these two frequencies, and the fatigue life was found to be independent of frequency. The possible reasons for this frequency-related fatigue lifetime may be due to the dependence of twinning upon loading frequency and strain amplitude.

The corrosion behavior of partly coated carbon steel was investigated by salt spray test and scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) in order to understand the long-term corrosion behavior of coated carbon steel in marine atmosphere environment. The localized corrosion was accurately characterized by SKP in both coated and uncoated regions. The SKP results showed that Volta potential varied with the test time, and the more the corrosion products, the more positive the potential. The borderline between coated and uncoated regions of partly coated steel shifted towards the coated side with the increasing of test time. The coating disbonding rate could be determined according to the shift of potential borderline measured by SKP. The corrosion mechanism of partly coated steel in NaCl salt spray was discussed according to the potential maps and corrosion morphologies.

The mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of cold-deformed CrMnN austenitic stainless steel annealed in a temperature ranging from 50 °C to 650 °C for 90 min and at 550 °C for different time were investigated by tensile test, micro hardness test, and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The steel was strengthened when it got annealed at temperatures ranging from 100 °C to 550 °C, while it was softened when it got annealed at temperatures ranging from 550 °C to 650 °C. Annealing temperature had stronger effect on mechanical properties than annealing time. TEM observations showed that nano-sized precipitates formed when the steel was annealed at 150 °C for 90 min, but the size and density of precipitates had no noticeable change with annealing temperature and time. Recrystallization occurred when the steel was annealed at temperatures above 550 °C for 90 min, and its scale increased with annealing temperature. Nanosized annealing twins were observed. The mechanisms that controlled the mechanical behaviors of the steel were discussed.

Monophasic mullite (3Al₂O₃·2SiO₂) samples doped with 0.002 M, 0.02 M, 0.1 M, 0.15 M and 0.2 M of cobalt were prepared by a sol-gel process. Prepared gels were then dried, grinded, pressed into pellets and sintered at 1 000 °C and 1 300 °C for 4 h. Phase formation and densification behavior has been investigated as a function of the cobalt content and sintering temperature. Mullite densification behavior was analyzed. The density of the sintered ceramics was measured using Archimedes method. CoO and Co related compounds were detected by the analysis for G₃, G₄ and G₅ doping levels. The mullite X-ray diffraction suggests predominant incorporation of Co in the glassy phase, whose quantity increased with the doping level.

The apatite-type lanthanum silicates with formula La_9.33Si₆O₂₆ are prepared by sol-gel process. The homogeneity of the sol affected by pH value of the solution is investigated. The viscosity of the sols slightly increases first and then increases abruptly because the predominant reaction mechanism changes from hydrolysis reaction to condensation reaction. In addition, the onset time of the increase for the viscosity shortens from pH 1 to pH 4. The gelation time decreases with increasing pH of the solution. Therefore, the pH of the sols should be less than 4 to form gel. The sol with initial pH 2 shows maximum value of zeta potential and maximum stability. For the sample with initial pH 2, pure apatite-type lanthanum silicates La_9.33Si₆O₂₆ have been successfully prepared after the dried gel is calcined at 1 000 °C. In addition, this sample sintered at 1 550 °C exhibits the highest ionic conductivity. The activation energies are all less than 0.90 eV.

The formation of Ag clusters on titanium oxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles was achieved by selfassembly process and calcination. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and conventional techniques (XRD, TEM and UV-Vis) were used to identify Ag particles on the TiO₂ surfaces. The results show that Ag-TiO₂ particles can be applied to improve catalytic activity of the epoxidation of styrene oxides. Styrene oxide is the main product of catalytic reaction with H₂O₂ as the oxidant by using Ag-TiO₂ nanoparticles as catalysts. High catalytic activitity of styrene oxide can be obtainable at 80 °C. The reaction temperature, reaction time, the molar ratio of H₂O₂/styrene and solvent affect greatly the catalytic epoxidation of styrene.

A completely green pathway for the preparation of Ag nanoparticles was proposed, by using soy protein isolate (SPI) as stabilizer under UV irradiation and H₂O as the environmentally benign solvent throughout the preparation. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and zeta potential characterization results indicated that the Ag nanoparticles were stable and well dispersed with an average diameter about 13 nm, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of SPI/Ag composite nanoparticles confirmed the formation of metallic silver. UV-Vis spectrum showed that the Ag nanoparticles dispersion solution had the maximum absorbance at about 430 nm due to surface plasmon resonance of the Ag nanoparticles. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the polypeptide backbone of SPI was not cleaved during the conjugation process and that some active amino groups were oxidized. The SPI/Ag composite nanoparticles have excellent antibacterial activity against two representative bacteria, staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and escherichia coli (Gram negative) in the presence of SPI.

The sheet-like nano TiO₂ particles were prepared by using hydrothermal method, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), infrared spectroscopy(IR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is found that the nanoparticle sizes and crystallinity increase with the increase of hydrothermal temperature from 150 °C to 160 °C, and then to 180 °C. With the increase of particle sizes, the absorption capacities and photocatalytic abilities of as-prepared TiO₂ particles for crystal violet become better and better. The nano TiO₂ with big particles is more stable than that with small particles, although its initial photocatalytic activity is relatively lower compared with that of the small particle samples.

The stoichiometric vanadium(IV) oxide thin films were obtained by controlling the temperature, time and pressure of annealing. The thermochromic phase transition and the IR thermochromic property of 400 nm and 900 nm VO₂ thin films in the 7.5 μm-14 μm region were discussed. The derived VO₂ thin film samples were characterized by Raman, XRD, XPS, AFM, SEM, and DSC. The resistance and infrared emissivity of VO₂ thin films under different temperature were measured, and the thermal images of films were obtained using infrared imager. The results show that the VO₂ thin film annealed at 550 °C for 10 hours through aqueous sol-gel process is pure and uniform. The 900 nm VO₂ thin film exhibits better IR thermochromic property than the 400 nm VO₂ thin film. The resistance of 900 nm VO₂ film can change by 4 orders of magnitude and the emissivity can change by 0.6 during the phase transition, suggesting the outstanding IR thermochromic property. The derived VO₂ thin film can control its infrared radiation intensity and lower its apparent temperature actively when the real temperature increases, which may be applied in the field of energy saving, thermal control and camouflage.

A double-layer TiO₂ nanotube arrays were formed by two-step anodization of Ti foils in different electrolytes. First, Ti in 0.5 wt% HF was anodized to form thin nanotube layer. Afterwards a second anodization was conducted in a formamide based electrolyte, which allowed the second layer of nanotube growing directly underneath the first one. From FESEM investigation we found that the thickness of second layer corresponded to the anodization time, the increasing of which would lead to the excessive etching on the first layer. The first layer protected the lower one from fluoride corrosion during anodization process. The double layer TiO₂ nanotube arrays showed no benefit to photodegradation effect in methyl orange degradation experiments.

CH₃SiCl₃ (MTS)-H₂-Ar system has been applied to prepare SiC film with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method in this paper. For three facets of SiC film, some significant influence on growth rate, surface roughness, thickness and relative density brought by MTS consistency has been mainly discussed with kinetic monte carlo (KMC) method. The simulation results show that there is a certain scale for mol ratio of H₂ to MTS (H₂/MTS) with different deposition temperature. When MTS consistency increases, growth rate and surface roughness of three facets all increase, which manifests approximate linearity relationship. Thickness of three facets also increases while increasing trend of three facets thickness is different obviously. Although relative density of three facets all increases, increasing trend shows a little difference with MTS consistency increasing.

CdSe/CdS semiconductor quantum dots co-sensitized TiO₂ nanorod array was fabricated on the transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate using the hydrothermal and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) process. The structural and morphological properties of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that CdSe/CdS QDs are uniformly coated on the surface of the TiO₂ nanorods. The shift of light absorption edge was monitored by taking UV-visible absorption spectra. Compared with the absorption spectra of the TiO₂ nanorod array, deposition of CdSe/CdS QDs shifts the absorption edge to the higher wavelength. The enhanced light absorption in the visible-light region of CdSe/CdS/TiO₂ nanorod array indicates that CdSe/CdS layers can act as co-sensitizers in quantum dots sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). By optimizing the CdSe layer deposition cycles, a photocurrent of 5.78 mA/cm², an open circuit photovoltage of 0.469 V and a conversion efficiency of 1.34 % were obtained under an illumination of 100 mw/cm².

60CeO₂-40TiO₂ thin films were deposited on soda-lime silicate glass substrates by R.F. magnetron sputtering. The effects of heat-treatment on the UV-absorption of the thin films were studied on the 60CeO₂-40TiO₂ thin film with the largest UV cut-off wavelength. The sample films with CeO₂:TiO₂=60:40 were heated at 773 K, 873 K, 973 K for 30 min. These films are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and spectrometer (XPS). XRD analysis proves that the addition of TiO₂ to CeO₂ changed the crystalline state of CeO₂. But the UV absorption effect of CeO₂-TiO₂ films with CeO₂ crystallite phase is inferior to that of the amorphous phase CeO₂-TiO₂ films. XPS analysis also indicates that the amorphous phase CeO₂-TiO₂ films have the most Ce³⁺ content in these films. Amorphous phase and crystalline phase of the CeO₂-TiO₂ films have different effects on UV absorption of the thin films.

This research explored replacing acrylic core-shell impact modifier (AIM) by silica fume to toughen PVC. 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of AIM (8 phr) were substituted by silica fume in PVC respectively, and then processed by dry blending and twin-screw extrusion. Severe silica fume agglomeration was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in the PVC matrix when 8 phr pure silica fume was used and processed by screw speed of 20 rpm. Its tensile strength was thereby reduced by 38% comparing to unmodified PVC. The silica fume was successfully dispersed while the screw speed was slowed down to 10 rpm to give a stronger screw torque and a longer melt residential time in the extruder. The tensile strength was ‘recovered’ to a level comparable to unmodified PVC. Impact test were performed on all formulations extruded at 10 rpm screw speed and synergetic toughening effect was found with 50% substitution and it had the impact strength that was comparable to 8 phr pure AIM toughened PVC.

Adiabatic shear behavior and the corresponding mechanism of TiB₂/Al composites were researched by split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Results show that the flow stresses of the TiB₂/Al composites exhibit softening tendency with the increasing of strain rates. All the composites fail in splitting and cutting with a 45 degree, and the phase transformed bands of molten aluminum are found on the adiabatic shear layers. The deformation behavior and shear localization of the TiB₂/Al composites specimens were simulated by finite element code MSC. Marc. The Johnson-Cook model was used to describe the thermo-viscoplastic response of the specimen material. There was unanimous between the numerical result and the experimental result on the location of the adiabatic shear band. From the numerical simulation and experiment, it was concluded that the instantaneous failure of the composite was ascribed due to the local low strength area where the formation of adiabatic shear band was, and the stress condition had significant effect on the initiation and propagation of adiabatic shear band (ASB).

Au nanoparticles coated on the surface of glass (Sample A) or on anodic aluminum oxide template surface (Sample B) were prepared using titanium dioxide sol-gel doped with chloroauric acid and with a reduction process. FE-SEM, UV-Vis spectrum and Fluorescence spectrum tests show that Au nanoparticles have been distributed randomly on the surface of glass, while deposition occurs on the surface of regular hollows for anodic aluminum oxide template. A sharp absorption peak appears at the wavelength of 536 nm for sample B, while there is a red shift, with a broader peak for sample A. A distinct fluorescence emission at the wavelength of 633 nm is detected for sample A, but no noticeable fluorescence emission has been found for Sample B. The results indicate that the microstructure and optical properties of Au nanoparticles can be modulated by different substrate.

Axial deep creep-feed grinding machining technology is a high efficiency process method of engineering ceramics materials, which is an original method to process the cylindrical ceramics materials or hole along its axis. The analysis of axial force and edge fracture proved the cutting thickness and feed rate could be more than 5–10 mm and 200 mm/min respectively in once process, and realized high efficiency, low-cost process of engineering ceramics materials. Compared with high speed-deep grinding machining, this method is also a high efficiency machining technology of engineering ceramics materials as well as with low cost. In addition, removal mechanism analyses showed that both median/radial cracks and lateral cracks appeared in the part to be removed, and the processed part is seldom destroyed, only by adjusting the axial force to control the length of transverse cracks.

Semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPNs) hydrogels containing biocompatible silk sericin (SS) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)(PNIPAM) were prepared as novel cellular matrices. Their maximum swelling degree and basic characteristics for biomedical applications such as mouse fibroblasts (L929) cell proliferation and desorption were investigated. The results showed that the incorporation of high hydrophilic SS into PNIPAM hydrogel increased the maximum swelling degree of the semi-IPNs hydrogels, and the adhesion and growth of the L929 on semi-IPNs hydrogels were at least comparable to, or even better than, that on conventional PNIPAM hydrogel. In addition, L929 cells were found to detach from the hydrogels surface naturally by controlling environmental temperature. These results suggest great potential of semi-IPNs hydrogels in tissue engineering.

To investigate the molecular aspects of osteoblastic interactions with β tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) particles, human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells were cultured with β-TCP particles at a density of 6 mg/mL culture medium for 48 h. Then, the mRNA expression of selected genes were quantified by realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including the attachment-related genes (α integrin and actin), the proliferation-related gene (c-jun), and the osteoblastic markers genes (type I collagen, osteonectin, alkaline phosphatase, RUNX2 and osteoclain). The results showed that β-TCP particles (the average size 809 nm) significantly promote the attachment and the proliferation of MG-63 cells, and slightly enhance the osteoblastic differentiation based on the analyses of the related genes expression. This study provided scientific evidences to better reveal the underlines of functions of β-TCP in bone repair.

The flammability, smoke emission behavior and mechanical properties of two oligomeric aryl phosphates [bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BDP) and resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP)] combined with magnesium hydroxide (MH) in polyamide 6 (PA6) have been investigated. Combining 5 wt% BDP, 50 wt% MH imparts a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 40.9% and UL94 V-0 rating to PA6, meanwhile the peak rate of smoke release (pRSR), total release of smoke (TSR) and Izod notched impact strength are 41%, 33% and 233% relative to the corresponding value of 55 wt% MH without BDP, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicates that the improvement of toughness attributes to the enhanced compatibility between MH and PA6 by adding BDP. Furthermore, based on the comprehensive analysis of thermogravimetry (TG), cone calorimeter and SEM-EDX investigations, possible flame retardancy and smoke suppression mechanisms were revealed. Besides the fuel dilution and barrier effect of MH, the combination of MH and RDP shows an additional flame inhibition effect. The combination of MH and BDP results in a dominant condensed phase barrier effect which leads to obvious reduction on smoke emission and flammability.

Stable high-solids-content acrylate emulsion were obtained with a nonionic polymerizable emulsifier allyloxy nonylphenoxy poly (ethyleneoxy) (10) ether (ANPEO₁₀), and a conventional emulsifier OP-10 as a reference sample. 1H NMR proves that the polymerizable emulsifier ANPEO₁₀ has been incorporated into the resulted acrylate polymers. TEM demonstrates that there are some differences in the particle morphologies. AFM proves that the polymerizable emulsifier ANPEO₁₀ migrating to the surface of the emulsion film was much less than the conventional emulsifier OP-10. The polymerizable emulsifier ANPEO₁₀ can enhance the adhesion with glass plate compared to the conventional emulsifier. Furthermore, with increasing amount of emulsifier, the surface free energy of the films first decreased and then increased, and the adhesion with glass plate is initially enhanced and then attenuated. The water-resistance and solvent-resistance of the films prepared by the polymerizable emulsifier ANPEO₁₀ are superior to those prepared by the conventional emulsifier OP-10.

Lignocellulose/montmorillonite (LNC/MMT) nanocomposites were prepared and characterized by FTIR and XRD. The adsorption of congo red (CR) on LNC/MMT nanocomposite was studied in detail. The effects of contact temperature, pH value of the dye solutions, contact time and concentration of dye solutions on the adsorption capacities of lignocellulose (LNC), montmorillonite (MMT) and the nanocomposite were investigated. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms and adsorption thermodynamics of the nanocomposite for CR were also studied. The results show that the adsorption capacity of LNC/MMT nanocomosite is higher than that of LNC and MMT. All the adsorption processes fit very well with the pseudo-second-order and the Langmuir equation. From thermodynamic studies, it is seen that the adsorption is spontaneous and endothermic.

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials having advantages such as higher strength to weight than conventional engineering materials, non-corrosiveness and modularization, which should help engineers to obtain more efficient and cost effective structural materials and systems. Currently, FRP composites are becoming more popular in civil engineering applications. The objectives of this research are to study performance and behavior of light weight multi-cellular FRP composite bridge decks (both module and system levels) under various loading conditions through finite element modeling, and to validate analytical response of FRP composite bridge decks with data from laboratory evaluations. The relative deflection, equivalent flexural rigidity, failure load (mode) and load distribution factors (LDF) based on FE results have been compared with experimental data and discussed in detail. The finite element results showing good correlations with experimental data are presented in this work.

The fracture toughness of a carbon/carbon composites oxidized at different temperature for 1 h was measured. The fracture surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that oxidation temperature has significant effects on the fracture toughness. Fracture toughness decreases with the increase of the weight loss. The SEM images reveal that the decrease of fracture toughness was mainly attributed to the oxidation of the interface in the composite.

The reduction process of ilmenite by hydrogen and methane under MPCVD was analyzed by XRD result. The reduction degree of ilmenite increased with adding methane, the case similar to reduction rate. The mechanism of reduction process changed with the increasement of methane flow because of the formation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The morphology of reduced samples was observed by SEM, and it was found that CNTs played an important role in the fracture of ilmenite particles. The reduction kinetics showed that the reduction was rate-controlling for hydrogen, and diffusion-controlling when hydrogen mixed with high flow methane.

Based on the first-principle calculations for 3D Hofmann-like spin-crossover (SCO) compound [Fe(C₄H₄N₂){Pt(CN)₄}], the discrepancy of transition mechanism is clarified with quantitatively distinguishable evidence of second order phase transition. It shows that the stretch around 0.2 Å of Fe-N bond length leads to the continuous structure expansion, as the energy splitting ΔE _HL between low-spin and high-spin states reduces from 2.554 2 eV to −0.327 8 eV, and the crystal-field splitting (CFS) is reduced from 1.845 8 eV to 0.420 8 eV meanwhile. A physics image relating the calculations results with CFS in the frame of ligand-field theory is presented, which manifests that CFS is a necessary parameter to be introduced directly in the theory of spinstate transition.

Layered organic-inorganic hybrids containing bilayer perovsikte (R-NH₃)₂(CH₃NH₃)Pb₂I₇ (where R=C₁₂H₂₅,C₆H₅C₂H₄) were synthesized by reactions in solution. The influences of the solvents and the reactant ratio on the structures of the products were investigated. The structures and the properties of the hybrids were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ultraviolet and visible (UV) adsorption spectra. For comparing with the bilayer perovskite hybrids in structure and band gap magnitude, the hybrids containing monolayer perovskite (R-NH₃)₂PbI₄ were also synthesized and characterized. The results demonstrate that the thickness of inorganic layer has obvious effect on the tunneling magnitude of the band gap but the organic part can be micro actuator of band gap.

Polyurethane (PU) and phenolic (PF) foams used for building isolation were analyzed by thermal gravity/differential thermal analysis to determine their pyrolysis behavior, including the decomposition point and the maximum reaction rate point. Besides, the shape deformations of PU and PF foams were observed, and their oxygen index and the calorific value in combustion were also studied. The results showed that the pyrolysis of both PU and PF can be divided into three stages from room temperature to 1 000 °C in the atmospheric air, with total mass loss of 94.345% for PF and 88.191% for PU, respectively. The oxygen index of PU and PF decreased with increasing the temperature and the duration of the heat treatment. With the temperature increasing, the calorific values of both materials were reduced remarkably. These results of the PU and PF could provide basic data of the thermal stability and fire safety design in the application of thermosetting insulation materials.

Carbon fiber reinforced phenolic based composites were prepared by laminating molding. The variation in mechanical characteristics of composites was evaluated with heating temperature and procedure. The microstructures of composites at different temperatures were observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results showed that the main weight loss range of carbon/phenolic is from 300 to 800 °, before 700 ° the weight loss was resulted from pyrolysis and after that the weight loss was mainly by oxidation in the fiber phase; with the heat treatment temperature rising, the bonding at the interface of carbon fibers and resin matrix weakened; in the pyrolysis temperature range, the interlaminar shear strength(ILSS) of carbon/phenolic showed a rapid drop with temperature rising, and then decrease in the rate of ILSS became relatively slower; the fiber oxidation had little influence on the ILSS.

Physical properties and geometrical morphologies of crushed air-cooled blast furnace slag (SCR) and crushed limestone (LCR) were comparatively investigated. The shape, angularity, surface texture and internal pore structure of aggregate particles for different size and gradation were numerically represented by sphericity (ψ) and shape index (SI), angularity number (AN), index of aggregate particle shape and texture (IAPST), porosity and pore size, respectively. The results show that SCR is a porous and rough aggregate. Apparent density, void, water absorption and smashing index of SCR are obviously higher than those of LCR with the same gradation, respectively. However, bulk density of SCR is lower than that of LCR with the same gradation. SI, AN, IAPST and porosity of SCR are obviously higher than those of LCR with the same gradation, respectively. The smaller particle size of SCR, the larger of its AN, IAPST and porosity.

In order to find a parameter as the evaluation index that can capture the effect of the interaction between asphalt and aggregate, the rheological properties of asphalt mastics using two kinds of asphalts and four kinds of aggregates under different filler-asphalt ratios were measured by a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Moreover, four rheological parameters of K.Ziegel-B, Luis Ibrarra-A, complex shear modulus ΔG* and complex viscosity Δη* for evaluating the interaction ability were studied. Results indicate that all the four parameters can characterize the interaction ability of asphalt and aggregate correctly and feasibly. Through the comparison of sensitivities and physical meanings of the four parameters, K.Ziegel-B with high sensitivity and exact physical meaning is finally selected as the evaluation index for interaction ability of asphalt and aggregate.

The strain distributions near the interface when the elbow steel fiber is pulled out from the half-mould concrete matrix are directly measured using a combined method of single fiber pull-out test and digital image correlation. Meanwhile, the real-time processes of the bonding, debonding and sliding at the interface are observed. The micro-mechanism of the strain localization in the failure process of interface when debonding occurs and the strengthening mechanism at the imbedded fiber are discussed. The experimental results show that the meso-scale strain localization gives rise to the localization of shear damage near the fiber interface. This strain localization characterized by the debonding process near the interface occurs, develops and moves gradually at an apparently regular interval. At the elbow part of the imbedded fiber, the peak value of the shearing stress occurs. But the primary debonding does not occur at this place because the strength of the shear damage is increased at the local area of the elbow part in the concrete, displaying an apparent reinforced effect at the end of the fiber.

The effects of cerium nitrite on corrosion behaviors of carbon steel in simulated concrete pore solutions were studied with the methods of linear polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and surface analysis. In pore solutions in the presence of Ce(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, the corrosion potential, polarization resistance and impedance of carbon steel obviously increased in contrast to the situation in the absence of cerium salts. The pore solution with [NO₂ ⁻] / [Cl⁻] = 0.3 and 0.1% Ce(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, carbon steel shows better corrosion resistance than that in the pore solution with [NO₂ ⁻] / [Cl⁻] = 0.6, which indicates that a small amount of Ce(NO₃)₃·6H₂O in pore solutions can effectively promote passivation of the steel and reduce the threshold [NO₂ ⁻] / [Cl⁻] ratio for corrosion control. The surface layer formed in cerium salt containing pore solutions is more compact and smooth and 1.36%Ce is examined on the sample surface. The addition of 0.1% Ce(NO₃)₃· 6H₂O in pore solutions can decrease the corrosion rate of steel in pore solutions and has little influence on pH change of the solutions. However, more cerium nitrate addition above 0.1% may result in pH decrease of the solution.

The electrical conductivity, compression sensibility, workability and cost are factors that affect the application of conductive smart materials in civil structures. Consequently, the resistance and compression sensibility of magnetic-concentrated fly ash (MCFA) mortar were investigated using two electrode method, and the difference of compression sensibility between MCFA mortar and carbon fiber reinforced cement (CFRC) under uniaxial loading was studied. Factors affecting the compression sensibility of MCFA mortar, such as MCFA content, loading rate and stress cycles, were analyzed. Results show that fly ash with high content of Fe₃O₄ can be used to prepare conductive mortar since Fe₃O₄ is a kind of nonstoichiometric oxide and usually acts as semiconductor. MCFA mortar exhibits the same electrical conductivity to that of CFRC when the content of MCFA is more than 40% by weight of sample. The compression sensibility of mortar is improved with the increase of MCFA content and loading rate. The compression sensibility of MCFA mortar is reversible with the circling of loading. Results show that the application of MCFA in concrete not only provides excellent performances of electrical-functionality and workability, but also reduces the cost of conductive concrete.

This paper explores reclaimed and recycled material used in ecovillages. The models discussed in this paper include BedZED in the United Kingdom and Masdar City in the Middle East. These two communities contain features characterized by the sustainable principles of the ecovillage concept by using nontraditional building materials. The creations of more ecovillages, along with the growth of current ecovillages, play an important role in positively solvening environmental and social problems. The sustainable materials used in the ecovillages also act as a model for communities wishing to implement sustainable development.