scholarly journals Microbial-Induced Carbonate Precipitation Improves Physical and Structural Properties of Nanjing Ancient City Walls

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
pp. 5665
Author(s):  
Baogang Mu ◽  
Zheyi Gui ◽  
Fei Lu ◽  
Evangelos Petropoulos ◽  
Yongjie Yu

The preservation and restoration of heritage sites have always been of key focus in the field of cultural relics. Current restoration methods mainly involve physical or chemical techniques, which are in many cases intrusive, destructive, and irreversible. Hereby, we introduce a novel biological strategy (microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP)) to repair natural and simulated surface cracks on six hundred years’ old wall bricks (part of the Nanjing City Min Dynasty ancient wall, China). X-ray micro computed tomography (X-ray micro-CT) was employed to non-destructively visualize the internal structure of the MICP-treated brick cubes. The results showed that MICP can effectively repair both natural and simulated cracks present on the brick’s surface. The compressive strength of the MICP-treated brick cubes was significantly higher than that of the untreated control cubes (33.56 ± 9.07 vs. 19.00 ± 1.98 kN, respectively). MICP significantly increased the softening coefficient and decreased the water absorption rate (p < 0.05), indicating that the water resistance of the wall bricks can be improved after treatment. The 3D images from X-ray micro-CT, a method that could non-destructively assess the internals of such cultural structures, showed that MICP can effectively repair ancient relics, promoting durability and limiting degradation without affecting the structure. X-ray diffraction analyses showed that MICP generates the same calcite form as that of original bricks, indicating that MICP filler is compatible with the ancient city wall brick. These findings are in line with the concept of contemporary heritage preservation.

Heritage ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 468-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Carvalho ◽  
Andreia Lopes ◽  
Antonella Curulli ◽  
Teresa da Silva ◽  
Maria Lima ◽  
...  

Good conservation and restoration practices of cultural heritage assets rely on the knowledge of original materials. In the framework of the HERACLES Project (HERACLES—HEritage Resilience Against CLimate Events on Site, H2020 Grant Agreement 700395), dealing with the effects of climatic actions and natural hazards on built heritage, a set of important heritage sites are currently under study to improve their resilience against climate events. Among these are the medieval Gubbio Town Walls in Italy. The present work focuses on the mortars and binders of this monument and collected samples related to different parts of the Walls, corresponding to various historical periods of construction and interventions. They were characterized to determine their minerochemical composition, thermal behavior, and morphology. For that purpose, ex-situ laboratory techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), optical microscopy (OM), polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and simultaneous differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry (TG-DTA) were used to discern trends in different sampling areas due to construction/reconstruction periods and building techniques.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuhui Chen ◽  
He Cao ◽  
Dawei Sun ◽  
Changxin Lin ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
...  

Bone fracture is a global healthcare issue for high rates of delayed healing and nonunions. Although n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) is considered as a beneficial factor for bone metabolism, only few studies till date focused on the effects of n-3 PUFAs on fracture healing. In this study, we investigated the effect of endogenous n-3 PUFAs on fracture healing by measuring femur fracture repair in bothfat-1transgenic mice and WT mice. Proximal femoral fracture model was established infat-1transgenic mice and WT mice, respectively, and then the fracture was analyzed by using X-ray, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histological assessment at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after fixation. The results showed that compared with WT mice,fat-1mice exhibited acceleration in fracture healing through radiographic and histological analysis (18–21 days versus 21–28 days postfracture). Meanwhile, X-ray and micro-CT analysis that showed better remodeling callus formation were in thefat-1group compared to WT group. Furthermore, histological analysis revealed that endogenous n-3 PUFAs promoted local endochondral ossification and accelerated the remodeling of calcified calluses after fracture. In conclusion, the present study indicated that endogenously produced n-3 PUFAs promote fracture healing process and accelerate bone remodeling in mice, and supplementation of n-3 PUFAs was positively associated with fracture healing.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Porfido ◽  
Roberto Rizzo ◽  
David Healy ◽  
Matteo Spagnuolo ◽  
Roberto Terzano ◽  
...  

<div><div><div><p>This work presents a study on the fracturing behaviour of a quartz tempered clay-based ceramic subjected to damage in freeze-thaw cycles. X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) provided high-resolution imaging of the ceramic before and during the freeze-thaw treatment, allowing to analyse a fully water-saturated sample using a special thermal stage designed to keep the sample frozen during analyses. Micro-CT 3D renderings showed the internal features of the specimen (i.e., quartz grain distribution), the increment of fracture count and size, and the detachment of ceramic and/or temper fragments from the edges of the sample over the cycles. Selected 2D micrographs, before and after freeze-thawing treatment, were analysed using the MATLAB toolbox FracPaQ. This software provided detailed data on fracture length, intensity, density, orientation and connectivity, and enabled to interpret the process of fracture initiation and propagation inside the material. These results showed that the temper plays a crucial role in ceramic fracturing behaviour under freeze- thawing conditions, as damage propagation is influenced by quartz grain distribution and orientation within the material. The study described in this work, not only offers new insights into the fracture dynamics of freeze-thawed clay-based ceramics, but also presents a new methodological approach to quantitatively measure fracture damage in porous materials.</p></div></div></div>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Wei ◽  
Noman Yashir ◽  
Fengqiu An ◽  
Syed Asad Imtiaz ◽  
Xian Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an advanced bioremediation approach to remediate heavy metals (HMs) contaminated water and soil. In this study, metal tolerant urease-producing bacterial isolates, namely UR1, UR16, UR20 and UR21, were selected based on their urease activity. The efficiency of these isolates in water for Pb and Cd immobilization was explored. Our results revealed that UR21 had the highest removal rates of Pb (81.9%) and Cd (65.0%) in solution within 72 h through MICP. The scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray and x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the structure and the existence of PbCO3 and CdCO3 crystals in the precipitates. In addition, the strain UR21, in combination with urea/eggshell waste (EGS) or both, was further employed to investigate the effect of MICP on soil enzymatic activity, chemical fractions and bioavailability of Pb and Cd. The outcomes indicated that the applied treatments reduced the proportion of soluble-exchangeable Pb and Cd, resulted an increment in carbonated bound Pb and Cd in the soil. The DTPA extractable Pb and Cd was reduced by 29.2% and 25.2% with the treatment of UR21 + urea + EGS as compared to the control. Besides, the application of UR21 and EGS significantly increased the soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and enzyme activities. Our findings may provide a novel perceptive for an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to remediate heavy metal contaminated environment through a combination of metal-resistant ureolytic bacterial strain and EGS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-343
Author(s):  
Dongyun Lee ◽  
Jisun Shin

Molar-incisor malformation (MIM) is a new type of root anomaly reported recently. The characteristics of MIM are dysplastic root formations, constriction of pulp chambers and presence of calcified matrices at the level of cementoenamel junction in permanent first molars and primary second molars. In some cases, permanent maxillary incisors are also affected.The permanent first molars of the patient in this case report were affected with MIM. Generalized pulp stones were observed in overall primary dentition. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis were performed on the extracted mandibular first molar and maxillary primary second molar of the patient. Micro-CT images revealed the discontinuity of enamel directly connected to an accessory canal of the root.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1135 (1) ◽  
pp. 012023
Author(s):  
Rickard Olsson ◽  
John Powell ◽  
Jan Frostevarg ◽  
Alexander F.H. Kaplan

Abstract Surfaces generated by Additive Manufacturing or laser texturing can involve the solidification of droplets of liquid, which can give rise to overhanging features on the solidified surface. Overhanging features add a layer of complexity to the surface topography and are undetectable by standard surface roughness measurement techniques such as profilometry. Such features are important because they can have a considerable effect on surface properties such as wettability. New techniques and algorithms are therefore required to analyse and quantify convoluted surfaces with overhanging (re-entrant) features. Earlier work by the authors introduced the concept of using X-ray micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) to identify the directions of vectors normal to the surface at any point and thus indicate the presence or absence of overhanging features. This paper divides overhanging features into two types; simple and compound, and introduces new, size independent, analysis techniques which measure what proportion of each type is on the surface. Another extension of the analysis is the comparison of surface profiles taken in different directions in order to identify any surface roughness anisotropies.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 3606
Author(s):  
Armin Rashidi ◽  
Tina Olfatbakhsh ◽  
Bryn Crawford ◽  
Abbas S. Milani

X-ray computed tomography provides qualitative and quantitative structural and compositional information for a broad range of materials. Yet, its contribution to the field of advanced composites such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers is still limited by factors such as low imaging contrast, due to scarce X-ray attenuation features. This article, through a review of the state of the art, followed by an example case study on Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis of low X-ray absorptive dry and prepreg carbon woven fabric composites, aims to highlight and address some challenges as well as best practices on performing scans that can capture key features of the material. In the case study, utilizing an Xradia Micro-CT-400, important aspects such as obtaining sufficient contrast, an examination of thin samples, sample size/resolution issues, and image-based modeling are discussed. The outcome of an optimized workflow in Micro-CT of composite fabrics can assist in further research efforts such as the generation of surface or volume meshes for the numerical modeling of underlying deformation mechanisms during their manufacturing processes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Kachovich ◽  
Jonathan C. Aitchison

AbstractA new, previously undescribed Middle Ordovician (middle Darriwilian: Dw2) radiolarian assemblage has been recovered from the Table Cove Formation at Piccadilly Quarry, western Newfoundland. Constituents of the fauna described herein are both distinctive and exceptionally well preserved. Three-dimensional X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) is used to make a detailed examination of four key spumellarian specimens. This technology enables visualization of hitherto ambiguous details of the internal morphologies of key lower Paleozoic taxonomic groups, among which a lack of knowledge has impeded resolution of higher taxonomic rankings.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Tapie ◽  
N. Chiche ◽  
P. Boitelle ◽  
P. Morenton ◽  
J.-P. Attal ◽  
...  

Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing systems are increasingly used to produce dental prostheses, but the parts produced suffer from a lack of evaluation, especially concerning the internal gap of the final assembly, that is, the space between the prepared tooth and the prosthesis. X-ray micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) is a noninvasive imaging technique enabling the internal inspection of the assembly. It has proved to be an efficient tool for measuring the gap. In this study, a critical review of the protocols using micro-CT to quantify the gap is proposed as an introduction to a new protocol aimed at minimizing errors and enabling comparison between CAD/CAM systems. To compare different systems, a standardized protocol is proposed including two reference geometries. Micro-CT is used to acquire the reference geometries. A new 3D method is then proposed and a new indicator is defined (Gap Size Distribution (GSD)). In addition, the usual 2D measurements are described and discussed. The 3D gap measurement method proposed can be used in clinical case geometries and has the considerable advantage of minimizing the data processing steps before performing the measurements.


2015 ◽  
Vol 651-653 ◽  
pp. 325-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Barburski ◽  
Ilya Straumit ◽  
Stepan V. Lomov

X-ray micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) is a non-destructive technique that can provide information on the internal structure of materials. The purpose of micro-CT is to assess the presence of defects as well as characterizing internal structures and potential damage present in the produced part. Simple shear is an interesting deformation mechanism for woven fabric draping. The internal structure change of the carbon fibre twill fabric after shear deformation is chosen as a subject of this paper. Parameters of the mesoscopic internal structure of the woven fabric like cross section, shape, area, and middle line coordinates can be obtained from micro-CT images through image processing procedures. Details of the image data processing for sheared fabric cross sections are discussed. This paper illustrates the possibilities of micro-focus computer tomography in materials research, namely for defining geometrical properties of textile. Image processing is also used for the recognition of fibre direction in the yarns. Described methodology can be applied for determining structure of a fabric, and the results can be used for further micromechanical modelling. Identification of the fibres orientation is important for estimation of the mechanical properties of composites and can be achieved with image processing techniques.


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