Micro‐tomographic characterization of composite recycled glass‐silicone foams for applications in civil engineering
Noninvasive X‐ray micro‐computed tomography was applied for a complete quantitative and qualitative analysis of the cellular structure of composite foams constituted by a silicone matrix and a glass production waste filler. Composite foams with different glass filler weight content in the range 0–80% were synthesized and characterized. The tomographic analysis was employed in order to assess the structural heterogeneities, void fraction values, and bubble size distribution for all composite foams. The 3D micro‐CT images analysis, performed at different cross‐sections, highlighted heterogeneous cell growth or more elongated cells in the case of low and high filler content foams, respectively…
Surface Modified Arundo Donax Natural Fibers for Oil Spill Recovery
The use of green materials for oil recovery applications is the goal to be achieved to reduce the environmental impact of these essential processes. In this context, Arundo Donax L. is a plant known for its wide uses whose absorbent properties have been previously investigated. In this paper, the influence of silane surface treatment on the absorbent behavior of natural fibers extracted from the culms of this eco-friendly and cost-effective material was assessed. A close correspondence has been identified between the physical characteristics of the investigated oil and the fiber size, by means of microstructural and morphological analysis. Excellent results have been achieved with an absorp…