The subject of the diploma thesis is the preparation of macro-defect-free (MDF) composites based on calcium-aluminate cement and organic polymer polyvinylalcohol. Attention focused on the optimization of the dose, the degree of hydrolysis and molecular weight of the polymer with respect to the heat resistance of the material. Thermal degradation of polyvinyl alcohol leads to changes in the structure of MDF composite. The study was mainly focused on the characteristics of polyvinyl alcohol dosage associated with the resultant mechanical properties of the material. During the work were monitored for changes in the mechanical properties of samples were cured at 60 °C and subsequently fired at 180 °C, 600 °C, 1000 °C and 1400 °C. It was tested in flexural strength, heat microscopy, TGA-DTA-EGA and SEM analysis.

This master thesis is focused on the binary and ternary systems with connective purposeful ettringite formation for fast hardening adhesive for ceramic tiles. It deals with the durability of these materials after exposure to the corrosive environment. It examines the physical and mechanical properties and mineralogy changes after exposure to corrosive environments. Within processing of this paper provides basic information concerning the connective concept of purposeful formation of ettringite.

Les chapes autonivelantes sont souvent composées de ciment alumineux et de sulfate de calcium pour assurer une prise rapide. Le ciment alumineux est généralement à base de monocalcium aluminate (CA). Récemment, un nouveau ciment alumineux riche en mayénite (C12A7) a été conçu pour optimiser l’application des chapes par l’augmentation de la quantité d’ettringite formée. Le développement de l’hydratation au jeune âge (pendant les premières 24 heures) de ce type de produit est pourtant très peu connu. L’objectif principal de cette étude est d’évaluer l’interaction entre l’hydratation au jeune âge et le séchage naturel à travers un modèle de couplage. Ce modèle est appliqué à l’étude d’une pâte pure ettringitique composée de ciment riche en C12A7 et de plâtre alpha. Tout d’abord, un modèle cinétique d’hydratation, initialement développé en système dilué, a été proposé pour étudier l’hydratation d’une pâte pure ettringitique en condition endogène. Il permet de décrire l’évolution en fonction du temps de la porosité, de la teneur en eau, des quantités de phases (réactifs et hydrates). Un modèle de distribution de rayon de pores a été aussi proposé. Ce modèle permet d’obtenir la courbe de pression capillaire au jeune âge nécessaire pour la modélisation des transferts hydriques. Ensuite, une modélisation complète des transferts hydriques a été présentée. Elle a montré que l’hypothèse d’une pression de gaz constante conduit à une surestimation de perte de masse pour des matériaux à faible perméabilité. Pourtant, pour le cas des ciments alumineux, cette hypothèse peut être retenue pour simplifier le couplage avec le modèle cinétique d’hydratation. Enfin, une modélisation des couplages entre l’hydratation et la dessiccation a été développée. L’originalité de ce modèle porte sur l’intégration de la courbe isotherme issue du modèle de distribution poreuse dans la modélisation des transferts hydriques via une fonction Matlab. Le modèle a été capable de reproduire la cinétique de perte de masse d’un échantillon de pâte pure ettringite réactive soumis au séchage précoce. La nécessité de la prise en compte de l’évolution de température a été mise en évidence. De plus, le modèle a prévu un arrêt précoce de l’hydratation à la surface séchante après 10 heures d’hydratation. L’effet de la dessiccation atteint une profondeur de 5 mm sur un échantillon de 3 cm d’épaisseur. / Self-leveling flooring compounds (SLC) are often composed of calcium aluminate cements (CAC) and calcium sulfate to ensure rapid setting. The mineral composition of calcium aluminate cements is usually designed around monocalcium aluminate (CA). Recently, a new cement with the main compound of mayenite (C12A7) has been designed to optimize the application of SLC by increasing the amount of ettringite in the hydration product. However, there is a lack of knowledge related to early-age hydration (during the first 24 hours) of this type of product. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the interaction between early-age hydration and natural drying through a coupling model. This model is applied to the study of an ettringite binder composed of cement rich in C12A7 and plaster First, a kinetic model of hydration, initially developed in a diluted system, has been proposed to study the hydration of an ettringite paste under endogenous conditions. It allows to describe the evolution as a function of time of the porosity, the water content, and the quantities of phases (reactants and hydrates). A model of pore size distribution has also been proposed. This model allows us to obtain the capillary pressure curve at early-age, which is necessary for the modeling of moisture transport. Then, a complete modeling of water transfers was presented. It has shown that the assumption of constant gas pressure leads to an overestimation of mass loss for weakly permeable materials. However, for the case of CAC, this hypothesis can be retained to simplify the coupling with the kinetic model of hydration. Finally, a modeling of the coupling between hydration and desiccation has been developed. The originality of this model concerns the integration of the isothermal curve resulting from the pore size distribution model in the modeling of water transfers via a Matlab function. The model was able to reproduce the kinetics of mass loss of a sample of ettringite binder subjected to early drying. The role of temperature was also elucidated. In addition, the model predicted an early stop of hydration on the drying surface after 10 hours of hydration. The effect of desiccation reaches a depth of 5 mm on a sample with a thickness of 3 cm.

O agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) tem-se demonstrado aplicável em diversas situações que exigem reparação dos tecidos dentais e periapicais. Contudo, desvantagens relacionadas ao seu elevado custo, propriedades físico-químicas e dificuldade de manuseio têm limitado sua utilização. Neste sentido, um novo cimento de aluminato de cálcio e aditivos (CAC+) foi desenvolvido para superar algumas características negativas do MTA, mantendo, no entanto, suas propriedades satisfatórias. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a progressão de culturas de células osteogênicas e de células indiferenciadas da polpa dental (linhagem OD-21) expostas ao CAC+, utilizando MTA como controle, ou a preparações alternativas do CAC+, com maior conteúdo de cloreto de cálcio (CaCl2) e/ou com substituição do óxido de zinco por óxido de bismuto como radiopacificador. Para isso, células osteogênicas derivadas de calvárias de ratos ou células da linhagem OD-21 foram crescidas sobre Thermanox® por 24 h e expostas, por períodos de até 14 dias, a amostras dos diferentes materiais, posicionadas sobre Transwell®. Em células osteogênicas, apesar de a proximidade com as amostras de CAC+ e MTA inibir o crescimento celular, nas áreas periféricas das lamínulas, foram observados proliferação, viabilidade celular e expressão de marcadores-chave da diferenciação osteoblástica, que precederam a mineralização da matriz extracelular. Culturas expostas ao CAC+, comparativamente ao MTA, exibiram aumentos na viabilidade celular, atividade de fosfatase alcalina e na expressão de marcadores de diferenciação, o que não se repetiu para células OD-21. Além disso, demonstrou-se que os efeitos destes cimentos sobre a osteogênese in vitro variaram de acordo com o período de exposição das culturas, sendo mais favoráveis durante sua fase proliferativa. Entre as preparações de CAC+, verificou-se que o aumento no teor de CaCl2 promoveu maior disponibilização de Ca2+ no meio de cultura, o que correspondeu a maior diferenciação celular e formação de matriz mineralizada em culturas de células osteogênicas e OD-21, e à redução de efeitos negativos da adição de óxido de bismuto sobre osteoblastos. Conclui-se que o CAC+ favorece o desenvolvimento do fenótipo osteogênico, atuando principalmente em células em estágios iniciais de diferenciação e que a adição de CaCl2, independentemente do agente radiopacificador, potencializa os efeitos benéficos sobre células osteogênicas e favorece o desenvolvimento e diferenciação de células indiferenciadas derivadas do tecido pulpar, podendo ser considerado como material alternativo ao MTA. / Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been successfully applied in endodontic procedures in which dental and periapical tissue repair are required. However, some drawbacks of MTA as high cost, physicochemical properties and difficulty in handling have limited its use. In this context, a novel calcium aluminate cement plus additives (CAC+) has been developed to overcome some negative features of MTA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the progression of either osteogenic cell cultures or undifferentiated dental pulp-derived ones (OD-21 cell line) exposed to CAC+ or to alternative formulations of CAC+ with a higher content of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and/or replacement of zinc oxide by bismuth oxide as radiopacifier agent. Rat calvaria-derived cells or OD-21 cells were grown on Thermanox® coverslips for 24 h and exposed to samples of CAC+ or MTA (control) placed on Transwell® for periods of up to 14 days. In osteogenic cell cultures, the proximity to MTA or CAC+ samples inhibited cell growth, whereas at distance it was observed cell proliferation, cell viability and expression of differentition markers prior to mineralization of the extracellular matrix. Comparatively to MTA, osteogenic cell cultures exposed to CAC+ exhibited higher cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity and expression of key osteoblast markers, contrary to what was observed for OD-21 cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the effects of these cements on in vitro osteogenesis varied according to the timing of exposure, with a more favorable impact during the proliferative phase of cultures. Among the diverse formulations of CAC+, it was found that the increase in the CaCl2 content promoted greater availability of Ca2+ in the culture medium, which corresponded to higher cell differentiation and mineralized matrix formation in osteoblastic cell cultures and OD-21 cells, while reducing the negative effects of bismuth oxide on osteoblasts. In conclusion, CAC+ supported the acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype, mostly for cells in early stages of differentiation. Additionaly, the increase in the CaCl2 content, regardless of the radiopacifier agent, potentiates the beneficial effects on osteogenic cells and promotes the growth and differentiation of OD-21 cells, rendering CAC+ a potential alternative material to replace MTA in endodontic procedures.

L'industrie nucléaire est une industrie génératrice de déchets, dont certains sont radioactifs. Ces déchets radioactifs ont des formes et des origines diverses, allant de la paire de gant de manutention faiblement contaminés, à la suspension aqueuse de produits de fissions hautement radioactifs. Dans ce travail, un type de déchet bien particulier a été étudié ; des boues issues de la décontamination d'effluents liquides radioactifs, possédant entre autres les trois particularités suivantes ; * Etre moyennement radioactif, selon les critères de l'ANDRA. * Etre composé d'une forte teneur en eau de constitution (ne pouvant être retirée par simple évaporation) ; * Etre composé d'un sorbant (PPFeNi) dont la stabilité chimique n'est pas assurée pour un pH supérieur à 11. Ces particularités font qu'un enrobage dans une matrice minérale forte consommatrice d'eau, et bas-pH (pH < 11) est envisageable. Le choix c'est alors porté sur le développement d'une matrice ettringitique réalisée à partir d'un mélange de Ciment d'Aluminate de Calcium (CAC) et de sulfate de calcium. Dans un premier temps, la stabilité du sorbant du césium utilisé dans cette étude a été testée dans différents environnements de pH (2 à 14) et de température. Pour cela des analyses chimiques de solution ainsi que des caractérisations du composé par diffraction de rayons X, FTIR et microscopie électronique à balayage-EDS ont permis de fixer les bornes de stabilité que la formulation ettringitique doit avoir. Puis une étude microstructurale (nature et morphologie des produits) de mélanges ettringitiques binaires CAC/sulfate de calcium type hémihydrate et/ou anhydrite a été effectuée afin de caractériser la stabilité de l'ettringite, hydrate fort consommateur d'eau. Les propriétés bas-pH ont été vérifiées notamment par analyse chimique de solutions porales. Certaines limites de ces systèmes concernant le dégagement de chaleur et la possible formation de systèmes expansifs ont été mises en évidence. L'effet de l'augmentation du rapport eau/liant, responsable d'un effet de dilution et permettant de réduire les deux effets précédents, a été également regardé pour ces systèmes binaires. Afin de réduire la chaleur dégagée à court terme tout en permettant le développement de l'hydratation à long terme de systèmes ettringitiques, ces systèmes binaires ont été substitués par des additions minérales à hydraulicité latente type laitier de haut fourneau. Une étude microstructurale de la réactivité du laitier et de la modification de l'assemblage ettringitique a montré une réactivité modérée de ce dernier à jeune âge conformément aux attentes. Pour favoriser sa réactivité à long terme par activation alcaline/sulfatique différentes proportions de sulfate de calcium à dissolution plus lente ont été testés. Les caractéristiques microstructurales de ces systèmes ternaires en présence de différentes teneurs en eau intrinsèquement liée à la nature de type boue du déchet a été étudiée. Enfin, les différentes informations sur l'effet des paramètres de formulation obtenues ont débouché sur la mise en place de tests sur des formulations contenant un déchet simulé inerte et enrichi en chlorures. Des essais systématiques de fluidité, de résistances mécaniques et pour certains d'entre eux d'expansion et de dégagement de chaleur doivent permettre d'identifier une série de mélanges adaptés au test à l'échelle de prototype industriel pour la cimentation de boues. / Nuclear industry generated waste including radioactive wastes, which have different forms and origins. The wastes produced by reprocessing of nuclear fuel are characterized by important water content, by high pH and temperature sensitivity. The cementation in ettringite systems might be a promising solution to solidify radioactive wastes. Mixtures of Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC) and calcium sulfate are planned to be used, instead of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), to form a significant amount of ettringite able to catch water molecules when forming. Moreover, due to the low pH of CAC-based matrices, the latter have a good compatibility with the compounds used to stabilize active elements. Initially, the stability of the sorbent of cesium used in this study was tested in different pH environments (2 to 14) and temperature. Chemical analysis and different microstructural characterizations like X-ray diffraction, FTIR and SEM-EDS have allowed to set stability limits of ettringite systems. Then microstructural study on binary systems composed by mixture of CAC/calcium sulfate (hemihydrate and/or anhydrite) was realized to characterize ettringite stability during the time of hydration. Low pH properties were checked by chemical pore solutions analysis. However, the heat generated by hydration and the possible formation of expansive systems require an increase of e/s ratio and additional components like Ground Granulated Furnace Slag (GGBS). These two parameters were studied subsequently. Microstructural study of GGBS reactivity and the modification of ettringite assemblage were showed that GGBS act as filler at early time of hydration. To promote the GGBS reactivity at long term of hydration by alkaline and sulfate activation, different nature of calcium sulfate was used. Then the microstructural characteristic of this ternary system in presence of different e/s ratio was studied. Finally, different information on the effect of formulation parameters obtained led to the development of tests on formulations containing an inert simulated waste and enriched in chlorides. Systematic tests of fluidity, mechanical strength and for some expansion and heat generation should identify a series of mixtures adapted to test prototype to industrial scale for cementing wastes.

O agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) tem-se demonstrado aplicável em diversas situações que exigem reparação dos tecidos dentais e periapicais. Contudo, desvantagens relacionadas ao seu elevado custo, propriedades físico-químicas e dificuldade de manuseio têm limitado sua utilização. Neste sentido, um novo cimento de aluminato de cálcio e aditivos (CAC+) foi desenvolvido para superar algumas características negativas do MTA, mantendo, no entanto, suas propriedades satisfatórias. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a progressão de culturas de células osteogênicas e de células indiferenciadas da polpa dental (linhagem OD-21) expostas ao CAC+, utilizando MTA como controle, ou a preparações alternativas do CAC+, com maior conteúdo de cloreto de cálcio (CaCl2) e/ou com substituição do óxido de zinco por óxido de bismuto como radiopacificador. Para isso, células osteogênicas derivadas de calvárias de ratos ou células da linhagem OD-21 foram crescidas sobre Thermanox® por 24 h e expostas, por períodos de até 14 dias, a amostras dos diferentes materiais, posicionadas sobre Transwell®. Em células osteogênicas, apesar de a proximidade com as amostras de CAC+ e MTA inibir o crescimento celular, nas áreas periféricas das lamínulas, foram observados proliferação, viabilidade celular e expressão de marcadores-chave da diferenciação osteoblástica, que precederam a mineralização da matriz extracelular. Culturas expostas ao CAC+, comparativamente ao MTA, exibiram aumentos na viabilidade celular, atividade de fosfatase alcalina e na expressão de marcadores de diferenciação, o que não se repetiu para células OD-21. Além disso, demonstrou-se que os efeitos destes cimentos sobre a osteogênese in vitro variaram de acordo com o período de exposição das culturas, sendo mais favoráveis durante sua fase proliferativa. Entre as preparações de CAC+, verificou-se que o aumento no teor de CaCl2 promoveu maior disponibilização de Ca2+ no meio de cultura, o que correspondeu a maior diferenciação celular e formação de matriz mineralizada em culturas de células osteogênicas e OD-21, e à redução de efeitos negativos da adição de óxido de bismuto sobre osteoblastos. Conclui-se que o CAC+ favorece o desenvolvimento do fenótipo osteogênico, atuando principalmente em células em estágios iniciais de diferenciação e que a adição de CaCl2, independentemente do agente radiopacificador, potencializa os efeitos benéficos sobre células osteogênicas e favorece o desenvolvimento e diferenciação de células indiferenciadas derivadas do tecido pulpar, podendo ser considerado como material alternativo ao MTA. / Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been successfully applied in endodontic procedures in which dental and periapical tissue repair are required. However, some drawbacks of MTA as high cost, physicochemical properties and difficulty in handling have limited its use. In this context, a novel calcium aluminate cement plus additives (CAC+) has been developed to overcome some negative features of MTA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the progression of either osteogenic cell cultures or undifferentiated dental pulp-derived ones (OD-21 cell line) exposed to CAC+ or to alternative formulations of CAC+ with a higher content of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and/or replacement of zinc oxide by bismuth oxide as radiopacifier agent. Rat calvaria-derived cells or OD-21 cells were grown on Thermanox® coverslips for 24 h and exposed to samples of CAC+ or MTA (control) placed on Transwell® for periods of up to 14 days. In osteogenic cell cultures, the proximity to MTA or CAC+ samples inhibited cell growth, whereas at distance it was observed cell proliferation, cell viability and expression of differentition markers prior to mineralization of the extracellular matrix. Comparatively to MTA, osteogenic cell cultures exposed to CAC+ exhibited higher cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity and expression of key osteoblast markers, contrary to what was observed for OD-21 cells. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the effects of these cements on in vitro osteogenesis varied according to the timing of exposure, with a more favorable impact during the proliferative phase of cultures. Among the diverse formulations of CAC+, it was found that the increase in the CaCl2 content promoted greater availability of Ca2+ in the culture medium, which corresponded to higher cell differentiation and mineralized matrix formation in osteoblastic cell cultures and OD-21 cells, while reducing the negative effects of bismuth oxide on osteoblasts. In conclusion, CAC+ supported the acquisition of the osteogenic cell phenotype, mostly for cells in early stages of differentiation. Additionaly, the increase in the CaCl2 content, regardless of the radiopacifier agent, potentiates the beneficial effects on osteogenic cells and promotes the growth and differentiation of OD-21 cells, rendering CAC+ a potential alternative material to replace MTA in endodontic procedures.

L’étude menée s’attache à évaluer le potentiel d’activation du laitier de haut fourneau dans un liant ternaire constitué de ciment alumineux, de sulfate de calcium et de laitier. Dans ce système ternaire, le constituant majoritaire est le sulfate de calcium. Le potentiel d’un tel système n’est pas encore connu mais cette étude vise à renseigner sur les principaux avantages et limites d’utilisation. D’un point de vue des propriétés d’usage de ce liant, la prise, le durcissement rapide et la montée des résistances sont assurés par le liant ettringitique. Ensuite, et uniquement si la dessiccation est évitée, le laitier de haut fourneau réagit et dans ce cas, l’apport du laitier dans de tels systèmes est double. Il contribue à l’augmentation des performances mécaniques à moyen et long terme et à limiter l’expansion sous eau. D’un point de vue de la compréhension des mécanismes d’hydratation, une démarche expérimentale originale est mise en place et dévoile le potentiel du laitier. Elle est basée sur la comparaison des performances obtenues avec différentes cures. Le potentiel d’hydratation du laitier est amplifié lorsque le système subit un séchage puis une réhydratation. Cependant, les techniques utilisées (diffraction des rayons X et calorimétrie différentielle à balayage) ne sont pas adaptées au suivi et à la quantification de laitier consommé. Ainsi, la compréhension de l’hydratation s’appuie sur des techniques dites indirectes. Une semi-quantification par diffraction des rayons X est réalisée pour le suivi et l’évaluation de la mayénite, le sulfate de calcium (anhydre ou dihydraté), la syngénite et l’ettringite, l’analyse thermogravimétrique permet de mesurer le degré d’hydratation du système, et la porosimétrie mercure informe sur les changements microstructuraux. La plus grosse difficulté dans ces travaux a porté sur le suivi et la quantification des phases amorphes (anhydres ou hydratées), telles que le laitier, les gels de C-S-H et d’AH3, et c’est pour cette raison qu’une approche par modélisation a été mise en place afin d’identifier le rôle de chaque constituant du système ternaire [Ciment Alumineux – Sulfate de Calcium – Laitier] et particulièrement du laitier lors de l’essai de réhydratation. L’approche par modélisation permet de mieux identifier les phénomènes chimiques et physiques ayant lieu lors de l’hydratation du liant. Elle est utilisée pour expliquer les observations macroscopiques (comme les performances mécaniques) et aide à déterminer les cinétique d’hydratation dans le milieu poreux. Le modèle utilisé n’est pas encore parfaitement au point mais il a permis d’identifier les différentes séquences d’hydratation (à savoir que le liant ettringitique réagit dans les premiers instants et qu’ensuite, l’hydratation de l’anhydrite entraine la formation de gypse et l’hydratation du laitier est effective à long terme) et de confirmer que la réaction du laitier est lente. / The potential of activation of a Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag has been evaluated into a ternary system comprising of a Calcium Sulfate as major component and a Calcium Aluminate Cement. This system is not well known and the main goal of this study is to determine its main advantages and limitations. From the usage properties point of view, fast setting and initial strengths are governed by the ettringitic binder. Then, and only if the dehydration is avoided, slag reacts. In this case, slag contributes to the increase of mechanical performances at medium and long terms and to limit the expansion under water. From an understanding point of view, the original experimental approach reveals the potential of the slag. It is based on a comparison of performances with different types of curing methods. The potential of hydration of the slag is amplified when the system is dehydrated during a few days and then rehydrated. However, slag contribution is complex to establish because analytical methods to follow-up slag consumption (such as X-ray Diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis) are not well adapted. So, to understand the hydration mechanisms, indirect approaches are used. Semi-quantitative methods by X-ray Diffraction to follow-up the mayenite, calcium sulfate, syngenite and ettringite, ThermoGravimetric Analysis to measure degree of hydration and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry to identify microstructural changes have been carried. The most important difficulty concerns the identification and quantification of amorphous phases such as slag, C-S-H and AH3. That is why a modelling approach is necessary to understand the role of each compound in the ternary mixture and in particular the obvious contribution of slag during rehydration test. This modelling approach increases knowledge of the physical and chemical phenomena in this ternary binder. It is useful to explain the observed macroscopic properties such as strength and helps to determine the kinetics of hydration in porous environment. Even if this model is still under development, it has allowed identifying the sequences of hydration (ettringitic binder reacts at very initial time, then anhydrite transforms into gypsum and slag reacts at long term) and confirms therefore that the reaction of slag is slow.

In theory, this work is devoted to the principles and methods of measurement of volume changes of mortars and concretes. Emphasis is placed on cement self-levelling screeds with initial shrinkage compensation. In the practical part of the work is devoted to the development of prototype measuring system designed for non-contact detection of volume changes hydrating silicate. Using the new measurement method is also practically examined the influence of boundary conditions on hydration volume changes of selected silicate binders, cement mortar and cement levelling compound based on four different connective concepts. In the calculation, this work focuses on the numerical modelling of volume changes of the examined compounds.