The activated sludge (AS) process used for treating high-strength cellulose acetate wastewater of Celanese Corporation, Pearisburg, Virginia, produces a sludge with poor flocculation and settling characteristics, particularly during the periods of shock organic loadings. Pilot-scale treatment units were set up to study the effects of a fixed film pretreatment on the stability of the AS process, using a new type of trickling filter (TF) media consisting of long plastic strips. The pretreated activated sludge (PAS) unit was compared with a control activated sludge unit (CAS). Different hydraulic and organic loadings were applied to the TF. The study confirmed the ability of a TF to provide greater stability to subsequent AS processes during periods of shock organic loading. The TF did not significantly improve the PAS system effluent quality and organic removal performance, even though the PAS sludge had better settle ability in terms of Sludge Volume Index and had less filamentous growth than the CAS system. The TF pretreatment confirmed its ability to act as a roughing filter. During the study, it reduced the organic loading on the AS system by 26 to 43 %, oxygen requirement of AS system by 38 to 62 %, the aeration volume requirement by 17 to 47 %, and the sludge production by 0 to 37 %. The PAS system required fewer nutrients than the CAS system. / Master of Science

This study aimed at understanding the adhesion between wood fibers and thermoplastics. Direct applications include the development of better wood fiber composites and better paper coatings. The objectives of the study were two-fold. First, to quantify the effects of surface treatments on the surface properties, and, second, to determine if adhesion can be described in terms of surface properties. A model consisting of amorphous cellulose spherical beads was used to eliminate the effects of morphology, composition, and fiber size and orientation; adhesion was studied only in terms of surface properties. The surface of the cellulose beads was modified by blending, by coating or by chemical surface reaction. Surface modification by blending was achieved by dissolving cellulose along with another polymer (cellulose propionate) and by beading the mixed solution. An alternative consisted of coating the beads with a thin layer of polymer, such as poly(4-vinyl-pyridine-co-styrene). Finally the surface was also modified by grafting functional groups or polymer segments onto the hydroxyl groups of cellulose. A thin layer of cellulose derivative, such as cellulose trifluoroethoxyacetate or cellulose laurate was produced on the bead surface. Polystyrene and polypropylene segments were grafted onto cellulose to create an interphase. The surface properties of the cellulose beads were then fully characterized. The surface composition was analyzed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and the morphology was investigated through Scanning Electron Microscopy. Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC) was used to measure the surfaces' energetics. Two kinds of probes were used: alkanes to measure the dispersive component of adhesion, and acid/base probes to quantify the specific properties. Composites having variable bead content were made by injection molding. The adhesion between the cellulose beads and the thermoplastics were measured by tensile testing and by DMTA using the modified Nielsen Model with the damping factor (tan δ). The surface energy of cellulose was found to depend mostly on the presence and concentration of free hydroxyl groups on the surface. For low degrees of substitution (DS), how these OH groups are replaced by modification, whether by fatty acid type substituents or by fluorine-containing groups, is essentially irrelevant for surface characteristics. The dispersive component of the surface energy (γs^D) declined with DS, almost irrespective of substituent type. The acidic character of the cellulose surface is attributed mainly to the presence of hydroxy groups. It was furthermore established that, while wetting is a necessary condition, it is in itself insufficient for achieving good adhesion and adequate composite strength characteristics. The mechanical properties of polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene all decreased as cellulose beads were added in increasing amounts. It was found that improved cellulose fiber-reinforced composite performance requires the development of an interphase, such as by grafting polymer segments onto the cellulose surface which are capable of entanglement with the thermoplastic polymer in the melt. Maleic anhydride/polypropylene copolymers were found to be efficient coupling agents that better transmit stress when their molecular size increased. Adsorption of poly(4-vinylpyridine-co-styrene) [basic] by the cellulose beads [acidic] resulted in completely coated surfaces. However, strength differences between composites, with coated and uncoated beads, were insignificant probably owing to the large bead sizes used. / Ph. D.

O uso de fibras vegetais e de cimentos alternativos – ambos provenientes de resíduos, é tido como boa opção na busca por novos fibrocimentos. Entretanto, a maioria das pesquisas desenvolvida nos últimos anos tem apresentado resultados desanimadores no que se refere à durabilidade do material. Além disso, os métodos para avaliação do desempenho ao longo do tempo de materiais reforçados com fibras sensíveis a álcalis ainda não estão bem estabelecidos. O trabalho avaliou o comportamento de compósitos produzidos com cimento de escória de alto-forno reforçados com fibras de celulose, moldados através de adaptações dos processos industriais usados em todo mundo pelas empresas de fibrocimento. Em seguida, a durabilidade das formulações foi avaliada através de ensaios de envelhecimento, os quais se basearam na simulação dos principais agentes e mecanismos de degradação atuantes no material. O desempenho físico e mecânico dos compósitos foi avaliado através da análise de propriedades pré-estabelecidas, consideradas importantes no emprego material como componente construtivo. A análise dos resultados confirmou a eficiência da incorporação da celulose nas propriedades mecânicas do compósito. A durabilidade do material foi diferente para as matrizes empregadas. As matrizes ativadas com gipsita e cal hidratada (EGCH) foram menos agressivas às fibras, entretanto apresentaram problemas de hidratação às primeiras idades e perda de resistência devido à carbonatação. A matriz ECP, mais alcalina, apresentou resultados superiores de resistência mecânica nas primeiras idades. Ela decompôs as fibras e reduziu as propriedades mecânicas durante o envelhecimento. A carbonatação reduziu o ataque alcalino às fibras nestas matrizes, estabilizando a resistência mecânica e a perda de tenacidade não foi tão acentuada. A metodologia de envelhecimento acelerado que combinou ciclos de molhagem e secagem à carbonatação se mostrou eficiente na simulação do envelhecimento natural. / Vegetable fibers and alternative cements from residues is a good option for replacement asbestos-cement. However, research development has presented no satisfactory results concerning material durability and methods of performance evaluation to reinforced materials with alcali sensitive fibers are not well developed. The objetives of this research are: a) evaluation of composites behavior produced with blast-furnace slag reinforced with residual cellulose fibers, which were moulded in adapted conventional industrial processes, common in fibercement companies around world and b) durability performance evaluation applying proposed aging tests. Aging tests were based on simulation of main agents and degradation mechanisms. Physical and mechanical behaviour of composites was evaluated considering important properties in building component uses. Cellulose fibers improved the mechanical properties of the composites. Durability presented different results for the two matrices. The matrices activated with gypsum and hidrated lime (EGCH) have been less aggressive than matrix activated with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in relation to fibers. However, they presented problems concerning to the hydration at early dates and loss of resistance due to carbonation. Matrices activated with OPC presented better results of MOR at the early dates. In fact, they are more alkaline and they decomposed fibers and reduced the mechanical properties during the aging. The carbonation reduced the alkaline attack, stabilizing the MOR and reducing the loss of tenacity. The accelerated methods with carbonation were efficient in the simulation of the natural ageing.

O uso de fibras vegetais e de cimentos alternativos – ambos provenientes de resíduos, é tido como boa opção na busca por novos fibrocimentos. Entretanto, a maioria das pesquisas desenvolvida nos últimos anos tem apresentado resultados desanimadores no que se refere à durabilidade do material. Além disso, os métodos para avaliação do desempenho ao longo do tempo de materiais reforçados com fibras sensíveis a álcalis ainda não estão bem estabelecidos. O trabalho avaliou o comportamento de compósitos produzidos com cimento de escória de alto-forno reforçados com fibras de celulose, moldados através de adaptações dos processos industriais usados em todo mundo pelas empresas de fibrocimento. Em seguida, a durabilidade das formulações foi avaliada através de ensaios de envelhecimento, os quais se basearam na simulação dos principais agentes e mecanismos de degradação atuantes no material. O desempenho físico e mecânico dos compósitos foi avaliado através da análise de propriedades pré-estabelecidas, consideradas importantes no emprego material como componente construtivo. A análise dos resultados confirmou a eficiência da incorporação da celulose nas propriedades mecânicas do compósito. A durabilidade do material foi diferente para as matrizes empregadas. As matrizes ativadas com gipsita e cal hidratada (EGCH) foram menos agressivas às fibras, entretanto apresentaram problemas de hidratação às primeiras idades e perda de resistência devido à carbonatação. A matriz ECP, mais alcalina, apresentou resultados superiores de resistência mecânica nas primeiras idades. Ela decompôs as fibras e reduziu as propriedades mecânicas durante o envelhecimento. A carbonatação reduziu o ataque alcalino às fibras nestas matrizes, estabilizando a resistência mecânica e a perda de tenacidade não foi tão acentuada. A metodologia de envelhecimento acelerado que combinou ciclos de molhagem e secagem à carbonatação se mostrou eficiente na simulação do envelhecimento natural. / Vegetable fibers and alternative cements from residues is a good option for replacement asbestos-cement. However, research development has presented no satisfactory results concerning material durability and methods of performance evaluation to reinforced materials with alcali sensitive fibers are not well developed. The objetives of this research are: a) evaluation of composites behavior produced with blast-furnace slag reinforced with residual cellulose fibers, which were moulded in adapted conventional industrial processes, common in fibercement companies around world and b) durability performance evaluation applying proposed aging tests. Aging tests were based on simulation of main agents and degradation mechanisms. Physical and mechanical behaviour of composites was evaluated considering important properties in building component uses. Cellulose fibers improved the mechanical properties of the composites. Durability presented different results for the two matrices. The matrices activated with gypsum and hidrated lime (EGCH) have been less aggressive than matrix activated with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in relation to fibers. However, they presented problems concerning to the hydration at early dates and loss of resistance due to carbonation. Matrices activated with OPC presented better results of MOR at the early dates. In fact, they are more alkaline and they decomposed fibers and reduced the mechanical properties during the aging. The carbonation reduced the alkaline attack, stabilizing the MOR and reducing the loss of tenacity. The accelerated methods with carbonation were efficient in the simulation of the natural ageing.

The thesis is focused on the current issues of concrete resistance to high temperatures. The theoretical part has been processed the changes taking place in the individual components of concrete and changes affecting the physical - mechanical properties of concrete and color-changing effects manifesting high. In the experimental part of the load was, carried concrete test samples to a temperature of 400 ° C, 600 ° C and 800 ° C. After the thermal load, has been on test samples tested changes in physico - mechanical properties, especially concrete compressive strength, water absorption but also a visual assessment of the concrete surface

This dissertation desribes the behavior of cellulose fiber reinforced concrete. In the theoretical section one can find basic information on cellulose fiber and its methods of production and usage in concrete structures. One can find the information about the effect of high temperature on the mechanical and physical attributes of cellulose fiber reinforced concrete, and also a comparison with other fibers used in concrete based on the research done using scientific literature. Furthermore the details about particular cellulose fibers are provided. In the experimental section the formulas for CHRYSO and GREENCEL concrete are designed. The influence of the addition of various types of cellulose fibers into both liquid and solid states of concrete was researched. Tests were also done on the effect of high temperatures (600 °C and 800 °C) on the firmness and densitiy of concrete, its deformations and visual changes. Furthermore, the resistance of cellulose fibers was monitored by monitoring the development of the pH environment (from pH 4 to pH 12) with long-term deposition of different types of cellulose fibers in these environments.

This master’s thesis is divided into two parts; practical and theoretical. The theoretical part of this study describes the influence of high temperature on concrete structure and chemical, mechanical and physical changes, which take place during the exposure to high temperatures. The thesis also evaluates spalling of concrete and the methods to prevent it, as well as the function of polypropylene and cellulose fibers in the concrete. The practical part deals with design, production and testing of the cement-based concrete with the use of different fibers (polypropylene fibers and cellulose fibers). The properties and the means of applications in high temperatures are also included. The practical part also assesses the influence of high temperature on strength, porosity, visual changes of specimens, changes of surface and degradation of testing specimens due to heat loads according to normative heat curve (ISO 834) and also according to hydrocarbon curve. For clearer arrangement, the experimental tests are divided into two parts and the measured values are evaluated at the end of each part. The conclusion resumes all data obtained by testing and evaluates what is the most suitable formulation. The approach for further research is also discussed.

Idag ökar man isoleringen alltmer i takkonstruktion för att spara energi. Ökad mängd isolering minskar temperaturen över takets yttre delar och höjer den relativa fuktigheten där.  Dessutom finns risk att fuktigt material byggs in mellan alltmer täta skikt vilket leder till att det tar längre tid för byggfukten att torka. Detta resulterar i en ogynnsam fuktfördelning med höga relativa fuktigheter över konstruktionen där risken för mikrobiell påväxt ökar. Syftet med denna studie är att utreda hur fuktomlagring sker baserad på inbyggnadsfuktkvoten i välisolerade parallelltak. För att göra riskbedömning av olika takkonstruktioner har fuktsimuleringar gjorts i Wufi 2D där resultat analyserats i Wufi Bio för bedömning av risknivå för mikrobiell påväxt. Resultaten indikerar klart skillnad mellan val av ventilerad och oventilerad takkonstruktion. Det råder även en skillnad mellan val av isoleringsmaterial, takets färdigställandedatum, takets exponeringsriktning och takets utvändiga ytskikt. Slutsatsen är att det råder en större risk för mikrobiell påväxt hos oventilerad takkonstruktion, takkonstruktion som färdigställs under höst (den 1 oktober) jämfört med vår (den 1 april), takkonstruktion som är exponerad mot norr jämfört med söder samt takkonstruktion med utvändigt ytskikt av plåt istället för sedum. / Today there's an increase in the use of insulation in roof constructions in order to save energy. Increased amount of insulation allows temperature drops in the outer layers of the roof resulting in higher relative humidity in the surrounding construction.  There is also a risk that moist materials are built-in between tight layers which contributes to longer drying processes in order for the moisture to successfully dry out. This also contributes to an unfavorable divide in moisture with high relative humidity settling on top of the construction where risk of microbial growth is the greatest. The aim of this study is to investigate how moisture behaves based on the mounting quota of moist in well insulated parallel roof constructions. To make a risk assessment of different roof constructions, different simulations have been created in Wufi 2D where results are further analyzed in Wufi Bio for final assessment on whether there is an apparent microbial advantage. The result help shimmer light on the differences between ventilated and unventilated roof constructions. There is also an evident importance in choice of insulation materials, the finish-date for the roof, exposure vulnerability and the outer coating of the roof. The conclusion is that there is a greater risk of microbial damages in unventilated roof constructions when comparing the roof construction that is finished first of October in comparison to first of April, the roof construction that is exposed to north rather than south and to the roof construction with outer surface layer of tin rather than sedum.

To save energy it’s popular to build houses with low energy loss. In these houses the walls are keeping a lower temperature in the external side which leads to a higher relative humidity. In addition more material, such as wood studs, are used which means that there is more moisture to dry. More moisture in combination with higher relative humidity may pose a higher risk of microbial growth. The purpose of this study was to investigate what is a reasonable moisture content in wood studs in four different well-insulated exterior walls. It has also been investigated how moisture rearrangements effect the exterior walls. The software Wufi2D, which does moisture-simulations, was used to collect data. The results have been analyzed in Wufi Bio which showed that the moisture content should be somewhere between 12.5 to 18.5%, depending on how the wall is built. The conclusions are that windbreaks vapor resistivity is essential for what is a reasonable built in moisture content in the wood studs. Depending on the materials that are used, it´s important to consider how much moisture the wall construction contains.

The master thesis is focused on current issues of concrete behaviour under high temperatures. In the theoretical part, a search of knowledge about changes in concrete, which take place when exposed to thermal loads, which simulates the effect of fire, is performed, and summarized. It is also important to summarize the changes in the individual components that are used to produce concrete. This work describes the effect of high temperatures on mechanical and physical properties as well. There is an information about the most used fibres and their function in concrete. Emphasis is placed on describing the possibility of using recycled PET or cellulose fibres due to the positive environmental impact. In the experimental part, recipes with different types and amounts of fibres are proposed. The subject of the research was to determine how individual types and amounts of fibres affect the physical mechanical properties of concrete and their suitability for use at high temperatures. Microscopic scanning and study of changes in the structure of concrete was also performed.