Afin de renforcer et de protéger les structures du Génie Civil vis-à-vis des incendies, un programme de recherche a été entrepris sur le développement d'un nouveau matériau composite TRC. Le composite TRC est généralement constitué de deux composants, le renfort textile et la matrice cimentaire. Les nouveaux composites du projet sont formulés d'une matrice phosphatique ou alumineuse avec des renforts textiles continus utilisant le verre, le carbone ou des hybrides. L'objectif de ce travail est d'examiner et de développer un TRC satisfaisant les critères de performances thermomécaniques. Le premier niveau de conception est de définir une méthodologie de caractérisation permettant d'identifier les caractéristiques thermomécaniques et les propriétés physico-chimiques des TRC à haute température. Plusieurs régimes de chargement thermique et mécanique couplé ainsi que des analyses thermiques ont été appliqués et pris en compte pour les différentes formulations de TRC. Dans une première partie expérimentale, l'effet du refroidissement et de la nature de la matrice sur le comportement thermomécanique de TRC a été étudié. La deuxième partie des essais explore le comportement thermomécanique et thermo-physico-chimique de deux familles de TRC. La première famille était formée d'une matrice phosphatique et des fibres de verre E. Cette partie concerne l'adhérence qui peut être développée au niveau de l'interface fibre-matrice par deux géométries différentes de textile verre E. L'efficacité du renfort est améliorée ensuite par une pré-imprégnation par une résine époxy. La deuxième famille de composite traite le renforcement d'une matrice alumineuse par des grilles de carbone. Cette famille a subi plusieurs modifications. Un chargement de la matrice par de l'alumine et de verre micronique n'a pas été suffisant pour améliorer le comportement du TRC. Une nouvelle grille de carbone a été ensuite utilisée et des couches de fibres discontinues de verre Mat AR ont été insérées dans la matrice. Ces couches de Mat AR créaient une bonne isolation thermique mais présentaient un problème de délaminage. Enfin l'ajout des fibres de polypropylène au sein d'un mortier alumineux à granulométrie étagée présentait des résultats satisfaisants. Après la recherche et la validation du TRC le plus performant, la fonction de " bouclier thermique " des matériaux isolants a été traitée afin d'améliorer la stabilité thermomécanique des TRC / In order to strengthen and protect civil engineering structures from fires, a research program was undertaken for the development of new TRC composite materials. The TRC composite generally consists of two components, the textile reinforcement and the cement matrix. The new composites of the project are formulated with an inorganic phosphate cement or an aluminous matrix with continuous textile reinforcements using glass, carbon or hybrids. The purpose of this work is to examine and develop TRC that meets the thermomechanical performance criteria. The first level of design is to define a characterization methodology, which identifies the thermomechanical characteristics and physicochemical properties of TRC subjected to high temperature. Several coupled thermal and mechanical loading regimes as well as thermal analyses were applied and taken into account for different TRC formulations. In a first experimental part, the nature of the matrix and the cooling effect on the thermomechanical behaviour of TRC were studied. The second part of the experimental work explores the thermomechanical and thermo-physico-chemical behaviour of two families of TRC. The first family of TRC was formed of a phosphate cement and E-glass textile. It examines the bond that can be developed through the fibre-matrix interface by two different geometries of textile. The effectiveness of the reinforcement is then improved by a pre-impregnation by a resin epoxy. The second family of TRC deals with the reinforcement of an aluminous matrix by carbon grids. This family has undergone several changes. Filling of the matrix with alumina and micron glass was not sufficient to improve the behaviour of TRC. A new carbon grid was then used and layers of Mat AR glass fibres were inserted into the matrix. These layers of Mat AR created good thermal insulation but presented a delamination problem. Finally, the addition of polypropylene fibres in an aluminous mortar with graded granulometry showed satisfactory results. After the search and validation of the most efficient TRC, the "heat shield" function of insulating materials was processed to improve the thermomechanical stability of TRC

Dans le contexte du développement durable, l’'utilisation des ressources renouvelables, biodégradable et peu toxique, est particulièrement recherchée. En particulier, la littérature montre que les molécules amphiphiles biosourcées avec une tête sucre, type glycolipides, sont d'excellents candidats pour substituer les tensioactifs pétrochimiques actuellement utilisés massivement en formulation. Pour limiter le criblage expérimental et orienter le choix des synthèses de telles molécules, une démarche prédictive à partir de l'analyse de la structure moléculaire permettrait d'anticiper les propriétés des molécules amphiphiles et d'identifier celles répondant à des propriétés spécifiques recherchées. L'objectif des travaux de thèse est de développer une méthodologie via la synthèse à façon avec modification graduelle de la structure, la caractérisation et l'analyse systématique de glycolipides, dans le but d'identifier des liens pertinents entre leurs propriétés amphiphiles et leurs caractéristiques structurales. Les données expérimentales générées doivent permettent d'établir une base de données comparables et fiables, nécessaire pour le développement de modèles 1 prédictifs. Les résultats ont mis en évidence l'influence significative de certains paramètres de structure sur j les propriétés physico-chimiques, avec des tendances claires, autrement difficiles à observer à partir des données globales non-comparables de la littérature. Ce travail a également démontré l'importance de prendre en considération le comportement des molécules amphiphiles dans l'eau, via la connaissance de leur diagramme de phase, afin de définir sans ambiguïté certaines propriétés telles que la CMC. / In the context of sustainable development, the use of biodegradable and low toxic renewable resources is particularly important. ln particular, the literature shows that the bio-based amphiphilic molecules with a sugar head, or the glycolipids, are excellent substitutes of the petrochemical surfactants used massively in current formulations. To limit the experimental screening and to orient the choice of the syntheses of such molecules, a predictive approach based on the analysis of the molecular structure would make it possible to anticipate the properties of the amphiphilic molecules and to identify those with specific properties. The objective of this work is to develop a methodology through systematic syntheses, characterizations and analyses of glycolipids with gradual structural modifications, with the aim of identifying relevant links between heir amphiphilic properties and their structural characteristics. The obtained experimental data should make it possible to establish a comparable and reliable database, necessary for the development of predictive models. The results showed the significant influence of some structural parameters on the physico-chemical properties with clear trends, which are otherwise difficult to observe by using the non-comparable data collected from the literature. This work also demonstrated the importance of considering the behavior of amphiphilic molecules in water, through knowledge of their phase diagram, which allows for the unambiguous definition of certain properties like the CMC.

Les glucane-saccharases sont des transglucosidases de la famille 70 des glycoside-hydrolases. A partir de saccharose, ces enzymes catalysent la synthèse d’alpha -glucanes, polymères de haute masse molaire formés d’unités glucosyle. Elles sont aussi capables de synthétiser des oligosaccharides ou glucoconjugués par réaction de transglucosylation sur des accepteurs exogènes de natures variées. De par la diversité de leurs spécificités, tant au niveau des liaisons osidiques synthétisées [alpha (1→2) ; alpha (1→3) ; alpha (1→4) ou alpha (1→6)] que de l’organisation de ces liaisons au sein des produits formés, ces biocatalyseurs peuvent être mis à profit pour produire des hydrates de carbones d'intérêt pour les secteurs de l'alimentation, de la santé et de l'environnement. L'objectif de ces travaux de thèse était de générer par ingénierie enzymatique de nouvelles glucane-saccharases capables de synthétiser des alpha -glucanes et des gluco-oligosaccharides de structures et propriétés innovantes, afin d’élargir le panel d'applications de ces molécules. Sur le plan fondamental, l'enjeu était aussi d'améliorer la compréhension des relations entre structure et spécificité des glucane-saccharases. Pour atteindre nos objectifs, nous avons utilisé une stratégie d'ingénierie combinatoire de la dextrane-saccharase DSR-S de Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F, qui catalyse la synthèse d’un dextrane formé à 95 % de liaisons alpha (1→6) et 5 % alpha (1→3). Le travail a tout d'abord consisté à développer une méthode de criblage multi-étapes et à haut-débit, pour isoler et trier les variants de spécificités de liaisons variées. La stratégie comprend une première étape de sélection in vivo sur milieu solide suivie d’un criblage par RMN 1D 1H automatisé au format microplaque. Il s'agit de la première méthode de criblage à haut-débit de la spécificité de liaison des transglucosidases et glycosyltransferases. Cette stratégie a ensuite été appliquée au criblage de deux banques de variants de la DSR-S, totalisant plus de 36 000 clones obtenus par mutagénèse de saturation et recombinaison simultanée de 8 résidus du domaine catalytique. Au total, 82 mutants capables de synthétiser entre 2 et 8 fois plus de liaisons alpha (1→3) par rapport à l’enzyme parentale ont été isolés. La caractérisation des propriétés catalytiques de sept mutants représentatifs de la diversité de spécificité générée a permis d’identifier un nouveau motif peptidique 460DYVHT464 impliqué dans la spécificité de DSR-S. Enfin, la caractérisation de la structure et des propriétés rhéologiques et mécaniques des dextranes synthétisés par ces 7 mutants a mis en évidence les différences de taille et de conformation de ces macromolécules en solution et révélé l’aptitude du polymère synthétisé par le variant H463R/T464V/S512T à former des films bio-sourcés innovants, dont les propriétés mécaniques sont remarquables en comparaison de celles d'autres biopolymères extraits de plantes ou produits par fermentation / Glucansucrases are transglucosidases from glycoside hydrolase family 70. From sucrose, these enzymes catalyse the synthesis of alpha -glucans, high molecular weight polymers formed of glucosyl units. Glucansucrases are also able to synthesize oligosaccharides or glucoconjugates by transglucosylation reaction onto various exogenous acceptors. Due to the large specificity, in terms of osidic linkages synthesized [alpha (1→2); alpha (1→3); alpha (1→4) or alpha (1→6)] and their organization within the formed products, these biocatalysts can be used to produce carbohydrates of interest in food, health and environment fields. The aim of this research work was to generate, by enzyme engineering, new glucansucrases able to synthesize alpha -glucans and gluco-oligosaccharides with novel structures and properties, to enlarge applications of these molecules. At fundamental level, the work was to improve the understanding of the relationships between structure and specificity of glucansucrases. To reach our objectives, we used a combinatorial engineering strategy on the dextransucrase DSR-S of Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F, which catalyses the synthesis of a dextran formed by 95 % of alpha (1→6) and 5 % alpha (1→3) linkages. The work consisted first in the development of a multi-step high throughput screening methodology to sort out and isolate variants with altered linkage specificities. The strategy includes a first stage of in vivo selection on solid medium followed by an automated 1D 1H NMR-based screening using microplates. To date, this is the first high-throughput screening method for linkage specificity determination of transglucosidases and glycosyltransferases. This strategy was applied to the screening of two DSR-S variants libraries, totalizing more than 36,000 clones obtained by saturation mutagenesis and simultaneous recombination of 8 residues from the catalytic domain. Eighty two mutants able of synthesize 2 to 8 times more alpha (1→3) linkages compared to the parental enzyme were isolated. The characterization of the catalytic properties of 7 representative mutants enabled the identification of a new peptide motif 460DYVHT464, involved in DSR-S specificity. Finally, the characterization of structural, rheological and mechanical properties of dextrans synthetized by these 7 mutants highlighted the differences in size and conformation of these macromolecules in solution and revealed the capacity of the polymer synthesized by H463R/T464V/S512T variant to form biofilms, whose mechanical properties are remarkable in comparison to those of other biopolymers extracted from plants or produced by fermentation.

La valorisation des co-produits riches en matières organiques et inorganiques comme additifs dans des formulations à base d’argile peut améliorer à la fois les performances mécaniques et thermiques des produits de terre cuite, de même que le bilan énergétique des procédés de fabrication de ces matériaux. Cette étude a porté sur l’incorporation de combustibles solides de récupération (CSR) dans un mélange de fabrication des produits de terre cuite pour le génie civil en étroite collaboration avec l’entreprise TERREAL dans le cadre du projet LabCom RESPECTc financé par l’ANR.Premièrement, deux CSR ont été sélectionnés et utilisés comme additifs pour améliorer les produits issus des deux gisements de mélange argileux nommés ML et MC de chez TERREAL. L’influence de la nature, du taux d’incorporation des CSR, de la granulométrie des CSR et de la nature de la matrice argileuse sur les propriétés physico-chimiques, mécaniques et thermiques des mélanges argileux/CSR a été étudiée entre 30°C et 1100°C. Dans tous les cas, l’ajout de CSR a permis d’améliorer le caractère isolant des produits de terre cuite, en diminuant leur conductivité thermique. L’ajout de CSR a aussi permis d’améliorer les propriétés mécaniques des produits, en fonction du type et du taux de CSR ajouté, du taux et de la nature (forme, taille et distribution) de la porosité créée. L’étude a démontré que les interactions entre les minéraux argileux et les éléments inorganiques des CSR avaient un impact important sur les propriétés mécaniques et thermiques. Les résultats ont montré que l’ajout de 4% en masse du CSR15-1 contenant un taux de cendres de 65,7% en masse a conduit à une augmentation de la résistance mécanique du matériau à base de la matrice argileuse ML de l’ordre de 32%. Ensuite, un modèle cinétique du frittage basé sur les variations dimensionnelles des matériaux entre 650°C et 1000°C a été développé à partir de l’analyse thermomécanique (ATM) des mélanges (avec ou sans CSR). L’objectif a été de mieux comprendre les mécanismes du frittage mis en jeu. Le modèle développé a montré une bonne adéquation avec les données expérimentales. Les résultats ont montré que l’étape du frittage thermique de ces mélanges se fait en présence d’une phase liquide et que l’ajout de CSR a permis d’accélérer la densification des matériaux. Cela a conduit à une diminution de la température usuelle de cuisson des produits de terre cuite permettant ainsi un gain énergétique non négligeable. Finalement, une étude environnementale a été réalisée lors de la cuisson des mélanges argileux/CSR. Cette étude a particulièrement été focalisée sur la contribution de CSR au bilan énergétique et à l’impact des émissions des gaz critiques tels que le CO2, le CO et l’HCl. Les résultats ont montré que les émissions de CO2 et de CO lors de la cuisson des mélanges argileux/CSR ont augmenté en raison de la décomposition thermique de la matière organique des CSR et que moins de 50% en masse du chlore a été transformé en HCl (18-31 ppm). Le bilan énergétique effectué a montré que l’ajout de CSR au sein des matrices argileuses ML ou MC compense une part non négligeable du gaz naturel usuellement utilisé comme combustible au cours de la cuisson de ces matériaux. Cela s’est traduit par une économie d’énergie thermique et une réduction des émissions de CO2 provenant de la décarbonatation de la matrice argileuse. / The valorization of co-products rich in organic and inorganic materials as additives in formulations based on clay matrix can improve both the mechanical and thermal performances of ceramic materials as well as the energy balance of the manufacturing processes of these products. This study focused on the incorporation of Solid Recovered Fuels (SRF) into the clay ceramics for civil engineering in close collaboration with TERREAL as part of the ANR funded LabCom RESPECTc project. Firstly, two SRF were selected and used as additives to improve the properties of ceramic materials from to clay mixture deposits named ML and MC from TERREAL. The influence of the nature, the amount of SRF, the grain size of SRF and the nature of clay matrix on the physico-chemical, mechanical and thermal properties of the clay/SRF mixtures were studied between 30°C and 1100°C. In all cases, the addition of SRF into the clay mixture (ML or MC) has enhanced the insulating nature of the ceramic materials by reducing their thermal conductivity. The addition of SRF has also improved the mechanical properties of the ceramic materials, depending on the nature and the amount of SRF added, the rate and the nature (shape, size and distribution) of the porosity created. The study demonstrated that interactions between clay minerals and inorganic elements of SRF have a significant effect on mechanical and thermal properties. The results showed that the addition of 4 wt.% of SRF15-1 containing an ash content of 65.7 wt.% into clay matrix ML led to increase the mechanical strength of the material based on the clay matrix ML of the order of 32%. Then, a kinetic model of thermal sintering based on the dimensional variations of ceramic materials between 650°C and 1000°C was developed from thermomechanical analysis (TMA) of the clay mixtures (with or without SRF). The main objective is to better understand the mechanism of the thermal sintering involved. The model developed showed a good adequacy with the experimental data. The results showed that the thermal sintering step of these mixtures is carried out by the presence of a liquid phase and that the addition of SRF has accelerated the densification of ceramic materials. This has led to decrease the usual firing temperature of ceramic materials, allowing a significant energy savings. Finally, an environmental assessment was carried out during the firing of clay/SRF mixtures. This study was particularly focused on the contribution of SRF to the energy balance and impact of critical gas emissions such as CO2, CO and HCl. The results showed that CO2 and CO emissions during firing of clay/SRF mixtures increased due to the thermal decomposition of the organic matter of SRF and that less than 50 wt.% of chlorine was converted to HCl (18-31 ppm). The energy balance showed that the addition of SRF into the ML matrix compensates for a significant part of the natural gas usually used as fuel during firing of these ceramic materials. This was reflected by a thermal energy saving and reduction of CO2 emissions from the decarbonatation of the clay matrix.

Submitted by Johnny Rodrigues (johnnyrodrigues@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-05-22T22:23:47Z No. of bitstreams: 1 KATCILÂNYA MENEZES DE ALMEIDA - TESE PPGEA 2012..pdf: 12015723 bytes, checksum: 89f32aca42c4224f2d2241d72785479c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-22T22:23:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 KATCILÂNYA MENEZES DE ALMEIDA - TESE PPGEA 2012..pdf: 12015723 bytes, checksum: 89f32aca42c4224f2d2241d72785479c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-04 / CNPq / O Brasil possui grande potencial agrícola para produzir óleo vegetal, tanto para fins alimentares como para suprir parte da demanda de energia renovável, porém nos últimos cinco anos tem sido o maior importador de azeite de oliva do mundo, devido aos seus benefícios para a saúde. Neste contexto objetivou-se, com este trabalho, a elaboração de misturas especiais de óleos vegetais para fins alimentícios, com base nos óleos de amendoim, gergelim, maracujá e soja. Os óleos de amendoim e gergelim como alternativa por serem culturas produzidas no Brasil, constituem uma fonte de ácidos graxos e antioxidantes tão pouco explorados na alimentação dos brasileiros, tal como o óleo de maracujá como co-produto, descartado pela indústria de suco e ainda o óleo de soja cuja matéria-prima abundante, tornam o produto acessível aos consumidores de todas as classes sociais. Os óleos de amendoim e gergelim foram extraídos de sementes das cultivares BRS-Havana e BRS-Seda, respectivamente, cedidas pela Embrapa Algodão enquanto o óleo de maracujá foi adquirido no comércio de São Paulo e o de soja no de Campina Grande. As misturas foram elaboradas com base em uma matriz de planejamento experimental e, em seguida, submetidas às análises de composição de ácidos graxos e ensaios físico-químicas (umidade, índice de acidez, índice de iodo, índice de refração, densidade e viscosidade) segundo a metodologia do IAL (2008). As medidas obtidas foram utilizadas para estudar e otimizar a elaboração das misturas de óleos vegetais e como variáveis para predição por espectrometria no infravermelho próximo (NIR) foram utilizados os mínimos quadrados parciais (PLS) como metodologia de calibração multivariada. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA), à análise de variância multivariada (MANOVA), à análise de correlação canónica e à análise de correlação de Pearson, pelo software SAS 9.1.3; na análise de componentes principais (PCA) e regressão por mínimos quadrados parciais (PLS) utilizou-se o software Uncrambler 9.8®. Concluiu-se que a mistura equivalente a 40% de óleo de amendoim, 20% de óleo de gergelim, 20% de óleo de maracujá e 20% de óleo de soja apresentou-se como a melhor mistura para fins alimentares, com base na composição de ácidos graxos. Os métodos de predição por NIR foram eficazes para a estimativa não destrutiva, rápida, de baixo custo e direta, dos ácidos graxos palmítico, esteárico, oleico, linoleico, araquídico e linolênico e para as medidas físico-químicas de densidade, índice de refração, viscosidade, índice de acidez e índice de iodo. / Brazil has great potential to produce vegetable oils as a source of raw materiais for food and energy. But in the last five years has been the largest importer of olive oil in the worid due to its health benefits and wide divulgation. In this context, the aim of this work was the development of special blends of vegetable oils as an alternative to olive oils based on peanut, sesame, soy and passion fruit. The peanut and sesame oils because they are a source of fatty acids and antioxidants in the diet of little explored in Brazil, passion fruit oil as co-product of the juice industry, and soybean oil abundant raw material which makes the product available to consumers of ali social classes. The peanut and sesame oils were extracted from seeds of BRS-Seda and BRS-Havana, while passion fruit oil was purchased commercially of city São Paulo-SP and trade soybean in the city of Campina Grande-PB. The mixtures were prepared based on an array of experimental design and then submitted to analysis of fatty acid composition and physico-chemical (moisture, acid value, iodine value, refractive index, density and viscosity). Moreover, were used as reference variables for prediction via infrared spectroscopy (NIR) using the partial least squares (PLS) and multivariate calibration methodology. The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), canonical correlation analysis and Pearson correlation analysis by SAS 9.1.3 software, the principal component analysis (PCA) and Partial least squares regression (PLS) was used Uncrambler 9.8 ® softwarlt was concluded that the mixture equivalent to 40% peanut oil, 20% sesame oil, 20% passion fruit oil, and 20% soybean oil was presented as the best mix for food composition based on fatty acids. The prediction by NIR methods were effective for estimating non-destructive, rapid, inexpensive and direct fatty acids palmitic, stearic, oleie, linoleic, linolenic and arachidic and physico-chemical measurements of density, refractive index, viscosity, acid value and iodine value.

Deep geological repository (DGR) for disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) is designed to rely on successive superimposed barrier systems to isolate the waste from the biosphere. This multiple barrier system comprises the natural geological barrier provided by the repository host rock and its surrounding and an engineered barrier system (EBS). The EBS represents the synthetic, engineered materials placed within the natural barrier, comprising array of components such as waste form, waste canisters, buffer materials, backfill and seals. The buffer will enclose the waste canisters from all directions and act as a barrier between canisters and host rock of the repository. It is designed to stabilise the evolving thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical stresses in the repository over a long period (nearly 1000 years) to retard radionuclides from reaching biosphere. Bentonite clay or bentonite-sand mix have been chosen as buffer materials in EBS design in various countries pursuing deep geological repository method. The bentonite buffer is the most important barrier among the other EBS components for a geological repository. The safety of repository depends to a large extent on proper functioning of buffer over a very long period of time during which it must remain physically, chemically and mineralogically stable. The long term stability of bentonite buffer depends on varying temperature and evolution of groundwater composition of host rocks in a complex way. The groundwater in the vicinity of deep crystalline rock is often characterized by high solute concentrations and the geotechnical engineering response of bentonite buffer could be affected by the dissolved salt concentration of the inflowing ground water. Also during the initial period, radiogenic heat produced in waste canisters would radiate into buffer and the heat generated would lead to drying and some shrinkage of bentonite buffer close to canister. This could alter the dry density, moisture content and in turn the hydro-mechanical properties of bentonite buffer in DGR conditions. India has variety of bentonite deposits in North-Western states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Previous studies on Indian bentonites suggest that bentonite from Barmer district of Rajasthan (termed as Barmer-1 bentonite) is suitable to serve as buffer material in DGR conditions. Nuclear power agencies of several countries have identified suitable bentonites for use as buffer in DGR through laboratory experiments and large scale underground testing facilities. Physico-chemical, mineralogical and engineering properties of Kunigel VI, Kyungju, GMZ, FoCa clay, MX-80, FEBEX and Avonseal bentonites have been extensively studied by Japan, South Korea, China, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Canada. It is hence essential to examine the suitability of Barmer-1 bentonite as potential buffer in DGR and compare its physico-chemical and hydromechanical properties with bentonite buffers identified by other countries. The significant factors that impact the long-term stability of bentonite buffer in DGR include variations in moisture content, dry density and pore water chemistry. With a view to address these issues, the hydromechanical response of 70 % Barmer-1 bentonite + 30 % river sand mix (termed bentonite enhanced sand, BES specimens) under varying moisture content, dry density and pore water salt concentration conditions have been examined. The broad scope of the work includes: 1) Characterise the physico-chemical and hydro-mechanical properties of Barmer-1 bentonite from Rajasthan, India and compare its properties with bentonite buffers reported in literature. 2) Examine the influence of variations in dissolved salt concentration (of infiltrating solution), dry density and moisture content of compacted BES specimens on their hydro-mechanical response; the hydro-mechanical properties include, swell pressure, soil water characteristic curve (SWCC), unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, moisture diffusivity and unconfined compression strength. Organization of thesis: After the first introductory chapter, a detailed review of literature is performed to highlight the need for detailed characterisation of physico-chemical and hydromechanical properties of Barmer-1 bentonite for its possible application in DGR in the Indian context. Further, existing literature on hydro-mechanical response of bentonite buffer to changes in physical (degree of saturation/moisture content, dry density) and physico-chemical (solute concentration in pore water) is reviewed to define the scope and objectives of the present thesis in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 presents a detailed experimental programme of the study. Chapter 4 characterises Barmer-1 bentonite for physico-chemical (cation exchange capacity, pore water salinity, exchangeable sodium percentage) and hydro-mechanical properties, such as, swell pressure, saturated permeability, soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) and unconfined compression strength. The properties of Barmer-1 bentonite are compared with bentonite buffers reported in literature and generalized equations for determining swell pressure and saturated permeability coefficient of bentonite buffers are arrived at. Chapter 5 describes a method to determine solute concentrations in the inter-lamellar and free-solutions of compacted BES (bentonite enhanced sand) specimens. The solute concentrations in micro and macro pore solutions are used to examine the role of osmotic flow on swell pressures developed by compacted BES specimens (dry density 1.50-2.00 Mg/m3) inundated with distilled water and NaCl solutions (1000-5000 mg/L). The number of hydration layers developed by the compacted BES specimens on inundation with salt solutions in constant volume swell pressure tests is controlled by cation hydration/osmotic flow. The cation hydration of specimens compacted to dry density of 2.00 Mg/m3 is mainly driven by matric suction prevailing in the clay microtructure as the number of hydration layers developed at wetting equilibrium are independent of the total dissolved solids (TDS) of the wetting solution. Consequently, the swell pressures of specimens compacted to 2.00 Mg/m3 were insensitive to the salt concentration of the inundating solution. The cation hydration of specimens compacted to dry density of 1.50 Mg/m3 is driven by both matric suction (prevailing in the clay micro-structure) and osmotic flow as the number of hydration layers developed at wetting equilibrium is sensitive to the TDS of the wetting solution. Expectedly, the swell pressures of specimens compacted to 1.50 Mg/m3 responded to changes in salt concentration of the inundating solution. The 1.75 Mg/m3 specimens show behaviour that is intermediate to the 1.50 and 2.00 Mg/m3 series specimens. Chapter 6 examines the influence of initial degree of saturation on swell pressures developed by the compacted BES specimens (dry density range: 1.40- 2.00 Mg/m3) on wetting with distilled water from micro-structural considerations. The micro-structure of the bentonite specimens are examined in the compacted and wetted states by performing X-ray diffraction measurements. The initial degree of saturation is varied by adding requisite amount of distilled water to the oven-dried BES mix and compacting the moist mixes to the desired density. The montmorillonite fraction in the BES specimens is responsible for moisture absorption during compaction and development of swell pressure in the constant volume oedometer tests. Consequently, it was considered reasonable to calculate degree of saturation based on EMDD (effective montmorillonite dry density) values and correlate the developed swell pressure values with degree of saturation of montmorillonite voids (Sr,MF). XRD measurements with compacted and wetted specimens demonstrated that if specimens of density series developed similar number of hydration layers on wetting under constant volume condition they exhibited similar swell pressures, as was the case for specimens belonging to 1.40 and 1.50 Mg/m3 series. With specimens belonging to 1.75 and 2.00 Mg/m3 series, greater number of hydration layers were developed by specimens that were less saturated initially (smaller initial Sr,MF) and consequently such specimens developed larger swell pressures. When specimens developed similar number of hydration layers in the wetted state, the compaction dry density determined the swell pressure. Chapter 7 examines the influence of salt concentration of infiltrating solution (sodium chloride concentration ranges from 1000- 5000 mg/L) on SWCC relations, unsaturated permeability and moisture diffusivity of compacted BES specimens. Analysis of the experimental and Brooks and Corey best fit plots revealed that infiltration of sodium chloride solutions had progressively lesser influence on the micro-structure and consequently on the SWCC relations with increase in dry density of the compacted specimens. The micro-structure and SWCC relations of specimens compacted to 1.50 Mg/m3 were most affected, specimens compacted to 1.75 Mg/m3 were less affected, while specimens compacted to 2.00 Mg/m3 were unaffected by infiltration of sodium chloride solutions. Variations in dry density of compacted bentonite impacts the pore space available for moisture flow, while, salinity of wetting fluid impacts the pore structure from associated physico-chemical changes in clay structure. Experimental results showed that the unsaturated permeability coefficient is insensitive to variations in dry density and solute concentration of wetting liquid, while, the effective hydraulic diffusivity is impacted by variations in these parameters. Chapter 8 summarises the major findings of the study.

Deep geological repository (DGR) for disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) is designed to rely on successive superimposed barrier systems to isolate the waste from the biosphere. This multiple barrier system comprises the natural geological barrier provided by the repository host rock and its surrounding and an engineered barrier system (EBS). The EBS represents the synthetic, engineered materials placed within the natural barrier, comprising array of components such as waste form, waste canisters, buffer materials, backfill and seals. The buffer will enclose the waste canisters from all directions and act as a barrier between canisters and host rock of the repository. It is designed to stabilise the evolving thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical stresses in the repository over a long period (nearly 1000 years) to retard radionuclides from reaching biosphere. Bentonite clay or bentonite-sand mix have been chosen as buffer materials in EBS design in various countries pursuing deep geological repository method. The bentonite buffer is the most important barrier among the other EBS components for a geological repository. The safety of repository depends to a large extent on proper functioning of buffer over a very long period of time during which it must remain physically, chemically and mineralogically stable. The long term stability of bentonite buffer depends on varying temperature and evolution of groundwater composition of host rocks in a complex way. The groundwater in the vicinity of deep crystalline rock is often characterized by high solute concentrations and the geotechnical engineering response of bentonite buffer could be affected by the dissolved salt concentration of the inflowing ground water. Also during the initial period, radiogenic heat produced in waste canisters would radiate into buffer and the heat generated would lead to drying and some shrinkage of bentonite buffer close to canister. This could alter the dry density, moisture content and in turn the hydro-mechanical properties of bentonite buffer in DGR conditions. India has variety of bentonite deposits in North-Western states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Previous studies on Indian bentonites suggest that bentonite from Barmer district of Rajasthan (termed as Barmer-1 bentonite) is suitable to serve as buffer material in DGR conditions. Nuclear power agencies of several countries have identified suitable bentonites for use as buffer in DGR through laboratory experiments and large scale underground testing facilities. Physico-chemical, mineralogical and engineering properties of Kunigel VI, Kyungju, GMZ, FoCa clay, MX-80, FEBEX and Avonseal bentonites have been extensively studied by Japan, South Korea, China, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Canada. It is hence essential to examine the suitability of Barmer-1 bentonite as potential buffer in DGR and compare its physico-chemical and hydromechanical properties with bentonite buffers identified by other countries. The significant factors that impact the long-term stability of bentonite buffer in DGR include variations in moisture content, dry density and pore water chemistry. With a view to address these issues, the hydromechanical response of 70 % Barmer-1 bentonite + 30 % river sand mix (termed bentonite enhanced sand, BES specimens) under varying moisture content, dry density and pore water salt concentration conditions have been examined. The broad scope of the work includes: 1) Characterise the physico-chemical and hydro-mechanical properties of Barmer-1 bentonite from Rajasthan, India and compare its properties with bentonite buffers reported in literature. 2) Examine the influence of variations in dissolved salt concentration (of infiltrating solution), dry density and moisture content of compacted BES specimens on their hydro-mechanical response; the hydro-mechanical properties include, swell pressure, soil water characteristic curve (SWCC), unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, moisture diffusivity and unconfined compression strength. Organization of thesis: After the first introductory chapter, a detailed review of literature is performed to highlight the need for detailed characterisation of physico-chemical and hydromechanical properties of Barmer-1 bentonite for its possible application in DGR in the Indian context. Further, existing literature on hydro-mechanical response of bentonite buffer to changes in physical (degree of saturation/moisture content, dry density) and physico-chemical (solute concentration in pore water) is reviewed to define the scope and objectives of the present thesis in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 presents a detailed experimental programme of the study. Chapter 4 characterises Barmer-1 bentonite for physico-chemical (cation exchange capacity, pore water salinity, exchangeable sodium percentage) and hydro-mechanical properties, such as, swell pressure, saturated permeability, soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) and unconfined compression strength. The properties of Barmer-1 bentonite are compared with bentonite buffers reported in literature and generalized equations for determining swell pressure and saturated permeability coefficient of bentonite buffers are arrived at. Chapter 5 describes a method to determine solute concentrations in the inter-lamellar and free-solutions of compacted BES (bentonite enhanced sand) specimens. The solute concentrations in micro and macro pore solutions are used to examine the role of osmotic flow on swell pressures developed by compacted BES specimens (dry density 1.50-2.00 Mg/m3) inundated with distilled water and NaCl solutions (1000-5000 mg/L). The number of hydration layers developed by the compacted BES specimens on inundation with salt solutions in constant volume swell pressure tests is controlled by cation hydration/osmotic flow. The cation hydration of specimens compacted to dry density of 2.00 Mg/m3 is mainly driven by matric suction prevailing in the clay microtructure as the number of hydration layers developed at wetting equilibrium are independent of the total dissolved solids (TDS) of the wetting solution. Consequently, the swell pressures of specimens compacted to 2.00 Mg/m3 were insensitive to the salt concentration of the inundating solution. The cation hydration of specimens compacted to dry density of 1.50 Mg/m3 is driven by both matric suction (prevailing in the clay micro-structure) and osmotic flow as the number of hydration layers developed at wetting equilibrium is sensitive to the TDS of the wetting solution. Expectedly, the swell pressures of specimens compacted to 1.50 Mg/m3 responded to changes in salt concentration of the inundating solution. The 1.75 Mg/m3 specimens show behaviour that is intermediate to the 1.50 and 2.00 Mg/m3 series specimens. Chapter 6 examines the influence of initial degree of saturation on swell pressures developed by the compacted BES specimens (dry density range: 1.40- 2.00 Mg/m3) on wetting with distilled water from micro-structural considerations. The micro-structure of the bentonite specimens are examined in the compacted and wetted states by performing X-ray diffraction measurements. The initial degree of saturation is varied by adding requisite amount of distilled water to the oven-dried BES mix and compacting the moist mixes to the desired density. The montmorillonite fraction in the BES specimens is responsible for moisture absorption during compaction and development of swell pressure in the constant volume oedometer tests. Consequently, it was considered reasonable to calculate degree of saturation based on EMDD (effective montmorillonite dry density) values and correlate the developed swell pressure values with degree of saturation of montmorillonite voids (Sr,MF). XRD measurements with compacted and wetted specimens demonstrated that if specimens of density series developed similar number of hydration layers on wetting under constant volume condition they exhibited similar swell pressures, as was the case for specimens belonging to 1.40 and 1.50 Mg/m3 series. With specimens belonging to 1.75 and 2.00 Mg/m3 series, greater number of hydration layers were developed by specimens that were less saturated initially (smaller initial Sr,MF) and consequently such specimens developed larger swell pressures. When specimens developed similar number of hydration layers in the wetted state, the compaction dry density determined the swell pressure. Chapter 7 examines the influence of salt concentration of infiltrating solution (sodium chloride concentration ranges from 1000- 5000 mg/L) on SWCC relations, unsaturated permeability and moisture diffusivity of compacted BES specimens. Analysis of the experimental and Brooks and Corey best fit plots revealed that infiltration of sodium chloride solutions had progressively lesser influence on the micro-structure and consequently on the SWCC relations with increase in dry density of the compacted specimens. The micro-structure and SWCC relations of specimens compacted to 1.50 Mg/m3 were most affected, specimens compacted to 1.75 Mg/m3 were less affected, while specimens compacted to 2.00 Mg/m3 were unaffected by infiltration of sodium chloride solutions. Variations in dry density of compacted bentonite impacts the pore space available for moisture flow, while, salinity of wetting fluid impacts the pore structure from associated physico-chemical changes in clay structure. Experimental results showed that the unsaturated permeability coefficient is insensitive to variations in dry density and solute concentration of wetting liquid, while, the effective hydraulic diffusivity is impacted by variations in these parameters. Chapter 8 summarises the major findings of the study.

Le principal objectif de cette thèse était de mieux comprendre l’importance des Substances Polymériques Extracellulaires (SPE) dans la structuration et la formation des biofilms benthiques ; tout en s’inscrivant dans une étude plus globale des mécanismes écologiques impliqués dans le fonctionnement des vasières intertidales. La mise au point des dosages biochimiques a été effectuée sur le mucilage de l’algue Chaetomorpha aerea et a permis en parallèle de purifier un polysaccharide sulfaté riche en galactose, présentant une activité bactéricide sélective contre la souche Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Les études biochimiques et écologiques menées sur les SPE extraits de la vasière charentaise ont ensuite permis de quantifier leur dynamique de production et leur composition, en fonction des conditions environnementales. La présence de désoxy-sucres et d’acides uroniques au sein des SPE capsulaires a laissé supposer que ces fractions jouaient un rôle important dans la formation et le devenir du biofilm microphytobenthique. La dernière partie des travaux a permis de caractériser les propriétés acide/base de Lewis et hydrophile/hydrophobe de la surface de la micro-algue Navicula jeffreyi, impliquée dans la formation de biofilms benthiques, par des méthodes classiques d’analyse. L’utilisation d’une nouvelle méthode, la Chromatographie Gazeuse Inverse (CGI), a permis d’obtenir des résultats intéressants et relativement similaires, confirmant le caractère prometteur de la CGI pour l’étude des propriétés de surface des micro-organismes. / The main goal of this thesis was to better understand the importance of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) in the structuring and formation of benthic biofilms; while considering a global conception of the ecological mechanisms involved in the functioning of intertidal mudflats. The development of the biochemical assays was done on the mucilage of the macroalgae Chaetomorpha aerea and allowed purifying a polysaccharide rich in galactose, showing a selective bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Then, the biochemical and ecological studies concerning the EPS extracted from the local mudflat allowed studying their dynamic of production and composition in relation to environmental conditions. The presence of deoxy sugars and uronic acids in the bound EPS highlighted their important roles during the formation and the life of microphytobenthic biofilms. The last part of the work was used to characterize the acid/base of Lewis and hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface properties of the microalgae Navicula jeffreyi, involved in the formation of benthic biofilms, by using classical analysis methods. The use of a new method, named Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC), allowed getting interesting and relatively similar results, confirming the potential of the method to study the surface properties of microorganisms.

Tato práce zkoumá existující možnosti a metody detekce korelovaných mutací v proteinech. Práce začíná teoretickým úvodem do zkoumané problematiky. Využití informací o korelovaných mutacích je především při predikci terciální struktury proteinu či hledání oblastí s významnou funkcí. Dále následuje přehled v současnosti používaných metod detekce a jejich výhody a nevýhody. V této práci jsou zkoumány zejména metody založené na statistice (například Pearsonově korelačním koeficientu nebo Pearsonově chi^2 testu), informační teorii (Mutual information - MI) a pravděpodobnosti (ELSC nebo Spidermonkey). Dále jsou popsány nejdůležitější nástroje s informací o tom, které metody používají a jakým způsobem. Také je diskutována možnost návrhu optimálního algoritmu. Jako optimální z hlediska úspěšnosti detekce je doporučeno využít více zmíněných metod. Také je doporučeno při detekci využít fyzikálně-chemických vlastností aminokyselin. V praktické části byla vyvinuta metoda využívající fyzikálně-chemických vlastností aminokyselin a fylogenetických stromů. Výsledky detekce byly porovnány s nástroji CAPS, CRASP a CMAT.

Diploma thesis documents the problems of soil quality, which is assessed on the basis of physical, chemical or biological indicators of soil quality. The paper describes the various indicators, its methodology and evaluation. In the practical part evaluates the quality of soil cultivated with the traditional way - using plowing. The experimental area, where the samples were taken from the soil, lies in the Olomouc region in the municipality Šumvald. Evaluated were selected physical, chemical and physico-chemical properties of soil, e.g. particle size distribution, bulk density, porosity, air capacity, hydrolimits, pH, carbonates, humus content and salinity of the soil.