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A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 14626

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jianmin Ma

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
Interests: recycled asphalt pavement; bioasphalt; porous asphalt; solid waste

Dr. Mingjun Hu

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Guest Editor

School of Transportation and Logistics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Interests: asphalt ageing; recycled asphalt materials; sustainable asphalt materials; eco-friendly asphalt materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Kejie Zhai

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Guest Editor

School of Water Conservancy and Transportation, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Interests: underground engineering disaster prevention
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue on "Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environment" focuses on exploring the diverse uses of granular materials in various industrial processes and environmental contexts. It delves into the practical applications, challenges, and advancements in utilizing granular materials across sectors.

This Special Issue aims to publish the recent advances in granular materials used in industries and engineering. Topics include, but are not limited to:

The preparation method of asphalt/cement concrete using solid waste;
The performance characterization of recycled asphalt/cement concrete;
The environmental impact analysis of solid waste;
The multiscale characterization of cracking resistance.

Dr. Jianmin Ma
Dr. Mingjun Hu
Dr. Kejie Zhai
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

recycled concrete aggregate in asphalt or cement concrete pavement
recycled aggregates in geotechnical applications
brick and ceramic production for civil engineering application
recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingle (RAS)
recycled plastics, including Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), etc.

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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32 pages, 8417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interaction Mechanism of Inter-Pipes in Double-Layer Pipelines and a Mechanical Model with Differential Thermal Deformation

by Gang Qiu and Mingming Sun

Processes 2025, 13(3), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030762 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 404

Abstract

Double-layer pipelines are widely used in deep-sea energy transport because of their strong thermal insulation and enhanced structural safety. The stress distribution and the interaction mechanism between inter-pipes of double-layer pipelines are elucidated. A mechanical model is developed to characterize the thermal deformation difference between the two layers. The mechanical response of the pipeline can be divided into two distinct modes based on the initial deformation stages: (1) an inner-pipe-dominated elongation that creates compressive stress in the inner pipe and tensile stress in the outer pipe, and (2) an outer-pipe-dominated elongation that reverses this stress distribution. Sagging deformation (bowl-shaped deformation), primarily caused by the self-weight of the inner pipe, is identified as the critical factor that drives the stress concentration and bending moment at the inner–outer pipe connection. Engineering approaches, such as inserting spacers or additional supports in the annular cavity, effectively reduce peak stresses in both layers under extreme conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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13 pages, 3345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Anti-UV Aging Performance of Asphalt Modified by UV-531/Pigment Violet Composite Light Stabilizers

by Fa Zhang, Yang Liu, Zhenhao Cao, Yifan Liu, Yufang Ren, Haishan Liang, Kunyu Wang, Yanyan Zhang, Jia Wang and Xue Li

Processes 2024, 12(12), 2758; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122758 - 4 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 819

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation accelerates the aging of asphalt pavements and shortens the service life of the pavement. To effectively mitigate the impact of UV aging on asphalt performance, a novel composite anti-UV aging agent, 2-hydroxy-4-n-octyoxybenzophenone/pigment violet (UV-531/PV), was developed. After UV-accelerated aging, the modified asphalt samples were characterized by conventional performance tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). The results show that UV-531/PV-composite-modified asphalt maintains excellent conventional properties after UV aging. The FTIR testing showed that the changes in carbonyl index (I_c=o) and sulfoxide index (I_s=o) of the composite-modified asphalt were significantly smaller than those of the matrix asphalt, indicating the less oxidation degree of the composite-modified asphalt. The GPC test results showed that the change in molecular weight of the composite-modified asphalt after UV aging was less than that of the matrix asphalt. DSR results showed that UV-531/PV-modified asphalt exhibited higher viscoelasticity and higher rutting resistance than unmodified asphalt. This study proposes a new method for preparing anti-UV aging asphalt, which can be used for micro-surfacing, fog sealing or ultra-thin overlay on road surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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11 pages, 6379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studying Characteristics of Hot Fine-Grained Asphalt Concrete with the Addition of Coked Sands from the Pyrolysis of Oil Sands

by Yerbol Tileuberdi, Yerdos Ongarbayev, Zhazira Mukatayeva, Khairulla Zhanbekov, Kairat Mukhambetkaliyev, Yerzhan Akkazin, Nurgul Shadin and Yerzhan Imanbayev

Processes 2024, 12(11), 2540; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112540 - 14 Nov 2024

Viewed by 926

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential use of coked sands, a byproduct of the thermal processing (pyrolysis) of oil sands, in asphalt concrete mixtures. After pyrolysis extracts the oil from the oil sand, the remaining mineral part becomes coked and changes color to black as solid waste, resulting in a coating of biochar. The coked sand’s X-ray phase analysis (XRD) shows peaks at 4.2564, 3.6749, 3.3768, 3.2380, 3.1903, 2.4581, 2.2800, and 2.2365. Quartz, aluminosilicates, metal oxides, and possibly even carbonates make up the sand’s mineral makeup, as indicated by these peaks. One way to use them is in road construction. In this study, we substituted sand screenings with coked sand in amounts of 5%, 7%, and 10% to examine its impact on the composition of asphalt concrete. This study used 5% paving bitumen (BND 70/100) as a binder for asphalt mineral materials of varying sizes. It concludes that using coked sand to produce asphalt concrete can save 5–10% of sand screenings. The test results showed that adding 5% and 7% of coked sand increases the compressive strength at 50 °C by 8% and 31%, respectively. Adding 10% of coked sand does not increase the strength and actually makes it weaker. The results of the asphalt concrete samples meet type B grade 1 standards of ST RK 1225-2019. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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17 pages, 3739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Nanocarbon-Coated Calcium Carbonate on Asphalt Rutting: Experimental and Numerical Analyses

by Mohammad Erfan Hoghoghi, Mohammad Mehdi Khabiri and Ahmad Mansourian

Processes 2024, 12(10), 2244; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102244 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1255

Abstract

Rutting is a significant form of pavement distress that arises from irreversible strains accumulating along wheel paths, directly impacting pavement safety. This research investigates the effectiveness of nanocarbon-coated micronized calcium carbonate powder as a modified filler to mitigate rutting, utilizing numerical methods via finite element software. The study specifically examines the addition of 5% by weight of this modified filler to the asphalt mix. To validate the numerical results, laboratory wheel-tracking tests were conducted on samples incorporating both conventional and modified fillers. The findings reveal that the modified calcium carbonate filler enhances the asphalt’s resistance to rutting, with the 5% inclusion demonstrating a marked improvement in durability and performance. The study also underscores the necessity of characterizing the elastic and visco-plastic properties of materials through rigorous testing methods, such as elastic modulus and dynamic creep tests, to better understand their behavior under load. Numerical analysis based on linear elastic conditions was prioritized over viscous conditions to effectively compare the results of these specialized materials. The strong correlation between the numerical simulations and laboratory results reinforces the effectiveness of finite element methods in predicting pavement behavior and optimizing asphalt mixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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20 pages, 6189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Application Layer of Pouring Semi-Flexible Pavement Material on Low-Temperature Stress

by Guoxun Li, Deyong Wang, Huaizhi Zhang, Biao Xu, Fan Yang and Zhen Zhang

Processes 2024, 12(2), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12020245 - 24 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

Pouring semi-flexible pavement material (PSFM) is widely used as a wearing layer material or below pavement due to its excellent resistance to deformation at high temperatures and under heavy loads. However, in cold regions, the material exhibits severe cracking issues. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the resistance of pouring semi-flexible pavements (SFPs) to low-temperature cracking in cold regions by strategically designing pavement structures that incorporate PSFM. To achieve this goal, we conducted indoor tests to determine the relaxation modulus and temperature shrinkage coefficient of PSFM and simulated a pavement structure using COMSOL finite element simulation. The impacts of different application layers and layer thicknesses on low-temperature stresses were investigated based on these findings. The research findings indicate that when PSFM is used as the wearing layer material, the low-temperature stress is 4.7% lower than that of typical materials used in the pavement-wearing layer. When used as the binder layer material, the low-temperature stress on the wearing layer material increases by 3.5%. As the thickness of the wearing layer increases, the low-temperature stress within the pavement structure decreases, but the low-temperature stress on the pavement surface increases. Therefore, it is recommended to use PSFM as the binder layer material and appropriately increase the thickness of the wearing layer to enhance the pavement’s resistance to low-temperature cracking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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16 pages, 7246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Nano-Alumina-Modified Cement Composites Exposed to High Temperatures

by Man Wang, Yu Jiang, Shuaitao Liu, Zhaofan Chen and Haijian Su

Processes 2024, 12(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12010094 - 31 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1685

Abstract

Due to improved mechanical properties, nano-alumina (NA) addition has been considered as an interesting method to promote the performance of cement composites. To investigate the enhancing effect of NA on the fire resistance of cement-based composites, the physical and mechanical properties of NA-modified cement composites (NAMCCs) were experimentally measured after exposure to high temperatures (up to 800 °C). The variation mechanism of the physical properties of NAMCCs with increasing temperature was explored using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. Increasing temperature leads to a gradual decrease in density and ultrasonic wave velocity but an overall increase in mass loss. The addition of NA particles effectively improved the mechanical properties of hardened cement pastes after heat treatment at all the temperatures studied. The compressive strength, elastic modulus and flexural strength all gradually decrease with increasing temperature. Combined with the changes in XRD and SEM, three regions are identified for the variation in mechanical performance in the temperature range of 20~400 °C, 400~600 °C and 600~800 °C. Finally, the relation between the physical and mechanical parameters of these regions was evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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14 pages, 5459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Assessment Method of Failure Pressure for Pipelines with Colony Corrosion Defects Based on Failure Location

by Hao Zhang, Mingming Sun, Jie Zhang, Yiming Zhang, Bin Li and Kejie Zhai

Processes 2023, 11(11), 3134; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11113134 - 2 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1462

Abstract

Evaluating the burst pressure of corrosion cluster defects necessitates considering the interaction of contiguous defects. The importance of this interaction cannot be emphasized enough, as it plays a crucial role in determining the failure pressure of such pipelines. Current methods for assessing the failure pressure of corrosion cluster defects have drawbacks, including complex evaluation procedures and limited applicability. In this research, the failure mode and location of corrosion clusters with two or more defects are studied with a burst experiment on a full-scaled pipeline. Based on the failure position of the corrosion cluster, a “center failure location” method is proposed to estimate the burst pressure of colony corrosion defects. The method takes the defect in the failure position as the center; the influence of contiguous defects that interact with the central defect on its failure pressure is considered, and subsequently, the burst pressure of colony corrosion centered on the failure location is evaluated. In contrast with the current assessment methods, while the proposed approach does not reduce prediction errors, it requires fewer evaluation conditions and is operationally simpler and more versatile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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25 pages, 8120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation on the Performance of Fire and Smoke Suppressing Asphalt Materials for Tunnels

by Jiaquan Li, Fei Liu, Mingjun Hu, Changjun Zhou, Liujingyuan Su and Peng Cao

Processes 2023, 11(10), 3038; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11103038 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1675

Abstract

The volatilization of asphalt fumes not only affects the health of construction workers, but also damages the environment. It even affects the construction quality of asphalt pavement in tunnels. This article focuses on solving the emission of asphalt fumes to better protect human health and the environment, while satisfying the use of asphalt pavement. A flame retardant and smoke suppressant (compound) with Mg(OH)₂ as the main component was developed, and flame retardant asphalt mixture and asphalt mastics were prepared to evaluate the flame retardant and smoke suppressant properties and performance effects. Firstly, its low- and high-temperature performances were investigated with BBR and DSR, respectively. Then, the indoor combustion test and the cone calorimeter test were used to evaluate the fire retardant smoke suppression effect of the asphalt mastic. Thirdly, the flame retardant effect of asphalt mastic mixed with the compound was further analyzed by the TG test and SEM. The pyrolysis temperature, mass loss, and microscopic state of the asphalt surface were used to verify and explain the flame retardant reaction effect and process of the compound. Finally, the asphalt mixture performance was evaluated, as well as the flame retardant smoke suppression effect by asphalt mixture combustion tests. The results showed that the flame retardant smoke suppression time of the flame retardant asphalt mixture was reduced by 66%, and the smoke emission area was reduced by 20%. The flame retardant smoke suppression effect of the asphalt mixture was improved by 44%. It is proven that this kind of fire retardant and smoke suppressing asphalt mastic and mixture met performance needs in use, and the fire retardant and smoke suppressing effect was obvious. This solution addresses the issue of asphalt smoke generated during the construction of asphalt pavement, providing better support for the construction of asphalt pavement in tunnels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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Review

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22 pages, 1544 KiB

Open AccessReview

Microplastic Pollution in Soil and Water and the Potential Effects on Human Health: A Review

by Mario Alberto Pérez-Méndez, Guadalupe Selene Fraga-Cruz, Saúl Domínguez-García, Martha Lizeth Pérez-Méndez, Christian Israel Bocanegra-Díaz and Fabricio Nápoles-Rivera

Processes 2025, 13(2), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13020502 - 11 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1845

Abstract

The presence of microplastics in the environment has increased due to anthropogenic activities; it is estimated that 15 million kilograms of plastic waste accumulate in the ocean annually. Pollution permeates every inch of the ocean from microplastics in the food chain to plastic water bottles floating on the surface. This monolith of ocean pollution is made up of all kinds of marine debris and contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, covering an area twice the size of Texas. The objective of this review is to show advances in the study of emerging problems, specifically in the presence of microplastics in water and soil and their potential effects on health. In addition, microplastics have synergy with residual contaminants that exist in the water such as textile waste, organic matter, pathogens, etc. This causes damage to aquatic organisms as it makes nutrient transfer more complex in many of these species. There is a report that estimates that liabilities related to plastic pollution will cost the industry 100,000 million dollars due to lawsuits for damages and losses, of which 20,000 million will occur in the United States. The study of the presence of microplastics in the environment can generate indicators of the current effect to generate public policies that try to control the growth of this pollutant in the environment. It is important to discuss all the routes of generation of microplastics, distribution, and cosmetics involved in fast fashion with glitter and to evaluate the physical, chemical, biological, and toxicological effects on the environment, proposing the path and future to be followed regarding this research topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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24 pages, 2999 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Progress of the Interfacial Diffusion between Virgin and Aged Asphalt Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation: A Review

by Yanhai Yang, Chonghua Wang and Ye Yang

Processes 2023, 11(10), 3024; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11103024 - 20 Oct 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2198

Abstract

The utilization rate of reclaimed asphalt pavement is significantly low in the sustainable design process of asphalt roads. Numerous researchers have extensively investigated the recycling and utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavements from various perspectives. Molecular dynamics simulations could elucidate the diffusion phenomenon occurring at the molecular scale between virgin and aged asphalt interfaces. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the simulation methods and applications of molecular dynamics simulation in the interface diffusion problem between virgin and aged asphalt. Diffusion theory and model testing methods are discussed. The review proposes the basic steps of molecular dynamics simulation and summarizes the molecular models with the corresponding parameter settings of virgin asphalt and aged asphalt. Moreover, the current influencing factors on the interfacial diffusion problem of virgin and aged asphalt are discussed. The paper explores the validation parameters including density, viscosity, radial distribution function (RDF), glass transition temperature, and solubility parameters based on the existing research. Molecular dynamics simulation could simulate interface diffusion at a micro-scale and clarify the diffusion depth and influence range of different asphalts. The purpose of the study of molecular dynamics is to solve interface issues and advance optimization of reclaimed materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Granular Materials in Industry and Environmental Contexts)

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