The present invention primarily relates to the use of a mixture capable of biocementation as a means of preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth. The invention also relates to a method for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on/in a substrate.

The present invention primarily relates to the use of a mixture capable of biocementation as a means of preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth. The invention also relates to a method for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on/in a substrate.

An anti-corrosive concrete grouting material for coastal structure connection and a method for preparing the same, belonging to the technical field of anti-corrosion of coastal assembled structure connectors. The grouting material includes the following components: expansible compound cement, slag sand, fly ash (FA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (containing an oxidant and a catalyst), graphene oxide (GO), a water reducer, an adjusting admixture, a defoaming agent, a mineral admixture and water. A shrinkage-free effect of the grouting material is realized through internal curing of GO-PVA hydrogel, micro-expansion of the compound cement and shrinkage reduction effect of the FA; an energy storage effect of a GO-PVA hydrogel micro-capacitor is exerted to avoid formation of a reinforcement corrosion micro-battery in a grouting material sleeve, a reinforcement corrosion self-immune effect is achieved, seawater corrosion resistance of the grouting material is improved by the slag sand, and it has huge economic and environmental protection benefits.

An anti-corrosive concrete grouting material for coastal structure connection and a method for preparing the same, belonging to the technical field of anti-corrosion of coastal assembled structure connectors. The grouting material includes the following components: expansible compound cement, slag sand, fly ash (FA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (containing an oxidant and a catalyst), graphene oxide (GO), a water reducer, an adjusting admixture, a defoaming agent, a mineral admixture and water. A shrinkage-free effect of the grouting material is realized through internal curing of GO-PVA hydrogel, micro-expansion of the compound cement and shrinkage reduction effect of the FA; an energy storage effect of a GO-PVA hydrogel micro-capacitor is exerted to avoid formation of a reinforcement corrosion micro-battery in a grouting material sleeve, a reinforcement corrosion self-immune effect is achieved, seawater corrosion resistance of the grouting material is improved by the slag sand, and it has huge economic and environmental protection benefits.

A method for recycling a used rotor blade of a wind turbine includes processing the used rotor blade into a plurality of material fragments. The method also includes treating the plurality of material fragments to remove at least a portion of the at least one composite material and expose the at least one fiber material of the used rotor blade. Further, the method includes mixing the treated plurality of material fragments with, at least, an alkali activator to form a usable geopolymer concrete.

A method for recycling a used rotor blade of a wind turbine includes processing the used rotor blade into a plurality of material fragments. The method also includes treating the plurality of material fragments to remove at least a portion of the at least one composite material and expose the at least one fiber material of the used rotor blade. Further, the method includes mixing the treated plurality of material fragments with, at least, an alkali activator to form a usable geopolymer concrete.

A concrete product set by pouring a concrete slurry includes a) a concrete mixture; b) a graphene admixture; c) a colloidal silica admixture; and d) at least one reinforcing fiber selected from the group of fibers. As the poured concrete slurry cures, the poured slurry hardens into a composite material product, and the composite material defines capillary structures that at least in part fill with silica and lime, and the surrounding composite material is embedded with graphene. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to a process for preparing a concrete product. The process comprises the steps of a) preparing a concrete slurry; b) pouring the concrete slurry; and c) allowing the concrete slurry to cure. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to the product itself; namely, a concrete product with or without fibers, or to the admixture(s).

A concrete product set by pouring a concrete slurry includes a) a concrete mixture; b) a graphene admixture; c) a colloidal silica admixture; and d) at least one reinforcing fiber selected from the group of fibers. As the poured concrete slurry cures, the poured slurry hardens into a composite material product, and the composite material defines capillary structures that at least in part fill with silica and lime, and the surrounding composite material is embedded with graphene. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to a process for preparing a concrete product. The process comprises the steps of a) preparing a concrete slurry; b) pouring the concrete slurry; and c) allowing the concrete slurry to cure. In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to the product itself; namely, a concrete product with or without fibers, or to the admixture(s).

A method of designing a cement slurry may include: (a) selecting at least a cement and concentration thereof, a water and concentration thereof, and one or more chemical additives and a concentration thereof such that a cement slurry formed from the cement, water, and the one or more chemical additives meet a density requirement; (b) calculating a thickening time of the cement slurry using a thickening time model; (c) comparing the thickening time of the cement slurry to a thickening time requirement, wherein steps (a)-(c) are repeated if the thickening time of the cement slurry does not meet or exceed the thickening time requirement, wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting concentrations and/or different chemical identities for the one or more chemical additives, cement, or water, or step (d) is performed if the thickening time of the cement slurry meets or exceeds the thickening time requirement; and (d) preparing the cement slurry.

A method of designing a cement slurry may include: (a) selecting at least a cement and concentration thereof, a water and concentration thereof, and one or more chemical additives and a concentration thereof such that a cement slurry formed from the cement, water, and the one or more chemical additives meet a density requirement; (b) calculating a thickening time of the cement slurry using a thickening time model; (c) comparing the thickening time of the cement slurry to a thickening time requirement, wherein steps (a)-(c) are repeated if the thickening time of the cement slurry does not meet or exceed the thickening time requirement, wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting concentrations and/or different chemical identities for the one or more chemical additives, cement, or water, or step (d) is performed if the thickening time of the cement slurry meets or exceeds the thickening time requirement; and (d) preparing the cement slurry.