Research Article
Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of Concrete by Incorporating Bamboo Fibers: Prospects for Application in Rigid Pavement
Yémalin Daniel Agossou*,
Sessinou Ambroise Toviho,
Wilfrid Hode,
Hubert Frédéric Gbaguidi
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
132-142
Received:
3 February 2026
Accepted:
13 May 2026
Published:
8 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261504.11
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Abstract: In the current context of growth in road infrastructure and their durability requirements, concrete pavements represent an interesting alternative to bituminous surfacing. They offer better resistance to heavy loads and climatic hazards, while requiring less long-term maintenance. Concrete is generally considered a material with low tensile strength. Consequently, rigid pavements may crack even under relatively low tensile stresses. The ultimate objective of this study is to contribute to the improvement of the mechanical properties of concrete by adding plant fibers (bamboo fibers). Four types of concrete were studied: a control concrete, formulated using the DREUX-GORISSE method, and three concretes reinforced with bamboo fibers, composed using the BARON-LESAGE method. The concretes were reinforced with bamboo fibers at rates of 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% of the total concrete volume. Tests were performed on fresh concrete (Abrams cone slump test and density determination). A decrease in concrete workability was observed regardless of the fiber dosage. A decrease in the density of the various concretes is reported due to the introduction of bamboo fibers. To evaluate the effects of incorporating bamboo fibers in concrete on the mechanical properties of hardened concrete, compressive and splitting tensile strength tests were performed in accordance with standards NF EN 12390-3 and NF EN 12390-6, respectively, at ages of 7, 14 and 28 days. The results indicate that the optimal composite material, with 1% bamboo fibers, shows a gain of 3.47% in compressive strength (at 28 days) and an increase of 27.33% in tensile strength (at 28 days), compared to the control concrete. The incorporation of bamboo fibers into the concrete matrix promotes not only mechanical resistance but also ductility, suggesting a potential for improving the mechanical properties of concrete, thus opening prospects for its application in rigid pavement, subject to validation by additional tests, particularly flexural strength tests.
Abstract: In the current context of growth in road infrastructure and their durability requirements, concrete pavements represent an interesting alternative to bituminous surfacing. They offer better resistance to heavy loads and climatic hazards, while requiring less long-term maintenance. Concrete is generally considered a material with low tensile strengt...
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Research Article
Impact of Crystal Size, P-layer and Doping Rate on the Intrinsic Loss Rate Imposed by Shunt Resistance in the Depletion Zone and on the Rear Surface Loss Rate
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
143-152
Received:
29 May 2026
Accepted:
13 June 2026
Published:
8 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261504.12
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Abstract: Improving the performance of photovoltaic cells requires optimization of the design stages through crystallization and the percentage of impurities introduced into the n+ layer and the p layer. Doping is crucial for solar cells because it creates a transition zone, an essential structure for converting light into electricity. This process modifies the properties of crystals by adding impurities to create two zones, one with an excess of electrons (n-type) and the other with an excess of holes (p-type). This difference in charge creates an electric field that forces the electrons and holes to separate and move in opposite directions, enabling the generation of a useful electric current. However, these electrons and holes recombine at the surfaces, limiting the efficiency of the photovoltaic cell. The objective is to find a solution to reduce surface losses by studying the impact of polycrystalline crystal dimensions and the effect of the p-layer on the effect of the impurity rate of said layer on the intrinsic carrier loss rate imposed by the shunt resistance in the depletion zone and on the carrier loss rate at the rear surface. This study has made it possible to establish the mathematical expressions needed to better understand the influence of surface recombination rates. These mathematical expressions link the intrinsic loss rate in the depletion zone and the carrier loss rate at the rear surface to the impurity rate of the p-layer, the crystal dimensions and the thickness of the p-layer. The simulation results show that: if the doping concentration of the p-layer (Nb) is between 3.1015 and 1018 cm-3, the intrinsic loss rate due to shunt resistance in the depletion region and the loss rate at the rear surface decrease rapidly as the impurity concentration of the p-layer (Nb) increases. Below and beyond this interval, Intrinsic loss rate imposed by the shunt resistance in the depletion zone and loss rate at the rear surface are independent of the impurity level of the p-layer. This range of doping concentrations varies with crystal size and the thickness of the p-layer. The intrinsic loss rate imposed by the shunt resistance in the depletion region decreases when the crystals are small and the p-layer is thin, while it increases when the crystals are large. As for Sb loss rate at the rear surface., it decreases with crystal size but increases with layer height p.
Abstract: Improving the performance of photovoltaic cells requires optimization of the design stages through crystallization and the percentage of impurities introduced into the n+ layer and the p layer. Doping is crucial for solar cells because it creates a transition zone, an essential structure for converting light into electricity. This process modifies ...
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Review Article
The Science and Innovation of Vulcanization: From Crosslinks to Anti-Reversion Chemistry
Tamsuk Goswami*
,
Soumi Goswami
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
153-162
Received:
23 February 2026
Accepted:
25 March 2026
Published:
24 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261504.13
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Abstract: Vulcanization represents a cornerstone of modern rubber technology, transforming raw polymers into durable, high-performance materials essential across automotive, healthcare, and industrial applications. By introducing crosslinks between polymer chains, vulcanization imparts elasticity, resilience, and strength unattainable in natural rubber alone. Various curing methods—including sulfur, peroxide, radiation, metal oxide, and resin systems—offer distinct advantages, with sulfur vulcanization remaining the most widely adopted due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility. Within sulfur systems, conventional (CV), semi-efficient (SEV), and efficient (EV) formulations highlight how subtle changes in sulfur-to-accelerator ratios influence crosslink structure, thermal stability, and resistance to reversion. Reversion, the thermal breakdown of polysulfidic crosslinks, poses a critical challenge, particularly in natural rubber. Anti-reversion agents such as N,N’-dibenzylthiocarbamoyldithio-hexane (BDzTH) and 1,3-Bis(citraconimidomethyl)benzene represent significant innovations, stabilizing rubber networks by converting unstable long sulfur chains into thermally robust hybrid linkages. These agents suppress torque decline, preserve mechanical integrity, and enhance performance under prolonged heat exposure. Their application yields improved compression set, reduced heat build-up, extended tire mileage, and enhanced durability in demanding environments. The evolution from conventional curing systems to advanced anti-reversion chemistry underscores the industry’s pursuit of balancing flexibility, strength, and thermal stability. By leveraging molecular design, modern vulcanization not only mitigates reversion but also expands the performance envelope of rubber, ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity in critical applications.
Abstract: Vulcanization represents a cornerstone of modern rubber technology, transforming raw polymers into durable, high-performance materials essential across automotive, healthcare, and industrial applications. By introducing crosslinks between polymer chains, vulcanization imparts elasticity, resilience, and strength unattainable in natural rubber alone...
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