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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Innovative Materials for Improved Roadway Mobility and Drainage Efficiency</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677558</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Flood-related roadway closures and drainage failures cause major travel delays, increase congestion, and pose risks to public health and safety. Conventional stormwater culverts or highway drainage made from plastic, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), are vulnerable to deformation, cracking, and chemical degradation, particularly in high-temperature or chemically aggressive soils. This project develops and evaluates advanced recycled HDPE composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes for use in drainage pipes and highway culvert systems, designed to maintain roadway mobility and performance during extreme rainfall, with an emphasis on public health and safety benefits and long-term roadway performance.  

Laboratory-scale fabrication and mechanical testing will optimize the composition of carbon nanotube-reinforced recycled HDPE blends for improved fracture strength, chemical resistance, and physical properties. Past research by the PI has previously produced and evaluated nanoclay-reinforced recycled plastic, demonstrating established expertise in composite preparation and testing.   

The research team will collaborate with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), El Paso Water Utilities, and El Paso County to validate the material in representative stormwater applications and to assess long-term material performance under demanding exposure conditions such as ultraviolet radiation and high temperatures. By utilizing recycled HDPE, the project reduces material waste while improving performance and supporting long-term infrastructure reliability. The project will also conduct performance analysis and compare lifecycle costs against conventional PVC or HDPE systems, providing guidelines for integrating innovative polymer composites into transportation drainage infrastructure that support efficient roadway operation and reduced flood-related mobility disruptions. This project undertakes breakthrough research by applying carbon nanotubes to strengthen recycled thermoplastics for stormwater drainage systems. It is an innovative effort combining material science, hydraulic engineering, and laboratory-scale testing.    

  ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:53:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2677558</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Evaluation of Low-Cost Engineered Cementitious Composites with Incorporation of Cellulose Nanocrystals </title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646935</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Cellulose nanocrystals are a type of nanomaterial derived from cellulose, which have gained interest due to their effect on concrete materials. This research study aims to investigate the effect of Cellulose nanocrystals on the mechanical properties of cost-effective Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC). To accomplish this goal, four levels of nanocellulose will be evaluated. In addition, two types of Engineered Cementitious Composites mixtures will be assessed; one with sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) and without SCBA. A comprehensive experimental program will be conducted to evaluate the compressive, tensile, and flexural performance of the Engineered Cementitious Composites mixtures. Results will provide insights into the effects of nanocellulose on the mechanical behavior of low-cost Engineered Cementitious Composites materials.  

The scope of this study is to investigate the effect of cellulose nanocrystals on the mechanical properties of cost-effective Engineered Cementitious Composites. The objectives of the proposed research are to synthesize cellulose nanocrystals from rice husk through acid hydrolysis treatment, prepare two sets of mixtures of Engineered Cementitious Composites: one with SCBA as sand replacement and one without SCBA, evaluate the compressive, tensile and flexural performance of Engineered Cementitious Composites mixtures, and evaluate the cracking behavior of Engineered Cementitious Composites materials after uniaxial tensile test. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 22:23:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2646935</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Enhanced Durability, Crack Resistance, and Cost-Effectiveness of Concrete in Infrastructure Applications</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2598425</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project aims to develop durable, crack-resistant, and cost-effective concrete for U.S. infrastructure by incorporating nanomaterials derived from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo, combined with Agricultural Residue Char (ARC) for internal curing. Traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) often require high replacement percentages to achieve significant improvements, increasing the cost and complexity of mix designs. In contrast, nanomaterials, even at small dosages (1-2% by weight), have demonstrated remarkable potential to enhance both the early-age and long-term performance of concrete. ARC will serve as an internal curing agent, specifically targeting improvements at later ages by reducing shrinkage and enhancing long-term crack resistance. Nanomaterials extracted from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo will be evaluated for their impact on early-age strength and durability. The objectives of the proposed study are to: (1) Develop cost-effective synthesis techniques for nanomaterials from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo; (2)  Investigate the impact of nanomaterials on early-age compressive strength and hydration; (3) Utilize ARC for internal curing to reduce shrinkage and improve long-term performance, (4) Perform ASTM C1609 (notched beam test) for crack resistance and ASTM C157 (shrinkage test) for mix designs undergoing flexural testing, and (5) Analyze the cost and performance of developed mixes compared to conventional concrete.
The project will employ a comprehensive research approach, including detailed material characterization, mix design optimization, mechanical and durability testing. Material characterization will involve advanced techniques, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction, to analyze the structural properties of the nano materials. The concrete mixes will undergo standard workability, compressive strength, crack resistance, shrinkage and surface resistivity testing to ensure optimal mechanical and durability properties. The tasks for this study involve the following: Task 1: Literature Review and Material Acquisition; Task 2: Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials; Task 3: Mix Design and Optimization; Task 4: Mechanical and Durability Testing; Task 5: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis; and Task 6: Reporting and Dissemination.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:03:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2598425</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of an Advanced Snow-Melting Geopolymer Concrete Utilizing Graphene Nanoplatelets and Landfilled Fly Ash</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2410494</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The construction industry faces the critical challenge of developing durable and high-performance concrete materials capable of withstanding harsh cold climates while reducing reliance on energy- and resource-intensive materials. Traditional concrete pavements in cold regions suffer from delayed snow melting, which leads to increased accidents, higher road maintenance costs, and a greater need for deicing chemicals. These chemicals not only further degrade infrastructure but also harm the environment. Moreover, the diminishing availability and quality of traditional fly ash, a widely used supplementary cementitious material, presents a considerable obstacle to the sustainability of concrete. Given these challenges, there is an urgent need to explore innovative materials and advanced methods for producing high-performance concrete. This project will investigate a novel concrete system that leverages nanomaterial advancements with initiatives to harvest landfilled fly ash. The primary objective of this research is to develop and test a new type of geopolymer concrete composite that incorporates graphene nanoplatelets, fiber reinforcement, and beneficiated landfilled fly ash to achieve enhanced electrical conductivity for efficient snow melting, improved resiliency, and increased mechanical properties.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:27:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2410494</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Extending the Lifespan of Concrete Superstructures via Alkali-Silica Reaction Mitigation</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2343323</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Mitigation of deleterious alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete is one of the priorities of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as sources of non-reactive aggregates have been significantly depleted across the U.S. Traditional methods for mitigating ASR involve the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Recent research by FHWA (i.e., FHWA-PROJ-08-0078) has marked the need for new and more efficient materials in mitigating ASR in concrete pavements. Preliminary studies have shown that new types of SCMs, such as calcined clay-based materials, and nanomaterials, such as nanosilica, nano-metakaolin, nanotubes, and graphene can present a great potential to mitigate ASR. The effectiveness of ASR prevention depends on the threshold and optimum dosage of nanomaterials, as well as mixing and dispersion of the nano-additives. This project aims at establishing protocols and practices for the design of ASR-resistive concrete with calcined clay-based SCMs and nanomaterials, with application to superstructures (pavements, bridge decks, piers). Deliverables include the development and deployment of standard guidelines about mixture design, ASR resistance evaluation, and life cycle assessment of nanoengineered concrete.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:12:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2343323</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Nanotechnology-enabled sustainable and cement-free pervious concrete pavement</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263532</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Project Description: This proposed project aims to further advance the “greening” of pervious concrete pavement through the utilization of nanotechnology. Different from Phase I of this project, the Phase II will further incorporate three green technologies into the pervious concrete: (1) use seawater (in place of potable water) and sea sand (in place of river sand); (2) use slag and class F harvested fly ash (HFA, in place of class C high-quality fly ash); and (3) use carbon-negative biochar to partially replace the fly ash-based geopolymer binder.  Note that in the Phase I project, we leverage two WSU-patented technologies (US Patent 10647612 on geopolymer binder and a non-provisional patent on nano-engineered penetrating sealer) to develop a sustainable pervious concrete technology. Different from conventional pervious concrete, this technology will feature: 1) 100% replacement of cement by a cement-free geopolymer binder made possible by modifying waterglass-activated fly ash with less than 0.05 wt.% graphene oxide (a novel nanomaterial); 2) greatly improved durability of the pervious concrete pavement by customized design of initial water infiltration rate and treatment of hardened concrete by a nano-engineered waterproofing sealer.

US DOT Priorities: The project advances the “Climate and Sustainability” strategic goal of US DOT, as it produces research that leads to more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation systems.

Outputs: By using seawater, sea sand, HFA, and biochar to produce "greener" pervious concrete, this project will likely produce patentable technology. The project will also produce publications, presentations, and technical reports that produce improved understanding of how to enable the use of such unconventional constituents in pervious concrete. This project will produce at least one paper for presentation at the TRB annual meeting (or equivalent) and at least one publication in peer-reviewed journal. The PI will deliver a presentation at the ERTC3 annual meeting and deliver one webinar on behalf of ERTC3 to the broader audience.

Outcomes/Impacts: This project will produce knowledge and know-how to enable the production of a notably more sustainable pervious concrete mixture. This work is expected to produce substantial benefits for state departments of transportation (DOTs), county, city and/or tribal stakeholders where seawater, sea sand and harvested fly ash are readily available. Pervious concrete enables the use of space that is already part of the roadway system for stormwater runoff control, thus reducing the need for additional land. Reducing the amount of impervious surfaces may reduce or prevent the need for other stormwater management infrastructure (e.g., ponds, wetlands, and vegetated swales and filter strips), by decreasing the volume, flow rate and contaminant loading in stormwater runoff. Other potential benefits include: reducing heat-island effect and pavement noise; reducing hydroplaning, glaring or other safety hazards due to water on pavements; and minimizing impact to the local ecosystem. The expanded use of fly ash and other recycled materials in concrete will also be enabled. Application of results could contribute to globally significant environmental parameters including: improved water quality, reduced waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced natural resource extraction.

]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:54:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2263532</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Unveiling synergistic effects of Nano-modification and CO2 curing on the durability and carbon footprint of precast elements</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2250459</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Carbon dioxide (CO2) curing of concrete, a process well-suited for precast operations, increases the strength and reduces the porosity while lowering carbon footprint in two ways: (1) directly through carbonation and (2) by reducing the amount of cement required to achieve target performance. The addition of nano-TiO2 to cementitious composites was also shown to reduce porosity and increase the strength of cementitious composites. Furthermore,  previous studies showed that the combination of both nano-TiO2 addition and CO2 curing can increase the CO2 uptake and further reduce the porosity. However, the combined effect of both CO2 curing and nano-TiO2 addition on the transport properties was not studied, and nano-TiO2 is expensive; thus, this project aims to elucidate the combined effects of CO2 curing and nano-modification with respect to porosity, transport properties, and strength. This will enable the production of more durable, sustainable, and economical precast elements.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 18 Sep 2023 22:15:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2250459</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Bond Behavior of Nano-Enhanced Polymer Concrete for Bridge Deck Overlays</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221099</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Polymer concrete overlays are light weight, wear resistant, skid resistant and waterproofing characteristics make them an intelligent and durable decision for new construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and preservation of bridges. A polymer concrete overlay also minimizes traffic disruption. It’s generally applied at a total thickness of only one-half to three-quarter inch. Their rapid cure (open to traffic within 3 hours) characteristic is highly suitable for accelerated bridge construction applications. In some cases, workers can place the overlay at night then open it to traffic the next day. Moreover, these overlays are corrosion resistant, providing a barrier between the dissimilar materials to minimize galvanic corrosion, saving the expense of applying additional corrosion-resistant primers to the steel reinforcement; have very good cracking resistance and have superior durability [1]. When bridge deck overlays are considered, a strong bond to the existing concrete surface and/or reinforcement is required. The properties discussed above make polymer-based materials a favorable material for bridge deck overlays [2] but improving the bond strength of polymer concrete is heavily unexplored and can bring significant benefit in accelerated bridge construction. Polymer-based overlays show no delamination with the substrate concrete beams after 2 million cycles of fatigue loading [3]. It is important for the bonded joint to be able to sustain all expected in-service loads and environmental conditions, which can vary considerably.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Jul 2023 21:06:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2221099</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SPR-4718:  Influence of Nanomaterials‐based Admixtures on the Entrained Air Void System and Freeze‐Thaw (FT) Resistance of Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2083726</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project has following Objectives: (1) evaluate the effect of nanosilica admixtures on the air-void characteristics of concretes used for construction of bridges and bridge deck overlays, (2) examine the influence of the characteristics of the air-void system on the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete, (3) compare the influence of the concrete production method (lab vs. field) on the durability of concrete, (4) examine, in partnership with INDOT’s Division of Materials & Tests, the effect of non-traditional (microsphere type) air entrainment products on the quality of the air-void system in concretes with nanosilica admixtures.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:06:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2083726</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Protective Performance of Externally-Bonded, Nano-Modified FRP for Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2021307</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) is a promising tool to use for either preserving the integrity of new concrete infrastructure or mitigating the deteriorations of aged concrete infrastructure. In cold climates, state and local roadway agencies are increasingly relying on the use of chloride salts for snow and ice control, which subject concrete bridge decks, piers, etc. to the combined action of freeze/thaw (F/T) cycling and possible chemical attack. In warm climates near coastal line, the concrete infrastructure is subjected to the ingress of chlorides from the marine environment and the FRP used to protect the concrete is subjected to the combined action of W/D cycling, thermal aging and ultraviolet (UV) aging. Due to its outstanding adhesive characteristics, epoxy resin is the most commonly used polymer for the externally bonded FRP, but without modification the hardened epoxy is generally vulnerable to the attack by moisture and UV.
In this context, the overarching goal of this project is to investigate the protective performance of externally-bonded, nano-modified FRP for concrete in chloride environments, with the focus on resistance to F/T cycles and chloride-based deicers, W/D cycles and UV exposure, respectively. To achieve this goal, this study aims to: (1) investigate the influences of modifying an epoxy resin with nanomaterials (montmorillonite nanoclay, graphene oxide, or nanosilica) and UV-resistant polymer (polyester, aliphatic polyurethane, or polymethyl-methacrylate), individually or in combination, on the mechanical properties and durability performance of FRP/concrete composites under simulated cold or warm climates; (2) both before and after exposure tests, characterize the physical microstructure and chemical composition of the resin and the FRP/concrete interface, as well as their transport properties; and (3) elucidate the role of nano-materials and polyester on the improved resistance against various deterioration distresses, at the micron and nanometer scales.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2022 17:51:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2021307</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Characterization of Regular Concrete and Low-Cost Engineered Cementitious Composites with Incorporation of Cellulose Nanoparticles and Cost- Effective Ingredients</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948613</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are a special class of nanomaterials derived from cellulose, which
is the most abundant natural polymer. These nanomaterials have gained growing interest due to
their mechanical, chemical, optical, and rheological properties. This study aims to investigate
the effect of CNC on the physical and mechanical properties of ECC and concrete materials. To
accomplish the goal of this study, three levels of CNC dosage will be assessed for both ECC
and conventional concrete. In the case of concrete, a structural class A1 concrete mixture will
be prepared according to the Louisiana specifications. In addition, three different mixtures
exhibiting different strength and ductility levels will be assessed for ECC. A comprehensive
experimental program will be conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the prepared
mixes (compressive strength, tensile strength, and surface resistivity as an indicator of concrete
permeability). Furthermore, the microstructure and crack behavior of the prepared mixes will be
evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy (EDS). Results will provide insights into the effects of CNC on the fundamental
properties of ECC and PCC composites. It is also expected that incorporating CNC into ECCs
can further help the implementation of the readily available low-cost ingredients for optimum
performance and cost.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2022 11:34:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948613</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A New Generation of Multi-Functional Asphalt Mixtures with Superhydrophobic and Luminescent Properties</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948618</link>
      <description><![CDATA[As the Nation struggles to address poor infrastructure conditions, costing motorists more than
$67 billion a year, infrastructure deterioration is accelerated by sea level rise, heavy downpours,
inundation, extreme heat, and damages that are projected to increase with continued climate
change. While modern technologies such as porous and pervious pavements may help delay
road submersion by allowing rainwater to infiltrate rapidly through the pavement surface, the
durability of these mixes is not adequate and the mix voids are quickly filled with dust and debris
rendering the effectiveness of these mixes questionable especially in the long-term. The lack of
visibility and light during nighttime is also a major challenge for sleep-deprived drivers leading to
an increase in accident rates at night. Therefore, there is a need to improve visibility at night to
enhance safety and comfort to the users under all conditions.
The proposed research study will introduce a novel plagiarism, which has the potential to
introduce a new generation of multi-functional asphalt mixtures with the ability to repel water
driving it to the drainage ditches, reducing the impacts of heavy rain events and snow
accumulation on the mobility of the public, and enhancing visibility during nighttime. Through
advanced modification, characterization, and laboratory testing, this study aims to formulate a
new generation of multi-functional asphalt concrete (AC) materials that would provide reduced
water/snow accumulation by using super-hydrophobic nanomaterials and other modification.
The prepared asphalt mixtures will be beneficial for both hot and wet climate in the South and
cold and snowy climate in the North. Furthermore, the new generation of AC will be formulated
to provide luminescence during nighttime. In addition, it will be environmentally friendly and
cost-effective by testing and evaluating different blends of polymers, recycled products, and
other additives such as Evotherm as a warm-mix agent.
The proposed new generation of multi-functional asphalt mixtures will be developed by
addressing the following knowledge gaps:
(1) Evaluate the effects of superhydrophobic coating (SC) on the binder rheological
properties and aggregate wettability;
(2) Evaluate the effects of luminescent materials (LM) on the mixture brightness in
the dark;
(3) Assess the durability of asphalt mixtures prepared with SC and LM materials.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2022 11:14:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1948618</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reducing Flammability for Bakken Crude Oil for Train Transport: Year 5</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1945936</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Crude oil shipping by rail is a critical component of our energy security and has grown steadily with the Bakken oil boom. However, existing rail infrastructures are in a state of disrepair, which has been evidenced in recent years by several high-profile derailments of trains carrying crude oil, resulting in large oil spills. This is an especially dangerous situation in the case of Bakken crude, which is a light variety and contains significant amounts of easy-to-evaporate, easy-to-ignite light ends, and usually results is an intense fireball in the case of accidents. This research proposal considers a solution to improve fire safety during transportation: adding long-chain polymers to crude oil before shipping. Previous research done by Professor Albert Ratner’s research group under MATC-DOT sponsorship has concluded that polymeric additives improve fire safety in diesel fuels and its blends by delaying ignition, promoting flame extinction, and suppressing splashing. In Years 1-4 of the project, surrogates for the Bakken crude were identified and tested for their ability to suspend polymers and nanoparticles that will serve as fire-limiting agents. In addition, combustion behaviors such as ignition delay, combustion rate, and flame characteristics were experimentally investigated. To provide a broader understanding, testing included crudes sourced from the Bakken formation, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Combustion characteristics were established for surrogate fuels with various polymeric additives and carbon-based nano-additives at various concentrations. Also, the stability/settling characteristics were investigated with different surrogate fuels containing nano-additives. In Year 5, the primary effort will be to study how to achieve prolonged stability for fuels with nano-additives (carbon-based nanomaterial/nanoparticles, polymers, and their mixture) because long stability periods are a prerequisite for practical application. In addition, combustion characteristics will be investigated for mixed additives (mixture of carbon-based nanomaterial/nanoparticles and polymers) for different surrogate fuels and crudes to exploit their individual, fire-safety-enhancing characteristics. These results will allow for this information to be linked with surrogate and crude properties. This information is critical for enabling adoption of this technology.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2022 11:31:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1945936</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reducing Flammability for Bakken Crude Oil for Train Transport: Year 4</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1868901</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This project examines how crude oil can be modified with the addition of nano-particles and polymers to change the oil's fire characteristics. Testing involves looking at both different kinds of oils and at simpler chemicals that mimic oil's properties. Testing simpler chemicals allows faster testing and examination of a broader range of conditions. Specific experiments involve droplet burning, droplet splashing, and other methods that are clear, reproducible, and consistent. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:06:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1868901</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Developing High-Performance Nanocomposite Coating for Steel Reinforcement Protection in Chloride-Rich Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1856472</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Anti-corrosion coating is one of the most widely used technologies to mitigate corrosion of steel reinforcement in chloride-contaminated concrete. The durability of epoxy-coated reinforcement commonly used is of great concern due to its failure record in high chloride environments and localized corrosion conditions. In this context, this project aims to design a long-lasting, high-performance rebar coating that increases the service life of the rebar in concrete by reducing corrosion at the interface between the rebar and the surrounding chloride-contaminated concrete. A two-layer coating will be applied on steel rebar, with an inhibitor-loaded epoxy nanocomposite coating as the primer and a minerals-loaded epoxy-polyurethane nanocomposite coating as the top coat. Electrochemical corrosion tests, surface analyses, and mechanical tests will be conducted to assess and elucidate the effect of different constituents on the protective performance of such novel epoxy-based nanocomposite coatings.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jun 2021 16:31:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1856472</guid>
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