내구연한이 도래한 아스팔트 혼합물은 사용자의 주행성 및 안전성 확보를 위해 주기적인 유지·보수를 실시한다. 과거에는 유지·보수 과정에서 발생된 폐아스팔트 혼합물을 각종 건설현장에서 단순 매립재로서 활용하였으나, 재활용 아스팔트 혼합물의 배합설계 기술이 확립된 이후에는 도로포장재료로서의 재활용되어왔다. 하지만 현재 시공된 재활용 아스팔트 혼합물 또한 내구연한이 다가옴에 따라 노화된 재활용 아스팔트 혼합물의 처리방안 수립이 필요한 시점이다. 본 연구에서는 한번 재활용된 아스팔트 혼합물이 기존의 재활용 배합설계법으로 반복적인 재활용이 가능한지 검증해보고자 하였다. 이를 위해 아스팔트 혼합물의 물성을 결정하는 가장 큰 요인 중 하나인 아스팔트의 물성이 노화 및 재생을 반복할때 어떻게 변하는지를 시험을 통해 분석하였다. 아스팔트 바인더의 노화를 모사하기 위해 공용성등급시험에 사용되는 단기노화 장비(Rolling Thin Film Oven, RTFO)와 장기노화 장비(Pressure Aging Vessel, PAV)을 활용하 였다. 노화된 아스팔트의 회생을 위한 재생첨가제 사용량은 국토부 시공지침의 배합설계법을 참고하였다. 실험결과, 노화된 바인더는 회생시 원바인더에 비해  sin는 감소하였으나, 회생된 바인더 간에는 유사한 결과값을 보였다. 반면 단기노화 시료는 회생이 반복 됨에 따라  sin이 감소한 경향을 보였으며, 장기노화시료는 회생이 반복되어도  sin가 유사한 것으로 확인되었다.

토석 채취 후 식생복구지의 토양 특성은 복구 식생의 생육에 중요하다. 본 연구는 토석 채취 후 식생복구지와 인접 소나무 및 굴참나무 임분을 대상으로 0∼10cm, 10∼20cm, 20∼30cm 깊이에 토양의 물리·화학적 특성을 조사하였다. 토양용적밀도와 토양 pH는 식생복구지가 소나무나 굴참나무 임분에 비해 유의적으로 높았으나(P<0.05), 유기탄소와 전질소농도는 인접 산림지에 비해 낮았다. 유효 인은 0~10cm 깊이에서 식생복구지 와 산림지 간 유의적인 차이가 없었으나, 교환성 칼슘은 식생복구지가 인접 산림지에 비해 유의적으로 높게 나타났다. 토양 유기 탄소저장량은 식생복구지가 9,896 kg C ha-1로 소나무 임분 131,368 kg C ha-1나 굴참나무 임분 154,381 kg C ha-1에 비해 유의적으로 낮았으며 질소저장량도(식 생복구지: 2,406 kg N ha-1; 소나무: 10,496 kg N ha-1; 굴참나무: 8,081 kg N ha-1) 유사한 경향을 보였다. 그러나 인, 포타슘, 마그네슘 저장량은 식생복구지와 인접 산림 간 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 한편, 칼슘저장량은 식생복구지가 8,998 kg Ca ha-1로 소나무 임분 697 kg Ca ha-1나 굴참나무 임분 660 kg Ca ha-1에 비해 유의적으로 크게 나타났다. 본 연구 결과에 따르면 토석 채취 후 식생복구지는 토양용적밀도와 토양 pH를 낮추고 유기물의 증가와 질소 시비 같은 양분관리가 필요한 것으로 나타났다.

이 연구는 코르크보드를 보강하여 건축부재 및 놀이기구의 안전부재 등으로 폭넓게 활용할 것을 목적으로 코르크보드의 중층에 금속, 유리섬유, 탄소섬유를 삽입하여 보강한 3종의 코르크복합보드를 제조하였고, 코르크복합보드의 수분흡수에 따른 치수안정성 및 접착층 박리성능을 조사하였다. 코르크복합보드의 흡수율은 0.37% - 0.45%의 범위에 있었고, 코르크보드에 비해 0.61배 - 0.74배의 낮은 값을 나타내었다. 코르크복합보드의 두께팽창률은 0.92% - 1.58%의 범위에 있었고, 코르크보드 보다 1.4 - 2.4배의 높은 값을 나타내었다. 그러나 이 값들은 일반 목질보드보다 현저히 낮았고, KS규격의 12%이하를 하회하는 것이 확인되었다. 코르크복합보드의 준내수 및 내수침지박리시험후의 접착층박리율은 0%로 전혀 접착층의 박리가 일어나지 않아 우수한 내수성을 나타내었고, 흡수율과 흡수두께팽창률은 상온침지에 비해 다소 증가하였으나, 목질보드에 관한 KS규격을 하회하는 우수한 치수안정성을 나타내는 것이 확인되었다.

This study focuses on how the partial substitution of copper by nickel nanoparticles affects the electrical and structural properties of the Bi2Ba2Ca2Cu2.9Ni0.1O10+δ, Bi2Ba2Ca2Cu2.8Ni0.2O10+δ and Bi2Ba2Ca2Cu2.6Ni0.4O10+δ compounds. Approximate values of crystallization size and crystallization percentage for the three compounds were calculated using the Scherer, modified Scherer, and Williamson-Hall methods. A great similarity was observed in the crystal size values from the Scherer method, 243.442 nm, and the Williamson-Hall method, 243.794 nm for the second sample. At the same time this sample exhibited the highest crystal size value for the three methods. In the examination of electrical properties, the sample with 0.1 partial substitution, Bi2Ba2Ca2Cu2.9Ni0.1O10+δ was determined to be the best with a critical temperature of 100 K and an energy gap of 6.57639 × 10-21 MeV. Using the SEM technique to analyze the structural morphology of the three phases, it was discovered that the size of the granular forms exceeds 25 nm. It was determined that the samples’ shapes alter when nickel concentration rises. The patterns that reveal the distribution of the crystal structure also exhibit clear homogeneity.

Molten salts have gained significant attention as a potential medium for heat transfer or energy storage and as liquid nuclear fuel, owing to their superior thermal properties. Various fluoride- and chloride-based salts are being explored as potential liquid fuels for several types of molten salt reactors (MSRs). Among these, chloride-based salts have recently received attention in MSR development due to their high solubility in actinides, which has the potential to increase fuel burnup and reduce nuclear water production. Accurate knowledge of the thermal physical properties of molten salts, such as density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity, is critical for the design, licensing, and operation of MSRs. Various experimental techniques have been used to determine the thermal properties of molten salts, and more recently, computational methods such as molecular dynamics simulations have also been utilized to predict these properties. However, information on the thermal physical properties of salts containing actinides is still limited and unreliable. In this study, we analyzed the available thermal physical property database of chloride salts to develop accurate models and simulations that can predict the behavior of molten salts under various operating conditions. Furthermore, we conducted experiments to improve our understanding of the behavior of molten salts. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of safer and more efficient MSRs.

Fluorescent probe were used to evaluate the effects of catechin on the structural parameters (annular lipid fluidity, transbilayer lateral and rotational mobility and protein clustering) of the Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane (OPGs). An experimental procedure was used on the basis of selective quenching of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and 1,3-di(1-pyrenyl)propane (Py-3-Py) by trinitrophenyl groups and radiationless energy transfer from the tryptophans of membrane proteins to Py-3-Py and DPH. Catechin increased the bulk lateral and rotational mobility, annular lipid fluidity of OPGs lipid bilayers, and had greater fluidizing efficacy on the outer monolayer than the inner monolayer. It also caused membrane proteins to cluster. Based on these effects of catechin on OPGs, the antibacterial and antiviral actions of catechin can be partially explained.

When exposed to different types of bacteria in the oral cavity, denture based resins are prone to bacteria attachment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical, biological, and antimicrobial properties of denture base resins coated with Peony extract (200, 400, and 600 μg/mL). Specifically, the surface properties (microhardness, contact angle, and color change of the coated specimens), cell cytotoxicity (measured using MTT assay), and antimicrobial activity (against S. mutans (Streptococcus mutans) and C. albicans (Candida albicans) using a growth inhibition assay) were evaluated. The polyphenol content was measured using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrometry. The experimental groups (specimens coated with Peony extract) and a control group (specimens coated without Peony extract) were statistically compared using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post-hoc tests. No statistically significant differences in surface properties or cell cytotoxicity were observed, which demonstrated their biocompatibility. Conversely, a statistically significant difference in antimicrobial activity was observed between the experimental and control groups after 48 h. This confirms the antimicrobial activity of the denture base resin coated with Peony extract and demonstrates that it is a promising dental material for preventing stomatitis.

예로부터 식품과 한약재로 널리 활용되어 온 매실은 호흡급등형 과실로 수확 후 상온에서 보관하면 며칠 내로 황변이 발생하고 물러지는 등 후숙이 빠르게 진행된다. 본 연구는 이러한 후숙이 진행될 때 수확 당시 색도가 품질과 영양적인 측면에 미치는 영향과 보관 조건에 따른 변화의 정도를 비교･분석하고자 한다. 이를 위해 같은 날에 수확한 매실을 색도에 따라 청매와 황매로 구분하고 상온, 냉장, 냉동 보관하는 동안에 발생되는 물리･화학적인 변화를 조사하였다. 수확 당일의 측정값과 비교하여 10~15% 이상 변하는데 소요되는 시간을 고려하면, 매실의 물성 변화는 저장기간 전반에 걸쳐 수확일의 색도 차이에 따라 뚜렷한 영향을 받지 않는 것으로 나타났다. 모든 저장 온도 조건에서 수확일과 비교한 실험일의 경도 감소가 가장 두드러졌고, 색도와 사과산의 변화도 빠르게 진행되었으나, 가용성 고형분과 pH의 변화는 거의 나타나지 않았다. 매실은 상온 보관의 경우 대략 4일 이내, 냉장 저장의 경우 대략 20일 이내에서 물성의 변화가 약 10% 이하로 적게 나타나며 품질을 유지하는 것으로 나타났다. 냉동 저장의 경우 색도와 경도는 저장 초기에 급격히 변하지만, 다른 물성은 대체로 장기간 유지되었다. 따라서 본 연구 결과를 토대로 저장 조건에 따른 물성 변화를 고려하여 매실의 저장 방법과 적절한 사용 시기를 결정할 것을 제안한다.

The physical and antibacterial properties of ophthalmic lenses fabricated by copolymerization with hydrogel monomers using two types of graphene were measured, and their usability as contact lens materials was analyzed. For polymerization, silicone monomers, including SID-OH, 3-(methacryloxy)propyl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane, and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, were used, and N,N-dimethylacetamide, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinking agent, and azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator were added. Also, graphene oxide nanoparticle (GON) and graphene nanoplate (GNP) were used as an additive, and the physical properties of the lenses fabricated after copolymerization were evaluated. The fabricated lenses satisfied the basic physical properties of general hydrogel contact lenses and showed the characteristics of lenses with high water content, and the disadvantage of very weak durability, due to low tensile strength. However, it was confirmed that the tensile strength and antibacterial properties were greatly improved by adding GON and GNP. With GON, the oxygen permeability and refractive index of the fabricated lenses were slightly improved. Therefore, it was determined that the graphene materials used in this study can be used in various ways as a contact lens material.

When decommissioning a nuclear power plant, the structure must be made to a disposable size. In general, the cutting process is essential when dismantling a nuclear power plant. Mainly, thermal cutting method is used to cutting metal structures. The aerosols generated during thermal cutting have a size distribution of less than 1 μm. The contaminated structures are able to generate radioactive aerosols in the decommissioning. Radioactive aerosols of 1 μm or less are deposited in the respiratory tract by workers’ breathing, causing the possibility of internal exposure. Therefore, workers must be protected from the risk of exposure to radioactive aerosols. Prior knowledge of aerosols generated during metal cutting is important to ensure worker safety. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of the aerosol were evaluated by measuring the number and mass concentrations of aerosols generated when cutting SUS304 and SA508 using the laser cutting method. High-resolution aerosol measuring equipment (HR-ELPI+, DEKATI) was used to measure the concentration of aerosols. The HR-ELPI+ is an impactor-type aerosol measuring equipment that measures the aerosol number concentration distribution in the aerodynamic diameter range of 6 nm to 10 um in real-time. And analyze the mass concentration of the aerosol according to the diameter range through the impactor. ICP-MS was used for elemental mass concentration analysis in the aerosol. Analytical elements were Fe, Cr, Ni and Mn. For the evaluation of physical and chemical properties, the MMAD of each element and CMAD were calculated in the aerosol distribution. Under the same cutting conditions, it was confirmed that the number concentration of aerosols generated from both materials had a uni-modal distribution with a peak around 0.1 um. CMAD was calculated to be 0.072 um for both SUS304 and SA508. The trend of the CMAD calculation results is the same even when the cutting conditions are changed. In the case of MMAD, it was confirmed that SUS304 had an MMAD of around 0.1 μm in size for only Fe, Cr and Mn. And SA508, Fe, Cr, Ni and Mn were all confirmed to have MMAD around 0.1 μm in size. The results of this study show that a lot of aerosols in the range of less than 1 μm, especially around 0.1 μm in size, are generated when metal is cut using laser cutting. Therefore, in order to protect the internal exposure of workers to laser metal cutting when decommissioning NPPs, it is necessary to protect from nano-sized aerosols beyond micron size.

Bentonite containing >50wt% montmorillonite is being considered as a buffer material in a deep geological repository to dispose of high-level radioactive wastes (HLRW). Bentonite is considered a buffer material because of its exceptional properties such as high swelling capacity, low hydraulic conductivity, and high radionuclide sorption capacity. The bentonite buffer can be exposed to heat from the radioactive decay of HLRW and to groundwater. Water in bentonite buffer can be converted to steam under elevated temperature and pressure conditions. Previous studies reported contrasting results showing that steam treatment could decrease the swelling capacity due to changes in the surface properties from hydrophilic to hydrophobic or could not change. The contrasting results were probably because different studies used different experimental conditions and methods. Therefore, the effect of steam treatment on the bentonite properties is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine how the bentonite properties change after steam treatment, in particular swelling and hydrophilic properties. Two types of bentonite were used for steam treatment and analysis; Gyeongju Ca-bentonite (KJ- II) and Wyoming Na-bentonite (GCL-B). Steam treatment was performed at 150°C in an oven for various periods (7, 30, 60, and 90 days). Free swell test, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, surface-area measurement (BET), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and water uptake test were performed on steam-treated bentonite for various periods and raw bentonite. After steam treatment, some properties of steam-treated bentonite changed when compared to raw bentonite. Free swell index, which means the swelling capacity, decreased significantly as the results of previous studies. CEC and BET surface area values depended on the bentonite type. For Wyoming Na-bentonite, in which the dominant interlayer cation is a monovalent cation, CEC and BET surface area values were increased. On the other hand, Gyeongju Ca-bentonite, in which the dominant interlayer cation is a divalent cation, has no change in the above two properties. Results of XRF analysis, TGA, and water uptake test showed that these properties of both bentonites did not change after steam treatment. The results of this study confirmed that steam treatment affected the swelling and physicochemical properties of bentonite, in particular Na-bentonite. Further studies will focus on the surface properties of bentonite to investigate whether the surface properties have changed from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity, or whether the montmorillonite structure has changed.