In ceramic forming techniques high particles packing can provide better properties of the final ceramic products. The high quality of the material coupled with the shape complexity of the ceramic product is still challenging. The aim of this work was the optimization and preparation of the ceramic samples based on two alumina powders of different particle size (AA05: 0.5 μm and TM-DAR: 0.15 μm). Firstly, ceramic suspensions of 50vol.% solid loading and the volumetric ratio of AA05 to TM-DAR 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, respectively have been prepared. The 2-carboxyethyl acrylate was applied as the new monomer limiting the negative effect of oxygen inhibition. Additionally, the cold isostatic pressing (CIP) was used in order to increase relative density of green bodies. The results of presented research have shown that samples with the ratio of AA05 to TM-DAR 2:1 were characterized by the highest green density (62%). Moreover, CIP process proved to be effective and increased the density of green bodies from 62% to 67%. The pore size distribution of the green bodies has been measured. Samples were sintered at different conditions (1400°C, 1450°C and 1500°C for 1h and 1300°C, 1400°C, 1450°C and 1500°C for 5h).

This paper shows the possibility that the mineral coal existing in the mining basins of northern Spain have a high added value. This would facilitate its future use in different fields such as new materials, nanotechnology, energy use in situ, coal bed methane, enhanced coal bed methane and coalmine methane.

An analytical study of mineral coal samples is carried out. The samples come from two deposits located in coal basins of the Cantabrian Mountains. The duly prepared samples are subjected to an activation process. Within this transformation, different treatments are applied to different sub-samples. Some of the sub-samples suffer a previous demineralization by successive attacks with acids, followed by oxidation and pyrolysis. Finally, all of them are activated with CO2 and H2O(steam).

The carbonaceous products resulting from each treatment are characterised. The results show that all the pre-treatments used were positive for the textural development of the materials. Likewise, proper management of the processes and of the different operating variables allows the procurement of carbonaceous materials with a “tailor-made” structural development of the coal type. This material receives the name “activated” and can be employed in specific processes.

The objective of this study is to analyze effect of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) in concrete on the pore structure, this research will contribute to the knowledge regarding the use of GGBFS as a cementitious material in terms of the future reference and potential improvement to the properties of concrete. To this aim, on the one hand a control specimens (CS) and another samples with 40% and 60% of GGBFS as replacement cement with moist cured at 20oC, 27oC, and cured at site. The compressive strength and the Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) test were done. The result indicates that the strength of concrete with GGBFS at early ages tend to be lower in comparison with the CS. However, the GGBFS reaction plays important roles at the later ages. The samples cured at higher temperature produce higher strength value. The total pore volume (TPV) of the concrete use GGBFS decreases with increasing age.