• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.185-194
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• 2022

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world and is the second largest traded commodity after petroleum. Due to the great demand of this product, large amounts of waste is generated in the coffee industry, which are toxic and represent serious environmental problems. This study aims to study the possibility of recycling spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a mineral admixture by replacing the cement in the manufacturing of concrete. To recycle the coffee g rounds, the SCG was dried to remove moisture and fired in a kiln at 850 ℃ for 8 hours. Carbonized coffee grounds are produced as coffee grounds ash (CGA) through ball mill grinding. The chemical composition of the prepared coffee grounds ash was investigated using X-ray fluorescence (XFR). According to the chemical composition analysis, the major elements of coffee grounds ash are K₂O(51.74 %), CaO(15.92 %), P₂O₅(14.39 %), MgO(7.74 %) and SO₃(6.89 %), with small amounts of F₂O₃(0.66 %), SiO₂(0.59 %) and Al₂O₃(0.31 %) content. To evaluate quality and mechanical properties, substitutions of 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of coffee grounds ash (CGA) were tested. From the quality test results, the 28-day activity index of CGA5 reached 80 %, and the flow value ratio reached 96 %, which is comparable to the minimum requirement for second-grade FA. From the test results of the mortar, the optimal results have been found in specimens with 5 wt-% coffee grounds ash, showing good mechanical and physical properties.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.193-201
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• 2024

Objectives: Paints contain various types of metal substances. However, our review of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for paints found that their components were often kept secret or exact content information was otherwise not provided. We analyzed the metal elements in various inorganic pigment-based paints available in South Korea in this study and checked whether they contain hazardous metal substances as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Acts. We investigated issues of health hazard classification related to the metal elements. The study is intended to contribute to strengthening the management of hazardous substances by suggesting improvements to MSDS. Methods: We randomly selected 19 samples that were predicted to contain hazardous inorganic pigments after reviewing MSDS among paints currently in use. The samples were analyzed using XRF (X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry), ICP_OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy) and SP-ICP-MS (Single Particle-ICP-Mass Spectroscopy). Results: The most common elements in the samples were Al (aluminum), Fe (iron), Ti (titanium), Ca (calcium), and Si (silica). One sample contained more lead than allowed by the limits. There were ten samples that could potentially contain nanoforms, seven samples that contained titanium dioxide, and six samples that contained complex inorganic color pigments (CICPs). Conclusions: Inorganic pigments in paints should be evaluated for hazards separately from other metallic compounds and reflected in the MSDS because they have different characteristics than other metallic compounds. These include particle size, crystal structure, and complex substances. The results of this study can be helpful for determining whether a paint contains sufficient hazardous metal compounds to affect its classification, and it can be a guideline for improving MSDS through comparative review and rationalization with the manufacturer's MSDS. This would make it possible to contribute to the management of chemical substances in the workplace through the proper MSDS disclosure of paints.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.455-462
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• 2014

This work investigated the hydrophobic coating of silicate yellow phosphor powder in the form of divalent europium-activated strontium orthosilicate ($Sr_2SiO_4:Eu^{2+}$) by using an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma with argon as a carrier and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), toluene and n-hexane as precursors. After the plasma treatment of the phosphor powder, the lattice structure of orthosilicate was not altered, as confirmed by an X-ray diffractometer. The coated phosphor powder was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometry and contact angle analysis (CAA). The CAA of the phosphor powder coated with the HMDSO precursor revealed that the water contact angle increased from $21.3^{\circ}$ to $139.5^{\circ}$ (max. $148.7^{\circ}$) and the glycerol contact angle from $55^{\circ}$ to $143.5^{\circ}$ (max. $145.3^{\circ}$) as a result of the hydrophobic coating, which indicated that hydrophobic layers were successfully formed on the phosphor powder surfaces. Further surface characterizations were performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, which also evidenced the formation of hydrophobic coating layers. The phosphor coated with HMDSO exhibited a photoluminescence (PL) enhancement, but the use of toluene or n-hexane somewhat decreased the PL intensity. The results of this work suggest that the DBD plasma may be a viable method for the preparation of hydrophobic coating layer on phosphor powder.

• Clean Technology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.311-315
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• 2019

The cation extraction and impurity separation were studied in order to investigate the recyclability of a slag produced from the steel refinery industry. Two types of slag (Slag-A, B) were collected and characterized in this study. The initial characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) confirmed the existence of various kinds of ions in the slag such as Ca²⁺ (30 ~ 40%), Fe³⁺ (20 ~ 30%), Si⁴⁺ (15%), Al³⁺ (10%), Mn²⁺ (7%), and Mg²⁺ (3 ~ 5%). Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis on the extracted slag using 2 M HCl as a solvent indicated that a higher concentration of Ca²⁺ was extracted as the S/L ratio was increased. The Ca²⁺ extraction concentration were found to be 8,940 mg L^-1 (Slag-A) and 10,690 (Slag-B) mg L^-1 when the S/L ratio for Ca²⁺ extraction was 0.1. However, the extract was strongly acidic ( < pH 1) at 0.1 S/L. Also the other ions (impurities) were extracted simultaneously in addition to Ca²⁺. To increase the purity of Ca²⁺ in order to transform the slag to a high value resource, a pH-swing was conducted. The impurities tended to precipitate at higher rate as the pH was increased. Notably, the Ca²⁺ rapidly precipitated above a certain pH and at a pH of 10.5, while the selectivity of Ca²⁺ was over 99%. It is expected that the aqueous solution in which high contents of Ca²⁺ was selectively dissolved in this study would be suitable for the carbonation process for reducing CO₂ and for the production of calcium carbonate.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.44-51
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• 2022

In the steelmaking process using an electric arc furnace (EAF), light-burnt dolomite, which is a flux containing MgO, is used to protect refractory materials and improve desulfurization ability. Furthermore, a recarburizing agent is added to reduce energy consumption via slag foaming and to induce the deoxidation effect. Herein, a waste MgO-C based refractory material was used to achieve the aforementioned effects economically. The waste MgO-C refractory materials contain a significant amount of MgO and graphite components; however, most of these materials are currently discarded instead of being recycled. The mass recycling of waste MgO-C refractory materials would be achievable if their applicability as a flux for steelmaking is proven. Therefore, experiments were performed using a target composition range similar to the commercial EAF slag composition. A pre-melted base slag was prepared by mixing SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and FeO in an alumina crucible and heating at 1450℃ for 1 h or more. Subsequently, a mixed flux #2 (a mixture of light-burnt dolomite, waste MgO-C based refractory material, and limestone) was added to the prepared pre-melted base slag and a melting reaction test was performed. Injecting the pre-melted base slag with the flux facilitates the formation of the target EAF slag. These results were compared with that of mixed flux #1 (a mixture of light-burnt dolomite and limestone), which is a conventional steelmaking flux, and the possibility of replacement was evaluated. To obtain a reliable evaluation, characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry were used, and slag foam height, slag basicity, and Fe recovery were calculated.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.723-737
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• 2021

This study analyzed the composition and structure of materials with Buddhist paper scriptures excavated from architectural sites in 'Sum Tolgoi' of the 17^th century and carried out conservation treatment base on the result of the analysis. The scriptures were covered in dust and foreign sub stances, and were so crumpled that it was impossible to identify the form. The damage, loss, and discoloration have been identified. Buddhist scriptures written in Tibetan used indigo and ink sticks on paper as a result of UV-Vis analysis, and ink sticks as black character materials from scriptures written ancient Mongolian. SEM-EDS and Micro-XRF analyses revealed that the outlines were drawn with red lines using a mix of Minium (Pb₃O₄) and Cinnabar (HgS), or Cinnabar (HgS) alone, and the contents of the scriptures were written with silver paint. Silver chloride (AgCl) and Calcium (Ca) were identified in the silver paint component of the characters, while Calcium and Orpiment (As₂S₃) were identified in the yellow lines. Concerning the paper ground, Buddhist scriptures written in ancient Mongolian were characterized by herbal plant fiber and bast fiber, and those written in Tibetan, by bast fiber. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the paper for the scriptures was produced between the 15^th and 17^th centuries. Conservation treatment of the scriptures was carried out based on the experiment on the production of pre-coated paper and how to coat that to prevent the second damage due to the deformation and fragility of the excavated paper. The scriptures were preserved and mounted, and a neutral box was made to identify the contents of the scriptures recorded on both sides after the treatment. This conservation treatment is the result of a study that applied new conservation treatment materials and methods according to the principle of conservation treatment reversibility.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.171-182
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• 2010

The slag excavated from Gyesil-ri in Gongju, Yeonje-ri in Cheongwon and Beopcheonsaji (temple) site in Wonju are analyzed by X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer, metallurgical microscope, SEM-EDS etc., for chemical composition and microstructure to figure out the raw material and the iron manufacturing technique. First of all, as a result of principal component analysis, the total Fe-content of slag from Gyesil-ri is 39 to 44% and the modified rate is 15 to 21%, which is common in ancient iron slag. Yeonje-ri site is found the ancient iron-smelting furnace. The total Fe-content of slag from Yeonje-ri is 41 to 43% and modified rate is 18~30%, which is also the general value in the ancient slag. However only slag is excavated in the residential area at Beopcheonsaji site and there is no iron making relic. In addition, the result of principal component analysis contains that the total Fe-content of Beopcheonsaji site is 52 to 57%, and modified rate is 8 to 14%. It shows that the total Fe-content of Beopcheonsaji site is higher than relic from Gyesil-ri and Yeonje-ri and the modified rate is lower than other sites. This results mean that recollecting rate of Fe in Beopcheonsaji site is lower than other sites. Also, as a result of minor elements analysis, the slag from Gyesil-ri has the higher level of Ti, V and Zr than other sites and the microstructure are observed as magnetite and ulvospinel, so that the raw material of slag is iron sand. But the slag from Yeonje-ri and Beopcheonsaji site are identified to use iron ore. As a result of microstructure observation, fayalite, gray-columnar crystal, is found in the slag from Yeonje-ri and big wustite as main phase is observed in the slag from Beopcheonsaji site. This study show that the slag from Yeonje-ri is made of smelt ash produced during smelting works and the slag from Beopcheonsaji site is made of forging ash produced during forging work concerning the excavated location and the microstructure.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.259-274
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• 2019

Using portable XRF and SWIR analyzer, the characteristics of element dispersion and wallrock alterations induced by interaction between hydrothermal fluids and host rocks were investigated and ore exploration factors were estimated for the orogenic-type Samgwang Au deposits. On this purpose, in-situ measurements were conducted for 804 spots at regular intervals with a total of 4,824 times for host rocks, consisting of schist and gneiss, and altered wallrocks contacted with quartz veins in the Bonhang adit of the deposit, and the results were compared with quantitative data obtained by XRF and ICP analysis. The regression coefficients are 0.88 for major elements and 0.56 for trace elements, excluding V. For polished rock slabs, better results came out for major elements, 0.97 and for trace elements, 0.65. In altered wallrocks contacted with quartz veins, elements such as Fe, Zn, and Rb exhibit positive correlations with As in concentrations, while V forms a negative trend. Contour maps demonstrate that As, Zn, Rb, Fe, Ti, Cr, and Ni are enriched together near quartz veins, showing similar elemental behaviors. In-situ analysis using portable SWIR analyzer represents that schist and gneiss contain mica, illite, chlorite, sericite, amphibole, and epidote, while illite, sericite, gypsum, and mica are present in the altered rocks contacted with quartz veins. In contour maps, chlorite occurs mostly in host rocks, while sericite is concentrated near quartz veins. These results are similar to those of previous studies for element dispersion and hydrothermal alteration, and support the possibility for application of in-situ analysis on the exploration of orogenic gold deposit.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.30
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• pp.71-88
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• 2023

This paper examined the visible characteristics and chemical composition of glass beads from the Joseon Dynasty as well as the associations thereof. It also explored the characteristics and uses of glass beads by region. This study covered a total of 1,819 pieces excavated from 25 locations in the Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, and Gyeongsang regions, of which 537 pieces were analyzed for their chemical composition. Glass beads of the Joseon Dynasty take a variety of shapes such as a Round, Coil, Floral, Segmented, Flat, Oval, and Calabash. Colors vary from shades of brown (brown, lemon yellow) and shades of blue (Bluish-Green, greenish-Blue, Purple-Blue) to shades of white (colorless, white) and shades of green (Green, Greenish-Blue, Greenish-Brown). Brown accounts for the largest percentage, followed by Bluish-Green, greenish-Blue. It was identified that Drawing technique was the most common glass bead production technique of the Joseon Dynasty. Potassium oxide (K₂O) was the most common flux agent for glass beads, while the potash glass and mixed alkali glass groups account for the largest quantity. The choice of stabilizers depended on the type of flux agents used, but the most common were calcium oxide (CaO) and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). The potash glass and potash lead glass groups are high in CaO and low in Al₂O₃, the mixed alkali glass group is high in CaO, and the lead glass group is low in CaO. In terms of the association between color and shape, most of the beads with shade of brown and blue have round shapes of brown and blue have spherical shapes, while the coil shape is prominent in blue beads. A high percentage of green and colorless beads also take the shape of a coil, while white beads in general have a floral shape. In terms of the association between shape and chemical composition, round, floral and segmented shapes account for a high percentage of the potash glass group, while coil and flat shapes are common in the mixed alkali glass group. This paper also analyzed the colorants for each color based on the association between color and chemical composition. Iron (Fe) was used as the colorant for brown and white, and titanium (Ti) and iron were used for light yellow. Purple-Blue was produced by by cobalt (Co), and greenish-Blue, Bluish-Green, green, Greenish-Blue were produced by iron and copper (Cu). Colorless beads had a generally low colorant content.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.90-101
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• 2024

The test answer sheets submitted by examinees in the Joseon Dynasty were called Sigwon (test papers with answers, 試卷), and Siji (blank test papers, 試紙) were generally prepared by the examinees themselves. At that time, paper was not produced as a standard product, so there was no uniformity in size or manufacturing method. Mulberry paper in the Joseon Dynasty was basically transparent, so various paper processing methods were applied for examinees to write answers on both sides. In order for ink lines to be written smoothly, Dochim (hitting paper with a wooden bat on the stone, 搗砧) or surface processing was treated. We found a 19th-century Siji (試紙) that was processed in a unique way, which led to this study. An unusual Sigwon (試卷) is one by Lee Mangi (李晩耆) from 1848 owned by the National Folk Museum of Korea. We found that an opaque white substance was thickly applied between the papers of this Siji (試紙). Through component analysis using infrared spectrophotometry, fluorescence X-ray spectroscopy, optical and polarizing microscopy, and electron microscopy, this white substance was proved to be rice starch. From these analyses, it is presumed that this Siji (試紙) was made by soaking rice flour in water to remove a significant amount of protein, and then applying wet starch containing a small amount of protein between sheets of paper. In addition, with a Siji (試紙) reproduction experiment, we found that the paper reproduced by this processing method was thick and high in whiteness and opacity. This is believed to be a production method designed to produce double-sided paper without using multiple sheets of paper, which was difficult to obtain at that time. In this study, the material processed between the sheets of paper was disclosed only from < Lee Mangi (李晩耆)'s Sigwon (試卷)(Minsok 71745)>, but this appears to be one of several processing methods to treat the paper during the Joseon Dynasty. We hope that more similar Sigwons will be discovered in the future and that extensive research on processing methods will be conducted.