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Adequacy to sustainable development standards requires the use of methods and tools that enable the quantification and monitoring of environmental impacts related to production processes. As a subsidy to the potential reduction of impacts by solar collectors, this paper proposes an environmental evaluation, considering an alternative solar collector scenario to be compared with a commercial one, from the life cycle perspective. Using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool, the scenarios were evaluated using the SimaPro 8.5 software. The functional unit definition was defined with real system verification through the system preparation and operation in the laboratory, which is characterized as heating 26 L of water utilizing a thermosyphon system at a temperature greater than or equal to 38 ºC. Analyzing the LCA results, it was observed that the alternative system use offers environmental impacts reduction in all impact categories selected when compared to the commercial system. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was proposed considering a variation in polyester resin mass used in the alternative system. The simulation of changes in the resin resulted in even more decreases in the environmental impacts. Regarding thermal efficiency, the industrial system excelled in terms of absorption capacity and thermal reserve. Thus, the present paper using the analyzes proposed within the defined scope, allowed the comparison between the systems in such a way that it was possible to know whether the use of the alternative solar collector results in environmental advantages without losing thermal efficiency.

RESUMO Neste estudo foi avaliada a capacidade de produção de carvão por meio de resíduos classe II A aterrados em uma fundação de proteção ambiental na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As amostras foram compostas (em proporção massa/massa) de 40% plástico, 25% papel/papelão, 25% espumas e borrachas sintéticas e 10% tecido de algodão e tripas de celulose. Empregou-se técnica de pirólise de baixa temperatura (350°C) com uma rampa de aquecimento de 2,70°C min-1 e tempo de residência de 30 minutos. Os experimentos foram feitos com e sem catalisador, sendo 25% de catalisador constituído de argila vermelha. Nas amostras brutas e pirolisadas foram avaliados o poder calorífico inferior (PCI), o poder calorífico superior (PCS) e o poder calorífico útil (PCU). Nas mesmas amostras também se caracterizaram carbono orgânico, teor de cinzas, cloretos, bem como alumínio, antimônio, bário, cádmio, cálcio, chumbo, cobalto, cobre, cromo total, ferro, magnésio, manganês, níquel, potássio, prata, sódio e zinco. As amostras pirolisadas com catalisador apresentaram valores de PCU de 5.473 kcal kg-1, tendo característica interessante para geração de energia, porém a presença de metais pesados, especialmente Ni e Cr, merece atenção quanto ao uso como combustível. A potencialidade para formulação de adubos também é crítica, sendo discutida na presente pesquisa. ABSTRACT In this study, the capacity to produce coal from Class IIA residues landed in an Environmental Protection Foundation in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul was evaluated. The samples were composed (in mass/mass ratio) of 40% plastic, 25% paper/cardboard, 25% foam and synthetic rubbers, and 10% cotton fabric and cellulose casings. Low temperature (350°C) pyrolysis technique was used with a heating ramp of 2.70°C min-1 and a residence time of 30 minutes. The experiments were done with and without catalyst, with 25% catalyst, consisting of red clay. In the pre-crude and pyrolysates, the Lower Calorific Power (LCP), the Higher Calorific Power (HCP), and the Useful Calorific Power (UCP) were obtained. The samples also characterized organic carbon, ash content, chlorides, as well as aluminum, antimony, barium, cadmium, calcium, lead, cobalt, copper, total chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium, silver, sodium, and zinc. Pyrolyzed samples with catalyst showed PCU values of 5,473 kcal kg-1, having an interesting characteristic for energy generation. However, the presence of heavy metals, especially Ni and Cr, deserves attention regarding their use as fuel. The potential for fertilizer information is also critical, being discussed in this research.

Photocatalytic processes are an efficient and important technique to mineralize organic contaminants in aqueous effluents. However, it is paramount that there is a way to recover the catalyst after degradation. Based on this problem, this research seeks to evaluate the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 under porous ceramics support for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). TiO2 was synthesized by sol-gel, dried at 100 °C and calcined at 400 °C. The morphological, optical and structural proprieties of the particles were characterized. The XRD patterns of samples calcined at 400 °C showed only the anatase phase, confirmed by Raman. Not heat-treated xerogel was amorphous. The agglomerates are composed of fine particles, in the nanometric scale of 15 nm. The bandgap of the powder is 3.21 eV, and the surface area is 60.1 m2 g−1. To evaluate its photocatalytic activity, the anatase TiO2 was supported in a porous ceramic substrate by a dip-coating process. The heterogeneous photocatalysis showed excellent results, with the degradation of up to 83% of RhB. It was possible obtained with successful an efficient technique for the treatment of wastewater with Anatase nanoparticles supported in the ceramic support obtained from of reuse of the residues. Resumen: Los procesos fotocatalíticos son técnicas eficientes para la mineralización de contaminantes orgánicos en efluentes acuosos. Sin embargo, es fundamental que haya una forma de recuperar el catalizador después de la degradación. En base a este problema, esta investigación busca evaluar las propiedades fotocatalíticas del dióxido de titanio (TiO2) bajo el soporte de cerámica porosa para la degradación de la rodamina B (RhB). El TiO2 se sintetizó mediante sol-gel, se secó a 100 °C y se calcinó a 400 °C. Se caracterizaron las propiedades morfológicas, ópticas y estructurales de las partículas. Los patrones DRX de las muestras calcinadas a 400 °C mostraron solo la fase anatasa, confirmada por Raman. El xerogel no tratado térmicamente era amorfo. Los aglomerados están compuestos de partículas finas, en la escala de 15 nm. El intervalo de banda es de 3,21 eV, y el área de superficie es de 60,1 m2.g−1. Para evaluar la actividad fotocatalítica, se recubrió un sustrato cerámico poroso mediante el proceso de recubrimiento por inmersión. La fotocatálisis heterogénea mostró excelentes resultados, con la degradación de hasta el 83% de la RhB. Fue posible obtener con éxito una técnica eficiente para el tratamiento de aguas residuales con nanopartículas de anatasa soportadas en el soporte cerámico obtenido de la reutilización de los residuos.

In this work, KNbO3 perovskite nanostructures were prepared at different Nb2O5:KOH molar ratios via microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The structural and optical properties of the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, diffuse reflectance, and photoluminescence analysis. The [1:16] sample showed an improved electron-hole separation when compared to the other synthetic pathways. Photocatalytic activities of the materials in the degradation of rhodamine B were also evaluated. The results indicate that the perovskite with the molar ratio [1:16] showed higher photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of rhodamine B, with a 23-fold decrease in the initial concentration. Such improved performance is accounted for by its large values of specific surface area and a more efficient conversion of UV photons into effective charge carriers. Photodegradation intermediates were identified by micrOTOF-Q III liquid chromatography, which indicated a large amount of N-de-ethylated cleavage products and simple organic acids, thus demonstrating the excellent applicability potential of these KNbO3 ferroelectrics in the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater.

The present study aimed to develop a pilot-scale integrated system composed of anaerobic biofilter (AF), a floating treatment wetland (FTW) unit, and a vertical flow constructed wetland coupled with a microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) and a reactive bed filter (RBF) for simultaneously decentralized urban wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation. The first treatment stage (AF) had 1450 L and two compartments: a settler and a second one filled with plastic conduits. The two CWs (1000 L each) were vegetated with mixed plant species, the first supported in a buoyant expanded polyethylene foam and the second (CW-MFC) filled with pebbles and gravel, whereas the RBF unit was filled with P adsorbent material (light expanded clay aggregate, or LECA) and sand. In the CW-MFC units, 4 pairs of electrode chambers were placed in different spacing. First, both cathode and anode electrodes were composed of graphite sticks and monitored as open circuit. Later, the cathode electrodes were replaced by granular activated carbon (GAC) and monitored as open and closed circuits. The combined system efficiently reduced COD (> 64.65%), BOD5 (81.95%), N-NH3 (93.17%), TP (86.93%), turbidity (94.3%), and total coliforms (removal of three log units). Concerning bioenergy, highest voltage values were obtained with GAC electrodes, reaching up to 557 mV (open circuit) and considerably lower voltage outputs with closed circuit (23.1 mV). Maximum power densities were obtained with 20 cm (0.325 mW/m2) and 30 cm (0.251 mW/m2). Besides the electrode superficial areas, the HRT and the water level may have influenced the voltage values, impacting DO and COD concentrations in the wastewater.

The pulp and paper industry has been researching different treatments for the degradation of adsorbable organohalogens (AOX). In this work, two agitation processes (mechanical and ultrasound) were analyzed in the AOX degradation of the bleaching wastewater using nano zero valent iron (nZVI). The work used different variables for the AOX removal process, such as pH, time, nZVI, and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O2) concentration. Results show an increase in AOX degradation when a higher nZVI concentration is used. The optimal combination of variables for the treatment with mechanical agitation was found in the ratio 2:5 (nZVI : H 2 O2), degrading 85% of AOX in 60 min, with acid pH. Ultrasound treatment consisted of half process time and less degradation than mechanical agitation treatment. The 2:5 ratio in ultrasound agitation degraded 55% of AOX within 30 min at the end of the process. Both methods of the homogenization process of zero valent iron nanoparticles in the bleaching wastewater of the paper and cellulose industry are efficient. However, the mechanical stirring process has a more significant potential for AOX degradation. The variables (pH, concentration of nZVI and H 2 O2 and duration of the process) used in the bleaching wastewater treatment process must be considered for future implementation in the pulp and paper industry.

Tobacco is the most widespread non-food crop in the world. In Brazil, tobacco cultivation is one of the main commodities of the southern region. However, its production is associated with environmental impacts and risks to human health, which have yet to be quantified. This paper uses midpoint and endpoint life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze the potential environmental damage and human health risk associated with agricultural production of conventional Virginia (CV), organic Virginia (OV), and Burley (BU) tobacco varieties. Organic tobacco production substitutes synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with organic compounds in the cropping stage. The results show that for one ton of dried tobacco, BU, CV, and OV emit 1,610, 1,426, and 1,091 kg CO2 eq, respectively. For organic production, greater impacts are linked to the land use (LU) impact category. The endpoint results showed that OV production resulted in a higher potential for human and environmental damage than BU and CV. The drying of green OV and CV tobacco requires the burning of firewood, which emits high levels of particulate matter and is associated with human health (HH) damage. Overall, the HH damage category accounts for 68%, 82%, and 78% of the total score points associated with the production of BU, CV, and OV.

Sustainable and decentralized sanitation is essential for a continental country like Brazil to mitigate its untreated sewage liabilities. This may be directly related to the constructed wetlands (CWs), since these systems are considered clean technology alternatives for the treatment of wastewaters. So, the present research investigated the treatment of university campus wastewaters by a hybrid system composed of: anaerobic reactors (AR) + vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) + floating treatment wetlands (FTW) + horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSFCW). Effluents were treated in batch mode, with a loading time of 1 h, a flow after preliminary treatment of 1.6 m3 h−1 to load the system and hydraulic detention time of 3 days for the AR, and 7 days for each CW unit. CW were planted with 4 different macrophytes: Hymenachne grumosa, Vetiveria zizanoides, Papyrus and Lemna minor sp. The obtained results showed removal rates of 67 % for COD, 53 % for BOD5, 94 % for Total N, 90 % for DOC, 98 % for turbidity and of 5log for E. coli. Almost all the investigated parameters of the treated wastewaters were in accordance the emission limits established by current Brazilian legislation. Moreover, the good performance of the hybrid system brings new reuse possibilities for the treated wastewaters, so that they would be adequate to be reused in orchards, cereals, forages, pastures for livestock and other crops through runoff or by punctual irrigation system.

RESUMO O presente trabalho avalia os efeitos da adição de glicerol sobre a porosidade e resistência mecânica de um material cerâmico. As amostras foram compactadas por prensagem uniaxial e submetidas a temperaturas de queima de 950 °C e 1100 °C, com taxa de aquecimento de 7 °C min-1. Foram realizados ensaios físicos e mecânicos para analisar porosidade aparente, absorção de água, retração linear e resistência mecânica a flexão. Os resultados mostram que a adição de 10% de glicerol à argila melhora principalmente suas propriedades mecânicas, podendo ser um aditivo promissor para gerar materiais cerâmicos estruturais com microestrutura mais resistente. ABSTRACT The present work evaluates the effects of the glycerol addition on the porosity and mechanical resistance of a ceramic material. Samples were compacted by uniaxial pressing and were submitted to different sintering temperatures, 950 °C and 1100° C, with a heating rate of 7 °C min-1. Physical and mechanical analysis were performed to evaluate porosity, water absorption and linear retraction. The results show that the addition of 10% of glycerol into the clay mainly improves its mechanical properties, being able to be a promising additive to generate structural materials with more resistant microstructure.

In this work, discarded soda-lime-silica glass bottles and tobacco residue (after oil extraction to produce biodiesel) were prepared in different formulations to obtain glass foams. The formulated compositions were homogenized and uniaxially compacted at 40 MPa then fired at 850 oC and 900 oC for 60 min to investigate the effects of tobacco residue and temperature in thermal and mechanical properties of the glass foams. The results show that glass foams obtained are promising materials for applications where thermal insulation and mechanical strength are desired, with values of 0.087 W.m-1K-1 and 2.1 MPa, respectively for 45% of the tobacco residue that was added to the glass foam and fired at 850 oC. These characteristics occur through a suitable combination of thermal conductivity and compressive strength, showing advantageous properties for applications in sustainable constructions and industrial energy efficiency.

The present study aimed to develop a life cycle assessment (LCA) study of municipal solid waste management in Vera Cruz, RS, Brazil, to evaluate conventional waste management system, sorting of rec...

The metallurgic industry, especially foundries, is a significant source of waste. For this reason, alternatives that involve reuse and recycling are necessary to minimize waste disposal in landfills and recover matter and energy. The feasibility of elaborating ceramic matrix composites with the incorporation of foundry waste was investigated in this study. Two types of residues were used to elaborate the composites. Green sand and grit blasting powder, in formulations with concentrations that ranged from 5.0 to 10.0% (m/m). The specimens were molded by uniaxial pressing, and a thermal treatment at 1000 °C was performed. The materials were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size determination, linear retraction, water absorption, mechanical strength, leaching and solubilization. The results indicate that the incorporation of waste to the ceramic mass enables the processing of specimens with properties of industrial interest, such as mechanical strength and water absorption.

Çetin, Serkant Ali (Dogus Author) -- Arık, Metin (Dogus Author) -- Yıldız, Süleyman Cenk (Dogus Author) Although they have not yet been detected, axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) continue to maintain the interest (even increasingly so) of the rare-event searches community as viable candidates for the Dark Matter of the Universe but also as a solution for several other puzzles of astrophysics. Their property of coupling to photons has inspired different experimental methods for their detection, one of which is the helioscope technique. The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) is the most sensitive helioscope built up to date and has recently published part of the latest data taken with the magnet bores gradually filled with He-3, probing the mass range up to 1.17 eV. The International AXion Observatory (IAXO) is being proposed as a facility where different axion studies can be performed, with the primary goal to study axions coming from the Sun. Designed to maximize sensitivity, it will improve the levels reached by CAST by almost 5 orders of magnitude in signal detection, that is more than one order of magnitude in terms of gay. Here we will summarize the most important aspects of the helioscopes, and focus mainly on IAXO, based on the recent papers [1, 2].

The growing demand of actions for soil remediation has resulted in the development of alternative technologies, especially for applications of techniques in situ, caused for the many forms of contamination of soil and underground water with petroleum hydrocarbons. The present work proposed an electro-bioremediation technique to evaluate the capacity degradation of the pollutants through microorganisms present in the polluted soil. The monitoring of the degradation of hydrocarbons was accompanied through chemical analyses of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene (BTEX), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). The microbiological activity was monitored through analyses of Colony-Forming Unit (CFU). The results showed that rates of degradation of the xylene, toluene and ethylbenzene had an order of 69%, 60% and 10%. The microbiologic activity presented an increase of 12.5 times for the Mould and Yeasts, and of 178.5 times for aerobic microorganisms. The isolation and biodegradation analysis pointed the existence of 26 different morphotypes, of these, 20 morphotypes (77%) possess capacity to degrade hydrocarbons that, 60% were found in the areas of influence of the cathode and 40% of the anode. The yeast-like material was isolated and identified, where the predominant genus was Penicillium (50%), Paecilomyces 16.6%, Trichoderma 16.6 % and Cladosporium 16.6%.

One of the main agricultural crops in Brazil is the tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) production, currently the second largest producer of this commodity of the world. Its production extends across the three southern states of the country and accounts for important interactions with the environment. Thus, the study of the relationship between tobacco cultivation and the environment should be evaluated in order to reduce its impacts. This study uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the Carbon Footprint (CF) of Virginia (VA) and Burley (BU) tobacco varieties produced in southern Brazil, using the dataset of 14,409 tobacco farmers. The LCA results showed that the use of nitrogen fertilizer in the crop stages of both the tobacco varieties is the main contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The CF was 1398.5 kg CO2-eq/ton of dry VA tobacco, compared to the 1829.7 kg CO2-eq/ton of dry BU tobacco. The seedling and industrial processing stages of both tobacco varieties account for less than 13% of the overall CF.

Road infrastructure works are complex and important undertakings for the social and economic development of a country. They are based on studies that ensure the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of the work. These studies are the basis of the road executive project, which includes the projects that characterize the work to be performed. Road constructions can be considered as horizontally arranged, integrated and complementary activities, so that each of them establishes boundary conditions that affect all the others. Thus, modification of any part of the project changes the proposed scenario for the execution of the following work stages. Most executive road construction projects must be readjusted during the construction because of deficiencies and incomplete surveys and field studies. Those modifications extend the construction period of the road, alter the contractual value and the environmental impacts of the work. This paper investigates the environmental impacts, associated with the input and output flows, as well as the cost overruns of the construction of a road, considering the activities foreseen in the awarded project (scenario S1) and those executed by the construction company (scenario S2) using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The adjustments done in scenario S2 accounted for an average increase of 16% of the environmental impacts in relation to S1 impacts. The critical stages of those activities were clay mining, embankment construction, base construction, and paving. Although the clay and soil volume moved in the construction process was five-fold higher than the volume of aggregate material, the impacts of the exploration and processing of the rock aggregates were 27% higher. Comparing the costs of both S1 and S2 scenarios, the final contractual values of scenario S2 were average 30% higher than the scenario S1 projected costs. Specifically, the S2 costs of earthwork and paving stages were 45% and 11% higher than S1 respectively. The ground of cost overruns and delays during construction are forecasting errors for soil movement and usage of rock aggregates. The results also shown that LCA application after to completing the executive design of a road can help road designer and contractor during the decision-making processes, to anticipate the potential environmental impacts that road construction can produce, as well as predict the environmental effects of changes on the executive project.

BM@N (Baryonic Matter at the Nuclotron) is the fixed target experiment aimed to study nuclear matter in the relativistic heavy ion collisions at the Nuclotron accelerator in JINR. The BM@N tracking system is based on Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) detectors, mounted inside the BM@N analyzing magnet. The structure of the GEM detectors and the results of study of their characteristics are presented. The GEM detectors are integrated into the BM@N experimental setup and data acquisition system. The results of the first test of the GEM tracking system in the technical run with the deuteron beam are shortly reviewed.

The study evaluated the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 supported on ceramic foams. In order to obtain these foams it was used a polymeric spongeprocess through replica method. Alumina ceramic foams were obtained with interconnected and open cellular structures allowing access of light through the material pores. The photocatalyst used was the commercial TiO2 P25 Degussa impregnated into the ceramic foam by dip-coating method. These steps were used in the photodegradation of organic dye in an aqueous system. The photocatalytic tests showed 81 % efficiency in decolorizing the solution of Rhodamine B 20 mg L- 1 with a kinetic constant of 9.6 x 10-3 min- 1

A implementação de estratégias de gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) parte da etapa de estudo das características dos resíduos. O conhecimento dessas características permite a identificação das melhores ações, seja visando a redução da geração dos resíduos ou para coleta destes, além da viabilização da implantação de tecnologias para o tratamento e para a disposição dessas matérias. O presente trabalho objetiva a obtenção de informações relativas à composição gravimétrica dos RSU gerados no município de Santa Cruz do Sul, município brasileiro de médio porte, buscando apresentar subsídios para a tomada de decisões no que diz respeito ao gerenciamento dos RSU. Para tal, foi realizada a caracterização dos RSU gerados no município. As amostras de resíduos coletadas foram encaminhadas para separação de seus componentes por meio da técnica de quarteamento, segundo a ABNT nº. 10.007/2004. Observou-se que os materiais passíveis de reciclagem representam 28,44%, a fração orgânica corresponde a 41,65%, e os rejeitos somam 29,91% da massa de resíduos sólidos gerados e coletados. A realização do estudo permitiu constatar o alto potencial de aproveitamento dos RSU gerados, bem como a importância da adoção de políticas públicas que visem à separação dos resíduos na fonte, implementação de coleta seletiva e triagem dos resíduos passíveis de reciclagem, além do aproveitamento dos resíduos compostáveis.

Devido à crescente demanda por energias sustentáveis, gestão de resíduos e o uso de materiais recicláveis, o presente trabalho objetivou o desenvolvimento de compósitos poliméricos de matriz de polipropileno reciclado visando o uso como placas absorvedoras de energia solar. Nessa matriz polimérica adicionou-se como fase dispersa um resíduo do tabaco (pó de fumo) empregando teores de 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% e 30%, em massa. Além disso, estudou-se a adição de negro de fumo junto ao pó de fumo, utilizando teores de 6% e 10% de cada fase dispersa. As formulações foram misturadas em homogeneizador de laboratório, moídas em moinhos de facas e processadas por moldagem por compressão a 180°C, obtendo-se placas com dimensões de 400x400mm e espessura de 4 mm, as quais, foram caracterizadas e avaliadas em testes de absorção de calor, tração, flexão, dureza e densidade. Os resultados indicaram potencial de aplicação no sistema de aquecimento solar de água devido aos resultados de absorção térmica. Também, a utilização do negro de fumo como fase dispersa mostrou-se uma grande contribuição para as características mecânicas do material. Outro importante resultado diz respeito a possibilidade de se estar usando um polímero reciclado e um resíduo industrial gerado em grande quantidade, tal como é o pó de fumo, na produção das placas caracterizando assim um ganho ambiental.

Thermoplastics reinforced with natural fibers have attracted much attention from researchers because of their advantages, especially regarding environmental aspects. However, poor impact strength, particularly at low temperatures, limits the application of some thermoplastics, such as polypropylene (PP). To minimize this drawback, impact modifiers have been used, including the terpolymer of ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM). In this work, PP/EPDM/sisal composites of distinct compositions were investigated focusing on the effect of the alkali (NaOH) treatment of the vegetable fiber on the composites properties regarding physical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological behavior. The results indicated that flow rate decreases at higher fiber content due to flow hindering by the presence of the fibers. The addition of the fiber, in general, increased Young's modulus and strength (tensile and flexural), whereas impact strength increased for higher EPDM content. The alkali treatment was considered generally efficient in terms of mechanical properties, even though this was not found in the dynamic mechanical analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers

Atraves da constante busca de novos materiais com caracteristicas fisico-quimicas eficientes que unam viabilidade economica e ambiental, o presente trabalho objetivou a confeccao de um material composito constituido por uma matriz cerâmica agregada de residuos das industrias de vidro e fumo, com a finalidade de producao de um isolante termico para um sistema de aquecimento solar de agua. O estudo foi realizado em tres etapas: caracterizacao dos materiais, confeccao dos corpos de prova, ensaios de resistencia mecânica e eficiencia termica. Foram desenvolvidos corpos de prova de matriz (100% em massa de argila) e os corpos de prova com substituicao de 25% de massa pelos residuos, sendo eles 20% de po de vidro e 5% de po de fumo, para a analise comparativa das novas propriedades adquiridas. Os resultados obtidos revelaram um aumento de 57% na eficiencia mecânica (resistencia) no material composito, obtendo tambem caracteristicas eficientes quanto ao isolamento termico.

The present work evaluates the use of ceramic material, produced with the aid of industrial waste through the Gel-Casting method, as a support for catalysts in the photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue. The analysis was carried out in a reactor containing UVC lamps through batch processing. The results show that the reaction of photocatalytic degradation of the dye presents pseudo-first order kinetics, with values of degradation between 60 and 70 %. The study evaluated the deactivation of the catalysts synthesized and supported in the ceramic material. In this case, it was observed that the larger the mass of deposited catalyst on the ceramic support, the longer the lifespan of the sample, since a larger mass takes longer to deactivate.

Os materiais biodegradáveis, ou parcialmente degradáveis, tem ganhado espaço nos últimos tempos devido ao aumento das políticas que visam controlar e diminuir os problemas ambientais. Dentro deste cenário, este trabalho teve o objetivo de estudar compósitos poliméricos parcialmente biodegradáveis, utilizando termoplástico de amido (TPS) e biomassa fúngica provinda dos gêneros Aspergillus sp e Penicillium sp. Para a confecção destes compósitos utilizou-se como matriz uma blenda com 20% de TPS e 80% de polipropileno (PP), em massa. Como fase dispersa foi utilizada biomassa fúngica em fração mássica de 5%. O principal objetivo da adição desta biomassa foi a possibilidade de aumento das propriedades mecânicas, sem alterar as características biodegradáveis do material. Os compósitos foram cortados em corpos de prova e estes foram avaliados através de ensaios de tração, flexão e dureza. Os resultados indicaram a dependência das propriedades das amostras considerando o tipo de fase dispersa na formulação e também a possibilidade de uso deste material para diversas aplicações.

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) searches for a -> gamma conversion in the 9 T magnetic field of a refurbished LHC test magnet that can be directed toward the Sun. Two parallel magnet bores can be filled with helium of adjustable pressure to match the x-ray refractive mass m(gamma) to the axion search mass m(a). After the vacuum phase (2003-2004), which is optimal for m(a) less than or similar to 0.02 eV, we used He-4 in 2005-2007 to cover the mass range of 0.02-0.39 eV and He-3 in 2009-2011 to scan from 0.39 to 1.17 eV. After improving the detectors and shielding, we returned to He-4 in 2012 to investigate a narrow m(a) range around 0.2 eV ("candidate setting" of our earlier search) and 0.39-0.42 eV, the upper axion mass range reachable with He-4, to "cross the axion line" for the KSVZ model. We have improved the limit on the axion-photon coupling to g(a gamma) < 1.47 x 10(-10) GeV-1 (95% C.L.), depending on the pressure settings. Since 2013, we have returned to the vacuum and aim for a significant increase in sensitivity.

Axion helioscopes search for solar axions by their conversion in x-rays in the presence of high magnetic fields. The use of low background x-ray detectors is an essential component contributing to the sensitivity of these searches. In this work, we review the recent advances on Micromegas detectors used in the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) and proposed for the future International Axion Observatory (IAXO). The actual setup in CAST has achieved background levels below 10$^{-6}$ keV$^{-1}$ cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$, a factor 100 lower than the first generation of Micromegas detectors. This reduction is based on active and passive shielding techniques, the selection of radiopure materials, offline discrimination techniques and the high granularity of the readout. We describe in detail the background model of the detector, based on its operation at CAST site and at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory (LSC), as well as on Geant4 simulations. The best levels currently achieved at LSC are low than 10$^{-7}$ keV$^{-1}$ cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ and show good prospects for the application of this technology in IAXO. Finally, we present some ideas and results for reducing the energy threshold of these detectors below 1 keV, using high-transparent windows, autotrigger electronics and studying the cluster shape at different energies. As a high flux of axion-like-particles is expected in this energy range, a sub-keV threshold detector could enlarge the physics case of axion helioscopes., Comment: Proceedings of 3rd International Conference on Technology and Instrumentation in Particle Physics (TIPP 2014)

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a impregnação de diferentes catalisadores na superfície de um material cerâmico de alumina. Para a confecção do material cerâmico, foi utilizada a rota de processamento de espumas cerâmicas pelo método da réplica, no qual uma esponja de poliuretano com porosidade de 60 ppi foi mergulhada em uma suspensão de alumina a fim de produzir uma cerâmica com a mesma morfologia que o material precursor. Inicialmente foram obtidas espumas cerâmicas de alumina com resistência mecânica média de 0,7 MPa e porosidade aparente de 80%.Três diferentes catalisadores (ZnAl2O4,ZnFe2O4 e Zn2SnO4) foram impregnados sobre esse suporte por meio do método dip coating.Os resultados mostraram que os catalisadores foram imobilizados sobre o suporte em baixas concentrações. This study aimed to evaluate the immobilization of different catalysts on the surface of ceramic alumina foam. The ceramic material was produced by the replica method, where a polyurethane sponge with a porosity of 60 ppi was poured into a slurry containing alumina to produce a ceramic support with the same morphology of the precursor material. Alumina ceramic foams with an average strength of 0.7MPa and apparent porosity of 80% were obtained. Three different catalysts (ZnAl2O4,ZnFe2O4 and Zn2SnO4) were impregnated on this support by the dip coating method. The results showed that the catalysts were immobilized on the substrate at low concentrations.

A large mass dark matter search experiment with NaI scintillators at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory is underway. A 10.7 kg prototype with improved light collection efficiency and special low-background improvements has been tested and started taking data underground in summer 2005. Preliminary results and prospects for the experiment are presented.

In non-hadronic axion models, which have a tree-level axion-electron interaction, the Sun produces a strong axion flux by bremsstrahlung, Compton scattering, and axio-recombination, the "BCA processes." Based on a new calculation of this flux, including for the first time axio-recombination, we derive limits on the axion-electron Yukawa coupling g_ae and axion-photon interaction strength g_ag using the CAST phase-I data (vacuum phase). For m_a < 10 meV/c2 we find g_ag x g_ae< 8.1 x 10^-23 GeV^-1 at 95% CL. We stress that a next-generation axion helioscope such as the proposed IAXO could push this sensitivity into a range beyond stellar energy-loss limits and test the hypothesis that white-dwarf cooling is dominated by axion emission. In non-hadronic axion models, which have a tree-level axion-electron interaction, the Sun produces a strong axion flux by bremsstrahlung, Compton scattering, and axio-recombination, the ``BCA processes.'' Based on a new calculation of this flux, including for the first time axio-recombination, we derive limits on the axion-electron Yukawa coupling gae and axion-photon interaction strength ga(γ) using the CAST phase-I data (vacuum phase). For malesssim10 meV/c(2) we find ga(γ) gae

[EN] The "Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon Time-Projection Chamber" (NEXT) is intended to investigate the neutrinoless double beta decay of Xe-136, which requires a severe suppression of potential backgrounds. An extensive screening and material selection process is underway for NEXT since the control of the radiopurity levels of the materials to be used in the experimental set-up is a must for rare event searches. First measurements based on Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry and gamma-ray spectroscopy using ultra-low background germanium detectors at the Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canfranc (Spain) are described here. Activity results for natural radioactive chains and other common radionuclides are summarized, being the values obtained for some materials like copper and stainless steel very competitive. The implications of these results for the NEXT experiment are also discussed., We deeply acknowledge LSC directorate and staff for their strong support for performing the measurements at the LSC Radiopurity Service. The NEXT Collaboration acknowledges funding support from the following agencies and institutions: the Spanish Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad under grants CONSOLIDER-Ingenio 2010 CSD2008-0037 (CUP), Consolider-Ingenio 2010 CSD2007-00042 (CPAN), and under contracts ref. FPA2008-03456, FPA2009-13697-C04-04; FCT(Lisbon) and FEDER under grant PTDC/FIS/103860/2008; the European Commission under the European Research Council T-REX Starting Grant ref. ERC-2009-StG-240054 of the IDEAS program of the 7th EU Framework Program; Director, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, of the US Department of Energy under contract no. DE-AC02-05CH11231. Part of these grants are funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF/FEDER). J. Renner (LBNL) acknowledges the support of a US DOE NNSA Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship under contract no. DE-FC52-08NA28752. F.I. acknowledges the support from the Eurotalents program.

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has extended its search for solar axions by using (3)He as a buffer gas. At T=1.8 K this allows for larger pressure settings and hence sensitivity to higher axion masses than our previous measurements with (4)He. With about 1 h of data taking at each of 252 different pressure settings we have scanned the axion mass range 0.39 eV≲m(a)≲0.64 eV. From the absence of excess x rays when the magnet was pointing to the Sun we set a typical upper limit on the axion-photon coupling of g(aγ)≲2.3×10(-10) GeV(-1) at 95% C.L., the exact value depending on the pressure setting. Kim-Shifman-Vainshtein-Zakharov axions are excluded at the upper end of our mass range, the first time ever for any solar axion search. In the future we will extend our search to m(a)≲1.15 eV, comfortably overlapping with cosmological hot dark matter bounds.

We report the status of the ANAIS (Annual modulation with NAI Scintillators) experiment focusing on the developments towards the improvement of the background level of our detectors and the reduction of the energy threshold.

Vivemos na sociedade do consumo, onde os impactos da industrialização e do crescimento populacional, bem como seus efeitos sócio-ambientais, nas áreas urbanas, estão entre os maiores desafios da atualidade. Nessa realidade a grande geração de lixo vem agravar o quadro ambiental. A reciclagem do resíduo plástico pode contribuir com a viabilidade econômica da reciclagem do lixo em geral, pois economiza matéria-prima, vem aparecendo com grande intensidade na massa de resíduos dos municípios brasileiros e apresenta grande conteúdo energético. Este trabalho apresenta estudo sobre a cadeia produtiva ou cadeia de valor (Supply Chain) que engloba os principais agentes na produção dos plásticos bem como sua reintrodução na cadeia após seu uso. No ponto de vista sistêmico, entendemos como cadeia de valor o desenvolvimento de inter-relações que buscam agrupar segmentos produtivos apresentando formas diferenciadas de cooperação de modo a promover melhorias no ciclo de produção e consumo. A metodologia utilizada baseia-se na abordagem sistêmica e crítica, considerando que todas as variáveis envolvidas estão inter-relacionadas. De acordo com essa concepção pode-se definir a rede de reciclagem de plástico como uma unidade global organizada de inter-relações entre elementos, ações e indivíduos. Esses elementos não são unidades simples e sim relativas ao todo do qual fazem parte. Tendo como base essa concepção e o processo realizado pode-se propor que, para a existência de uma rede sustentável de reciclagem de plásticos em nível municipal e ou regional, exista um comitê gestor de resíduos sólidos visando à integração dos agentes e a auto-regulação necessária para a sustentação da rede de reciclagem de plásticos.

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) experiment searches for axions from the Sun converted into photons with energies up to around 10 keV via the inverse Primakoff effect in the high magnetic field of a superconducting Large Hadron Collider (LHC) prototype magnet. A backside illuminated pn‐CCD detector in conjunction with an X‐ray mirror optics is one of the three detectors used in CAST to register the expected photon signal. Since this signal is very rare a detailed study of the detector background has been undertaken with the aim to understand and further reduce the background level of the detector. The analysis is based on measured data taken during the data taking period of 2003 and 2004 of CAST and on Monte Carlo simulations of background with different origin. The background study performed for this detector show that the level of background (8.00±0.07)×10−5 counts cm−2 s−1 keV−1 between 1 and 7 keV is dominated by the external gamma background due to natural activities at the experimental site, wh...

A lasting Dark Matter Search Program is being carried out in the facilities of the Canfranc Underground Laboratory since 1990 with the participation of the University of Zaragoza (UZ) Nuclear and Astroparticle Physics group. A brief summary of the most relevant experiments will be followed by the report on the status of the present experimental efforts at Canfranc: ANAIS and ROSEBUD. ANAIS (Annual modulation with NAI) will look for the annual modulation effect in the WIMP signal with about 100 kg sodium iodide as target. In the framework of the ROSEBUD (Rare Objects SEarch with Bolometers UnDerground) collaboration, the particle discrimination capability of different scintillating bolometers has been tested. These detectors are showing excellent performances for their application in dark matter searches and enable a multi‐target strategy in the search for WIMPs, which is planned to be used in the near future at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory.

A technique to measure the cosmic muon flux distribution has been developed in the old Canfranc Underground Laboratory (2450 m.w.e.).This technique can determine the muon direction and it allows to obtain a three-dimensional distribution of the muon intensity which could be correlated to the mountain profile, as well. The experimental set-up, which has been taking data since November 2008, consists of a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) detector and a veto system composed of two plastic scintillators.

Resumo O presente trabalho avaliou os efeitos da adição de resíduos de vidro sodo-cálcico e de erva-mate sobre a absorção de água, porosidade e resistência mecânica de um material cerâmico. Os pós homogeneizados foram compactados por prensagem uniaxial e submetidos a queima de 900 e 1100 °C a 2 °C.min-1. Os resultados mostraram que a adição de vidro e erva-mate à argila produziu materiais cerâmicos com retração linear entre 0,3 e 6%, absorção de água entre 5,3 e 34%, porosidade aparente de até 41% e resistência mecânica entre 0,5 e 20 MPa. Os materiais queimados a 1100 °C foram os que obtiveram as melhores combinações de propriedades, podendo ser aplicados na produção de blocos, telhas ou revestimento cerâmico de acordo com as necessidades específicas da aplicação.

The production of radioactive isotopes in materials due to exposure to cosmic rays can become an hazard for experiments demanding ultra-low background conditions. Generation of long-lived products by cosmic nucleons at sea level has been studied for detector materials like germanium and tellurium and for other materials commonly used like copper; the main results will be summarized, considering both measurements and calculations. The isotope production cross sections and the cosmic ray spectrum are the two main ingredients when calculating this cosmogenic activation; the different alternatives for implementing them will be discussed. But cosmogenic activation can take place also deep underground due to cosmic muons, being relevant in this case the short-lived products. Studies carried out to evaluate the underground activation mainly for liquid scintillator materials will be commented too.

The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) experiment searches for axions from the Sun converted into photons with energies up to around 10 keV via the inverse Primakoff effect in the high magnetic field of a superconducting Large Hadron Collider (LHC) prototype magnet. A backside illuminated pn-CCD detector in conjunction with an X-ray mirror optics is one of the three detectors used in CAST to register the expected photon signal. Since this signal is very rare a detailed study of the detector background has been undertaken with the aim to understand and further reduce the background level of the detector. The analysis is based on measured data taken during the data taking period of 2003 and 2004 of CAST and on Monte Carlo simulations of background with different origin. A background study performed for this detector show that the level of background (8.00±0.07)x10 counts cm s keV between 1 and 7 keV is dominated by the external gamma background due to natural activities at the experimental site, while radioactive impurities in the detector itself and cosmic neutrons contribute with a smaller fraction.