Invention Description Corrosion of steel in industrial environments such as oil and gas, water treatment, and marine systems leads to significant economic losses and infrastructure damage. Many conventional corrosion inhibitors are petroleum-based, non-biodegradable, and pose environmental and safety concerns. Additionally, these chemicals may not...

Invention Description Scrap tire rubber and plastic waste present significant environmental challenges, including degradation as well as landfill overflow, necessitating innovative solutions to repurpose these materials while mitigating pollution. At the same time, conventional construction materials such as asphalt and concrete face durability issues,...

Invention Description Traditional hot-mix asphalt requires high temperatures for production and application, leading to significant energy consumption and environmental impact. In addition, maintaining durability and moisture resistance in harsh climates—especially with exposure to deicing salts—remains a persistent challenge for roadway...

Invention Description The scarcity of fertile land and water, driven by erosion, pollution, and heavy metal toxicity, represents a critical threat to global food security and environmental health. Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and persist in the soil for a very long time. With a significant portion of global soil resources at risk by 2050, particularly...

Invention Description In the field of infrastructure and material science, accurately predicting the lifespan of binders and coatings is essential for managing long-term maintenance costs and durability. Current chemical aging measurement techniques look at the "carbonyl index," which acts as a molecular fingerprint for how much a material...

Invention Description Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and can contaminate in ecosystems and the food chain, making them one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Certain industrial practices have resulted in an increase in the amount of heavy metals discharged into wastewater which can then leach into or contaminate other water...

Background In cold climates, phase changes of water-to-ice and ice-to-water in the pore structures of soils significantly challenge the integrity and longevity of infrastructure. Soils in these regions typically undergo substantial volumetric changes because of climate stressors, impacting structures including building foundations, bridges, pipelines,...

Background The construction industry is facing the dual challenges of enhancing sustainability while addressing environmental safety concerns. One promising approach to achieving both goals is the utilization of mine tailings as a raw material in construction. Mine tailings, the residual byproducts of mining operations, are abundant and pose significant...

Background Excess sulfur poses challenges in storage and management, contaminating soil and water, disrupting ecosystems, and hindering plant growth. Burning sulfur releases sulfur dioxide, a major air pollutant contributing to acid rain and respiratory issues. Therefore, managing excess sulfur involves finding sustainable uses to reduce its environmental...

Background Cement plays a vital role in the stabilization and enhancement of civil infrastructure performance, including foundations, pavement layers, bridges, pipelines, and dams. Its curing process, driven by water through cement hydration, is essential for developing concrete's strength and durability. However, in cold climates, the inherent...