The paper is focused on impact of different oscillation parameters on surface quality of peritectic steel grades cast into billets 150x150 mm. Hydraulic oscillation used for this purpose was temporarily installed on one strand of the billet caster. Hydraulic oscillation enables, in comparison to ordinary used electromechanical oscillation, flexible set-up of basic parameters of the oscillation cycle (negative strip time and its ratio). Proper oscillation mode is capable to assure regular oscillation marks development, good lubrication in the mould and adequate compression of the solidifying shell. Impact of an oscillation mode providing negative strip time 0.085 s and its ratio -50 % on surface quality of cast billets is compared with standard oscillation mode applied on strands equipped with electromechanical oscillation characterized with variable negative strip time between 0.084 and 0.096 s and fixed negative strip ratio to -14 %.

Cleaned scales are fine grained and they can be a suitable alternative for preparation of pigment. Pigments are used for preparation of engobes, glazes and other materials for application of colours. This paper is focused on possibilities of utilisation of scales in the form of pigment for preparation of glazes. In total, 14 types of mixed glazes were prepared and two mixtures with chemical treatment. The input material consisted of untreated modified scales and of transparent glaze P017. Scales were in the first stage of preparation annealed at 700°C and 900 °C, and in the second stage they were chemically modified by H 2 SO 4. Prepared mixtures of the series I were applied on the potsherds and subsequently fired at 1060°C. Only X-ray analysis was made for the mixture of series II. From the resulting colour scheme of mixtures are decisive factors chemical and phase composition and methods of treatment for the scales specific applications.

The use of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in construction is a relatively new trend, and not a completely explored area. However, SAP itself has been on the market for over 80 years. SAPs have a cross-linked three-dimensional structure, thanks to which they have the unique ability to absorb extreme amounts of water, up to a hundred times their weight. By using this property, it is possible to prevent water losses, which is important at the time of maturation in cementitious building materials. When there is a lack of water needed for hydration processes, the physical and mechanical properties deteriorate. The subject of this article is to determine the possible positive effect of the presence of SAP in the cement matrix in order to optimize the parameters of silicate composites for 3D printing. For this purpose, a special methodology was compiled consisting of tests through which it is possible to assess the suitability of the tested mixtures for 3D printing. This methodology consists of determining consistency, volumetric weight, ultrasonic analysis, buildability, X-ray diffraction, flexural tensile and compressive strength. For determining of buildability and ultrasonic analysis new methodologies were created in this research in order to be suitable for the 3D printing materials. Last but not least, efforts are also being made to increase the incorporation of secondary raw material (fly ash) in order to reduce the environmental impact of industrial production and, conversely, to increase its sustainability while maintaining or improving the mechanical–physical parameters of building materials. From the results presented in this paper it is apparent, that created methodology is efficient for determining properties of 3D printable mixtures. SAPs also significantly influenced properties of these mixtures. Mainly buildability and flexural tensile strength (by up to 30%) were increased and volumetric weight was decreased (by up to 5%).

Electroconductive cement-based composites are modern materials that are commonly used in many industries such as the construction industry, among others. For example, these materials can be used as sensors for monitoring changes in construction, grounding suspension, and resistance heating materials, etc. The aim of the research presented in this article is to monitor the impact of carbon particle character on cement-based electroconductive composites. Four types of graphite were analyzed. Natural and synthetic types of graphite, with different particle sizes and one with improved electrically conductive properties, were tested. For the analysis of the electrical conductivity of powder raw materials, a new methodology was developed based on the experience of working with these materials. Various types of graphite were tested in pure cement paste (80% cement, 20% graphite) as well as in a composite matrix, which consisted of cement (16.8%), a mixture of silica sand 0–4 mm (56.4%), graphite filler (20.0%) ground limestone (6.7%) and super plasticizers (0.1%). The resistivity and physical-mechanical properties of the composite material were determined. Furthermore, the resistivity of the test samples was measured with a gradual decrease in saturation. It may be concluded that graphite fillers featuring very fine particles and high specific surface are most suitable and most effective for creating electrically conductive silicate composites. The amount, shape and, in particular, the fineness of the graphite filler particles thus creates suitable conditions for the creation of an integrated internal electricity-conductive network. In the case of the use of a coarse type of graphite or purely non-conductive fillers, the presence of an electrolyte, for example, in the form of water, is necessary to achieve a low resistivity. Samples with fine types of graphite fillers achieved stable resistivity values when the sample humidity changed. The addition of graphite fillers caused a large decrease in the strength of the samples.

This paper deals with the study of chemical resistance of new cement-based grout for invert grouting. The aim of this work is to verify new mixtures with specific admixtures. The study monitors resistance to external sulphate attack. Specimens were placed into sulphate solution 29.8 g∙l-1 (44 g∙l-1 Na2SO4) according to DIN19753 standard. Based on the results gained, new mixtures will be designed and optimized by addition of suitable secondary raw materials (fly ash, waste foundry sand, waste glass, waste filers).