The President of the Northern Technical University recently began a portion of a Master’s thesis defense on the effect of cementitious materials on materials exposed to apparent attack.

In support of postgraduate studies, the President of the Northern Technical University, Professor Dr. Alia Abbas Ali Al-Attar, attended part of the Master’s thesis defense at the College of Engineering Technology/Specialized in Construction Materials Engineering Technologies. The thesis was titled:

The Effect of Cementitious Materials on Materials Exposed to the Apparent Effects of Humidity and Dry Conditions

The Effect of Supplementary Cementitious Materials on Fillers Exposed to Chemical Attack in Humidity and Dry Conditions

The thesis, submitted by researcher Noor Saad Mohammed Yassin, demonstrated the effect of adding distinctive cementitious materials (silica fume, blast furnace slag, and polypropylene fibers) to cement mortar, with partial analysis under the influence of sulfur dioxide in wet and dry conditions. The study focused on evaluating the impact of these additives on mechanical performance and durability, such as compressive strength, load-bearing capacity, decomposition, permeability, and deterioration over time.

The study aims to: – Improve the durability of contact mortar insulation against characteristic iconic materials, especially in wet-dry cycles. This includes identifying the optimal type and ratio of materials for maximum effectiveness, while minimizing permeability and internal impact of the mortar. The study also examines the differences in behavior between wet-dry and non-wet cycles, including their contribution to the service life of injected structures in specialized disciplines.

The study recommends using silica dust and injecting it in carefully considered proportions to improve the products for a clear effect. It also recommends their use in sulfate-rich and moisture-variable environments, avoiding traditional discrimination under these conditions. The importance of long-term durability tests is emphasized, and the results can be used as a reference for technical specifications. The discussion committee consisted of the following members:
– Prof. Dr. Ali Hadi Azim, Chairman
– Asst. Prof. Dr. Saleh Jaafar Suleiman, Member
– Dr. Ammar Abdul-Jabbar Mohammed, Member
– Asst. Prof. Jassim Mohammed Abdul, Member and Supervisor
– Asst. Prof. Dr. Duaa Talib Hashim, Member and Supervisor