Effect of hydration at various temperatures on the thermal conductivity of compacted Indian bentonites
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Thermal conductivity of bentonite is one of the key parameters influencing thermal behavior of geological repositories, where bentonite can serve as a buffer material. This study experimentally investigated the effects of hydration period with temperature (27℃→80℃→100℃→120℃) on the thermal conductivity of bentonites, compacted with varying water content and dry density. It was observed that thermal conductivity increased with hydration period at 27℃ for specimens with lower water content, whereas it decreased for those with higher water content for given dry density. However, it increases with temperature, increased significantly during early hydration period and tended slow rate increase after 5 days of hydration for temperatures above 80℃. The change in thermal conductivity with temperature during hydration was minimal for dry specimens, whereas it changed significantly in specimens with higher water content. Hydration of compacted bentonites with various temperatures decreased inter-aggregate pore fractions, increasing particle contact area, confirmed by microstructure investigations.
Source: Annals of Nuclear Energy
Authors: Banavath Prasad Nayak, Ramakrishna Bag
Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Patna
Language: English
Topic: Soil and Unsaturated Flow
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,820
OpenAlex ID: W4409083022