In the ever-evolving landscape of construction materials, a groundbreaking study has emerged that could significantly impact the energy sector. Researchers, led by Ning Tong from the School of Mechatronics and Vehicle Engineering at Chongqing Jiaotong University in China, have delved into the behavior of magnesium oxysulfate (MOS), a lightweight material known for its high strength and engineering potential. Their findings, published in the journal *Materials Research Express* (translated from Chinese as “Materials Research Express”), shed light on how thickness and humidity influence the performance of MOS, offering valuable insights for its application in high-moisture environments.
The study focused on the microstructure evolution and strength variation of MOS specimens of varying thicknesses—12 mm and 15 mm—over a 28-day period under high humidity conditions (80%–90% relative humidity). Using advanced techniques such as Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the researchers uncovered crucial details about the material’s behavior.
One of the key findings was that reducing the thickness of the MOS specimens to 12 mm accelerated early-stage reactions. “We observed a free-water loss of 5.5% within 3 to 7 days for the 12 mm specimens, compared to 3.6% for the 15 mm specimens,” explained Tong. This faster water loss promoted the more rapid formation of the 5·1·7-phase, a critical component in the material’s structure.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. MOS’s high strength and lightweight nature make it an attractive option for various applications, from building materials to energy-efficient structures. Understanding how thickness and humidity affect its performance can lead to more informed decisions in material selection and design.
The study also revealed that the flexural strength of the 12 mm samples peaked at approximately 22 MPa at 7 days, representing a 25% increase relative to the 15 mm specimens. However, by 28 days, the thinner samples exhibited extensive microcracking. “Under high-humidity conditions, the morphology of these microcracks evolved from T-shaped configurations at 7 days to I-shaped patterns at 28 days, eventually forming a network or river-like structure by 112 days,” Tong noted.
These microstructural changes had a significant impact on the material’s pore structure. The cumulative specific pore volume decreased from 0.0551 cm³/g at 7 days to 0.0288 cm³/g at 112 days, while the cumulative specific surface area increased from 4.03 m²/g to 11.04 m²/g over the same period. Flexural strength peaked at approximately 22.7 MPa at 28 days before slightly declining to around 21.4 MPa at 112 days.
The findings highlight the interrelated effects of specimen thickness and humidity on both the microstructural and macroscopic properties of MOS. “This research offers valuable guidance for the application of MOS in environments with high moisture levels,” Tong stated. “It provides a deeper understanding of how these factors influence the material’s performance, which can be crucial for its use in the energy sector.”
As the energy sector continues to seek innovative and efficient materials, the insights from this study could shape future developments. By optimizing the thickness and understanding the impact of humidity, engineers and architects can design structures that are not only stronger but also more durable and energy-efficient. The research published in *Materials Research Express* serves as a stepping stone towards unlocking the full potential of MOS, paving the way for advancements in construction and energy technologies.