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The present work investigates the mechanical properties of surface-modified magnesium alloy AZ61 reinforced with Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles by using the friction stir processing (FSP) technique. Surface-modified AZ61 alloys were fabricated by the addition of dufferent amount of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticles (5, 10, and 15 vol.%). The developed surface composites were studied regarding microstructure, revealing a uniform dispersion of the added nanoparticles, which resulted in improved mechanical properties of the obtained composites by FSP. The ultimate tensile strength, impact strength, and microhardness improved by 20, 45, and 67 % by reinforcing the alloy with nanoTiO2 particles when compared to the as-cast alloy. The results of this study indicate that the reinforced AZ61 Mg alloy can be a potential material for applications in automobile sectors due to its high strength and lightweight components.

The experimental investigation was meant to investigate the effect of water depth in the basin, the water temperature at the inlet of solar still, and adding circular fins to the pyramid solar still on freshwater output. The investigation was divided into three sections. The first area of research is to study effect of increasing water depth in the solar still, which ranged from 2 to 6 cm, second section concentrated on varying the inflow water temperature from 30 to 50ºC, and third section investigated the influence of incorporating circular fins into the solar still basin on the water output and quality. The experimental findings showed that basin depth considerably impacts freshwater flow. The highest significant difference, 38%, was recorded by changing the water level in the basin from 2 to 6 cm. Freshwater yielded the most at a depth of 2 cm, totalling 1250.3 mL, followed by 1046 mL at a depth of 3 cm. A water depth of 4 cm produced 999 mL, whereas a water depth of 5 cm made 911 mL. The lowest production occurred at a water depth of 6 cm, producing 732 mL; furthermore, including fins at the bottom increased productivity by 8.2%. Elevating the temperature from 30 to 50ºC of the inlet water led to a water output increase of 15.3% to 22.2%. These findings underscore the profound potential of harnessing solar energy to address global water challenges and pave the way for further advancements in efficient freshwater production

The dwindling air quality and diminishing fossil fuel reserves have led to an increase in the need for alternative sources of fuel. Biodiesel derived from animal/plant sources seems to be an attractive substitution. However, there are some shortcomings of biodiesel like lower thermal efficiency, poor atomization, inferior heating value, and higher molecular mass. One of the probable novel ways to address this lacuna is by the use of nano based biodiesel in IC engine. The present study performs an endeavor to improve the performance and emulsion qualities of biodiesel generated from mahua oil by employing Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as an additive. All trials were conducted in a diesel-powered engine at varying load levels with different test fuel such as diesel fuel, blended biodiesel (80 % diesel + 20 % mahua biodiesel), and nanoparticle-based blended biodiesel (80 % diesel + 20 % mahua biodiesel – 200 mg/L TiO2). When compared to diesel mode, the average CO emission reduction for blended biodiesel and nanoparticle-based blended biodiesel is 37.42 % and 46.54 %, respectively. In comparison to diesel mode, the average reduction in HC emission is 22.54 % for the blended biodiesel and 28.4 % for the nanoparticle-based blended biodiesel, respectively. When compared to diesel mode, the average reduction in NOx emission is 4 % and 2.3 % for the blended biodiesel and nanoparticle-based blended biodiesel, respectively.

This experimental study investigates the performance of a single-slope solar desalination with a finned pond, considering varying glass cover angles, water depths, and the usage of sensible and latent heat materials for four different saline water types. Conventional solar stills (CSS) produce less distillate; therefore, some design changes were implemented by integrating a finned pond into the conventional solar still (CSS-FP). Additionally, paraffin wax and bricks were placed inside the solar still to enhance thermal storage capacity. The solar still is constructed with galvanized steel for the base and side walls, while the basin is covered with tempered glass. Thermal conductivity is improved by applying black paint on the sides. The finned pond enhances the heat absorption and distribution process, consequently increasing the evaporation rate within the still. The experiment was conducted in Pongalur, Tamil Nadu, India (10.9729° N, 77.3698° E). The maximum distillate production was achieved at a 35° glass cover angle and a 7 cm water depth. Desalination was performed on four saline liquids: bore water (BW), seawater (SW), leather industry wastewater (LW), and plastic industry wastewater (PW). BW exhibited the highest yield due to its lower density and salinity. Chemical analysis of the desalinated water suggests its suitability for home use. Economic research reveals a payback period of 230 days, confirming the financial feasibility of the solar still. Hence, it is concluded that the proposed CSS-FP can increase productivity compared to the CSS under different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-situ hybrid metal matrix composites were prepared by reinforcing AA6061 aluminium alloy with 10 wt.% of boron carbide (B4C) and 0 wt.% to 6 wt.% of mica. Machinability of the hybrid aluminium metal matrix composite was assessed by conducting drilling with varying input parameters. Surface texture of the hybrid composites and morphology of drill holes were examined through scanning electron microscope images. The influence of rotational speed, feed rate and % of mica reinforcement on thrust force and torque were studied and analysed. Statistical analysis and regression analysis were conducted to understand the significance of each input parameter. Reinforcement of mica is the key performance indicator in reducing the thrust force and torque in drilling of the selected material, irrespective of other parameter settings. Thrust force is minimum at mid-speed (2000 rpm) with the lowest feed rate (25 mm/min), but torque is minimum at highest speed (3000 rpm) with lowest feed rate (25 mm/min). Multi-objective optimization through a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm has indicated that 1840 rpm of rotational speed, 25.3 mm/min of feed rate and 5.83% of mica reinforcement are the best parameters for obtaining the lowest thrust force of 339.68 N and torque of 68.98 N.m. Validation through experimental results confirms the predicted results with a negligible error (less than 0.1%). From the analysis and investigations, it is concluded that use of Al/10 wt.% B4C/5.83 wt.% mica composite is a good choice of material that comply with European Environmental Protection Directives: 2000/53/CE-ELV for the automotive sector. The energy and production cost of the components can be very much reduced if the found optimum drill parameters are adopted in the production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]