Search

This study investigates the incorporation of boron carbide (B4C) filler particulates into a kenaf fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix to explore its potential in lightweight applications, focusing on antimicrobial effectiveness, mechanical integrity, thermal properties, and microstructural characteristics. The composite material was formulated by blending varying seven different concentrations of boron carbide (0–50 g) and kenaf fibers (KFs) with an epoxy resin, aiming to achieve a balance between mechanical strength and minimal weight. Antimicrobial test revealed that the composite material, consisting of kenaf fiber reinforced with B4C particulates, exhibited significant antibacterial activity against common pathogens. Mechanical testing indicated that the addition of boron carbide and kenaf fibers significantly improved the tensile strength and flexural rigidity of the composites. Specifically, enhancements in tensile strength and flexural modulus were quantitatively analyzed, showing notable increases compared to the base epoxy resin. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the fracture surfaces following mechanical testing, revealing improved interfacial bonding between the kenaf fibers and the epoxy matrix due to the presence of boron carbide. This microscopic analysis also highlighted areas where stress distribution was optimized, contributing to the composite's enhanced mechanical properties.

The main novelty of this research lies in combining natural fibers and mineral fillers to create a sustainable material with enhanced antimicrobial and structural properties, offering promising applications in various industries requiring eco-friendly and high-performance materials. This study investigates the fabrication and analysis of a green composite made from Cannabis sativa fiber reinforced (CSFR) with granite filler in an epoxy matrix, focusing on antimicrobial properties and structural integrity. Various amounts of granite powder (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 g) were incorporated into the epoxy matrix. The composite exhibited significant antibacterial activity was observed against E. coli. Mechanical testing revealed that the composite with 12 g of granite powder showed the best performance, with tensile strength improving by 11.4%, flexural strength by 12.3%, impact strength by 29% and hardness is improved by 17.5%. SEM analysis highlighted well-dispersed particulates and strong fiber-matrix bonding at optimal filler levels. TGA showed enhanced thermal stability, with the decomposition onset shifting from 240 °C to 280 °C and weight retention improving 90% at 350 °C. This study underscores the potential of Cannabis sativa fiber reinforced granite filler epoxy matrix composites as sustainable materials with excellent antimicrobial and structural properties for advanced applications.

Surface modification of silicon steel was carried out by depositing nickel-bronze (Ni–Cu–Sn) using electrical discharge alloying. Three different compaction pressures (P) (450–650 MPa) were used to prepare compacts of nickel-bronze which were subsequently semi sintered at 1000 °C in a tubular furnace. The surface alloyed using the 450 MPa compacted, semi-sintered nickel-bronze electrode exhibited the presence of pores. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses indicated the uniformity of the nickel-bronze coating on the surface achieved through EDA. The electrode synthesized at the highest compaction pressure of 650 MPa resulted in a uniform nickel-bronze coating on the steel surface. Among the three compaction pressures, the 650 MPa compacted, semi-sintered electrode (Ni–Cu–Sn) demonstrated the best performance in enhancing the hardness of the coated steel substrate, with values of 85.77 HV, 77.28 HV, 96.46 HV, 98.003 HV, and 89.613 HV. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that compaction pressure (P) is the most significant factor affecting the deposition of nickel-bronze, followed by peak current (I). The tribological behavior of uncoated silicon steel and nickel-bronze-coated steel was analyzed using a pin-on-disc tribometer. The investigation showed that the coated specimens exhibited a lower wear rate (WR) compared to the uncoated specimens. On average, there was a 19% reduction in the specific wear rate (SWR) of Ni–Cu–Sn-coated silicon steel compared to the uncoated specimens.Keywords: Silicon Steel, Microstructure, Electrical Discharge alloying, Powder metallurgy, Tribology.

In the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly engineering materials, this study investigates the potential of Ipomoea carnea fibers (ICF) as a reinforcement agent in bran particulates epoxy matrix used to fabricate the composite laminates by a traditional process with varying filler weight fraction. The composite material’s characteristics were comprehensively analyzed using various techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Mechanical Testing, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The results of this study reveal the promising potential of Ipomoea carnea fibers reinforced bran particulates epoxy composite as a novel engineering material. The analysis indicates improved mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact strength, enhanced thermal stability, and desirable morphological characteristics. Subsequently, the structural and chemical properties of the Ipomoea carnea fiber composite were explored using XRD and FTIR, shedding light on the crystalline nature (CI = 68.29%) and chemical bonding within the material. Bacterial inhibition was identified from the antibacterial activity; this viable material is for applications in various engineering sectors, including construction, automotive, and aerospace industries.

This paper focuses primarily on the wear behavior observed in AISI4340 steel when machining with a multi-layered coated carbide tool. Numerical and experimental examination is processed out to predict the wear performance of AISI 4340 steel along with its cutting force and temperature. In this process, four layers of different coated material are bonded together to form a multi-layered coated carbide tool. The coated thickness is assessed with the assistance of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Experimental analysis takes place with a heavy duty lathe machine equipped with an infrared thermometer and force dynamometer. Simulation is performed using DEFORM-2D software to simulate cutting forces and interface temperature, and the output results obtained have been compared with the experimental work. With the help of the SEM image, maximum crater wear depth is evaluated and analyzed. Feed plays a crucial role in increasing the chip interface temperature and cutting force. For varied feed rates, the cutting tool edge radius, depth of cut, and cutting speed are taken as the input parameters. The proposed 2D finite element model provides effective parameter values for reducing wear. Results measured indicate that the output parameter values of interface temperature and cutting force obtained from simulation and experimental investigation match each other with high accuracy. Simulation results for temperature distribution around the tool tip show that a maximum temperature of 654 °C is formed at the feed rate of 0.4 mm/rev, leading to high heat flux. For the feed rate of 0.3 and 0.2 mm/rev, there is not much deviation in heat flux around the tool tip. The maximum temperature around the tool tip is near 527 °C for both 0.3 and 0.2 mm/rev. Simulation results show that the lowest tool wear of 0.001 23 mm was obtained for a feed rate of 0.2 mm/rev, followed by 0.004 25 (0.1 mm/rev), 0.005 09 mm (0.4 mm/rev), and 0.007 14 mm/rev.

This study investigates the mechanical properties, water absorption capacity, fatigue strength, and microstructural characteristics of a hybrid composite reinforced with basalt and Kevlar fibers and porcelain fillers blended epoxy matrix, designed for marine applications. The composite was fabricated using a hand lay-up technique was used to achieve a uniform distribution of fibers and fillers. Mechanical testing revealed significant improvements in tensile strength (217.64 MPa), flexural strength (223.62 MPa), and impact strength (39 J), particularly with the addition of 15 g of porcelain fillers, compared to pure polymer matrices. The presence of porcelain fillers enhanced the interfacial bonding between the fibers and matrix, leading to a synergistic reinforcement effect that improved the composite's mechanical properties. Water absorption tests indicated minimal moisture uptake (0.6 %) after 48 h of immersion in saltwater, demonstrating excellent resistance to water, a critical property for marine environments. Fatigue testing under 30,000 cyclic loading cycles revealed that the composite retained 55 % of its initial tensile strength, indicating high durability under fluctuating loads. The SEM and EDX analyses were conducted to examine the microstructural characteristics of the composite. SEM results showed improved interfacial bonding and minimal porosity, while EDX confirmed the presence of porcelain fillers, which contribute to the composite's enhanced stability and strength. These findings suggest that the incorporation of porcelain fillers into a basalt/Kevlar hybrid matrix results in a composite with superior mechanical properties, low water absorption, and excellent fatigue resistance, making it a potential material for marine applications.

The final assembly of composite parts often requires secondary techniques such as milling and drilling. This study aims to identify the most effective drilling parameters for a novel composite material reinforced with madar/ramie fibers, magnesium oxide filler particulates, and an epoxy matrix. Madar/ramie fibers offer significant benefits, including high tensile strength, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable choice for composite reinforcement. The study evaluates the impact of varying drill diameters (6, 8, and 10 mm), spindle speeds (500, 1000, and 1500 rpm), and feed rates (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm/rev) on the drilling process. Using HSS drill bits, key factors such as thrust force, torque, and delamination were analyzed through Taguchi and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to predict the optimal drilling parameters. The findings indicate that the hybrid madar/ramie composite exhibits minimal delamination at a drill diameter of 6 mm, a spindle speed of 1500 rpm, and a feed rate of 0.1 mm/rev. These optimal conditions enhanced the qualitative characteristics of drilled holes while reducing production costs. Experimental validation confirmed the composite's suitability for drilling operations and its endurance under ideal conditions.

In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on the development of multiphase trimetallic nanocomposites (TMNC) incorporating ternary metals or metal oxides, which hold significant potential as alternatives for combatting biofilms and bacterial infections. Enhanced oral health is ensured by the innovative techniques used to effectively prevent bacterial adherence and formation of biofilm on dental sutures. In this investigation, TMNC, which consists of Pb, Ag, and Cu, was synthesized using an autoclave-assisted sonochemical technique. Following synthesis, TMNC were characterized using FTIR, XRD, BET, XPS, TGA, and Raman spectroscopy to analyze their shape and microstructure. Subsequent evaluations, including MTT assay, antibacterial activity testing, and biofilm formation analysis, were conducted to assess the efficiency of the synthesized TMNC. Cytotoxicity and anti-human oral squamous cell carcinoma activities of TMNC were evaluated using the Human Oral Cancer cell line (KB) cell line through MTT assay, demonstrating a dose-dependent increase in anti-human oral squamous cell carcinoma activity against the KB cell line compared to the normal cell line, resulting in notably high cell viability. Furthermore, an ultrasonic probe was employed to incorporate TMNC onto dental suturing threads, with different concentrations of TMNC, ultrasonic power levels, and durations considered to determine optimal embedding conditions that result in the highest antibacterial activity. The inhibitory effects of TMNC, both in well diffusion assays and when incorporated into dental suturing threads, against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria on Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) were assessed using various concentrations of TMNC. The results of the study indicated that the efficacy of TMNC in inhibiting bacterial growth on dental suturing threads remained impressive, even at low concentrations. Moreover, an evaluation of their potential to destabilize biofilms formed by S. aureus and E. coli, the two pathogens in humans, indicated that TMNC would be a promising anti-biofilm agent.

Natural fibers derived from renewable, environmentally sustainable sources are being considered for use as reinforcements in polymer composites. The current study focuses on the fabrication of composite materials using fiber extracted from the Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) natural plant as reinforcement, an epoxy polymer as a matrix, and calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles as filler material, with the weight ratio of Cissus quadrangularis fiber (CQF) and CaO filler materials are varied to quantify the biological and structural effects of CQF composite. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrate a 58% amorphous zone in this composite, while Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) examination revealed the hydrophobic nature, chemical bonding, and cellulose content. Because of the increased amount of chopped CQF loading in this composite, the mechanical qualities result in an average of 23% better tensile strength. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis was used to analyze the failure analysis for fiber interaction with matrix, filler, and fiber pullouts under mechanical stress. The antibacterial research revealed that this CQF composite exhibits bacterial inhibitory activity suitable for biomedical applications.

Environmental consciousness motivates scientists to devise an alternative method for producing natural fiber composite materials in order to decrease the demand for synthetic fibers. This study explores the potential of a novel composite material derived from madar fiber-reinforced epoxy with porcelain filler particulates, designed specifically for biomedical instrumentation applications. The primary focus is to assess the material's structural, mechanical, and antibacterial properties. X-ray Diffraction analysis was employed to discern the crystalline nature of the composite, revealing enhanced crystallinity due to the inclusion of porcelain particulates. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the chemical interactions and bonding mechanisms between madar fiber, epoxy matrix, and porcelain filler. Mechanically, the composite exhibited superior properties when addition of porcelain fillers, maximum results obtain in tensile strength of 51.28 MPa, flexural strength of 54.21 MPa, and impact strength of 0.0155 kJ/m2, making it ideal for robust biomedical applications. Scanning Electron Microscopy provided detailed insights into the morphology and distribution of the reinforcing agents within the epoxy matrix, emphasizing the fibrillated structure of madar fiber and the uniform dispersion of porcelain particulates. Importantly, antibacterial assays demonstrated the composite's potential resistance against common pathogenic bacteria, which is crucial for biomedical instrumentation. Collectively, this research underscores the promising attributes of the madar fiber reinforced epoxy composite with porcelain particulates, suggesting its suitability for advanced biomedical applications.

In this study, the hybrid composites were prepared from ramie and jute natural as reinforcement, an epoxy polymer as a matrix, and SiC and cellulose as fillers via hand layup process. Mechanical and thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to quantify the effect of reinforcement on hybrid composites and evaluate their mechanical properties and thermal stability. The mechanical tests showed improvement in tensile and flexural strength of the hybrid composites with increasing content of bidirectional woven ramie fiber, and decreased with increased content of chopped jute fiber. The Izod impact test results revealed that chopped jute fiber form could resist more impact load when compared with woven ramie mat fibers. Hence, the impact energy increased with the increased content of chopped jute fiber in the hybrid composites. The surface morphological analysis of hybrid composites revealed the fiber pullout, cracks, and other failure modes of the hybrid composite using SEM analysis.

In the current research, AA6082 aluminium alloy matrix composites (AAMCs) incorporated with various weight fractions of titanium diboride (0, 3, 6, and 9 wt%) were prepared via an in situ casting technique. The exothermic reaction between inorganic powders like dipotassium hexafluorotitanate (K2TiF6) and potassium tetrafluoroborate (KBF4) in molten Al metal contributes to the development of titanium diboride content. The manufactured AA6082-TiB2 AAMCs were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties and wear rate (WR) of the AAMCs were investigated. XRD guarantees the creation of TiB2 phases and proves the nonappearance of reaction products in the AMCs. SEM studies depict the even dispersion of TiB2 in the matrix alloy. The mechanical and tribological properties (MTP) of the AAMCs showed improvement by the dispersion of TiB2 particles. The WR decreases steadily with TiB2 and the least WR is seen at nine weight concentrations of TiB2/AA6082 AAMCs. Fabricated composites revealed 47.9% higher flexural strength and 14.2% superior compression strength than the base AA6082 alloy.

Aluminum, magnesium, and copper materials must have increased mechanical strength with enhanced wear and corrosion resistance. Substantial research focused on reinforcing hard particles into low-strength materials using stir casting or powder metallurgy. This work is intended to develop the magnesium hybrid matrix with the dispersion of boron carbide (B4C) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Hybrid magnesium composites are prepared, although the powder metallurgy route considers different process parameters. Statistical analysis such as Taguchi L16 orthogonal array is involved in this work. It is used to find the magnesium hybrid samples’ minimum and maximum wear, corrosion, and microhardness levels. Powder metallurgy parameters are B4C (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%), MWCNT (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%), ball milling (1, 2, 3, and 4 h), and sintering (3, 4, 5, and 6 h). The ball milling parameters are extremely influenced in the wear test analysis. Minimum wear losses are obtained as 0.008 g by influencing the 4 h ball milling process. Similarly, 3 h of sintering time offered a minimum corrosion rate of 0.00078 mm/yr. In microhardness analysis, the percentage of MWCNTs is highly implicated in narrow hardness resulting in the hardness value of 181. The hardness value is recorded using 0.2% MWCNTs in the magnesium alloy AZ80.

Clean technology-based natural fiber composite fabrication is the prime aim of this piece of research. Natural fibers highly replace metal usage in industries and automobile, marine, medical applications, and so on. Vast amounts of natural fibers are freely available in all areas. In this research, work nanofiller material such as nano form waste coir fiber is collected from used car seat. The 10 wt.% of nanofiller material is added to the preparation of natural nanocomposites (ramie and abaca fiber). Hybrid composites are fabricated with the influence of different process parameters, namely, fiber weight percentage (20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 40 wt.%, and 50 wt.%), NaOH action % (4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%), compression pressure (9 MPa, 12 MPa, 15 MPa, and 18 MPa), and temperature (100°C, 120°C, 140°C, and 160°C). Furthermore, the strength of this hybrid composite has analyzed by conducting flexural, impact, and shore hardness tests. These tests have provided the influence of selected parameters and their effects on the results of experimental work. In the flexural analysis, 6% of NaOH action has offered maximum flexural strength of the specimens. Correspondingly in the impact test, 30 wt.% of fiber is produced higher impact strength. Finally, applying 15 Mpa of compression pressure records the maximum shore hardness.

The aqueous extract of Alternanthera sessilis (As) acts as the precursors for the quick reduction of silver ions, which leads to the formation of silver nanoparticles. In the agar, well diffusion method of the Klebsiella pneumoniae shows the minimal inhibitory concentration of 12 mm against A. sessilis mediated silver nanoparticles (As-AgNPs) at 60 µg/mL concentration. Fabric treated with novel AS-AgNPs is tested against the K. pneumoniae and shows an inhibitory action of 12 mm with mixed cotton that determines the antimicrobial efficacy of the fabrics. Uv- visible spectrophotometer was performed, showing a surface plasmon resonance peak at 450 nm cm−1. FTIR shows the vibration and the infrared radiation at a specific wavelength of 500–4000 cm−1. The HR-TEM analysis showed the presence of black-white crystalline, spherical-shaped As-AgNPs embedded on the fabrics range of 15 nm–40 nm. In the scanning electron microscope, the presence of small ball-shaped As-AgNPs embedded on the fabrics at a voltage of 30 KV was found with a magnification of 578X. EDAX was performed in which the nanoparticles show a peak of 2.6–3.9 KeV, and it also reveals the presence of the composition, distribution, and elemental mapping of the nanoparticles. The cytotoxic activity of synthesized nanosilver was carried out against L929 cell lines, which show cell viability at a concentration of 2.5 µg mL−1. Cell proliferation assay shows no cytotoxicity against L929 cell lines for 24 h. In this study, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from A. sessilis appears to be a cheap, eco-friendly, and alternative approach for curing infectious ulcers on the floor of the stratum corneum. Nanotechnology conjoined with herbal therapeutics provides a promising solution for wound management.

Countries globally are focusing on alternative fuels to reduce the environmental pollution. An example is biodiesel fuel, which is leading the way to other technologies. In this research, the methyl esters of castor oil were prepared using a two-step transesterification process. The respective properties of the castor oil (Ricinus Communis) biodiesel were estimated using ASTM standards. The effect of performance and emission on diesel engines was noted for four various engine loads (25, 50, 75, and 100%), with two different blends (B5 and B20) and at two different engine speeds (1500 and 2000 rpm). The study determined that B5 and B20 samples at 1500 rpm engine speed obtained the same power, but diesel fuel generated greater control. The power increased at 2000 rpm for B5 samples, but B20 samples, as well as diesel, were almost the same values. In the 40–80% range, load and load values were entirely parallel for each load observed from the engine performance of the brake power in all samples.

Solar photovoltaics has become the most popular renewable energy source due to its simplicity in installation and maintenance. However, the dependence on the availability of solar energy at the instant makes its operation non-linear. Various optimizing solutions are proposed to rule out this disadvantage. This paper dwells on a machine language approach to solve this problem. A maximal tracker for power points relies on fuzzy logic control. An embedded power optimizer is designed and tested under different environmental conditions through simulation. The results presented allow researchers to test various artificial intelligence techniques for renewable energy extraction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technological advancement in all countries leads to massive energy demand. The energy trading companies struggle daily to meet their customers’ power demands. For a good quality, disturbance-free, and reliable power supply, one must balance electricity generation and consumption at the grid level. There is a profound change in distribution networks due to the intervention of renewable energy generation and grid interactions. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind depend on environmental factors and are subject to unpredictable variations. Earlier, energy distribution companies faced a significant challenge in demand forecasting since it is often unpredictable. With the prediction of the ever-varying power from renewable sources, the power generation and distribution agencies are facing a challenge in supply-side predictions. Several forecasting techniques have evolved, and machine learning techniques like the model predictive controller are suitable for arduous tasks like predicting weather-dependent power generation in advance. This paper employs a Model Predictive Controller (MPC) to predict the solar array’s power. The proposed method also includes a system identification algorithm, which helps acquire, format, validate, and identify the pattern based on the raw data obtained from a PV system. Autocorrelation and cross-correlation value between input and predicted output 0.02 and 0.15. The model predictive controller helps to recognize the future response of the corresponding PV plant over a specific prediction horizon. The error variation of the predicted values from the actual values for the proposed system is 0.8. The performance analysis of the developed model is compared with the former existing techniques, and the role and aptness of the proposed system in smart grid digitization is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]