Non-toxic leguminous plant leaf extract as an effective corrosion inhibitor of UNS S30403 in 1 M HCl

Weight loss, polarization, and open circuit potential methods were used to investigate the corrosion inhibitory impact of Centrosema pubescens leaf extract on 304L austenitic stainless steel UNS S30403 in 1 M hydrochloric acid. This non-toxic extract behaves as a mixed-type inhibitor according to the polarization curves, thermodynamics and activation parameters. Both the weight loss calculations and potentiodynamic polarization investigations showed that 1.2 g L-1 was the optimal concentration of the leaf extract. While the weight loss method gave inhibition efficiency of 86.84 and 75.00 % after 10 and 60 days of immersion at the optimum concentration, polarization studies revealed inhibition efficiencies of 93.08 and 98.66 % at 303 and 333 K, respectively. The extract molecules adhered to the UNS S30403 surface according to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The presence of the protective film on the UNS S30403 surface was confirmed by SEM, EDX, and XRD measurements. The inhibition performance of the leaf extract was noted to be a function of the extract concentration, immersion time and temperature. The FTIR analysis indicated an interaction between austenitic stainless steel UNS S30403 and the molecules of Centrosema pubescens leaf extract

The Potential of Biomass in Africa and the Debate on Its Carbon Neutrality

To enhance the energy security and promote energy diversity, biomass sources of energy are viable resources worldwide. Bioenergy is an organic source of power derived from various feedstock including fuel wood, energy crops, solid wastes, and residues of plants. This book chapter explores the use of biomass in Africa and the technical and economic potential of these resources for energy supply in the continent. Findings of literature revealed that the potential of biomass is high in Africa due to availability of land, its preference due to limited electricity supply and the exorbitant nature of fossil fuels, the assorted variety of energy crops suitable for growth in the continent and the green nature associated with the resource. The chapter also established that bioenergy is renewable and not carbon neutral. As such, accurate computation of its resultant greenhouse gas emissions based on their sequestration and emission rates is strongly advised to optimize biomass for energy utility and sustainability compared to conventional energy sources

Influence of phase composition and microstructure on corrosion behavior of laser based Ti�Co�Ni ternary coatings on Ti�6Al�4V alloy

Although Tie6Ale4V alloy has wide applications in marine and chemical industries, its application is highly limited in corrosive environment such as sulphuric acid. This is due to the dissolution of the passive titanium hydride (TiH 2) film formed on the surface which accelerates the corrosion of titanium alloy in concentrated sulphuric acid. In this work, laser surface modification technique was used to develop high performance antiecorrosive coatings for aggressive sulphuric environment. The effects of parameter variations and volume fraction of TieCoeNi clad layer on Tie6Ale4V were investigated. The corrosion behaviors of Ti-6A-l4V, TiCoe10Ni and CoNie10Ti coatings were studied in 0.5 M sulphuric acid using potentiodynamic polarization technique. Thereafter, the morphologies of the coatings before and after corrosion were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to examine phase compositions and changes. The corrosion result shows that the clad compositions have significant influence on the po- tential by shifting the potential to more noble values and reduced the corrosion rate when compared with as-received Tie6Ale4V. In addition, the corrosion resistance performance of CoNie10Ti deposited at 1.2 m/min is best among all the ternary coated samples. The increase in corrosion resistance of alloys with cobalt and nickel on titanium is due to formation of dense passive CoO, TiO, TiAl, Ni 2TiO 3, V 2O 5 and Al 2O 3 oxides on the samples surfaces. With this result, the use of laser cladding technique could be established in improving the corrosion resistance of Tie6Ale4V with TieCoeNi alloy coatings

Grain refinement of Al–Zn–Mg alloy during equal channel angular pressing (ECAP)

Locally produced Al–Zn–Mg alloy was subjected to severe plastic deformation through Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) technique at temperatures of 150 °C and 200 °C. Rectangular thick-walled medium carbon steel die (σc = 450Mpa, σy = 176Mpa) with an L-shaped channel of uniform configuration to provide the pressing chamber was used. Four ECAP passes were imposed consecutively on set of samples for 150 °C and 200 °C temperatures, and characterized with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The phases were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) using monochromatic Cu Kα radiation, while vickers’ microhardness and tensile tests were performed for mechanical properties examination. Optical micrographs showed no tangible precipitation in the as cast samples with reduced grain width and deformation bands but at high temperatures of 150 °C and 200 °C, precipitation was promoted as a result of slipping systems activation. SEM images of the as-cast alloy exhibits dendrites of 250 ± 20 μm in size with η′ phase (MgZn2) precipitates in the inter-dendritic regions. For 150 °C ECAP temperature, a significant refinement was achieved as the passes increased with sub-grain development within the boundary and the precipitate observed has a grain size of 35 ± 15 μm, 25 ± 10 μm, 15 ± 8 μm and 8 ± 6 μm for first, second, third and fourth passes respectively. However, grain sizes of 85 ± 15 μm, 50 ± 10 μm, 30 ± 8 μm and 10 ± 5 μm for first, second, third and fourth passes were observed for 200 °C ECAP temperature. XRD results showed peaks for aluminum and other phases in as-cast condition with precipitates growth in the alloy after the first pass, identified as metastable η′ phase. As the number of ECAP passes increases, η′ peaks moved towards the equilibrium η phase confirming the transformation of η′ phase to stable η phase. The microhardness, Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the yield strength of Al–Zn–Mg alloy in different conditions of 150 °C and 200 °C respectively also increased with increase in the number of ECAP passes. This is due to increase in dislocation density, work hardening and grain refinement during ECAP process

Cement–paperboard composite for speaker/woofer casing: Experimental trend analysis (ETA) and performance evaluation

One of the uses of particle board is in the design of speaker/woofer casing, but with increasing demand, the cost is skyrocketing, effects of which lead to the high cost of end-use woofer gadgets. Cement–paper composite reinforced with snail shell powder/banana fiber was developed as an alternative. The fiber was grouped into two; untreated banana fiber (UBF) and treated banana fiber (TBF) (treated with 1 M NaOH). Fibers were infused into the composite at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% by weight of paper pulp while snail shell powder was added at 15 wt.% constant proportion for all samples produced. Curing was carried out for 28 and 56 days, respectively. The composite boards produced were examined for physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties. Results obtained indicated an uptrend in water absorption and thickness swelling at increasing fiber loading. Internal bond strength, screw holding strength, moduli of rupture, and elasticity were observed to be enhanced with increment in fiber proportion. It was further noticed that alkaline TBF performed better than the untreated fiber, hence recommended for paperboard production. Experimental trend and performance analysis engaged in revealed hydration to be the most efficient experimental variable and important for overall property maximization in cement–paper composite. Performance evaluation conducted showed effective property index was noticed to be highest for composite board doped with 2.5 wt.% TBF

Electrochemical and hot corrosion behaviour of annealed AlCoCrFeNi HEA coating over steel

Abstract The ability to endure extreme corrosion in challenging environments is reduced in stainless steel. This can be addressed by appropriate surface modification techniques to redefine the surface with the required properties. The characteristics of the atmospheric plasma sprayed AlCoCrFeNi High Entropy Alloy (HEA) on SS316l are presented in this study. The coating characterisation revealed uniform coating with homogeneous deposition of gas-atomized AlCoCrFeNi HEA spanning for 150 µm. The coated substrates were further annealed for 2 h at 400 °C, 550 °C, 700 °C and 850 °C and the annealing at 550 °C offered enhanced microstructure. Annealing the coated sample at 550 °C offered a 46% improvement in microhardness against the uncoated sample post-annealing. The electrochemical corrosion tests showcased improved corrosion resistance after annealing through the formation of a protective oxide layer and the influence of HEA. Hot corrosion tests at 900 °C resulted in 10.1%, 8.49%, and 10.36% improved corrosion resistance for the coated sample annealed at 550 °C than the coated sample pre annealing and 44.09%, 44.25%, and 42.09% than the uncoated sample pre annealing under three salt mixtures respectively. The microstructural analysis examines various corrosion modes and verifies the presence and formation of protective oxide layers

Synthesis of Si-Based Refractory Compounds from Coconut Shell by Carbothermal Method

The synthesis of Si-based refractory compounds from coconut shells (CS) by carbothermal treatment was investigated. Coconut shells, an agro-waste was utilised in the processing of the Si-based refractory compounds in a single stage carbothermal processing route. The treatment scheduled was carried out in a conventional heat treatment furnace at a temperature window of (900-1900 °C) at 10 °C/min heating rate in a controlled atmosphere. X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) was used to analyzed and quantify the crystalline and amorphous phases in the reaction products. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that, the dominant functional groups present after the carbothermal treatment were mainly Si-O-Si and Si-C groups. Also, the XRD results showed that the polytypes are mainly of α-SiC type precipitating as hexagonal symmetry of 6H-SiC and 4H-SiC type. The silica polytypes amount to about 8-14 wt.% of the silica polytypes as observed for different processing temperatures adopted. However, the total yield of SiC-made up between 11 to 40 wt.% of the crystalline phases as identified by XRD from the process. It is evident that the adoption of this processing route is a viable option for the synthesis of coconut shells as potential reinforcement for composites design

Polymer-Based Composites: An Indispensable Material for Present and Future Applications

Right from the early days, polymer materials have been discovered as being beneficial for various applications but a poor understanding of these materials greatly handicapped their usage. However, with a change in this trend, polymer materials have gradually displaced other materials in most applications. In recent times, due to improved research and knowledge, polymer-based materials are the first choice materials for several applications and are now replacing other materials rapidly. More advanced materials from polymers are being developed daily as a substitute for other materials even in areas where polymers are considered not to be suitable in the time past. More recently, polymers have replaced metals and ceramics in applications like constructions, aerospace, automobiles, and medical. It is no doubt that this trend will continue due to the inherent properties of polymers and sustainability potential. Today, most of the limitations of polymers are being taken care of in the formulation of composite materials. Besides, the adaptation to positive environmental influence is being handled by scientists and researchers. Hence, this review reveals core areas of application of polymer-based composites and the significance of these materials to the advancement of humanity