Tensile Properties of Aluminium/Graphite Composite Through Simulation Analysis

Composite materials are manufactured by the combination of two or more distinct materials. The different materials form the distinct characteristics of the composites. Solid and stiff reinforcement is often inserted into a ductile matrix in aluminium-reinforced composites, which aim to increase mechanical properties, particularly strength, strength-to-weight ratio etc. This research study was focused on detail around the preparation data and tensile properties of Al/Gr composites through simulation analysis. The mixtures of this composite with differ by weight percentages of Gr as reinforcement and with different types of samples were completed shows the differences by its tensile properties. Various weight percentage of Al/Gr composite which were (90/10, 80/20, 60/40). By conducting through this simulation analysis, it is found that when the value of weight percentages is different, the tensile properties will different either based on the strength. In recent years, conventional materials are replaced in most areas with composite materials of aluminium matrix. There are various mechanical studies and analysis that have been done such as, tensile, impact by displacement, and hardness. This simulation analysis have been performed through simulation software that have many features and capable to run testing, which is ANSYS workbench. Moreover, the design of the different types of samples are drawn by using SolidWorks 2019. Then the results of Al/Gr composites are compared for tensile properties

Extraction of biological apatite from cow bone at different calcination temperatures: a comparative study

The purpose of this study is to extract natural hydroxyapatite (HAP) from cow bone. The hydrothermal method followed by calcination treatment at different temperatures is used in this current research. Cow bone has the potential for producing hydroxyapatite, a chief component present in bone and teeth of vertebrates. HAP is an excellent material used in bone restoration and tissue regeneration. Characterizations of the cow bone natural HAP powder were done by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA data revealed that biological apatite is thermally stable at 1100ºC. XRD data showed that the extracted HAP is, highly crystalline and hexagonal crystal structure having a crystallite size in the range of 10-83 nm. The extracted HAP material is found to be thermally stable up to 1300ºC

Solar-powered aquaponics prototype as sustainable approach for food production

This paper presents the establishment of a solar-powered aquaponics prototype as a sustainable, cost effective and environmentally sound approach for food production. In this study, a prototype bench top aquaponics rig with an integrated 20 W solar panel were fabricated for the cultivation of red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) and leaf mustard (Brassica juncea). The size of the fish tank is about 29.5L and serves as the base for the setup. Additionally, the hydroponic grower compartment (0.45 m (L) � 0.32 m (W) � 0.13 m (H)) was stacked on top of the fish tank and was filled with LECA media bed for the plant growth. Two important operating parameters were studied. First, the amount of energy produced by the solar panel and the energy consumption by the water pump used in the setup. Secondly, the resultant effects from fish cultivation and plants growth on the water qualities and nitrification effi�ciency of the aquaponics unit. The aquaponics unit was operated for a month and the values of pH, tem�perature, and ammonia level were measured to be within the range of 6.4–7.2, 27.1–31.7 �C, and 1 mg�L�1 , respectively. Survival rate for fish was about 75% with specific growth rate (SGR) of 3.75% per day and food conversion ratio of about 1.15. A slight nutrient deficiency was evident and plants showed a healthy growth with height gain as high as 5 cm was achieved. Despite raining season, our data shows that the energy produced via 20 W solar panel enabled the unit to run at night without depending on local electricity for nearly two hours. Clearly, a larger solar panel is needed for longer operation. Nevertheless, the study has proven the potential of operating a low cost aquaponics setup using renew�able energy for a sustainable food production method

Natural Hydroxyapatite Extracted From Bovine Bone

The aim of this study is to extract natural hydroxyapatite (HAP) from bovine bone. Hydrothermal method followed by calcination treatment at different temperatures is used in this current research. Bovine bone has potential for producing hydroxyapatite, a chief component present in bone and teeth of vertebrates. HAP is an excellent material used in bone restoration and tissue regeneration. Characterizations of the bovine bone natural HAP powder were done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The FTIR result confirms the presence of phosphate (PO4-3), hydroxyl (OH)- and carbonate (CO3-2) groups in the powder. SEM displays the surface morphology whereas EDX provides calcium (Ca) to phosphorous (P) ratio in the HAP samples. The results of the EDX analysis indicate that the Ca/P ratio of HAP varies from 1.67 to 1.83. The extracted HAP material is found to be thermally stable up to 1100ºC

Relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and ergonomic risk factors among office workers

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomic risk levels, and identify ergonomic factors in computer workstation. A questionnaire-based interview and painself report form of the workers were collected among 76 office workers using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and direct observation using Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) to determine ergonomic risks. The mean age for men was 37.0 (SD = 9.4) and women was 34.3 (SD = 8.7). While for the total mean number of working experience was 10.0 (SD = 7.7). The highest prevalence rate of musculoskeletal symptoms among office workers were in the lower back (53.9%), neck region while women had 58.6% musculoskeletal pain on the shoulder region over the last 12 months. From logistic regression analysis, chair height score and back support score were significantly associated with low back pain

Characterization of calcium carbonate extracted from eggshell waste at various calcination temperature

An efficient method to waste utilization is to successfully transform it into high value products. Chicken eggshell contain potential useful minerals of calcium carbonate in which can be processed into biomaterials used in biomedical application. The objective of this study is to derived calcium carbonate from eggshell and analyze the effect of various calcination temperatures on the properties of calcium carbonate. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicates that all calcined samples reveals calcium carbonate is no longer present after calcination as it is already converted to calcium oxide. This also supported by x-ray diffraction (XRD) graphs notably on 900°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analysis are applied to determine morphological properties and mean sizes of particles for both raw and calcined samples

Effect of Sintering on Hydroxyapatite/Sodium Alginate Properties

In the present work, a precipitation method was used to prepare a nanocomposite powders consisting of hydroxyapatite and sodium alginate by varying the composition of sodium alginate. The characterization of powder are analyzed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM is used to identify the morphology and agglomeration of powder while, XRD analysis is used to identify the phase of samples with an increase in the composition of sodium alginate up to 10%. Green samples were prepared and sintered at temperature 1000ËšC and 1100ËšC and the sintered samples are studied based on their phase stability, density and Vickers hardness .The result indicates that there is no secondary phase change happen in this XRD result. The density of HA/SA are increasing relative to hardness for composition ratio 99.5/0.5%. The maximum density were attained by 99.5/0.5% (HA/SA) at 2.12g/cm3 and 2.16g/cm3 for 1000ËšC and 1100ËšC respectively while, the maximum hardness were also attained by 99.5/0.5% for temperature 1000°C and 1100°C at 0.53GPa and 0.62GPa respectively. FESEM images of pure hydroxyapatite are fully disbursed in sodium alginate and the particles size are in agglomerate conditions.Â

Characteristics and Preliminary Study of Ceramic Concretes

One of the most adaptable and frequently used building materials in the world is concrete. It is flexible in terms of size and shape, sturdy, long-lasting, low-maintenance, fireproof, and easy to use. However, further research is needed to increase the durability and sustainability of this material since concrete technology is still in developing industry. Therefore, it's crucial to comprehend how microstructure and characteristics interact in terms of how they affect concrete's strength, dimensional stability, and durability. The findings of this research are crucial in identifying the properties and characteristics of the ceramic concrete used for bridge construction or others. Advanced research to ascertain the hardness and physical qualities and features of ceramic concrete material is required. Thus, it will help to produce a reliable data for engineer to refer for their future works or project. To ascertain its hardness and physical characteristics, research has been conducted on ceramic concrete for several types of grades. In the current study, the ceramic concrete was tested through the physical and Vickers-hardness tests. The X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on samples were performed to observe the phases and morphology of the ceramic concrete, respectively. For results of physical testing, the density and water absorption correlate to each other by the denser of the sample, the lower of water absorption and the porosity level of the ceramic concrete. Based on the Vickers micro hardness test, it can be seen that longer curing days affected the hardness, where the concretes of grade 30 and 40 at 28 curing days had better hardness value. Next, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) on samples shown almost same microstructure, while the dominant phase of all ceramic concrete grades was SiO2 by the XRD analysis. In summary, better properties of ceramic concretes were indicated at 28 curing days for both grades of ceramic concretes

Review on advances in porous Al composites and the possible way forward

Porous aluminum (Al) composites are lightweight and high-strength materials composing of Al as a matrix material with some strengthening reinforcements and pore-forming agents that result in the formation of new material with superior physical properties and energy absorption capacities. This work gives an overview of the porous Al-foams developed thus far, including the foaming agents and space holders, their properties, production techniques, and applications. First, it deliberates the foaming agents and space holders responsible for the foaming and formation of pores in the composites followed by the mechanical properties of the foams. Al has huge potential for applications that require lightweight, high-strength, and high-energy absorption capacity materials, especially in structural construction and automobile manufacturing. Although Al-foams have been successfully used in automobiles for crashworthiness, lightweight structure, and other functional applications, the development of Al foams with enhanced characteristics and properties has limitations. This review discusses various reinforcements used for improving the characteristics of Al-foams. This review also provides an overview of various commercial foams and their contribution to several applications. Finally, it attempts to reveal impediments in foam production with suggested solutions for overcoming the problems in this area

Binding agent for biodegradable compression molded rice straw filled rice bran packaging products

Rice bran (RB) has been used as a natural fibre in polyolefin which results in lower mechanical properties and low interfacial adhesion that need a coupling agent or binder at higher loading. Rice bran (RB) and rice straw (RS) which both is low cost materials were developed in the processing of biodegradable packaging by using compression moulding technique. Glycerol, rice starch and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) have been used as binding agent in this study where their physical (mechanical, chemical, and thermal) properties were studied base on the percentage of binding agent used in RB/RS. Rice starch and PVAc increased the tearing strength and tensile strength of RB/RS. This was continued by fracture surface analysis using inverted microscopy where RS is clearly visible of phase separated without binding agent as compared to RS with binding agent. Although rice starch and PVAc exhibited good mechanical properties, but they showed poor water resistance because of high in hydrophilic molecular structure. Starch influenced the rapid thermal degradation of RB/RS. By incorporation of PVAc in RB/RS, thermal stability property is increased