Experimental analysis, predictive modelling and optimization of some physical and mechanical properties of aluminium 6063 alloy based composites reinforced with corn cob ash.

In the present work, aluminium alloy 6063 reinforced with various weight percentages of corncob ash (CCA) particles (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%) were prepared using stir casting process.  Some physical and mechanical properties (density, % porosity, hardness, wear index, tensile strength and impact strength) of the produced composite were characterized and compared with that of the matrix alloy.  Corncob ash reinforcements were observed to have been distributed homogeneously in the Aluminium Matrix with pockets of reinforcement particles agglomeration. The reinforcement of CCA particles improved the hardness, wear index and the density of the produced composite over that of the base alloy. There was a reduction in the tensile and impact strengths of the composites compared to the unreinforced matrix alloy. Statistical evaluation and optimization using mixture design of the Design-Expert software package (Stat-Ease) revealed the optimal concentrations of the matrix and the reinforcement mixture and their effects on the studied properties of the developed composites. Regression models were developed for predicting and optimizing the various physical and mechanical properties of the composites. Optimization solution indicates that optimal mixture components of 92.081 and 7.919% (matrix and reinforcement wt%) will yield optimal composite properties’ responses. Based on the improved hardness, wear-resistance and low density of the CCA reinforced AA6063 base composites produced could be employed in the production of automotive components requiring lightweight, load-bearing and wear-resistant composites

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

Corrosion Inhibition Studies of Mebendazole (MBZ) for Mild Steel in Sulphuric Acid.

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Environmental Nano-remediation in Nigeria: A Review of its potentials

Pollution of the environment is one of the most pressing problems confronting developing nations such as Nigeria and the world at large. Due to the unchecked quest for infrastructural and technological development, we have continuously explored and exploited our natural resources, paying little or no attention to the impact of these exploitations on our ecological environment. This negligence has resulted in some severe environmental degradation and the conventional methods previously employed in addressing these issues are no longer efficient, thus there is need for novel, innovative, advanced and efficient environmental remediation alternatives. Nanotechnology offers such alternatives and although most countries are embracing the idea, Nigeria is yet to fully explore this alternative. This paper seeks to throw more light on the application of nanotechnology as viable technique in remediating polluted soil and marine environment in Nigeria. 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Statistical analysis and Response Surface Modelling of the compressive strength inhibition of crude oil in concrete test cubes

The use of crude oil contaminated fine aggregates in the production of concrete significantly affect the properties of such concrete, especially the compressive strength. In the present investigation, response surface methodology (RSM) of the Design-Expert software version 11.1.0.1 was used for the statistical analysis and predictive modelling of the compressive strength of concrete cubes made from crude oil contaminated fine aggregates at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days curing periods. The fine aggregates were mixed with varying concentrations of crude oil contamination (ranging from 0% to 5% by weight of the fine aggregates, at 1% interval). Concrete test cubes were produced for compressive strength determination and prediction phase of the modelling. A steady reduction in the compressive strength of the concrete cubes was recorded as the crude oil content increases, due to the inhibitive and surface shielding influence of crude oil molecules on the fine aggregates, thereby hindering physical bond formation between the cement paste and the aggregates. Statistical analysis of the output/response was carried out; a correlation coefficient of 0.9923 was obtained. The result of the modelling has shown that the use of RSM is adequate in the prediction of the compressive strength inhibition of crude oil in concrete made from crude oil-contaminated sand. &nbsp

Physico-chemical and morphological evaluation of palm kernel shell particulate reinforced aluminium matrix composites

The superior physical and mechanical properties of metals matrix composites in comparison to the matrix metals over a wide range of operating conditions makes them an attractive option in replacing metals for various engineering applications. In the present investigation, Aluminium alloy 6063 was reinforced with varying weight percentage of 212 µm palm kernel shell (PKS) particles (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%). The composite was prepared in a mild steel permanent mould, using stir-casting technique. Some chemical, physical and microstructural properties (XRF, XRD, density, % porosity and SEM-EDX) of the composites produced were characterized, evaluated and compared with that of the matrix alloy. The structural assessment evaluation of the reinforcement revealed the presence of elements and oxides that could improve the structure, physical and the mechanical properties of the composites. The morphological investigation showed that the secondary phase of PKS reinforcements were dispersed homogeneously in the Aluminium Matrix primary phase. The reinforcement of PKS particles improved the density of the produced composite over that of the base alloy, while the percentage porosity of the composites increased with increase in palm kernel shell content but lies within the maximum permissible limit for cast aluminium metal matrix composites. Formation of intermetallic compounds was evident in the composites developed

Mechanical and microstructural characteristics of Aluminium 6063 Alloy/Palm Kernel shell composites for lightweight applications

The mechanical properties and microstructure of AA6063 alloy reinforced with palm kernel shell (PKS) powder were studied. AA6063 matrix composites reinforced with varying weight fractions of palm kernel shell particles (ranging from 2.5% to 15% at 2.5 intervals) were prepared using the stir compocasting technique. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the developed composites were analysed and compared with the matrix alloy. The experimental results showed that palm kernel shell reinforcement influenced the structure of AA6063 alloy through grain refinement as it remained homogeneously dispersed within the matrix, and the mechanical properties of the composites were improved. The mechanical stirring action employed during composite fabrication was an effective factor that influenced the enhancement of the mechanical properties of AA6063-PKS matrix composites. AA6063-PKS composites had improved mechanical properties compared to AA6063 alloys without reinforcement. The mechanical properties increase with increasing weight fraction of PKS particle in terms of the ultimate tensile strength (78.93% at 7.5%pks), yield strength (98.82% at 7.5%pks),%elongation (32.2% at 12.5%pks), and impact strength (12.92j to 31.96j at 10%pks), while hardness decreases with increasing content of PKS particle (from 2.5%-15%pks), but maintained values higher than that of the unreinforced base alloy. This progressive decrease in hardness as the reinforcement increases was due to agglomeration and non-homogeneity at higher reinforcement volume

Experimental study on tribological (dry sliding wear) behaviour of polyester matrix hybrid composite reinforced with particulate wood charcoal and periwinkle shell

Polyester based hybrid composites is developed using 75 µm sized wood charcoal and periwinkle shell as particulate reinforcements in various proportions of mixture. Hardness, dry sliding wear and morphological examinations were performed on the hybrid composite samples using Brinell hardness tester, pin-on-disc tribometer and SEM-EDX techniques respectively. The results from the study revealed that all the hybrid composites have improved properties over the unreinforced polyester resin and polyester sample reinforced with only wood charcoal at 5 wt% reinforcement concentration. Optimal combination of hardness and wear properties was obtained by the hybrid composite sample reinforced with equal proportions of wood charcoal and periwinkle shell particles. Further additions of periwinkle shell particles over the content of wood charcoal powder in the 25:75 ratio, induced a sharp decrease in hardness and wear properties of the hybrid composites below that of the unreinforced polyester resin. SEM-EDX analysis revealed the presence of varying proportions of carbon, calcium, silicon, potassium, iron and aluminium as the major elements, which resulted in the observed hardness, and wear properties of the hybrid composites. Optimal reinforcement weight fraction and combination of wear parameters required for minimum wear rate and improved hardness was established using one factor RSM design