GLASS-FIBRE REINFORCED COMPOSITES: THE EFFECT OF FIBRE LOADING AND ORIENTATION ON TENSILE AND IMPACT STRENGTH

The primary objective of this research work is to analyse the effect of fibre loading and orientation on the tensile and impact strength of the polymeric composite materials. Fibre reinforced composite materials have been reported to have attracted many applications in view of its low weight and superior strength when compared with the metal matrix composite. While researches have established the weight reduction of fibre reinforced polymer material, few works have reported the impact of orientation on the manufacturing of polymer composite. In this study, series of experimental works were done to demonstrate the manufacturing of glass-fibre reinforced epoxy resin with special attention on the influence of oriented reinforced composite material. The composites were manufactured using hand-lay technique with three different fibre loadings (10, 20, and 30 wt. %) and at two different fibre orientations (30o and 60o). Key of the finding drawn from this research form the basis of discussion and, composite with 60o fibre orientation showed better tensile strength when compared with the neat resin and other oriented (G10E30) fibre reinforced composite. Similar observations were also noticed on the impact strength of these composites which signify the improved mechanical properties of oriented reinforced composite materials. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i3.1

Investigating water absorption and thickness swelling tendencies of polymeric composite materials for external wall application in refrigerated vehicles

Replacing external metallic wall of refrigerated vehicles has been on the front burner in many published works as weight of the metallic insulated panel continues to pose a challenge on refrigeration unit and environment. As a follow - up to this problem statement, five (5) composite materials were fabricated as replacement options for metallic external sheet for refrigerated vehicles. The key study of this paper is to investigate the moisture absorption and thickness swelling tendencies of these composite specimens as these properties determine the suitability of these materials for refrigerated wall. Part of the methodology adopted in the manufacturing of these composites were based on fibre loading and orientation in the composite panel. Key findings from this experiment shows that the absorption behaviour of composites at 30 oand 60o was consistent until 60 hours duration of immersion before a significant disparity was observed. In addition, G30E (30% reinforced glass fibre in the epoxy composite) was more resilient to moisture attack as a result of enhanced fiber content. The implication of the study is that G30E reinforced composite material could be adopted as external wall of food transport s ystem because of its lower thickness swelling and water absorption properties. Keywords : Composite materials, refrigerated vehicle, orientation, water absorption, thickness swelling

A Review on Application of Natural fibre in Structural Reinforcement: Challenges of Properties Adaptation

The foray of natural fibre reinforced composite in structural application is not new and researchers are currently considering different approaches of maximizing its performance. In many published works, natural fibres have enjoyed reasonable patronage in cooling applications and in cementitious structural materials. The moisture affinity of these fibres is another challenge that have dominated literature for ages. Moreover, modification of natural fibre in structural application is a herculean tasks that have not been established in many published works. In this work, properties and characteristics variation of natural fibre in structural reinforcement are discussed. Substantial part of this work is also dedicated to main properties inherent in natural fibre inimical to structural applications. It is expected that this work will assist researchers to formulate new compatible matrix materials suitable for further research works

Characterization and morphological properties of glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites fabricated under varying degrees of hand lay-up techniques

In this paper, attempts were made to study the progression of fibre-matrix adhesion of five composite specimens taking into consideration the hand lay-up method of composite formation. The ampreg 21 epoxy resin was used as the matrix for the glass fibre-epoxy resin formation. E- Glass fibre was used as matrix reinforcement. The morphology and the XRD of these composites were examined. Key of the findings from the morphological analysis of these composites showed that the fractured surface of the samples depicted better adhesion between the matrix and the fibres. The micrographs and EDS of the composite specimens also showed the retention of elemental composition of the glass fibre which is in line with other published works. The XRD results of these composites indicated a peak at Bragg’s angle 2θ=20.6o, affirming the remnant crystalline silica in the composite. Hence, these composites are projected to possess better dimensional stability adaptable for high performance structural applications.Keywords: composite, interfacial adhesion, morphology, reinforcing fibr

Factor Analysis of Poultry Birds De-Feathering Machines

Some concerns had been expressed over the success rate of the De-feathering machine (DM) in Nigeria. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate DM in selected poultry farms in Ekiti State, Nigeria, and consider the factors that inhibit their viability. This study seeks to verify the success rate and identify factors that pose challenges to DM and provide a solution to their intercorrelations. Kendall Coefficient of Concordance (KCC) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was the design framework used to investigate the identified factors that influence DM. The KCC was used to analyse the data matrix generated by 12 Judges who ranked the twenty-eight identified factors that influenced DM in ascending order, upon which basis an index of concordance in ranking among the judges was computed as w = 0.70. PCA was used to further analysed questionnaires crafted with the twenty-eight well-ordered factors, purposively selected, using statistisXL version 2021.2 software. Also, the result obtained by PCA indicates that factor reduction was achieved from twenty-eight variables to seven clusters using a scree plot graph.  Furthermore, Cost of Material cluster 5 (consisting of dual factors; ‘stainless steel’ and ‘material selection’) wielded the highest factors loading of 0.847 and 0.779 respectively. This study has helped to justify unsatisfactory DM operating costs among poultry farmers in Nigeria and [email protected] clarify challenges associated with the high cost of material selection in DM design

Experimental Characterization of Maize Cob and Stalk Based Pellets for Energy Use

The quest for alternative energy sources is gradually shifting from natural fossil fuel to alternative bio-resources especially agricultural waste products due to their reduced pollution risk and sustainability. This study seeks to investigate the suitability of plant residue pellets to produce biomass. The plant residues investigated include corn cob and corn stalk. Three samples produced include 100% granulated corn cob residues, 100% granulated stalks and a composite of 50:50% granulated corn cobs and stalk residues. The mixed residues were pelletized using cassava starch as a binder. The pellets were experimentally analyzed using ultimate, proximate and calorimetry analyses. Among three sets of maize residue pellets investigated, the result of the cob-stalk 50:50% combination show that it has 0.64% nitrogen, 48.57% carbon, 0.38% Sulphur, 6.22% hydrogen, 55.81% oxygen, 3.25% moisture content, 2.20% ash content, 80.0% volatile matter, 17.80% fixed carbon percentage, HHV of 32.9 kJ/kg, an average CO2 value of 563±50 PPM, an average CO value of 100±50 PPM, an average value of 69±4% relative humidity and an average temperature of 27.5±0.5%. The study reiterates that corn stalk is a good bio-fuel and should be encouraged to address the current energy shortfalls in the country

Action antibactérienne de l’extrait éthanolique 70% de Clerodendrum splendens (G. Don) (Verbenacae) sur des souches bactériennes isolées de selles chez des enfants diarrhéiques

L’apparition des bactéries résistantes aux antibiotiques et leur diffusion dans la population humaine constituent un réel problème de santé publique. C’est ainsi que le monde scientifique a découvert de nombreux traitements qui ont permis de réduire l’indice des maladies causées par ces germes. Malgré ce succès, on ne cesse d’enregistrer la résistance des bactéries aux antibactériens. Ainsi, le développement de nouveaux agents antibactériens s’avère indispensable pour lutter contre ces fléaux. C’est dans ce but que notre objectif vise à tester l’extrait éthanolique 70% de Clerodendrum splendens (G.don) sur quelques entérobactéries isolées de selles chez des enfants diarrhéiques. La méthode de dilution en milieu liquide gélosé Muller-Hinton® utilisant différentes concentrations d’extrait a permis d’évaluer l’activité antibactérienne de l’extrait. Les résultats obtenus montrent que toutes les souches bactériennes sont sensibles à l’extrait éthanolique 70%. Cet extrait est bactéricide sur Proteus mirabilis et bactériostatique sur Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi et Shigella sp.Mots clés: Extrait éthanolique 70%, Clerodendrum splendens, Entérobactéries, Diarrhée, Bactériostatique, Bactéricide

Performance Indicators for Sustainable Cement Production in Nigeria

The cement industry is an intensive energy consuming process with attendant economic benefits and environmental caution. Cement processing comes with economic advantages and environmental implications, like dust and pollutants. Host communities and staff of cement factories are bound to experience and endure this barrage of emissions, which leads to serious health and environmental challenges. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), three cement manufacturing companies in Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria were investigated to determine how best they conform to industry best practices. Fifteen criteria were identified and used for this analysis. Results show that COMPANY B is operating at acceptable standards while COMPANY A should consider improving on safety, spares, emission levels and staff welfare

Factors Influencing the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Real Estate Practice in Minna

The study explored motivating factors influencing the use of ICT in Minna.The target population were registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers domiciled and operating within the Minna property market. The respondents were extracted from the 2011 NIESV membership Directory.Survey data from 15 estate firms were collected to analyze the vital motivating factors influencing the use of ICT in real estate practice. A five point Likert scale was used to examine their opinions and spearman rank correlation was used to test if there is any relationship between internal and external motivating factors. The result indicated that increased productivity of staff, enhanced quality of customer services, knowledge sharing factor, information accessibility, improved decision making and time saving are the most influencing motivating factors while competitors' pressure, availability of ICT infrastructure, management and business size, reduced overall cost are less influencing motivating factors. The study further revealed that internal motivating factors strengthened the use of ICT in their domain. There is negative correlation between the internal and external motivating factors. Niger state branch of NIESV and ESVARBON should recommend the use of ICT to all estate firms and estate surveyors and valuers. Also, the work concludes by recommending further conduct of comprehensive indigenous research and development (R&D) in ICT driven real estate practice in Minna by liaison with various educational institutions offering estate management in their domain in order to be abreast of global best practices.Keywords: ICT, Real Estate Practice, Motivating Factors, Nigeri