Umar Nirmal

Impact behavior of short and continuous fiber-reinforced polyester composites

In this study, the impact strengths of E-glass, coir, oil palm as well as E-glass/coir and E-glass/oil palm hybrid polyester composites were studied. All types of composites were reinforced with fiber volume fractions of 30%, 40%, and 50% and fiber lengths 3, 7, and 10 mm. Composite laminates reinforced with longitudinal and transverse coir fiber mats were also studied. The number of fiber mats varied from 1, 2, 3, and 4 layers for non-spaced fiber mats and 2, 3, and 4 layers for 1.5 mm spaced fiber mats. Besides, coir—polyester composite with addition of sand filler was studied as well, with 40%, 50%, and 60% of volume fractions and fiber lengths of 3, 7, and 10 mm. Results show that impact strength improves with fiber content and fiber length. In addition, longitudinal fiber mats always exhibit better impact toughness compared to transverse fiber mats. Impact strength is improved with the number of fiber layers but worsened by the fiber spacing. As for coir/polyester concrete, low fiber content and fiber length improve the impact strength. The fractured surfaces were inspected under scanning electron microscope to investigate the fracture mechanisms in each type of composites.

Betelnut fibres as an alternative to glass fibres to reinforce thermoset composites: A comparative study

For the current work, investigations were carried out using treated betelnut fibre-reinforced polyester (T-BFRP) and chopped strand mat glass fibre-reinforced polyester (CSM-GFRP) composites. Results revealed that T-BFRP showed competitive performance of about 1.16%, 17.39% and 4.92% for tensile, flexural and compression tests as compared to the latter. Through tribological performance tests, T-BFRP composite showed superiority in wear for the dry and wet tests of about 98% and 90.8% while the friction coefficient was reduced by about 9.4% and 80% respectively. The interface temperature was lower by about 17% for T-BFRP composite subjected to dry test as compared to CSM-GFRP. SEM analysis revealed that the brittle effects observed on glass fibres during the tribo test enhanced the material removal rate which increased the thermo-mechanical effects at the rubbing zone. As such, evidence of adhesive to abrasive wear transition was observed when the CSM-GFRP composite was subjected to the stainless steel counterface. On the contrary, T-BFRP composite formed a thin layer of shield (i.e. back film transfer) on its worn surface during the test, which assisted in lowering the material removal rate.

Effect of kenaf particulate fillers in polymeric composite for tribological applications

The present work aims at exploring the possibility of using sustainable kenaf particles as particulate fillers and reinforcement in epoxy (KPafRE) composites. Kenaf particulate fillers of weight fractions (5–20 wt%) were used as reinforcement in the study of wear and friction performance of the composites. Adhesive dry tests were conducted on a Pin-on-Disc machine at applied loads (5–30 N) subjected to a stainless steel counterface with a sliding velocity of 2.83 m/s through sliding distances (0–6.72 km). From the findings, it was discovered that 15 wt% of KPafRE composite experienced superior in wear and frictional properties; the specific wear rate and friction coefficient was reduced by 67% and 56%, respectively, as compared to neat epoxy. Photo micrographs of the worn samples revealed that there was a significant amount of back film transfer, which assisted in enhancing the wear and frictional performance of the composites.

Interfacial Adhesion Characteristics of Kenaf Fibres Subjected to Different Polymer Matrices and Fibre Treatments

This study is aimed at determining the interfacial adhesion strength (IAS) of kenaf fibres using different chemical treatments in hydrochloric (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with different concentrations. Single fibre pullout tests (SFPT) were carried out for both untreated and treated fibres partially embedded into three different polymer matrices; polyester, epoxy, and polyurethane (PU) as reinforcement blocks and tested under dry loading conditions. The study revealed that kenaf fibres treated with 6% NaOH subjected to polyester, epoxy, and PU matrices exhibits excellent IAS while poor in acidic treatment. The effect of SFPT results was mainly attributed to chemical composition of the fibres, types of fibre treatments, and variation in resin viscosities. By scanning electron microscopy examination of the material failure morphology, the fibres experienced brittle and ductile fibre breakage mechanisms after treatment with acidic and alkaline solutions.

Gravity Effects of Curing Angle on Laminated Composite Structures: A Review on Novel Study

Composites manufactured by small and medium industries/entrepreneurs (SMI/E) are conventionally cured in the horizontal position. Hence, the confined space restricts optimum productivity. Besides, SMI/E is unable to allocate high budget for high-end technology such as autoclave and vacuum mechanical oven which limits the development of SMI/E as a result of high capital cost. Through a series of literature review, the review confirmed that there is no similar scientific study has been conducted. Consequently, the review is carried out to facilitate the investigation of the feasibility of a gravity cured glass fiber laminated thermosetting composites via vacuum bagging at angle position from horizontal (0°) to vertical (90°) to enhance the curing space required.

Design Reviews on a Multipurpose Power Sockets for Different Applications

Abstract The current work is to conduct a design review on a multipurpose power socket for home application with the latest state of art features. Reviews are done in the areas of standard and codings, material selections, universal adapters, sensors and lighting technology. The standards for fabrication of BS 546 and BS 1363 plugs and sockets are essential for safety purposes. Together with selection of suitable material in production of plug and sockets, the occurrence of accidents can be averted. The invention of universal adapters was first coined by Rumble in year 1982 marks an evolution in the history of plugs and sockets. The main focus was to cater the different plug fixtures in various countries. Coupled to this, review works on the various types of sensors and lighting technologies is provided since it could be fused to the universal plug adapters for various applications. This paper then go on in proposing future works which could open new research pathways among worldwide researchers.

Investigation into mechanical & tribological performance of kenaf fibre particle reinforced composite

Abstract In this current research, the mechanical, physical and tribological properties of kenaf fibre particle reinforced epoxy (KPafRE) composite was investigated. Randomly distributed kenaf fibre particles were used as reinforcement, with fibre particle loading up to 20%wt. Five mechanical tests were conducted: tensile, compression, flexural, hardness and impact tests, also an additional water absorption test. For tribology investigation, dry sliding test was conducted on a Pin on Disk (POD) machine under 5–20 N applied load at 2.8 m/s, for 6.72 km sliding distance. The results from these tests were compared with Neat Epoxy (NE). It was found that KPafRE composite showed improved mechanical properties compared to NE. The results also suggest that 15%wt. KPafRE composite is the optimum fibre particle loading condition. Applications for this composite would include for construction industry for parts such as sliding door and window panels, also hinges (replacing expensive aluminum ones currently in use). In the automotive industry, the composite could replace plastic parts currently being used in door linkages, dashboard or door aesthetic piece, also bearing or bushes.

State of the art baby strollers: Design review and the innovations of an ergonomic baby stroller

Abstract The current work is an attempt to design and fabricate an ergonomic baby stroller with the latest state of the art features. A review on the design of baby strollers in the previous years was done ranging from the year 1980 to 2014. Based on the review it was found out that the idea of a foldable frame emerged since the early 1980s where people started to prioritize space saving. The use of electronics devices in strollers has not been properly implemented due to the bulkiness of the battery and the clutter mess of wires. Infant’s safety and comfort has always been the number one priority by designing a seat that is contoured to a baby’s spine, ultimately making baby’s growth much safer. In lieu of the current work, a harmonious prototype design was fabricated using Rapid Prototyping system. The idea was to fuse the usage of electronics with the stroller by inventing modular “plug and play” attachment devices that provide customizability to baby strollers which include headlights and cooling fan attachments. Besides that, the latest state of the art designs of the ergonomic baby stroller such as a ventilated back rest, on-board rocking baby chair, bidirectional push handle with ergonomic grip support, frame with integrated hooks for storing different types of “plug and play” attachments and hooks for attaching the foldable stroller to a typical standard shopping cart were implemented.

Tensile Properties of Angle Cured Laminated Composites Structures under Gravity Effects

As the usage of composites materials are significant in the industries of automobiles, shipping and constructions due to their non-corrosive and high strength to weight ratio. Anyway, the production of composites needed to be increased to meet the demand. At this stage, problem faced by Small and Medium Industries / Entrepreneurs (SMI/E) is the confined and limited space available that restricts the optimum productivity. They commonly cure the composites horizontally that requires ample space and unable to afford for high-end equipment such as mechanical oven and autoclave in the production as a result of high capital cost.This research is carried out to study the feasibility of the gravity effects on curing position of the laminated composite structures to enhance the curing space needed. The aim of the research was to investigate the tensile properties of the thermosetting laminated composite by curing the laminate at different angle using vacuum bagging technique. From the testing, SN 5 which denominated to be 60 ̊ found to have the best tensile properties in term of maximum force exerted and Youngs modulus.