Search results

The purpose of this study is to understand the behavior of hybrid bio-composites under varied applications.

Fabrication methods and material characterization of various hybrid bio-composites are analyzed by studying the tensile, impact, flexural and hardness of the same. The natural fiber is a manufactured group of assembly of big or short bundles of fiber to produce one or more layers of flat sheets. The natural fiber-reinforced composite materials offer a wide range of properties that are suitable for many engineering-related fields like aerospace, automotive areas. The main characteristics of natural fiber composites are durability, low cost, low weight, high specific strength and equally good mechanical properties.

The tensile properties like tensile strength and tensile modulus of flax/hemp/sisal/Coir/Palmyra fiber-reinforced composites are majorly dependent on the chemical treatment and catalyst usage with fiber. The flexural properties of flax/hemp/sisal/coir/Palmyra are greatly dependent on fiber orientation and fiber length. Impact properties of flax/hemp/sisal/coir/Palmyra are depended on the fiber content, composition and orientation of various fibers.

This study is a review of various research work done on the natural fiber bio-composites exhibiting the factors to be considered for specific load conditions.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is highly dependent on printing process parameters for achieving high mechanical strength. It is a time-consuming and expensive operation to experiment with different printing settings. The current study aims to propose a regression-based machine learning model to predict the mechanical behavior of ulna bone plates.

The bone plates were formed using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique, with printing attributes being varied. The machine learning models such as linear regression, AdaBoost regression, gradient boosting regression (GBR), random forest, decision trees and k-nearest neighbors were trained for predicting tensile strength and flexural strength. Model performance was assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R²) and mean absolute error (MAE).

Traditional experimentation with various settings is both time-consuming and expensive, emphasizing the need for alternative approaches. Among the models tested, GBR model demonstrated the best performance in predicting both tensile and flexural strength and achieved the lowest RMSE, highest R2 and lowest MAE, which are 1.4778 ± 0.4336 MPa, 0.9213 ± 0.0589 and 1.2555 ± 0.3799 MPa, respectively, and 3.0337 ± 0.3725 MPa, 0.9269 ± 0.0293 and 2.3815 ± 0.2915 MPa, respectively. The findings open up opportunities for doctors and surgeons to use GBR as a reliable tool for fabricating patient-specific bone plates, without the need for extensive trial experiments.

The current study is limited to the usage of a few models. Other machine learning-based models can be used for prediction-based study.

This study uses machine learning to predict the mechanical properties of FDM-based distal ulna bone plate, replacing traditional design of experiments methods with machine learning to streamline the production of orthopedic implants. It helps medical professionals, such as physicians and surgeons, make informed decisions when fabricating customized bone plates for their patients while reducing the need for time-consuming experimentation, thereby addressing a common limitation of 3D printing medical implants.

This paper aims to investigate the flexural properties i.e. the flexural strength and the flexural modulus under the influence of selected input variables, namely; fiber type, fiber loading and fiber size in fabricated natural fiber polymeric composites through using Taguchi’s design of experiment methodology.

The Taguchi’s design of experiment approach has been used to scheme a suitable combination to fabricate the polymeric composites. Pure polypropylene (PP) has been chosen as a matrix material, whereas two types of fibers, namely; wood powder (WP) i.e. sawdust and rice husk powder (RHP), have been used as a reinforcement in the matrix. Microstructure analysis of fabricated and tested samples has also been evaluated and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. This analysis has divulged that at moderate fiber size and higher fiber loading, no gap or cavities presented between the fillers and matrix particles, which illustrates the good interfacial bonding between the materials.

The flexural strength of the wood powder pure polypropylene (WPPP) composite decreases if the fiber content gets increased beyond 20 Wt.%. In addition, the flexural strength of hybrid composite (WPRHPPP) has been revealed to get improved more in comparison to composites with single fiber as reinforcement. Furthermore, the flexural modulus of WPPP composite has also increased with the increase in fiber loading. It has been concluded that reinforcement size plays an imperative role in influencing the flexural modulus. The optimum parametric setting for the flexural strength and the flexural modulus has been devised as; fiber type – WPRHP, fiber loading – 10 Wt.% and fiber size – 600 µm; and fiber type – WP, fiber loading – 30 Wt.% and fiber size – 1,180 µm, respectively. The microstructure images clearly revealed that during conducted flexural tests, some particles get disturbed from their bonded position that mainly represents the plastic deformation.

The fabricated polymer materials proposed in the research work are green and environmentally friendly.

The natural fiber-based composites are possessing wide-spread requirements in today’s competitive structure of manufacturing and industrial applications. The fabrication of the natural fiber-based composites has also been planned through the designed experiments (namely; Taguchi Methodology- L₉ orthogonal array matrix), which, further, makes the analysis more fruitful and qualitative too. The fabricated polymer materials proposed in the research work are green and environmentally friendly. Shisham WP has been rarely used in the past researches; therefore, this factor has been included for the present work. The injection molding process is used to fabricate the three different polymer composite by varying the fiber weight percentage and fiber size.

The primary objective of this study is to produce one-way slabs made of LWFC with low density and sufficient compressive strength suitable for structural purpose then investigate their flexural behavior under various types of reinforcement and thickness of the slab and the influence of addition of PP fibers reinforcement on the mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete slabs. The specimens were tested using four-point loading. The results concerning load capacity, deflection and failure mode and crack pattern for each specimen were obtained. Also, an analytical investigation of PP fiber and GFG contribution on the flexural behavior of foamed concrete slabs is studied to investigate the significant role of PP fiber on the stress distribution in reinforced foam concrete and predict the flexural moment capacity.

The materials used in this study are cement, fine aggregate (sand), water, PP fibers, foaming agent, chemical additives if required, steel reinforcing rebars and glass fiber grid. The combination of these constituent materials will be used to produce foamed concrete in this research Then this study will present the experimental program of one-way foamed concrete slabs including slabs reinforced with GFR grids and another with steel reinforcements. The slabs will be tested in the laboratory under static loading conditions to investigate their ultimate capacities. The flexural behavior is to the interest of the slabs reinforced with GFR grids reinforcements in comparison with that of one with steel reinforcing rebars. Three groups are considered. (1) Group I: two slabs of PP fiber foamed concrete with minimum required reinforcements. (2) Group II: two slabs of PP fiber foamed concrete with glass fiber grids. (3) Group III: two slabs of PP fiber foamed concrete with the minimum required reinforcements and glass fiber grids.

The experimental results proved the effectiveness and efficiency of this the new system in producing a low density of concrete below 1900 kg/m³ had a corresponding strength of about 17 MPa at least. Besides, the presence of PP fibers had a noticeable improvement on the flexural strength values for all the examined slabs. It was found that the specimens reinforced with steel reinforcement mesh carried higher flexural capacity compared to these reinforced with GFG only. The specimens reinforced with GFG exhibited the lowest flexural capacity due to GFG separation from the concrete substrate. Also, an analytical investigation to predict the flexural strength of all tested specimens was carried out. The analytical results were agreed with the experimental results. Therefore, LWFC can be used as a substitute lightweight concrete material for the production of structural concrete applications in the construction industries today.

Foamed concrete is a wide field to discuss. To achieve the objectives of the project, the study is focused on the foamed concrete with the following limitations: (1) because the aim of this research is to produce foamed concrete suitable for structural purposes, it is decided to produce mixes within the density range 1300–1900 kg/m³. (2) Simply-supported slabs are of considered. (3) This study also looks out by using GFR and without it.

The main objectives of this study were producing structural foamed concrete slabs and investigate their flexural response for residential uses.

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is increasingly being explored as a commercial fabrication method due to its ability to produce net or near-net shape parts directly from a computer-aided design model. Other benefits of technology compared to conventional manufacturing include lower cost for short runs, reduced product lead times and rapid product design. High-performance polymers such as polyetherimide, have the potential for FDM fabrication and their high-temperature capabilities provide the potential of expanding the applications of FDM parts in automotive and aerospace industries. However, their relatively high glass transition temperature (215 °C) causes challenges during manufacturing due to the requirement of high-temperature build chambers and controlled cooling rates. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties of ULTEM 1010, an unfilled polyetherimide grade.

In this research, mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile and flexural tests. Analysis of variance was used to determine the significance of process parameters to the mechanical properties of the specimens, their main effects and interactions. The fractured surfaces were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy and porosity was assessed by X-ray microcomputed tomography.

A range of mean tensile and flexural strengths, 60–94 MPa and 62–151 MPa, respectively, were obtained highlighting the dependence of performance on process parameters and their interactions. The specimens were found to fracture in a brittle manner. The porosity of tensile samples was measured between 0.18% and 1.09% and that of flexural samples between 0.14% and 1.24% depending on the process parameters. The percentage porosity was found to not directly correlate with mechanical performance, rather the location of those pores in the sample.

This analysis quantifies the significance of the effect of each of the examined process parameters has on the mechanical performance of FDM-fabricated specimens. Further, it provides a better understanding of the effect process parameters and their interactions have on the mechanical properties and porosity of FDM-fabricated polyetherimide specimens. Additionally, the fracture surface of the tested specimens is qualitatively assessed.

This study focuses on the structural performance assessment of hybrid polymer composites for pick-and-place robot grippers used in critical infrastructure. This research involved the creation of composite materials with different nanoparticle concentrations, followed by extensive testing to assess the mechanical properties of the materials, such as strength, stiffness and durability.

The composites comprised bidirectional interply inclined carbon fibers (C), S-glass fibers (SG), E-glass (EG), an epoxy matrix and silica nanoparticles (SNiPs). During construction, the composite materials must be carefully layered using quasi-static sequence techniques (45°C1/45°SG2/45°EG2/45°C1/45°EG2/45°SG2/45°C1) to obtain the epoxy matrix reinforcement and bonding using 0, 2, 4 and 6 wt. % of silica nanoparticles.

According to various test findings, the 4 wt. % of SNiPs added to polymer plates exhibits the maximum strength outcomes. The average results of the tensile and flexural tests for the polymer composite plates with 4 wt. % addition SNiPs were 127.103 MPa and 223.145 MPa, respectively. The average results of the tensile and flexural tests for the plates with 0 wt.% SNiPs were 115.457 MPa and 207.316 MPa, respectively.

The authors hereby attest that the research paper they have submitted is the result of their own independent and unique labor. All of the sources from which the thoughts and passages were derived have been properly credited. The work has not been submitted for publication anywhere and is devoid of any instances of plagiarism.

1. The study enhances the engineering materials for innovative applications.

2. The study explores the mechanical behavior of carbon/S-glass/E-glass fiber composites.

3. Silica nanoparticles were enhancing mechanical characteristics of the composite structure.

The study enhances the engineering materials for innovative applications.

The study explores the mechanical behavior of carbon/S-glass/E-glass fiber composites.

Silica nanoparticles were enhancing mechanical characteristics of the composite structure.

The purpose of this paper is to characterize mechanical properties (tensile, compressive and flexural) for the three-dimensional printing (3DP) process, using various common recommended infiltrate materials and post-processing conditions.

A literature review is conducted to assess the information available related to the mechanical properties, as well as the experimental methodologies which have been used when investigating the 3D printing process characteristics. Test samples are designed, and a methodology to measure infiltrate depths is presented. A full factorial experiment is conducted to collect the tensile, compressive and bending forces for a set of infiltrates and build orientations. The impact of the infiltrate type and depth with respect to the observed strength characteristics is evaluated.

For most brittle materials, the ultimate compression strength is much larger than the ultimate tensile strength, which is shown in this work. Unique stress–strain curves are generated from the infiltrate and build orientation conditions; however, the compressive strength trends are more consistent in behavior compared to the tensile and flexural results. This comprehensive study shows that infiltrates can significantly improve the mechanical characteristics, but performance degradation can also occur, which occurred with the Epsom salts infiltrates.

More experimental research needs to be performed to develop predictive models for design and fabrication optimization. The material-infiltrate performance characteristics vary per build orientation; hence, experimental testing should be performed on intermediate angles, and a double angle experiment set should also be conducted. By conducting multiple test scenarios, it is now understood that this base material-infiltrate combination does not react similar to other materials, and any performance characteristics cannot be easily predicted from just one study.

These results provide a foundation for a process design and post-processing configuration database, and downstream design and optimization models. This research illustrates that there is no “best” solution when considering material costs, processing options, safety issues and strength considerations. This research also shows that specific testing is required for new machine–material–infiltrate combinations to calibrate a performance model.

There is limited published data with respect to the strength characteristics that can be achieved using the 3DP process. No published data with respect to stress–strain curves are available. This research presents tensile, compressive and flexural strength and strain behaviors for a wide variety of infiltrates, and post-processing conditions. A simple, unique process is presented to measure infiltrate depths. The observed behaviors are non-linear and unpredictable.

The implications of metallic biomaterials involve stress shielding, bone osteoporosis, release of toxic ions, poor wear and corrosion resistance and patient discomfort due to the need of second operation. This study aims to use additive manufacturing (AM) process for fabrication of biodegradable orthopedic small locking bone plates to overcome complications related to metallic biomaterials.

Fused deposition modeling technique has been used for fabrication of bone plates. The effect of varying printing parameters such as infill density, layer height, wall thickness and print speed has been studied on tensile and flexural properties of bone plates using response surface methodology-based design of experiments.

The maximum tensile and flexural strengths are mainly dependent on printing parameters used during the fabrication of bone plates. Tensile and flexural strengths increase with increase in infill density and wall thickness and decrease with increase in layer height and wall thickness.

The present work is focused on bone plates. In addition, different AM techniques can be used for fabrication of other biomedical implants.

Studies on application of AM techniques on distal ulna small locking bone plates have been hardly reported. This work involves optimization of printing parameters for development of distal ulna-based bone plate with high mechanical strength. Characterization of microscopic fractures has also been performed for understanding the fracture behavior of bone plates.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect on flexural strength of fire-damaged concrete repaired with high-strength mortar (HSM).

Reinforced concrete beams with dimension of 100 mm × 100 mm × 500 mm were used in this study. Beams were then heated to 400°C and overlaid with either HSM or high-strength fiber reinforced mortar (HSFM) to measure the effectiveness of repair material. Repaired beams of different material were then tested for flexural strength. Another group of beams was also repaired and tested by the same procedure but was heated at higher temperature of 600°C.

Repair of 400°C fire-damaged samples using HSM regained 72 per cent of its original flexural strength, 100.8 per cent of its original toughness and 56.9 per cent of its original elastic stiffness. Repair of 400°C fire-damaged samples using HSFM regained 113.5 per cent of its original flexural strength, 113 per cent of its original toughness and 85.1 per cent of its original elastic stiffness. Repair of 600°C fire-damaged samples using HSM regained 18.7 per cent of its original flexural strength, 25.9 per cent of its original peak load capacity, 26.1 per cent of its original toughness and 22 per cent of its original elastic stiffness. Repair of 600°C fire-damaged samples using HSFM regained 68.4 per cent of its original flexural strength, 96.5 per cent of its original peak load capacity, 71.2 per cent of its original toughness and 52.2 per cent of its original elastic stiffness.

This research is limited to the size of the furnace. The beam specimen is limited to 500 mm of length and overall dimensions. This dimension is not practical in actual structure, hence it may cause exaggeration of deteriorating effect of heating on reinforced concrete beam.

This study may promote more investigation of using HSM as repair material for fire-damaged concrete. This will lead to real-world application and practical solution for fire-damaged structure.

The aim of this research in using HSM mostly due to the material’s high workability which will ease its application and promote quality in repair of damaged structure.

There is a dearth of research on using HSM as repair material for fire-damaged concrete. Some research has been carried out using mortar but at lower strength compared to this research.

The purpose of the paper is to explore the structural feasibility of substituting traditional thick joint mortars with earth slurry mortars modified with varying amounts of sand. Thin jointing of earth blocks would reduce the cost of sustainable earth construction.

Compressive strength of earth‐block cubes was determined. Flexural strength was measured using the BRE electronic bond wrench, which enables block couplets to be tested quickly and accurately. Three samples of earth block, one from southwest England and two from East Anglia, together with nine examples of earth slurry mortar jointing were studied, including the effect of reinforcing the joint and or the block using hessian.

The 28‐day cube characteristic compressive strengths were determined for Appley soil, Norfolk lump and Beeston soil, the last with 0 per cent sand, 25 per cent sand and with 25 per cent sand with hessian. The flexural strengths of Appley and Beeston earth slurries were determined, along with Thermalite thin jointed cement and cement mortar for comparison. The Beeston soil flexural strength increased with increasing sand content. Earth slurry with 40 per cent sand and hessian present in the joint gave the greatest strength. It is important to use blocks and slurry mortars of the same soil. Extruded and compressed earth blocks are best suited to slurry jointing.

This work successfully demonstrates the structural feasibility of carefully reducing the thickness of earth mortars when constructing sustainable earth block walling. Characteristic flexural strengths are suggested where the test results were sufficiently consistent, and of a magnitude likely to be useful in design.