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1 – 10 of 181Naveen Srinivas Madugula, Yogesh Kumar, Vimal K.E.K and Sujeet Kumar
The purpose of this paper is to improve the productivity and quality of the wire arc additive manufacturing process by benchmarking the strategies from the selected six…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to improve the productivity and quality of the wire arc additive manufacturing process by benchmarking the strategies from the selected six strategies, namely, heat treatment process, inter pass cooling process, inter pass cold rolling process, peening process, friction stir processing and oscillation process.
Design/methodology/approach
To overcome the lack of certainty associated with correlations and relationships in quality functional deployment, fuzzy numbers have been integrated with the quality functional deployment framework. Twenty performance measures have been identified from the literature under five groups, namely, mechanical properties, physical properties, geometrical properties, cost and material properties. Using house of quality weights are allocated to performance measures and groups, relationships are established between performance measures and strategies, and correlations are assigned between strategies. Finally, for each strategy, relative importance, score and crisp values are calculated.
Findings
Inter pass cold rolling process strategy is computed with the highest crisp value of 15.80 which is followed by peening process, heat treatment process, friction stir processing, inter pass cooling process,] and oscillation process strategy.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has been no research in the literature that analyzes the strategies to improve the quality and productivity of the wire arc additive manufacturing process.
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Selinay Gumus, Kaan Aksoy and Ayse Aytac
This study aims to investigate the effects of nano or inorganic fillers on unsaturated polyester’s (UPE) thermal, mechanical, and physical properties. UPE reinforced with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects of nano or inorganic fillers on unsaturated polyester’s (UPE) thermal, mechanical, and physical properties. UPE reinforced with nanoparticles shows better properties than the pure polymer itself. Nano or inorganic fillers are used in the polymeric matrix to improve thermal, mechanical and physical properties.
Design/methodology/approach
To improve thermal, mechanical and physical properties, UPE resin was modified with silica (S), boron nitride (BN) and S/BN hybrid nanoparticles at different ratios. Viscosity and solids content measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermal conductivity coefficient tests were performed on the samples.
Findings
In the SEM analysis, the UPE sample showed a smooth appearance, while all samples containing additives showed phase separation and overall heterogeneous distribution. TGA results demonstrated that the thermal stability of the resin increased in the presence of S and BN additives. According to the results, it was observed that the presence of S and BN additives in the UPE resin and the use of certain ratios improved the resin properties.
Originality/value
As a result of the literature search, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study was found in which BN nanoparticles were included in the UPE resin together with S.
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Salwa Moustafa Amer Mahmoud, Tarek Hamdy, Mohamed Fares, Wissam Ayman, Shrouk Muhamed, Aya Abdel Khaliq and Lilian Salah
This paper aims to investigate the ability of traditional biopolymers, such as funori or the nanoscale form of cellulose nanocrystals, to consolidate fragile paper and preserve it…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the ability of traditional biopolymers, such as funori or the nanoscale form of cellulose nanocrystals, to consolidate fragile paper and preserve it for as long as possible.
Design/methodology/approach
Degraded papers dating back two centuries were separated into paper samples for consolidation processes. Funori – a marine spleen – was used as a traditional consolidation material and a mixture with ZnO NPs compared with modern materials, such as cellulose nanocrystals. The samples were aged for 25 years, examinations and analyses were performed using scanning electron microscopy and color change was assessed using the CIELAB system, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
Findings
According to the results, using traditional materials to consolidate damage, such as funori, after aging resulted in glossiness on the surface, a color change and increased water content and oxidation. Furthermore, samples treated with a mixture of ZnO NPs and funori revealed that the mixture improved the sample properties and increased the degree of crystallization. Cellulose nanocrystals improved the surface, filled gaps, formed bridges between the fibers and acted as a protector from aging effects.
Originality/value
This paper highlights the ability of nanomaterials to enhance the properties of materials as additives and treat the paper manuscripts from weaknesses.
Kanokwan Pimchan and Chonlatis Darawong
This study aims to examine the influence of condominium attributes on resident satisfaction and word of mouth from the perspectives of the elderly in Thailand.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the influence of condominium attributes on resident satisfaction and word of mouth from the perspectives of the elderly in Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 338 elderly residents through a questionnaire survey and analysed by using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling procedures.
Findings
The results showed that the strongest predictor of resident satisfaction was design functionality, followed by social environment, safety and security and service quality. In addition, the strongest predictor of word of mouth was safety and security, followed by design functionality, proximity, service quality and social environment.
Research limitations/implications
The data were drawn at the level of the overall characteristics of elderly residents. People may be different in terms of their demographic characters such as gender, age, and user experience.
Practical implications
The study suggests that condominium developers and designers should pay attention to design functionality both physically and mentally such as suitable materials, lighting and common areas. Moreover, the developers should focus on the proximity of the nearest hospitals, safety and security measures, well-trained security personnel and social activity arrangement.
Originality/value
Elderly condominium markets are increasingly growing as a result of the ageing society in Thailand. However, very few empirical studies investigate condominium attributes that affect resident satisfaction and word of mouth provided by real estate developers. The paper aims to determine driving factors that enhance the better well-being of elderly residents.
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Shahriar Abubakri, Pritpal S. Mangat, Konstantinos Grigoriadis and Vincenzo Starinieri
Microwave curing (MC) can facilitate rapid concrete repair in cold climates without using conventional accelerated curing technologies which are environmentally unsustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
Microwave curing (MC) can facilitate rapid concrete repair in cold climates without using conventional accelerated curing technologies which are environmentally unsustainable. Accelerated curing of concrete under MC can contribute to the decarbonisation of the environment and provide economies in construction in several ways such as reducing construction time, energy efficiency, lower cement content, lower carbonation risk and reducing emissions from equipment.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper investigates moisture loss and pore properties of six cement-based proprietary concrete repair materials subjected to MC. The impact of MC on these properties is critically important for its successful implementation in practice and current literature lacks this information. Specimens were microwave cured for 40–45 min to surface temperatures between 39.9 and 44.1 °C. The fast-setting repair material was microwave cured for 15 min to 40.7 °C. MC causes a higher water loss which shows the importance of preventing drying during MC and the following 24 h.
Findings
Portland cement-based normal density repair mortars, including materials incorporating pfa and polymer latex, benefit from the thermal effect of MC on hydration, resulting in up to 24% reduction in porosity relative to normal curing. Low density and flowing repair materials suffer an increase in porosity up to 16% due to MC. The moisture loss at the end of MC and after 24h is related to the mix water content and porosity, respectively.
Originality/value
The research on the application of MC for rapid repair of concrete is original. The research was funded by the European commission following a very rigorous and competitive review process which ensured its originality. Original data on the parameters of porosity and moisture loss under MC are provided for different generic cementitious repair materials which have not been studied before. Application of MC to concrete construction especially in cold climates will provide environmental, economic and energy benefits.
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Christopher Amoah and Jeanne Smith
This study aims to examine the challenges for green retrofitting implementation in existing residential buildings to lower the running cost and achieve a better energy-efficient…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the challenges for green retrofitting implementation in existing residential buildings to lower the running cost and achieve a better energy-efficient system.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a qualitative approach by interviewing conveniently selected 16 construction professionals, made up of architects, quantity surveyors and engineers. Data received were analysed using the content analysis method.
Findings
The findings revealed that the main barriers to incorporating green retrofitting in the existing residential buildings as the nature of the existing structures, limited knowledge, not being a priority and high costs involved in the process. Moreover, other factors influencing property developers’ decision to apply energy-efficient principles in a residential home include cost (initial capital and maintenance), level of knowledge, nature of the climate in the area, local legislation, more independence and increasing the property’s market value and environmental aspect.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to South Africa; thus, the literature available was limited.
Practical implications
People’s perceptions, either wrong or correct, affect their ability to make an informed decision to adopt green retrofitting principles, thereby denying them the opportunity to reap the associated benefits. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the construction industry stakeholders and government to increase educational opportunities for property owners on the importance of green retrofitting.
Originality/value
This study provides the occupants with the possible barriers and problem areas with implementing these principles. They will thus make an informed decision when implementing sustainable design methods.
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Hiba Alkhalaf, Alaa Elhabashi, Yassmen Hesham, Abdulsalam Hiba, Abdulkader Omaar, Hafed Walda and Will Thomas Wootton
This paper introduces a methodology to identify, analyse and represent heritage site attributes, emphasizing their impact on value, authenticity, integrity and management, with a…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper introduces a methodology to identify, analyse and represent heritage site attributes, emphasizing their impact on value, authenticity, integrity and management, with a case study on Ghadames, Libya. Inscribed in 1986 and moved to the In-Danger List in 2016 due to conflict, this work seeks to update the site's attributes and values for improved management.
Design/methodology/approach
This methodology, focusing on Ghadames, leverages recent heritage management advancements to monitor conflict-induced changes, aiming to enhance decision-making through a detailed analysis of the site's natural and cultural attributes.
Findings
Our findings highlight the need for systematic and holistic assessments of heritage site attributes and values, crucial for managing sites of both local and global significance. This approach is a key to understanding their identity, guiding interpretation, management and preserving cultural significance.
Research limitations/implications
Developed for Ghadames, the methodology requires adaptation for other sites, underscoring the importance of identifying core tangible and intangible attributes that define a site's uniqueness.
Practical implications
Our developed methodology offers a replicable framework that can be modified by local heritage professionals to map attributes and assess the direct and indirect impact of conflict on heritage sites.
Originality/value
The detailed assessment provides a foundation for crafting informed policies and effective management strategies. It specifically targets minimizing the adverse effects of conflict on heritage sites' attributes. This effort is instrumental in preparing the necessary documentation to support the delisting of these sites from the UNESCO World Heritage Site In-Danger List, promoting their preservation and recovery.
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Eman Salim, Wael S. Mohamed and Rasha Sadek
Paper aims to evaluate the efficiency of traditional chitosan, nano chitosan, and chitosan nanocomposites for consolidating aged papyrus samples. Cellulose-based materials, such…
Abstract
Purpose
Paper aims to evaluate the efficiency of traditional chitosan, nano chitosan, and chitosan nanocomposites for consolidating aged papyrus samples. Cellulose-based materials, such as papyrus sheets and paper, which are the most common types of writing supports for works of art in many museums and archive. They are subjected to different types of deterioration factors that may lead to many conservation problems. Consolidation treatment is one of the most common conservation treatments, which should have perform after much testing to select the appropriate consolidants.
Design/methodology/approach
This research paper aims to evaluate the resistance of traditional chitosan, nanochitosan and chitosan/zinc oxide nanocomposite as an eco-friendly papyrus strengthening. Untreated and treated papyrus was thermally aged and characterized via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antimicrobial activity of the papyrus specimens was also determined against four tested pathogenic bacteria by disc diffusion method: MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa.
Findings
The results revealed that chitosan nanocomposite showed a remarkable enhancement of papyrus tensile properties and presence of ZnO prevents the effects of biodeterioration.
Originality/value
Zinc oxide nanoparticles enhance the optical properties and increase the chemical reactions between the consolidating material and the treated papyrus.
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Rana I. Mahmood, Harraa S. Mohammed-Salih, Ata’a Ghazi, Hikmat J. Abdulbaqi and Jameel R. Al-Obaidi
In the developing field of nano-materials synthesis, copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are deemed to be one of the most significant transition metal oxides because of their…
Abstract
Purpose
In the developing field of nano-materials synthesis, copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are deemed to be one of the most significant transition metal oxides because of their intriguing characteristics. Its synthesis employing green chemistry principles has become a key source for next-generation antibiotics attributed to its features such as environmental friendliness, ease of use and affordability. Because they are more environmentally benign, plants have been employed to create metallic NPs. These plant extracts serve as capping, stabilising or hydrolytic agents and enable a regulated synthesis as well.
Design/methodology/approach
Organic chemical solvents are harmful and entail intense conditions during nanoparticle synthesis. The copper oxide NPs (CuO-NPs) synthesised by employing the green chemistry principle showed potential antitumor properties. Green synthesised CuO-NPs are regarded to be a strong contender for applications in the pharmacological, biomedical and environmental fields.
Findings
The aim of this study is to evaluate the anticancer potential of CuO-NPs plant extracts to isolate and characterise the active anticancer principles as well as to yield more effective, affordable, and safer cancer therapies.
Originality/value
This review article highlights the copper oxide nanoparticle's biomedical applications such as anticancer, antimicrobial, dental and drug delivery properties, future research perspectives and direction are also discussed.
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Wiah Wardiningsih, Sandra Efendi, Rr. Wiwiek Mulyani, Totong Totong, Ryan Rudy and Samuel Pradana
This study aims to characterize the properties of natural cellulose fiber from the pseudo-stems of the curcuma zedoaria plant.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to characterize the properties of natural cellulose fiber from the pseudo-stems of the curcuma zedoaria plant.
Design/methodology/approach
The fiber was extracted using the biological retting process (cold-water retting). The intrinsic fiber properties obtained were used to evaluate the possibility of using fiber for textile applications.
Findings
The average length of a curcuma zedoaria fiber was 34.77 cm with a fineness value of 6.72 Tex. A bundle of curcuma zedoaria fibers was comprised of many elementary fibers. Curcuma zedoaria had an irregular cross-section, with the lumen having a varied oval shape. Curcuma zedoaria fibers had tenacity and elongation value of 3.32 gf/denier and 6.95%, respectively. Curcuma zedoaria fibers had a coefficient of friction value of 0.46. Curcuma zedoaria fibers belong to a hygroscopic fiber type with a moisture regain value of 10.29%.
Originality/value
Extraction and Characterization of Curcuma zedoaria Pseudo-stems Fibers for Textile Application.
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