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All Journal Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology Budapest International Research in Exact Sciences (BirEx Journal)
Akçakale, Nürettin
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Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Energy Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering Physics Transportation

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Preliminary study on Gongronema latifolium stems fibers as a renewable engineering material for reinforcing polymer composites Okafor, Christian Emeka; Ugwu, Peter Chukwuemeka; Ekwueme, Godspower Onyekachukwu; Akçakale, Nürettin; Ifedigbo, Emmanuel Ekene; Madumere, Augustine Uzodinma
Budapest International Research in Exact Sciences (BirEx) Journal Vol 7, No 1 (2025): Budapest International Research in Exact Sciences, January
Publisher : Budapest International Research and Critics University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/birex.v7i1.8031

Abstract

The ultimate analysis of Gongronema latifolium plant stem fibers was conducted to evaluate their potential as a renewable engineering material. The study utilized Gongronema latifolium plant fibers sourced from a local farm in Anambra State. Lignin determination was done by using 0.3 g samples prepared alongside 0.3 g for cellulose and crude fiber analyses. Key chemicals used included 72% sulfuric acid for lignin extraction and petroleum ether for defatting. Standard laboratory glassware and equipment, including a muffle furnace for ash content determination and an electric oven for drying, were employed. Ash content was determined from the incineration of 2 g of fibers at 800 °C and the bulk density was determined using a pycnometer. Moisture content was determined through oven drying while crude fibre was carried out using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) procedure where sample was treated with refluxing acid and alkali solutions of sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide respectively. Cellulose content was determined via the Crampton and Mayrand method, involving centrifugation and acid digestion. Samples for lignin content determination were subjected to 72% sulfuric acid hydrolysis and weights obtained were used for calculation of lignin. The percentages of cellulose content were 12.862%, lignin 10.301%, and hemicellulose 6.005%. The moisture content of stem fibers was determined to be 1.711% from a sample weight of 1.344 g. The ash content was calculated at 10.095% from a sample of 1.466 g. Additionally, the fiber content was found to be 4.249% from a sample weight of 1.624 g, while the bulk density was measured at 0.417 g/ml. These findings indicate a favorable composition for reinforcing materials in composites and other engineering applications. As the findings have revealed, fibers obtained from Gongronema latifolium have notable potential in being used as the substitutes to the conventional engineering materials that would pave way for the creation of environmentally friendly products in the field of material engineering. Further studies are recommended to explore the processing techniques and performance characteristics of these fibers in reinforced composite applications.
Multiple Input–Single Output (MISO) Framework for Low Velocity Impact Response of Hybrid Gongronema latifolium/S-Glass Fibre Epoxy Composites Okafor, Christian Emeka; Ugwu, Peter Chukwuemeka; Ekwueme, Godspower Onyekachukwu; Akçakale, Nürettin; Nwanna, Emmanuel Chukwudi
Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST) Vol 9, No 1 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Negeri Malang

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.17977/um016v9i12025p177

Abstract

Sustainable composites are vital for impact-critical aerospace, automotive, and defense applications. This study used Multiple Input–Single Output (MISO) experimental approach to assess how hybrid ratio, mass fraction, and fiber orientation influence the low-velocity impact behavior of Gongronema/S-glass epoxy composites. Gongronema fibers and S-glass were combined with ER-F292 epoxy and molded into ASTM-standard samples. Charpy impact tests measured energy absorption. A 60-run design evaluated input variable combinations, and Multiple Linear Regression identified significant predictors using p-values and confidence intervals. Results showed that the mean values for hybridization ratio, mass fraction, fiber orientation, and low velocity impact were (2.50), (27.79%), (67.90°), and (3.82 J), respectively. It was found that the mass fraction had significant negative correlation with low velocity impact (r = -0.455; p = 0.000), as did the fiber orientation (r = -0.853; p = 0.000). The results for R = (0.994), R² = (0.989), F = (1607.390), and Durbin-Watson = (2.213) show that the regression model is highly predictive. Regression coefficients indicated negative effects from hybridization ratio (-0.357), mass fraction (-0.032), and fiber orientation (-0.017), all statistically significant (p = 0.000). Residual plots confirmed model validity. The TEM images of confirmation test sample 1 reveal fiber-matrix interfaces with particle sizes between 10.02–26.40 nm. Variations in scale (100 nm and 50 nm) show microstructural differences, suggesting strong adhesion, dispersion aggregation, and anisotropic behavior due to 90-degree fiber orientation within epoxy matrix. The study concludes that strategic optimization of input parameters significantly enhances the impact resistance of hybrid biocomposites.
Co-Authors Ekwueme, Godspower Onyekachukwu Ifedigbo, Emmanuel Ekene Madumere, Augustine Uzodinma Nwanna, Emmanuel Chukwudi Okafor, Christian Emeka Ugwu, Peter Chukwuemeka