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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.
Development of engineering material selection computer package for enhanced decision making Nwankwo, Daniel; Okolie, Paul Chukwulozie; Madumere, Augustine Uzodinma; Okonkwo, Ugochukwu Chuka; Okoye, Chibuzo Ndubuisi
Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal) Vol 8, No 1 (2025): Budapest International Research and Critics Institute February
Publisher : Budapest International Research and Critics University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/birci.v8i1.8046

Abstract

An engineering material selection computer package for enhanced decision making has been developed. MATLAB software (2021 edition) which has built-in application design environment was employed for the development. The package integrates three main windows: the Login Window, the Add Material Window, and the Select Material Window. Through a detailed review of existing material selection methodologies, this research work presents a unified software solution tailored for engineering material selection. The software automates material classification, provides systematic ranking mechanisms, and offers detailed property displays during selection. Results demonstrate successful integration of material selection into a user-friendly interface, automated classification based on predefined parameters, and systematic ranking mechanisms. The software enables seamless updates, incorporates interactive documentation, and facilitates efficient material selection. The package is recommended for use by engineering students and practicing engineers, providing them with a valuable tool for material selection processes in their respective fields. Further recommendations include, regular software updates and integration with external databases to optimize impact. Overall, this thesis presents a robust software solution that enhances efficiency and accuracy in engineering material selection, aiding decision-making processes across engineering industries.
Tensile Strength Assessment of Palm Fruit Bunch and Corn Cob Particulates Hybrid Reinforced Aluminum-Based Composite Okoye, Chibuzo Ndubuisi; Okolie, Paul Chukwulozie; Ezenwa, Obiora Nnaemeka; Okeke, John Chikaelo; Madumere, Augustine Uzodinma; Ezeaku, Nkechinyelu Ifeatu
Science: Indonesian Journal of Science Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025)
Publisher : LPPI Yayasan Almahmudi bin Dahlan

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.31004/science.v2i3.360

Abstract

Engineering and industrial requirements today, especially in the field of transportation, call for the development of advanced, light-weight materials with extremely high strength and performance. Recently, the increasing need to reduce energy consumption and pollution worldwide has pushed automobile industries and aerospace industries to search for lightweight materials while maintaining better performance (Kandpal et al., 2017; Mangai et al., 2023; Parveez et al., 2021). Tensile assessment of aluminium-based biocomposites containing different concentrations of palm fruit bunch (PFB) and corn cob (CCF) particles have been investigated using practical experiments. "The impact of different hybrid reinforcement concentrations on tensile performance was also studied. The biocomposites showed strong tensile properties across the various concentrations, with the highest ultimate tensile strength of 189.78 MPa achieved by the AA6063 aluminum alloy biocomposite. This strength was notably higher than that of the unreinforced alloy. Overall, the results showed that adding palm fruit bunch (PFB) and corn cob fiber (CCF) significantly enhanced the tensile strength.