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Statistical analysis of fiber/matrix bond strength of hybrid Gengronema Latifolium stem/S-glass fibers reinforced epoxy composites Christian Emeka Okafor; Peter Chukwuemeka Ugwu; Godspower Onyekachukwu Ekwueme; Chibuzo Ndubuisi Okoye; Augustine Uzodinma Madumere
Britain International of Exact Sciences (BIoEx) Journal Vol 7 No 1 (2025): Britain International of Exact Sciences Journal, January
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR) Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/bioex.v7i1.1244

Abstract

The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of hybridization ratio, fiber orientation, and mass fraction on the fiber/matrix bond properties of hybrid Gongronema latifolium stem/S-glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Gongronema latifolium plant stem fibers were collected from Anambra State, Nigeria, with leaves removed manually. Sodium hydroxide (2%) and epoxy resin (Grade-3554A) were used, while S-Glass was sourced locally. The fibers were extracted using a water retting method, treated with NaOH at 40-60°C for 4 hours, and dried at 70°C. For composite fabrication, fibers were aligned unidirectionally and mixed with resin and S-glass in a 250×100×5 mm mold. The hybridization ratio of S-Glass to natural fiber was fixed at 2.2 for Level 1 and 2.8 for Level 2. The mass fraction levels were at 21.24% for level one and 34.22% for level two. Fiber orientation of Level 1 was 45° while that of Level 2 was 90°. Mechanical characteristics were evaluated to ASTM D5651-21 for fiber-matrix bond strength and then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. Three models were developed, with the first model considering hybridization ratio, the second incorporating fiber orientation, and the third including mass fraction. The results show that the hybridization ratio is the most significant predictor of bond strength, with fiber orientation and mass fraction also contributing positively to the overall model. Models’ R-square values indicated how well the proposed models fitted the data: Model 1 = 0.747; Model 2 = 0.956; Model 3 = 0.980. Two unique solutions were examined further at fiber/matrix bond strength value of 0.32716MPa and value of 0.18070MPa, with a mean value of 0.25393 MPa and standard deviation value of 0.10356 MPa. The study reveals the impact of these factors on enhancing the bond strength of the composite material. The research has important and real-world applications for industries including construction, automotive, aerospace, and others where stiffer and more resistant composites are required. Future studies could be directed to investigate other variables and environmental factors that may influence performance of these hybrid composites to improve on their applications.
Framework For Optimizing The Design of Reinforced Composite Products to Achieve Environmental Sustainability Christian Emeka Okafor; Godspower Onyekachukwu Ekwueme; Chibuzo Ndubuisi Okoye; Augustine Uzodinma Madumere; Calistus Princewill Odeh
Green Engineering: International Journal of Engineering and Applied Science Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): January: Green Engineering: International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sc
Publisher : International Forum of Researchers and Lecturers

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.70062/greenengineering.v2i1.59

Abstract

In recognition of the need for sustainable design philosophies and practices that can be incorporated into the design of new products with an environmentally sustainable perspective throughout the life cycle, this research used a scoping review approach to x-ray the utility of the Sustainable Value Framework (SVF) in enhancing the application of reinforced composite products for ecological efficiency. An extensive search was performed using the electronic databases of articles such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Semantic Scholar. The study selected and extracted data from the literature according to the PRISMA-SCR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews) to map the current literature for gaps in knowledge. The research studies show that SVF promotes the product design by incorporating characteristics such as environmental, economic, and social factors to attain optimal reduction of resources and sustainable uses of the environmental resources as well as improving the quality of the products. The study discussed the principles of sustainable value creation and their work evaluates new solutions of composite material selection, design method and technology for sustainable products. It also discusses policy drivers as well as industry and consumer practices with regards to reuse of surfaces in sustainable design. This study is beneficial to various stakeholders like the policymakers, the professionals in industries and construction, and the scholars.
Evaluating Axial and Radial Compression-Induced Stress and Deformation in Watermelon Fruits Chibuzo Ndubuisi Okoye; Christian Ebele Chukwunyelu; John Chikaelo Okeke; Augustine Uzodinma Madumere; Chukwunonso Nnamdi chidiogo; Sunday Chimezie Anyaora
Journal Majelis Paspama Vol. 3 No. 02 (2025): Journal Majelis Paspama, 2025
Publisher : Journal Majelis Paspama

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar

Abstract

Understanding the mechanical behavior of biological materials such as watermelon fruits under compressive loading is essential for improving postharvest handling, packaging, and transport systems. This study utilized experimental and finite element methods to evaluate stress and deformation in watermelon fruits under axial and radial compression. Fresh, defect-free watermelons were measured and tested using a universal testing machine until failure. Mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio, and bulk modulus were computed. Simulation in Autodesk® Inventor® used these parameters to model stress distribution, safety factors, and deformation under a 95 N load. The elliptical mesh model included 3529 nodes and 2264 elements. Each test was repeated thrice for accuracy. The result revealed that Axial loading showed higher modulus of elasticity (2.68 MPa), Poisson’s ratio (0.43), and bulk modulus (0.94 MPa) compared to radial loading (2.41 MPa, 0.33, and 0.91 MPa respectively). Fracture load remained consistent (95 N). Von Mises stress under axial loading peaked at (1.238 MPa) versus radial (0.02701 MPa). Safety factor under axial loading was critically low (0.14), unlike radial (5.71). Orthogonal stress components (XX, YY, ZZ) revealed greater stress concentration under axial loading (e.g., −1.02 MPa to 0.059 MPa in XX). Finite element modeling used (3529) nodes and (2264) elements for analysis. These findings reveal that axial compression presents a higher risk of structural failure in watermelons, highlighting the importance of orientation during handling and mechanical design for fruit protection.