Dr. Newton I . Agbeboh | Federal University, Otuoke (FUO), Bayelsa State, Nigeria (original) (raw)
Papers by Dr. Newton I . Agbeboh
Nano select, May 18, 2023
Biomaterials are synthetic materials used in making devices for replacing parts of a living being... more Biomaterials are synthetic materials used in making devices for replacing parts of a living being and to function efficiently while interacting with living tissue. Contrary to orthodox medicine in which damaged parts are amputated, the emergence of biomaterials has changed the trend. Different biomaterials including biomedical implants are being developed for different uses within the biomedical field. Thus, biomedical implants are a rapidly advancing class of biomaterials that are currently used for the replacement of diseased parts or damaged tissues in the human body which may be either soft or hard tissues. These materials are developed to meet the structural and biocompatibility needs; hence, they are expected to be safe and acceptable to the human body system as the patient grows. Therefore, the age group and growth rate of the patients that need biomedical implants are parts of the critical factors that required adequate attention. Accordingly, this paper reviews the effects of the human age group and growth on the characteristics and responses of biomedical implants developed from bulk or nanomaterials for use in the human body system. Since, growth is a function of the age group in humans, and the three major age groups respond to growth at different rates, thus, the need to pay adequate attention to this. The review provides suitable information on the demand from each age group and provides the necessary guides on the selection of appropriate biomaterials with respect to age and growth. Hence, the need to have classifications of implants referring to; childhood implants, adolescent implants, and adult implants that focused on challenges that are common to each group.
Journal of Composites Science
Thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics are two major classes of polymers in that have recently... more Thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics are two major classes of polymers in that have recently become materials that are indispensable for humankind. Regarding the three basic needs of human beings—food, shelter, and clothing—polymers and polymer-based materials have gained pre-eminence. Polymers are used in food production, beginning with farming applications, and in the health sector for the development of various biomaterials, as well as in shelter and clothing for a variety of applications. Polymers are the material of choice for all modern-day applications (transportation, sporting, military/defence, electronics, packaging, and many more). Their widespread applications have created many negative challenges, mainly in the area of environmental pollution. While thermoplastics can be easily reprocessed to obtain new products, thermosetting plastics cannot; thus, this review focuses more on the use of waste from thermoplastics with less emphasis on thermosetting plastics. Hence,...
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering
This research investigates the effects of snail shell-based hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforcements o... more This research investigates the effects of snail shell-based hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforcements on the mechanical, wear, and selected physical properties of epoxy-based composites. The exploitation of these properties was aimed at assessing the suitability and efficiency of the developed bio-composites for adhesive biomedical applications. Snail shell wastes were sourced and processed to obtain (HAp) particles of ˂20 μm. The bio-derived hydroxyapatite-based epoxy composites were produced using the stir-cast method by mixing the hydroxyapatite with the epoxy resin and hardener before pouring into the moulds where they are allowed to cure. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) of the snail shell hydroxyapatite particles were carried out while mechanical, wear, and physical properties of the developed composites were evaluated. SEM images of the fracture surfaces were also examined. The results showed that enhancements occurred from the addition of snail shell-derived HAp to epoxy resin in the developed composites. The results revealed that most of the properties gave their optimum values when 15 wt.% reinforcement was used. At this weight fraction, optimum values were obtained which include 43 MPa for maximum flexural strength, 40HS for hardness, 40 J for impact, 0.35 W/mK for thermal conductivity, and 0.07 for wear index.
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, 2021
A system-level evaluation was used to analyze the induction furnace operation and process system ... more A system-level evaluation was used to analyze the induction furnace operation and process system in this study. This paper presents an investigation into the relationship between the instantaneous chemical composition of a molten bath and its energy consumption in steelmaking. This was evaluated using numerical modelling to solve for the estimated melting time prediction for the induction furnace operation. This work provides an insight into the lowering of energy consumption and estimated production time in steelmaking using material charge balancing approach. Enthalpy computation was implemented to develop an energy consumption model for the molten metal using a specific charge composition approach. Computational simulation program engine (CastMELT) was also developed in Java programming language with a MySQL database server for seamless specific charge composition analysis and testing. The model performance was established using real-time production data from a cast iron-based foundry with a 1 and 2-ton induction furnace capacity and a medium carbon-based foundry with a 10-and 15-ton induction furnace capacity. Using parameter fitting techniques on the measured operational data of the induction furnaces at different periods of melting, the results from the model predictions and real-time melting showed good correlation between 81%-95%. A further analysis that compared the relationship between the mass composition of a current molten bath and melting, time showed that energy consumption can be reduced with effective material balancing and controlled charge. Melting time was obtained as a function of the elemental charge composition of the molten bath in relation to the overall scrap material charge. This validates the approach taken by this research using material charge and thermodynamic of melting to optimize and better control melting operation in foundry and reduce traditional waste during iron and steel making.
Tribology in Industry, 2018
Fiber reinforced polyester composites were developed by reinforcing polyester resin with Cow hair... more Fiber reinforced polyester composites were developed by reinforcing polyester resin with Cow hair fibers obtained from the tail of Zebu breed cattle in Nigeria. Composites were fabricated using hand lay-up techniques in which the 10 mm lengths of the NaOH treated fibers were randomly dispersed in a polyester matrix using open molds and allowed to cure at ambient temperature before testing. The tensile, flexural, abrasion and water absorption properties of the cow hair fiber (CHF) reinforced polyester composites were evaluated. Different Fiber reinforced composites showed the greatest enhancement in mechanical (tensile, flexural), abrasion resistance and water absorption properties compared to the unreinforced polyester material. The different fiber fractions which showed the best blend of properties were noted and plausible justifications for such values in each measured property were deduced. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), abrasion resistance and hydrophobicity were optimum at 4 wt% CHF content with a value of about 10 MPa (UTS) while Young's Modulus and flexural modulus were 756 and 5179 MPa at 15 wt%, respectively. Flexural strength at peak was best with a value of 35 MPa at 20 wt% CHF content.
International Journal of Plastics Technology, 2019
This paper presents the effect of varying wt% of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the micr... more This paper presents the effect of varying wt% of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the microstructural, tensile and flexural properties of unsaturated polyester biocomposites. The fibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopyenergy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy while the biocomposites were characterized by Biaxial Tensile Test, Three-Point Bending Test and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Empirical regression models were also developed for rapid prediction of selected tensile and flexural properties of the biocomposites. It was found that carbon is the principal element in bovine hair fibre and specific wt% of the fibre is suitable and efficient in delivering a biocomposite with optimum combination of the investigated properties. There also exist great correlations at 95% analysis of variance confidence level between experimental and predicted results. In comparison with the monolithic polymer, superlative enhancements of 1084.05, 595.39, 88.91 and 539.26% in tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively, were evinced by the biocomposites. The strains to fracture of the biocomposites were also comparable to that of the monolithic polymer; however, it decreases with increasing fibre wt% in the matrix. The developed materials are expected to find suitable applications as exterior prosthetics, dashboards/bumpers of cars, interior furniture of leisure boats, gratings and sanitary wares.
Journal of Natural Fibers, 2018
This paper presents the influence of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the kinetics of mois... more This paper presents the influence of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the kinetics of moisture sorption and abrasive wear resistance of unsaturated polyester. The investigated properties were studied dependent on predetermined volume fractions of hair fibres in polyester matrix. Test samples were developed according to appropriate test standards and subjected to preferred characterizations. It was found that a linear relationship exists between water absorption and fibre volume fraction of biocomposites. The biocomposites exhibited Non-Fickian, Case II, and Super Case II Kinetics in correlation with diffusion mechanisms. Also, improved resistance to abrasion of the biocomposites was independent of fibre volume fraction. Overall, the biocomposites evinced better anti-abrasion properties than the monolithic polymer and carbon was revealed as the principal element in the hair fibre.
Fibers and Polymers, 2017
Organic fiber from animal waste was used for the development of environmentally friendly animal f... more Organic fiber from animal waste was used for the development of environmentally friendly animal fiber based polyester composites using cow hair. The cow hair fibers were cut into 10 mm lengths to produce the needed short fiber for random dispersion in the matrix. Before use, some of the fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide for fiber surface modification while some were left as untreated. Composites were developed using predetermined proportions of the fibers in an open mould production process. Samples were formed into tensile and flexural shape in their respective moulds and were stripped off the moulds after curing while further curing was ensured for 27 days before testing. Tensile and flexural properties of the cow hair fiber reinforced polyester composites were evaluated from which it was discovered that the untreated fiber reinforced composites possess better enhancement of mechanical properties compared to the treated fiber reinforced composites and the unreinforced polyester material. Mathematical models for the tensile and flexural properties were developed using statistical packages and estimation using developed software. The developed models revealed high degree of correlation between the experimental values and the predicted values. This denotes that the models can be used to predict the mechanical properties of cow hair reinforced polyester composites for various reinforcement contents.
FUTA JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Research into better and more improved biomaterials is at the forefront of modern biomedicine. A ... more Research into better and more improved biomaterials is at the forefront of modern biomedicine. A calcium phosphate compound known as Hydroxyapatite is one of the most bioactive and biocompatible osteoconductive ceramic materials currently known to man. It occurs naturally in the bones, teeth, and shells of some animals and the leaves, and stalks of some plants. It can also be synthesized artificially. Eggshells are very prominent sources of Hydroxyapatite and currently constitute waste, and environmental pollution due to ineffective, wrong, and incorrect disposal. In this research, two modified variants of the wet chemical precipitation method were used to produce hydroxyapatite from chicken eggshells gotten from the same source. The obtained samples were then characterized using XRD and SEM. The results of the characterization were analyzed to determine the most efficient, cost-effective, and less tedious method of production. It was discovered that although the orthophosphoric aci...
Journal of Natural Fibers
In order to advance the development of bio-composite materials, studies are being carried out on ... more In order to advance the development of bio-composite materials, studies are being carried out on the potentials of using reinforcements from a natural origin in polymer matrixes. In this study, the...
Composites and Advanced Materials
One of the main purposes of this research is to control environmental pollution and mitigate the ... more One of the main purposes of this research is to control environmental pollution and mitigate the impact of ignorantly discarded waste plastics in the environment through recycling of such plastics and using them to develop innovative composite materials. The present work investigates the influence of stone-dust particles and bagasse fiber on the mechanical and physical properties of reinforced recycled high-density polyethylene bio-composites. The bagasse fiber was first treated with 0.5 m NaOH solution at a temperature of 50°C for 2 h in order to improve the surface morphology and also modified the mechanical properties of the fiber. Likewise, the stone-dust particles were analyzed by using a standard sieve shaker to obtain particle sizes of 75 μm. Both reinforcements were used for composite development through the compression molding technique and the samples were subjected to mechanical and physical properties tests in accordance with standards. Analysis of the results revealed t...
Journal of Engineering and Engineering Technology, 2022
Research into better and more improved biomaterials is at the forefront of modern biomedicine. A ... more Research into better and more improved biomaterials is at the forefront of modern biomedicine. A calcium phosphate compound known as Hydroxyapatite is one of the most bioactive and biocompatible osteoconductive ceramic materials currently known to man. It occurs naturally in the bones, teeth, and shells of some animals and the leaves, and stalks of some plants. It can also be synthesized artificially. Eggshells are very prominent sources of Hydroxyapatite and currently constitute waste, and environmental pollution due to ineffective, wrong, and incorrect disposal. In this research, two modified variants of the wet chemical precipitation method were used to produce hydroxyapatite from chicken eggshells gotten from the same source. The obtained samples were then characterized using XRD and SEM. The results of the characterization were analyzed to determine the most efficient, cost-effective, and less tedious method of production. It was discovered that although the orthophosphoric acid-based wet precipitation method was more efficient in producing phase pure hydroxyapatite, the nitric acidbased wet chemical precipitation method was found to be better than the orthophosphoric-based wet chemical precipitation method in terms of particle size, agglomeration, elemental analysis, and other observed properties.
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 2022
This research investigates the effects of snail shell-based hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforcements o... more This research investigates the effects of snail shell-based hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforcements on the mechanical, wear, and selected physical properties of epoxy-based composites. The exploitation of these properties was aimed at assessing the suitability and efficiency of the developed bio-composites for adhesive biomedical applications. Snail shell wastes were sourced and processed to obtain (HAp) particles of ˂20 μm. The bio-derived hydroxyapatite-based epoxy composites were produced using the stir-cast method by mixing the hydroxyapatite with the epoxy resin and hardener before pouring into the moulds where they are allowed to cure. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) of the snail shell hydroxyapatite particles were carried out while mechanical, wear, and physical properties of the developed composites were evaluated. SEM images of the fracture surfaces were also examined. The results showed that enhancements occurred from the addition of snail shell-derived HAp to epoxy resin in the developed composites. The results revealed that most of the properties gave their optimum values when 15 wt.% reinforcement was used. At this weight fraction, optimum values were obtained which include 43 MPa for maximum flexural strength, 40HS for hardness, 40 J for impact, 0.35 W/mK for thermal conductivity, and 0.07 for wear index.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS, 2020
In order to advance the development of bio-composite materials, studies are being carried out on ... more In order to advance the development of bio-composite materials, studies are being carried out on the potentials of using reinforcements from a natural origin in polymer matrixes. In this study, thermal conductivity, water absorption, and mechanical properties of calcined eggshell particles-treated sisal fiber hybrid reinforced epoxy composites were investigated in order to ascertain its potentials for use as structural materials. Calcined eggshell particulate (CEP) was obtained from chicken eggshell while treated sisal fibers (TSF) were obtained from the Agave sisalana plant. Both processed reinforcements were incorporated into an epoxy matrix using the hand layup method for the development of the bio-composites. Thermal, water absorption and mechanical behavior tests were carried out on the developed composites and the control sample. Analysis of the results showed that the presence of the bio-fillers in the epoxy matrix enhances the insulating, resistance to water uptake, and mechanical properties of the composites compared to the unreinforced epoxy matrix. It was concluded that these biofillers could be effectively used as reinforcements in a polymer matrix for the production of green composites.
Composites and Advanced Materials, 2022
One of the main purposes of this research is to control environmental pollution and mitigate the ... more One of the main purposes of this research is to control environmental pollution and mitigate the impact of ignorantly discarded waste plastics in the environment through recycling of such plastics and using them to develop innovative composite materials. The present work investigates the influence of stone-dust particles and bagasse fiber on the mechanical and physical properties of reinforced recycled high-density polyethylene bio-composites. The bagasse fiber was first treated with 0.5 M NaOH solution at a temperature of 50°C for 2 h in order to improve the surface morphology and also modified the mechanical properties of the fiber. Likewise, the stone-dust particles were analyzed by using a standard sieve shaker to obtain particle sizes of 75 μm. Both reinforcements were used for composite development through the compression molding technique and the samples were subjected to mechanical and physical properties tests in accordance with standards. Analysis of the results revealed that flexural, hardness, wear, and hydrophobicity of the developed bio-composites were improved by stone-dust particles. The flexural strength at peak and modulus were enhanced by 88% and 92%, respectively. Also, it was discovered that, tensile, impact and thermal conductivity properties of the bio-composites were improved by bagasse fiber. The ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus were enhanced by 43% and 34%, respectively. Hence, the blend of these by-products showed that they are potential bio-materials for the development of bio-composites.
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, 2021
A system-level evaluation was used to analyze the induction furnace operation and process system ... more A system-level evaluation was used to analyze the induction furnace operation and process system in this study. This paper presents an investigation into the relationship between the instantaneous chemical composition of a molten bath and its energy consumption in steelmaking. This was evaluated using numerical modelling to solve for the estimated melting time prediction for the induction furnace operation. This work provides an insight into the lowering of energy consumption and estimated production time in steelmaking using material charge balancing approach. Enthalpy computation was implemented to develop an energy consumption model for the molten metal using a specific charge composition approach. Computational simulation program engine (CastMELT) was also developed in Java programming language with a MySQL database server for seamless specific charge composition analysis and testing. The model performance was established using real-time production data from a cast iron-based foundry with a 1 and 2-ton induction furnace capacity and a medium carbon-based foundry with a 10-and 15-ton induction furnace capacity. Using parameter fitting techniques on the measured operational data of the induction furnaces at different periods of melting, the results from the model predictions and real-time melting showed good correlation between 81%-95%. A further analysis that compared the relationship between the mass composition of a current molten bath and melting, time showed that energy consumption can be reduced with effective material balancing and controlled charge. Melting time was obtained as a function of the elemental charge composition of the molten bath in relation to the overall scrap material charge. This validates the approach taken by this research using material charge and thermodynamic of melting to optimize and better control melting operation in foundry and reduce traditional waste during iron and steel making.
Fibers and Polymers, Development of Mathematical Models and Estimation for the Mechanical Properties of Organic Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites, 2017
Organic fiber from animal waste was used for the development of environmentally friendly animal f... more Organic fiber from animal waste was used for the development of environmentally friendly animal fiber based polyester composites using cow hair. The cow hair fibers were cut into 10 mm lengths to produce the needed short fiber for random dispersion in the matrix. Before use, some of the fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide for fiber surface modification while some were left as untreated. Composites were developed using predetermined proportions of the fibers in an open mould production process. Samples were formed into tensile and flexural shape in their respective moulds and were stripped off the moulds after curing while further curing was ensured for 27 days before testing. Tensile and flexural properties of the cow hair fiber reinforced polyester composites were evaluated from which it was discovered that the untreated fiber reinforced composites possess better enhancement of mechanical properties compared to the treated fiber reinforced composites and the unreinforced polyester material. Mathematical models for the tensile and flexural properties were developed using statistical packages and estimation using developed software. The developed models revealed high degree of correlation between the experimental values and the predicted values. This denotes that the models can be used to predict the mechanical properties of cow hair reinforced polyester composites for various reinforcement contents.
This paper presents the effect of varying wt% of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the micr... more This paper presents the effect of varying wt% of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the microstructural, tensile and flexural properties of unsaturated polyester biocomposites. The fibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopyenergy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy while the biocomposites were characterized by Biaxial Tensile Test, Three-Point Bending Test and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Empirical regression models were also developed for rapid prediction of selected tensile and flexural properties of the biocomposites. It was found that carbon is the principal element in bovine hair fibre and specific wt% of the fibre is suitable and efficient in delivering a biocomposite with optimum combination of the investigated properties. There also exist great correlations at 95% analysis of variance confidence level between experimental and predicted results. In comparison with the monolithic polymer, superlative enhancements of 1084.05, 595.39, 88.91 and 539.26% in tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively, were evinced by the biocomposites. The strains to fracture of the biocomposites were also comparable to that of the monolithic polymer; however, it decreases with increasing fibre wt% in the matrix. The developed materials are expected to find suitable applications as exterior prosthetics, dashboards/bumpers of cars, interior furniture of leisure boats, gratings and sanitary wares.
This paper presents the influence of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the kinetics of mois... more This paper presents the influence of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the kinetics of moisture sorption and abrasive wear resistance of unsaturated polyester. The investigated properties were studied dependent on predetermined volume fractions of hair fibres in polyester matrix. Test samples were developed according to appropriate test standards and subjected to preferred characterizations. It was found that a linear relationship exists between water absorption and fibre volume fraction of biocomposites. The biocomposites exhibited Non-Fickian, Case II, and Super Case II Kinetics in correlation with diffusion mechanisms. Also, improved resistance to abrasion of the biocomposites was independent of fibre volume fraction. Overall, the biocomposites evinced better anti-abrasion properties than the monolithic polymer and carbon was revealed as the principal element in the hair fibre.
Nano select, May 18, 2023
Biomaterials are synthetic materials used in making devices for replacing parts of a living being... more Biomaterials are synthetic materials used in making devices for replacing parts of a living being and to function efficiently while interacting with living tissue. Contrary to orthodox medicine in which damaged parts are amputated, the emergence of biomaterials has changed the trend. Different biomaterials including biomedical implants are being developed for different uses within the biomedical field. Thus, biomedical implants are a rapidly advancing class of biomaterials that are currently used for the replacement of diseased parts or damaged tissues in the human body which may be either soft or hard tissues. These materials are developed to meet the structural and biocompatibility needs; hence, they are expected to be safe and acceptable to the human body system as the patient grows. Therefore, the age group and growth rate of the patients that need biomedical implants are parts of the critical factors that required adequate attention. Accordingly, this paper reviews the effects of the human age group and growth on the characteristics and responses of biomedical implants developed from bulk or nanomaterials for use in the human body system. Since, growth is a function of the age group in humans, and the three major age groups respond to growth at different rates, thus, the need to pay adequate attention to this. The review provides suitable information on the demand from each age group and provides the necessary guides on the selection of appropriate biomaterials with respect to age and growth. Hence, the need to have classifications of implants referring to; childhood implants, adolescent implants, and adult implants that focused on challenges that are common to each group.
Journal of Composites Science
Thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics are two major classes of polymers in that have recently... more Thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics are two major classes of polymers in that have recently become materials that are indispensable for humankind. Regarding the three basic needs of human beings—food, shelter, and clothing—polymers and polymer-based materials have gained pre-eminence. Polymers are used in food production, beginning with farming applications, and in the health sector for the development of various biomaterials, as well as in shelter and clothing for a variety of applications. Polymers are the material of choice for all modern-day applications (transportation, sporting, military/defence, electronics, packaging, and many more). Their widespread applications have created many negative challenges, mainly in the area of environmental pollution. While thermoplastics can be easily reprocessed to obtain new products, thermosetting plastics cannot; thus, this review focuses more on the use of waste from thermoplastics with less emphasis on thermosetting plastics. Hence,...
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering
This research investigates the effects of snail shell-based hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforcements o... more This research investigates the effects of snail shell-based hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforcements on the mechanical, wear, and selected physical properties of epoxy-based composites. The exploitation of these properties was aimed at assessing the suitability and efficiency of the developed bio-composites for adhesive biomedical applications. Snail shell wastes were sourced and processed to obtain (HAp) particles of ˂20 μm. The bio-derived hydroxyapatite-based epoxy composites were produced using the stir-cast method by mixing the hydroxyapatite with the epoxy resin and hardener before pouring into the moulds where they are allowed to cure. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) of the snail shell hydroxyapatite particles were carried out while mechanical, wear, and physical properties of the developed composites were evaluated. SEM images of the fracture surfaces were also examined. The results showed that enhancements occurred from the addition of snail shell-derived HAp to epoxy resin in the developed composites. The results revealed that most of the properties gave their optimum values when 15 wt.% reinforcement was used. At this weight fraction, optimum values were obtained which include 43 MPa for maximum flexural strength, 40HS for hardness, 40 J for impact, 0.35 W/mK for thermal conductivity, and 0.07 for wear index.
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, 2021
A system-level evaluation was used to analyze the induction furnace operation and process system ... more A system-level evaluation was used to analyze the induction furnace operation and process system in this study. This paper presents an investigation into the relationship between the instantaneous chemical composition of a molten bath and its energy consumption in steelmaking. This was evaluated using numerical modelling to solve for the estimated melting time prediction for the induction furnace operation. This work provides an insight into the lowering of energy consumption and estimated production time in steelmaking using material charge balancing approach. Enthalpy computation was implemented to develop an energy consumption model for the molten metal using a specific charge composition approach. Computational simulation program engine (CastMELT) was also developed in Java programming language with a MySQL database server for seamless specific charge composition analysis and testing. The model performance was established using real-time production data from a cast iron-based foundry with a 1 and 2-ton induction furnace capacity and a medium carbon-based foundry with a 10-and 15-ton induction furnace capacity. Using parameter fitting techniques on the measured operational data of the induction furnaces at different periods of melting, the results from the model predictions and real-time melting showed good correlation between 81%-95%. A further analysis that compared the relationship between the mass composition of a current molten bath and melting, time showed that energy consumption can be reduced with effective material balancing and controlled charge. Melting time was obtained as a function of the elemental charge composition of the molten bath in relation to the overall scrap material charge. This validates the approach taken by this research using material charge and thermodynamic of melting to optimize and better control melting operation in foundry and reduce traditional waste during iron and steel making.
Tribology in Industry, 2018
Fiber reinforced polyester composites were developed by reinforcing polyester resin with Cow hair... more Fiber reinforced polyester composites were developed by reinforcing polyester resin with Cow hair fibers obtained from the tail of Zebu breed cattle in Nigeria. Composites were fabricated using hand lay-up techniques in which the 10 mm lengths of the NaOH treated fibers were randomly dispersed in a polyester matrix using open molds and allowed to cure at ambient temperature before testing. The tensile, flexural, abrasion and water absorption properties of the cow hair fiber (CHF) reinforced polyester composites were evaluated. Different Fiber reinforced composites showed the greatest enhancement in mechanical (tensile, flexural), abrasion resistance and water absorption properties compared to the unreinforced polyester material. The different fiber fractions which showed the best blend of properties were noted and plausible justifications for such values in each measured property were deduced. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS), abrasion resistance and hydrophobicity were optimum at 4 wt% CHF content with a value of about 10 MPa (UTS) while Young's Modulus and flexural modulus were 756 and 5179 MPa at 15 wt%, respectively. Flexural strength at peak was best with a value of 35 MPa at 20 wt% CHF content.
International Journal of Plastics Technology, 2019
This paper presents the effect of varying wt% of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the micr... more This paper presents the effect of varying wt% of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the microstructural, tensile and flexural properties of unsaturated polyester biocomposites. The fibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopyenergy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy while the biocomposites were characterized by Biaxial Tensile Test, Three-Point Bending Test and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Empirical regression models were also developed for rapid prediction of selected tensile and flexural properties of the biocomposites. It was found that carbon is the principal element in bovine hair fibre and specific wt% of the fibre is suitable and efficient in delivering a biocomposite with optimum combination of the investigated properties. There also exist great correlations at 95% analysis of variance confidence level between experimental and predicted results. In comparison with the monolithic polymer, superlative enhancements of 1084.05, 595.39, 88.91 and 539.26% in tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively, were evinced by the biocomposites. The strains to fracture of the biocomposites were also comparable to that of the monolithic polymer; however, it decreases with increasing fibre wt% in the matrix. The developed materials are expected to find suitable applications as exterior prosthetics, dashboards/bumpers of cars, interior furniture of leisure boats, gratings and sanitary wares.
Journal of Natural Fibers, 2018
This paper presents the influence of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the kinetics of mois... more This paper presents the influence of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the kinetics of moisture sorption and abrasive wear resistance of unsaturated polyester. The investigated properties were studied dependent on predetermined volume fractions of hair fibres in polyester matrix. Test samples were developed according to appropriate test standards and subjected to preferred characterizations. It was found that a linear relationship exists between water absorption and fibre volume fraction of biocomposites. The biocomposites exhibited Non-Fickian, Case II, and Super Case II Kinetics in correlation with diffusion mechanisms. Also, improved resistance to abrasion of the biocomposites was independent of fibre volume fraction. Overall, the biocomposites evinced better anti-abrasion properties than the monolithic polymer and carbon was revealed as the principal element in the hair fibre.
Fibers and Polymers, 2017
Organic fiber from animal waste was used for the development of environmentally friendly animal f... more Organic fiber from animal waste was used for the development of environmentally friendly animal fiber based polyester composites using cow hair. The cow hair fibers were cut into 10 mm lengths to produce the needed short fiber for random dispersion in the matrix. Before use, some of the fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide for fiber surface modification while some were left as untreated. Composites were developed using predetermined proportions of the fibers in an open mould production process. Samples were formed into tensile and flexural shape in their respective moulds and were stripped off the moulds after curing while further curing was ensured for 27 days before testing. Tensile and flexural properties of the cow hair fiber reinforced polyester composites were evaluated from which it was discovered that the untreated fiber reinforced composites possess better enhancement of mechanical properties compared to the treated fiber reinforced composites and the unreinforced polyester material. Mathematical models for the tensile and flexural properties were developed using statistical packages and estimation using developed software. The developed models revealed high degree of correlation between the experimental values and the predicted values. This denotes that the models can be used to predict the mechanical properties of cow hair reinforced polyester composites for various reinforcement contents.
FUTA JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
Research into better and more improved biomaterials is at the forefront of modern biomedicine. A ... more Research into better and more improved biomaterials is at the forefront of modern biomedicine. A calcium phosphate compound known as Hydroxyapatite is one of the most bioactive and biocompatible osteoconductive ceramic materials currently known to man. It occurs naturally in the bones, teeth, and shells of some animals and the leaves, and stalks of some plants. It can also be synthesized artificially. Eggshells are very prominent sources of Hydroxyapatite and currently constitute waste, and environmental pollution due to ineffective, wrong, and incorrect disposal. In this research, two modified variants of the wet chemical precipitation method were used to produce hydroxyapatite from chicken eggshells gotten from the same source. The obtained samples were then characterized using XRD and SEM. The results of the characterization were analyzed to determine the most efficient, cost-effective, and less tedious method of production. It was discovered that although the orthophosphoric aci...
Journal of Natural Fibers
In order to advance the development of bio-composite materials, studies are being carried out on ... more In order to advance the development of bio-composite materials, studies are being carried out on the potentials of using reinforcements from a natural origin in polymer matrixes. In this study, the...
Composites and Advanced Materials
One of the main purposes of this research is to control environmental pollution and mitigate the ... more One of the main purposes of this research is to control environmental pollution and mitigate the impact of ignorantly discarded waste plastics in the environment through recycling of such plastics and using them to develop innovative composite materials. The present work investigates the influence of stone-dust particles and bagasse fiber on the mechanical and physical properties of reinforced recycled high-density polyethylene bio-composites. The bagasse fiber was first treated with 0.5 m NaOH solution at a temperature of 50°C for 2 h in order to improve the surface morphology and also modified the mechanical properties of the fiber. Likewise, the stone-dust particles were analyzed by using a standard sieve shaker to obtain particle sizes of 75 μm. Both reinforcements were used for composite development through the compression molding technique and the samples were subjected to mechanical and physical properties tests in accordance with standards. Analysis of the results revealed t...
Journal of Engineering and Engineering Technology, 2022
Research into better and more improved biomaterials is at the forefront of modern biomedicine. A ... more Research into better and more improved biomaterials is at the forefront of modern biomedicine. A calcium phosphate compound known as Hydroxyapatite is one of the most bioactive and biocompatible osteoconductive ceramic materials currently known to man. It occurs naturally in the bones, teeth, and shells of some animals and the leaves, and stalks of some plants. It can also be synthesized artificially. Eggshells are very prominent sources of Hydroxyapatite and currently constitute waste, and environmental pollution due to ineffective, wrong, and incorrect disposal. In this research, two modified variants of the wet chemical precipitation method were used to produce hydroxyapatite from chicken eggshells gotten from the same source. The obtained samples were then characterized using XRD and SEM. The results of the characterization were analyzed to determine the most efficient, cost-effective, and less tedious method of production. It was discovered that although the orthophosphoric acid-based wet precipitation method was more efficient in producing phase pure hydroxyapatite, the nitric acidbased wet chemical precipitation method was found to be better than the orthophosphoric-based wet chemical precipitation method in terms of particle size, agglomeration, elemental analysis, and other observed properties.
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 2022
This research investigates the effects of snail shell-based hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforcements o... more This research investigates the effects of snail shell-based hydroxyapatite (HAp) reinforcements on the mechanical, wear, and selected physical properties of epoxy-based composites. The exploitation of these properties was aimed at assessing the suitability and efficiency of the developed bio-composites for adhesive biomedical applications. Snail shell wastes were sourced and processed to obtain (HAp) particles of ˂20 μm. The bio-derived hydroxyapatite-based epoxy composites were produced using the stir-cast method by mixing the hydroxyapatite with the epoxy resin and hardener before pouring into the moulds where they are allowed to cure. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) of the snail shell hydroxyapatite particles were carried out while mechanical, wear, and physical properties of the developed composites were evaluated. SEM images of the fracture surfaces were also examined. The results showed that enhancements occurred from the addition of snail shell-derived HAp to epoxy resin in the developed composites. The results revealed that most of the properties gave their optimum values when 15 wt.% reinforcement was used. At this weight fraction, optimum values were obtained which include 43 MPa for maximum flexural strength, 40HS for hardness, 40 J for impact, 0.35 W/mK for thermal conductivity, and 0.07 for wear index.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS, 2020
In order to advance the development of bio-composite materials, studies are being carried out on ... more In order to advance the development of bio-composite materials, studies are being carried out on the potentials of using reinforcements from a natural origin in polymer matrixes. In this study, thermal conductivity, water absorption, and mechanical properties of calcined eggshell particles-treated sisal fiber hybrid reinforced epoxy composites were investigated in order to ascertain its potentials for use as structural materials. Calcined eggshell particulate (CEP) was obtained from chicken eggshell while treated sisal fibers (TSF) were obtained from the Agave sisalana plant. Both processed reinforcements were incorporated into an epoxy matrix using the hand layup method for the development of the bio-composites. Thermal, water absorption and mechanical behavior tests were carried out on the developed composites and the control sample. Analysis of the results showed that the presence of the bio-fillers in the epoxy matrix enhances the insulating, resistance to water uptake, and mechanical properties of the composites compared to the unreinforced epoxy matrix. It was concluded that these biofillers could be effectively used as reinforcements in a polymer matrix for the production of green composites.
Composites and Advanced Materials, 2022
One of the main purposes of this research is to control environmental pollution and mitigate the ... more One of the main purposes of this research is to control environmental pollution and mitigate the impact of ignorantly discarded waste plastics in the environment through recycling of such plastics and using them to develop innovative composite materials. The present work investigates the influence of stone-dust particles and bagasse fiber on the mechanical and physical properties of reinforced recycled high-density polyethylene bio-composites. The bagasse fiber was first treated with 0.5 M NaOH solution at a temperature of 50°C for 2 h in order to improve the surface morphology and also modified the mechanical properties of the fiber. Likewise, the stone-dust particles were analyzed by using a standard sieve shaker to obtain particle sizes of 75 μm. Both reinforcements were used for composite development through the compression molding technique and the samples were subjected to mechanical and physical properties tests in accordance with standards. Analysis of the results revealed that flexural, hardness, wear, and hydrophobicity of the developed bio-composites were improved by stone-dust particles. The flexural strength at peak and modulus were enhanced by 88% and 92%, respectively. Also, it was discovered that, tensile, impact and thermal conductivity properties of the bio-composites were improved by bagasse fiber. The ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus were enhanced by 43% and 34%, respectively. Hence, the blend of these by-products showed that they are potential bio-materials for the development of bio-composites.
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering, 2021
A system-level evaluation was used to analyze the induction furnace operation and process system ... more A system-level evaluation was used to analyze the induction furnace operation and process system in this study. This paper presents an investigation into the relationship between the instantaneous chemical composition of a molten bath and its energy consumption in steelmaking. This was evaluated using numerical modelling to solve for the estimated melting time prediction for the induction furnace operation. This work provides an insight into the lowering of energy consumption and estimated production time in steelmaking using material charge balancing approach. Enthalpy computation was implemented to develop an energy consumption model for the molten metal using a specific charge composition approach. Computational simulation program engine (CastMELT) was also developed in Java programming language with a MySQL database server for seamless specific charge composition analysis and testing. The model performance was established using real-time production data from a cast iron-based foundry with a 1 and 2-ton induction furnace capacity and a medium carbon-based foundry with a 10-and 15-ton induction furnace capacity. Using parameter fitting techniques on the measured operational data of the induction furnaces at different periods of melting, the results from the model predictions and real-time melting showed good correlation between 81%-95%. A further analysis that compared the relationship between the mass composition of a current molten bath and melting, time showed that energy consumption can be reduced with effective material balancing and controlled charge. Melting time was obtained as a function of the elemental charge composition of the molten bath in relation to the overall scrap material charge. This validates the approach taken by this research using material charge and thermodynamic of melting to optimize and better control melting operation in foundry and reduce traditional waste during iron and steel making.
Fibers and Polymers, Development of Mathematical Models and Estimation for the Mechanical Properties of Organic Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites, 2017
Organic fiber from animal waste was used for the development of environmentally friendly animal f... more Organic fiber from animal waste was used for the development of environmentally friendly animal fiber based polyester composites using cow hair. The cow hair fibers were cut into 10 mm lengths to produce the needed short fiber for random dispersion in the matrix. Before use, some of the fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide for fiber surface modification while some were left as untreated. Composites were developed using predetermined proportions of the fibers in an open mould production process. Samples were formed into tensile and flexural shape in their respective moulds and were stripped off the moulds after curing while further curing was ensured for 27 days before testing. Tensile and flexural properties of the cow hair fiber reinforced polyester composites were evaluated from which it was discovered that the untreated fiber reinforced composites possess better enhancement of mechanical properties compared to the treated fiber reinforced composites and the unreinforced polyester material. Mathematical models for the tensile and flexural properties were developed using statistical packages and estimation using developed software. The developed models revealed high degree of correlation between the experimental values and the predicted values. This denotes that the models can be used to predict the mechanical properties of cow hair reinforced polyester composites for various reinforcement contents.
This paper presents the effect of varying wt% of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the micr... more This paper presents the effect of varying wt% of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the microstructural, tensile and flexural properties of unsaturated polyester biocomposites. The fibres were characterized by scanning electron microscopyenergy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy while the biocomposites were characterized by Biaxial Tensile Test, Three-Point Bending Test and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Empirical regression models were also developed for rapid prediction of selected tensile and flexural properties of the biocomposites. It was found that carbon is the principal element in bovine hair fibre and specific wt% of the fibre is suitable and efficient in delivering a biocomposite with optimum combination of the investigated properties. There also exist great correlations at 95% analysis of variance confidence level between experimental and predicted results. In comparison with the monolithic polymer, superlative enhancements of 1084.05, 595.39, 88.91 and 539.26% in tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively, were evinced by the biocomposites. The strains to fracture of the biocomposites were also comparable to that of the monolithic polymer; however, it decreases with increasing fibre wt% in the matrix. The developed materials are expected to find suitable applications as exterior prosthetics, dashboards/bumpers of cars, interior furniture of leisure boats, gratings and sanitary wares.
This paper presents the influence of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the kinetics of mois... more This paper presents the influence of randomly oriented bovine hair fibres on the kinetics of moisture sorption and abrasive wear resistance of unsaturated polyester. The investigated properties were studied dependent on predetermined volume fractions of hair fibres in polyester matrix. Test samples were developed according to appropriate test standards and subjected to preferred characterizations. It was found that a linear relationship exists between water absorption and fibre volume fraction of biocomposites. The biocomposites exhibited Non-Fickian, Case II, and Super Case II Kinetics in correlation with diffusion mechanisms. Also, improved resistance to abrasion of the biocomposites was independent of fibre volume fraction. Overall, the biocomposites evinced better anti-abrasion properties than the monolithic polymer and carbon was revealed as the principal element in the hair fibre.