DEPARTMENT OF MATERIALS AND METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING

The growing need for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials across various sectors has generated an increased interest in the extraction of bamboo fibres. The primary objective of this study is to tackle the obstacles linked with bamboo fibre extraction and analyze the effectiveness of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution in improving the quality of the extracted fibres. The endeavour was initiated to analyze the historical progression of bamboo fibre extraction techniques, the significance of chemical treatments in fibre processing, and the specific impacts of NaOH treatment on fibre characteristics. The study encompassed an extensive review of pieces of literature to comprehend the context and importance of bamboo fibre extraction, encompassing both conventional techniques and contemporary advancements. The experimental arrangement for distilled water and NaOH treatment was formulated, encompassing variables such as concentration fluctuations at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% NaOH. The weight of water used was also calculated to be 1000g, 950g, 900g, 850g, and 800g to form solutions respectively. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to investigate the chemical structure of fibres before and after treatment, providing important details on the success of the extraction method. Data collection techniques involved sample preparation, maintenance of controlled environmental conditions, and statistical evaluation of experimental findings. The outcomes showed that NaOH treatment efficiently dissolved lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose constituents from the bamboo fibres, resulting in purer and cleaner fibre outputs. FTIR analysis corroborated the partial elimination of non-cellulosic components, with heightened NaOH concentration correlating with increased removal of lignin and hemicellulose. The discoveries from this investigation enhance comprehension of the chemical composition of bamboo fibres and underscore the potential of NaOH treatment in refining extraction processes. Additionally, the implications of the outcomes for industrial utilization, alongside suggestions for future research, are comprehensively deliberated.

This study investigates the testing and characterization of metal dust/polymer reinforced composites for structural applications. The project aims to evaluate the potential of incorporating metal dust particles into a polymer matrix to improve the mechanical properties of composite materials used in structural engineering. Composite samples were fabricated by reinforcing a polymer matrix with metal dust particles in varying proportions. The prepared specimens were subjected to mechanical tests such as tensile, compressive, and flexural strength tests, while microstructural analysis was conducted to examine particle distribution and bonding within the matrix. The results showed that the addition of metal dust improved the mechanical strength and structural performance of the polymer composites compared to the unreinforced material. Proper dispersion of the metal particles enhanced load transfer and overall material stability. The study concludes that metal dust/polymer composites are promising materials for structural applications. It is recommended that further research explore different metal types, particle sizes, and reinforcement ratios to optimize performance

Electric arc welding is a widely used metal joining process that employs electrical energy to generate heat for melting and fusing metallic components. During welding, an electric arc is established between the electrode and the workpiece, producing sufficient heat to create a molten weld pool that solidifies upon cooling, forming a strong bond. To protect the molten metal from atmospheric contamination and undesirable chemical reactions, shielding materials such as slag are utilized. Arc welding processes may use either consumable or non-consumable electrodes and can operate with alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power sources. The electrode functions as a conductor, transmitting electrical current to the workpiece and generating the heat necessary for fusion. Power sources for arc welding are generally classified as constant current (CC) or constant voltage (CV) systems. Current primarily influences heat input, while voltage affects arc length. Manual welding processes, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), commonly employ constant current power sources to maintain stable welding conditions despite fluctuations in voltage. Understanding the principles of arc welding and power source characteristics is essential for achieving high-quality welds and optimizing welding performance in industrial applications.

This study investigates the effectiveness of clove oil extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel immersed in simulated seawater. Corrosion in chloride-rich marine environments leads to rapid metal degradation, and natural plant-based inhibitors offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. Clove oil was extracted using ethanol-based solvent extraction, and mild steel specimens were exposed to 3.5% NaCl solutions containing 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mL of the extract. Electrochemical analyses, including Open Circuit Potential (OCP), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization were conducted, alongside surface characterization using FTIR, SEM, and EDS. Results showed that the optimum inhibitor concentration (0.3 mL) produced a significant noble shift in OCP, stabilizing around +0.07 V compared to the unstable blank sample. Tafel analysis revealed a reduction in corrosion current density from 2.287 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm² (control) to 0.887 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm², corresponding to an inhibition efficiency of 61.22%. EIS results confirmed enhanced surface protection, with charge-transfer resistance increasing from 1.8 × 10⁵ Ω·cm² for the blank to 1.0 × 10⁶ Ω·cm² at 0.3 mL. SEM images showed a smoother, film-covered surface at higher inhibitor concentrations, while EDS detected reduced Fe intensity and increased oxygen content. FTIR confirmed the presence of O–H, C–O, and aromatic C=C functional groups responsible for adsorption. This study concluded that clove oil extract has a strong protective effect, confirming its potential as an efficient eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in saline environments. It is recommended that future studies explore clove extract synergistically with other natural inhibitors to further improve corrosion resistance.

This study investigates the effectiveness of clove oil extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel immersed in simulated seawater. Corrosion in chloride-rich marine environments leads to rapid metal degradation, and natural plant-based inhibitors offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. Clove oil was extracted using ethanol-based solvent extraction, and mild steel specimens were exposed to 3.5% NaCl solutions containing 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mL of the extract. Electrochemical analyses, including Open Circuit Potential (OCP), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization were conducted, alongside surface
characterization using FTIR, SEM, and EDS. Results showed that the optimum inhibitor concentration (0.3 mL) produced a significant noble shift in OCP, stabilizing around +0.07 V compared to the unstable blank sample. Tafel analysis revealed a reduction in corrosion current density from 2.287 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm² (control) to 0.887 ×
10⁻⁶ A/cm², corresponding to an inhibition efficiency of 61.22%. EIS results confirmed enhanced surface protection, with charge-transfer resistance increasing from 1.8 × 10⁵ Ω·cm² for the blank to 1.0 × 10⁶ Ω·cm² at 0.3 mL. SEM images showed a smoother, film-covered surface at higher inhibitor concentrations, while EDS detected reduced Fe intensity and increased oxygen content. FTIR confirmed the presence of O–H, C–O, and aromatic C=C functional groups responsible for adsorption. This study concluded that clove oil extract has a strong protective effect, confirming its potential as an efficient eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in saline environments. It is recommended that future studies explore clove extract synergistically with other natural inhibitors to further improve corrosion resistance.

In order to fuse two metal components, electric arc welding uses electrical heat to cause melting, which, when cooled, forms a solid connection. In order to protect the molten metal from exposure to the atmosphere and stop chemical reactions, slag is injected throughout this operation. A power source that creates an electric arc between the metal material and the electrode to be fused is necessary for this process. Both consumable and non-consumable electrodes, as well as alternating or direct current, are used by welders. An electrode is a conductor that creates the heat required for melting and fusing by sending electric current to the metal to be welded. Whether an electrode is consumable or non- consumable depends on the specific arc welding process being used. The electrical energy needed for the arc welding process may be obtained from a variety of power source methods. Constant voltage and constant current power sources are the most common varieties.

This project addresses the challenge of optimizing solar energy capture through the design and implementation of a single-axis solar tracking device. Traditional fixed solar panels are limited by their stationary nature, resulting in suboptimal energy harvesting as the sun moves across the sky. The research aims to develop a cost-effective, efficient solar tracking system that continuously adjusts panel orientation to follow the sun's path. The methodology involved evaluating multiple design concepts, including passive liquid-based trackers, Raspberry Pi-controlled systems, and an Arduino Nano-based solution with Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs). The final design utilized Arduino Nano microcontroller, servo motors, and LDRs to detect sunlight intensity and adjust panel orientation accordingly. Testing revealed that the tracking system outperformed stationary panels in energy output during an 8-hour evaluation period. The tracked panel maintained consistently higher voltage readings throughout the day. Challenges encountered included ambient light interference with sensors and software-related overtilting issues, which were addressed through design modifications. The study concludes that single-axis solar tracking represents a viable approach to enhancing solar energy efficiency, with recommended future improvements including more robust components, advanced tracking algorithms, dual-axis capabilities, and power supply optimization for increased durability and performance.

Industrialization is the backbone of any meaningful global development while material selection forms the basis or bedrock for industrial development and improvements (Ashby & Johnson, 2013). In the industries, there are key aspect of industrial processes among which is the transportation of materials (Roemer, 1979). Getting the right selection of materials for transporting a specific and the right kind of materials is one of the challenges that has bedeviled the industrial sector, which the engineers have been looking for ways to proffer solutions to this humongous challenge for several decades (Constable & Somerville, 2003). A lot of research has been done in getting materials that are corrosion resistant that is, having high resistance to
chemical attacks (Mévrel, 1989). Nonetheless, this has not been eradicated as we still have lots of materials that are still highly corrosive. In the oil and gas sector for example, both the crude materials and refined products are mostly transported through pipes over long distance (Koch, 2017).

In this study, the fabrication of a hybrid composite abrasive sandpaper using coconut shell and crab shell particles embedded in polyester resin is investigated, aiming to address resource depletion and environmental issues associated with conventional synthetic abrasive materials. The mechanical properties and abrasive behavior of the fabricated composite are investigated through meticulous methodology involving sourcing, cleaning, drying, mechanical processing, and production of abrasive specimens. Varying levels of hardness, compressive strength, density, and water absorption are revealed across different compositions of coconut shell and crab shell. The most optimal properties are demonstrated by Sample 5, with a proportion of 35% coconut shell and 65% crab shell, which exhibits reduced water absorption, enhanced hardness, competitive compressive strength, and favorable density characteristics. Comparative analysis with Garnet sandpaper suggests that the hybrid composite sandpaper samples offer competitive or superior performance. Further research is recommended to optimize composition, utilize advanced characterization techniques, and explore sustainable manufacturing practices to enhance the performance and applicability of hybrid composite abrasive materials.