Compressed earth block reinforced with coconut fibers and stabilized with aloe vera and lime

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Adiel Velasco-Aquino ◽  
Jose Adan Espuna-Mujica ◽  
Josue Francisco Perez-Sanchez ◽  
Carlos Zuñiga-Leal ◽  
Arturo Palacio-Perez ◽  
...  

Purpose In recent years, the use of earth as a material applied to construction has been adapted as an attractive alternative to modern concepts. The earth construction technique takes advantage of regional natural resources, among which are earth bricks. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the addition of coconut fibers and aloe vera on the mechanical properties of compressed earth blocks (CEB). Design/methodology/approach CEBs were manufactured from silty and clay soil (Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico) with biodegradable stabilizers of aloe vera and short coconut mesocarp fibers, which were compared with the conventional mixture with lime as stabilizer. The samples were subjected to compression tests (Mexican Standard NMX-C-404-ONNCC3-205), flexion (NMX-C083-ONNCCE.), abrasion (NTC-5324 3.4.3), water absorption (NMX-C-37-ONNCE-205), surface morphology and thermal properties (ASTM D5334-14). Findings It was found that the addition of coconut fibers has a 12% difference in flexural strength. The addition of 0.5% of coconut fibers decreases swelling by 2% with water and reduces the thermal conductivity of the material by 12%. Likewise, this mixture increases the abrasion resistance of CEB by 30%. When there is a pressure greater than 1,700 psi in the CEB, the addition of coconut fibers does increase the compressive strength of the material, showing a 34% improvement over the CEB without adding coconut fibers. Originality/value The authors show a new sustainable CEB production with aloe vera and coconut fiber that is possible for self-production with better mechanical properties than others, commonly produced in Mexico.

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-495
Author(s):  
João Araújo Afonso ◽  
Jorge Lino Alves ◽  
Gabriela Caldas ◽  
Barbara Perry Gouveia ◽  
Leonardo Santana ◽  
...  

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the influence of the parameters of the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process on the mechanical properties and on the mass of parts printed in Polylactic Acid (PLA). In addition, the authors developed predictive models for the analysed responses. Design/methodology/approach A full Factorial type of experimental planning method was used to define the conditions for manufacturing parts according to the variation of the construction parameters, extrusion temperature and print speed. Samples were printed for tensile, flexion and compression tests. Their mass was measured. Multiple regression methods, based on power equations, were used to build the forecasting models. Findings It was found that the extrusion temperature was the parameter of greatest influence in the variation of the analysed responses, mainly because it generates behaviour patterns and indirectly demonstrates thermal/rheological characteristics of the material used. Print speed affects responses, however, with variations dependent on part geometry and printer hardware/software. It was possible to establish prediction models with low error rates in relation to the experimental values. Originality/value The study demonstrates a good relation between the use of a structured experimental planning method as the basis for the development of predictive models based on mathematical equations, the same structure of which can be used to describe different responses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 243-248
Author(s):  
Jenarthanan M.P. ◽  
Karthikeyan Marappan ◽  
Giridharan R.

Purpose The need for seeking alternate materials with increased performance in the field of composites revived this research, to prepare and evaluate the mechanical properties of e-glass and aloe vera fiber-reinforced with polyester and epoxy resin matrices. Design/methodology/approach The composites are prepared by hand layup method using E-glass and aloe vera fibers with length 5-6 mm. The resin used in the preparation of composites was epoxy and polyester. Fiber-reinforced composites were synthesized at 18:82 fiber–resin weight percentages. Samples prepared were tested to evaluate its mechanical and physical properties, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, hardness and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Findings SEM analysis revealed the morphological features. E-glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composite exhibited better mechanical properties than other composite samples. The cross-linking density of monomers of the epoxy resin and addition of the short chopped E-glass fibers enhanced the properties of E-glass epoxy fiber-reinforced composite. Originality/value This research work enlists the properties of e-glass and aloe vera fiber-reinforced with polyester and epoxy resin matrices which has not been attempted so far.


Alloy Digest ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 62 (10) ◽  

Abstract NIKROTHAL TE is a member of the Nikrothal family of alloys, which are one of two main types of electric-resistance alloys. Nickel-chromium (80Ni-20Cr, for example), developed around the turn of the century, was used as heating-element material in industrial furnaces and electric household appliances. Nikrothal alloys offer advantages in heating-element applications requiring very good mechanical properties in the hot state. This alloy is an attractive alternative to Nikrothal Alloys 40, 60, 70, and 80 (see Alloy Digest Ni-529, September 1997). This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, and tensile properties. It also includes information on forming. Filing Code: Ni-710. Producer or source: Sandvik Heating Technology.


2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 520-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serkan Büyükdoğan ◽  
Süleyman Gündüz ◽  
Mustafa Türkmen

Purpose – The paper aims to provide new observations about static strain ageing in aluminium (Al) alloys which are widely used in structural applications. Design/methodology/approach – The present work aims to provide theoretical and practical information to industries or researchers who may be interested in the effect of static strain ageing on mechanical properties of Al alloys. The data are sorted into the following sections: introduction, materials and experimental procedure, results and discussion and conclusions. Findings – Tensile strength, proof strength (0.2 per cent) and percentage elongation measurement were used to investigate the effect of strain ageing on the mechanical properties. Wear tests were performed by sliding the pin specimens, which were prepared from as-received, solution heat-treated, deformed and undeformed specimens after ageing, on high-speed tool steel (64 HRC). It is concluded that the variations in ageing time improved the strength and wear resistance of the 6063 Al alloy; however, a plastically deformed solution-treated alloy has higher strength and wear resistance than undeformed specimens for different ageing times at 180°C. Practical implications – A very useful source of information for industries using or planning to produce Al alloys. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified resource need and offers practical help to the industries.


2021 ◽  
pp. 073168442110140
Author(s):  
Hossein Ramezani-Dana ◽  
Moussa Gomina ◽  
Joël Bréard ◽  
Gilles Orange

In this work, we examine the relationships between the microstructure and the mechanical properties of glass fiber–reinforced polyamide 6,6 composite materials ( V f = 54%). These materials made by thermocompression incorporate different grades of high fluidity polyamide-based polymers and two types of quasi-UD glass fiber reinforcement. One is a classic commercial fabric, while the other specially designed and manufactured incorporates weaker tex glass yarns (the spacer) to increase the planar permeability of the preform. The effects of the viscosity of the polymers and their composition on the wettability of the reinforcements were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy observations of the microstructure. The respective influences of the polymers and the spacer on the mechanical performance were determined by uniaxial tensile and compression tests in the directions parallel and transverse to the warp yarns. Not only does the spacer enhance permeability but it also improves physical and mechanical properties: tensile longitudinal Young’s modulus increased from 38.2 GPa to 42.9 GPa (13% growth), tensile strength increased from 618.9 MPa to 697 MPa (3% growth), and decrease in ultimate strain from 1.8% to 1.7% (5% reduction). The correlation of these results with the damage observed post mortem confirms those acquired from analyses of the microstructure of composites and the rheological behaviors of polymers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirofumi Niiya ◽  
Kenichi Oda ◽  
Daisuke Tsuji ◽  
Hiroaki Katsuragi

Abstract The formation of aggregates consisting of snow, water, and tephra has been reported in small-scale experiments on three-phase flows containing tephra, water, and snow, representing lahars triggered by snowmelt. Such aggregates reduce the mobility of mud flow. However, the formation mechanism of such aggregates under various conditions has not been investigated. To elucidate the formation conditions and mechanical properties of the aggregates, we performed mixing experiments with materials on a rotating table and compression tests on the resulting aggregates with a universal testing machine in a low-temperature room at $$0\,^{\circ }\text {C}$$ 0 ∘ C . From experiments with varying component ratios of the mixture and tephra diameter, the following results were obtained: (i) the aggregate grew rapidly and reached maturity after a mixing time of 5 min; (ii) the mass of aggregates increased with snow concentration, exhibiting an approximately linear relationship; (iii) single aggregates with large mass formed at lower and higher tephra concentrations, whereas multiple aggregates with smaller mass were observed at intermediate concentrations; (iv) the shape of the aggregate satisfied the similarity law for an ellipsoid; (v) the compressive mechanical behavior could be modeled by an empirical nonlinear model. The obtained mechanical properties of the aggregates were independent of the experimental conditions; (vi) scaling analysis based on the Reynolds number and the strength of the aggregates showed that the aggregates cannot form in ice-slurry lahars. Our findings suggest that low-speed lahars containing snow and ice are likely to generate aggregates, but snow and ice in the ice-slurry lahars are dispersed without such aggregates.


Author(s):  
D. C. Gornig ◽  
R. Maletz ◽  
P. Ottl ◽  
M. Warkentin

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of filler content, degradation media and time on the mechanical properties of different dental composites after in vitro aging. Materials and Methods Specimens (1 mm3) of three commercially available composites (GrandioSO®, Arabesk Top®, Arabesk Flow®) with respect to their filler content were stored in artificial aging media: artificial saliva, ethanol (60%), lactic acid (pH 5) and citric acid (pH 5). Parameters (Vickers microhardness, compressive strength, elastic modulus, water sorption and solubility) were determined in their initial state (control group, n = 3 for microhardness, n = 5 for the other parameters) and after 14, 30, 90 and 180 days (n = 3 for microhardness, n = 5 for the other parameters for each composite group, time point and media). Specimens were also characterized with dynamic-mechanical-thermal analysis (compression tests, F =  ± 7 N; f = 0.5 Hz, 1 Hz and 3.3 Hz; t = 0–170 °C). Results Incorporation of fillers with more than 80 w% leads to significantly better mechanical properties under static and dynamic compression tests and a better water sorption behavior, even after chemical degradation. The influence of degradation media and time is of subordinate importance for chemical degradation. Conclusion Although the investigated composites have a similar matrix, they showed different degradation behavior. Since dentine and enamel occur only in small layer thickness, a test specimen geometry with very small dimensions is recommended for direct comparison. Moreover, the use of compression tests to determine the mechanical parameters for the development of structure-compatible and functionally adapted composites makes sense as an additional standard. Clinical relevance Preferential use of highly filled composites for occlusal fillings is recommended.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 831-836
Author(s):  
M. Vykunta Rao ◽  
Srinivasa Rao P. ◽  
B. Surendra Babu

Purpose Vibratory weld conditioning parameters have a great influence on the improvement of mechanical properties of weld connections. The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of vibratory weld conditioning on the mechanical and microstructural characterization of aluminum 5052 alloy weldments. An attempt is made to understand the effect of the vibratory tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process parameters on the hardness, ultimate tensile strength and microstructure of Al 5052-H32 alloy weldments. Design/methodology/approach Aluminum 5052 H32 specimens are welded at different combinations of vibromotor voltage inputs and time of vibrations. Voltage input is varied from 50 to 230 V at an interval of 10 V. At each voltage input to the vibromotor, there are three levels of time of vibration, i.e. 80, 90 and 100 s. The vibratory TIG-welded specimens are tested for their mechanical and microstructural properties. Findings The results indicate that the mechanical properties of aluminum alloy weld connections improved by increasing voltage input up to 160 V. Also, it has been observed that by increasing vibromotor voltage input beyond 160 V, mechanical properties were reduced significantly. It is also found that vibration time has less influence on the mechanical properties of weld connections. Improvement in hardness and ultimate tensile strength of vibratory welded joints is 16 and 14%, respectively, when compared without vibration, i.e. normal weld conditions. Average grain size is measured as per ASTM E 112–96. Average grain size is in the case of 0, 120, 160 and 230 is 20.709, 17.99, 16.57 and 20.8086 µm, respectively. Originality/value Novel vibratory TIG welded joints are prepared. Mechanical and micro-structural properties are tested.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenhua Yin ◽  
Hu Zhang ◽  
Jianming Zhang ◽  
Mingtang Chai

Abstract The foundation of constructions built in the permafrost areas undergo considerable creeping or thawing deformation because of the underlying ice-rich permafrost. Soil improvement may be of advantage in treating ice-rich permafrost at shallow depth. Sulphoaluminate cement was a potential material to improve frozen soil. Simultaneously, two other cements, ordinary Portland cement and Magnesium phosphate cement were selected as the comparison. The mechanical behavior of modified frozen soil was studied with thaw compression tests and unconfined compression strength tests. Meanwhile, the microscopic mechanism was explored by field emission scanning electron microscopy, particle size analysis and X-ray diffractometry. The results showed Sulphoaluminate cement was useful in reducing the thaw compression deformation and in enhancing the strength of the frozen soil. The improvement of the mechanical behavior depended mainly on two aspects: the formation of structural mineral crystals and the agglomeration of soil particles. The two main factors contributed to the improvement of mechanical properties simultaneously. The thicker AFt crystals result in a higher strength and AFt plays an important role in improving the mechanical properties of frozen soils.The study verified that Sulphoaluminate cement was an excellent stabilizer to improve ice-rich frozen soils.


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