Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Development of Coir-Reinforced Composite for Automotive Parts Application
No full textThe demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient automobiles has led to the use of fiber-reinforced polymer composites in place of traditional metal parts. Coir, a natural fiber, offers qualities such as low cost, good tensile strength, and biodegradability, making it a potential filler material for automotive components. However, poor interfacial adhesion between coir and polymeric matrices has been a challenge. To address poor interfacial adhesion with polymeric matrices due to their moisture content and method of preparation, the extracted coir was chemically treated using NaOH. To develop a side view mirror encasement by investigating the mechanical effect of fiber percentage composition, fiber length and percentage composition of Epoxy in a coir fiber reinforced composite, polyester was adopted as the resin for the mould, while that of the product is Epoxy. Coir served as the filler material for the product. Specimens with varied compositions of fiber loading (15, 30 and 45) %, length (10, 15, 20, 30 and 45) mm, and (55, 70, 85) % weight of epoxy resin were fabricated using hand lay-up technique, while those specimens were later subjected to mechanical tests (Tensile, Flexural and Impact test). The results of the mechanical test showed that the optimal solution for the input factors is coir at 45%, epoxy at 54.543%, and 45mm coir length, which was used for the development of a vehicle’s side view mirror encasement. The optimal solutions for the response parameters are 49.333 Mpa for tensile strength, flexural for 57.118 Mpa, impact strength for 34.787 KJ/M2, young modulus for 4.788 GPa, stress for 4.534 KN, and 20.483 mm for strain. The models which were developed using Design Expert software revealed that the input factors can achieve the response parameters in the system with 94% desirability. The study showed that coir is quite durable for filler material in an epoxy composite for automobile applications, and that there is a significant effect of fiber loading and length on the mechanical behavior of coir fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. The coir\u27s low density, considerable tensile strength, and bio-degradability contribute to its eco-friendliness and potential for reducing the environmental hazards of synthetic automotive components
Determination of performances of natural organic polymers for colour removal from simulated wastewater: Coagulation-adsorption kinetics and mathematical modelling approach
No full textIn this study, coagulation-flocculation efficiencies of Natural organic polymers (NOPs) were evaluated for the decolourisation of anionic synthetic dye in wastewater. The proximate composition, structure, and surface morphology of the Brachystegia eurycoma coagulant (BEC) and Vigna subterranean coagulant (VSC) were analysed using standard official methods, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The order of removal efficiency was VSC > BEC with an optimum of 97.7% and 82.0% respectively, at pH 2, 200 mgBECL-1 and 200 mgVSCL-1 coagulant dosage, 100 mgL−1 dye concentration, 480 min, and 303 K. The values of K and α obtained for BEC and VSC were 1.65 E-02 Lmg-1min-1, 1.2 and 1.76 E-04 L/mg-1min-1, 2.2 respectively. The coagulation time (Tag) of 22.42 min and 27.92 min for BEC and VSC respectively as deduced from the plot showed a rapid coagulation process. The kinetics of coagulation-flocculation demonstrate that the process conforms with a pseudo-second order model with correlation coefficient R2 > 0.990, suggesting that chemisorption is the rate-controlling phase. It also reveals that particle adsorption on polymer surfaces occurs mostly as a monomolecular layer. The experimental data was well predicted by the cross-validation test, with mean relative deviation modulus (M%) of 0.223% and 1.829% for BEC and VSC, respectively. In conclusion, the coagulants studied added meaningful progress in wastewater treatment via coagulation-flocculation while showing significant adsorption features. Additionally, the application of kinetics and modelling in separation processes involving particle transfer should be considered a prerequisite in water treatment processes
Multi-Input Single Output (MISO) modelling with Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for adsorptive removal of Erythrosine B dye from wastewater using activated carbon derived from agrowaste
No full textThe adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to model erythrosine B (EB) dye adsorptive uptake from wastewater using acid and thermal activated tamarind seeds (Dialium guineese) as adsorbent. Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to identify the functional groups and surface morphology of the tamarind seed activated carbon (TSAAC) respectively. The adsorption kinetics of EB dye uptake on TSAAC was described by the pseudo-first order (PFO), pseudo-second order (PSO), Elovich and Intra-particle diffusion models. Analysis of Variance was employed to determine if there is a statistical significance difference between the percentages of EB dye adsorbed on TSAAC at various time intervals and Tukey’s HSD post hoc analysis to spot where these differences occurred. RSM and ANFIS models were evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2), Marquadt’s Percent Standard Deviation (MPSD), The hybrid fractional error function (HYBRID) and Average Relative Error (ARE) metrics. Results revealed that the PSO model best fitted the kinetics experimental data when compared with the Elovich and PFO models. Intra-particle diffusion plots showed that there are other rate-limiting steps that control the adsorptive process besides intra-particle diffusion. ANOVA results established statistically significant difference between the percentages of EB dye adsorbed on TSAAC at various time intervals. Both RSM and ANFIS recorded high coefficient values of 0.999 and 0.998 indicating strong predictive capability in predicting the adsorption of EB dye. Further statistical investigations revealed that ANFIS outperformed RSM in approximating the nonlinear behaviour of the adsorptive system. An optimum adsorption efficiency of 96.73% was achieved using genetic algorithm. This study has successfully revealed the capability of both RSM and ANFIS in modeling the adsorptive removal of EB dye using TSAAC.
 
Perspectives of Coagulation for the Removal of Contaminants from Pharmaceutical Wastewater utilizing cucurbita seed as bio-coagulant
No full textPharmaceutical effluent is a hazardous waste of environmental concern due to the complex nature of its chemical composition. This research focused on using coagulation techniques to remove contaminants from aqueous solution via investigating the coagulation qualities of cucurbita seed on removal of total suspended solid (TSS), color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and turbidity from pharmaceutical effluent. The batch system was applied to evaluate the effect of process-independent variables on the coagulation process. The coagulation kinetics were investigated using first-order and second-order kinetic expressions. The optimum removal efficiency of contaminants was predicted using the response surface methodology (RSM) model. The batch study results show maximum color and turbidity removal of 77% and 68% at pH 6, whereas COD and TSS removal is 55% and 60% at pH 8. The results also confirm the process to be dependent on coagulant dosage, reaction time, mixing speed, settling time, and temperature. The concordance RSM model\u27s actual optimum color removal efficiency of 97.99% and R² of 0.9914 with the model\u27s predicted removal efficiency of 97.63% and predicted R² of 0.9298 thereby indicate the accuracy of the model prediction. These obtained results confirm cucurbita seed as a reliable, cost-effective alternative coagulant for contaminant removal from pharmaceutical effluents
Determination of the Field Capacity and Field Efficiency of String-Cutter Grass Mower
No full textGrass mowers with nylon string-blade cutters are becoming a common-place lawn maintenance machinery owing to their low initial cost, deployment capability in hard-to-reach areas and versatile applications. However, very little is known about their field performance which is important for their proper use and management. This study determined the field performance of two string cutters; coded C1 and C2, having nylon cutting-string blades. Direct measurement of mowed area, and productive and idle operation times was done. Effective field capacity was obtained as 0.0785 ha/hr for C1 and 0.0748 ha/hr for C2. Field efficiency of 83.78% and 85.18% were obtained for C1 and C2 respectively. A 2.98 kW push-type lawn mower also studied had 0.0821 ha/hr field capacity and 81.93% field efficiency. The field performances were similar to those reported by other researchers. The mowers with string blades gave higher specific field capacities; 0.0842 ha/kW.hr for the 0.932 kW C1 and 0.1004 ha/kW.hr for the 0.745 kW C2 as against 0.0288 ha/kW.hr obtained for the push-type mower. Statistical T test conducted at 0.05 level of significance showed no significant difference between the 3 studied mowers’ performances. Ascertaining the mowers field performance will give the buyers and operators some purchase and management decisions support information
Design of a comprehensively integrated wireless sensor network web-based expert system architecture
No full textFlooding is a significant natural disaster that causes widespread damage to infrastructure, the environment, and human lives. It is crucial to implement effective early warning systems that allow for timely responses. This project presents a novel system architecture that collects and analyzes environmental data critical to flood prediction such as rainfall, river water levels, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. The system integrates WSN technology using the weather station method, a web-based expert system for data analysis and flood prediction, and a robust notification system that delivers flood alerts via SMS, audio alarms, and visual indicators. Three water level thresholds were defined in this project; normal range above 28.59cm, warning range between 28.58cm and 23.50cm critical range below 17.89cm. On the 3rd August 2023 at 14:26pm, a critical range of 17.80cm was observed, immediately this threshold was met, the alarm and visual light notifications were turned on to alert residents of a likely flood event, an SMS was sent to the predefined registered number on the network and this was received by 14:28pm. The findings validate the reliability of the system in providing timely notifications, enabling proactive flood management. This work highlights the importance of deploying adaptive sensor-based technologies in flood-prone regions for enhanced disaster mitigatio
Aspirin removal from synthesized pharmaceutical wastewater using a palm sheath fiber nanofiltration membrane: Predictive modelling and optimization
No full textThis study presents the novel synthesis of a palm sheath fiber-based nanofiltration membrane for the removal of Aspirin from simulated pharmaceutical wastewater. Filtration efficiency was evaluated across a range of operational conditions: pH (6–10), temperature (30–50 °C), flow rate (1–5 mL/min) and initial concentration (40–120 mg/L). For improved prediction accuracy and process optimization, RSM and ANN-GA were employed as analytical tools. Both models achieved R² values greater than 0.98; however, the ANN model demonstrated superior statistical performance. Optimal removal efficiencies of 89.52% (ANN-GA) and 89.47% (RSM) were achieved under slightly varied conditions confirmed by triplicate experiments with average absolute errors less than 0.5%. The fabricated membrane, produced from palm sheath fiber and other cost-effective raw materials, exhibited good porosity (33.5%), a suitable pore size distribution (0.3675–2.313 nm) and excellent chemical and mechanical stability. These characteristics shows suitability as an eco-friendly, low-cost alternative for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment, achieving Aspirin removal efficiencies exceeding 89%. These findings affirm the reliability of this approach for efficient Aspirin removal, enabling water recovery and the sustainable transformation of agricultural waste into a valuable filtration material.
 
Finite element modeling and simulation of banana fiber-reinforced natural rubber composites for mine-resistant tyres
No full textThis study investigates the potential of banana fiber-reinforced natural rubber (NR/BF) composites for enhancing the blast resistance of vehicle tyres used in defense applications. Conventional tyre materials often exhibit poor performance under explosive loading conditions, leading to catastrophic failures in mine-affected environments. To address this limitation, finite element modeling was employed using ABAQUS/Explicit to simulate the dynamic response of various NR/BF formulations subjected to blast pressures up to 8 MPa. Flat sheet specimens of the composites were modeled as hyperelastic materials using a Mooney-Rivlin formulation, with material constants derived from prior tensile testing. The CONWEP method was applied to replicate surface blast effects, and key simulation metrics, including von Mises stress, displacement, strain energy, and contact force, were extracted and analyzed using MATLAB. Among the tested formulations, NRBF50RM25 exhibited superior performance, achieving a 34% reduction in peak stress and 45% lower displacement compared to neat rubber, along with enhanced energy dissipation characteristics. These findings highlight the potential of NR/BF composites as sustainable and effective materials for improving blast resilience in tyre design, supporting further development toward next-generation mine-resistant vehicle systems
Enhancing Hydrocarbon prospect delineation through cross-plots and rock physics model: a case study of the NKO field onshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
No full textThe NKO Field, located in the Central Swamp Depobelt of the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, is a structurally complex hydrocarbon-bearing system. This study integrates cross-plot analysis and rock physics modeling to enhance reservoir characterization and hydrocarbon prospect delineation. Well log and seismic data from 32 wells were used to delineate lithofacies, evaluate petrophysical properties, and characterize reservoirs. Results show the reservoirs thin northeastward, with cross-plot analysis effectively distinguishing four fluid/lithology zones: gas, oil, brine, and shale. Rock physics modeling indicates that plastic deformation predominates, causing compaction, reduced porosity and permeability, and impacting hydrocarbon productivity. A petro-elastic model was developed to differentiate reservoir rocks from non-reservoirs, providing insights into elastic and lithological properties. Upscaling of porosity, permeability, net-to-gross, water and hydrocarbon saturation, and facies successfully captured heterogeneity, faults, fractures, and multiphase flow behavior in the reservoirs. A 3D grid-based geological model estimated hydrocarbon volumes: Stock Tank Oil Initially in Place (STOIIP) of ~102.9 million stock tank barrels with a 35% recovery factor, and Stock Tank Gas Initially in Place (STGIIP) of ~1.11 billion stock tank barrels with a 100% recovery factor. These findings demonstrate that integrating cross-plot analysis with rock physics models enhances reservoir evaluation, supports accurate identification of hydrocarbons, and informs optimal field development strategie
Synergistic Corrosion Inhibitory Effects of Rice and African Bread Fruit Husks Extract on Mild Steel in HNO3 Medium
No full textThis study investigates the synergistic corrosion inhibition efficiency of Rice and African Breadfruit Husk extracts on mild steel in a 1 M nitric acid solution. The extracts were prepared by soaking both husks in ethanol and removing them via the solvent extraction method. Their phytochemical compositions were confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. Corrosion inhibition was evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Potentiodynamic Polarization (PDP). Results show that the combination of Rice and African Breadfruit Husk extracts significantly reduces corrosion rate with increasing inhibitor concentration. The highest inhibition efficiency of 96.5% was obtained using the electrochemical method, suggesting a strong synergistic effect. The adsorption of the inhibitors followed the Langmuir isotherm, indicating monolayer formation, and the thermodynamic parameters suggested physisorption as the predominant mechanism. The corroded metals were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). This research highlights the potential of agricultural waste-based green inhibitors as sustainable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly alternatives to toxic synthetic corrosion inhibitors. Nitric acid was selected due to its aggressive oxidizing nature, which makes corrosion particularly challenging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report introducing African breadfruit husk extract as a corrosion inhibitor and demonstrating its synergistic effect with rice husk in nitric acid medium