Technical University in Zvolen OJS
Not a member yet
124 research outputs found
Sort by
EFFECTS OF HYDRODYNAMIC TREATMENT OF WOOD PARTICLES ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD-POLYMER COMPOSITES
Get PDFThis study is aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of wood-polymer composites (WPC) made on the basis of polylactic acid (PLA) with the addition of mechanically activated wood particles (WPs) from larch wood (Larix sibirica) in a mass ratio of 70/30%. WPs were obtained by hydrodynamic treatment that lasted for 5-45 min. Size estimation and distribution of WPs were carried out using the sieve method, and an analytical sieving machine. It was found that the size of WPs decreased with increasing hydrodynamic treatment time. WPs with sizes ranging from 100 to 300 μm constituted the majority of the wood pulp. After testing, the SEM method was used to examine the WP surface and WPC samples. The mixing of WPs and PLA was carried out using the melt mixing method. WPC for the study of mechanical properties was obtained by flat pressing in a mold. Tensile tests were conducted in accordance with GOST 11262-2017, bending tests in accordance with GOST 4648-2014. It is shown that the duration of hydrodynamic treatment of WPs for 25 min provides the highest strength parameters of PLA-based WPC. This can be explained by the uniform dispersion of fibrillated WPs in the polymer matrix and the formation of their adhesive bond by mechanical engagement
SIMULATION OF A COMPARTMENT FIRE EFFECT ON A LOAD-BEARING WALL MADE OF STRAW
Get PDFNatural materials, including straw, are increasingly becoming more popular in the construction industry. Load-bearing external walls made of straw bales demonstrated remarkable fire resistance results according to tests carried out abroad. The aim of the paper was to determine the ability of a representative sample of a load-bearing external wall made of straw to withstand the effects of a compartment fully developed fire by simulation using the ANSYS modeling program. The program primarily uses mathematical modeling methods for a virtually created model. The simulation results showed that under the stress of a compartment fully developed fire, a charred layer is gradually formed on the surface of a straw structure, which protects the remaining construction for an expected fire resistance of 120 minutes. The ANSYS program simulation results were comparable to the test performed in an authorized test laboratory
THE EFFECT OF SELECTED FACTORS ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SEAMS FOR UPHOLSTERY COVERS MADE OF SYNTHETIC LEATHER
Get PDFThe quality and structure of the covering material of the upholstered furniture is an important factor affecting the properties of the stitched and, thus, the quality and durability of the upholstered furniture. The stitches of the cover layers are considered a critical place of the upholstery, in which deformations and possible damages are most visible. The paper is focused on synthetic leather, which is considered a composite, ecological and sustainable material. The bearer of the mechanical properties is the reverse side formed by the underlying textile. The focus is put on the influence of stitch length (4, 5, 6 mm) in the weft and warp direction of the underlying fabric of the synthetic leather. The stitched joint has higher strength and stiffness in the warp direction, but its efficiency is lower compared to the load in the weft direction. It means that the stitched material carries a greater load than the thread-connecting material. Joints with longer stitches hold the fabric together with less tension. The sewing thread carries higher loads with a longer stitch length. The results of joint strength and failure show that when creating cutting plans, it is advisable to orient the parts of the covering material so that the joint is stressed in the direction of the warp due to the user's load.
INTEGRATION OF THE STORYTELLING METHOD INTO PROFESSIONAL GERMAN LANGUAGE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT SKILLS
Get PDFThe paper deals with innovative methods in the teaching of professional German language at the Faculty of Management and Business (FMB) of the University of Prešov (PU) in the study programme Tourism, Hotel Management and Spa. The paper provides information about the specifics, methods, conditions and study materials of the German language course. The paper also focuses on the development of soft skills with an emphasis on communication and an innovative method of storytelling. The aim of our paper is to present the teaching of vocational German at FMB, its specifics, as well as the use of the storytelling method. The method consists in telling stories of travellers from different parts of the world. In this way, we presented students with interesting facts about tourist places, stimulating their emotions, which also led to easier memorization of new information and increased their motivation to learn more about the countries in question. To achieve this goal, we used analysis, synthesis, literature study, exemplification and generalization
BOOK REVIEW - ARNOŠT HRNČÍŘ, ANNA SLATINSKÁ: SELECTED CHAPTERS FROM PRACTICAL ENGLISH SYNTAX. STUDENT'S PRACTICE BOOK
Get PDFBook revie
INFLUENCE OF MOISTURE CONTENT OF MHM SOLID WOOD WALL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ON THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
Get PDFThe moisture content of materials in building structures is a factor that affects the amount of heat losses through the building envelope. In the context of the current demands for increased thermal protection, the moisture content of materials becomes an important indicator of thermal and technical properties. The paper is devoted to the theoretical and experimental analyses of the moisture condition of the construction materials of panel exterior walls made from solid MHM (Massiv-Holz-Mauer) panels. The theoretical analyses of the moisture status of materials through the WUFI 2D simulation program were supplemented by experimental measurements of moisture in built-in structures. The measurements took place in a research building simulating the creation of residential climate conditions. The research quantified the influence of the operating moisture status of MHM and blown thermal insulations (wood fibres and disintegrated straw) on their thermal conductivity. The research results show that the moisture content of MHM panels influences their thermal conductivity in natural conditions. However, in the case of wood-fibre insulation, no significant influence of moisture status on the coefficient of thermal conductivity was demonstrated. The moisture content of disintegrated straw indicates that in natural conditions, it acquires 46% higher thermal conductivity values than the ones declared by the manufacturer
PROPERTIES OF PARTICLEBOARD MADE FROM RECYCLED MUNICIPAL WASTE AND WOOD PARTICLES
Get PDFParticleboard consumption in the furniture industry is high, and the wood raw material costs required for particleboard production are also high. Therefore, the incorporation of cheaper recycled raw materials into the particleboard structure is welcome and the economic costs of their production are reduced. The aim of this research was to find out the possibilities of processing recycled municipal waste in a commonly produced structure and incorporating it into the particleboard in an optimal proportion. Another goal was to determine the effect of the recycled material proportion on the selected particleboard physical and mechanical properties so that boards can be used for common furniture interior applications. Single-layer particleboard with 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of recycled waste were produced, followed by three-layer boards with the proposed optimal 15% recycled waste in their core layer. The following properties of particleboard were tested: flexural strength, swelling, water absorption, density (according to the relevant provisions of EN). The effect of the proportion of recycled waste on board properties was manifested in comparison with the control samples, the reduction of the mechanical values was moderate. The bending strength values of three-layer particleboards with a 15% recycled waste content in their core layer were at an average level of 9.7 N/mm2. The required level of bending strength of 11 N/mm2 was not achieved. It was caused by the recycled elements manufactured shapes which were not slim enough and, in combination with the slim wood particles, worsened the properties of the manufactured particleboard. Adjusting the recycled elements' shape and pressing conditions makes achieving the standard required values of the particleboard properties possible
TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN MANAGING THE FORESTRY AND WOOD-PROCESSING INDUSTRY
Get PDFThe business environment is influenced by various constantly evolving trends impacting crucial corporate management aspects. The aim of the research was to identify trends and challenges in managing the forestry and wood-processing industry. The focus was on analyzing corporate culture. The study utilized the globally recognized methodology of Cameron and Quinn to measure corporate culture. A gap in existing research is addressed, as more attention should be given to corporate culture within the forestry and wood-processing industry, especially in Slovakia. The results revealed that various cultural types were prevalent, with hierarchy and clan corporate cultures being the most dominant. It indicates that forestry and wood-processing companies tend to operate in a formalized and structured work environment, where procedures and regulations are prioritized, while also focusing on the internal environment and employee care. A key challenge for management is implementing the clan corporate culture preferred in the future, focusing on the long-term development of employees. It is crucial, as human capital plays an essential role in increasing the productivity, output of an organization, and competitive advantage
EXPRESSING SPACE IN LES MÉTÉORES BY MICHEL TOURNIER
Get PDFThe paper deals with the expression of space in the novel Les Météores by French writer Michel Tournier. It analyses the complex system of spatial references used in the text, being grounded in the works of various linguists. The novel, based on the exceptionally rewritten and renewed Greek myth of the twins Castor and Pollux, is a long initiatory quest of Paul searching for his brother Jean, passing through different spaces of certain symbolic value. Therefore, Les Météores represents an ideal base for the analysis of the linguistic units expressing space. All spatial references demonstrate a novelistic complexity and variety in which the plot of the novel advances, and the characters develop, change and metamorphose
AGILITY ASSESSMENT IN THE WOODWORKING COMPANY
Get PDFAgility has become a strategic priority for organizations striving to succeed in dynamic and unpredictable environments. This study is aimed at evaluating the agility of a Slovak woodworking company based on the application of a proposed assessment framework by authors to find out the agility level, the main gaps in its agility practices, and how these gaps can be addressed to improve agility. The custom-designed agility maturity model, structured interviews, questionnaires, and diagnostic tests are used in the research to examine 35 key agility elements and seven dimensions, including organization, processes, change culture, human resources, customer engagement, and innovation. The findings reveal significant gaps in process management, technology integration, and customer orientation, where agile practices are partially recognized but still need to be fully implemented. Actionable recommendations are proposed to enhance operational flexibility, foster innovation, and improve customer-centricity. This study demonstrates the critical role of agility in maintaining competitiveness and provides a roadmap for its systematic enhancement in small and medium-sized enterprises