Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Mechanics

Biodegradable, Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of Banana Peel (Musa Paradisiaca) for Bio-plastics Polymer Composites

Izzah Aqilah Arifin — 2024-03-22

Bioplastics became to meet high demand in plastic industries as its ability in performing biodegradable properties. Apart from that, this bioplastic particularly derived from banana peel and corn starch as to develop starch/biomass polymer composite. Thus, other commercial plastic takes a long time to fully or partially degraded. As a result, banana peel is chosen because of its abundant quantities to be obtained in Malaysia. The objective is to formulate TPS/BP polymer composites with different concentrations of BP and assess their mechanical and physical properties. The sample preparation involves multiple steps, including extracting BP through a maceration process and incorporating it into the TPS matrix to form the TPS/BP polymer complex. The findings reveal that TPS/BP composites with 10 wt% BP exhibit the highest tensile and tear strengths, reaching up to 39.303 MPa and 66.388 N/mm, respectively. In terms of biodegradability, the 40 wt% BP composite exhibits a higher degradation rate compared to the 5 wt% BP composites, with an average weight loss of 65.1% over 8 weeks, as opposed to the average weight loss of 45.2% in the latter case. Overall, TPS/BP polymer composites have shown significantly superior physical and mechanical performance, positioning them as a promising alternative to existing biodegradable polymers.

Optimization of Topology and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Hollow and Thin-Walled Structures via Integration of Taguchi Method and Grey Relational Analysis

Zulkarnain Abdul Latiff — 2024-03-22

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) as one of 3D printing technique allow for the layer-by-layer construction of objects from a CAD file using a variety of different materials. The process has become quicker and more versatile as a result of technological innovation. In this study, the Taguchi method and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) were integrated to examine the mechanical performance and topology optimisation of polylactic acid (PLA) 3D printed hollow and thin-walled structures by FDM. The results showed that the optimized factors for the 3D printed part were identified as topology design (hexagonal), wall thickness (2 mm), layer height (0.2 mm), infill density (20%), infill layer thickness (0.6 mm), infill flow (80%), infill pattern (Triangle), print speed (100 mm/s), printing temperature (210°C), bed temperature (65°C), and orientation direction (flat along the Y-axis). The compression properties of the 3D printed part particularly for maximum force, maximum stress and compression modulus were improved by 15.42%, 66.62% and 68.61% respectively after the optimization.

Mechanical Properties of Bricks Containing Sago Fine Waste as Cement Replacement Material

Suraya Hani Adnan — 2024-03-22

Due to the country's expanding population and the resulting growth of the building industry, brick is one of the most crucial materials used in construction projects in Malaysia. Producing large amounts of bricks requires a lot of cement yet this method has environmental consequences due to increasing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Therefore, this study aims to use partial Sago Fine Waste (SFW) to replace the cement. About 60 tonnes of sago trash are dumped into the closest river every day during the production of sago starch. To protect the environment and contributing to sustainable development, this study has been conducted on the production of bricks from waste materials. For this study, the brick specimens were prepared using 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% of SFW with a water-cement ratio of 0.6 fixed at 1:3 sand cement ratio. The total specimens that were produced for testing are 72 bricks. The water curing for concrete has been conducted at 7 and 28 days. The overall results revealed that both density and compressive strength are decreases as the percentages of SFW increases. The initial rate of absorption increases due to the increasing percentage of SFW. However, all the results obtained are still met the requirements. Based on the findings, the optimum percentage SFW are SFW1W0.6 with strength 5.18 MPa. The optimum brick properties of SFW1W0.6 is normal weight with density 2092.86 kg/m³ and lowest initial rate absorption with 0.91 kg/m³.min.

Effect of Machining Parameters on Micro-Burrs Formation of Aluminium Puncher using High-Speed Machining Process

Mohd Saifuldin Mohd Mokhtar — 2024-03-22

Micro-burrs are small protrusions or imperfections that can form on the surface of a machined part during the machining process, which may lead to reduced product quality, decreased performance, and increased wear and tear. The formation of micro-burrs on the puncher can adversely affect the accuracy and surface finish of replicated microchannel parts in secondary processes like hot embossing. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of machining parameters on micro-burr formation in the Y-type Al6061-T6 microchannel puncher. The machining parameters include spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut in twenty experimental works designed using the Central Composite Design (CCD) approach for machining with uncoated solid carbide end milling tools. Results indicate that the top micro-burr formation in the Y-type Al6061-T6 microchannel puncher is significantly influenced by feed rates compared to spindle speed and depth of cut. The minimum burr width occurs at a feed rate of 30 mm/min, while maximum burr values are observed at 150 mm/min. The best parameter combination identified in this study is a spindle speed of 14000 r/min, a feed rate of 90 mm/min, and a moderate depth of cut of 50 μm. This knowledge can be applied to selecting appropriate cutting parameters when planning microchannel puncher fabrication using a high-speed machining process to achieve precision and minimize burr formation.

Characteristics of Sand-Waste Tyre Rubber Composite as Backfill Material

Siti Nur Fathiha Abdul Jalil — 2024-03-22

Waste tyre rubber offers an alternative to natural sand as a backfill material, potentially reducing the dependency on natural sand usage in construction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the properties of waste rubber as a potential backfill material for retaining walls and to assess the shear strength characteristics of the sand-rubber composite when used as a backfill for retaining walls, ultimately identifying the optimal sand-rubber composite ratio for effective backfill application. This study employed sieve analysis and specific gravity testing to identify the physical attributes of waste tyre rubber. Subsequently, direct shear box tests were conducted utilizing ratios of 100%, 50%, 75%, and 25%. Two types of rubber were utilized in this study Granulated Rubber (GR) with particle sizes ranging from 1 to 5 mm, and Mulch (MR) with particle sizes exceeding 25 mm. The findings reveal that the Cu value for waste rubber is less than 2.50 and the Gs value is less than 1.5, indicating favourable characteristics. Moreover, the 25% GR and MR compositions exhibit the highest shear stress values at 0.0347 N/m² and 0.0296 N/m², respectively. In conclusion, it has been determined that the optimal proportion of waste rubber for the application of the sand-waste tyre rubber composite as a backfill material is 25%.

Cooperative Study for Power Spectral Towards Different Sizes Taper Optical Microfiber for Sensing Purpose

Aminah Ahmad — 2024-03-22

Optical fibre, also referred to as fibre optics, is a method and medium of transmitting data using bursts of light through strands of glass or plastic. When light signals travel through fibre optic cables, they bounce off the core and cladding in a series of zigzag bounces, which is a phenomenon known as total internal reflection. Microfiber optic sensors have recently gained considerable attention due to their high sensitivity, quick detection, and adaptability to harsh environments. To produce microfibers in various diameters, a tapering technique is used. However, the sensor's performance may vary depending on the transmitted power levels produced by the different taper microfiber sizes. Several diameters of taper microfiber will be used as sensors to determine the sensing performance. The results indicate that the best performing sensors are those with smallest diameters.

Smart IoT Approach for Renewable Energy Monitoring System

Mc Lister Daniel — 2024-03-22

Numerous factories, commercial establishments, and private residences require an uninterrupted power supply. The primary source of this supply is often the grid. Industries, businesses, and residential areas needing 24-hour power inevitably require backup systems to ensure continuous operation of essential electronic devices. Typically, diesel generators are employed as backup power sources, utilizing diesel oil to generate electrical energy. While this approach has been successfully employed for many years, it carries a significant drawback. Diesel oil falls under the category of non-renewable energy sources, unable to be regenerated and requiring an extensive period for renewal. Furthermore, diesel generators emit substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution in the vicinity. To address these challenges, a prototype implementing a smart Internet of Things (IoT) approach has been developed. This study introduces the utilization of an Arduino Nano microcontroller, allowing users to control their power supply source, choosing between the grid, solar panels, or water generation. This control process is facilitated through a smartphone application, granting users the ability to manage it remotely, enhancing monitoring capabilities. The system incorporates two environmentally friendly power sources: solar panels and a mini water turbine, both considered safe for ecological balance. The outcomes of this research demonstrate that users can effectively utilize the generated electricity supply for approximately 12 hours, thereby reducing reliance on the grid and harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources.

Cure Behaviour and Tensile Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fibre Reinforced Natural Rubber Composites

Yeo Yi Xuan — 2024-03-22

Short natural fibres replace synthetic fibres as filler in natural rubber (NR) as they are environmentally beneficial and sustainable. This study investigates the cure behaviour and tensile properties of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) reinforced NR composites at various fibre contents. The fibre contents are varied at 0, 10, 20 and 30 parts per hundred rubber (phr). PALF reinforced NR composites are prepared using a two-roll mill. Surface morphology of tensile fractured specimens is examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrated that the optimum cure time decreases significantly with greater fibre content. The hardness value increases gradually with increasing filler content. The stress-strain graphs show an increasing trend in stress at higher fibre content particularly at low strain regions. On the contrary, the tensile strength reduces when the fibre content is increased up to 30 phr. SEM analysis reveals that the fibre-matrix adhesion is considerably poor due to the fibre pullout phenomenon observed. It is indicated that higher fibre content could be possibly reinforced to NR to achieve high deformation stress at incredibly low strain regions.

Engineering Properties of Cement-Paste with Polypropylene and Carbon Fibres

Anand Ryan Thurairajah — 2024-03-22

Concrete has strong compressive strength, but it is brittle and vulnerable to tension-induced failure. To address the issue, this research investigated the effect of the addition of fibre on the engineering properties of cement paste. There were two fibres examined in this study, which include polypropylene fibre (PF) and carbon fibre (CF). The engineering properties that were studied include flowability, hardened density, compressive strength, and flexural strength at 7, 28, and 56 days. The results indicated that the addition of fibre had only subtle effects on workability, attributed to a judiciously chosen low-volume fraction of fibres. Notably, a consistent increase in hardened density, compressive strength, and flexural strength was observed over the curing period, driven by ongoing hydration processes. Therefore, it can be concluded that the incorporation of PF and CF significantly improved cement paste engineering properties, outperforming the control specimen in hardened density, compressive strength, and flexural strength.

Modification of Agro-wastes Reinforced onto the PET Fabric for Decolorisation of Palm Oil Mill Effluent

Siti Samahani Suradi — 2024-03-22

The abundance of agricultural wastes from various industrialized processes has become one of the significant contributors to water pollution, particularly in the color of effluents from industrial-based palm oil mills. Inventively, this research focused on three different agro-wastes: pineapple leaves (PL), rice straw (RS), and empty fruit bunch (EFB) reinforced onto PET fabric composite and its decolorization performances by using palm oil mill final effluent discharged (POME-FED). The calcinated agro wastes/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) reinforced onto the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics were prepared by using the dip-coating technique and characterized via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS), spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), turbidity and color of POME-FED. It was found that the calcinated PL/PVDF/Fabric displayed the best performance in the turbidity and decolorization by 12.02 NTU, 760 ADMI, and ~60% color removal efficiency as compared with raw POME-FED (~1800 ADMI). Nevertheless, the decolorization efficiencies of RS/PVDF/Fabric and EFB/PVDF/Fabric had increased by ~37 % and ~49 %, respectively. It shows that the formation of a reinforcing layer on the PET fabric surface has improved the transparency of POME-FED. The SEM micrographs and the change of peaks at regions 1650 cm^-1, 1450 cm^-1, 1210 cm^-1, and 990 cm^-1 in composites' spectroscopies demonstrate the different patterns of these calcinated samples are various patterns that impart the strength of the composite fabric surface functionality and hydrophobicity. The reduction of the color value of effluent showed the hydrophobicity of the integrated palm oil waste coated with PET, which enables to trap of the particles in the effluent, thus this composite has potential use in the filtration of water treatment.

Comprehensive Analysis of Insulator Performance in High Voltage Transmission Systems: Implications for Efficient Power Transfer

Matiullah Ahsan — 2024-03-22

This research article examines the performance of insulators in high-voltage transmission systems, specifically focusing on their role in facilitating efficient power transfer along transmission lines. The study evaluates different types of insulators used in various geographical regions and assesses their withstand voltage characteristics. The research demonstrates that glass insulators outperform plastic and ceramic insulators in terms of electric field behavior. The study also investigates the behavior of AC-energized insulators in polluted and non-polluted conditions, providing insights for improving HVAC insulation design in polluted environments. The research recommends further experiments to examine insulator behavior under different applied voltage scenarios. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of insulators in high-voltage transmission systems and provides valuable insights for developing advanced insulator technologies to enhance power transfer efficiency.

Investigation Seebeck Effect of Industrial High Voltage Transformer Oil Towards Industrial Insulator Oil Condition Detection

Mohd Aszwan Jimal — 2024-03-22

Transformer oil serves as the main dielectric and interacts with solid insulation, encounters the environment, and conveys a lot of information. However, undesirable contamination of transformer oil like water or moisture in the transformer oil will reduce the transformer's effectiveness. This study is the first investigation of the potential of using the thermoelectric effect for transformer oil condition testing towards high voltage insulator oil condition detection. This study has found that the used oil sample with various percentages of water content produced a different Seebeck coefficient which shows the potential of using the thermoelectric effect as a simple, cheap, and versatile method to test industrial oil insulator conditions. The results of the Seebeck coefficient for each condition are 0.0003 mV/K (original), 0.0107 mV/K (4 % of water added), and 0.0131 mV/K (40 % of water added), respectively. The industrial oil shows different Seebeck magnitude between oil before and after thermal aging which show a significant decrease of Seebeck magnitude of the industrial oil insulator with an increase of thermal ageing.

The Investigation of Material Removal Rate on Electrical Discharge Machining of Titanium Alloys (Ti-6Al-4V) at Different Peak Currents and Pulse Durations by Using RBD Palm Oil and Kerosene as Dielectric Fluids

Said Ahmad — 2024-03-22

The type of dielectric fluid is the most significant component that might affect the machining performance of EDM such as material removal, tool wear, and electrode surface roughness. However, the most serious of these issues is the inability to comply with health and environmental rules when the conventional dielectric was harmful to the surrounding ecosystem. One approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of EDM is to use vegetable oil as the dielectric fluid as it is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. To satisfy industrial objectives, the machining industry must ensure that the maximum material removal rate (MRR) can be achieved. This paper investigated the effect of kerosene and refined, bleached, and deodorised (RBD) palm oil as dielectric fluids with different peak currents (6, 9, and 12A) and pulse duration (50, 100 and 150µs) settings on MRR of Titanium alloy. Kerosene was used as a benchmark to compare the performance of the EDM process. The implementation of RBD palm oil recorded the lowest MRR at the lowest peak current of 6A with the lowest pulse duration of 50µs, which is 1.1260mm³/min. In contrast, the highest MRR with a value of 12.1323mm³/min was recorded at the highest peak current of 12A with a pulse duration of 150µs. Overall, RBD palm oil shows an excellent MRR performance for substituting hydrocarbon or mineral oil as a dielectric fluid in EDM applications, improving cost, time, and production efficiency.

Prototype Development of Modified Roof Turbine Ventilator for Thermal Comfort Enhancement

Mithun Mondal — 2024-03-22

A mechanical ventilator known as a turbine ventilator harnesses the wind to supply natural ventilation. Due to their high performance and cheap running costs, these devices are increasingly being used to ventilate areas. This study evaluated the impact of a modified turbine ventilator system on thermal comfort and airflow inside a room. The results showed that the natural ventilation system failed to meet the ASHRAE Standard 55-2020 for thermal comfort. The installation of a turbine ventilator decreases the temperature by 1.3°C but still did not meet the standards. The modified turbine ventilator system consisted of a 305 mm diameter inner 12V, 12W exhaust fan installed in a 500 mm diameter ventilator and connected to a 50W, 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel showed the greatest improvement with a decrease in room temperature of 4.4°C, an increase in airflow, and full compliance with the ASHRAE Standard 55-2020. The study concludes that modifications to the natural ventilation system can significantly improve thermal comfort and airflow, with the modified ventilator system being the most effective solution.

A Comprehensive Design and Performance Assessment of a Reel-Type Blade Organic Waste Chopper Machine

Wahyu Sugandi — 2024-03-22

The global issue of organic waste poses a serious threat to the environment and public health. With the increasing production of organic waste driven by population growth and urbanization, waste management systems worldwide are confronted with inevitable pressures. The decomposition process of organic waste generates methane gas, contributing not only to global climate change through the greenhouse gas effect but also posing risks of air and water pollution. The primary function of organic waste lies in its ability to become a valuable resource through recycling and composting processes. The potential use of organic waste as a source of renewable energy through biogas or biomass production also presents promising prospects. The objective of this research is to design a reel-type chopper machine for more optimal waste processing. The research method employed is engineering, involving non-routine design activities to create something new in both process and form. The results of the study show that the designed reel-type organic waste shredder has dimensions of 800 mm in length, 750 mm in width, and 1042 mm in height. The machine consists of four main components: the frame hopper, shredding cylinder, and discharge hole. The chopper machine has a power of 2.2 kW, a chopper capacity of 1 ton/hour, and a cutting length of 2–5 cm. The advantages of the shredded output from this reel-type chopper machine can accelerate the decomposition and fermentation processes of organic waste. The smaller and uniformly shredded particles provide a larger surface area for the activities of decomposing microorganisms. Additionally, reel-type machines are more efficient in processing materials with high moisture levels, such as wet branches or leaves. By ensuring optimal particle size, reel-type machines also enhance the efficiency of composting, as well as the production of compost briquettes and briquettes fueled by organic waste. Therefore, the role of reel-type organic waste shredder machines is crucial in maximizing the value of organic waste, accelerating the recycling cycle, and effectively reducing environmental impact.