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Mechanical Characterization of Composite Material as an Alternative for Partition Wall of Ethiopian Housing
Samueal Tadesse Ashagrie,
Fissaha Alem Aregawi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
1-11
Received:
19 September 2017
Accepted:
23 January 2018
Published:
15 March 2018
DOI:
10.11648/j.cm.20180201.11
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Abstract: The present study, has been used both banana and Enset (Enset eventricosum) fiber for manufacturing the composite material used for partition wall. Enset is an indigenous natural fiber abundantly available in Ethiopia. Samples made of Enset and banana fibers for the test were collected from Jimma region and prepared by taking different fiber orientation and thickness as principal parameters. Then three mechanical tests were performed (i.e. tensile test, flexural test and compressive test). The tensile tests were performed for four samples of different thickness (i.e. 2mm, 4mm, 6mm and 8mm) with various fiber orientations using different matrixes (i.e. gypsum. CM-43 and Vinyl ester). For the flexural and compressive tests four samples of different thicknesses (i.e. 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm) for each orientation were prepared and tested by using gypsum as a matrix material. It was observed that the results obtained were fairly acceptable and closely equivalent to the existing partition wall of a house. In this study Taguchi experimental method was used for the optimization and realization of the experimental results.
Abstract: The present study, has been used both banana and Enset (Enset eventricosum) fiber for manufacturing the composite material used for partition wall. Enset is an indigenous natural fiber abundantly available in Ethiopia. Samples made of Enset and banana fibers for the test were collected from Jimma region and prepared by taking different fiber orient...
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Preparation and Properties of Electro-Spun PVP / Silver Nanowire Composite Nanofibers
Shaowei Pang,
Liyan Ding,
Xiangyang Chen,
Mingjie Xing,
Zhihao Sun,
Jihao Tao
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
12-18
Received:
4 July 2018
Accepted:
24 July 2018
Published:
30 October 2018
DOI:
10.11648/j.cm.20180201.12
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Abstract: The silver nanowires were produced by the hydrothermal reaction, and the influences of different reaction conditions on morphologies of silver nanowires were researched. Then the PVP/silver nanowire composite nanofibers with different concentrations of silver nanowires were produced by the way of electrospinning in order to research the morphologies and performances. And the optimal solution was obtained when the solutions were stirred for 10 minutes and then stood for 30 minutes. When the hydrothermal reactor was heated at 180°C for 24 hours, the morphologies of silver nanowires were the best. Morphologies of silver nanowires and composite nanofibers with different proportions of silver nanowires were examined by scanning electron microscope. Finally the antibacterial property was tested by the inhibition zone method and the photocatalytic performance was measured by the degradation of methyl orange. The results show that when the proportion of silver nanowires in composite nanofibers exceeds 5%, the antibacterial property is significantly improved; when the ratio of silver nanowires is 10%, the antibacterial property remains stable; when the proportions of silver nanoparticles and silver nanowires are same, the antibacterial property of PVP/silver nanowire composite nanofiber is better; the photocatalytic performance is better when the proportion of silver nanowires is 8%.
Abstract: The silver nanowires were produced by the hydrothermal reaction, and the influences of different reaction conditions on morphologies of silver nanowires were researched. Then the PVP/silver nanowire composite nanofibers with different concentrations of silver nanowires were produced by the way of electrospinning in order to research the morphologie...
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High Performance Bricks from Straw and Asphalt
Sitpalan Ahilan,
Dharani Sandunika Abeysinghe,
Kolitha Fernando,
Thilini Priyadarshi Herath
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
26-31
Received:
28 November 2018
Accepted:
21 December 2018
Published:
22 January 2019
DOI:
10.11648/j.cm.20180201.14
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Abstract: This study investigated a partial replacement of clay by additives for bricks. The purified clay mixed with different volume percentage of additives (Asphalt and Straw from agricultural waste) as separate and both to cast as bricks with the standard dimensions of 18.5 × 8.5 × 6.5 cm3. Cylindrical pellets casted with the dimensions of average diameter of 40 mm and thicknesses about 2.5 ± 0.2mm. The casted bricks and pellets are air dried in open atmosphere for 8-10 days. These bricks and pellets are fired for three days, at the end of three days kiln is allowed to cool to reach room temperature. The sample bricks are tested for compressive strength and water absorption; pellets are tested for thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. From the obtained results, it has concluded that the compressive strength slightly increased against density of the bricks. A moderate decrement observed in the water absorption against density of the samples and compressive strength weakens with the increment of water absorption of the samples. Improved electrical conductivities of the samples with additives appears change in electrical properties from insulating to semiconducting. Thermal conductivity values of the samples with additives are climb against the 100% clay sample. The result shows that the greatest thermal conductivity of 0.905 Wm-1K was obtained for 85% Clay / 5% Straw / 10% Asphalt sample. The additives enhance porosity and heat contact through the samples. The values obtained and with reference to the graphs plotted, can be concluded that the 90% Clay / 5% Straw / 5% Asphalt sample is superior among the samples.
Abstract: This study investigated a partial replacement of clay by additives for bricks. The purified clay mixed with different volume percentage of additives (Asphalt and Straw from agricultural waste) as separate and both to cast as bricks with the standard dimensions of 18.5 × 8.5 × 6.5 cm3. Cylindrical pellets casted with the dimensions of average diamet...
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Aldehydes, Acids and Esters Analysis of Brandy Aged in Oak Barrels Treated by Electric Field
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2018
Pages:
32-42
Received:
28 November 2018
Accepted:
25 December 2018
Published:
22 January 2019
DOI:
10.11648/j.cm.20180201.15
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Abstract: In natural brandy aging, it normally takes many years, resulting in low production efficiency and high cost. For shortening the aging time, electric field (EF) treatment was used to test and verify the effectiveness of accelerating the brandy aging process. In this paper, the effects of using an EF treatment on brandy stored in 5-L and 2-L oak barrels to simulate the natural aging process were investigated. The compounds of aldehydes, acids and esters were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed that after being treated by EF the content of most beneficial materials on brandy quality such as esters and β-phenethyl alcohol were increased while the increment of acids was reduced. The application of an EF treatment of 1 kV/cm to the oak barrels could probably enhance the chemical reaction and accelerate the aging process. The current study indicated that application of EF treatment directly on oak barrel maybe a promising and feasible technology for accelerating brandy maturation in the brandy industry.
Abstract: In natural brandy aging, it normally takes many years, resulting in low production efficiency and high cost. For shortening the aging time, electric field (EF) treatment was used to test and verify the effectiveness of accelerating the brandy aging process. In this paper, the effects of using an EF treatment on brandy stored in 5-L and 2-L oak barr...
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