bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical Modification of Urena lobata (Caeser Weed) Fibers for Reinforcement Applications
Authors: Njoku C. E. , Omotoyinbo J. A. , Alaneme K. K. , Daramola M. O. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The reinforcements of composites with natural fibers have attracted more concerns than their synthetic counterparts due to the biodegradability, less-expensiveness, CO2 neutrality, ready availability, non-abrasiveness, low weight, renewability and high specific mechanical properties of these fibers. However, the hydrophilicity, reduced interfacial bond, and reduced thermal strength of fibers of natural origin deter their attraction for use in composites reinforced with natural fibers. The treatment of naturally-occurring fibers chemically helps to clean up the fiber surface making them rougher; reduces moisture absorption; and increases fiber-matrix adhesion. In this study, Urena lobata fibers produced by natural water retting for use as composite reinforcements were subjected to alkaline-treatment with sodium hydroxide solutions at varying concentrations. The transformations that occurred in the structures and morphologies of the fibers were checked using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tests were done on several bundles of the Urena lobata fibers so as to understand how the chemical treatments had effects on the tensile behaviours of the fibers. The results obtained reveal enhanced mechanical behaviours of the treated Urena lobata fibers in comparison to the untreated ones. Interestingly, the chemical treatment with 6 wt% NaOH solution yielded the best mechanical behaviours (2.91 ± 0.01%, 53.26 ± 0.01 GPa and 2611.34 ± 0.045 MPa for ductility, elastic modulus and tensile strength, respectively) amongst other alkaline-treated fibers.
Synthesis of Optimal Heat Exchanger Networks with Quantified Uncertainties and Non-isothermal Mixing
Authors: Yoro K.O. , Isafiade A.J. , Daramola M.O. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The primary objective of this study is to develop a simultaneous approach for the synthesis of flexible heat exchanger networks (HENs) with non-isothermal mixing assumptions. The HENs synthesis procedure presented in this study took into consideration quantified uncertainties in inlet temperatures and flow rates with an unpredictable time of shift. The proposed multi-period MINLP model was used to generate a HEN with optimized heat exchanger areas and total annualized costs attributed to utility duties. A framework for generating the flexible HEN over a specified range of variations in flow rates and stream temperature was proposed in this study. The framework was based on a two-stage strategy; a HEN design stage was first performed before the testing stage where the energy-saving potential of the synthesized HEN was established. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was tested for energy minimization using a case study in literature with variation in inlet temperature and flow rate. It was observed that the inclusion of non-isothermal parameters in the non-linear model resulted in a HEN that optimally works under fluctuating conditions without losing stream temperature targets while maintaining economically-optimal energy integration.
Production of CNT Yarns from Methane Gas for Use as Filaments in Incandescent Bulbs: Thermodynamic Properties of As-spun CNT Yarns
Authors: Mahagani N. , Igbokwe E. , Aberefa O. , Bodiba V. , Daramola M.O. , Iyuke S. E. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Energy efficiency is a minimal cost energy resource. It is critical in bridging the gap via reducing overall demand, allowing electricity supply to be expanded to meet increasing demand in a timely and sustainable way. Incandescent bulbs with tungsten filaments convert only about 10% of the input energy into light with the rest wasted as heat and resultant carbon dioxide gas emissions. This results in high energy and environmental inefficiency. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) yarns as filaments for replacement of tungsten in incandescent bulbs represent an economic option boosting high energy and environmental efficiency. In this study, CNT yarns were produced from methane, an abundant greenhouse gas currently flared in Africa. Synthesis of CNT yarns were carried out in a Floating Catalyst Chemical Vapour Deposition (FCCVD) reactor using ferrocene as the catalyst with direct spinning of CNT into yarn. The quality and morphology of the produced yarns at different temperatures (900 – 1000°C) were determined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Raman Spectroscopy. The optimum temperature to produce CNT yarns was found to be at reactor temperature of 950°C. The thermodynamics associated with the production of the as-spun CNT yarns were determined by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Heat capacity of CNT yarns was calculated based on the measured heat flow at thermal stable state. A polynomial regression of the form: Cp=0.002T2 – 0.4512T+66.099 was proposed for the prediction of the thermodynamic values. Change in thermodynamic quantities of yarn such as entropy and enthalpy were determined based on the heat capacities calculated from fitted polynomial models using relationship of thermodynamic function.
Recycled Aggregate in Pavement Construction: Review of Literatures
Authors: Busari A. , Adeyanju E. , Loto T. , Ademola D. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The built environment consumes a lot of energy and material. A huge demand of about 40 billion tonnes of aggregates is demanded for construction purpose. The cost of material accounts for more than 60% of the total project cost. However, 10% of construction material end up as demolition wastes yearly. Aggregate is a beneficial building component in construction. There is much need to develop ways to ensure it is utilized properly as construction and demolition waste contribute a large percent to landfills. This review of literature examined the generation of construction and demolition waste generated in developed countries, waste characterization, and utilization in pavement construction. Additionally, environmental, economic and social benefits of the reuse of this waste was espoused. The result of the review revealed that The initial construction material quality, scale of the project, contract and construction mode used affect the amount and quality of CDW. CDW are bulky and not suitable for composting and incineration. Ultimately, the utilization of this waste would reduce the amount of raw material used in construction leading to conservation. Also, there would be reduction in the energy cost associated with mining (quarrying), extraction and transportation of natural aggregates in track with the conservation of natural resources and the construction of cost-effective pavements.
Computational synthesis of carbon doped BaAl4S7-xCx as a unique solid-state device
Authors: Emetere M.E , Abodunrin J.T , Fayomi O.O , Iroham C.O 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
New solid-state materials are emerging with precise prospect of revolutionizing new electronic device. The BaAl4S7 is originally a non-linear optical material. However, the unique plane analysis suggests that it could be converted into a white light source solid-state device if doped. In this paper, we present a unique doping technique that converts BaAl4S7 to a unique solid-state device by doping the sample with carbon at unique positions.
Soybean Oil Biodiesel Production using Renewable Catalyst Synthesized from Guinea Fowl Eggshells
Authors: Fagbiele O. O. , Ayoola A. A. , Oyekunle T. D. , Yusuf O. E. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The need for a sustainable energy has given rise to the search for a renewable source of energy. This research study presents the production of soybean oil biodiesel using synthesized guinea fowl eggshell catalyst (renewable catalyst). The catalyst preparation involves calcination at 850 °C for 3 hours in a muffle furnace. It was characterized using X-Ray Flourescence (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Biodiesel was produced using 3-8 wt % of calcined catalyst within a time range of 1-2 hour, methanol/oil ratio of 0.25-0.5 w/w%. The highest biodiesel yield was 87.6% at optimum conditions of 8 wt%, 1.5 hours and 0.25 w/w% for catalyst amount, reaction time and methanol/oil ratio respectively. The biodiesel produced validates the successful synthesis of the guinea fowl eggshell into CaO. Biodiesel was then characterized to determine the acid value, flash point, cetane number, specific gravity, density, iodine value and kinematic viscosity. The characterization result of the biodiesel synthesized by using the guinea fowl eggshell catalyst produced showed that the biodiesel produced compares favorably with ASTMD standards.
Endogenous-Switching Regression Modeling of Farmers’ Exposure to Climate Hazards and Reforestation in Selected Villages in Africa
Authors: Oyekale T.O , Oyekale A.S 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Deforestation remains a serious concern for Africa’s economic development and global climatic stability. This paper analyzed the effect of exposure to climate-related hazards on tree planting among smallholder farmers in nine selected African countries. The data were from baseline surveys which were conducted by the CGIAR’s research programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). The included countries were Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda. Data were analyzed with Endogenous Switching regression considering the endogeneity potentials of climate-hazard exposure. The results showed that Uganda and Ethiopia had the highest average numbers of tree planting with 1.082 and 1.000 respectively, while Senegal (89.86%), Kenya (87.77%), Burkina Faso (82.86%) and Ethiopia (82.86%) had the highest exposure to climate-related hazards. Endogenous Switching regression results showed that climate hazard exposure was truly endogenous going by statistical significance of the Wald Chi Square test (p<0.05) and it was significantly influenced by female household headship, perception of more droughts, floods and low ground water. The number of tree that were planted increased significantly (p<0.05) with climate hazard exposure, degraded land areas, asset indices and residence in East Africa, while it reduced with female household headship. In addition, Average Treatment Effect (ATE) result indicated that an average household will plant 0.745 trees more when it had been previously exposed to climate shocks while Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATET) revealed that an average household that was exposed to climate hazards would plant 0.54 more trees than it would if it had not been exposed to hazards. It was concluded that many farmers had been affected by climate-related shocks and efforts to safeguard future climate through tree planting should be gender sensitive and concentrated among previously affected farmers.
Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from plantain peel and coconut shell using biological activators
Authors: Efeovbokhan V.E. , Alagbe E.E , Odika B. , Babalola R. , Oladimeji T.E. , Abatan O.G. , Yusuf E.O. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
A concern over the toxicity of chemicals used during the activation stage in the preparation of activated carbon is beginning to gain attention. The study therefore looked into the possibility of using bio-activators (lemon juice and potash leached from the peel of unripe plantain) as activating chemicals, for environmentally friendly activated carbon. Coconut shell and the peel from unripe plantain were used as feedstock and pyrolyzed at 400 and 450 °c. An impregnation ratio of 0.25:1 was used while laboratory grade potassium hydroxide was used as a base activating agent as a control setup. Characterization of the activated carbon was carried out using parameters like bulk density and yield which were obtained using standard procedures. Results showed that activating carbon using bio-activators as activating agents had very good characteristics when compared with the control. Bio-activators are therefore recommended for the production of bio based activated carbon especially in the fields of medicine, food and pharmaceuticals. The effect of carbonization temperature on adsorption efficiency and pore structure were investigated using methylene blue as adsorbate and SEM respectively
Assessment of the Performance of Osmotically Driven Polymeric Membrane Processes
Authors: Agboola O. , Sanni S. E. , Oyekunle D. T. , Ayeni A. O. , Oni B. A. , Ayoola A. , Popoola P. , Sadiku R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe universal water scarceness and the extensive ordeals with energy cost in conjunction with the undesirable ecological effects have advanced the improvement of novel osmotically driven membrane processes. Membrane processes which are osmotically driven are developing type of membrane separation procedures that apply concentrated brines to separate liquid streams. They are adaptable in various applications; hence, allow them to be an attractive substitute for drug release, wastewater treatment and the production and recovery of energy. Although, internal concentration polarization (ICP) occurs in membrane practises which are osmotically driven as a consequence of hindered diffusion of solute in a porous stratum, their interest has even increased. Here we review two natural membrane processes that are osmotically driven; Forward osmosis (FO) and Pressure retarded osmosis (PRO). Thus, the major points are as follows: 1) it was highlighted in this review, that the major developments in FO process, important for the process efficiency is to choose a suitable membrane and draw solution. 2) The recent evaluation, understanding and optimizing the activities of fouling throughout the osmotic dilution of seawater employing FO was discussed. 3) Recent advancements of FO in the application of food processing was reviewed. 4) It was highlighted that the main concept of PRO for power generation is the energy of mixing that offers great assessment of the non-expansion work which could be generated from mixing; nonetheless, the development of effective membranes with appropriate arrangement and performance is needed for the advancement of PRO process for power generation. 5) One major challenge of osmotically driven membrane processes, most recent developments and model development to predict their performances were discussed.
Advancement in the application of alloys and composites in the manufacture of aircraft component: A review
Authors: Kgoete F.M , Popoola A.P.I , Fayomi O. S. I. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFailures in aerospace structural components have catastrophic consequences, which results in loss of lives and of the aircraft. Failure occurs when a component or structure is no longer able to withstand the stresses imposed on it during operation. Application requirements of aerospace components involves high durability in order to withstand high temperature and pressure environments (such as leaving the earth’s atmosphere or exposure to burning rocket fuel) and must be light weight for easy lifting and fuel efficiency for rockets. Compressor blades in aero-engines are designed for many distinct functions and are required to withstand high temperatures imposed on them by high rotational speed in the form of large centrifugal load and aerodynamic force applied as a function of pressure rise through each stage of the compressor. The paper reviews the advancement in the application of alloys and composites in the manufacture of aircraft component.
Design, Development and Performance Evaluation of A 5-Ton Capacity Brinell Hardness Testing Machine
Authors: Awe A.A , Adedayo S.M. , Olabamiji T.S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Material testing machines are necessities in structural metal industries and engineering training institutions. Cost of importations had however made acquisition of the equipment difficult in most developing countries. This research aims at developing a hardness testing machine with 100% locally sourced components with a level of accuracy comparable with globally recognized manufacturers of similar equipment. A 5-Ton capacity Brinell-type hardness machine was designed, developed and tested. The machine has dimension specification: Base (602mm × 602mm); Height (1219.2mm). Total weight is 135kg. The cubical frame is made of two structural I-channel of depth (600mm) ×width (65mm) ×web (5mm). The horizontal I-channel that absorbs the bending load is of specification 600mm Depth ×65mm width×5mmWeb. Design indentation load of 50000N transmitted at the centre of I-channel was used resulting in maximum stress of 48.5N/mm2. A 5-Ton hydraulic jack, with attachments for workpiece support is placed rigidly on the lower I-channel. Sperical steel ball from ball bearings was used as indenter ball, positioned in a casing and rigidly fixed to the upper channel of machine in inverted position. Hydraulic jack pressure was monitored through a oil pressure meter connected through an orifice at the base. An upward movement of the ram lifts workpiece against stationary indenter. Indentation diameter on workpiece is measured with a micrometer travelling microscope. Repeated tests carried out on Aluminium, Copper and plastic gave diameters 2.9, 3.2, 7.5mm coressponding to 74.098, 60.56, 9.5BHN. Similar tests carried out on Brinell Hardness Tester Model (EEDB) and serial number (EEDB/13) give 79.6, 69.1, 9.5BHN percentage variation of locally developed machine from the standard machine used were 6.91, 12.36 and 0%. The effect of applied indenter force on hardness value was examined and results showed a maximum range of 1.428 BHN standard deviation. Test results indicated good reliability for use in basic material testing.
A Review of the Compositions, Processing, Materials and Properties of Brake Pad Production
Authors: Lawal S.S. , Ademoh N.A. , Bala K.C. , Abdulrahman A.S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis is a review and overview of the trending researches in automobile brake pad production processes, formulations, materials, and properties. Most of the works attempt mainly on replacing asbestos found to be carcinogenic with base materials with other ingredients in various formulations and particle sizes. Though most of the replacements are non-hazardous with properties such mechanical and tribological cauterizations comparing well with the traditional asbestos based brake pad. The overview of these trends suggests the need to replace not only the asbestos but also the commonly used epoxy resins or phenolic resins or phenol formaldehyde binders that has been found to corrode outside plates of brake assembly. These reviews has thrust a new research direction of replacing the asbestos and inorganic resins with agro based materials of Cashew Nut Shell and Plant Gum binder respectively to obtain a substantially green based brake pads that are non-injurious to human health and does not corrode any parts of the brake pads assembly.
Biopolymer Synthesis and Detection by Soil Bacteria and Yeast
Authors: Nnaji C. F. , Balogun S. A. , Akpor O. B. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Biopolymers have emerged as potential alternatives to synthetic plastics over the last decades because they share very similar characteristics, are biodegradable and thus can reduce the global pollution caused by synthetic plastics. The primary focus of this work was to explore PHB synthesizing ability of indigenous soil bacteria and yeast during a single-phase growth condition. Three bacterial (two soil isolates and Bacillus subtilis) and one yeast species were used for the study. PHB synthesis study was carried out under batch experimental setup at incubation temperatures of 25 and 37°C. Evidence of PHB synthesis were confirmed by Sudan Black B staining for bacterial and yeast cells isolates. The highest PHB granules recovered was estimated to be 87 mg/100ml at an optimal temperature of 37°C, with none of the test microbial species showing PHB production at 25°C. Generally, the test isolates showed distinct strategies of PHB accumulation at different incubation periods; some throughout the growth period and others only when growth is at the stationary stage. In the majority of the isolates, growth rate of the test isolates was however directly proportional to the quantity of PHB produced. The PHB synthesizing potential of the test microbial species could be optimized by growing mixed cultures of both exponential and stationary PHB synthesizing organisms in a single fermentation process step, where PHB production is guaranteed to occur throughout the incubation process. This optimization strategy along with its ideal process conditions can lend to the sustainability of this technology.
Review and Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welds of High Strength Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Abolusoro Olatunji P , Akinlabi Esther T 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
There have been significant advancements of recent in the studies of friction stir welding of high strength Aluminium alloys. These studies cover developments in the welded joint properties of these alloys. This paper reviews some available literature on evolving mechanical properties of friction stir welding of high strength aluminium alloys especially those of 7075 aluminium alloy which happens to be the most versatile member of the high strength aluminium alloy group. This review is aimed at establishing a correlation between the tensile behavior, plate thickness and temper conditions of the 7075 alloy when joined by friction stir welding (FSW) in both similar and dissimilar joints with other metals. The average values of reported ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and percentage elongation have been calculated and presented. Comparative analysis was made between the tensile properties at different temper designation and plate thickness. The analysis revealed that temper conditions significantly affect the mechanical properties of both the similar and the dissimilar joints and that similar welding at T6 and T651 temper conditions gave higher weld efficiencies than dissimilar welding with other groups in the aluminium series. However plate thickness have little or no influence on the ultimate tensile behaviour, yield strength and elongation of the welds. The review also indicates that there is a range of temperature between which post weld heat treatment (PWHT) could be performed in order to obtain maximum tensile property This paper is a significant approach to enhance high performance joining techniques and the reliability or otherwise of friction stir welding technology to join 7075 aluminium alloys under different heat treatment or temper conditions of the alloys for better industrial applications.
Fuels and Chemicals from lignocelluloses: A Short Overview
Authors: Ayeni Augustine O. , Elehinafe Francis B. , Ejekwu Olayile , Daramola Michael O. , Agboola Oluranti 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This paper looked at the potential and available alternative conversion paths for fuels and chemicals production away from the conventional conversion processes of fossil based fuels. Lignocellulosic biomasses are abundant, renewable, and domestically available energy resources. Though with its own attendant challenges, there are achievements and prospects that have been made in developing environmentally friendly processes for small and large scale conversion of lignocelluloses to different fuels and chemicals. With the continuous reliance on fossil fuels, there is the ever increasing climate change caused by the increasing greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide. Biomass from marine, trees, plants, animal wastes, food and non- food crops, grains, and wood based can produce fuels such as ethanol, butanol, and other chemicals through some promising technologies. Therefore, identifying ways to improving production efficiency of fuels and chemicals during biomass conversion processes to a sustainable level is very crucial.