Materials Science Forum Vol. 1120

Abstract: Modal analysis of a quasi-isotropic Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite plates having different cut-outs is numerically investigated under free-clamped boundary conditions using ANSYS 2023 R1. First six natural frequencies & corresponding mode shapes are extracted from the simulation. To verify the numerical results, experimental modal analysis is carried out on a sample specimen made of epoxy/glass composite with traditional ‘strike method ‘to determine the frequency response functions and to measure the natural frequencies. Investigation was continued to understand the effect of fiber orientation and systematically altered length to breadth ratio (size ratio - a/b) on the natural frequencies and the respective mode shapes. Obtained results exhibited that the correctly chosen fiber orientation contributes to improved dynamic performance, which delivers greater flexibility in designing structures to meet the application requirements. Furthermore, optimization of cut-outs was performed to demonstrate that variation in cut-outs is a key parameter and can be used to attain essential vibration mode shapes and definite frequencies. It was found from the investigation that circular cut-out acts a vital role for attaining desired free modal characteristics.

Abstract: The global scientific community for the last three decades focuses mainly on polymer-based nanocomposites due to their ease of fabrication, flexibility, and above all easiness to handle them. Among the polymer materials, polyethylene got the attraction because of its readiness to be combined with most of the filler materials available in natural form as well as newly synthesized ones. The present study focuses on the synthesis of nanocomposites of Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with graphene oxide nanoparticles as the filler. The graphene oxide nanoparticles are synthesized using a modified Hummers method. The composites are prepared by varying the amount of graphene oxide nanoparticles in the LDPE matrix using the melt extrusion method. The nanocomposites prepared were found to have good mechanical properties compared to the virgin LDPE material. The Dynamic Mechanic Analysis (DMA) confirmed that the quantity of the graphene oxide nanoparticles has a major role in the viscoelastic behaviour of the composites.

Abstract: Recycling of aluminium alloys is gaining significant attention due to its economic and environmental benefits. However, close loop recycled aluminium alloys can be adversely affected by impurities and alloying elements present in the recycled feedstock. In this study, the influence of three composites, namely alumina (Al₂O₃), ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), and manganese (Mn), on the properties of recycled aluminium taldon scraps was investigated to enhance the tensile behaviour of the alloys. The effects of these composites on the mechanical properties, microstructure, and corrosion behaviour of the recycled aluminium alloys were evaluated through experimental characterization techniques. The results showed that the addition of these composites had a significant influence on the properties of recycled aluminium alloys, providing insights into the potential for improving the performance of recycled aluminium alloys through composite additions. The addition of Al₂O₃ enhanced the tensile strength by 44.18 % and the variation can be attributed to the strengthening of the dendritic zones by the formation of α-Al.

Abstract: The mechanic shops and rubber processing industries are where a lot of rubber tyre trash is produced. The purpose of this project is to replace coarse aggregates with rubber at a rate of 5, 10, 15, and 20% and to recycle coarse aggregates. With a 10% constant replacement of coarse aggregates, several tests are conducted, including compressive strength tests, split tensile strength tests, and flexural strength tests on walls. The strength characteristics were compared to those of typical concrete after 7, 14, and 28 days of use. The utilisation of waste elements like rubber boosted the concrete's strength when compared to conventional concrete.

Abstract: In the construction sector, concrete is indispensable. Non-structural uses account for a significant portion of concrete production. Foamed concrete (FC) is incredibly porous, and as the number of voids increases, the material's thermal characteristics decrease. Since these uses need a substantial amount of concrete, researching them might yield useful information for optimizing concrete's material efficiency and making better use of its waste products. FC is excellent in compression but poor in tension because it creates multiple microcracks. FC cannot withstand the tensile stress induced by the applied forces without additional reinforcement elements. Hence, this research investigates the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) fibers based foam concrete. The utilization of effective materials such as cement, flyash, silica fume and PP fibre were used in this investigation. In this study, a novel invention is proposed for designing and strength prediction of foam concrete and find out the strength properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of fibre reinforced foam concrete were determined and the experimental and predictive value of compressive strength were also determined with the help of python. The results provide a clear idea of ​​the efficient use of fly ash and silica fume for the manufacture of light weight based products that promote profitability, sustainability and entrepreneurship for youth in developing countries such as India, and it is important by conserving natural resources through savings in the consumption of cement and aggregates.

Abstract: Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a concrete which flows under its own weight in the congested areas without any external force. Increase in demand and decrease in availability of fine aggregates, we use an alternative material called quarry dust, it is a finer material generated from stone quarries. This paper deals with the feasibility study on the utilization of quarry dust as a partial replacement in fine aggregate. In this experimental investigation, the properties of materials are tested as per Indian standards. The filling ability, passing ability and flowability characteristics of SCC as a partial replacement of fine aggregate with quarry dust was investigated as per EFNARC guidelines. In this experimental investigation, different mixes were prepared as a partial replacement of fine aggregate with quarry dust at various percentages such as 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% to obtain the optimum replacement level. The Slump flow, U-box, L-Box, V-Funnel and J-ring tests were carried out to determine the workability of SCC. The finding shows that the workability decreases with the addition of quarry dust. It is concluded that addition of quarry dust reduces the fresh properties of the SCC.

Abstract: Glass wastes are generated by various sectors is creating an environmental issue in our country. The reuse and recycling of Glass Waste Particles (GWP) is a way to reduce the environmental issues, cost of waste management and create sustainable environment. Construction industry is consumed major natural resources by the way of utilizing raw materials particularly making a concrete. The main aim of this experimental investigation is to obtain mechanical properties on concrete by replacing fine aggregate with GWP. In this study, fine aggregate was replaced with GWP from 0% to 40% in the interval of 10%. Based on the test results on concrete by replacement of fine aggregate in its weight of GWP were discussed in terms of compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths. Replacement level of GWP more than 30% produces lower strength. The replacement level of GWP between 20% and 30% in conventional mix may suit at construction industry. However, durability studies are required to study the long-term effect on concrete by replacing fine aggregate with GWP.

Abstract: Concrete structure are subjected to cracks and it is one of the immanent frailties of concrete thus reduces the life of concrete structure thereby results in high replacement cost. The study was inspired by the technique to find a remedy for cracking using bacteria namely Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus on filling the voids, and the compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of bacterial impregnated concrete are compared with conventional concrete. The evaluated results of strength revealed that the use of bacteria in combination showed better improvement and SEM, XRD analysis showed that the material growth, increased calcite crystalline when compared to conventional concrete.