ASTM Guidelines Research Articles

Energy Recovery Analysis of Perungudi landfill Waste of Chennai, Tamilnadu

From this study, the quantity, composition, and energy content of waste material in Perungudi dump yard of Chennai, Tamilnadu, India were examined. Based upon the past waste generation data from the documentary evidence and field data was used to predict the quantity of waste generated in future. This study reviews the potential uses of solid wastes generated at the perungudi dump yard as a sustainable energy source. Physical properties of waste sample like specific gravity (Sg), moisture content (MC), dry density, particle size distribution and unit weight of MSW are analyzed using ASTM guidelines. Proximate analysis (For Physical Characteristics) and Ultimate analysis (For elemental Analysis) were analysed in its ash content, volatile matter (Vm) and fixed carbon (Fc). The net calorific energy stored in solid waste was determined using empirical analysis. The element content like carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) value in the solid wastes are derived from standard value of material and this values was substituted into the “Modified Dulong’s” equation to determine the energy content (GCV) of solid waste. Final estimation of energy output was arrived using Gross Calorific Value (GCV) and Net Calorific Value (NCV).

Study on the mechanical properties of a hybrid polymer composite using egg shell powder based bio-filler

In composite fabrication process, the usage of natural fibers as reinforcing agent has been steadily grown significantly in the past decade. Such polymeric composite material has a broad spectrum of applications in challenging situations, where it would be subjected to threats including higher wear, and large mechanical stresses. Innovating new sustainable and environment friendly fibers enables the production of a viable substitute for several uses, particularly in the areas of composite materials. The current study explores the manufacture of hybridized epoxy-based polymer composites comprised of jute fiber (a plant-based fiber), and a bio-fillers derived from powdered waste egg shells. The ASTM guidelines were strictly followed during the process of manufacturing specimen and mechanical evaluation. The mechanical characteristics of raw jute fiber-based epoxy composites and hybridized epoxy composites incorporating jute fiber (JF) and powdered egg shell (PES) based bio-filler were studied. The ESP was used in different compositions such as, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% with the JF reinforced epoxy composite. The findings indicate the viability of hybridizing the epoxy composites with this new composition of materials. The addition of 9% PES bio-filler increased tensile characteristics, flexural strength, and Shore D hardness by 73.83, 50.17, and 21.43 percent, respectively. The inclusion of PES above 9% in JF epoxy composite was not impressive and hence, it is recommended to use 9% ESP in JF/ESP Epoxy hybrid composites.

Experimental investigations on tensile and compressive properties of nano alumina and arecanut shell powder reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites

Composites reinforced with natural filler material are gaining popularity in manufacturing because of their low weight, high corrosion resistance, wide availability, and biodegradability. Composites made from high-density polyethylene reinforced with nano alumina and arecanut shell powder have excellent tensile and compressive characteristics. Composite boards were fabricated by with high density polyethylene with randomly distributed nano alumina and arecanut shell particles with volume percentages of 100:0:0, 95:05:0, 95:0:05, 90:05:05, 90:2.5:7.5 and 90:7.5:2.5. The tensile and compressive characteristics of the composites were measured in accordance with ASTM guidelines. Data from tensile and compression tests showed that the hybrid composites had improved tensile and compressive characteristics. Polypropylene, nano alumina (NA) and arecanut shell particles (ASC) were found to have the greatest impact strength, yield strength and compressive strength. Using high-density polyethylene, nano alumina, and arecanut shell particles, a composite could be developed that could serve as a commercial substitute for wood-based materials. Results showed that a mixture of 2.5 wt% nano-alumina and 7.5 wt% arecanut shell powder particles produced the highest tensile strength (49.37 MPa), yield strength (46.89 MPa), and compressive strength (46.71 MPa) when compared to other combinations.

Experimental studies on natural fiber composites

A Composite material is combinational item gotten by joining of least two materials with basically one of a kind physical or compound properties that when united produce a material with characteristics truly and artificially not exactly equivalent to the individual parts. The individual parts stay free and unquestionable inside the finished construction, isolating composites from mix and solid game plans of arrangements. Half breed composite is a mix of at least two distinct filaments. In which one fiber balance insufficiency of another fiber. Composites of different piece with three distinct fiber direction are ready by choice of most suitable assembling measure for getting ready of composite parts like straightforward hand lay-up procedure. It has been seen that there is a critical impact of fiber stacking and direction on the presentation of fiber supported epoxy sap based half and half composites. The created cross breed composites go through various types of tests done by ASTM guidelines and discover half breed composites strength and solidness contrasted with regular mixture composites. The fiber is utilized for the advancement of the composite material by utilizing natural fiber composites of GF, SF and JF.

Development and Mechanical Characterisation of Al6061-Al2O3-Graphene Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

MMC based on aluminium (Al) were produced for light-weight applications especially in aviation and automobile areas. Present paper deals with the fabrication and mechanical performance of AA6061 matrix composites fortified with Al2O3 (alumina) and graphene particulates. Fluid metallurgy method namely stir casting route was employed for fabricating the hybrid composites. Al2O3p and graphene powder are mixed in different weight fractions in which graphene (1 wt. %) particle reinforcement is held consistent and Al2O3 reinforcement is differed freely with 5, 10 and 15 wt. %. Using optical analyser and SEM equipment, microstructural examination is carried out and the result reveals that the graphene and Al2O3 particles prevalently are homogeneously appropriated on the grain limits of Al matrix and Al2O3 particles are disseminated between graphene in the as-cast AA6061 MMC’s. Detailed analysis on investigation of the microstructure and mechanical aspects of Al6061-graphene-Al2O3p composites is presented by following ASTM guidelines; results uncovered that with increment in reinforcement particles, there is an enhancement in the hardness, ultimate strength, yield strength and a decline in the elongation values was however noticed when contrasted with Al6061 alloy. Fractography investigation revealed dimples in unreinforced alloy and the composite.

Effect of 3D printing process parameters on the impact strength of onyx – Glass fiber reinforced composites

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is among the broadly used additive manufacturing methods to fabricate quality items with affordable advanced geometries with effective delivery and manufacturing logistics. Physical properties could be raised by checking out numerous FDM parameters as well as utilizing brand new substances through this method. Glass fiber is typical to support used in composites for applications needing effect resistance. This study examines the impact effect of onyx glass fiber 3D printed composites. In this analysis important methodological parameters were considered: layer layouts/ patterns (triangular, rectangular and hexagonal) and also infilled density (30, 40 and 50%) has thought about to check out right into their results on mechanical behaviors of 3D-printed onyx-glass fiber-reinforced composite samples, utilizing a premium 3D printing machine. The 3D printer used was a Mark forge's Mark X7 dual nozzle material extrusion machine. The impact test had carried out under ASTM guidelines. The obtained results showed that the impact strengths of onyx fiber composites were analyzed. From the outcomes gotten, it has observed that far better high qualities had accomplished with an enhanced infill thickness. Also, hexagonal-shaped style showed an optimum or maximum energy absorption when compared to various other equivalents. The findings had statistically evaluated to assess the relevant variables and their interactions.

Bending properties of textile reinforced concrete sandwich beams with gypsum and calcium silicate core

Sandwich systems are gaining prominence because they offer thermal insulation in many building structures. There is a growing interest in better understanding the behavior of sandwich structures, as well as there is a need to monitor and predict the consequences of the limitations and weaknesses inherent in their design. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of two types of core materials on the bending properties of textile reinforced concrete (TRC) sandwich beams. In TRC, bi-directional glass textiles were used as reinforcement along with fine grained cementitious binder. TRC sandwich beam consisted of gypsum or calcium silicate panels with different density as core and TRC as skins. The stress transfer between skin and core was attained using adhesive tension without the use of mechanical anchors or adhesives. The bending properties of TRC sandwich beams including the effect of number of layers of textile in the TRC skins and independent behavior of core materials were investigated using three-point bending test. The properties such as flexural strength, toughness and residual strength have been evaluated for all specimens. Feasibility of using ASTM guidelines has been explored in estimating the toughness of various TRC systems. The general outcomes of this investigation promise a good influence for the application of gypsum and calcium silicate as core material for sandwich structures.

Study on characterization and sorption behavior of jute reinforced epoxy composite: Hybridization effect of Kevlar fabric

This work deals with the hybridization effect of jute/Kevlar woven surface composites on water maintenance lead by organizing in different layering plans. Four different kinds of overlays were made by hand lay up procedure. Each overlay of 3 mm thickness contains different utilizes of textures and resin mix. Among them, one event is of unadulterated jute layer made for correlation sake. The surface characteristics of the jute and Kevlar fibers were depicted by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (F.T.I.R) to analyze the compound association. The water maintenance test were performed by submerging tests into refined water. Test matrix and water maintenance are conveyed by ASTM guidelines. The present work exhibits that the hybridization of Kevlar with jute lessens the water sorption.

Characterization of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State (Nigeria) fireclays as suitable refractory materials

Studies have shown that adequate attention needs to be paid on processing of solid minerals that are potentially available in Nigeria to address its economic problem. Clays from five major towns in Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria were examined using ASTM guidelines to determine their suitability for refractory applications. The clay samples were classified as Alumino-Silicate refractories due to high values of Al2O3 and SiO2. The results showed apparent porosity (19.4-25.6%), bulk density (1.83-1.90 g/cm3), cold crushing strength (38.7-56.1 N/mm2), linear shrinkage (4.4 – 9.3%), clay contents (52.71-67.83%), moisture content (17.0-23.6%), permeability (68-82 cmsec-1), plasticity (16.7-30.4%), refractoriness (>1300oC) and Thermal Shock Resistance (23-25 cycles) for the clay samples, which were measurable with the established standards for fireclays, refractory clays/brick lining or alumina-silicates and kaolin. Hence, the natural clays could suitably replace imported clays in some refractory applications. Appropriate use of information from this study would improve Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification.Keywords: Apparent Porosity, Bulk Density, Clay, Shrinkage and Refractory

Role of Graphene oxide and addition of MoS2 in HDPE matrix for improved tribological properties

The nano filler addition further enhances the properties; especially wear and grating which are very well known. Keeping these points in view, the current work focuses on establishing the tribological behaviour i.e., both slide wear and friction with various load applications for different levels of graphene oxide addition (0.5% to 2%) and MoS2 addition at 0.8%.The specimens were developed through compression molding technique. The test samples were prepared to the required sizes and subjected to slide wear and friction measurements using pin on disc set up; which is carried out as per ASTM guidelines. The weight change measurements were done by noting the initial and final weight of the test samples to get the slide wear loss. The hardness esteems were obtained by utilizing Shore D Hardness analyzer according to ASTM guidelines. The weight change measurements to get slide wear loses were done. The coefficient of friction was computed by dividing frictional load with normal load. It is very well seen from the test data that the slide wear resistance increments with increment in graphene oxide content (0.5% to 2%) in steps of 0.5%; as the hardness level showed an increase with a similar level of increment in graphene oxide content. The co-efficient of friction has demonstrated a declining pattern with increment in graphene content for the load applications of various loads. The slide wear and friction results have been interpreted based on logical thinking involving literature reports and supporting tests. Thus, there are positive responses observed in respect of the graphene oxide addition to HDPE matrix. This makes the material suitable for wear resistant applications in automotive industries.

Production and Mechanical Testing of Aluminium Alloy Based Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite

The present work aims for uniformly dispersing Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) and Graphite (Gr) particulates in an Aluminium Alloy Matrix to produce a hybrid composite and then to carry out the investigation and analysis of mechanical properties of developed composite. The particle size of Al2O3 and Gr were less than 45 microns. The stir casting technique is utilized to produce the hybrid composite having 2% Al2O3 with 0.5%, 1% Gr and 4% Al2O3 with 0.5%, 1% Gr. The composites were studied for density changes due to reinforcements, hardness, tensile strength and wear behaviour in Non-Heat Treated (NHT) conditions. The tests were done at the laboratory conditions as per ASTM guidelines. The Pin-On-Disc machine is used to test the sliding wear behaviour under dry conditions. The measured density is found to be decreasing as the reinforcement quantity is increased. The as cast Al alloy was found to be having highest hardness and the composites with increasing Gr exhibited lower hardness. The composite tensile strength is observed to be decreased in comparison to base alloy due to the presence of Gr but composite having highest quantity of Gr showed superior wear resistance which is mainly because the Gr particulates provide an inherent lubricating properties to composite. The composites developed in the present work can be used in the automobile and aerospace parts that are light in weight and require self-lubricating properties to enhance the wear resistance.

Fabrication and Experimental Analysis of Copper Wire Embedded with GFRP Composites

This research paper keenly focuses on the comparative study of mechanical properties of Copper Wire embedded with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CWGFRP) composites. The fabrication of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) specimens are prepared by hand lay-up technique [90/0/0/90] with copper wires placed on the ¼ & ¾ thickness by varying 5, and 7mm pitch distances and the specimens are prepared as per ASTM guidelines. The main objective is to find out the young’s modulus, tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of both GFRP and CWGFRP specimens by conducting deflection, tensile, flexural and impact tests. The graphs have been plotted from the obtained results and it is found that tensile and impact strength gets increased due to copper wire embedded for various thicknesses.

Suitability of locally manufactured galvanized iron (GI) wire fiber as reinforcing fiber in brick chip concrete

A case study has been conducted in order to improve concrete quality in Bangladesh, using fiber reinforcing techniques with locally available low-cost Galvanized Iron (GI) wire fibers. GI wire is in fact mild steel wire with a thin coating of zinc. In order to assess the suitability of GI wire fibers as an alternative to steel fibers, various properties of GI wire fibers i.e. tensile strength, bending capacity etc. have been investigated and compared with the properties of steel fibers in light of relevant ACI and ASTM guidelines. Various tests were conducted on GI wire fibers as well as plain concrete reinforced with GI wire fibers. The experimental results show that GI wire fiber has compatible properties with steel fibers. Moreover, compressive strength, flexural strength, toughness indices and residual strength factors of GI wire fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) have shown significant improvement compared to normal concrete. A comparison with Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) revealed that performance of GFRC is quite similar to that of SFRC. It was observed that fiber content of 2.5-3.5% by weight produces relatively better results for the particular mix design used in the study. Furthermore, a cost analysis reveals that SFRC is about 19% more expensive than GFRC in Bangladesh; for 1 cubic meter of concrete work when fiber dosage is 2.5% by weight. Therefore, the study finds that GFRC has shown some promising results to be a low-cost alternative to steel fiber reinforced concrete from Bangladesh’s perspective.

Development of a bench-scale fluidized bed combustor (FBC) for coal and biomas combustion.

The high technological level of equipment for combustion of fuels, as well as the necessity for rational and efficient use of non-renewable energy resources, has resulted demanding requirements that must be fulfilled by equipment for energy production, via combustion. These requirements form the characteristics of Fluidized bed Combustor (FBC). The objective of this work is to design and fabricate a Circulating FBC for the combustion of coal and biomass and present the design criteria considered in the combustion process. The Designed FBC was then tested by combusting coal (Lafia Obi) and biomass (coconut shell) using the relevant ASTM guidelines. For coal combustion, the characteristic quantities measured from the bench-scale fluidized bed combustion include a mean NOx emission of 455.35, 376.69, 323.35 and 277.35 ppm for a coal feed size of 10, 15, 20 and 25 mm respectively. NOx emission from the combustion of coconut shell in fluidized bed is low and further reduced by the introduction of secondary air. Secondary air increases the recoverable energy level from this biomass, while average CO emission was 13,080 16,620 17,040 and 19,140 ppm for a coal feed size of 10, 15, 20 and 25mm. The temperature in the fluidized bed at ≥ 1100oC was sustained.Keywords: Combustion emissions; fluidized-bed combustion; Design; Lafia-Obi Coal Biomass; Temperature.

Validation of a computer-assisted method for measurement of radiographic wear in total hip arthroplasty using all polyethylene cemented acetabular components.

Although cemented all polyethylene (PE) cups have been routinely used in total hip arthroplasty for decades, no computer-assisted method for measurement of radiographic wear has ever been specifically validated for these implants. Using a validated hip phantom model, AP plain hip radiographs were obtained consecutively for eight simulated wear positions. A version of Martell's Hip Analysis Suite software dedicated to all polyethylene sockets was used by three different examiners of varied experience. Bias (mean, standard deviation and 95% confidence interval limit), repeatability (standard deviation and 95% limit) and reproducibility (standard deviation and 95% limit) for two-dimensional wear measurements were assessed, as recommended by the current ASTM guidelines. Using this protocol, the dedicated software showed an overall mean bias of 0.089 ± 0.060 mm (mean ± SD), and 0.118 mm for 95% CI limit. Repeatability (intra examiner) standard deviation and 95% limit were respectively 0.106 mm and 0.292 mm. Reproducibility (inter examiner) standard deviation and 95% limit were respectively 0.112 mm and 0.308 mm. Martell Hip Analysis for all PE cemented cups is a reliable and low-cost instrument in the assessment of wear, despite being less precise than its original version dedicated to cementless components.

Properties of normal-strength concrete and mortar with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

This investigation studied the strength and performance of cementitious materials, such as concrete and mortar, with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). One hundred cylindrical specimens 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height were used to investigate strength variation and changes in the durability of concrete and mortar as a function of the weight percent (0∼1·5 wt%) of MWNTs and the effectiveness of a dispersion method that used a sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde solution. Industrial-grade MWNTs (purity: >90%, diameter: >50 nm) were used for the test. Ball milling with 1·5 wt% MWNT was processed for 7 h, followed by a dilution process with 0·25, 0·5, 0·75, 1·0, 1·25 and 1·5 wt% dispersive solutions. Ultrasonication treatments were then applied to each diluted solution for 20 min. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, permeability, electrical conductivity and the relative dynamic modulus of the concrete cylinders were tested under a 24 MPa mix design by increasing the wt% MWNT using standard ASTM guidelines. In parallel, MWNT mortar tests were performed for compressive strength, flexural bending and shrinkage with 50 prismatic specimens (4 × 4 × 16 cm in size).

Maxi-HDD Pull Loads for Entry and Exit Points at Different Elevations

ASTM guidelines provide a procedure for estimating pull loads and stresses on polyethylene pipe as primarily a function of the drilled path and buoyant weight of the pipe in the drilled hole. The equations were initially developed assuming a level grade or that the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) entry and exit elevations are the same. In practice, however, it is not uncommon that there would be a finite grade or difference in elevation between the entry and exit points of the drilling operation. The equations and methodology have been expanded to address the placement of polyethylene pipe for the case of a nonlevel grade, including the installation of pipe with and without antibuoyancy measures. The theoretical model and associated results were primarily based on a particular generic borehole geometry, recognizing that specific trends and conclusions may differ somewhat for other possible bore paths. This paper therefore investigates an alternate generic geometry for traversing different entry and exit elevations, representing a reasonable bore path in many practical applications. The results help provide a better understanding of the factors influencing the pull loads in the maxi-HDD installation of pipelines.

Blood Trauma Testing For Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

Preclinical hemolysis testing is a critical requirement toward demonstrating device safety for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) approval of mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSD). FDA and ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) have published guidelines to assist industry with developing study protocols. However, there can be significant variability in experimental procedures, study design, and reporting of data that makes comparison of test and predicate devices a challenge. To overcome these limitations, we present a hemolysis testing protocol developed to enable standardization of hemolysis testing while adhering to FDA and ASTM guidelines. Static mock flow loops primed with fresh bovine blood (600 mL, Hematocrit = 27±5%, heparin titrated for ACT >300 sec) from a single-source donor were created as a platform for investigating test and predicate devices. MCSD differential pressure and temperature were maintained at 80 mmHg and 25°±2° C. Blood samples (3 ml) were collected at 0, 5, 90, 180, 270, 360 minutes to measure CBC and plasma free hemoglobin. This protocol led to 510(k) approval of two adult MCSD and has been used to test novel cannulae and a pediatric MCSD. Standardization of hemolysis testing procedures and transparency of results may enable better blood trauma characterization of MCS devices to facilitate the FDA 510(k) and PMA submission processes and improve clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of self-combustion risk in tire derived aggregate fills

Lightweight tire derived aggregate (TDA) fills are a proven recycling outlet for waste tires, requiring relatively low cost waste processing and being competitively priced against other lightweight fill alternatives. However its value has been marred as several TDA fills have self-combusted during the early applications of this technique. An empirical review of these cases led to prescriptive guidelines from the ASTM aimed at avoiding this problem. This approach has been successful in avoiding further incidents of self-combustion. However, at present there remains no rational method available to quantify self-combustion risk in TDA fills. This means that it is not clear which aspects of the ASTM guidelines are essential and which are accessory. This hinders the practical use of TDA fills despite their inherent advantages as lightweight fill. Here a quantitative approach to self-combustion risk evaluation is developed and illustrated with a parametric analysis of an embankment case. This is later particularized to model a reported field self-combustion case. The approach is based on the available experimental observations and incorporates well-tested methodological (ISO corrosion evaluation) and theoretical tools (finite element analysis of coupled heat and mass flow). The results obtained offer clear insights into the critical aspects of the problem, allowing already some meaningful recommendations for guideline revision.

Comparative compostability and biodegradation studies of various components of green composites and their blends in simulated aerobic composting bioreactor

Biodegradable plastic composites designed with various natural and biobased material can potentially satisfy biodegradability specifications as per ASTM, CEN, ISO and OECD guidelines. A laboratory scale simulated aerobic composting facility (as per ASTM D 5338) was designed and utilized to determine and evaluate the extent of degradation of various components of compostable plastic composites. The materials of natural origin components like starch, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose fibre, wheat straw, soy straw, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soy meal demonstrated ready degradability with conversion of 60% of the organic carbon to carbon dioxide. The individual polymers polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) showed inherent degradability of 60% of the organic carbon to carbon dioxide within 180 days. The composites of polymers PLA with wheat straw and soy straw and PCL with DDGS and soy meal showed inherent degradability of 60% of the organic carbon to carbon dioxide within 180 days. Enhanced compostability of plastic is observed with inclusion of natural, ready degradable components in the composite in comparison to the individual polymer.