Hardness Test Research Articles

Enhanced mechanical, tribological and corrosion properties of graphite and carbon nanotube-reinforced copper-based hybrid composites

Copper (Cu)-based hybrid composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy, incorporating Graphite (Gr) and Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcements at various fractions. The composites were formed using a cold pressing technique and subsequently sintered at various temperatures. The structural properties of the hybrid composites were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersion Spectrum (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Hardness, compression, wear and corrosion tests were performed to show the effect of the reinforcements. It was shown that the hardness of Gr and CNT reinforcements have significantly improved the properties of pure Cu. The Cu-Gr-2CNT hybrid composite, which was subjected to sintering at a temperature of 850°C, exhibited the highest level of hardness, showing a significant increase of 51.4% in comparison to the pure Cu sample. While the compressive stresses increased in the Cu matrix with the addition of Cu-Gr, it increased to 350 MPa with the addition of 2 wt% CNT. The hardness value exhibited a similar increase and was measured to be 122 HV in Cu-Gr-2CNT. During the wear tests, the coefficient of friction values fell by 9.2% for Cu-2CNT, by 3.88% for Cu-CNT, by 3.92% for Cu-Gr-2CNT, and by 5.27% for Cu-Gr-CNT, as compared to pure Cu. The comprehensive findings demonstrated that the tests and analyses yielded consistent results, and the utilization of various combinations of Gr and CNT reinforcements enhanced the mechanical, tribological, and corrosion resistance properties of the fabricated hybrid composites. Nevertheless, the combination of Cu-Gr-2CNT yielded the most advantageous outcomes.

The effect of adding ZrO2 nanoparticles on the transverse strength and hardness of microwave-cured acrylic and heat-cured acrylic denture base materials

Background: One drawback of acrylic denture base materials is their liability to fracture, requiring methods to increase fracture resistance. Adding nanoparticles (NPs) represented one of these methods. Purpose: The objectives of this study are to evaluate and compare transverse strength and hardness when adding zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) at concentrations of 0%, 3%, and 5% to heat-cured acrylic denture base materials (Ivoclare, Major) and to microwave-cured acrylic (Acron MC). Methods: Transverse strength was tested with a Universal Testing Machine (GESTER, Fujian, China), while hardness tests were conducted by using a Shore-D hardness durometer (Show, China). The 90 samples were prepared and then divided into three groups for each material. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the microstructure. The samples were prepared following the manufacturer’s instructions for each material. Results: The results revealed that the addition of ZrO2 NPs (3%, 5%) improves the transverse strength and hardness of polymethyl methacrylate acrylic resin for both types (microwave-cured and heat-cured acrylic resins). The addition of ZrO2 NPs at 3% concentration shows the highest values for both transverse strength and hardness. The ATR-FTIR confirms no structural chemical changes with the addition of ZrO2 NPs. Conclusion: The study concludes that the incorporation of ZrO2 NPs (3%, 5%) into microwave-cured and heat-cured acrylic resins improves transverse strength and hardness.

Evaluating the protective effects of mouthguards with neutralizing agents against chlorinated water-induced enamel erosion.

Dental erosion is a common problem among swimmers. This study evaluated the effects of mouthguard use with or without neutralizing agents, compared to no mouthguard use, on the microhardness of dental enamel after a swimming simulation. Ninety-six human premolars were randomly allocated into six groups of 16 each: Group A (no mouthguard), Group B (mouthguard only), Group C (mouthguard with fluoride toothpaste), Group D (mouthguard with fluoride-free toothpaste), Group E (mouthguard with CPP-ACP), and Group F (mouthguard with arginine-fluoride toothpaste). Enamel slabs were fixed in a wax model (Typodont Articulator) and used to fabricate mouthguards for all groups except Group A. Each specimen underwent cyclic immersion: 2 h in acidic chlorinated water (pH 3.1) followed by 22 h in artificial saliva, for 28 days, to simulate swimming exposure. The change in enamel surface hardness was measured using a Vickers hardness tester. All groups underwent microhardness testing, scanning electron microscopy, and polarized light microscopy. The enamel hardness significantly decreased in all groups after the swimming simulation (paired t-test, P-values < 0.001), except for Group F, which used a mouthguard with arginine-fluoride toothpaste [mean reduction: 17.9 kg/mm2, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.9, 37.7, P-value = 0.07]. Group A, without a mouthguard, exhibited the highest reduction in enamel surface hardness (mean: 190.6 kg/mm2; 95%CI: 177.4, 203.9), significantly differing from all other groups with mouthguards (P-values < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in enamel hardness reduction among the mouthguard groups. SEM micrographs illustrated rough, irregular erosion patterns and several deep porous areas on enamel surfaces of Group A. In contrast, all mouthguard groups showed enamel surfaces similar to sound tooth surfaces. A polarized light microscopic study revealed the deepest dark areas on the enamel surface of Group A. Mouthguards significantly reduced enamel microhardness loss compared to no mouthguard use. While no significant differences were found among mouthguard groups with or without neutralizing agents, those lined with arginine-fluoride toothpaste showed the least enamel loss, suggesting its potential protective effect. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, further clinical trials are needed to validate these results.

Mechanical and metallurgical properties of a glass fiber-reinforced Al7075 hybrid composite produced by infiltration and after aging and abrasion

Abstract Within the scope of this study, composite structures were produced by reinforcing Al7075 with 6 mm size glass fiber (GF) scrap at different weight rates (2–3 %) using the infiltration method. Mechanical and metallurgical examination of unreinforced Al7075 samples and reinforced Al7075 composite samples were carried out. After the aging heat treatment of the samples, pin-on-disc wear and hardness tests were performed. FESEM and EDS analyses were conducted to examine the hardness and microstructural changes caused by the applied processes on the samples. It was observed that GF reinforcement increased the hardness of the material and there was full wettability between Al 7075 and GF. Thus, wear resistance increased. The highest hardness and wear resistance were obtained in the 6 h aged 2 wt.% GF-reinforced Al 7075 matrix hybrid composite sample. In addition, it was observed that the distribution of GF scrap added as reinforcement at a rate of 2 wt.% in Al 7075 was homogeneous, and the hardness measurements taken from different areas were similar.

Effect of hot rolling and annealing on microstructure, crystallographic texture, and mechanical properties of Fe11.5 Co20.6 Ni40.7 Cr12.2 Al7.8 Ti7.2 high entropy alloy

The evolution of microstructure and texture during the thermomechanical processing of a Fe-Co-Ni-Cr-Al-Ti dual phase high entropy alloy consists of L12 (γ′) ordered precipitates in the disordered FCC (γ) matrix and its effect on the mechanical properties was investigated. The as-cast alloy was annealed at 1100 °C after 25 % and 50 % hot rolling reduction. The grain size becomes finer, and a considerable amount of annealing twin boundaries (Ʃ3 boundaries) developed in the hot rolling and annealed (HRA) samples. The α-fiber (ND||<110>) texture and twin-related texture components increase after HRA treatment. The mechanical response at room temperature is evaluated employing hardness and uniaxial tensile tests. A significant reduction in hardness, from 448 ± 6 HV to 381 ± 12 HV, is observed in the 50 % hot rolled annealed sample compared to the as-cast sample. Additionally, the yield strength reduced from 779 to 595 MPa with an increment in the ductility from 12.5 to 17.2 % in the as-cast and HR50A samples, respectively. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the increase in coherent twin boundaries and grain size excluding twin boundaries, led to the observed mechanical behavior.

FeNi as raw material for stainless steel 316 and its mechanical properties

The manufacture of cast stainless steel 316 (SS 316) requires one essential raw material element, pure nickel. The demand for pure nickel is quite high, its price is the highest among other raw materials and it is still being imported. This study aims to utilise local ferronickel (FeNi) as a raw material for stainless steel and determine the effect of the percentage of FeNi usage on the mechanical properties of austenitic SS 316, which is a metal biomaterial widely used as a bone implant. This material is a potential replacement for nickel for stainless steel production. In this study, local FeNi at percentages of 0%, 23%, 45%, or 70% was added to other casting raw materials. The foundry process was carried out, and the samples were subjected to composition, tensile, hardness, and toughness tests. Results showed that all the samples had a chemical composition that met the SS 316 standard, indicating that the FeNi raw material can be used as raw material for SS 316, although impurities were still found at each percentage addition of FeNi. The tensile strength and hardness were still below the SS 316 standard but ductility was higher than the SS 316 standard at all percentages of FeNi.

THE EFFECT OF CALCIUM HYDROXIDE PARTICLE SIZE ON DENTIN TUBULI HARDNESS

Background: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is an effective root canal treatment, with calcium and hydroxyl ions effectively released on day 7. However, prolonged use can diminish dentinal tubule hardness and dissolve the hydroxyapatite crystals within them. Nanoparticle Ca(OH)2 demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity compared to conventional Ca(OH)2 because of its deeper penetration into the dentinal tubules.. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of particle size on dentinal tubule hardness. Methods: True experiment with fifteen premolars with one root canal, no caries, and apical closure were divided into three treatment groups: conventional Ca(OH)2 (group 1, n=5), Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles (group 2, n=5), and untreated (control group), n=5. All samples were incubated for 7 days, and hardness was measured using a micro-Vickers hardness tester at 1/3 of the root canal. Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-whitney post hoc analysis was used to compare the mean microvickers hardness values among different groups. The level of significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Results: The results showed that there was significant difference between conventional Ca(OH)2 (73.00 ± 2.71) and Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles (67.40 ± 0.62) p=0.01 and the control group (70.68 ± 1.70; p&gt;0.05) and Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles p=0.03. Conclusions: The use of Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles as an intracanal medicament for 7 days reduced dentin microhardness, whereas conventional Ca(OH)2 did not result in any change in microhardness. Particle size affects the hardness of dentinal tubules.

Mechanical and optical properties assessment of an innovative PDMS/beeswax composite for a wide range of applications

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is an elastomer that has received primary attention from researchers due to its excellent physical, chemical, and thermal properties, together with biocompatibility and high flexibility properties. Another material that has been receiving attention is beeswax because it is a natural raw material, extremely ductile, and biodegradable, with peculiar hydrophobic properties. These materials are applied in hydrophobic coatings, clear films for foods, and films with controllable transparency. However, there is no study with a wide range of mechanical, optical, and wettability tests, and with various proportions of beeswax reported to date. Thus, we report an experimental study of these properties of pure PDMS with the addition of beeswax and manufactured in a multifunctional vacuum chamber. In this study, we report in a tensile test a 37% increase in deformation of a sample containing 1% beeswax (BW1%) when compared to pure PDMS (BW0%). The Shore A hardness test revealed a 27% increase in the BW8% sample compared to BW0%. In the optical test, the samples were subjected to a temperature of 80 °C and the BW1% sample increased 30% in transmittance when compared to room temperature making it as transparent as BW0% in the visible region. The thermogravimetric analysis showed thermal stability of the BW8% composite up to a temperature of 200 °C. The dynamic mechanical analysis test revealed a 100% increase in the storage modulus of the BW8% composite. Finally, in the wettability test, the composite BW8% presented a contact angle with water of 145°. As a result of this wide range of tests, it is possible to increase the hydrophobic properties of PDMS with beeswax and the composite has great potential for application in smart devices, food and medicines packaging films, and films with controllable transparency, water-repellent surfaces, and anti-corrosive coatings.

Structural analysis and optoelectronic applications of 2-aminopyrimidine with pimelic acid crystal

This study investigates the reaction between 2-aminopyrimidine and pimelic acid, resulting in the formation of a novel crystal. The crystals were obtained through slow evaporation process. These crystals underwent PXRD testing to establish their crystalline properties. The values of the unit cell parameters are confirmed through SXRD analysis. The FTIR technique is applied to detect different functional groups present in the title crystals. The UV-Visible spectrum is recorded to find the band gap energy. From the photoluminescence spectrum the emission is observed at 353nm. The mechanical strength of the material against deformation is studied using Vickers micro hardness tester and the material is stated as soft material. The dielectric behaviour of the crystal is studied using LCRZ meter.

Research on the influence of finish rolling technique parameters on H2S corrosion resistance behavior of pipeline steel in the thickness direction

Abstract Natural gas was an important energy for human society’s development, and there was still a great demand for this type of energy. It required pipeline steel for energy transport and had excellent hydrogen-induced cracking resistance. Thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP) was a frequently used manufacturing method for pipeline steel. It was necessary to research the effect of finish rolling technique parameters on the H2S corrosion resistance behavior of pipeline steel in the thickness direction, especially concerning microstructure and hardness in the thickness direction. So, for the research, optical microscope (OM), hydrogen-induced cracking tests (HIC), and hardness tests were used to study the effect of finish rolling technique parameters on H2S corrosion resistance. As finish rolling deformation increases, deformation can effectively conduct from surface to center and reduce the average hardness gap between the surface and the center. It can also generate finer microstructure and smaller hardness differentials from the thickness direction. All these can enhance the hydrogen-induced cracking resistance.

Characterization of the hydrostatic core and plastic zone that form during Brinell and Vickers hardness tests

Abstract During a hardness test, a hydrostatic core and a plastic zone are formed under the impression due to the load. The size and shape of the hydrostatic core and the plastic zone are greatly influenced by the tested material, the loading force and the shape of the indenter. In this study, we examine in detail the characteristics of the hydrostatic core and plastic zone formed during a Brinell and Vickers hardness test with the same (bilinear) hardening material model and with the same load using the finite element method in the ANSYS environment. The results of our resarch is concluded that the characteristics under the indenter can be determined well with finite element modeling and in the case of the Vickers procedure, the ratio of the hydrostatic core to the plastic zone is greater for all loads as in the case Brinell method.

Investigations on Mechanical Properties of Nano Particulates (Al&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;/B&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;C) Reinforced in Aluminium 7075 Matrix Composite

Metal Matrix Nano Composites (MMNCs) with the addition of nano-particulate reinforcements can be of significance for automobile, aerospace, and numerous applications due to their low density and good mechanical properties, better corrosion and wear resistance, low coefficient of thermal expansion as compared to conventional materials. Designing the metal matrix composite material aims to combine the desirable attributes of metals and ceramics. The present work is focused on studying the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy (7075) with Al2O3 and B4C nanocomposite produced using the stir casting technique and ultrasonic cavitation method. Different % age of reinforcement is used. An ultrasonic cavitation technique is used to achieve a uniform dispersion of nano-particulate Al2O3 and B4C in molten aluminium alloy. Tensile, Hardness, and Impact tests were performed on the samples obtained by the fabrication processes. A structural study will be carried out through a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to know the distribution of Al2O3/B4C Nano particulates in Al alloy.

Study of the fatigue fractography of dual phase low carbon steel used in automotive industry

Fatigue properties play a crucial role as they are vital to ensuring the durability and integrity of components subjected to repeated loading conditions over long periods. The main objective of this work is to investigate the fatigue behavior of dual-phase low-carbon steels used in automotive applications using a rotating bending fatigue machine. Heat treatments were carried out to analyze the microstructure's effect on the fatigue properties, including quenching low-carbon steel samples at 800 °C and 900 °C. Hardness and tensile tests were performed, and the microstructure was inspected to examine the constitute phases. With the assistance of a scanning electron microscope, fractographic analyses were carried out to reveal the fracture features of the samples at different lifetime ranges. The results show that various failure mechanisms occur depending on the stress levels. Additionally, the specimens quenched at 900 °C exhibited higher fatigue strength.

The effect of building strategies on tensile strength of additively manufactured parts by laser metal deposition

Abstract Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) is a powder-based technology. This technology can be used for surface coating, repairing and additive manufacturing. The property of the part is dependent on the building parameters of the process. In the research work, we use austenitic steel (316L) powder to produce blocks with different building strategies, from which we machine tensile test specimens. The patterns were prepared according to three strategies: the welded bands were parallel to the longitudinal axis of the test specimen, perpendicular to it, and finally the parallel and perpendicular directions were alternated. We perform hardness and tensile tests on these specimens and search for correlations between the strength and the strategies.

Effect of double quenching process on Microstructure and Properties of 20CrMoH Alloy Steel

Abstract This article investigates the influence of dual quenching process quenching temperature on the microstructure, hardness, and mechanical properties of 20CrMoH alloy steel through optical metallographic microscopy, Rockwell hardness tester, and universal mechanical testing machine. The results indicate that during the second quenching in the temperature range of 780-880 °C, with the increase of quenching temperature, the tensile strength of 20CrMoH steel shows a rapid increase trend, from 1250MPa to 1550MPa. At this time, the matrix structure gradually evolves from ferrite + bainite structure to bainite + martensite, which is also the main factor for its rapid increase in tensile strength; When the quenching temperature rises to above 850 °C, the influence of quenching temperature on the tensile strength decreases, and the tensile strength remains around 1550MPa. The secondary quenching temperature has little effect on the plasticity of the material. The overall reduction and elongation of the section under different quenching temperature conditions are at a similar level, with a reduction rate of 9% -12% and a stable reduction rate of 50% -60%, indicating good mechanical properties.

Effect of Low-Temperature Tempering Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of NM500 Wear-Resistant Steel

Abstract In order to explore the effect of low temperature tempering heat treatment temperatures on Brinell hardness (HB), impact absorption energy (KV2) and tensile mechanical properties of NM500 wear-resistant steel, isothermal tempering heat treatment of NM500 wear-resistant steel sheets after quenching were carried out at 200~260 °C. The microstructures, Brinell hardness, -20 °C impact energies and tensile mechanical properties of NM500 wear-resistant steel after tempered were analyzed by optical microscope, Brinell hardness tester, pendulum impact testing machine and tensile testing machine respectively. The results show that when the tempering temperature increases from 200 °C to 260 °C, the Brinell hardness of NM500 wear-resistant steel decreases from 490 HBW to 460 HBW, the offset yield strength (Rp0.2) decreases from 1396.3MPa to 1351.0MPa, and the tensile strength (Rm) decreases from 1708.5 MPa to 1615.0 MPa. However, the low temperature tempering temperature has no significant effect on the microstructure and elongation after fracture. According to GB/T 24186-2022, 200~220 °C is the suitable low temperature tempering temperature range for NM500 wear-resistant steel.

Effect of Ag coatings prepared by magnetron sputtering on the wear properties of Ti6Al4V alloy

Abstract Ag coatings were prepared on the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy by magnetron sputtering technique, and the effects of different Ag target power and sputtering time on the coating properties were investigated. The coating thickness was firstly measured by a step meter, and then the coatings obtained under different parameters were characterized by Vickers hardness tester, scratch tester, and friction wear tester. The variation in the furnace temperature had a significant effect on the hardness of the coatings: the coating thickness increased slightly with increasing temperature, but the increase was not dramatical. The Vickers hardness of the coatings showed a tendency to increase and then decrease with increasing temperature, reaching a peak at 150 °C. The hardness of the coatings was found to increase with increasing temperature and then decrease with increasing temperature. Scratch tests further showed that the coatings prepared in the range of 150 °C to 180 °C exhibited superior bond strength with the substrate. The wear morphology of the coatings showed that the coatings prepared at 150 °C had the best wear resistance. At this temperature, the flaking of the coating due to adhesive wear was significantly reduced, and the depth of scratches due to abrasive wear was also reduced. The variation of the Ag target power also had a significant effect on the hardness of the coatings. As the target power increases, the coating thickness increases significantly, and the Vickers hardness increases and then decreases, reaching a maximum at 12 W. The coatings prepared at 10 W show better performance in terms of scratch and wear patterns. These experimental results provide strong data support for the subsequent preparation of Ti6Al4V joint prostheses.

Effect of Electromagnetic Field Assistance on the Wear and Corrosion Resistance of Nickel-Based Coating by Laser Cladding

Offshore wind turbine generators usually demand higher requirements for key component materials because of the adverse working environment. Therefore, in this study, electromagnetic-assisted laser cladding technology was introduced to prepare the nickel-based composite coating on the Q345R matrix of wind turbine generator key component material. By means of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), the Vickers hardness tester, friction and wear tester, and electrochemical workstation, the effects of different magnetic field intensities on the macroscopic morphology, microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the coating were analyzed. The experimental results show that the addition of a magnetic field can effectively reduce the surface defects, improve the surface morphology, and not change the phase composition of the coating. With the increase in magnetic field intensity, the microstructure is gradually refined, and the average microhardness increases gradually, reaching a maximum of 944HV0.5 at 8 T. The wear resistance gradually increases with the increase in magnetic field intensity, especially when the magnetic field intensity reaches 12 T, the wear rate of the coating is reduced by 81.13%, and the corrosion current density is reduced by 43.7% compared with the coating without a magnetic field. The addition of an electromagnetic field can enhance the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the nickel-based laser cladding layer.

Enhancing the antibacterial and surface hardness of glass ionomer cement modified with Salvadora persica and Chlorhexidine: An in vitro study.

This laboratory study evaluated the effect of Salvadora persica (S. persica) root extracts and Chlorhexidine Digluconate (CHX) on the antibacterial and surface hardness properties of glass ionomer cement (GIC). The in vitro experimental study was conducted at the Baqai Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan, from October 2022 to March 2023. There were a total four experimental groups. The first group consisted of ethanol extract (GIC-SPEE) and second group consisted of hexane extract as (GIC-SPHE) both prepared from Salvadora persica root respectively, and mixed with liquid of GIC separately. The third group comprised chlorhexidine (GIC-CHX) that was also mixing into liquid portion of GIC and the last group was Control i.e. (cGIC). The GIC samples were prepared by using stainless steel metallic moulds with dimension (5mm x 2mm), following the manufacturer guidelines. Antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans was done by disc diffusion test (DDT), and surface hardness test was done by Vickers hardness tester. Statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (p<0.05). The antibacterial activity against S. mutans reported that the maximum zone of inhibition was obtained at 3 wt% by the GIC-SPEE, when compared with other experimental groups. For surface hardness, the highest mean and standard deviation and significant findings was reported by the group GIC-SPEE. Considering the outcome of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the addition of 3 wt% GIC-SPEE increased the surface hardness and antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans.

Additively manufactured carbon fiber reinforced-polyamide component: a study based on statistical modeling and regression analysis

This paper presents the experimental assessment of the hardness characteristic of additively manufactured polyamide (PA 6) composite reinforced with carbon micro-fibers. The carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide (CFPA) components were manufactured using the additive manufacturing technique—fused deposition modeling (FDM). The experiments were conducted for testing the hardness of the samples using a Shore-D hardness tester. The novel contributions of the work towards the manufacturing fraternity include selecting a scantly researched material like CFPA, and the elaborative investigation of hardness variation with the alteration of the prime parameters pertaining to FDM. The effect of the print-related parameters, namely, layer height (LH), infill density (ID), and raster orientation (RO) on the hardness of the CFPA component was studied, and the results were analyzed using statistical analysis tool ‘analysis of variance (ANOVA)’. Moreover, a regression model was developed to predict the output response, i.e. hardness for different combinations of the input parameters. Considering an ID of 100% and an RO of 0°, the hardness value of 93.89 at 0.1 mm LH reduced to 88.44 at 0.3 mm LH, depicting a reduction of 5.81%. An increasing trend was observed for hardness with the increase in ID for all the levels of LH and RO. The highest value of hardness (93.89) was achieved at an ID of 100%, with the LH and RO values kept at 0.1 mm and 0°, respectively. The ANOVA suggested that the effect of all three parameters is significant in the study, ID being the most affecting parameter with an effect contribution of 37.88%. The fitness of the adopted model was well justified by the high R-sq value of 0.9618 and significantly low error values in the range of 0.002–0.08.