Weight Percentage Research Articles

Enhanced morphological and thermal properties of epoxy composites reinforced with Palm and Prosopis Juliflora fibers

Abstract This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of a hybrid epoxy matrix composite reinforced with Palm and Prosopis Juliflora fibers fabricated using the hand layup technique. Three composite samples were prepared with varying weight percentages of palm and Prosopis Juliflora fiber reinforcements: 5% (Sample A), 10% (Sample B), and 15% (Sample C). Sample B having 10 weight percentage each of Palm fiber and Prosopis Juliflora fiber and 80 weight percentage of Epoxy matrix, exhibited superior performance with a tensile strength of 45.5 MPa and a hardness of 86.5 Shore D. Thermal analysis revealed Sample B’s exceptional thermal stability, with distinct decomposition stages observed through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). Void content analysis indicated Sample C had the lowest void content at 4.5%. Energy Dispersive x-ray (EDX) Analysis confirmed homogeneous fiber distribution and strong fiber-matrix adhesion, supported by carbon and oxygen peaks. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed interactions between functional groups, including alcohols, carboxylic acids, and carbonyl compounds. These findings underscore the composite’s potential for high strength, toughness, and thermal stability applications.

Improvement of photocatalytic ammonia production of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles utilizing microporous ZSM-5 type ferrisilicate zeolite.

The development of decarbonized synthesis approaches is a critical step in the fabrication of ammonia, an indispensable chemical and a potential carbon-neutral energy carrier. In this regard, the photocatalytic production technology has gained ample attention as a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental Haber-Bosch process. Here, we present cobalt ferrite nanoparticles supported on microporous ZSM-5 type ferrisilicate zeolite as a desirable novel photocatalyst for the ammonia generation. The zeolite introduced as a microporous support increasing the catalytically active sites. A straightforward one-pot sol-gel method was used to synthesize cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and CoFe2O4/ferrisilicate (CF/FS) nanocomposites with various weight percentages (10, 25 and 50%) of CoFe2O4. The photocatalytic performances of the samples in the production of ammonia were investigated under visible light irradiation. The highest rate of NH4+ production (484.74µmolL-1h-1) was achieved using the CF50%/FS photocatalyst. The distribution of < 50nm-sized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles on the surface of the zeolite, as demonstrated by TEM images, and extensive BET surface areas are presented as convincing evidences for the improved photocatalytic activity paticularly in CF50%/FS photocatalyst.

Study of Some Physical and Antibacterial Properties of Bio-based (PLA)/(PCL) Blend reinforced with ZrO2 Nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to produce flexible films by combining polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), and enhance their strength by reinforcing them with different weight percentages (0.75, 1.5, and 2.25%) of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles (NPs) using a solvent casting process. The physical and antibacterial properties of the films were analysed to determine their suitability for use in food packaging. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the PLA/PCL films containing 2.25% by weight ZrO2 nanoparticles have a peak at an angle of 2θ = 17.18°, accompanied by smaller peaks. This confirms that these thin films have a semi-crystalline structure and that the molecules in the thin films are well dispersed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the film surfaces reveals that the pure PLA/PCL films exhibit a smooth surface, while the (PLA/PCL/ZrO2NPs) films have a rough surface. The thermal behaviour of the blends through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed fluctuations due to variations in the reinforcement ratio, resulting in changes in the glass transition and melting temperatures. These oscillations indicate changes in the level of crystallinity. ZnO2 has antibacterial properties that promote growth inhibition, making these films more effective in food packaging.

22.56% total area efficiency of n-TOPCon solar cell with screen-printed Al paste

Screen-printing Ag paste on the rear side of the Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact solar cells (TOPCon) is still the mainstream method to form electrodes. However, the high price of precious metals increases the cost of TOPCon cells. Al is a cheap and high-performance conductor, and its work function is compatible with the rear side of TOPCon cells. In this study, we used a UV pulse laser (355 nm, 10 ps) to ablate the rear side SiNx passivation layer of TOPCon cells and then printed Al paste with different weight percentages of silicon (Si-wt.%) on the phosphorus-doped polycrystalline silicon (n+-poly-Si) layer to reduce the cost. We investigated the damage mechanism of laser on SiOx/n+-poly-Si/SiNx passivation structure and the contact mechanism between Al paste and n+-poly-Si layer. The results show that the Voc of SiOx/n+-poly-Si/SiNx passivation structure reduced about 6–7 mV when the laser energy density was 0.431 J/cm2. We got the best electrical performance of TOPCon cells printed with Al paste (25 wt%-29 wt% silicon). The open-circuit voltage (Voc) and the conversion efficiency (Eff), have reached 663.60 mV and 22.56 % respectively. Although the efficiency was 9.40 % relative lower than that of TOPCon cells printed with Ag paste, but the cost of Al paste only accounted for 10 % of Ag paste. In the future, the highest Eff of TOPCon solar cells printed with Al paste on the rear side are expected to reach the commercial TOPCon based on Ag paste, which applies laser doping selective emitter technology (SE) and bifacial poly-Si passivation structure.

Quantitative structure-insecticidal activity of essential oils on the human head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis)

ABSTRACT In the search for natural and non-toxic products alternatives to synthetic pesticides, the fumigant and repellent activities of 35 essential oils are predicted in the human head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) through the Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) theory. The number of constituents of essential oils with weight percentage composition greater than 1% varies from 1 to 15, encompassing up to 213 structurally diverse compounds in the entire dataset. The 27,976 structural descriptors used to characterizing these complex mixtures are calculated as linear combinations of non-conformational descriptors for the components. This approach is considered simple enough to evaluate the effects that changes in the composition of each component could have on the studied bioactivities. The best linear regression models found, obtained through the Replacement Method variable subset selection method, are applied to predict 13 essential oils from a previous study with unknown property data. The results show that the simple methodology applied here could be useful for predicting properties of interest in complex mixtures such as essential oils.

Mechanical Characterization of Curaua Fiber/Babool Wood Particle Reinforced Polyester Hybrid Composite

Background: The researchers are in the situation to satisfy the demand for engineering materials by developing novel eco-friendly materials. The natural fiber composites are the substitutes for the synthetic material. Introduction: The mechanical properties of curaua fiber-reinforced polyester (CFRP) composites were investigated, as well as the effects of curaua fibre infusion with Babool Wood particles (BWP). Methods: The composite specimens were fabricated using a hand lay-up approach using varying amounts of curaua fibres (CF) and babool wood particles in a 1:1 ratio in order to test the tensile strength and flexural strength. Results: The results demonstrated that before weakening, the tensile strength and flexural strength of the composite samples rose by up to 40% for hybrid reinforcements. Comparing samples made of pure resin to those made of the composite at 40 weight percent (CF20/BWP20), the tensile and bending strengths of the composite are improved by 93.42% and 86.4%, respectively. Conclusion: The tensile and flexural modulus values of the hybrid composites increased by up to 50% fiber, but less successfully (CF25 and BWP25). The fracture mechanism of the shattered composite samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy.

Role of GLP1-RA in Optimizing Weight Loss Post-Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Bariatric surgery is a widely used intervention for significant weight loss, yet some patients face challenges with insufficient weight loss or weight regain post-surgery. To address this issue, adjunctive treatments like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) are being explored for their potential to enhance weight loss outcomes. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of GLP1-RAs in improving weight loss after bariatric surgery compared to a placebo. By systematically reviewing and analyzing data from three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 130 patients, we found that GLP1-RA therapy, particularly liraglutide (1.8-3mg), significantly reduced mean BMI and body weight percentage at six months. Future studies should explore newer GLP1-RAs with weekly dosing and include longer follow-up periods to assess the durability of these outcomes.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline / [BMIM][BF4] Polyionic Liquid by Interfacial Polymerization

Polyaniline (PANI) was prepared by polymerization via the chemical oxidation of aniline monomer with ammonium persulfate as the initiator. The interfacial polymerization method was used to prepare PANI/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [BMIM][BF4] polyionic liquid (PIL). The obtained PANI/ [BMIM][BF4] PIL was investigated by the XRD, EDX, SEM, FTIR, and UV-Visible characterizations. X-ray diffractogram of PANI showed five prominent characteristic peaks at 27.1°, 24o, 21.8°, 19.8°, and 18.2°. This demonstrates the semi-crystalline character of the polyaniline produced through the interfacial polymerization process. Incorporation of [BMIM][BF4] into PANI reduced the crystalline phase and enhanced amorphicity. From the EDX pattern, several elements appeared in this test; oxygen had of the highest weight percentage of 54.2%. The SEM image showed a clear hierarchal porous structure with nano-sticks particles and forms a cross-linked framework between PANI and [BMIM][BF4]. From FTIR spectra of PIL, a prominent absorption peak at 3163.26 cm-1 was noted because of the N-H stretching vibrations present in the polymer. The UV-Vis spectra for PANI/[BMIM][BF4] polyionic liquid showed three peaks between 200 and 1060 nm. These bands result from π → π* and n → π* transitions, which are related to the excitement absorption of benzenoid and quinoid groups.

Color Change of Indole Squaraine between Blue and Yellow with Golden Luster.

Color change of materials by external stimulus has attracted much attention for various applications. We synthesized 1,3-bis(3,3-dimethyl-2-methylene indolenine)squaraine (ISQ), which was a yellow powder with golden luster (ISQ(gold)) and whose color changed to blue (ISQ(blue)) by being ground using mortar and pestle. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that ISQ(gold) consisted of laminated plate-like crystals with a large flat surface, which was attributable to (2 0-2) facets of monoclinic crystals. Measurements of the diffuse reflectance spectra revealed that J- and H-type aggregates of ISQ were formed by increasing the weight percent of ISQ(blue) in the mixture with BaSO4. A thin film, which was prepared by a spin-coating of ethanol with dissolved ISQ(blue) on glass substrates, looked blue on a white paper, whereas it looked yellowish on a black paper. By repeating the coating process, the film thickness increased, and the thick film exhibited yellow with golden luster regardless of the background color. These results indicate that the color depends on whether the transmitted light through ISQ or the reflected light on the ISQ surface mainly contributes to color vision. To neglect the effect of the transmitted light and intensify the reflection on the surface, a pellet with a smooth surface was prepared by pressing ISQ(gold) or ISQ(blue) at 20 kg/cm2. The ISQ(blue) pellet consisted of the laminated sheets and was dark blue-green. However, under light irradiation, the ISQ(blue) pellet exhibited a yellow color with golden luster, whose specular reflection spectrum was similar to that of the ISQ(gold) pellet. Our results indicate that the color of ISQ is tunable by controlling the transmission and the reflection of the light, including the specular and diffuse reflections.

Silicon carbide-embedded AZ91E alloy nanocomposite hybridised with chopped basalt fibre: performance measures

ABSTRACT This study uses vacuum stir casting to manufacture magnesium alloy hybrid nanocomposites of silicon carbide nanoparticles (50 nm) and chopped basalt fibre. The different weight percentages (0 wt%, 3 wt%, 6 wt% and 9 wt%) of chopped basalt fibres with a constant weight percentage of 7.5 wt.% silicon carbide nanoparticles were added into molten AZ91E magnesium alloy at 600 rpm constant stirring speed. During the final casting process, 0.1 MPa vacuum pressure was applied to all the composites to reduce the casting defects. The prepared hybrid composite was characterised by physical, mechanical, microstructural and wear properties. The Quanta FEG model SEM apparatus was used to examine the distribution of silicon carbide nanoparticles and basalt fibre. The mechanical characteristics, such as ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength and impact strength, were obtained for 7.5 wt% SiCnp/9 wt% basalt fibre reinforced AZ91E magnesium alloy matrix hybrid nanocomposite. Adding chopped basalt fibre enhanced the wear properties of conventional AZ91E magnesium alloy.

Polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for electrochemical and solar cell applications

Polyaniline nanocomposites are synthesized via in situ chemical oxidation method by reinforcing reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles of various weight percentage. Structural, optical, thermal and electrochemical studies are performed to know the significance of introducing reduced graphene oxide into polyaniline and to analyse the importance of filler weight percentage in determining various properties of the nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction peak intensity is appeared to be maximum for nanocomposite doped with 2% filler. This composite shows minimum crystallite size and maximum photoluminescence intensity. Maximum ID/IG ratio obtained for 2% filler added nanocomposite from Raman spectroscopy studies proved that the presence of more surface defects and recombination of charge carriers are the reasons for enhanced photoluminescence. Thermal stability is found to be better for a nanocomposite with 1% reduced graphene oxide and obtained a mass retention of 60% even after heating up-to 600 °C. SEM images give various shapes of nanocomposite such as nanorods, spherical nanoparticles and button shaped nanocomposites for different filler weight percentage. Carbon to oxygen ratio is observed to be decreased as the filler percentage increased from 1% to 4% in SEM-EDAX analysis. Polymer nanocomposite with 1% reinforcement possess maximum UV and visible absorption and is found to be decreased as filler concentration increased from 1 to 4%. Electrochemical analysis is performed for polyaniline and 1% reduced graphene oxide reinforced polyaniline nanocomposite. Specific capacitance of the electrode is obtained as 212 F g−1 and 609 F/g for polyaniline and nanocomposite respectively at a scan rate of 0.01 V/S. Solar cell device performance study shows that power conversion efficiency is 5.54% for 1% reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite, 4.7% for 2% reinforced, 4.16% for 3% filler and 3.61% for 4% nanocomposite.

Enhanced radiation shielding efficiency of polystyrene nanocomposites with tailored lead oxide nanoparticles.

In this study, we investigated a novel polymer nano-composite, PS-PbO, containing two distinct nano-sizes of lead oxide nanoparticles (PbO-A and PbO-B), in addition to the bulk size (PbO-K). These nanoparticles were embedded separately in a polystyrene (PS) matrix at different weight percentages (10%, 15%, 25%, and 35%) using roll mill mixing and compressing molding. Our evaluation focused on the radiation attenuation ability of PS-PbO and the effect of particle size, considering gamma-ray energies ranging from 0.06 to 1.3MeV (from sources like 241Am, 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co). The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) was determined by analyzing samples of the synthesized composite with different thicknesses. Then, various shielding parameters were calculated, including total molecular, atomic, and electronic cross-sections (σmol, σatm, σel), as well as the effective atomic number and the electron density (Zeff and Neff). Surprisingly, modifying PbO particle sizes had a significant impact on shielding efficiency. For instance, the composite with 25wt% of the smallest PbO-B particles showed a 26.7% increase in LAC at 0.059keV compared to the composite with 25wt% of PbO-K (larger particles). Notably, the LAC peaked at low energy (0.059keV), close to the K-edge of Pb, where interaction is directly proportional to Z4. With increasing PbO concentrations, the LAC of PS-PbO composites increased steadily. Additionally, as PbO concentration increased, the composite's effective atomic number Zeff and the electron density Neff increased, leading to a greater total Gamma-ray interaction cross-section. Furthermore, when comparing the Half-Value Layers of the novel nanocomposite to traditional lead shielding, a 70% reduction in mass was observed. Notably, the composite containing the smallest nano-size of PbO exhibited the highest radiation-shielding efficiency among all combinations and could therefore be used to create inexpensive and lightweight shields.

Randomized non-inferiority trial comparing an asynchronous remotely-delivered versus clinic-delivered lifestyle intervention.

Lifestyle interventions are effective, but those delivered via in-person group meetings have poor scalability and reach. Research is needed to establish if remotely delivered lifestyle interventions are non-inferior to in-person delivered lifestyle interventions. We conducted a randomized non-inferiority trial (N = 329) to compare a lifestyle intervention delivered remotely and asynchronously via an online social network (Get Social condition) to one delivered via in-person groups (Traditional condition). We hypothesized that the Get Social condition would result in a mean percent weight loss at 12 months that was not inferior to the Traditional condition. Additional outcomes included intervention delivery costs per pound lost and acceptability (e.g., convenience, support, modality preferences). At 12 months, no significant difference in percent weight change was observed between the Get Social and Traditional conditions (2.7% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.17) however, criteria for non-inferiority were not met. The Get Social condition costs $21.45 per pound lost versus $26.24 for the Traditional condition. A greater percentage of Get Social condition participants rated participation as convenient (65% vs 44%; p = 0.001). Results revealed a remotely-delivered asynchronous lifestyle intervention resulted in slightly less weight loss than an in-person version but may be more economical and convenient. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02646618; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02646618 .

Foliar application of nutrient formulation enhances the post-harvest quality of tuberose (Agave amica Medik.) cv. Arka Prajwal

A study was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture Laboratory to investigate the influence of various nutrient formulations on the post-harvest quality of tuberose using a knapsack sprayer and drone. The treatments involved spraying macro and micronutrients along with growth regulators at different concentrations. Throughout the experiment, all parameters were recorded at 2 days intervals. Drone spray of MN mixture + 0.5 % poly feed + 0.6 % humic acid + 150 ppm GA3 recorded the maximum plant post-harvest quality attributes over other treatments. It showed increased post-harvest quality attributes, including relative water content percentage of flower (95.15 %), physiological loss of weight percentage of flower (14.83 %), shelf life at room temperature (3.79 days) and vase life (12.45 days). Additionally, the treatment was found to be the best for parameters of water uptake (38.45 g) and percentage of floret opened (27.02). Plots treated with drone spray of MN mixture + 0.5 % poly feed + 0.6 % humic acid + GA3 at 150 ppm showed a reduced rate of transpiration loss of water (14.89 g) and electrolyte leakage (12.52). The experimental findings demonstrated that foliar application of nutrients along with growth regulators at different concentrations using drones improved the post-harvest quality of tuberose.

Preparation and characterization of UV-curable composite containing nano silica for glass-to-glass bonding

Glass is a transparent and geometrically ordered element in architecture. Glass bonding can be classified into adhesive, layered, and mechanical categories. One of the best bonding materials for glass applications is adhesive. The preparation and investigation of Ultraviolet (UV)-curable composites for glass-to-glass bonding is the goal of this research. The investigation focused on the effect of raw material type and weight percentage on mechanical properties. Epoxy acrylate resin was employed as an oligomer in this study. Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), tripropyleneglycol triacrylate (TPGDA), and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA) were used as monomers. As photoinitiators, were used bis (2,4,6 trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide, hydroxycyclohexyl phenylketone, and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl diphenyl phosphineoxide. Benzophenone, acrylic acid, nano silica, and trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) were used as the additives. The mechanical properties of the samples were studied using compressive and shear tests. The degree of conversion (DC) was obtained using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The mechanical behavior of the samples were measured as a function of temperature using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA); and the distribution of nanoparticles was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the sample containing 4 wt% nano silica, which also contained 24 wt% PETA and 7 wt% TMSPMA, has the best mechanical properties with 0.42 and 0.63 MPa compressive and shear strength, respectively. In the FTIR, was observed an increase of nano silica from the lowest (1 wt%) to the highest amount (5 wt%), the DC current decreased by 11 %. In the DMTA analysis, it was observed that an increase of nano silica from 1 to 5 wt%, the storage modulus increased by 41 %. The highest loss modulus and loss temperature were related to the samples containing 1 and 2 wt% nano silica with 221 MPa and 113.8 °C. Finally, the best distribution of nanoparticles was observed in the sample containing 1 wt% nano silica. In the SEM images, agglomeration of nanoparticles was seen in the sample containing 5 wt% nano silica.

Optimizing mechanical behavior in polymer bio-composites reinforced with basalt, graphene, and PP-g-MA

This paper aims to investigate the mechanical properties of bio-composites reinforced with basalt natural fibers/nanographene in polypropylene by incorporating pp-g-ma compatibilizer. The study employs the Response Surface Method with the Behnken box approach to formulate a novel mathematical model for bio-composite behavior based on the parameters of basalt fiber weight percentage, nanographene weight percentage, and PP-g-MA weight percentage. Unlike previous studies, our work uniquely integrates basalt fibers and nanographene to enhance tensile, bending, and impact strengths, achieving a composite with optimal mechanical properties. The performance of the research samples was evaluated through tensile, bending, and impact tests, with the results substantiated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy images. The failure surface in these samples revealed that the central mechanism influencing the performance of the introduced bio-composite is the failure of the fibers and their separation, accompanied by the stretching of the fibers from the base material. Subsequently, multi-objective optimization was conducted with the aim of increasing tensile strength, bending strength, and impact strength while reducing the weight of the samples. A Pareto diagram is presented based on the design goals. The outcomes indicate that the bio-composite sample values in the most suitable state for three mechanical characteristics including, tensile, impact, and bending strength are equal to 28, 90, and 49 MPa, respectively. This innovative combination and optimization significantly improve performance metrics, demonstrated through extensive testing and multi-objective optimization, which reveals the bio-composite’s superior mechanical characteristics.

High-capacity hydrogen storage in Li-decorated newly synthesized 2D polyaramid: Insights from density functional theory

Using Density Functional Theory, a newly synthesised 2-dimensional polyaramid (2dpa) system decorated with Li is explored for its hydrogen storage capability, and interesting results are obtained. Various sites on 2dpa are studied to ascertain the finest location for Li-decoration. The optimum configuration for hydrogen storage is then achieved by successively adding H2 molecules, till it satisfies the adsorption energy window as prescribed by DoE (0.2–0.7 eV/H2). Li has a good binding energy of −2.78 eV on 2dpa, higher than the cohesive energy for Li and thus prevents any possibilities of clustering. Yet the clustering has been checked by calculating the diffusion energy barrier for the Li atom which came to be around 1.92 eV. The average binding energy for H2 on 2dpa + Li came to be −0.25 eV and the gravimetric weight percent with 3Li on 2dpa and 6H2 molecules attached to each Li comes to be 10.62. Both values meet the conditions set by the US DoE for solid-state hydrogen storage systems. The thermal and dynamic stability of the system has been investigated using Ab initio Molecular Dynamics simulations and computing phonon spectra. Our theoretical results on newly synthesized 2D material may inspire the experimentalist to design a 2dpa-based high-capacity hydrogen storage device.

Studies of anisotropic polarization in graphene oxide doped in PVA

We have observed and measured the optical anisotropy of graphene oxide (GO) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using Stokes-Mueller Polarimetry (SMP). We found that it depends on the films with varying weight percent of GO in PVA. Analysis of polarized light transmitted through the ordered microstructure of GO in PVA reveals the anisotropic behavior due to its preferential alignment. The complex refractive index analysis of GO-PVA films complements the results of SMP.

Development of fishbone powder and carbon-jute fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester based novel green composites: investigation of tensile, impact strength, and morphology microstructure

In the last decade, hybrid composites have been the subject of significant advancements and study. This fast expansion necessitated the development of lightweight composite material with enhanced mechanical strength. In the past few years, the utilization of organic wastes from the food industry, like powder from cow bone, pig bone, and fishbone, has substantially improved the mechanical characteristics of composite materials. Owing to the increasing growth of the meat-based fisheries industry, fish bones are readily available. These bones are often thrown, causing environmental damage. Hence, a sustainable and unique hybrid composite was created employing fish bone powder (FBP) as filler in carbon/jute fibers reinforced polyester matrix. The hybrid composite was compression-molded. FTIR, SEM, and EDS studies were used to characterize the composite. The ASTM standard was used as a reference to explore the mechanical strength (tensile and impact). Additionally explored are the effects of alkali treatment of jute fiber on the above-mentioned processes. It was revealed that the inclusion of FBP and alkali treatment enhanced the mechanical characteristics of the composite. Fishbone powder with a particle size range of 200–250 μm and a weight percentage of 10 to 15% had significant fiber attachment which resulted in improved strength. The produced green composites have proven to be a viable choice for bio-waste treatment in the food sector.

Enhancing the radiation shielding performance of polyepoxide composites based on cement bypass dust

In this study, radiation shielding composite materials were created by combining epoxy with cement bypass dust (CBPD) at different weight percentages (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%). The solution casting technique was employed to construct these materials. The FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of the composites and the production of complexes. The morphology and elemental content of the produced composite samples were illustrated using SEM pictures and EDX spectra. In addition, the research findings demonstrated that the composites exhibited improved resistance to changes in temperature as the loading of CBPD increased. The gamma-ray attenuation coefficients of composites consisting of Epoxy + x% CBPD exhibited an increase, along with an increase in the neutron removal cross-section. However, there was a gradual increase in both the mean free path (MFP) as well as the half value layer (HVL) with increasing energy. Additionally, the experimental and theoretical data for attenuation parameters were compared using the Phy-X/PSD software. The relationship between the effective atomic and electron numbers of the Epoxy + x% CBPD composites has been studied. The values of fast and thermal neutron attenuation were analyzed using the NGCal software. In general, these composites are appropriate for use in radiation shielding applications.