Using Universal Testing Machine Research Articles

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF FRACTURE RESISTANCE OF ENDODONTICALLY TREATED TEETH USING DIFFERENT TYPES OF ROOT CANAL SEALERS: AN IN-VITRO STUDY

Introduction: Obturation materials are considered the key elements in supporting strength of endodontically treated teeth. Hence, along with gutta percha (GP) use of sealers strengthen the remaining tooth structure, thus increasing fracture resistance. Material and Methods: Eighty extracted single rooted mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated to standardized root length of 13mm. After confirming working length cleaning and shaping upto F2 file along with irrigation using 5ml 3% NaOCl, 5ml 17% EDTA and normal saline was done. Teeth were divided into 5 groups (n=16) depending upon type of sealer used for obturation along with gutta percha (GP) using lateral compaction technique. Group 1: Endoseal sealer, Group 2: AH Plus, Group 3: Apexit Plus, Group 4: Bio C Sealer, Group 5: Instrumented and unobturated (Control). Samples were stored for 7 days at 37 degree and 100% humidity for sealer to set completely. Samples were mounted vertically 3mm into acrylic resin block leaving 9mm of root length exposed. Fracture resistance was tested using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Amount of force required for fracture was recorded in Newton. Data were analysed using SPSS 22.0 and oneway ANOVA and Post hoc Tukey test were used for statistical analysis. Result: The maximum fracture resistance was obtained in Group 4 Bio C sealer i.e. 418.81±21.06 N, followed by Group 2, Group 3 and Group 1. Least fracture resistance was obtained in Group 5. Conclusion: Bio C sealer provides the best fracture resistance to the endodontically treated teeth when compared with AH Plus, Apexit Plus and Endoseal.

Phycocyanin-loaded silver nanoparticles activated with photodynamic therapy and Nd: YAG laser for caries-affected dentin disinfection: Impact on Streptococcus mutans survival rate and shear bond strength to the tooth-colored restorative material

AimsTo assess the impact of various cavity disinfectants PC-PDT (Phycocyanin activated by Photodynamic therapy), PC@AgNPs-PDT (Phycocyanin and silver nanoparticles activated by PDT), and Nd: YAG laser on the survival rate of S.mutans and the bond integrity of composite restoration MethodsSixty human mandibular molars that scored 4 and 5 based on ICDAS criteria were included. The infected dentin was removed while the CAD was preserved based on visual, tactile, and staining assessment. S.mutans were cultured on the CAD of twenty samples. All the specimens were indiscriminately distributed into four groups based on cavity disinfection (n=20 each includes n = 5 each group incubated with S.mutans) Group 1: CHX, Group 2: Nd:YAG laser, Group 3: PC-PDT and Group 4: PC@AgNPs-PDT. S.mutans survival rate was assessed for each group(n = 5). Forty samples underwent composite bonding for SBS and failure mode assessment using universal testing machine (UTM) and stereomicroscope. The calculations for the mean and standard deviation (SD) and their comparison among different groups were performed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05) ResultsCAD surface treated disinfected with PC@AgNPs-PDT yielded the lowest survival rates (0.13 ± 0.05 CFU/ml) and highest SBS (17.23 ± 1.45 MPa). Group 1 (CHX) unveiled the highest survival rate of S.mutans (0.33 ± 0.12 CFU/ml). However, Group 2 (Nd:YAG Laser) (11.87 ± 0.67 MPa) presented the lowest SBS ConclusionThe combination of Phycocyanin loaded with silver nanoparticles and activated with Photodynamic therapy demonstrates the highest antimicrobial potential and bond strength of composite restorations.

Effect of Bacillus Subtilis Bacteria on The Mechanical Properties of Corroded Self-Healing Concrete

Reinforced concrete has a weakness for corrosion which can cause the concrete to crack and the concrete structure to fail. To overcome this problem, a self-healing concrete method is needed that can close cracks and inhibit the rate of natural corrosion. Bacillus subtilis as a self-healing agent in concrete has been proven to be able to increase the compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete. The method used in this research is to add bacterial hydrogel encapsulation to concrete with a variation of 0%; 0.1%; 0.6%; and 1.5% by weight of sand. The test object is a reinforced concrete beams and cylindrical concrete with compressive design strength of 30 MPa. The concrete specimens will go through a series of tests, such as corrosion acceleration tests using DC power supply, self-healing tests by visual observation, flexural strength, ductility, stiffness, and compressive strength tests using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). From the test results, it was found that the addition of 0.1% bacterial encapsulation variation was the optimum value for increasing the mechanical properties of self-healing concrete and reduce the corrosion rate on self-healing concrete.

Pengaruh Penambahan Serat Kulit Jagung Terhadap Sifat Mekanik Komposit Polipropilena (PP) dengan Penambahan Aluminium Oksida (Al2O3) dan Maleat Anhidrida (MAH) sebagai Coupling Agent

The utilization of polymer composites in the automotive field is expanding due to their characteristics such as strength, stiffness, and light weight. Polypropylene (PP) is one of the thermoplastic polymers widely used in composite manufacturing due to its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable properties. However, to improve its mechanical properties, modifications using natural reinforcements and coupling agents continue to be made. Corn husk fiber is a natural resource that has potential as a natural reinforcement in polymer composites, it has the advantages of good tensile strength, light weight, and is biodegradable. The addition of Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) and Maleic Anhydride (MAH) as coupling agent can improve the adhesion between fiber and polymer matrix, support more even load distribution, and optimize the mechanical properties of the composite Al2O3 and MAH on the mechanical properties of PP composites. The composition used was polypropylene: corn husk fiber rasio :Al2O3: MAH, namely 90:5:5:0, 89:5:5:1, 87:5:5:3, and 85:5:5:5% by weight. Tensile strength test using Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and crystallinity test using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were conducted to evaluate the material performance. The highest value of tensile strength and crystallinity in the composition with 0 %weight MAH. The results of these tests, showing that the greater the composition of corn husk fiber has an influence on the decrease in tensile strength and crystallinity of the composite.

Orthodontic adhesive loaded with different proportions of ZrO2 silver-doped nanoparticles: An in vitro μTBS, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and antimicrobial analysis.

Zirconium dioxide silver-doped nanoparticles (ZrO2AgDNPs) impacts the adhesive material in terms of its physical characteristics, antimicrobial properties, degree of conversion (DC), and micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) of orthodontic brackets to the enamel surface. A comprehensive methodological analysis utilizing a range of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, DC analysis, and μTBS testing. A light-curable orthodontic adhesive, specifically Transbond XT, was combined with ZrO2AgDNPs at 2.5% and 5%. As a control, an adhesive with no incorporation of ZrO2AgDNPs was also prepared. The tooth samples were divided into three groups based on the weightage of NPs: group 1: 0% ZrO2AgDNPs (control), group 2: 2.5 wt% ZrO2AgDNPs, and group 3: 5 wt% ZrO2AgDNPs. EDX graph demonstrated silver (Ag), Zirconium (Zr), and Oxygen (O2), The antibacterial efficacy of adhesives with different concentrations of NPs (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) was assessed using the pour plate method. The FTIR spectra were analyzed to identify peaks at 1607 cm-1 corresponding to aromatic CC bonds and the peaks at 1638 cm-1 indicating the presence of aliphatic CC bonds. The μTBS was assessed using universal testing machine (UTM) and bond failure of orthodontic brackets was seen using adhesive remanent index (ARI) analysis. Kruskal-Wallis test assessed the disparities in survival rates of Streptococcus mutans. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey multiple comparisons test calculated μTBS values. The lowest μTBS was observed in group 1 adhesive loaded with 0% ZrO2AgDNPs (21.25 ± 1.22 MPa). Whereas, the highest μTBS was found in group 3 (26.19 ± 1.07 MPa) adhesive loaded with 5% ZrO2AgDNPs. ZrO2AgDNPs in orthodontic adhesive improved μTBS and has acceptable antibacterial activity against S mutans. ZrO2AgDNPs at 5% by weight can be used in orthodontic adhesive alternative to the conventional method of orthodontic adhesive for bracket bonding. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The highest μTBS was found in orthodontic adhesive loaded with 5% ZrO2AgDNPs. ARI analysis indicates that the majority of the failures fell between 0 and 1 among all investigated groups. The colony-forming unit count of S. mutans was significantly less in orthodontic adhesive loaded with nanoparticles compared with control. The 0% ZrO2AgDNPs adhesive showed the highest DC.

Geopolymerization Method to enhance the compressive strength of Stabilized Silty Clay Utilizing Coconut Husk Ash, Rice Husk Ash and Sea water for Wall Construction

Soil as one of the fundamental components in construction boasts versatile applications in various forms. Silty clay soil is commonly found in various natural environments including riverbanks, floodplains, and agricultural areas. On the other hand, Rice Husk and Coconut Husk are agricultural wastes which contribute to environmental pollution and landfill issues if not properly managed. The utilization of these materials is of significant interest as it has the potential to not only benefit the construction industry but also make meaningful contributions to the preservation of the natural environment. This paper studied the methods for Geopolymerization in enhancing the compressive strength of Stabilized Silty Clay Utilizing Coconut Husk Ash (CHA), Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Sea water for Wall Construction. It determined the effects of CHA, RHA and Sea water on the strength of compressed earth blocks. There were three different treatments that were considered in this study and replicated three times for the determination of the compressive strength. The soil blocks were cured and tested in 7, 14 and 28th days using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Results revealed that soil blocks stabilized with CHA, RHA and sea water is effective and can be used on component of partition on load bearing walls.

EFFECT OF ADDITION RAMIE AND COCONUT COIR FIBERS WITH DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS ON TENSILE STRENGTH OF ACRYLIC DENTURE BASE

Background: Acrylic denture base material has advantages such as good aesthetics, ease of repair, and affordable price, but this denture has mechanical properties, one of which is low tensile strength so fractures often occur during use. Utilization of natural fibers such as ramie (Boehmeria Nivea) and coconut coir (Coco Nucifera L) can be used as an alternative reinforcement for acrylic denture bases. Purpose: To determine the effect of adding ramie fiber and coconut coir fiber at different concentrations on the tensile strength of the acrylic denture base. Method: This study used a laboratory experimental method with a flat dumbell-shaped specimen with a size of 75 × 10 × 3 mm based on ISO 527-1 (2019). The specimens consisted of 42 plates which were divided into 7 groups, namely 6 specimens each group without fiber addition (control), with the addition of ramie fiber 1%, 2%, 3%, and the addition of coconut coir fiber 1%, 2%, 3%. Tensile strength testing using Universal Testing Machine (UTM), data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA test and Post Hoc LSD test. Result: The 3% ramie fiber addition group had the highest tensile strength (76.47 MPa), the 1% coconut coir fiber addition group had the lowest tensile strength (58.91 MPa). There was a significant difference in the results of the control group's tensile strength test and the addition of 3% ramie fiber and 1% coconut coir fiber (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: The greater the concentration of ramie and coconut fiber additions, the higher the tensile strength value, although the tensile strength value in the coconut fiber addition group was lower than the control group and ramie fiber addition.

Mechanical and Structural Properties of Epoxy Resin-Allyl Guar Gum Composites

Introduction: Guar gum is a non-ionic polysaccharide extracted from the endosperm of Cyamopsistetragonalobus. Guar gum and its derivatives are water-soluble hydrophilic polysaccharides, and hydrophobic modification is required to increase its compatibility in a polymer matrix. Objectives: The present study investigates the synthesis of allyl-modified guar gum (AGG) and epoxy resin composites. The mechanical properties of the prepared composites with varying concentrations of filler (allyl guar gum) in the range of 0.5-4.5 wt% have been evaluated. The mechanical and structural properties of the prepared composites have been investigated using Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), respectively. Methods: The epoxy composites were prepared by casting technique using allyl guar gum as the filler. The polymer-filler interactions varied with the contents of the filler. Results: The tensile strength was found to be enhanced up to 13% at 0.5% concentration of AGG. The % elongation at break values followed an opposite trend as compared to the tensile strength data of the composites. The observed mechanical properties have been correlated with the fracture morphology of the composites. Conclusion: A better dispersion, that is, polymer-filler interactions, improved the tensile strength of composites, while poor interactions declined the tensile strength. It is reported that max tensile strength can be obtained at 0.5% concentration of allyl guar gum (AGG1). The maximum increase in % elongation at break was 25% for AGG2-based epoxy composite at 3% of filler concentration.

Stiffness evaluation of Forta Fibre Reinforced Asphalt Concrete (FRAC) mixture under different pulse repetition load

Pavement structure can be designed either as a flexible or a rigid pavement based on its structural behaviour, with flexible pavements being frequently favored due to its advantages. One of the major problems that normally occurred in road construction was pavement distresses due to the quality of the materials. Numerous studies were carried out to explore sustainable ways to improve the pavement performance especially on modification of the asphaltic concrete in construction phases. This paper investigates the effect of Forta-Fi fiber on stiffness performance of hot mix asphalt mixture (HMA). In this respect, conventional asphalt binder grade 60/70 and Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size (NMAS) 12.5mm were used in the preparation of asphalt mixture specimens as specified in Superpave mix design method. Performance of modified samples incorporating 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7% of total mixture were evaluated for resilient modulus accordance to ASTM D4123 using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The samples were tested at 25°C and 40°C with pulse repetition period 1000ms, 2000ms and 3000ms to simulate low, medium and high volume of traffic. As a result, the resilient modulus values of modified asphalt mixture improved 38% with 0.3% additive of Forta-Fi at 25°C with 3000ms pulse repetition period, while at 40°C with 3000ms pulse repetition period improved 23% with 0.5% additive of Forta-Fi. Based on these studies, the addition of fibers reinforcement into the asphalt mixture has a significant effect on resilient modulus of fibers reinforced asphalt mixture.

Preparation and characterization of polyacrylonitrile/nitrocellulose engineering blend

AbstractPolyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer blends were more in demand due to their wide range of applications. We overcome the restricted low thermal stability and poor strength for deployable blend. In the present study, we prepared PAN and nitrocellulose (NC) polymer blends by solution casting method to overcome the low loss, low dielectric properties as alternative blend for cladding purpose in communication domain. C≡N bond exclusively demonstrated the impact on blending was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Raman microscopy measurement. Semicrystalline nature of polymer blends as a function of NC loading was determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Optical polarizing microscopy (OPM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis illustrated an appearance of micro flocculated spherulites. Blending ratio of PAN/NC demonstrated the decreased direct band gap identified by Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV). PAN/NC proved excellent alternative as low dielectric constant and low loss as cladding medium. Blending of NC with PAN exhibited an increased hydrophilicity was confirmed by surface goniometer. Increased thermal stability of polymer blends was mapped by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Blend melting temperature and glass transition temperature was increased from 322°C to 334°C and 88°C to 102°C confirmed by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Thermal conductivity was increased from ~0.13 to ~0.34 W/m. k for PAN/NC determined by Lee's disc probe method. Mechanical properties of blends were measured using universal testing machine (UTM). Tensile strength and Young's modulus was increased up to ~23%, and ~ 56%, whereas elongation break was decreased up to ~71% for PAN/NC blends compared to host PAN system. PAN/NC may suit promising candidate as cladding blend for communication engineering due to low loss and low dielectric constant.

The Investigation of General Properties of Carbon Fiber (CF) Composites - Preliminary Study

The most commonly used materials in the production of high-performance CFs are cellulose, polyacrylonitrile, and pitch. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based fibers dominate the market (representing nearly 90% of total CF production), with some companies producing more than 10,000 tons per year. However, the current technique's high cost (the combined cost of the precursors and stabilization accounts for 70% of total CF synthesis cost) limits the technology's applicability. Carbon fiber manufacturing is characterized by a high energy demand due to long processing times and energy intensive thermal processes. PAN-based CFs are difficult to commercialize due to the time-consuming pre-oxidation step, which significantly raises the manufacturing cost. As a result, advanced processing technologies aimed at reducing CF production costs should be developed. They were consisting of a thin but strong crystalline filament of carbon. This experimental study was to learn the mechanical properties of carbon fiber using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). There was a section where we made a phone case out of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fiber and compared it to other materials for phone cases. The phone cases of carbon fiber composites as the one examples of consumer product was made from the woven carbon fiber then was hardened by hard epoxy mixed with resin epoxy. Then, the phone cases were tested with UTM machine to compare the tensile strength and high modulus. Other than that, there were few samples with different composition of PAN powder mixed with different composition of sodium thiocyanate. The results of the testing shows that the carbon fiber had the high tensile strength than the other materials of phone cases which were silicone and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). The microstructure of carbon fiber has a significant impact on its mechanical properties.

The Effect Of Surface Treatment And Thermocycling On Bond Strength Between Silicon Soft Denture Lining And Acrylic Resin Denture Base

Introduction: Silicon Soft Denture Liner (SDL) is often used along with heat polymerization acrylic resin (PMMA) as an obturator material because it can cover the undercut area in a broad defect for long term and painlessly. Despite that, silicon SDL and PMMA have different molecular structures so that they have a low bond strength. Long-term use can also affect the bond strength, so there is a need to increase the bond strength between PMMA and SDL. A method to increase the bond strength is surface treatment. This study is conducted to determine the effect of surface treatment and thermocycling on the bond strength of PMMA and Silicon SDL. Methods: The study used 40 samples (8 groups) divided into 4 groups based on the surface treatments, namely no surface treatment, sandblast, adhesive primer and combination, and further divided into two groups of thermocycling and without thermocycling treatment. The bond strength between PMMA and SDL was tested with tensile test by using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Results: One-way ANOVA analysis showed there were significant differences of the bond strength among all groups (p <0.05) where the adhesive primer showed the highest value in all treatment groups. Conclusion: There is an effect of surface treatment and thermocycling on the bond strength between the PMMA and SDL, where the adhesive primer as a surface treatment material shows the highest bond strength of all.

Effect of GNPs and resin blend on tear resistance of 4D printed shape memory photopolymer composite

PurposeThe tear strength (Ts) is a significant property for any kind of soft polymeric material such as rubber, elastomer, viscoelastic material and its composites, to quantify the suitability of a material for any shape memory applications. Many times, the soft elastomeric polymer material has to be capable enough to deform to a maximum extent of displacement but at the same time, it has to withstand the maximum load without fail. Along with shape recovery properties (i.e. the ability to recover its shape from programmed to the original), the success of the shape memory cycle is mainly depending on its stiffness and strength. It has to resist tear during stretching (i.e. programming stage) as repeatedly subjected to deformation, and, hence, it is important to study the tear behaviour for shape memory polymers (SMPs) and their composites. The purpose of the work is to investigate the effect of parameters on Ts of 4D printed specimen using Taguchi method.Design/methodology/approachThe objective of the work is to tailor the Ts of SMPs by reinforcing the graphene nano particles (GNPs) in a blended photopolymer (PP) resin with flexible PP and hard PP resin. In this study, a total of nine experiments were designed based on the L9 orthogonal array (OA) using the design of experiments (DOEs). All the shape memory photopolymer composite’s (SMPPCs) specimens are fabricated using masked stereolithography (MSLA), also known as resin three-dimensional printing (R3DP) technique.FindingsSpecimens are tested using universal testing machine (UTM) for maximum tear force (Fmax) and displacement (δ) caused by tearing the specimen to evaluate the strength against the tear. The results showed that the Wt.% of resin blend highly influenced both Fmax and δ, while GNPs also had an impact on δ. The specimens are offering more tear resistance for those specimens blended with less Wt.% of flexible PP at the same time the specimens enable more δ for those specimens reinforced with 0.3 Wt.% GNPs at 10-s exposure time. The optimum combinations are A1, B1 and C3 for the Fmax and Ts and at the same time A1, B3 and C3 for δ.Research limitations/implicationsTo customise the tear resistance of SMPPCs using MSLA 3 D printing, this study suggested a blend of PP resins reinforced with GNPs. This opens up a new path for creating novel, inexpensive multi-functional 4-dimensional (4D) printed parts.Originality/valueThe use of flexible PP and hard PP resin blends, fabricating the SMPPCs specimens using 3 D printed MSLA technology, investigating the effect of GNPs, resin blend and exposure time, optimizing the process parameters using Taguchi and the work were all validated using confirmation tests and regression analysis using test train method, which increases the originality and novelty.

Force and Slip Displacement of Fibre Cemboard Panels Subjected To Four-Point Bending Test

For many years, fibre cemboard has been widely used in the construction industry. This material has many advantages, including a long-life span, ease of installation and low maintenance, which can reduce the cost of maintenance. However, due to its limitation of being unable to support heavy loads, it is only suitable for the lightweight floor system. Therefore, the fibre cemboard panel is introduced. Basically, the fibre cemboard panel consists of several layers of fibre cemboard that stack together using a special bond mechanism. This study aims to investigate the flexural capacity and slip displacement of fibre cemboard panels with different bond mechanisms (polyurethane glue, steel bolts and polyurethane glue + steel bolts) and spacings (50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, and 200 mm). The specimens were fabricated with a size of 305 mm width, 1220 mm span and 2@16 thickness. The four-point bending test was carried out using Universal Testing Machine (UTM) that yield the force-slip displacement curves.The results of experimental testing indicate that the bond mechanism has an apparent impact on the flexural capacity and slip displacement. The fibre cemboard panels bonded by steel bolts have the best performance. Meanwhile, the spacing was found to control the slip displacement the most than the flexural capacity. Close distance of spacing may increase the stiffness that appreciably contributes to better performance. The optimum spacing for the polyurethane glue is 50 mm, while the specimens bonded by steel bolts and polyurethane glue + steel bolts should have 75 mm and100 mm spacings. The polyurethane glue can hold the stress concentration before the detachment. When polyurethane glue fails, the steel bolts resume the function to resist the slip displacement until the rapture.

Diametrical tensile strength test of dental bioactive cement

Introduction: Bioactive dental cement material is widely used in root canal treatment in order to provide long lasting result of the root canal treatment. The test ofmechanical properties on this bioactive dental cement material is a diametrical tensile test. The purpose of this study was to examine the diametrical tensile strength (DTS) of bioactive dental cement materials found in Indonesia. Methods: Specimens of bioactive dental cement material are disc-shaped, 6 mm in diameter, 3 mm in height which were divided into 2 groups; Group I is Maarc MTA and Group II is MTA plus white cerkamed, each group contains 4 speci-mens. Mechanical properties test was carried out using Universal Testing Machine (UTM), analyzed with one-way Anova. Re-sults: The DTS mean of Group Iwas 2.48564 N/mm2 and Group II of 7.872175 N/mm2; significantly different (f count: 0.065). Conclusion: MTA white plus cerkamed has higher DTS than Maarc MTA.

Study of Mechanical Properties and Hard Water Absorption Behavior of Water Hyacinth Reinforced Starch Composite

In this paper an attempt has been made to prepare bio-composite using water hyacinth fiber as reinforcement and potato starch as matrix. The renewable resource, water hyacinth is used as the major composition of the proposed bio-composite. Since the bio polymer can contribute better mechanical properties, it can act as a substitute for the existing synthetic fibers. The biodegradable, environmentally friendly and less expensive characteristics of the bio composite, find it suitable for automotive and conventional industrial applications. The effect of the fiber length ranging from 10 mm to 40 mm verses tensile strength and bearing strength are included in the research work. The simplest and most effective hand layup method is used to prepare the bio fiber from water hyacinth after duly seasoning the raw stems in the controlled environment. The bio composite made up of 70% potato starch as matrix is dissolved in sufficient amount of water in which 30% of glycerol is added to the reaction mixture. Magnetic stirrer capable of generating variable speed ranging from 800 rpm to 1200 rpm, with inbuilt heating mechanism made up of stainless steel material is used to prepare the reaction mixture. The stirring process is continued till the required viscosity is obtained. The specimen is kept in the electric oven and the water content is removed. Before investigating the mechanical properties, the specimen was compressed to 600 psi (≈ 42 bar) pressure. Using Universal Testing Machine (UTM) the tensile strength of the composite was investigated in the ambient temperature and pressure. The specimens- with and without reinforcement were studied to find the effect of water absorption capability which is function of nature solvent and matrix. Based on the experimental results, it was concluded that bio composite is a potential candidate to serve the needs of the industry.

The effect of acrylic silane crosslinker on room‐temperature cured acrylate binder for road markings

AbstractAn acrylic binder with excellent physical properties is prepared using copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate monomer (BAM), 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA), 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA), and additives. The obtained acrylic resins are subjected to a redox initiator system (ROIS) for room temperature curing. The effects of the TMSPMA concentration and [acryl‐copolymer]/[2‐HEMA] ratio on backbone content are studied in terms of traffic marking paint. The mechanical and morphological properties are thoroughly evaluated using universal testing machine (UTM), UV spectrum, and SEM. With increasing TMSPMA content, the adhesive strength and transmittance of the cured resins increase up to a limiting value of TMSPMA content because of the optimizing crosslink network in backbone structure. The introduction of TMSPMA may be effectively attributed to strong adhesive and high transparency of an acrylic resin series. Consequently, acrylic resins with optimal TMSPMA content can be mostly utilized as a high‐performance binder in the traffic marking paint field.

Examining the Influence of Aggregate Shape Properties Measured Using Imaging Technique on the Flexural Strength of Concrete

It is known that aggregate shape properties influence the quality and performance of pavement materials. Yet, there is little information available on the effect of aggregate shape properties on the flexural strength of concrete, which is the main topic of the present study. Aggregate Image Measurement System (AIMS) was used to analyze three sizes of coarse aggregate and three sizes of fine aggregate obtained from three different sources. Portland cement concrete beams were prepared and tested for flexural strength using Universal Testing Machine (UTM) according to ASTM standards. A positive relationship with a high correlation was found between some aggregate shape properties (angularity and texture) and the flexural strength of the concrete. At the same time, an inverse relation with weak correlation was noticed between flexural strength and sphericity of coarse aggregates. Meanwhile, the 2-D form of fine aggregate showed a positive relationship with a weak correlation with flexural strength. Despite showing a similar trend of effects that shape properties have on flexural strength, the shape indices showed a better correlation with flexural strength than uncompacted void content, which is used as a measure of combined shape properties in the conventional indirect test methods. Results also suggested that the shape indices measured using the imaging technique can be a good alternative for the conventional methods.

Water hyacinth (EichhorniaCrassipes) polymer composites properties - aquatic waste into successful commercial product

In modern times, the demand for natural fibers is increased due to low density, low cost, recyclability, and biodegradable properties. Following work deals with the aquatic waste of water hyacinth plant fiber. The main intent of this work is to utilize the hyacinth plant into a successive manner and convert this plant into some commercial products. It is used as reinforcement material and epoxy polymer resin in matrix material with a suitable percentage of hardener (10:1). A new method such as a mechanical way of extraction process is introduced in this work. The different weight percentage of the hyacinth fiber is reinforced with matrix material like 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35%. With the help of a compression molding, machine water hyacinth reinforced fiber composite is produced by using 1500 PSI pressure and 110 °C, 100 °C of upper and lower plate temperature. A composite sample is cut into as per ASTM standards and the mechanical tests like tensile, flexural, impact test is conducted by using universal testing machine (UTM), and Charpy impact test machine. Based on the final mechanical test results, the 30% of hyacinth composite sample tensile 36.48 MPa, flexural 48.62 MPa, impact 0.5 J, and hardness 98 attained then, the hyacinth composite samples are adopted into water and chemical absorption test with 10 hours, 1week, 1month of continuous monitoring. Based on the final results, hyacinth fiber is strongly recommended to use an alternative of synthetic fibers and conventional natural fibers. The hyacinth composite is strongly recommended for the usage of commercial and household applications.

Experimental Investigation of the Stress-Strain Behavior and Strength Characterization of Rubberized Reinforced Concrete.

Due to the rapid increase in population, the use of automobile vehicles increases day by day, which causes a considerable increase in the waste tires produced worldwide. Research studies are in progress to utilize scrap tires and waste rubber material in several fields to cater the pollution problems in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. In this research, the shredded waste tires were used in concrete to replace fine aggregates in different percentages. The fine aggregates in the rubberized concrete were replaced 10%, 15%, and 20% by rubber. The stress–strain behavior of the concrete models is then determined and compared with the already established analytical models, i.e., Modified Kent and Park Model, Mander’s model, and Razvi and Saatcioglu Model. A total of 12 standard concrete cylinders and 18 models of each type of concrete, i.e., normal concrete, reinforced rubberized concrete with 10%, 15%, and 20% addition of rubber, were fabricated. Specimens fabricated in each replacement of rubber were laterally confined, employing 3 in (76 mm) and 6 in (152 mm) c/c tie spacing. The model and cylinders were subjected to uni-axial compression tests using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The drop in compressive strength, stress–strain constitutive law, strain limits, and overall behavior of the rubberized reinforced concrete were explored experimentally. The results were then compared with the analytical results of the established models. The research can help explore the possible future for the use of rubberized concrete for the potential application as a structural material.