Browsing by Author "Azikiwe Peter Onwualu"

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Characterization and assessment of selected agricultural residues of Nigerian origin for building applications
(Taylor and Francis, 2025-12-31) Esther Nneka Anosike-Francis; Gina Odochi Ihekweme; Paschal Ateb Ubi; Ifeyinwa Ijeoma Obianyo; Seun Jesuloluwa; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Prabhu Paramasivam; Azikiwe Peter Onwualu; Rasoamalala Vololonirina
The high rate of agricultural residue generation in Nigeria in recent times poses a serious environmental hazard. Thus, there is a need to valorize these residues for various engineering applications. Five Nigerian agricultural residues (okro, plantain, jute, kenaf, and sisal) were studied to determine their potential for forming natural fiber composites for building applications. The samples were subjected to a process of peeling and immersion in water for 15–20 days to facilitate the degradation of microbial cells and ease the extraction of fibers. Proximate and lignocellulose analyses of the samples were conducted according to the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications. The physico-mechanical and thermal properties of the agricultural residues were examined using an Intron universal testing machine and a thermogravimetric analyzer. The fiber phase analysis revealed a crystallinity index range of 41.20–66.08% and a crystallite size of 30.79–84.00 nm, indicating that the fibers were thermally stable above 280 C. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis provided conclusive evidence of the presence of distinct chemical compositions and their associated functional groups. The study contributes a reliable database for agricultural residues in Nigeria, particularly for construction applications. It is also being utilized to inform the design and implementation of manufacturing processes for roofing tiles and boards intended for general applications
Characterization and assessment of selected agricultural residues of Nigerian origin for building applications
(COGENT ENGINEERING, 2024-12-22) Esther Nneka Anosike-Francis; Gina Odochi Ihekweme; Paschal Ateb Ubi; Ifeyinwa Ijeoma Obianyo; Seun Jesuloluwa; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Prabhu Paramasivam; Azikiwe Peter Onwualu; Rasoamalala Vololonirina
The high rate of agricultural residue generation in Nigeria in recent times poses a serious environmental hazard. Thus, there is a need to valorize these residues for various engineering applications. Five Nigerian agricultural residues (okro, plantain, jute, kenaf, and sisal) were studied to determine their potential for forming natural fiber composites for building applications. The samples were subjected to a process of peeling and immersion in water for 15–20 days to facilitate the degradation of microbial cells and ease the extraction of fibers. Proximate and lignocellulose analyses of the samples were conducted according to the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications. The physico-mechanical and thermal properties of the agricultural residues were examined using an Intron universal testing machine and a thermogravimetric analyzer. The fiber phase analysis revealed a crystallinity index range of 41.20–66.08% and a crystallite size of 30.79–84.00 nm, indicating that the fibers were thermally stable above 280 °C. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis provided conclusive evidence of the presence of distinct chemical compositions and their associated functional groups. The study contributes a reliable database for agricultural residues in Nigeria, particularly for construction applications. It is also being utilized to inform the design and implementation of manufacturing processes for roofing tiles and boards intended for general applications
Modification of Lateritic Soil Using Waste Plastics for Sustainable Road Construction
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishin Institute (MDPI), 2024-05-05) Obianyo Ifeyinwa Ijeoma; Taiwo Ibitayo Akintayo; Abubakar Dayyabu; Mahamat Assia Aboubakar; Amuda Akeem; Muoka Anthony; Mambo Abdulhameed; Azikiwe Peter Onwualu
Lateritic soil, a prevalent geological material in tropical regions, often exhibits poor engineering properties, leading to road pavement failures. Meanwhile, the alarming rise in plastic waste poses environmental concerns. This innovative study explores the potential of utilizing waste plastics as a lateritic soil addictive for sustainable road construction. Varying percentages by weight of shredded waste plastic (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) were incorporated into lateritic soil samples, evaluating its effects on soil geotechnical properties. The results revealed that lateritized plastic (shredded plastic waste and lateritic soil) containing 2% shredded plastic waste gave the optimum maximum dry density of 1.985 g/cm3, and the lateritized plastic containing 10% shredded plastic waste gave the highest optimum moisture content of 18%. However, the lower California bearing ratio obtained on the addition of plastic waste showed that the lateritized plastic is relatively weak and can only be used for roads with low traffic. The incorporation of shredded plastic waste into lateritic soil for stabilization is a promising polymer science-based method. By reducing the need for conventional materials and diverting plastic waste from landfills, this approach contributes to a more environmentally friendly infrastructure supporting the achievement of United Nation Sustainable Development Goals.