Research Articles in Mechanical Engineering

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A comprehensive review of hydrogen production and storage: A focus on the role of nanomaterials
(The University of Edinburgh, 2022-05-20) Emmanuel I. Epelle; Kwaghtaver S. Desongu; Winifred Obande; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Jude A. Okolie; Burcu Gunes
Nanomaterials are beginning to play an essential role in addressing the challenges associated with hydrogen production and storage. The outstanding physicochemical properties of nanomaterials suggest their applications in almost all technological breakthroughs ranging from catalysis, metal-organic framework, complex hydrides, etc. This study outlines the applications of nanomaterials in hydrogen production (considering both thermochemical, biological, and water splitting methods) and storage. Recent advances in renewable hydrogen production methods are elucidated along with a comparison of different nanomaterials used to enhance renewable hydrogen production. Additionally, nanomaterials for solid-state hydrogen storage are reviewed. The characteristics of various nanomaterials for hydrogen storage are compared. Some nanomaterials discussed include carbon nanotubes, activated carbon, metal-doped carbon-based nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks. Other materials such as complex hydrides and clathrates are outlined. Finally, future research perspectives related to the application of nanomaterials for hydrogen production and storage are discussed.
A review on primary synthesis and secondary treatment of aluminium matrix composites
(Taylor and Francis, 2020-10-13) T. A. Orhadahwe; O. O. Ajide; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni
In this paper, the primary synthesis and secondary treatment of Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) has been reviewed. The renewed quest for component materials with high strength-to-weight ratio, unusual and superlative combination of properties for applications in automotive, aerospace, marine and warfare armoury manufacturing industries has increased the versatility potential of aluminium alloy-based composites. Several categories (synthetic and agro-based ceramics) of reinforcement materials for aluminium composite are discussed. The manufacturing/fabrication techniques which could be solid phase (powder metallurgy and rapid prototyping or 3 D printing method) or liquid phase (casting and pressure infiltration) methods are discussed in this review work. Secondary treatment such as heat treatment, forging and other thermomechanical treatments which improves the properties of as-synthesized composites are also discussed. A review synopsis of recent studies provides opportunity for concise but a more robust understanding of potential benefits and detrimental effects associated with the use of various primary synthesis routes and secondary treatment for manufacturing of ceramic reinforced AMCs. Despite the laudable research efforts that have been made towards development and enhancement of the properties of AMCs, this review work revealed that literature is very sparse on synergetic adoption of multi-synthesis route and multi-approach secondary treatment for producing AMCs. Sequel to the aforementioned unexplored research concept, some lacunae are identified and suggested for further elaborations and study.
Combustion characteristics of fuel briquettes made from charcoal particles and sawdust agglomerates
(Elsevier, 2019-10-14) H. A. Ajimotokan; A.O. Ehindero; Kabiru Sulaiman AJAO; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Y. L. Shuaib-Babata
The combustion characteristics of fuel briquettes made from Idigbo (Terminalia ivorensis) charcoal particles, pinewood (Pinus caribaea) sawdust and their agglomerates using gelatinized cassava peels were investigated. The charcoal particles and pine sawdust were blended in the mixing ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50, respectively and vice-versa. More so, briquettes were produced from pure charcoal particles and pine sawdust separately for the purpose of comparison with the blended briquettes. The gelatinized binder was 5% of the total briquettes weight. The briquettes were produced using a pressure of 5 MPa with a dwelling time of 5 min in a hydraulic briquetting machine. Proximate, elemental compositions and heating value analyses were carried out on the raw charcoal, sawdust, cassava peel, and their briquettes. The results showed that variations in the mixing ratios of the bio-residues had significant effects on all the properties investigated. An increase in the charcoal particles led to an increase in the fixed carbon content and heating value of the briquettes. Conversely, higher pine sawdust content in the briquette resulted in higher volatile matter content and lower heating value. The briquette made from pure charcoal particles had the highest heating value (24.9 MJ/kg) and ash content (6.0%). Its carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen contents were in the range of 44.6–50.1%, 5.1–5.6% and 34.4–41.5%, respectively. The proximate analysis, elemental composition analysis, and heating values of the produced fuel briquettes depicted that they have better combustion properties when compared to the raw charcoal, pine dust, and cassava peel. Thus, the produced briquettes would serve as good fuel for domestic and industrial applications.
Comparative Analyses of the Inhibitive Influence of Cascabela thevetia and Jatropha curcas Leaves Extracts on Mild Steel
(Nature Environment and P ollution Technology, 2020-09-04) A. S. Adekunle; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke ; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; O. A. Adewuyi
The inhibitive properties of the extracts of Cascabela thevetia and Jatropha curcas were comparatively studied on corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4 acid. The extracts of both plants contained active phytochemical constituents such as tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes and phenols which made them useful as good corrosion inhibitors. The extract concentrations were varied from 0.3 to 1.5 g/L during both the gravimetric and gasometric analyses for an exposure time of 7-28 days. The weight loss of the coupon, corrosion rate, surface coverage and inhibitive efficiency was evaluated for both the extracts. The results of the gravimetric and gasometric analyses indicated that inhibitive efficiency increased with an increase in the concentration of inhibitors and the highest was 55.77% for Jatrophas curcas at the concentration of 1.5 g/L. The weight loss was a little lower for Cascabela thevetia (4.36 g) compared to Jatrophas curcas (4.66 g) at the highest exposure time used (28 days). Cascabela thevetia has a better surface coverage (0.68) than Jatropha curcas (0.61), hence, Cascabela thevetia inhibits better for a 7-day exposure time. However, when the mild steel was further exposed for more than 7 days, Jatropha curcas exhibited a better inhibitive property. The highest and least hydrogen gas evolution was obtained at 0.3 g/L concentration (7 minutes) and 1.5 g/L concentration (1 minute) for both Cascabela thevetia and Jatropha curcas leaves extracts, respectively. Based on the results, the utilization of extracts of Cascabela thevetia and Jatropha curcas leaves as replacements for toxic organic inhibitors in industries are recommended.
Corrosion rates of green novel hybrid conversion coating on aluminium 6061
(Elsevier, 2020-08-19) Makanjuola Oki; A.A. Adediran; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; O.S. Adesina; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; S.A. Akintola; F. Edoziuno; A. Aleem
The use of chromate conversion coatings have been limited by several protocols as a result of their carcinogenicity and toxicity towards humans and the environment. Searches are ongoing for chromate replacement in coating baths and processes. This paper describes the comparison among the corrosion rates of a novel hybrid conversion coating derived from water extracts of hibiscus sabdariffa calyx in conjunction with ammonium molybdate, a molybdate conversion coating and the so-called chromate conversion coating. Potentiodynamic polarization measurement in 3.5 wt% sodium chloride solution was employed in ranking the coatings as sabdariffa molybdate being more corrosion resistant than chromate, which in turn out performed molybdate.
Design and Fabrication of an Ablative Pyrolyzer for Production of Bio- lubricants and chemicals in Oil Well Drilling Application
(IOP Publishing, 2021-03-24) Samuel Oluwafikayo Adegoke; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; A. O. Falode; A. J. Alawode; O.O. Agboola; Adeolu Adesoji Adediran
In this study, an ablative pyrolyser having 27.1 cm inner diameter, 41.2 cm outer diameter, the full chamber height of 74.7 cm and chamber volume of 40 litres was designed and fabricated. 150KW heater was wounded around the reactor chamber made of stainless steel to provide a higher temperature of up to 1400 The -40 to 105 capacity heat resistance wires were used to conduct the heater into the electrical panel which has several components such as the contactor, temperature controller, thermocouple wire and so on to give a particular desired working temperature. This pyrolyser applies technology of thermal energy in the heated walls of the pyrolyser being transferred to the biomass by conduction in the absence of oxygen for onward disintegration into gas, bio-oil, and biochar. After fabrication, 12 kg each of Tectona grandis and Rhopalosiphum maidis was fed into the reactor and pyrolyzed at 500, the bio-oil product for both samples were mixed together and distilled at 120 and the bio-oil distillate was characterized for density, kinematic viscosity, pH, acid value and free fatty acid content. The bio-oil distillate shows a density of 0.960 g/cc, pH of 7.2, kinematic viscosity of 84 cst and acid value of 42.20 compared to the bio oil crude which showed higher values. This pyrolyser has been found on average to melt 12 kg each of Tectona grandis and Rhopalosiphum maidis to 5353 and 3493 g crude bio-oil respectively for a period of at least 3 h. The mass of bio-char for tectona grandis and Rhopalosiphum maidis were 3325 and 2614 g respectively while the reactor requires 8 h to cool before discharging the bio-char from the reactor. This research work can provide a basic designing formula for effective and workable ablative pyrolyzer fabrication for Nigerian wastes having high energy content.
Development and characterization of wood-polypropylene plastic-cement composite board
(Elsevier, 2020-05-16) I. O. Ohijeagbon; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Vincent T. Mustapha; John A. Olorunmaiye; Imhade P. Okokpujie
The utilization of agricultural residues and industrial wastes such as plastics to complement the use of solid wood in the manufacturing of composite panels presents an effective and efficient way of waste management for sustainable utilization of resources, especially in developing countries. Thus, the present study aimed at developing a cheap, safe, and energy-efﬁcient composite board for effective house partitioning from sawdust and polypropylene plastic using cement and expanded polystyrene (EPS). Composite boards were developed from the blend of sawdust and polypropylene plastic using cement and expanded polystyrene (EPS) as adhesives. The composite boards were made by varying the sawdust-polypropylene ratio as well as the cement-EPS ratio. A constant load of 0.2 MPa was used in compacting the materials in a prepared aluminum mold under a hydraulic press machine. Physico-mechanical properties of the composite board such as density, water absorption, moisture content, compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strengths were evaluated. The density of the composite boards varied from 490 to 630 kg/m3. The moisture content ranged from 6.04 to 9.09% while the water absorption ranged from 30 to 80% after 2 and 24 h immersion. The highest flexural, tensile and compressive strength for the composite boards were 7.10, 1.52, and 3.72 MPa, respectively. The composite samples met all the requirements of a partitioning wall except for flexural strength based on IS3087 standard. Cement and EPS were found to be suitable as adhesive for the development of composite boards from sawdust and polypropylene.
Effect of copper addition and solution heat treatment on the mechanical properties of aluminum alloy using formulated bio-quenchant oils
(Engineering and Applied Science Research, 2020-01-01) Adekunle A.S.; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Omoniyi P. O.; Gbadamosi T. A.; Jamiu Kolawole Odusote
Addition of copper and use of solution heat treatment solution with bio degradable vegetable oils as quenchants has great potential to improve the mechanical properties of aluminum and its alloys. In this study, copper was added to as-received Al- Si-Mg alloy to produce Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy. The specimens were quenched with blended bleached bio-quenchant oils and a petroleum-based oil after solution heat treatment. The alloy was heat treated at 500℃, soaked for 20 minutes in a muffle furnace before quenching in the formulated bio-quenchant oils. The cooling properties, mechanical properties and microstructure of the solution treated specimens were determined. Blended bleached melon (BBM) oil was observed to have offered a higher cooling rate of 49.3 ℃ s-1 compared to the petroleum-based (PB) oil with a cooling rate of 25.8 ℃ s-1. Blended bleached melon oil exhibited the highest quench severity value of 1.0074 m-1, while petroleum-based oil was 0.6133 m-1. The as-received alloy and as-cast alloy specimens exhibited tensile strength values of 125.33 and 131.37 N mm-2, respectively, while a higher tensile strength value of 139.30 Nmm-2 was obtained using the blended bleached melon oil. The highest Rockwell hardness number, 61.00 HRB, was obtained using blended bleached melon oil. The overall mechanical properties of specimens improved after the addition of copper and heat treatment in various bio-quenchant oils
Effect of nickel-based laser coatings on phase composition and corrosion behaviour of titanium alloy for offshore application
(Elsevier, 2020-05-15) Olanrewaju Seun Adesina; Makanjuola Oki; G. A. Farotade; O. T. Adesina; Olanrewaju Seun Adesina; O. F. Ogunbiyi; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
Abstract Recent advances in titanium alloy applications in the offshore industry have been realized through the development of laser surface modification technique. The distinctive outcome of this technique has provided increase in the utilization of titanium in offshore drilling risers for special drilling operations and various subsea and tubing applications. In this work, surface mitigation and corrosion degradation of titanium alloy in aggressive sulfuric acid were investigated using electrochemical technique (linear potentiodynamic polarization) while the surface characterization (morphology) and phases of the resultant coatings were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Prior to that, laser surface technique was used to fabricate Nickel-based powder on the substrate (Ti-6Al-4V). Results revealed that laser clad sample with high scan speed was more effective in improving the corrosion resistance compared to low scan speed. The enhanced corrosion resistance with high laser scan speed has been attributed to the presence of hard intermetallic compounds in the metallic coating.
Energy from biomass and plastics recycling: a review
(Taylor and Francis, 2021-01-01) Samuel Oluwafikayo Adegoke; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Chiebuka Timothy Nnodim; Ayokunle Olubusayo Balogun; Olugbenga Adebanjo Falode; Seun Olawumi Adetona
The sustainability of fossil fuel is not guaranteed as it is gradually depleting. Alternative ways to this challenge are to generate biofuel from biomass and plastic solid wastes. Many studies have been done on the actualization of these alternatives. Hence, this study accumulates research from multidiscipline for the purpose of advancing biofuel production for sustainable energy. The necessary information needed by scientists having interest in biofuel production, including government policy, biomass selection, different conversion techniques and different ASTM standards for biodiesel properties are entrenched in this study. For vast biofuel production, there is a need for a collaborative work among fields from microbiologist, biochemist to engineering for the development of innovations, growth of cells, understanding of genetic engineering of algae strains and optimization of biofuel production. Also, a review on the recovery and recycling process of plastic solid waste was done. This is to ensure that the use of plastic solid waste to support energy sustenance will lead to no energy is wasted. Various ASTM standards for investigating the different properties of bio-oil were reviewed. The numerous plastic wastes that have not been utilized in the production of biofuel can be investigated to reduce the environmental pollution.
Influence of temperature on the chemical compositions and microstructural changes of ash formed from palm kernel shell
(Elsevier, 2020-09-30) Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Makanjuola Oki; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Adediran, A.A; O.S. Adesina
This study investigated the characteristics of raw palm kernel shell (raw PKS) and the influence of temperature variation on palm kernel shell ash (PKSA). The PKSA was obtained under different temperature regimes of 900, 1000, and 1100°C. The characterization of the samples was carried out using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with attached Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) facilities. The results showed that moisture and ash contents and the density of raw PKS were 6.56%, 8.86%, and 745 kg/m3, respectively. The colour of the pulverized PKS was dark brown, as observed by visual examination based on standard colour gradation. This colour transformed into various shades of brown when PKS was subjected to different temperature regimes to form PKSA. The XRF analysis showed that silica is the main constituent of the raw PKS and PKSA samples. Silica content in the PKSA increased with the rise in the heating temperature. The FTIR and EDX spectra confirmed the predominance of silicon compounds with functional groups associated with silanol and siloxane. Also, XRD analysis revealed that the silica contents in the samples are quartz, while SEM examinations indicated that temperature increases during processing influenced the microstructure through the reduction of pore concentration in the samples. The silica obtained from the PKSA would find applications in metal matrix composites as partial reinforcing materials.
Pathways for the Valorization of Animal and Human Waste to Biofuels, Sustainable Materials and Value-Added Chemicals
(MDPI, 2023-03-06) Jude A. Okolie; Toheeb Jimoh; Olugbenga Akande; Patrick U. Okoye; Chukwuma C. Ogbaga; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Fatih Güleç; Andrew Nosakhare Amenaghawon
Human and animal waste, including waste products originating from human or animal digestive systems such as urine, feces, and animal manure, have constituted a nuisance to the environment. Inappropriate disposal and poor sanitation of human and animal waste often cause negative impacts on human health through contamination of the terrestrial environment, soil, and water bodies. Therefore, it is necessary to convert these wastes into useful resources to mitigate their adverse environmental effect. The present study provides an overview and research progress of different thermochemical and biological conversion pathways for the transformation of human- and animal-derived waste into valuable resources. The physicochemical properties of human and animal waste are meticulously discussed as well as nutrient recovery strategies. In addition, a bibliometric analysis is provided to identify the trends in research and knowledge gaps. The results reveal that the U.S.A, China and England are the dominant countries in the research areas related to resource recovery from human or animal waste. In addition, researchers from the University of Illinois, the University of California Davis, the Chinese Academy of Science and Zhejiang University are front runners in research related to these areas. Future research should be centred on developing technologies for the on-site recovery of resources, exploring integrated resource recovery pathways, and exploring different safe waste processing methods.
Physical Properties of Biomass Fuel Briquette from Oil Palm Residues
(JASEM, 2017-06-18) H.O. Muraina; Jamiu Kolawole Odusote; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) and Mesocarp Fibre (MF) were used for the production of fuel briquettes in this study in order to supplement the energy mix of the nation. PKS was pulverized and then sieved into different grain particles of 350 μm, 250 μm and 150 μm, before mixing with MF in the ratios: 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30 (PKS: MF respectively). Cassava Peel (CP) was used as binder for the briquettes. A 200 kN force was exerted during densification while the waiting time for the briquettes to properly form was 120 seconds. Proximate/physical analysis was carried out and the results showed that briquette series of 150 μm (80:20) has the minimum moisture content of 6.00 % while series 350 μm (90:10) recorded the lowest ash content of 1.50 %. Volatile matter of 72.80 % was recorded from series 150 μm (70:30) as the highest of all the series produced. Briquette series of 350 μm (70:30) have the highest fixed carbon and calorific value of 19.90 % and 18.1063 kJ/g, respectively. The results showed that the fuel briquettes from PKS and MF (especially 350 μm series) could serve as alternative source of energy for domestic and industrial applications. Keywords: Palm kernel shell; Mesocarp fibre; Briquette; Biomass solid fuel; proximate analysis.
Physico-chemical characterization, thermal decomposition and kinetic modeling of Digitaria sanguinalis under nitrogen and air environments
(Elsevier, 2021-06-12) Ayokunle O. Balogun; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke ; Samuel Oluwafikayo Adegoke; Armando G. McDonald; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Abdulbaset M. Alayat
The study undertook the thermal degradation of a tropical grass species, Digitaria sanguinalis, in nitrogen (pyrolysis) and air (combustion) atmospheres through thermogravimetric analysis as well as comparative kinetic investigation. The differential (Friedman) and integral (Flynn-Wall-Ozawa and Straink) isoconversional methods in conjunction with the Coats-Redfern method were utilized. This was to obtain the kinetic parameters and also predict the probable reaction mechanisms involved in the decomposition process. Before the thermal and kinetic investigations, the grass was analyzed for its physical, chemical, and structural properties utilizing diverse wet-chemistry and spectroscopic techniques. This research attempt is part of a larger project designed to investigate a couple of local grass species, which are invasive by nature, as potential energy crops for pyrolytic and combustion applications. The grass had a fixed carbon content of 17.85% and a calorific value of 13.7 MJ kg−1. The fatty acids detected were from C12 (lauric acid) to C24 (lignoceric acid), with the three most abundant being palmitic (94 mg/g extract), linoleic (27 mg/g extract), and oleic (19 mg/g extract) acids. The average residual weight in air (25.3%) was relatively less than in nitrogen (38.7%), affirming the higher rate of reaction in an oxidative process (combustion). The activation energy profiles in both atmospheres were markedly different, as shown by the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa technique for a conversion ratio of 0.1–0.2 (nitrogen, 149 kJ/mol; air, 177 kJ/mol) and 0.65–0.8 (nitrogen, 366 kJ/mol; air, 170 kJ/mol). Of all the models tested, the model-fitting technique indicates that the chemical reaction and diffusional models play predominant roles in the thermal decomposition of the grass under investigation. The thermal degradation of Digitaria sanguinalis proceeded mainly as complex multi-step reaction mechanisms. Aside from the potential suitability of the grass species for bioenergy applications and biofuels production, it also demonstrated huge capability for biochemical extraction. Future work will incorporate the kinetic data for the associated thermochemical processes development, and the design and optimization of reactors/combustors.
Tumbling strength and reactivity characteristics of hybrid fuel briquette of coal and biomass wastes blends
(Elsevier, 2021-04-04) Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; J.K. Odusote; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; O.O. Agboola; A.O. Balogun; O.A. Lasode
This paper presents an assessment of the tumbling strength and reactivity behaviour of hybrid fuel briquette (HFB) produced from coal and torrefied woody biomass wastes. Briquettes were produced using 97% coal and 3% torrefied biomass with the blend of pitch and molasses in different ratios as a binder. The briquettes were treated in an inert environment at 200–300 °C for a residence time of 60 and 120 min in a tubular furnace. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used to obtain the functional groups in the raw materials and the HFB. HFB were exposed to tumbling test (TSI+3mm) after curing and high temperature (1200 °C) exposure. Reactivity test (RI) of the HFB was carried out based on ASTM D5341M-14 standard. The FTIR spectra of the HFB show the presence of aromatic CC bonds and phenolic OH group. The TSI+3mm of the HFB samples drastically reduced from 95.5–98.3% for the treated to 57.4–77.4% for the samples exposed to 1200 °C. The reactivity indices of the HFB were in the range of 48–56%, which indicated that the HFB were highly reactive. Based on the TSI+3mm and RI, the HFB are suitable carbonaceous material in direct reduced iron making through rotary kiln.