Mamadou Ndiaye

Bio-based materials are gaining importance in engineering due to their availability, recyclability, and environmental benefits. Among them, the Borassus flabellifer (Palmyra palm) fruit shell husk is an underused biofibre in Bangladesh, typically discarded or used only for low-value applications, despite its potential for high-performance uses. In its untreated form, the husk fibre shows favourable thermal properties: high char content, IPDT, IPDH, and Cp- making it competitive with natural fibres such as jute, ramie, and flax. Alkali treatment removes hemicellulose and further enhances thermal stability, increasing char yield, IPDT, and IPDH, although Cp decreases. Epoxy composites reinforced with alkali-treated fibres demonstrate superior thermal stability compared to neat epoxy and many conventional bio-composites reported in the literature. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) indicates higher glass transition temperature (Tg) and increased tan δ (damping factor), reflecting improved fibre–matrix interaction. SEM images confirm enhanced interfacial bonding, contributing to better impact performance. Overall, the results highlight that alkali-treated Borassus husk fibre/epoxy composites are strong candidates for use in engineering structures, including automotive and aerospace components. Their adoption supports sustainable materials development and contributes to achieving global ‘Net-Zero’ goals under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

This study explores the impact of alkali treatment on the physical, thermal, flexural, and thermo-mechanical properties of Borassus flabellifer husk fiber-reinforced epoxy composites in accordance with standards. Using the hand layup method, composites were fabricated with 10% (wt.) untreated and alkali-treated fibers (0.25–2 hours). SEM analysis confirmed improved fiber-matrix adhesion, leading to enhanced properties. Treated fiber composites exhibited reduced moisture regain (0.57−1.28%) and water absorption (0.59−1.55%), indicating superior moisture resistance. Thermal stability increased with alkali treatment, with integral process decomposition temperature (IPDT) reaching 547°C for 2-hr treated fibers. The glass transition temperature (Tg) peaked at 94.5°C for the 0.5-hr treated Borassus fiber-reinforced epoxy (0.5TBHFE). Flexural modulus (up to 3.2 GPa) and strength (up to 108.7 MPa) exceeded many conventional bio-fibers-reinforced composites, making them rational for structural applications. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed enhanced damping properties (tan δ up to 1.21), improving energy dissipation and impact resistance. Overall, 0.5TBHFE offered an optimum balance between stiffness and damping, making it suitable for aerospace and automotive applications. This study highlights the potential of Borassus husk fibers as a sustainable reinforcement alternative, though further optimization and industrial processing are needed for broader application.

Natural fibers from renewable resources offer a sustainable as well as biodegradable alternative to synthetic reinforcements in polymer composites. This study investigates the thermal and mechanical behavior of Borassus husk fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, fabricated via the hand layup method. The fibers were alkali-treated with 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for varying durations (0.5 to 2 h) to improve interfacial bonding. Thermal and dynamic mechanical properties were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Alkali treatment enhanced thermal stability, as indicated by increased char residue (up to 9.43%) and higher integral process decomposition temperatures (IPDT), with the 1-h treated sample achieving the highest IPDT of 554°C. Compared to neat epoxy and other natural fiber composites, Borassus fiber composites exhibited superior energy dissipation, stiffness, and mechanical strength. Although the glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased from 149°C in neat epoxy to between 122°C and 140°C in treated composites, the values remained competitive. The 0.75TBHFE demonstrated the best overall performance, with optimal storage modulus, improved damping and minimal mass loss. These findings underscore the potential of alkali-treated Borassus husk fiber/epoxy composites for high-performance applications, such as aerospace, while promoting environmental sustainability and supporting net-zero carbon emission goals.

Natural fibers from renewable resources present a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to synthetic reinforcements. This study explores the thermal and mechanical performance of Borassus husk fiber/epoxy composites, fabricated using a hand layup process with 5% NaOH alkali treatment at varying durations (0.5–2 h). Thermal and thermo-mechanical properties were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and outgassing tests. Results show that alkali treatment significantly improves the composites' thermal stability, indicated by increased char content (up to 8.11%) and higher integral process decomposition temperature (IPDT), with the 0.75-h treated sample reaching 525°C. The composites also demonstrated enhanced energy dissipation and stiffness compared to neat epoxy (NE) and other natural fiber-based composites. Glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased from 150°C (NE) to 126°C–137°C for treated samples, yet remained higher than those reported for other bio-fiber composites. The 0.75TBHFE sample exhibited the best balance between stiffness and damping, supported by improved phase angle and fiber–matrix adhesion observed in SEM analysis. Outgassing results showed an increase in total mass loss (0.11%–0.53%) compared to NE (0.26%), though still within acceptable limits for thermal stability. These findings highlight the potential of alkali-treated Borassus husk fiber/epoxy composites as high-performance, sustainable materials suitable for aerospace applications. Further research is recommended to address property variability in natural fibers and to develop efficient supply chains for large-scale industrial production.

Natural fibers from renewable resources provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic reinforcements. This study examines the thermal and mechanical properties of Borassus husk fiber/epoxy composites, fabricated using untreated and alkali-treated fibers through the hand layup process. Fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 0.25–2 hours, and their thermal and thermo-mechanical properties were analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) according to ASTM E2550, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was conducted adhering ASTM D5418–01 followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Alkali treatment significantly enhanced thermal stability, as indicated by increased char content (11.5%) and higher integral process decomposition temperature (IPDT) values, with the 0.75-hour treated fiber/epoxy achieving the highest value (580°C). The composites exhibited superior mechanical stiffness and energy dissipation compared to neat epoxy (NE) and other bio-fiber composites. The glass transition temperature (Tg) increased significantly for 0.5TBHFE (94.6°C). Additionally, storage modulus and tanδ improved, with 0.5TBHFE offering the best stiffness–damping balance. A 34% reduction in total mass loss clearly indicates improved thermal stability, which is further supported by SEM images showing enhanced fiber–matrix interlocking. These findings highlight alkali-treated Borassus husk fiber composites can be promising structural materials for aerospace and automotive applications, contributing to eco-friendly and sustainable development.

This study investigates the effect of elevated temperatures on the mechanical properties of Borassus husk fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites, focusing on their potential for aerospace internal structural components. Composites were fabricated using Borassus husk fibers incorporated with epoxy resin, including 5% alkali‐treated fibers (treated for varying durations) to improve adhesion. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) was performed according to ASTM D5418‐01 standards. Results revealed that both untreated and alkali‐treated fibers enhanced the storage modulus of the composites. The highest loss modulus was observed for the composite with 1‐h treated fibers. The glass transition temperature ( T g ), determined from the peak loss modulus, was significantly higher (84°C–89°C) for treated Borassus husk fiber/epoxy composites compared to neat epoxy and composites reinforced with other natural fibers, such as flax, jute, palm sprout, date palm, sisal, and kenaf. Alkali treatment also notably increased the tan δ (damping factor), with the highest value (1.2) for the 0.75‐h treated fiber composite, outperforming several other natural fiber‐epoxy composites. Cole–Cole plots indicated improved resin‐fiber adhesion for composites containing 0.75‐ and 1‐h treated husk fibers. Phase angle data confirmed enhanced energy dissipation and viscoelastic behavior. Thermo‐mechanical stability improved, with the 0.75‐h treated fiber composite showing the lowest total mass loss (0.4%). Overall, alkali‐treated Borassus husk fiber composites exhibited superior mechanical stiffness, damping capacity, and thermal stability, making them ideal for aerospace and automotive applications requiring strength, impact resistance, and sustainability. It will also contribute to achieving the “net‐zero” target established in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

This study investigates the effect of Electromagnetic Field Treatment (EMFT) on the mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based single carbon fibres, which are critical materials in high-performance composites widely utilised in the aerospace and automotive sectors due to their superior strength and stiffness. Carbon fibres were subjected to controlled electromagnetic field exposure, with both treated and untreated fibres rigorously evaluated through tensile testing. The treated fibres exhibited a notable 6.12% increase in yield strength, along with a substantial improvement in tensile modulus compared to the control samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a smoother surface morphology in the treated fibres, potentially contributing to enhanced flexibility and a reduction in microscale defects. These findings suggest that EMFT may serve as an effective technique for optimising the mechanical performance of carbon fibres, thereby enhancing their suitability for advanced applications.

Auxiliary systems, such as regeneration and intercooling, have been integrated with the primary gas generator to improve power production and fuel economy in modern gas turbine power plants. Implementing these techniques in turbine engines is challenging due to size, weight, and complex flow patterns. A solution is to use a turboprop engine with a smaller mass flow rate and simpler gas paths. The current study involves the numerical analysis of performance parameters namely, specific power (SP), thermal efficiency (eta), and enthalpy based specific fuel consumption (EBSFC) of a turboprop engine using thermodynamic parameters namely, pressure ratio (PR), nozzle pressure ratio (NPR), turbine inlet temperature (TIT), regeneration efficiency (R), and intercooling efficiency (E). The results prove that the introduction of regeneration and intercooling showed significant improvement in the power developed, and reduced fuel consumption.

In thermoplastic composites, the polymeric matrix upon exposure to heat may melt, decompose and deform prior to burning, as opposed to the char-forming matrices of thermoset composites, which retain their shape until reaching a temperature at which decomposition and ignition occur.
In this work, a theoretical and numerical heat transfer model to simulate temperature variations during the melting, decomposition and early stages of burning of commonly used thermoplastic matrices is proposed. The scenario includes exposing polymeric slabs to one-sided radiant heat in a cone calorimeter with heat fluxes ranging from 15 to 35 kW/m2. A one-dimensional finite difference method based on the Stefan approach involving phase-changing and moving boundary conditions was developed by considering convective and radiative heat transfer at the exposed side of the polymer samples. The polymers chosen to experimentally validate the simulated results included polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and polyamide 6 (PA6). The predicted results match well with the experimental results

The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, will see the emergence and convergence of several digital, physical, and cyberphysical technologies. Therefore, the automotive and motorsports sectors arguably need appropriate preparations to embrace these changes. This paper aims to examine the knowledge level, perception of sustainability, and adoption feasibility of Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in the automotive and motorsports workforce. This was achieved through an online questionnaire to collect data from professionals in these sectors; 50 replies were received. A 0-100 percentage scale was used to measure the three variables. Low percentage scores are negative, and high percentage scores are positive. One of the key findings was that the knowledge score of respondents about Industry 4.0 was 39.1%. This is disappointingly low, but perhaps to be expected. Respondents also indicated, with a 72.2% agreement score, there is a knowledge gap in these areas. Inferential analysis was performed to examine relationships between three variables. The strongest relationship was found between respondents' perception of sustainability and perception of adoption feasibility, with a correlation coefficient of 0.87. Furthermore, to qualitatively examine the quantitative questionnaire results and people's perception against recent industry occurrences, cross-case synthesis on four case studies of companies adopting Google and Amazon IoT platforms was performed. Utilizing these research findings, a critical discussion highlights that knowledge, sustainable development, and feasibility elements related to Industry 4.0 technologies can have positive impacts in improving innovation, meeting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), increasing sales and profits, and reaching world-class Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) levels.