Engineering Science and Materials Commons^™

Mycelium-Based Composites Using Minimally Processed Industrial Hemp Biomass: Impact Of Species And Feedstock Ratio On Mechanical Performance Compared To Polystyrene Packaging, Radika Bhaskar, Tanisha Rutledge, Kevin Trangone, Oneal Latimore

School of Design and Engineering Papers

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs\) are formed from lignocellulosic substrates and biopolymer matrices derived from fungal mycelium. Due to their low fossil energy demand and biodegradability, MBCs represent a versatile and sustainable material suitable for a range of applications, with increasing interest focused on packaging. Hemp fibers are an example of natural fibers with great promise as a substrate to improve the mechanical properties of MBCs. However, the separation of bast and hurd fiber requires processing and commercial-scale facilities that are logistically challenging and may be cost-prohibitive. Here, the potential for minimally processed hemp, with no separation of fibers, is evaluated for …

Fly Ash Proppant Developed For Hydraulic Fracturing, Raz Rzgar Haydar

Theses and Dissertations

Proppants are critical components in hydraulic fracturing, used to maintain fracture conductivity and enhance reservoir stimulation. In high-pressure and harsh reservoir environments, the use of high-strength proppants is essential to ensure well performance. Conventional proppants, being sand, ceramic, and sintered bauxite can be expensive, and their use often requires costly fracture fluids. This study investigates the possibility of utalizing fly ash geopolymers as a sustainable alternative that is also cost-effective for proppants manufacturing. Fly ash, a by-product from the combustion of coal and other materials, was explored as a base material for proppants, utilizing an alkaline solution as an activator …

Mechanical Characterization And Modeling Of Rat Myocardia Under The Influence Of Epirubicin, Abdallah Mahmoud Alkhaiyat

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer remains a predominant health challenge that is responsible for a significant portion of global morbidity and mortality. Epirubicin (EPI), a chemotherapeutic anti-cancer drug, has shown remarkable efficacy in combating various malignancies. However, it is known to have undesirable side effects on the heart, collectively referred to as cardiotoxicity. This research investigates the adverse effects of chemotherapy on cardiac contractility through an in vitro examination of the mechanics of healthy and infarcted animal heart tissues. Electrically stimulated slices of rat ventricular tissue were tested using an isometric force measurement tissue bath. The tissue slices were subjected to uniaxial stretching, allowing …

Development Status And Existing Problems Of Ion-Solvation Membranes For Electrolysis Of Water, Zheng-Yuan Zhou, Yu-Tao Sun, Zheng-Bang Liu, Chuan-Zheng Wang, Yong-Nan Zhou, Xi Luo, Tian-Chi Zhou, Jin-Li Qiao

Journal of Electrochemistry

Ion-solvaing membranes (ISMs) have received extensive attention in recent years as a key component in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices. This article provides an overview of structural composition, performance advantages, research progress, ion conduction mechanism and existing issues of ISMs, primarily classifying them according to the matrix structure. A detailed analysis of performance enhancement methods, key performance indicators of ISMs and performance influencing factors is also presented. The article contributes to further optimizing the design and application of ion-solvation membranes, providing theoretical support for the development of fields such as hydrogen production through electrolysis of water and electrochemical energy …

The Ntp Anode For Aqueous Sodium Ion Batteries: Recent Advances And Future Perspectives, Ming-Li Wang, Xue-Ying Su, Zheng-Xiang Shan, Shu-Zhe Yang, Heng-Rui Guo, Hao Luo, Dong-Liang Chao

Journal of Electrochemistry

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries (ASIBs) have attracted great attention in aqueous batteries due to their merit of high safety. However, the constrained work potential and insufficient chemical stability of anode materials in aqueous electrolytes hinder the large-scale application of ASIBs. Sodium titanium phosphate, NaTi₂(PO₄)₃ (NTP), is considered one of the most promising anode materials for ASIBs due to its excellent electrochemical performance and tunable structure. Recently, great achievements have been made in the development of NTP, however, a comprehensive review of existing studies is still lacking. This article firstly introduces the basic properties of NTP and …

Iron-Involved Orr Electrocatalysts Under The Lens Of In-Situ/Operando Mössbauer Spectroscopy, Sumbal Farid, Jun-Hu Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Exploring cost-effective and efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) poses a significant challenge, especially in the pursuit of alternatives to precious metals like platinum. Significant advancements have driven electrochemists to develop efficient ORR catalysts using abundant materials, particularly iron (Fe)-based, known for their exceptional performance in ORR. While the crucial function of Fe in boosting ORR catalytic activity is recognized, the connection between material attributes and catalytic performance remains enigmatic. Understanding the dynamic processes involved in oxygen electrocatalysis is paramount for designing precious-metals-free ORR electrocatalysts. Mössbauer spectroscopy stands out as a powerful technique for deciphering the structural characteristics of …

Carbon Supported Octahedral Ptni Nanoparticles (Oct-Ptni/C) As A Cathode Catalyst For Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (Pemfcs) With Improved Activity And Durability, Zi-Wei Feng, Hai-Zhong Chen, Xiao Duan, Ling Tang, Yun-Kun Zhao, Long Huang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered as a promising renewable power source. However, the massive commercial application of PEMFCs has been greatly hindered by their high expense and less-satisfied performance mainly due to the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics even on state-of-the-art Pt catalyst. Octahedral PtNi nanoparticles (oct-PtNi NPs) with excellent ORR activity in a half-cell have been widely studied, while their performance in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) has much less reported. Herein, we investigated the MEA performance using the carbon supported oct-PtNi NPs (oct-PtNi/C) as the cathode catalyst. Under the mild acid washing condition, the surface …

Security-Oriented Voice Authentication Using Machine Learning, Ifeoluwa Stella Elegbe

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study develops and evaluates a machine learning and deep learning-based voice authentication system for secure identity verification. As traditional authentication methods such as passwords, PINs, and security tokens continue to face challenges, including identity theft, forgetting, and unauthorized access, voice biometrics offers a more secure, convenient, and user-friendly alternative, especially for remote, hands-free, and accessibility-focused applications. The study adopts a closed-set speaker identification framework, where the system determines the most likely speaker from a predefined group of enrolled users. A structured methodology is implemented, beginning with audio preprocessing and feature extraction. Key acoustic features, including Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs), …

Development Of Stronger, More Extrudable 6xxx Series Alloys For Automotive Applications, Eli A. Harma

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

6xxx alloys are widely used in automotive extrusion structures for their high specific strength and formability. Advanced designs require greater formability and strength, creating an opportunity for high-strength, formable alloys. The 6xxx series forms β”-Mg₅Si₆ precipitates during age hardening and develops a fibrous microstructure during extrusion, both strengthening the alloy. Increasing Mg and Si to form more β” decreases formability. Thus, modifying texture can increase strength without reducing formability. Current alloys like 6005A add Mn and Cr to form dispersoids that inhibit recrystallization and promote strengthening textures; however, high Mn and Cr concentrations reduce formability. Replacing Mn …

Effects Of Gum Additives On Nickel Electroplating For Enhancing Steel Corrosion Resistance, Supitcha Supansomboon, Manatsawee Maneekan, Chanyanut Saenthaweesuk, Duangta Sitthichokcharoen, Natthapong Phinichka

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Low-carbon steels are widely used across various industries but have limited corrosion resistance, leading to safety hazards and a shortened service life. Nickel plating is a common method for enhancing steel corrosion resistance. The plating bath solution can be modified by adding additives to improve the properties of the coating. In this research, gum arabic, guar gum and gelatin were used as additives in a nickel electroplating bath. SS400 low-carbon steel, as a substrate, was plated with nickel from these different baths at 5 V for 25 min. Nickel coated with green additives showed higher hardness compared to those without …

Synergy Of Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag And Limestone Powder In Ternary Cement: Effects On Heat Of Hydration And Strength Development, Pailyn Thongsanitgarn, Watcharapong Wongkeo, Thanongsak Nochaiya, Arnon Chaipanich

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study explores the synergistic effect of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and limestone powder (LS) on the hydration behavior and mechanical performance of ternary cement systems. Calorimetry revealed that 30GGBS mix showed a significantly lower peak of about 2.3 mW∙g‒1 and a delayed response. In contrast, the incorporation of LS enhanced early hydration, with the 30LS mix reaching a peak of approximately 2.8 mW∙g‒1 around 6 h. Among ternary blends, 15GGBS–15LS exhibited the highest and earliest heat flow peak (about 2.55 mW∙g‒1 around 7.5 h), while 25GGBS–5LS showed a slower response (about 2.45 mW∙g‒1 around 9.5 h). Despite differences …

Degradation Of Wastewater By Advanced Oxidation Processes Using Green Synthesised Cuo Nanoparticles, Srinivasan Vishal, Anand Sarvesvaron, Muralidharan Keerthana, Hemanth Sanjay Reddy, A Babu Ponnusami

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study highlights the green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles using coconut coir extract and evaluates their photocatalytic performance in the degradation of the Brown G dye. The CuO nano-particles were synthesised through sol-gel method, and the biomolecules like polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids acted as reducing agents to stabilise the nanoparticles. The characterisation of these nanoparticles was carried out through XRD, FTIR and FESEM methods. The nanoparticles were used to degrade the dye Brown G under UV irradiation.  Response surface methodology was used to optimise the operating parameter with Box-Behnken design, which is the most suitable for varying 3 or more …

Dual-Functional Activated Carbon From Coffee Grounds For Crystal Violet Dye Removal And Subsequent Application As An Electrode Material In Energy Storage Devices, Sirikorn Khaophong, Tawatchai Kangkamano, Sonchai Intachai, Panita Kongsune

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The conversion of agricultural waste into high-value functional materials offers a sustainable strategy to address environmental concerns. In this study, activated carbon was synthesized from spent coffee grounds (CGAC) via KOH activation and used for crystal violet (CV) dye adsorption. Under optimal conditions (0.5 g dosage, 300 mg∙L‒1 CV, 30°C, 120 min), CGAC achieved 91.41% removal efficiency, with adsorption behavior fitting pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm. Thermo-dynamic parameters confirmed a spontaneous and endothermic process. Moreover, the reusability study revealed that CGAC maintained a high removal efficiency above 88% after seven adsorption–desorption cycles, demonstrating its structural stability and potential for …

Investigation On The Tribological Properties Of Al2o3-Tic Substrates In Fixed Abrasive Lapping For Data Storage Applications, Benjie Locsing Fernandez, Thanakrit Srisuwan, Duangamol Tungasmita, Sukkaneste Tungasmita

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Alumina titanium-carbide (Al2O3-TiC) or simply AlTiC substrates were widely used in the magnetic recording industry for their superior mechanical and tribological properties. This study investigated the effect of AlTiC substrate crystal structure, chemical bonding and grain size in slider fix abrasive lapping tribology. Two types of AlTiC substrates, Type-A AlTiC and Type-B AlTiC equipped with an electro lapping guide (ELG), fully functional reader and writer devices were used in the study. The type-B lower material removal rate resulting to rougher surface finish was mainly due weakening caused by the titanium oxycarbide phase, which was the dominant factor, outweighing the minimal …

Surface Properties And In-Vitro Bioactivity Studies Of Tio2 Nanowire Doped Transition Metal (M=Fe, Co, And Mn), Misriyani Misriyani, Enayah Enayah, Z. Ryan Tian, Andi Meutiah Ilhamjaya

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study investigates the influence of transition metal (Fe, Co, Mn) doping on the surface properties and in-vitro bioactivity of TiO2 nanowires. It aims to elucidate how transition-metal doping alters the surface behavior and biological response of TiO2 nanowires, enabling their potential use in biocompatible and magnetically responsive materials. Magnetic TiO2 nanowires doped with transition metals (Mx+/TiO2) were successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method using titanium dioxide in alkaline solution. Cations were added with Ti/Mx+ molar ratios of 5 to produce Fe/TNW, Co/TNW, and Mn/TNW. Characterization using SEM and XRD determine their surface properties. In-vitro bioactivity tests were conducted by …

The Efficacy Of Hybrid Manufacturing For High Stress Automotive Parts, Logan Trimmer

Harrisburg University Other Works

Presentation covering the broad strokes of the project. The goal was to prove the viability of hybrid/additive manufacturing for high stress automotive applications. This project focused on recreating a piston from an old engine to examine if hybrid manufacturing could be used for such applications. On a small scale, hybrid manufacturing was able to be more cost effective if the costs of the equipment and electricity were ignored. The decision to ignore those costs came from the inability to find accurate prices for industrial casting.

Process Optimization And Quality Control In Manufacturing Of Frp Composites By Vartm, Mohamed Emadeldin Omar Abdelhadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Railroad tank cars, being one of the most used means of transportation of hazardous material across the country, have not been structurally upgraded for a long time. Thus, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) agency, released a rule for safer transportation of highly hazardous and flammable liquids by railroad to enhance the design specifications of both the new and existing tank cars in May 2015. A multifunctional composite jacket is proposed as a new material to structurally enhance the railroad tank cars to withstand any accidents that could happen en route. …

Swarm Of One: Self-Organization In Multicellular Robots, Trevor Riley Smith

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Designing robots traditionally relies on centralized, top-down methods that constrain adaptability and resiliency, producing systems optimized for specific tasks. However, such systems often fail in complex environments, such as extraterrestrial, disaster, or natural settings, where designers cannot foresee every scenario a robot may encounter. Achieving autonomy in these contexts requires robots that are resilient and capable of adapting to the unknown. Multicellular organisms exhibit this adaptability through self-organization, where complex structures and behaviors emerge from local interactions among their cells. Such organisms can be viewed simultaneously as a single entity and a swarm of cooperating cells, i.e., a Swarm-of-One.

This …

Architecture And Mechanistic Engineering Of Nanocomposite Steam Electrodes For High-Performance Metal-Supported Protonic Ceramic Cells, Xuemei Li

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The advancement of proton-conducting ceramic cells (PCCs) is crucial for efficient energy conversion in hydrogen- and/or ammonia-based energy carrier systems. However, a bigger success requires significant progress in cell fabrication, interfacial stability, fast electrode kinetics, and high Faradaic efficiency. This study investigates the rational design, fabrication, and performance breakthroughs of PCCs, with a focus on electrode architecture engineering, material interfacial coupling, and mechanistic understanding of electrochemical processes.

The metal-supported fuel electrode structure of PCFCs was systematically optimized, revealing the significant influence of Ni diffusion on cell performance and durability. High power density and stable ammonia-fueled operation were achieved. A heterointerface-rich …

Teleoperated Mobile Robot For Pesticide Spraying And Greenhouse Navigation: Numerical Analysis, Wessam Atwa, Zakaria Ismail, Mohsen Egela, Mohamed G. Alkalla

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Pesticide spraying in greenhouses is a dangerous process as the operator should wear protective suits and masks against the chemicals, which cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, and even cancer. Other severe conditions involve elevated temperature and humidity in the confined greenhouse atmosphere. Therefore, this article proposes a novel teleoperated mobile robot for pesticide spraying called AMR-BPS to address such issues. It aims to keep the human securely outside during the spraying process. AMR-BPS has a novel design incorporating many innovative mechanisms, such as an extendable spraying boom, independent control of each spraying side, adjustable nozzle angles, and 2D-LiDAR …