Arun Y. Patil

Bio: Arun Y. Patil is an academic researcher from KLE Technological University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Epoxy & Ultimate tensile strength. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 45 publications receiving 212 citations. Previous affiliations of Arun Y. Patil include B.V.B. College of Engineering and Technology.

Experimental and Simulation Studies on Waste Vegetable Peels as Bio-composite Fillers for Light Duty Applications

Abstract: During the last few years, green composites are gaining prominence as alternative materials for aerospace, automotive and construction sectors. Green composites are renewable in nature, economical and biodegradable. The present work mainly focuses on the development of novel green composites to meet the ever-increasing demands of industry for structural applications. Green composites were developed using different fillers obtained from outermost peels of onion, potato and carrot, respectively. The percentage of fillers was varied from 10 to 30% in steps of 10% in the epoxy holding matrix. Accordingly, for each composition, six composite specimens were fabricated and were analyzed for mechanical properties and microstructure studies of the samples were also carried out using SEM. Onion-embedded epoxy samples showed maximum tensile strength (20.8 MPa) and hardness (50.75 HRB) when compared to other fillers. Further, the study revealed that mechanical properties were found to be maximum for 10% volume fraction of all fillers used in the polymer holding matrix. SEM images showed uniform distribution of the fillers in the holding matrix. Finally, the experimental results were compared with FEA and analytical calculation was found in good agreement.

Graphene Reinforced Natural Fiber Nanocomposites for Structural Applications

Abstract: An attempt has been made to develop novel polymer based nano composite material reinforced with natural fibre, synthetic fillers at both micro and nano-levels with increased performance in terms of mechanical properties. This work involves development of a new nano-composite material consisting of L-12 epoxy resin, graphene at nano, hemp fibres at micro levels. The percentage composition of hemp fibres is varied from 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7% by weight of the holding matrix, A fixed dosage of graphene nano particle of 0.3wt% of holding matrix is taken. A suitable surface modification method is employed for natural fibre treatment in order to adhere the nano-particles, this paper shall be dealing with the surface adhesion by corona method. Surfactants like NaOH and KMnO4 were applied on the fibres. Fibers used as a reinforcement with epoxy to form composite material to enhance the adhesion between the fillers and holding matrix alkalisation. To determine interferential adhesion and homogeneous distribution of fibres in the holding matrix Spectroscopic analysis such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were conducted. Mechanical testing like tensile and three-point bending tests were carried out. Among the varied 0.5% of NaOH and KMnO4 treated hemp containing graphene has given optimistic results as compared to other dosage levels.

Optimization of Sluice Gate under Fatigue Life Subjected for Forced Vibration by Fluid Flow

Abstract: Abstract A ‘Sluice’ is a water-flow control gate works with sliding. So, it’s a mill race, flume or a penstock, channelling water towards a water mill, traditionally a wood or metal barrier sliding in grooves that are set in the sides of the waterway. They are used in wastewater treatment of plants, and control water level and flow in watermills. However, Sluices are subjected to temperature, environment that supports corrosion, impact loading and so on. Many of those equipments operate during long time in industries and reliability is one of the most important aspects of work, there arose questions of reliability on those structural elements, because the people working nearby will be in danger due to involvement of heavy loaded parts during various possible working states. Considering these factors the gates used in industries are subjected for “Fatigue Analysis”, but the normal V-channel gates which undergo corrosion, wear and continuous stress due to water flow which leads to fatigue failure, loss of material and wastage of water are still in need of this analysis. Hence there is need of an analysis to optimize the gate in terms of material, shape, and size. This paper helps to determine the fatigue strength, wear life of Sluice gate in “V-Channels”. So, by using the ANSYS Workbench software, sluice gate is analysed for fatigue life under fluid flow.

Poly(lactic Acid): A Versatile Biobased Polymer for the Future with Multifunctional Properties-From Monomer Synthesis, Polymerization Techniques and Molecular Weight Increase to PLA Applications.

Abstract: Environmental problems, such as global warming and plastic pollution have forced researchers to investigate alternatives for conventional plastics. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), one of the well-known eco-friendly biodegradables and biobased polyesters, has been studied extensively and is considered to be a promising substitute to petroleum-based polymers. This review gives an inclusive overview of the current research of lactic acid and lactide dimer techniques along with the production of PLA from its monomers. Melt polycondensation as well as ring opening polymerization techniques are discussed, and the effect of various catalysts and polymerization conditions is thoroughly presented. Reaction mechanisms are also reviewed. However, due to the competitive decomposition reactions, in the most cases low or medium molecular weight (MW) of PLA, not exceeding 20,000-50,000 g/mol, are prepared. For this reason, additional procedures such as solid state polycondensation (SSP) and chain extension (CE) reaching MW ranging from 80,000 up to 250,000 g/mol are extensively investigated here. Lastly, numerous practical applications of PLA in various fields of industry, technical challenges and limitations of PLA use as well as its future perspectives are also reported in this review.

Production of Sustainable and Biodegradable Polymers from Agricultural Waste

Abstract: Agro-wastes are derived from diverse sources including grape pomace, tomato pomace, pineapple, orange, and lemon peels, sugarcane bagasse, rice husks, wheat straw, and palm oil fibers, among other affordable and commonly available materials. The carbon-rich precursors are used in the production bio-based polymers through microbial, biopolymer blending, and chemical methods. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 20–30% of fruits and vegetables are discarded as waste during post-harvest handling. The development of bio-based polymers is essential, considering the scale of global environmental pollution that is directly linked to the production of synthetic plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PET). Globally, 400 million tons of synthetic plastics are produced each year, and less than 9% are recycled. The optical, mechanical, and chemical properties such as ultraviolet (UV) absorbance, tensile strength, and water permeability are influenced by the synthetic route. The production of bio-based polymers from renewable sources and microbial synthesis are scalable, facile, and pose a minimal impact on the environment compared to chemical synthesis methods that rely on alkali and acid treatment or co-polymer blending. Despite the development of advanced synthetic methods and the application of biofilms in smart/intelligent food packaging, construction, exclusion nets, and medicine, commercial production is limited by cost, the economics of production, useful life, and biodegradation concerns, and the availability of adequate agro-wastes. New and cost-effective production techniques are critical to facilitate the commercial production of bio-based polymers and the replacement of synthetic polymers.

Biodegradable carboxymethyl cellulose based material for sustainable packaging application.

Abstract: The main goal of the present work was to develop a value-added product of biodegradable material for sustainable packaging. The use of agriculture waste-derived carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) mainly is to reduce the cost involved in the development of the film, at present commercially available CMS is costly. The main focus of the research is to translate the agricultural waste-derived CMC to useful biodegradable polymer suitable for packaging material. During this process CMC was extracted from the agricultural waste mainly sugar cane bagasse and the blends were prepared using CMC (waste derived), gelatin, agar and varied concentrations of glycerol; 1.5% (sample A), 2% (sample B), and 2.5% (sample C) was added. Thus, the film derived from the sample C (gelatin + CMC + agar) with 2.0% glycerol as a plasticizer exhibited excellent properties than other samples A and B. The physiochemical properties of each developed biodegradable plastics (sample A, B, C) were characterized using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling test, solubility in different solvents, oil permeability coefficient, water permeability (WP), mechanical strength of the produced material was claimed to be a good material for packaging and meanwhile its biodegradability (soil burial method) indicated their environmental compatibility nature and commercial properties. The reflected work is a novel approach, and which is vital in the conversion of organic waste to value-added product development. There is also another way to utilize commercial CMC in preparation of polymeric blends for the packaging material, which can save considerable time involved in the recovery of CMC from sugarcane bagasse.

Graphene-Incorporated Natural Fiber Polymer Composites: A First Overview.

Abstract: A novel class of graphene-based materials incorporated into natural lignocellulosic fiber (NLF) polymer composites is surging since 2011. The present overview is the first attempt to compile achievements regarding this novel class of composites both in terms of technical and scientific researches as well as development of innovative products. A brief description of the graphene nature and its recent isolation from graphite is initially presented together with the processing of its main derivatives. In particular, graphene-based materials, such as nanographene (NG), exfoliated graphene/graphite nanoplatelet (GNP), graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), as well as other carbon-based nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotube (CNT), are effectively being incorporated into NLF composites. Their disclosed superior mechanical, thermal, electrical, and ballistic properties are discussed in specific publications. Interfacial shear strength of 575 MPa and tensile strength of 379 MPa were attained in 1 wt % GO-jute fiber and 0.75 wt % jute fiber, respectively, epoxy composites. Moreover, a Young's modulus of 44.4 GPa was reported for 0.75 wt % GO-jute fiber composite. An important point of interest concerning this incorporation is the fact that the amphiphilic character of graphene allows a better way to enhance the interfacial adhesion between hydrophilic NLF and hydrophobic polymer matrix. As indicated in this overview, two basic incorporation strategies have so far been adopted. In the first, NG, GNP, GO, rGO and CNT are used as hybrid filler together with NLF to reinforce polymer composites. The second one starts with GO or rGO as a coating to functionalize molecular bonding with NLF, which is then added into a polymeric matrix. Both strategies are contributing to develop innovative products for energy storage, drug release, biosensor, functional electronic clothes, medical implants, and armor for ballistic protection. As such, this first overview intends to provide a critical assessment of a surging class of composite materials and unveil successful development associated with graphene incorporated NLF polymer composites.

Characterization of prickly pear short fiber and red onion peel biocarbon nanosheets toughened epoxy composites

Abstract: In this research, the role of prickly pear short fiber and red onion peel wrinkled biocarbon nanosheets toughened epoxy resin composite was investigated. The main aim of this research was to find the effectiveness of adding biocarbon along with prickly pear fiber in the load-bearing, thermal and electrical conductivity behavior of the epoxy resin composite. The biocarbon nanosheets were prepared for this present investigation from red onion peel waste using the pyrolysis process. The composites were characterized by American society of testing and materials (ASTM) standards and compared with previous results. The highest tensile strength and flexural strength were observed for 3 vol.% of biocarbon nanosheets up to 60% and 40% respectively than pure epoxy. Izod impact toughness and hardness values also increased with the inclusion of reinforcements by 5 vol.% around 93% and 90% correspondingly. Similarly, relative permittivity and dielectric loss enhanced about to 6.4 and 0.74 for 5 vol.% of biocarbon nanosheets. The thermal conductivity also improved with the addition of biocarbon nanosheets and maximum values up to 0.42 W/mK. This enhanced dielectric, mechanical, and thermally active composites might be employed as a microwave shielding material in electronic devices, automotive, and industrial applications for communications equipment that require shielding material with good mechanical properties.