J. Francis Xavier

Bio: J. Francis Xavier is an academic researcher from Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ultimate tensile strength & Nimonic. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 15 publications receiving 57 citations.

Mechanical, thermal and fatigue behaviour of surface-treated novel Caryota urens fibre–reinforced epoxy composite

Abstract: Epoxy biocomposites were prepared using acid-, base- and silane-treated novel Caryota urens natural fibres (CUFs). The primary aim of this research is to reveal a better surface treatment method to achieve improved mechanical, thermal and fatigue properties of Caryota fibre epoxy composite system. The composites were prepared using hand layup method and post cured at 120 °C for 48 h. The tensile, flexural and impact results show that the silane surface–treated Caryota urens fibre–reinforced epoxy composite possesses improved mechanical properties than the base- and acid-treated Caryota urens fibres in the epoxy composite. Similarly, the inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) of silane-treated Caryota urens–reinforced epoxy composite gives the highest value of 28 MPa. The TGA shows a large mass loss for both acid- and base-treated Caryota urens epoxy composites whereas the silane-treated Caryota urens in epoxy composite retains the thermal stability. The fatigue behaviour of silane surface–modified Caryota urens epoxy composite shows the highest fatigue life cycle of 18,315 for 25% of maximum tensile stress. The SEM micrographs show improved adhesion for silane-treated CUF than those treated with acid and base. This Caryota urens fibre–reinforced epoxy composite could be used in automobile body parts, domestic appliances, defence products and lightweight mini-aircrafts.

Experimental investigation on superplastic forming behavior of AA 6063/SiCp using stir casting

Abstract: Super pliancy is a reasonable method for framing complex-molded structures. The strategy has the benefits of convey in uncommon formability and possibly giving great dimensional tolerance. Stir casting method was effectively used to prepare the AA6063/ SiCp composite and followed by rolling process was repeated until the sheet reduces to the required thickness of 2.5 mm. With the gas pressure forming the composites were tested for superplastic forming. Instantaneous change in heights were measured through LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer). Gas pressure forming tests were conducted on various percentages of SiCp composites. The biaxial superplastic forming tests were conducted at various temperatures between 520°C to 600°C and pressures between 0.2 MPa to 0.7 MPa. At the temperature of 600°C and 0.7 MPa the cracks were formed and the components were deformed.

Waste plastic oil to fuel: An experimental study in thermal barrier coated CI engine with exhaust gas recirculation

Abstract: The disposal of waste plastic has intensified into a massive environmental crisis. A sound disposal technology may be extremely expensive or complex in operation. As a result, experts are investigating alternative methods of recycling waste plastic. Waste plastic oils (WPO) are gaining interest as a replacement for petroleum-based fuels since they can deliver substantial performance while having a low environmental impact. The goal of this research is to look into the use of WPO in a retarded timing (RT) engine with a partially stabilized zirconium combustion chamber surface (PSZ). In addition, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) augmentation was used to realize WPO performance fully. With 20% EGR, the engine's thermal efficiency increased by 6.33%, along with the significant reduction of NOx. However, CO, HC, and smoke particle emissions increased by 4.56%, 5.76%, and 3.54%. More research on the sustainability aspects of the WPO is required before considering it as a fuel for the transportation sector.

Experimental investigation on bi-axial superplastic forming characteristics of AA6063/SiCp with various percentages of SiCp under various temperatures and pressures

Abstract: In the superplastic forming process (SFP), exceptional formability can be achieved. The formability in SFP is far superior when compared to traditional methods. Through SFP, the most complex shapes with high dimensional tolerance were formed. In this article, bi-axial superplastic forming was conducted after the rolling process on various percentages of silicon carbide composite (SiCp) particles in the gas pressure forming tester. Results of this study are mainly focused on finding favorable forming parameters (temperature, pressure, and time) for the superplastic formability of various Al/SiCp prepared by the stir casting process.

Thermogravimetric Analysis Properties of Cellulosic Natural Fiber Polymer Composites: A Review on Influence of Chemical Treatments.

Abstract: Natural fiber such as bamboo fiber, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber, kenaf fiber, and sugar palm fiber-reinforced polymer composites are being increasingly developed for lightweight structures with high specific strength in the automotive, marine, aerospace, and construction industries with significant economic benefits, sustainability, and environmental benefits. The plant-based natural fibers are hydrophilic, which is incompatible with hydrophobic polymer matrices. This leads to a reduction of their interfacial bonding and to the poor thermal stability performance of the resulting fiber-reinforced polymer composite. Based on the literature, the effect of chemical treatment of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites had significantly influenced the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) together with the thermal stability performance of the composite structure. In this review, the effect of chemical treatments used on cellulose natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer composites has been reviewed. From the present review, the TGA data are useful as guidance in determining the purity and composition of the composites’ structures, drying, and the ignition temperatures of materials. Knowing the stability temperatures of compounds based on their weight, changes in the temperature dependence is another factor to consider regarding the effectiveness of chemical treatments for the purpose of synergizing the chemical bonding between the natural fiber with polymer matrix or with the synthetic fibers.

A Review of the Degradation of Photovoltaic Modules for Life Expectancy

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) modules are generally considered to be the most reliable components of PV systems. The PV module has a high probability of being able to perform adequately for 30 years under typical operating conditions. In order to evaluate the long-term performance of a PV module under diversified terrestrial conditions, outdoor-performance data should be used. However, this requires a wait of 25 years to determine the module reliability, which is highly undesirable. Thus, accelerated-stress tests performed in the laboratory by mimicking different field conditions are important for understanding the performance of a PV module. In this paper, we discuss PV-module degradation types and different accelerated-stress types that are used to evaluate the PV-module reliability and durability for life expectancy before using them in the real field. Finally, prevention and correction measures are described to minimize economic losses.

Photovoltaic Degradation Rate Affected by Different Weather Conditions: A Case Study Based on PV Systems in the UK and Australia

Abstract: This article presents the analysis of degradation rate over 10 years (2008 to 2017) for six different photovoltaic (PV) sites located in the United Kingdom (mainly affected by cold weather conditions) and Australia (PV affected by hot weather conditions). The analysis of the degradation rate was carried out using the year-on-year (YOY) degradation technique. It was found that the degradation rate in the UK systems varies from −1.05% and −1.16%/year. Whereas a higher degradation ranging from −1.35% to −1.46%/year is observed for the PV systems installed in Australia. Additionally, it was found that in the Australian PV systems multiple faulty PV bypass diodes are present due to the rapid change in the ambient temperature and uneven solar irradiance levels influencing the PV modules. However, in cold weather conditions (such as in the Northern UK) none of the bypass diodes were damaged over the considered PV exposure period. Furthermore, the number of PV hot spots have also been observed, where it was found that in the UK-based PV systems the number of hot spotted PV modules are less than those found in the Australian systems. Finally, the analysis of the monthly performance ratio (PR) was calculated. It was found that the mean monthly PR is equal to 88.81% and 86.35% for PV systems installed in the UK and Australia, respectively.