V.S. Aigbodion

Bio: V.S. Aigbodion is an academic researcher from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The author has contributed to research in topics: Microstructure & Corrosion. The author has an hindex of 24, co-authored 146 publications receiving 1899 citations. Previous affiliations of V.S. Aigbodion include Ahmadu Bello University & Tshwane University of Technology.

Eco-friendly asbestos free brake-pad: Using banana peels

Abstract: The use of asbestos fibre is being avoided due to its carcinogenic nature that might cause health risks. A new brake pad produced using banana peel waste to replace asbestos and Phenolic resin (phenol formaldehyde), as a binder was investigated. The resin was varying from 5 to 30 wt% with an interval of 5 wt%. Morphology, physical, mechanical and wear properties of the brake pad were studied. The results show that compressive strength, hardness and specific gravity of the produced samples were seen to be increasing with an increase in wt% of resin addition, while oil soak, water soak, wear rate and percentage charred decreased as the wt% of resin increased. Overall samples, containing 25 wt% in uncarbonized banana peels (BUNCp) and 30 wt% in carbonized (BCp) gave better properties. The result of this research indicates that banana peel particles can be effectively used as a replacement for asbestos in brake pad manufacture.

Effects of eggshell on the microstructures and properties of Al-Cu-Mg/eggshell particulate composites

Abstract: The effects of eggshell particles (ES) on the microstructures and properties of Al–Cu–Mg/ES particulate composites have been studied. A total of 2–12 wt.% ES particles were added. The microstructures of the Al–Cu–Mg/eggshell particulate composites produced were examined by a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS). The physical and mechanical properties measured included: density, tensile strength, hardness values and impact energy. The results revealed that the tensile strength increased by 8.16% at 12 wt.% uncarbonized ES and 14.28% at 12 wt.% carbonized ES, the hardness values increased by 10.01% at 12 wt.% uncarbonized ES and 25.4% at 12 wt.% carbonized ES with decrease in the density by 6.50% at 12 wt.% uncarbonized ES and 7.4% at 12 wt.% carbonized ES. The impact energy decreased by 23.5% at 12 wt.% uncarbonized ES and 24.67% at 12 wt.% carbonized ES particles, respectively. These increases in strength and hardness values are attributed to the distribution of hard phases of the ES particles in the ductile Al–Cu–Mg alloy matrix. These results showed that using the carbonized eggshell as reinforcement in the Al–Cu–Mg alloy gives better physical and mechanical properties as compared to uncarbonized ES particles. Hence addition of ES particles upto 12 wt.% can be used as a low cost reinforcement for the production of metal matrix composites for engineering applications.

Effects of silicon carbide reinforcement on microstructure and properties of cast Al–Si–Fe/SiC particulate composites

Abstract: The effects of silicon carbide (SiC) particles on the as-cast microstructure and properties of Al–Si–Fe alloy composites produced by double stir-casting method have been studied. A total of 5–25 wt% silicon carbide particles were added. The microstructure of the alloy particulate composites produced was examined, the physical and mechanical properties measured include: densities, porosity, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, hardness values and impact energy. The results revealed that, addition of silicon carbide reinforcement, increased the hardness values and apparent porosity by 75 and 39%, respectively, and decreased the density and impact energy by 1.08 and 15%, respectively, as the weight percent of silicon carbide increases in the alloy. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increased by 26.25 and 25% up to a maximum of 20% silicon carbide addition, respectively. These increases in strength and hardness values are attributed to the distribution of hard and brittle ceramic phases in the ductile metal matrix. The microstructure obtained reveals a dark ceramic and white metal phases, which resulted into increase in the dislocation density at the particles–matrix interfaces. These results show that better properties is achievable by addition of silicon carbide to Al–Si–Fe alloy.

Bagasse filled recycled polyethylene bio-composites: Morphological and mechanical properties study

Abstract: Bagasse filled recycled polyethylene bio-composites were produced by the compounding and compressive molding method. Two sets of composites were produced using uncarbonized (UBp) and carbonized (CBp) bagasse particles by varying the bagasse particles from 10 to 50 wt%. The surface morphology and the mechanical properties of the composites were examined. The results showed that the uniform distribution of the bagasse particles in the microstructure of the polymer composites is the major factor responsible for the improvement of the mechanical properties. The bagasse particles added to the RLDPE polymer improved its rigidity and the hardness values of the composites. The tensile and bending strengths of the composite increased with increasing percentage of the bagasse to a maximum of 20 wt%UBp and 30 wt%CBp. The impact energy and fracture toughness decreases with wt% bagasse particles. The developed composites have the best properties in the ranges of 30 wt% bagasse particle additions and for optimum service condition, carbonized bagasse particles addition should not exceed 30 wt%.

Aluminium matrix hybrid composites: a review of reinforcement philosophies; mechanical, corrosion and tribological characteristics

Abstract: Aluminium hybrid composites are a new generation of metal matrix composites that have the potentials of satisfying the recent demands of advanced engineering applications. These demands are met due to improved mechanical properties, amenability to conventional processing technique and possibility of reducing production cost of aluminium hybrid composites. The performance of these materials is mostly dependent on selecting the right combination of reinforcing materials since some of the processing parameters are associated with the reinforcing particulates. A few combinations of reinforcing particulates have been conceptualized in the design of aluminium hybrid composites. This paper attempts to review the different combination of reinforcing materials used in the processing of hybrid aluminium matrix composites and how it affects the mechanical, corrosion and wear performance of the materials. The major techniques for fabricating these materials are briefly discussed and research areas for further improvement on aluminium hybrid composites are suggested.

Interface design for high energy density polymer nanocomposites

Abstract: This review provides a detailed overview on the latest developments in the design and control of the interface in polymer based composite dielectrics for energy storage applications. The methods employed for interface design in composite systems are described for a variety of filler types and morphologies, along with novel approaches employed to build hierarchical interfaces for multi-scale control of properties. Efforts to achieve a close control of interfacial properties and geometry are then described, which includes the creation of either flexible or rigid polymer interfaces, the use of liquid crystals and developing ceramic and carbon-based interfaces with tailored electrical properties. The impact of the variety of interface structures on composite polarization and energy storage capability are described, along with an overview of existing models to understand the polarization mechanisms and quantitatively assess the potential benefits of different structures for energy storage. The applications and properties of such interface-controlled materials are then explored, along with an overview of existing challenges and practical limitations. Finally, a summary and future perspectives are provided to highlight future directions of research in this growing and important area.

A review of natural fiber composites: properties, modification and processing techniques, characterization, applications

Abstract: There has been much effort to provide eco-friendly and biodegradable materials for the next generation of composite products owing to global environmental concerns and increased awareness of renewable green resources. An increase in the use of natural materials in composites has led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint of composites. In addition to the benefits obtained from green materials, there are some challenges in working with them, such as poor compatibility between the reinforcing natural fiber and matrix and the relatively high moisture absorption of natural fibers. Green composites can be a suitable alternative for petroleum-based materials. However, before this can be accomplished, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed, including poor interfacial adhesion between the matrix and natural fibers, moisture absorption, poor fire resistance, low impact strength, and low durability. Several researchers have studied the properties of natural fiber composites. These investigations have resulted in the development of several procedures for modifying natural fibers and resins. To address the increasing demand to use eco-friendly materials in different applications, an up-do-date review on natural fiber and resin types and sources, modification and processing techniques, physical and mechanical behaviors, applications, life-cycle assessment, and other properties of green composites is required to provide a better understanding of the behavior of green composites. This paper presents such a review based on 322 studies published since 1978.

Material Properties Bamboo fibre filled natural rubber composites: the effects of filler loading and bonding agent

Abstract: Bamboo fibre reinforced natural rubber composites were prepared by incorporation of different loadings of bamboo fibre. Two series of composites were studied i.e. composites with and without the presence of a bonding agent. The curing characteristics of the composites were determined and the composites were vulcanized at 150°C using a hot press. The properties of the composites such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, tear strength, elongation at break and hardness were studied. The adhesion between the bamboo fibre and the natural rubber were enhanced by the addition of bonding agent as exhibited by the tensile fracture surfaces of the composites using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of bonding agent also gave shorter curing time and enhanced mechanical properties.  2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.