Browsing by Author "ADEGBOLA J.O"

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    Development and Characterization of Polyester Resin/Kenaf/Coconut Coir Reinforced Hybrid Composites
    (Published by Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, 2024-10-22) AMBALI IBRAHIM OWOLABI; ADEGBOLA J.O; ALLI O.D; AKINGBADE T. O; ABDULMOJEED M. O; BUHARI A. F; JOSEPH O.P
    The project begins with extracting and processing coconut coir and Kenaf fibers to obtain suitable reinforcement materials. These natural fibers are chosen for their desirable attributes, including low cost, lightweight nature, and environmental sustainability. The fibers are treated to enhance their compatibility with the polyester resin matrix, ensuring proper adhesion and minimizing moisture absorption The composites were developed using the Hand lay-up method involving the application of coconut coir and Kenaf fibers layer by layer onto a mold until the desired thickness of 5mm is attained using polyester resin as the matrix. A fixed load is applied to the top of the laminates and allowed to cure for 48 hours at room temperature. The resulting composite is assessed for mechanical and morphological examination. Preliminary results indicate the laminate Kenaf/coconut coir/Kenaf potential with the ultimate tensile stress of 22.667MPa, an impact strength of 74.7 J/m, and a water absorption rate of 5.98% as a lightweight yet eco-friendly material for automotive structural components, offering fuel efficiency benefits. Further research is needed to explore wider applications and commercialization prospects
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    Suitability Assessment of the Properties of Agba Dam Moulding Sand for Foundry Applications
    (Published by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Abuja., 2025-06-08) AMBALI IBRAHIM OWOLABI; SHUAIB-BABATA Y.L; BUSARI Y.O; ARUNA K.O; COKER H.O; NURUDEEN T. A; YARU S.S; AJAO K.S; ADEGBOLA J.O
    Understanding the attributes of moulding sands is essential for foundry efficiency and high-quality cast production, which can be achieved through adequate information on their properties. The lack of comprehensive information about indigenous natural moulding sands has led to suboptimal casting quality and stunted industry growth in Nigeria. This study employed the rigorous standards set forth by the AFS-American Foundry Men's Society to conduct a comprehensive characterization of Agba dam's natural moulding sand samples' chemical and physico-mechanical properties for sand foundry applications. The chemical analysis revealed a composition of 79.771% SiO₂ and 9.383% Al₂O₃, with trace amounts of Na₂O, K₂O, CaO, Fe₂O₃, MgO, and TiO₂, classifying this sand as Alumino-silicate. The evaluation of physico-mechanical properties showed: silt content (5%), moisture content (1.81%), grain fineness number (44.54), green compressive strength (54.54 kN/m²), dry compressive strength (21.60 kN/m²), specific gravity (2.65), shatter index (40.26% green and 50.89% dry), bulk density (2196.24 kg/m³), permeability (0.05595 cm/sec), and refractoriness (>610°C). Most findings met AFS standards for non-ferrous metal casting. Enhancing the sand's performance, particularly in compressive strength, may be achievable through a suitable binder. Thus, this moulding sand is suitable for non-ferrous metal casting, and its effective use could stimulate economic growth and help address unemployment in Nigeria.