Research Papers/Topics in Materials And Metallurgical Engineering
Biodegradation And Recycling Of Polyethylene Into Composite Building Materials
Abstract This work presents the results of experimental and theoretical studies of the biodegradation of polyethylene, recycling of polyethylene into strong and tough earth-based composite building materials and the statistical distribution and particle size analysis of the polyethylene composites. Serratia marcescens subsp. marcescens and its supernatants are able to biodegrade linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The results show that the cell-free extracts degrade LLDPE faster th...
Synthesis And Characterization Of Extruded Alkali Activated Earth-Based Composites For Sustainable Building Construction
ABSTRACT Alkali activation is a rapidly developing area in the global materials research and development community. It is based on alkali aluminosilicate chemistry with primary focus on the activation of solid aluminosilicate materials under alkaline conditions to produce three-dimensional network of inorganic polymer binders. However, little research has been conducted to harness this technology in the development of earth-based composites. This work provides insights on the applicatio...
Layered Composite Thin Films For Cost Effective Transparent Organic Solar Cell Electrodes
Abstract In this dissertation two main themes are explored. In the first part some phenomenologies of light transport across the ZnO/Al/ZnO (ZAZ) thin film multilayer structures are investigated. The multilayered ZAZ thin film composite structures are explored for potential applications as transparent electrodes (TEs) alternatives to the costly transparent indium-doped-tin-oxide (ITO) anodes that are used currently in organic solar cells (OSCs), organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) an...
Implantable Biomedical Devices For Localized Breast Cancer Drug Delivery
ABSTRACT This thesis focused on an implantable encapsulated structures that can deliver localized heating and controlled released of prodigiosin (PG) (a cancer drug) synthesized by bacteria (Serratia marcescens (subsp. marcescens)). Prototypical poly-dimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) packages, containing well-controlled micro-channels and drug storage compartments, were fabricated along with a drug-storing polymer produced by free radical polymerization of Poly(Nisopropylacrylamide)(PNIPA)-based ...
Mechanical Properties Of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Earth-Based Composites
ABSTRACT This study presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of the strength, fracture toughness and interfacial properties of natural fiber-reinforced earth-based composite materials. The composites, which consist of mixtures of laterite, clay and straw, are stabilized with controlled levels of Portland cement. The compositional dependence of compressive, flexural/bend strength and fracture toughness are explored for different proportions of the constituent ...
Fabrication And Characterization of Biodegradable Polymer Composites For Packaging Applications
ABSTRACT Environmental pollution by non-biodegradable plastics, gradual reduction and increase in cost of petroleum products used have affected lives over the years. With people using different kinds of packaging, it has a part of human daily living. Therefore, it is very important to find lasting and sustainable ways of producing and managing the wastes generated by these plastics. In this work, starch based biocomposites are fabricated and characterised to access its opportunities to ...