ABSTRACT
The current study details the creation of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAp) using a combination of catfish and bovine bones (C&B). This is done to design the optimum processing parameters and consolidate instructional strategies to develop HAp scaffolds for biomedical engineering. The HAp produced from the novel mix of the biogenic materials (C&B) was through calcination and supported with the sol-gel technique, sintering, and low-cold compaction pressure. The ideal preparation conditions were identified with the aid of the Box-Behnken statistical design in response surface methodology. To understand the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the formulation, analytical studies on the synthesized HAp were carried out. To establish a substantial relation between the physicomechanical properties of the produced HAp scaffolds, three parameters- sintering temperature, compaction loads, and holding times were used. In the evaluation, the sintering temperature was found to have the greatest impact on the material's physicomechanical properties, with compressive strength (13 MPa), porosity (49.45 %), and elastic modulus (2.216 GPa) being the most enhanced properties in that order. The physicomechanical characteristics of the HAp scaffolds were at their optimal at 900 °C, 1 h 18 min of holding time, and 311.73 Pa of compaction pressure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results showed that powders with a dominant HAp phase were produced at all runs, including the optimum run. Therefore, using a computationally effective methodology that is helpful for novelties in biomedical engineering education, this study demonstrates the optimal process for the synthesis of a novel matrix bone-derived HAp, showing the most significant relations liable for manufacturing medically suitable HAp scaffolds from the mixture of bovine and catfish bones.
ABSTRACT
The production of pencil lead with the inclusion of ilmenite for strength improvement and product wear control especially during production was investigated. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on three numeric factors and two center points thus generating sixteen runs was used as tool for the optimization of production process parameters. The major raw materials which are graphite clay and ilmenite were characterized using X-ray fluorescence technique while the surface morphology was studied using scanning Electronic microscopy. The studied input variables were ram pressure, moisture content and die dead angle. Also, an experimental investigation of fracture force and wear rate of pencil lead were carried out. To obtain the optimum values of the properties being investigated, a tribometer and Micro Universal Testing Machine (MUTEM 4) were used for measurements, and response table was generated. The response surface plots showed that all three input variable had considerable impact on the responses. Results showed that the graphite used is made up majorly of carbon and ilmenite (TiO2). The control factor levels were applied to optimize the desired mechanical properties of reengineered pencil lead using the RSM. Results also showed that with a die angle of 55.3850oram pressure of 5.716Mpa and moisture content of 22.735, the optimal fracture force is 2.6055N, and optimal wear rate is 0.445 mm/l. These results were validated with those of industrially manufactured ones whose values are 2.95N and 0.35 mm/l respectively. It was concluded that ilmenite can serve as a good additive to pencil lead production.
ABSTRACT
This study gave an insight on how we can utilise the unique features of bio-composites of albumen-glycerol, reinforced with natural fibres in the production of orthopaedic cast. Studies on the use of natural fibres as a replacement to man-made fibres in fibre-reinforced composites has increased and opened up for further industrial possibilities. They have the advantages of low density, low cost, biodegradable and environmental friendly. However, the main disadvantages of natural fibres in manufacturing composites are the poor compatibility between fibre and matrix and the relatively high moisture sorption. Therefore, chemical treatments were used in modifying the fibres surface properties. This work documents an attempt to create an alternative fibre reinforced composite material for possible use in the replacement of Plaster of Paris (POP), used for making orthopaedic cast. The matrix is an albumen/glycerol mix and the fibres are raffia, kenaf and sisal fibres. The bio-composites were analysed by standard methods such as mechanical tests, TGA and SEM. The mechanical properties of this composite material showed a promising future in the orthopaedic field. Natural fibre cast as external immobilising is considered a better orthopaedic modality than the POP as it provides rigid fixation, less time consuming and fewer complications.
