Ce-doped Ba3Bi2(PO4)4 phosphors were synthesized and characterized to study their structure and luminescent properties. XRD analysis confirmed a monoclinic crystal structure matching reference data. FESEM images showed microcrystalline particles with some agglomeration. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified key phosphate and functional group vibrations. Photoluminescence (PL) peaked at 2 mol
Marble dust, a byproduct of marble stone industries, often considered waste, has been effectively utilised as a filler material in epoxy/banana fibre composites. The specimens were fabricated with a constant banana fibre content of 7.5 wt. % and varying marble dust content from 0 wt. % to wt.% using the hand layup technique. The prepared samples underwent testing to estimate their physical, mechanical, and abrasive wear behaviour. From the experimental investigation, it was observed that the density, void content and water absorption rate increase as the content of marble dust in the epoxy resin increases. An addition of marble dust reduces the tensile and flexural strength of the composites, but increases the impact strength and hardness of the material. The addition of 20 wt. % of marble dust reduces the tensile and flexural strength by 20 % and 22 %, respectively. The maximum values for impact strength and hardness were obtained for 20 wt. % marble dust content is 39.8 kJ/m2 and 51 Barcol number, respectively, showing an incredible increment of 25.5 % and 70 %, respectively. The study employed the Taguchi experimental design method to determine the optimum Specific Wear Rate (SWR) using L25 as an orthogonal array matrix. The parameters selected were marble dust loading, normal load, sliding velocity, and sliding distance. The analysis shows that the factor influencing the specific wear rate is the filler content, followed by sliding velocity, normal load and sliding distance. Furthermore, the wear mechanism was analysed by examining the abraded portion of the tested specimen using micrographs.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) panel, commonly known as Rapid Wall, represents a promising building material for both load-bearing and non-load-bearing wall panels. Recognized for its energy efficiency and eco-friendly attributes, GFRG panels offer a viable solution for the pressing demand for cost-effective, large-scale affordable housing. Additionally, they can serve as intermediate floor slabs or roof slabs when combined with Reinforced Concrete (RCC) as a composite material. In this study, a comparative analysis between GFRG and traditional building methods has been conducted. The incorporation of concrete infill and vertical reinforcement rods in the Rapid Wall panel enhances its vertical and lateral load capacities, facilitating faster construction processes and contributing to environmental preservation. Notably, the concrete infill, combined with vertical reinforcement rods, reinforces the panel's resistance to termites, heat, rot, corrosion, water, and fire, making it a superior alternative to conventional bricks or concrete blocks. The assessment of the models involves equivalent static analysis, focusing on parameters such as Story Drift, Story Moment, and Story Shear for both conventional and GFRG panel methods. The objective of this project is to propose a solution—Rapid Wall construction technology—that is not only cost-effective but also feasible for large-scale implementation within a short timeframe, ensuring enhanced safety compared to conventional methods. The potential applications of this technology extend to addressing the mass housing requirements in India and replacing outdated construction techniques and materials. By adopting Rapid Wall technology, substantial resources, including money, time, and materials such as sand and water, can be conserved. Furthermore, the implementation of this technology contributes to environmental sustainability, promoting a better and more sustainable built environment.
Functionally graded materials (FGMs) are advanced materials with varying material properties directionally. The material properties, such as elastic modulus, density, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion coefficient, improve by combining different materials. The structure thus offers a better strength-to-weight ratio, thermal resistance, and durability in critical harsh environments. In the present study, material properties follow a power law for material gradation along the thickness of the cylinder. Navier's approach is followed to solve the second-order governing differential equations with the assumption of a plane stress condition to eliminate the complexity of differential equations, and MATLAB was used to solve stress and deformation variation analytically and for visualization. This research aims to provide an exact solution to stress and deformation for different real-life complex loading conditions with material non-homogeneity. It is essential to analyze various loading conditions to maximize the structure's lifecycle, minimizing the stresses induced. This analysis provides valuable insight to enhance the performance, reliability, and integrity of structures in the fields of aerospace, defense, mechanical, and civil. This research also provides a prominent connection for practical application to designing/analysis.
