Stir casting is a widely used metallurgical technique for producing aluminum matrix composites. Many studies in this area have focused on fabricating these composites using fixed stir casting parameters, often overlooking the importance of an optimization approach. These parameters significantly influence the microstructure and overall performance of the composites. This investigation aims to refine stir-casting parameters to produce Al 6061 composites reinforced with B4C microparticles, thereby improving their performance. The sample was prepared using the two-step stir-casting technique with a 2 wt% B4C particle composition. The Taguchi method was utilized to optimize three critical parameters in stir casting, such as melting temperature (700-800 ºC), stirring speed (100-300 rpm), and stirring time (10-30 minutes), which were systematically adjusted. A systematic analysis using an L9 orthogonal array was conducted to determine how varying levels of process parameters affected hardness properties. The optimization of two-stage stirs casting parameters using the Taguchi method identified stirring speed as the most dominant factor, with an optimal combination of 700 ºC melting temperature, 200 rpm stirring speed, and 20 min stirring time producing the highest Brinell hardness in Al 6061–2 wt.% B₄C composites. Analysis of variance results indicated that all three stir casting parameters significantly influenced the property responses, with stirring speed being the most dominant factor in achieving the highest Brinell hardness (HB) in the composite material.

A thin fluorinated silica coating was synthesized via a sol–gel route using silica nanoparticles as surface roughness agents functionalized with long-chain fluoroalkylsilane. The coatings were characterized for surface wettability, optical transmittance, infrared spectra, and morphology. All samples exhibited excellent optical transparency as verified by UV–visible spectroscopy. The fluorinated silica coating demonstrated markedly enhanced water repellency compared to TEOS and TEOS–FAS systems, confirming the critical role of fluorinated silica in improving hydrophobicity. These findings indicate its strong potential for application as a transparent hydrophobic coating in optoelectronic devices, lenses, and window materials

Carbon nanotubes were synthesized by using chemical vapor deposition using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste. The CNTs that were produced were functionalized with organic acid namely benzoic acids from 0 up to 70 kGy using gamma irradiation. To determine the acid groups, acid base titration was utilized whereas transmission electron microscope was used to determine the morphology of the functionalized CNT and dispersion characteristic was carried out for pristine and functionalized CNTs. The results obtained show that gamma irradiation significantly induce acid functionalized CNT as compared to unirradiated acid functionalized CNT. This indicates the importance of radiation technique in functionalizing carbon nanomaterials which is feasible, green, clean and process-effective.

This study presents the development of high-performance radiation curable acrylate coatings reinforced with functionalized carbon nanotubes (F-CNTs) synthesized from waste plastic bottles by chemical vapor deposition method for antimicrobial applications. Epoxy and polyurethane acrylate resins (Ebecryl 600 and Ebecryl 210) were formulated with varying F-CNT loadings (0.05–0.70 wt%) and subjected to different ultraviolet (UV) curing exposure by varying UV exposure. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed successful photopolymerization through the reduction of acrylate functional groups and formation of a crosslinked network. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and increased char residue at higher F-CNT concentrations (0.70 wt%), attributed to the barrier effect of nanotubes with the expense of crosslinking density due to the shading effect of F-CNTs. Antimicrobial study using E. coli revealed a significant reduction in bacterial viability, achieving near-complete inhibition within 24 h of exposure. The results highlight that optimal F-CNT dispersion is critical, as potential excessive loading can hinder curing efficiency due to agglomeration. Overall, this work demonstrates a sustainable and effective strategy for developing multifunctional coatings with enhanced durability and antimicrobial performance for healthcare and industrial applications

Thin fluorinated silica-based sol–gel films incorporating graphene oxide (GO) (0 – 1.0 wt.%) were synthesized to investigate their surface wettability and optical properties. The films were prepared via a sol–gel route and characterized using contact angle measurements, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Although GO is intrinsically hydrophilic, the water contacts angle (WCA) increased from 109◦ to 125◦, with the highest WCA at 1.0 wt.% GO. This enhancement is attributed to the formation of hierarchical surface roughness, as confirmed by AFM, which dominates over the intrinsic hydrophilicity of GO in accordance with Wenzel/Cassie–Baxter wetting behavior. UV–Vis analysis showed that the films retained high optical transparency, with transmittance of above 90% at 400 – 800 nm, although a slight decrease was observed with increasing GO loading due to light scattering effects. These findings demonstrate that controlled incorporation of GO can enhance surface functionality without significantly compromising transparency, highlighting the potential of fluorinated sol–gel coatings for advanced protective and self-cleaning applications

This study explores the enhancement of corrosion protection properties in urethane acrylate UV-curable coatings derived from palm oil through the incorporation of graphene oxide particles (GOP). GOP were added into palm oil-based urethane acrylate (POBUA) using a sonication technique. The performance of POBUA with the influence of GOP was determined using Thermal Gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Meanwhile, the corrosion testing was confirmed by electrochemical testing of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). TGA demonstrated that the presence of GOP a coating additive, improved the coating in the POBUA, enabling better heat absorption. This is because more energy was required to break the polymer chain during decomposition. Additionally, EIS showed that the diffusion of corrosive ions was hindered due to the tortuous pathways created by the GOP within the POBUA network. The highest Rct value of POBUA coating with 0.5 wt% GOP give 99.64% corrosion protection for mild steel which significantly improved compared to neat POBUA coating which only 63.6% corrosion protection. Furthermore contact angle analysis showed the presence of GOP improved hydrophobicity properties of POBUA coating contributing to their excellent corrosion resistance. These findings highlight the potential of POBUA/GOP curable coatings for providing effective protection of mild steel surfaces.

This study presents a comprehensive chemical, structural, and thermal characterization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes subjected to electron beam irradiation at doses of 0, 40, and 120 kGy. Post-consumer PET bottle flakes were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to determine irradiation-induced modifications. FTIR results reveal noticeable variations in key functional groups, particularly in the ester (C=O and C–O) and aromatic regions, indicating chain scission, partial cross-linking, and oxidation with increasing radiation doses. XRD analysis shows a progressive reduction in peak intensity and an increase in peak broadening, signifying decreased crystallinity and enhanced amorphous character due to structural disorder. TGA measurements demonstrate improved thermal stability of irradiated PET, with major degradation shifting from ~450 °C in the non-irradiated sample to ~480 °C after irradiation, and a clearer two-stage degradation pattern associated with structural rearrangements. These findings confirm that electron beam irradiation induces significant yet controlled modifications on PET’s molecular structure, crystallinity, and thermal behavior. Such property alterations highlight the potential of electron beam treatment as an effective pre-processing approach to enhance the recyclability and performance of waste PET, contributing to more sustainable plastic waste management strategies

Upcycling is an effective approach to reduce plastic waste, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and promote sustainability. Plastic bottles usually were made from PET polymer and a raw material to produce carbon nanomaterials (CNMs). CNMs are synthesized using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process and purified to eliminate catalysts and unwanted compounds. Various catalysts were used to investigate the economic and effective in producing the CNMs. Metal catalysts such as ferrocene, cobalt and iron are the important elements in the CVD process as they provide surfaces for carbon to attach. CNMs morphology and graphitic structure were observed from Raman analysis and TEM analysis. The application of upcycling offers the advantage of utilizing low-cost raw materials to produce higher-value products, providing additional benefits.

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of an anti-radon photocurable nanocoating formulated using a UV-curable formulation incorporated with functionalized carbon nanotubes (F-CNTs). The coating was prepared using Ebecryl 600 (urethane acrylate oligomer) and TMPTA (monomer), with GPTMS as a coupling agent and various photoinitiator combinations. Different F-CNT loadings ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 wt% were studied to evaluate their effects on coating performance. The samples were cured under UV irradiation for 2–20 passes to investigate the influence of exposure time on polymer crosslinking. Characterization analyses including pendulum hardness, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), viscosity, gel content, and radon gas permeability were performed. Results indicated that the incorporation of F-CNTs enhanced the mechanical strength and crosslinking density of the coating. The optimal formulation exhibited a hardness of 150.33 s (BAPO + 8 passes) and a gel content of 97%. Furthermore, radon concentration measurements showed a 28.9% reduction after applying a single coating layer, confirming the coating’s potential as an effective barrier for radon gas mitigation.

This work investigates the formulation of a radiation-curable coating that integrates functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNT) to improve surface characteristics. Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) was employed as the monomer, with epoxy acrylate and urethane acrylate as oligomers and Irgacure-500 as the photoinitiator. To cure the coatings, the formulations were subjected to ultraviolet (UV) light, and the surface properties were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), pendulum hardness testing, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that altering the ratios of f-CNT in the formulations have a considerable impact on the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the coating. The findings show that ideal compositions of these additives improve the hardness, crosslinking density, and thermal stability of the cured films, offering insight into their potential

This manuscript reports the optical and structural characteristics of PVA/PANI composite polymer films synthesized through gamma-irradiation-induced in-situ polymerization. The in-situ formation of the conductive emeraldine salt phase of polyaniline (PANI) within the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) binder matrix was achieved under different irradiation doses. The formation of the conductive PANI phase and the presence of Cl⁻ counter-ions were confirmed through FESEM morphological analysis and EDAX elemental mapping, respectively. XRD spectra further verify the semi-crystalline nature of the composite and indicate the structural role of PVA as a binder in stabilizing the polymeric composite system. Thermal behavior analysis using TGA reveals four distinct decomposition phases, with the most pronounced thermal transition observed in the composite irradiated at 50 kGy, suggesting enhanced structural interactions between PVA and PANI at this irradiation dose. Overall, the results demonstrate that gamma irradiation is an effective route for modifying the optical, structural, and thermal properties of PVA/PANI composites, making them promising candidates for optoelectronic and conductive polymer applications

This study created membrane nanofibres using the electrospinning method and newly studied a mixture of ENR and ABS. The two-level complete factorial designs with centre points were used to characterise the functionality of the constructed membrane. The variables considered for experimental design were the polymer concentration, materials ratio (ENR concentration), applied voltage and distance between the needle tip and collector. According to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the concentration of solution and distance were statistically significant parameters that affected the tensile properties of the ENR/ABS electrospun membrane. A mathematical model of the tensile property of polymer fibres was created using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). This model was built based on essential process factors. The mechanical properties of the electrospun ENR/ABS membrane compromised with 25wt% of solution concentration, 30% ratio of ENR, the voltage at 22.5kV and 15 cm of distance create an excellent tensile strength with desirability of 0.94. The influence of ENR on the morphology of ENR/ABS fibres was characterised by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The result showed beaded fibre and decreased fibres due to the low concentration of the solution and high ratio of ENR (50%). The contact angle measurements indicated that the electrospun fibre membrane was hydrophobic with a water contact angle of 136°. The addition of ENR showed a reduction in contact angle to 119°. The existence of ENR will change the features of the membrane, and investigations have demonstrated that RSM has been efficiently developed to acquire the interaction effects of processing parameters.

The COVID-19 pandemic the world has been facing is caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus can remain on certain surfaces for an extended period. As a consequence, contact with the surfaces can cause a healthy human to contract the disease. Although certain household items work against contaminated surfaces, none of the disinfectants can be used for a considerable amount of time. Therefore, the assessment and use of non-corrosive and non-toxic disinfectants are critical to stop the infection from spreading. Copper, along with its compounds and polymers, CPEs and OPEs, and Carbon Nanomaterials have demonstrated effective antibacterial and antiviral activity against bacteria such as E. Coli, S. Aureus, and viruses such as Influenza A virus. This review investigates the potential of using these substances as a surface coating to render the SARS-CoV-2 virus inactive. In addition, the review summarizes helpful information regarding the antimicrobial and antiviral activity and mechanism of polymers, copper, and carbon nanostructures. It also discusses the efficacy of these functional coatings in deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This study examined the use of stir casting to create an aluminum-nanoscale boron carbide composite. Following the sample’s solidification, mechanical and physical tests are carried out to determine the density and hardness. Tafel polarization in a 3.5% NaCl solution was utilized to determine the composite’s corrosion behavior, and tensile strength and hardness characterization techniques were employed to determine its mechanical characteristics. After the stir casting process, the surface morphology of the metal and the dispersion of boron carbide particles on the matrix were examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM). The obtained powders and matrix samples were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to determine the phase and if reinforcement particles (B4C) were present in the composite samples. The mechanical, microstructural, and corrosion investigations were used to evaluate the performance of the composites. The homogeneous distribution of the reinforcing particle was observed by the inspection of micrographs. The results showed that the corrosion rate of the aluminium matrix composite was lower than that of the base alloy in a 3.5% NaCl solution. Simultaneously, the composite’s corrosion rates escalated as the B4C concentration in the aluminum matrix grew. Hardness investigation has demonstrated that an increase of B4C content in the aluminium matrix enhanced the hardness rating. In the tensile test, the composite containing 0.8 weight percent B4C achieved a maximum strength of 149.95 MPa, which was roughly 48.64 MPa (32%) greater than the basic alloy.

The electrospun of the Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blend with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) is fabricated using the electrospinning technique. Research shows that ABS/ENR electrospun fibres have not been studied. The effects of electrospinning parameters were investigated to determine a significant effect on the microstructure, surface roughness, fibre diameter, and fibre distribution of the electrospun membranes. Sample preparation is made straightforwardly by dissolving ABS and ENR in acetone solvent using a magnetic stirrer. In this research, there are two solution parameters being studied: the ABS/ENR solution concentration (15 to 25 wt.%) and the ratio of ENR (100:0, 70:30, 50:50). Meanwhile, process parameters that are being studied are applied voltage (15 kV to 30 kV) and distance from syringe tip to collector (5cm to 15cm). FTIR results showed that hydrogen bond interaction occurs between ABS and ENR. According to the SEM images, micrometre and sub-micrometre fibres with a smooth surface and bead formation were produced at a concentration of 25%, a ratio of 70:30, a voltage of 30kV, and a distance of 15cm. The diameter of electrospun fibres increases with increasing solution concentration, ranging from 400 nm to 4.5 µm. The diameter of the electrospun fibres decreased with the addition of ENR, increasing voltage, and tip-to-collector distance. TGA results showed that ABS/ENR blends gave higher degradation temperature (393.7°C) than pure ABS (368.8°C), which enhanced thermal stability.

The corrosion behavior of Aluminium matrix composite reinforced with micro-size boron carbide was investigated in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The sample was prepared using the stir casting technique with compositions of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 wt% of B4C particles. Potentiodynamic polarisation methods were used to derive the electrochemical parameters while hardness analysis methods were used to derive the mechanical properties. A field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to investigate the particle boron carbide distribution on the matrix and surface morphology of the metal surface before and after the corrosion test. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to investigate the received powders and matrix samples for phase recognition and the presence of reinforcement particles (B4C) in the composite samples. The findings demonstrated that in a 3.5% NaCl solution, the aluminium matrix composite corrosion rate was inferior to that of the base alloy. At the same time, the corrosion rates of the composite increased with the increase in the composition of B4C in matrix aluminium. Passive layer breakdown due to agglomeration of boron carbide particles caused the increased corrosion rate. Hardness analysis has shown that the value of hardness was improved with the increase in the composition of B4C in the aluminium matrix.

This research explores the impact of derivative graphite additives in enhancing the corrosion prevention system of UV curable polyurethane coatings based on palm oil. UV irradiation technique was used in this study to produce cured protection coating. Two types of particles, respectively graphite and graphene oxide were used to understand the differential of both particles in physicomechanical behaviour of the curable coating. The study delves into the formulation and characterization of these coatings, assessing their effectiveness in preventing corrosion. The polymerisation effect by UV irradiation and influence of filler (graphene oxide and graphite) on physical properties of coating were studied by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel content together with hardness test. Besides that, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to investigate the morphology of curable coating. Meanwhile Electro impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and contact angle measurement were carried out to investigate the related behaviour on corrosion protection properties. All the results were concluded to explain the role of graphite and graphene oxide in curable coating crosslink network. The finding in this study indicates that tortuosity structured which formed by graphite and graphene oxide in UV curable coating matrix were successfully retard corrosion rate per year on mild steel from 31.24 mpy to 43.91 x 10-6 mpy. This work aims to provide valuable insights into the development of eco-friendly and efficient corrosion protection solutions in the realm of coatings and materials science.

Modification of palm oil to be as a coating resin is well known, established. Several work have been done by researcher to seek optimized parameter in obtain same or even surpass with existing petrol based resin. In this study, Palm Oil-Based Urethane Acrylate (POBUA) coating was used as a protective coating for mild steel by using the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation technique. Graphite particles were include in POBUA resin in order to investigate the influences of graphite upon corrosion resistance properties. To confirm the effectiveness of POBUA under UV irradiation, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used in this study to monitor the conversion of acrylate group double bond during polymerization process. Meanwhile, gel content extraction and pendulum hardness were done on the cured film to investigate the performance of the polymerized polymer coating. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to observe POBUA-cured coating surface morphology. Finally, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were run to demonstrate POBUA-cured coating in combating corrosion process on mild steel surface in 3.5% NaCl. The result explained the presence of graphite particles in POBUA resin was improved corrosion resistance properties but not too much effect on mechanical properties such as hardness. Graphite particles which physically bonded in POBUA does not give a significant impact on polymer structure but beneficial in slowing corrodent ion to penetrate beneath POBUA-cured coating on to mild steel surface.

Replacing petroleum oil with renewable sources from natural oil in producing polymer coating is being widely attracting many researchers and inventors. In this study, palm oil-based urethane acrylate (POBUA) coating was developed as a protective coating for mild steel by using the ultraviolet irradiation technique. The POBUA was synthesized by reacting acrylated palm oil and isocyanate via in situ intercalative polymerizations with the presence of hydroxyethyl acrylate and 4 methoxy phenol (4mph). Different loadings of graphite particles (0.1 wt %, 0.5 wt% and 0.8 wt%) were introduced into the POBUA with the presence of Irgacure 184 as the photoinitiator. The formulated coating resin was applied on the mild steel substrates and the overall performances were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, X-Ray Diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. Meanwhile, Gel content extraction and Pendulum Hardness were done on the cured film to investigate the performance of the polymerized coating polymer. The obtained results exposed good distribution of graphite particles in the POBUA polymeric matrix will influence the overall performance of the POBUA coatings at POBUA + 0.5 wt% graphite. Infrared spectrum demonstrated the formation of the crosslinked network was not disrupted with the addition of graphite particles, while increment of crystallinity index and hardness observed. Meanwhile TAFEL polarization elucidate the present of graphite particles reduced the curable POBUA coating corrosion current density from 102.6 x 10(-6) to 27.3 x 10(-12) Acm 2 with decreasing of mild steel corrosion rate per year from 31.24mpy to 125.1 x 10(-6) mpy. However, morphology showed that the addition of high graphite content (0.8 wt%) increased the tendency to particles agglomeration. Nevertheless, the results obtained showed that the presence of graphite particles in POBUA is beneficial in improving the strength of the coating against surface degradation and corrosion. This research demonstrates that POBUA/Graphite curable coating has a good potential application in mild steel protection.

The in situ inter calative polymerisation of acrylated palm oil and isocyanate with the presence of Hidroxyethylacrylate (HEA) was undertaken to produce Palm Oil Based Urethane Acrylate (POBUA). Several coatings formulations from POBUA with different types of photoinitiators were prepared and applied on a mild steel surface before being exposed under UV irradiation toward green anticorrosion coatings formation. The disappearance of the FTIR spectrum of cured POBUA coatings at around 810 cm-1 has confirmed the development of the crosslinked network. Soxhlet extraction and pendulum hardness test were carried out to investigate the crosslinked network performance in the cured film. Meanwhile, potentiodynamic polarization analysis in 3.5% NaCl solution was conducted to explain the anticorrosion mechanism of POBUA, and the TAFEL plot was manipulated in measured the corrosion rate of mild steel. Contact angle (CA) and X-Ray Diffraction analysis are also demonstrated in this work in order to study the surface properties of POBUA. The results indicate mild steel coated with POBUA film owes better corrosion resistance compared to blank mild steel. Crosslink polymer network formation from POBUA has effectively protected the mild steel surface from corrosion agents such as oxygen and water. CA result also showed hydrophobicity behavior of POBUA gives value-added properties in reducing corrosion process.Copyright (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 8th International Conference on Solid State Science & Technology (8thICSSST 2021).