Morphology and thermal properties of recycled polyacrylonitrile fiber blends with poly(ethylene terephthalate): Microstructural characterization

The compounding of rPAN/PET [polyacrylonitrile/poly(ethylene terephthalate]; 30/70, 50/50, and 70/30 wt %) using a melt‐blending technique was the main focus of this investigation. An X‐ray diffraction study indicated the possibility of interphase boundary interactions between the polymer matrices in the blends. The differential scanning calorimetry results showed that varying the ratios of rPAN in the blends marginally improved the processing temperature of PET. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the addition of PET up to 70% increased the thermal stability of the blend, and adding more than 70% of PET resulted in poor adhesion between the matrix and phase. On the basis of the results obtained, we propose a general understanding of how the morphology and the mechanical and thermal properties of the blend could assist in the development of rPAN blends with PET, rather than disposing of the viable materials as wastes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43777.     

Culm Morphological Traits Contributing to Lodging Resistance in First Generation NERICA Cultivars Under Foliar Application of Orthosilicic Acid Fertilizer

Silicon - Lodging resistance in upland rice requires adequate knowledge of the mechanical basis of culm morphological traits (CMTs) with potential for improved structural integrity under...     

Influence of carbonisation on selected engineering properties of carbon resin electrodes for electrochemical treatment of wastewater

In this study, effects of selected factors on selected properties of carbon resin electrodes (CRE) have been investigated. CRE were developed from used dry cells and resin using non‐heat‐treatment process. Selected properties (density, electrical resistance, microstructure, hygroscopy, stability moisture content, compressive and flexural strength) of the electrodes were monitored and effects of carbonisation temperature, carbon particle size, and compaction pressure on these properties were studied. The study revealed that the density of CRE was in the range of 1.33 to 1.59 g/cm³, compressive strength ranged from 36.56 to 43.81 MN/m², flexural strength, moisture content, and swelling were in the range of 6.76 to 8.10 MN/m², 0.84–0.93%, and 6.04–9.30%, respectively. In all cases electrical resistance and density of CRE decreased with increasing carbonisation temperature at various operational factors (particle size, compacting pressure, and percentage of the resin used). Also, it was revealed that carbonisation of CRE from 30 to 220°C reduced specific electrical resistance and density from 1.85 to 1.29 × 10^?1 Ω/cm and from 1.35 to 1.24 g/cm³, respectively, but carbonisation temperature had no significant effect on wetness, compressive and flexural strength, stability, and moisture content of the electrodes. Estimated costs revealed that cost of producing CRE was cheaper ($13.25/m) than that of heat‐treated electrodes ($33.33/m). It was concluded that carbonisation temperature, particle size, compacting pressure, and percentage of the resin used are important factors in the development of CRE with lower specific electrical resistance.     

Development of a knowledge model for managing schedule disturbance in steel-making

The development of a knowledge model, which describes the reasoning process in managing schedule disturbance in steel-making, is presented. A literature review shows the lack of research in developing a knowledge model for decision-making in steel-making. The knowledge model distinguishes three knowledge categories: task, inference and domain. Knowledge is captured for the ten most common types of disturbances in steel-making. A common inference model exists for disturbance management. A knowledge elicitation methodology called eXpert Process Knowledge Analysis Technique (XPat) combined with a CommonKADS approach was used to capture process knowledge for managing schedule disturbance in steel-making. Finally, the knowledge model is validated through paper-based simulations of three common disturbance scenarios. The validation process consisted of three components: accuracy, completeness and consistency.     

Engineering Analysis and Failure Prevention of a Water Treatment Plant in Nigeria

This paper contains a detailed engineering assessment and failure prevention assessment for a water treatment plant in Nigeria. Population data for the university community were collected and the treatment plant was visited. Data on each of the treatment process (unit) were also collected and water consumption per day was computed and compared with standard. An engineering assessment of each of the plant’s units was conducted and failure prevention procedures were suggested. The study showed that the population growth rate fit well with the logistic growth rate to a saturated population of 7383 students in the halls, ‘a’ and ‘b’ (growth rate parameters) were −2.159 and −0.022 per year, respectively. Available water consumption was 76.7 L per capita per day. The water supply to the community could be classified as water to a public area rather than water to a domestic area. Column and settling tanks tests revealed that the retention time of 2 h is adequate for the sedimentation tanks. It was concluded that there is a critical water shortage in the community because of failure of the treatment plant to meet the demand, which can be attributed to lack of rehabilitation of the plant to meet the population growth. Sedimentation tanks and filtration units are to be upgraded to prevent total failure of the plant and minimize the potential for an outbreak of water-related diseases.     

Membrane assisted technology appraisal for water reuse applications in South Africa

Water scarcity, pertaining to many interrelated issues e.g. rapid urbanisation and increasing water pollution, has been acknowledged around the world. Water reuse has emerged as a viable water conservation measure to satisfy water demand in many communities. Among the diversity of wastewater treatment processes, membrane assisted treatment technologies have been employed for different water reuse scenarios. In this regard, one of the most critical problems is how to select an appropriate membrane technology for a water reuse scenario. This research therefore develops a decision making framework for selection of wastewater treatment technology. The framework is applied to different non-potable reuse scenarios in South African cities and suburban areas by employing a multi criteria analysis method. The results show that this approach is able to provide a systematic and rigorous analysis which can help in comparing and selecting wastewater technologies.     

The radiologist and health care in West Africa--new perspectives

In a brief survey of the history of modern radiology, Roentgen's discovery of X-rays in November, 1895 demonstrates the qualities of a research scientist, as well as the application of products of research to solving human problems. The modern Radiologist as a diagnostician and therapist, armed with modern tools, is a versatile member of the medical team. At the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, close collaboration between the gastroenterologist and the radiologist resulted in an improvement in the accuracy of diagnosis of upper gastro-intestinal disease from 66% to 95% in 300 patients who were subjected to both fluoroscopy and endoscopy. The practice, and training programme for radiology in West Africa should reflect the scarce human and natural resources of West Africa, as well as the peculiar problems of the region, within the context of the acceptable pattern of health care delivery. Hazards of excessive radiation, both within the rank of the profession, and more so among patients undergoing sometimes unnecessary X-ray investigations, demand urgent attention.