Publications by authors named "Raja Thandavamoorthy"

Article Synopsis
  • The study highlights the environmental and economic threats posed by the overabundance of Prosopis juliflora (PJ) fibers in developing countries and proposes using these fibers in polymer composites as a solution.
  • The focus is on creating a composite material by mixing PJ fibers with a polylactic matrix and zinc oxide nanofillers, utilizing the hand layup technique for fabrication.
  • Results indicate that the zinc oxide filler significantly improves the mechanical properties (like tensile and flexural strength) and thermal behavior (like thermal conductivity and heat resistance) of the PJ composite, with specific strength values reported for sample S5.
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Environmental consciousness motivates scientists to devise an alternative method for producing natural fiber composite materials in order to decrease the demand for synthetic fibers. This study explores the potential of a novel composite material derived from madar fiber-reinforced epoxy with porcelain filler particulates, designed specifically for biomedical instrumentation applications. The primary focus is to assess the material's structural, mechanical, and antibacterial properties.

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The present study aims to examine the characteristics of a composite material composed of glass/madar fibers and porcelain particles, which are reinforced with epoxy. A compression molding technique achieves the fabrication of this composite. A comprehensive characterization was conducted by employing a mixture of analytical techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), mechanical testing, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).

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In the face of escalating environmental concerns, particularly the pervasive issue of non-biodegradable fast-food packaging waste, this study introduces a ground-breaking solution that not only addresses waste management but also advances biomedical technology. Utilizing the underexploited resource of Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, we have innovatively transformed fast-food packaging waste into eco-friendly fluorescent carbon dots (FPCDs). These FPCDs were meticulously characterized through advanced techniques like FT-IR, TEM, and XRD, shedding light on their unique structure, morphology, and composition.

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In recent trends, the usage of synthetic materials has been reduced by introducing natural fibres for lightweight applications. In this study, Madar (Calotropis gigantea) fibre is selected for the reinforcement phase (40%), and the epoxy polymer is blended with bran filler selected as a matrix material. To calculate hybrid composite mechanical characteristics, five composite laminates with different fibre/filler weight ratios were made.

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Bioactive substances such as phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and antibacterial agents are found in natural fibres. In this study, banana fibre was extracted from the trunks of banana plants. Antibacterial activity, FTIR, XRD, and SEM analysis were performed to characterize the banana cellulose fibre, and also raw and alkali-treated banana fibre composite was fabricated with an epoxy matrix.

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Natural fibre is renewable and extensively utilized for structural and medicinal applications. The current research concentrates on surface modification for fibre enhancement using an alkaline treatment technique to extract raw fibre from banyan (Ficus benghalensis) aerial root bark. Using a 10% NaOH solution, attempts have been made to improve the crystalline, surface, thermal, physical, and chemical properties of banyan aerial root fibre (BAF).

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The depletion of fossil fuel and the concerns for harmful emissions and global warming has instigated researchers to use alternative fuels. Hydrogen (H) and natural gas (NG) are attractive fuels for internal combustion engines. The dual-fuel combustion strategy is promising to reduce emissions with efficient engine operation.

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In recent days, natural fibers are extremely influential in numerous applications such as automobile body building, boat construction, civil structure, and packing goods. Intensification of the properties of natural fibers is achieved by blending different natural fibers with resin in a proper mixing ratio. This investigation aims to synthesize a hybrid polymer matrix composite with the use of natural fibers of flax and loops of hemp in the epoxy matrix.

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Awareness of environmental concerns influences researchers to develop an alternative method of developing natural fiber composite materials, to reduce the consumption of synthetic fibers. This research attempted testing the neem () fiber and the banyan () fiber at different weight fractions, under flame retardant and thermal testing, in the interest of manufacturing efficient products and parts in real-time applications. The hybrid composite consists of 25% fiber reinforcement, 70% matrix material, and 5% bran filler.

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