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1 – 10 of 75A. Al Mayouf, L. Al Juhaiman and A. Suhaybani
This paper seeks to study the corrosion rate (CR) of Al 6063 in aqueous solutions containing food additives, namely ascorbic, citric and tartaric acids with/without chloride ions.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to study the corrosion rate (CR) of Al 6063 in aqueous solutions containing food additives, namely ascorbic, citric and tartaric acids with/without chloride ions.
Design/methodology/approach
Chemical and electrochemical measurements were used to study the CR of Al 6063 in aerated aqueous solutions. Chemical measurements include weight loss (WL) and atomic absorption (AA). The surface morphology of Al 6063 was studied using scanning electron microscope connected with energy dispersion X‐Ray (EDX). Electrochemical measurements were made using a potentiostat/galvanostat; the effect of pH, temperature and immersion time was studied.
Findings
AA gave comparable results to that of WL. EDX results showed the depletion of Mg and Fe from the Al 6063 to carboxylic acid solutions w/without NaCl. From electrochemical measurements, it was found that addition of chloride ions to carboxylic acids increased the CR of Al 6063 especially at low pH and high temperatures but it reduced the CR at long immersion times.
Practical implications
Aluminum (Al) is now known to be a neurotoxin agent yet Al cook wares are widely used in different countries. The acids used in this study are food additives which implies that the Al cook wares may corrode in food containing these acids and other carboxylic acids depending on pH, temperature and the presence of other additives.
Originality/value
AA gave comparable results to that of WL, which shows that it may be used to evaluate leaching metal ions in μg levels or less in corrosion measurements.
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Ali Alqahtany and Ameen Bin Mohanna
The purpose of this paper is to identify the obstacles to the availability of suitable housing units for various socioeconomic segments of society with an emphasis on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the obstacles to the availability of suitable housing units for various socioeconomic segments of society with an emphasis on single-family homes, which is the most preferred housing type in the Saudi society.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the aim of this paper, the Delphi method was used to explore the experts’ opinions on the most important obstacles.
Findings
The findings of the study underline 17 different obstacles affecting the availability of suitable housing units for various segments of the Saudi society. The most critical obstacle is the high cost of land followed by the low income of the families, high cost of construction, high interest rate of mortgages and shortage of suitable residential lands.
Originality/value
The study concludes with a number of proposed recommendations that can contribute to address the current shortage of suitable housing units.
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This study aims to explore the effect of Saudi Vision 2030 and its government initiatives on macroeconomic variables related to housing.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the effect of Saudi Vision 2030 and its government initiatives on macroeconomic variables related to housing.
Design/methodology/approach
This exploratory study used an empirical–analytical approach. Based on secondary data, a set of hypotheses was contrasted to verify whether there has been any change in the trends of macroeconomic variables related to housing after Saudi Vision 2030 entered into force.
Findings
The results show that the trend of percentage of housing ownership went from a continuous decrease to accelerated growth since the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030. However, the effect of these advances is not observed in non-oil gross domestic product (GDP) or in the economic activities of the construction, real estate and financial services sectors.
Research limitations/implications
This study notes that despite successful housing outcomes, it appears that Saudi Vision 2030 does not have a positive impact on non-oil GDP. Consequently, government entities should review the degree to which other economic activities contribute to non-oil GDP. A limitation of the study was that the GDP of housing construction and marketing and that of granting mortgage loans were not specifically available, nor were data on public and private investment made for implementing government initiatives.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the effect of Saudi Vision 2030 on housing and its contribution to the economy.
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This study aims to investigate the association between various demographic factors and housing affordability in Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the association between various demographic factors and housing affordability in Saudi Arabia.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey of households was undertaken, and responses were analysed using chi-square analysis and logistic regression.
Findings
The study found that gender and job rank were only significantly related to housing value, but not to housing type, type of tenancy or number of bedrooms. Age, level of income, nationality, household size and job sector had significant associations with housing type, type of tenancy, number of bedrooms and housing value. However, the study did not find a significant relationship between the education level of the head of the household and any housing characteristics. The findings from the logistic regressions indicated that the level of income odds ratio (OR = 25.634), and the value of housing (OR = 0.037) were the two most significant predictors of access to affordable housing, both with levels of significance of p < 0.001.
Research limitations/implications
Even though this study has provided valuable findings and contributions to the literature and policymakers, certain limitations must also be highlighted. First, the study focused only on four housing characteristics: housing type, housing tenancy, number of bedrooms and housing value. It did not consider other housing characteristics, such as housing age and housing conditions, which also affect the affordability of housing. Second, the method adopted for this study has a limitation in terms of its sampling technique, namely, snowball sampling, which relies on each participant to recommend others based on their judgement and recommendation. Third, the sample size for this study was small. As a result, the generalization of these findings to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will be limited.
Practical implications
The current study’s findings will help decision makers in the housing sector to implement a housing delivery strategy that responds to escalating demand. It also contributes to the emerging body of literature by clarifying the relationships and influence between demographic factors and accessibility to affordable housing. In addition, the findings of this study support KSA’s ambitious Vision 2030, through which the government seeks to increase the rate of homeownership. The implications of the findings of this study also extend to help housing policymakers in similar developing countries where the delivery of affordable housing is a challenge.
Originality/value
The study is relevant because it investigates the relationships of demographic factors and housing affordability in one of the three agglomerations in the country. It can thus provide insight into the increasing demand for housing, which can help the Saudi Government to design and implement a housing delivery strategy and can support KSA’s ambitious Vision 2030, which targets increased homeownership. It can also improve our knowledge on the emergent body of literature on the effect of demographic characteristics on the affordability of housing in the country, and in similar developing countries where the delivery of affordable housing is a challenge.
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Ishak Mohammed, Kh Md Nahiduzzaman and Adel Aldosary
The importance of housing in enhancing the quality of life has been widely reported. It represents one of the basic human needs, provides protection from harm and ensures…
Abstract
The importance of housing in enhancing the quality of life has been widely reported. It represents one of the basic human needs, provides protection from harm and ensures survival. Like many developing countries, different Ghanaian governments have variously pursued several programs and interventionsdirected at addressing the country's housing challenges including housing loan schemes in the colonial era to affordable housing projects in the 2000s. Notwithstanding, access to adequate housing for the low to middle-income groups still remains unresolved. This paper is an attempt to gain deeper insights into Ghana's housing situation, its challenges and the efforts made by governments during the periods before independence and after independence. The nature of the housing policies implemented during such eras is explored and the reasons for the implementation failures examined. In the end, the paper provides policy recommendations that could potentially help increase the supply of affordable urban housing in the country. The paper calls for a strong political will and pragmatic intelligence in the implementation of housing policies and programs in the country. Mechanisms to provide sufficienthousing finance for the poor to adequately participate in the housing market have also been outlined. It is concluded that the over-empowerment of the private real estate sector to be the major providers of housing may not be optimal. Rather, it would only lead to the inability of the poor to be able to actively participate in the housing market, consequently exacerbating housing poverty. Effective public-private partnership has the potential to guarantee the supply of reasonably-priced and affordable housing provision.
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Bassam Abdallah, M. Kakhia and W. Alsadat
TiN and TiAlVN films have been prepared by DC magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature. TiN target has been used to deposit TiN thin film under pure argon (100 percent…
Abstract
Purpose
TiN and TiAlVN films have been prepared by DC magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature. TiN target has been used to deposit TiN thin film under pure argon (100 percent Ar) gas. Additionally, Ti6Al4V alloy target has been used to deposit TiAlVN under nitrogen and argon gas (50 percent Ar and 50 percent N2). In this paper, two substrate types have been used: stainless steel 304 and Si(100). This analysis has confirmed that the nitride films, (TiN/Si) and TiAlVN in both cases, have been produced. Energy Depressive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) measurement confirmed that the TiN/Si was stoichiometry, where the N/Ti ratio was about 1 with low oxygen contamination. The results obtained have indicated that the TiAlVN has more resistance to corrosion than TiN film in 3.5 percent NaCl at 25°C (seawater). Both films, TiAlVN/SS304 and TiN/SS304, have shown improved corrosion resistance compared with virgin 304 substrate. Microhardness was carried out using Vickers method; the microhardness values for TiN/SS304 and TiAlVN/SS304 were approximately 7.5 GPa and 25.3 GPa, respectively. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The films were prepared by a DC magnetron sputtering system starting from high pure (99.99 percent) Ti6Al4V target (Al 6wt%, V 4wt% and balance Ti) in plasma discharge argon/nitrogen (50 percent Ar and 50 percent N2) for deposition of TiAlVN film. Pure TiN target (99.99 percent) was used for preparation of TiN film in pure argon plasma. The diameter of target was 50 mm and the power applied for preparation of the two films was 100 W. A cylindrical high-vacuum chamber (Figure 2) made of stainless steel 316, with height 363 mm diameter, was fabricated locally. Scanning electron microscope images have been used to discover the films morphology. The composition of the films has been determined by EDX technique for films deposited on Si substrate. The electrochemical corrosion test was carried out using conventional three-electrode cell of 300 ml capacity by using Voltalab PGZ 301 system (France) using Tafel extrapolation method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques.
Findings
TiN and TiAlVN films have been prepared by DC magnetron sputtering technique without heating of the substrates holder. The effects of the composition of nitride films on mechanical and corrosion properties were investigated. The composition of the films has been determined by EDX technique. The effect of using titanium alloy (Ti with Al and V) on the composition and crystalline quality has been investigated. The microhardness is strongly dependent on the addition of the Al and V elements, and it consequently improves mechanical proprieties. The microhardness values for TiN/SS304 were approximately 7.5 GPa and 25.3 GPa for TiAlVN/SS304. They indicate that prepared films prevent the aggressive action of corrosion media.
Originality/value
TiN and TiAlVN films have been prepared by DC magnetron sputtering method at room temperature. Titanium nitride film, especially TiAlVN, is an effective method to improve the corrosion resistance of SS304. TiAlVN film has exhibited enhanced corrosion resistance and higher microhardness. Independent time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis has been used to determine the composition of the film.
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E.E. Oguzie, G.N. Onuoha and A.I. Onuchukwu
To investigate the inhibitive effect of Congo red dye (CR) for aluminium corrosion in strong alkaline solutions and evaluate the synergistic effect of halide ions on the…
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the inhibitive effect of Congo red dye (CR) for aluminium corrosion in strong alkaline solutions and evaluate the synergistic effect of halide ions on the inhibition efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
Corrosion rates of aluminium test coupons were determined by gravimetric technique at 30 and 60°C. Inhibition efficiencies of the additives (0.01‐5.0 mM CR and 5.0 mM CR+0.5 mM halides) were evaluated by comparing corrosion rates of the test coupons in 2 M KOH solution in the absence and presence of the additives.
Findings
CR inhibited aluminium corrosion in 2 M KOH by physical adsorption of the dye molecules on the corroding metal surface. Maximum efficiency at 30 and 60°C was 31.72 and 19.32 per cent, respectively. Dye adsorption was enhanced in the presence of halides in the order KCl < KBr < KI, with KI increasing efficiency up to 48.63 and 41.70 per cent at 30 and 60°C, respectively.
Research limitations/implications
Further studies to involve variation of dye and halide concentrations for CR+halide systems to determine the best combination for optimum inhibition synergism.
Originality/value
This paper forms part of an extensive database on the inhibition characteristics of organic dyes for corrosion of different metals in various aggressive environments. This is to serve as a guide to possible applications in metal‐surface anodizing and as additives in surface coatings for service in different environments.
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This study aims to explore and analyze the disparities in the distribution of housing types and characteristics among households in Saudi Arabia, taking into consideration the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore and analyze the disparities in the distribution of housing types and characteristics among households in Saudi Arabia, taking into consideration the regional perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses quantitative data obtained from the General Authority for Statistics, specifically from the Saudi 2022 Statistical Census. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages) as well as inferential statistics, including correlation analysis (Pearson correlation) and t-tests.
Findings
The study found a distinct preference among Saudis for villas, with 85.3% choosing this housing type, while only 14.7% of non-Saudis opted for villas. The statistical analysis confirmed the significance of housing type for Saudi citizens (t = 2.561, p = 0.037), while non-Saudis did not show a statistically significant preference (t = 1.703, p = 0.132). The Pearson correlation results revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.641, p = 0.009) between regional landmass and the number of houses, and a very strong positive relationship (r = 0.984) between population and the number of houses across the 13 regions. As expected, with increasing population, there was a significant increase in the number of houses (p = 0.001).
Originality/value
This study fills a research gap by investigating regional disparities in housing characteristics in Saudi Arabia. The findings are valuable for policymakers, housing developers and the housing market in understanding these disparities. The insights from this research can inform decision-making to promote equitable access to housing types and foster social inclusivity in the housing sector.
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P.S. Desai and R.T. Vashi
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect that different concentrations of the inhibitor sulphathiazole have on the corrosion of aluminum in 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 M…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect that different concentrations of the inhibitor sulphathiazole have on the corrosion of aluminum in 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 M trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and to elucidate the mechanisms of inhibition for this system.
Design/methodology/approach
Gravimetric measurements and galvanostatic polarization were used to investigate the effect of sulphathiazole on the corrosion of aluminum in TCA solution. The findings were used to determine the corrosion rates and efficiencies of the inhibitor at different concentrations.
Findings
The corrosion rate of aluminum decreased with increasing inhibitor concentrations and the efficiency of inhibition increased with increasing concentration of inhibitor up to almost 89 percent in 0.01 M TCA and up to 65.87 percent in 0.10 M TCA. The concentrations of inhibitor were in the range of 5‐20 mM. Absorption of the inhibitor was onto the aluminum surface and consistent with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. A plot of log (θ/1−θ) versus log C gave a straight line, which suggests that the inhibitor covers both the anodic and cathodic regions. From the plot of the isotherm, it was observed that one inhibitor molecule occupies more than one active site. The mean ΔGads0 values were negative almost in all cases, indicating that the adsorption was spontaneous and that the mechanism of adsorption was physical – i.e. electrostatic attraction. Polarization data revealed that the inhibitor functions as a mixed inhibitor.
Originality/value
The paper deals with the inhibition of corrosion of 2S commercially pure aluminum in 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 M solutions of TCA. To date, not much detailed information has been generated about this problem.
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E.E. Oguzie, A.I. Onuchukwu, P.C. Okafor and E.E. Ebenso
To appraise the inhibiting effect of Ocimum basilicum extract on aluminium corrosion in 2 M HCl and 2 M KOH solutions, respectively, at 30 and 60°C.
Abstract
Purpose
To appraise the inhibiting effect of Ocimum basilicum extract on aluminium corrosion in 2 M HCl and 2 M KOH solutions, respectively, at 30 and 60°C.
Design/methodology/approach
Corrosion rates were determined using the gas‐volumetric technique and the values obtained in absence and presence of extract was used in calculation of the inhibition efficiency. The mechanism of inhibition was estimated from the trend of inhibition efficiency with temperature.
Findings
Ocimum basilicum extract was found to inhibit aluminium corrosion in the acidic and alkaline environments. Inhibition efficiency increased with extract concentration but decreased with rise in temperature, suggesting physical adsorption of the organic matter on the metal surface. These results were corroborated by kinetic and activation parameters for corrosion and adsorption processes evaluated from the experimental data at the temperatures studied. Halide additives synergistically improved the inhibition efficiency of the extract.
Originality/value
This paper provides new information on the possible application of Ocimum basilicum extract as an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor. The mixed extract – iodide formulation provides an effective means for retarding aluminium corrosion even in highly aggressive alkaline environments.
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