John Robinson, Arun Arjunan, Ahmad Baroutaji, Miguel Martí, Alberto Tuñón Molina, Ángel Serrano-Aroca and Andrew Pollard
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasises the need for antiviral materials that can reduce airborne and surface-based virus transmission. This study aims to propose the use of additive…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic emphasises the need for antiviral materials that can reduce airborne and surface-based virus transmission. This study aims to propose the use of additive manufacturing (AM) and surrogate modelling for the rapid development and deployment of novel copper-tungsten-silver (Cu-W-Ag) microporous architecture that shows strong antiviral behaviour against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Design/methodology/approach
The research combines selective laser melting (SLM), in-situ alloying and surrogate modelling to conceive the antiviral Cu-W-Ag architecture. The approach is shown to be suitable for redistributed manufacturing by representing the pore morphology through a surrogate model that parametrically manipulates the SLM process parameters: hatch distance (h_d), scan speed (S_s) and laser power (L_p). The method drastically simplifies the three-dimensional (3D) printing of microporous materials by requiring only global geometrical dimensions solving current bottlenecks associated with high computed aided design data transfer required for the AM of porous materials.
Findings
The surrogate model developed in this study achieved an optimum parametric combination that resulted in microporous Cu-W-Ag with average pore sizes of 80 µm. Subsequent antiviral evaluation of the optimum architecture showed 100% viral inactivation within 5 h against a biosafe enveloped ribonucleic acid viral model of SARS-CoV-2.
Research limitations/implications
The Cu-W-Ag architecture is suitable for redistributed manufacturing and can help reduce surface contamination of SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, further optimisation may improve the virus inactivation time.
Practical implications
The study was extended to demonstrate an open-source 3D printed Cu-W-Ag antiviral mask filter prototype.
Social implications
The evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic brings new and unpredictable challenges where redistributed manufacturing of 3D printed antiviral materials can achieve rapid solutions.
Originality/value
The papers present for the first time a methodology to digitally conceive and print-on-demand a novel Cu-W-Ag alloy that shows high antiviral behaviour against SARS-CoV-2.
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Oğulcan Eren, Hüseyin Kürşad Sezer, Nurullah Yüksel, Ahmad Reshad Bakhtarı and Olcay Ersel Canyurt
This study aims to address the limited understanding of the complex correlations among strut size, structural orientation and process parameters in selective laser melting…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address the limited understanding of the complex correlations among strut size, structural orientation and process parameters in selective laser melting (SLM)-fabricated lattice structures. By investigating the effects of crucial process parameters, strut diameter and angle on the microstructure and mechanical performance of AlSi10Mg struts, the research seeks to enhance the surface morphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of AM lattice structures, enabling their application in various engineering fields, including medical science and space technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
This comprehensive study investigates SLM-fabricated AlSi10Mg strut structures, examining the effects of process parameters, strut diameter and angle on densification behavior and microstructural characteristics. By analyzing microstructure, geometrical properties, melt pool morphology and mechanical properties using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and microhardness tests, the research addresses existing gaps in knowledge on fine lattice strut elements and their impact on surface morphology and microstructure.
Findings
The study revealed that laser energy, power density and strut inclination angle significantly impact the microstructure, geometrical properties and mechanical performance of SLM-produced AlSi10Mg struts. Findings insight enable the optimization of SLM process parameters to produce lattice structures with enhanced surface morphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties, paving the way for applications in medical science and space technologies.
Originality/value
This study uniquely investigates the effects of processing parameters, strut diameter and inclination angle on SLM-fabricated AlSi10Mg struts, focusing on fine lattice strut elements with diameters as small as 200 µm. Unlike existing literature, it delves into the complex correlations among strut size, structural orientation and process parameters to understand their impact on microstructure, geometrical imperfections and mechanical properties. The study provides novel insights that contribute to the optimization of SLM process parameters, moving beyond the typically recommended guidelines from powder or machine suppliers.
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Diesel has traditionally been considered the best-suited and most widely used fuel in various sectors, including manufacturing industries, power production, automobiles and…
Abstract
Purpose
Diesel has traditionally been considered the best-suited and most widely used fuel in various sectors, including manufacturing industries, power production, automobiles and transportation. However, with the ongoing crisis of fossil fuel inadequacy, the search for alternative fuels and their application in these sectors has become increasingly important. One particularly interesting and beneficial alternative fuel is biodiesel derived from bio sources.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, an attempt was made to use biodiesel in an unconventional micro gas turbine engine. It will remove the concentric use of diesel engines for power production by improving fuel efficiency as well as increasing the power production rate. Before the fuel is used enormously, it has to be checked in many ways such as performance, emission and combustion analysis experimentally.
Findings
In this paper, a detailed experimental study was made for the use of Spirulina microalgae biodiesel in a micro gas turbine. A small-scale setup with the primary micro gas turbine and secondary instruments such as a data acquisition system and AVL gas analyser. The reason for selecting the third-generation microalgae is due to its high lipid and biodiesel production rate. For the conduction of experimental tests, certain conditions were followed in addition that the engine rotating rpm was varied from 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 rpm. The favourable and predicted results were obtained with the use of microalgae biodiesel.
Originality/value
The performance and combustion results were not exactly equal or greater for biodiesel blends but close to the values of pure diesel; however, the reduction in the emission of CO was at the appreciable level for the used spirulina microalgae biodiesel. The emission of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide was a little higher than the use of pure diesel. This experimental analysis results proved that the use of spirulina microalgae biodiesel is both economical and effective replacement for fossil fuel.
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Thabo Khafiso, Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle and Clinton Aigbavboa
The increasing energy consumption in residential buildings poses significant challenges to sustainability, economic efficiency, and environmental health. Despite the availability…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing energy consumption in residential buildings poses significant challenges to sustainability, economic efficiency, and environmental health. Despite the availability of numerous energy-saving strategies, their adoption remains inconsistent due to various barriers such as cost, awareness and technical limitations. This paper aims to assess energy-saving strategies mitigating high energy consumption in residential buildings.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a quantitative research methodology. A carefully developed study questionnaire was distributed to a group of 20 Delphi experts to collect quantitative data. These experts possess extensive experience in the areas of energy use, energy management and energy savings. The questionnaire was also issued to the end users to gather quantitative data. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis.
Findings
The study results indicate a strong preference for certain energy-saving measures, with energy-efficient appliances, occupant behavior adjustments and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system upgrades emerging as the most frequently adopted strategies. Measures such as installing smart thermostats and energy-efficient windows also ranked highly, reflecting their perceived effectiveness in reducing energy consumption. However, strategies like weatherizing buildings and using smart power strips were less frequently implemented, suggesting lower prioritization or barriers to adoption. The findings further emphasize the importance of HVAC-related maintenance and upgrades, highlighted by their top rankings and frequent use, while simpler actions, such as insulation and turning off lights, were ranked lower despite their potential for energy savings.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s limitations include reliance on self-reported data, potential bias in participant responses and a lack of consideration for contextual factors such as regional climate, socioeconomic conditions and technological access that may influence the adoption of energy-saving measures.
Originality/value
This research is distinctive in its integration of the Delphi method with questionnaires to holistically evaluate and assess energy-saving measures for reducing excessive energy use in residential structures. By integrating expert consensus with empirical data from diverse residential contexts, it provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of effective energy management practices.