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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Keywords
This paper aims to focus on data analytic tools and integrated data analyzing approaches used on smart energy meters (SEMs). Furthermore, while observing the diverse techniques…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on data analytic tools and integrated data analyzing approaches used on smart energy meters (SEMs). Furthermore, while observing the diverse techniques and frameworks of data analysis of SEM, the authors propose a novel framework for SEM by using gamification approach for enhancing the involvement of consumers to conserve energy and improve efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
A few research strategies have been accounted for analyzing the raw data, yet at the same time, a considerable measure of work should be done in making these commercially reasonable. Data analytic tools and integrated data analyzing approaches are used on SEMs. Furthermore, while observing the diverse techniques and frameworks of data analysis of SEM, the authors propose a novel framework for SEM by using gamification approach for enhancing the involvement of consumers to conserve energy and improve efficiency. Advantages of SEM’s are additionally discussed for inspiring consumers, utilities and their respective partners.
Findings
Consumers, utilities and researchers can also take benefit of the recommended framework by planning their routine activities and enjoying rewards offered by gamification approach. Through gamification, consumers’ commitment enhances, and it changes their less manageable conduct on an intentional premise. The practical implementation of such approaches showed the improved energy efficiency as a consequence.
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Keywords
Sanu Kailordson K. and Felix Xavier Muthu M.
The increasing demand for advanced materials in structural applications requires components that can withstand diverse load conditions while offering a combination of mechanical…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing demand for advanced materials in structural applications requires components that can withstand diverse load conditions while offering a combination of mechanical properties to improve overall performance. Dissimilar material joints, such as those between IN625 and AISI316, offer promising potential due to their unique properties. However, achieving reliable and high-performing joints between dissimilar materials remains a challenge, particularly in maintaining strength, wear resistance and hardness under varying conditions. The purpose of this study is to improve the performance of friction stir welded dissimilar joints between IN625 and AISI316 alloys using nanoparticles.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examines the mechanical properties of friction stir welded (FSW) dissimilar joints between IN625 and AISI316 alloys, with and without reinforcement by Al2O3 and TiO2 particles. The tensile strength, wear rate, coefficient of friction, microhardness and compressive strength of these joints were evaluated and compared to the base materials.
Findings
Results showed that the FSW process significantly improved the mechanical properties, with the particle-reinforced joints outperforming the non-reinforced ones. In particular, the IN625-AISI316/Al2O3 joint exhibited the highest tensile strength (690 MPa), lowest wear rate (1.92 × 10³ mm³/m) and the lowest friction coefficient (0.32). Microhardness testing revealed that the weld nugget (WN) region displayed the highest hardness (227 HV) due to grain refinement. The compressive strength of the IN625-AISI316/Al2O3 joint reached 1,583 MPa, the highest among all samples tested. These findings demonstrate the potential of using particle-reinforced FSW dissimilar joints for applications requiring superior mechanical performance, durability and wear resistance.
Originality/value
This study explores the enhanced mechanical and wear properties of FSW dissimilar joints between IN625 and AISI316 alloys, with and without Al2O3 and TiO2 nanoparticle reinforcements. Reinforced joints, particularly IN625-AISI316/Al2O3, showed superior tensile strength, wear resistance, hardness and compressive strength compared to non-reinforced ones. Grain refinement in the WN region contributed to increased hardness. These findings suggest that nanoparticle-reinforced FSW dissimilar joints can significantly improve durability and mechanical performance, making them ideal for demanding structural applications.