SA Engineering College

This study explores the influence of graphene oxide (GO) on the curing kinetics, mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, and swelling behavior of ethylene propylene diene monomer/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (EPNBR) composites. These composites were fabricated via melt blending using an open mill mixer. The incorporation of GO led to increased minimum torque, maximum torque, delta torque, and cure rate index, while reducing scorch time and optimizing cure time in EPNBR composites. Tensile strength and stress at 100% elongation improved with GO addition up to 5 phr, beyond which they started to decline. However, GO negatively impacted elongation at break and rebound resilience. Notably, swelling resistance and abrasion resistance significantly improved with GO incorporation. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) images of fractured surfaces confirmed the uniform dispersion of GO within the polymer matrix. The composites demonstrated tensile strength, tear strength, stress at 100% elongation, and abrasion resistance increases of 61%, 71%, 36%, and 17%, respectively. Conversely, elongation at break and rebound resilience decreased by 27% and 23%, respectively, compared to the base vulcanizates.

The present study examines the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized CNTs (sCNTs), bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT)-functionalized CNTs (tCNTs), and 1-octadecanol-functionalized CNTs (cCNTs) on the rheometric behavior, mechanical properties, morphology, abrasion resistance, swelling resistance, compression set, and crosslinking density of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer/styrene-butadiene rubber (EPDM/SBR) composites. The filler content was varied from 0 to 8 phr (parts per hundred rubber). In terms of rheometric behavior, properties such as minimum torque, maximum torque, delta torque, and cure rate index increased with higher filler content, while scorch time and optimum cure time decreased. Regardless of the filler type, increasing the filler content led to higher compound viscosity, reduced cure time, enhanced crosslink density, and improved abrasion resistance and hardness of the vulcanizates. For all filler types, tear strength, compression set, and swelling resistance showed a consistent increase with rising filler content. However, tensile strength increased with filler content up to 5 phr but declined noticeably beyond this threshold for all filler types. At any given filler content, CNTs demonstrated superior compression set performance compared to sCNTs, tCNTs, and cCNTs.

Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using a modified Hummer’s method, and the influence of GO on the curing behavior, mechanical performance, abrasion resistance, and swelling resistance of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) nanocomposites was extensively analyzed. The curing results indicated increased torques (minimum, maximum, and delta torque) and cure rate index, while scorch time and optimum cure time were reduced. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved with higher GO content. Notably, NBR containing 6 phr of GO exhibited increases of 132% in tensile strength, 58% in tear strength, 10% in abrasion resistance, and 63% in stress at 100% elongation compared to unfilled NBR. Moreover, the nanocomposites demonstrated significant enhancements in both abrasion and swelling resistance. These findings highlight the potential of GO to effectively enhance the overall properties of NBR rubber.

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized through acid treatment and modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to enhance dispersion and interfacial bonding in ethylene-propylene-diene monomer/styrene-butadiene rubber (EPDM/SBR) composites. This study examines the effects of APTES-functionalized MWCNTs (sCNTs) and unmodified CNTs on mechanical properties and swelling resistance. Functionalization improves compatibility with the rubber matrix, enhancing reinforcement efficiency. Rheometric analysis shows that increasing sCNT content reduces scorch and cure times while improving crosslinking. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength and stress at 100% elongation, improve up to 5 phr sCNTs, but higher loadings lead to agglomeration. Tear strength, hardness, abrasion resistance, compression set, and swelling resistance also improve, indicating superior reinforcement compared to unmodified CNTs. Compared to base vulcanizates, tensile strength, stress at 100% elongation, and tear strength increase by 144%, 40%, and 109%, respectively. This study provides insights into high-performance EPDM/SBR composites for industrial applications.

In this research, a novel investigation explored the enhancement of nanocomposites by blending styrene-butadiene rubber/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (SBR/NBR) with both unmodified and [3-(2,3-Epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane-modified halloysite nanotubes (pHNTs and mHNTs). The study aimed to improve interfacial interactions and refine the SBR/NBR phase microstructure, leading to superior mechanical properties. Using a two-roll mill, mHNTs were incorporated at varying levels (0–10 phr). Results demonstrated reduced curing times (optimum cure time—t90, scorch time—ts2), increased maximum torque (MH), and substantial enhancements in tensile strength (up to 182%) and abrasion resistance (optimized at 6 phr mHNTs). Additionally, swelling resistance improved with higher mHNTs content, highlighting effective dispersion and interactions of HNTs within the SBR/NBR matrix.

The optimization on the cloud-based data structures is carried out using Adaptive Level and Skill Rate-based Child Drawing Development Optimization algorithm (ALSR-CDDO). Also, the overall cost required in computing and communicating is reduced by optimally selecting these data structures by the ALSR-CDDO algorithm. The storage of the data in the cloud platform is performed using the Divide and Conquer Table (D&CT). The location table and the information table are generated using the D&CT method. The details, such as the file information, file ID, version number, and user ID, are all present in the information table. Every time data is deleted or updated, and its version number is modified. Whenever an update takes place using D&CT, the location table also gets upgraded. The information regarding the location of a file in the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is given in the location table. Once the data is stored in the CSP, the auditing of the data is then performed on the stored data. Both dynamic and batch auditing are carried out on the stored data, even if it gets updated dynamically in the CSP. The security offered by the executed scheme is verified by contrasting it with other existing auditing schemes.

Carbon nanotube (CNT) composites were developed by blending ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) with in-situ functionalized CNTs using the silane coupling agent bis(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT). This study examines the impact of TESPT-functionalized CNTs (tCNTs) on the properties of vulcanized EPDM/SBR, focusing on rheological behavior, mechanical performance, abrasion resistance, compression set, crosslinking density, and swelling resistance. Rheometric analysis indicated that increasing tCNT content results in reduced scorch time and optimum cure time, while minimum torque, maximum torque, delta torque, and the cure rate index increase, suggesting stronger polymer-filler interactions. The stress at 100% elongation and tensile strength significantly improved up to 5 phr tCNT, with further additions causing diminishing returns due to increased filler-filler interactions. Moreover, tear strength, hardness, abrasion resistance, compression set, crosslinking density, and swelling resistance all improved with rising tCNT content, demonstrating the strong reinforcing capabilities of tCNTs in enhancing the mechanical and physical properties of EPDM/SBR composites.

Graphene oxide (GO) was produced by exfoliating natural flake graphite using Hummers’ method. Using the ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride (AMICl), the surface characteristics of the GO sheets were carefully altered to form nanocomposites containing ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and functionalized GO (GO-IL). The research showcases the incorporation of a reinforcing filler, GO-IL, as opposed to GO alone, leading to significant improvements in both the mechanical properties and swelling resistance of 80/20 EPDM/SBR blend nanocomposites. The distinctive amphiphilic nature of GO-IL facilitated its interaction with EPDM/SBR, thereby substantially enhancing the mechanical properties and swelling resistance of the composite system. With incorporation of only 6 phr GO-IL, the tensile strength and stress at 100% elongation of EPDM/SBR blend increased by 257% and 135%, respectively. This study indicates that GO-IL holds promise as a viable reinforcing filler for EPDM/SBR blends.

Rubber blending is a prominent technique for enhancing properties in final rubber products. This study investigates the interplay of filler concentration and surface modification in EPDM/SBR blend composites with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The effects of γ-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and resorcinol-hexamethylenetetramine (RH) modifiers were examined. Comparing rubber blend composites with modified and unmodified HNTs, the findings reveal significant enhancements using RH-modified HNTs. These composites outperform those with APTES-modified and unmodified HNTs, notably improving mechanical properties. The addition of fillers increases crosslink density and filler-rubber interaction, reducing mole percent uptake. These trends result in significantly improved abrasion resistance in the composites. FESEM images show that RH-modified HNTs have superior distribution compared to APTES-modified and unmodified HNTs, highlighting their effective interaction and dispersion. These findings can guide the optimization and production of outdoor applications.

Nanocomposites containing impermeable two-dimensional materials are attracting considerable attention for their ability to shield metals from corrosion. Incorporating m-aminophenyltrimethoxysilane functionalized niobium nitride (NbN) into a coating matrix can bolster the barrier effect owing to its remarkable chemical and thermal stability. When integrated into graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) within polyurethane (PU), functionalized NbN enhances corrosion protection and imparts fire-retardant properties. Utilizing electrochemical techniques in chloride-rich environments, the protective efficacy of aluminum coated with polyurethane containing varying proportions of functionalized NbN/GCN was investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements demonstrated improved coating resistance (Rcoat: 5.65 × 10¹¹ Ω cm²) for PU/functionalized NbN/GCN, even after 600 h of electrolyte exposure. Furthermore, the resulting PU composite exhibited superior flame-retardant capabilities, manifesting significant reductions in peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production compared to pure PU. Featuring a water contact angle of 165°, the newly developed PU/functionalized NbN/GCN coating showcased exceptional water repellency. In terms of mechanical properties such as adhesion strength and hardness, PU/functionalized NbN/GCN demonstrated favorable characteristics within the PU substrate, maintaining structural integrity even after prolonged immersion. Consequently, the PU/functionalized NbN/GCN nanocomposite presents itself as a promising coating component for aerospace applications.

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and a complex comprising resorcinol and hexamethylenetetramine (RH) modified HNTs (RH-modified HNTs) were utilized to reinforce a polymer blend consisting of chlorinated ethylene propylene diene monomer (Cl-EPDM) rubber and chlorinated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (Cl-NBR). The resulting blend composites underwent comprehensive analysis concerning their cure characteristics, abrasion resistance, compression set, solvent resistance, oil resistance, mechanical properties, hardness, and rebound resilience. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) confirmed the attachment and uniform dispersion of RH-modified HNTs within the Cl-EPDM/Cl-NBR blend. Moreover, the rubber nanocomposites' hardness, tensile and tear strength, swelling resistance, abrasion resistance, and oil resistance were all markedly improved by the inclusion of RH-modified HNTs. The tensile strength increased by 41% with HNTs and by 59% with modified HNTs, while the elongation at break decreased by 18% and 27%, respectively. Stress at 100% elongation rose by 45% with HNTs and by 55% with modified HNTs. Tear strength increased by 52% and 60%, respectively, while rebound resilience decreased by 24% and 32%. As penetrant size increased, the mole percent absorption of blend composites declined. Significantly, within the mix of composites, the specimen incorporating 6 phr of RH-modified HNTs displayed exceptional resistance to oil and solvents, coupled with a notable improvement in abrasion resistance and mechanical characteristics.

River water plays a crucial role in the development of urban civilizations, necessitating the need for its continuous monitoring, despite the challenges involved. This paper focuses on the application of deep learning techniques to monitor the water quality in rivers. Such monitoring is essential to determine both the quantity and quality of available water, enabling sustainable management practices and informed decision-making. To accomplish this, various water testing stations have been established along the Kaveri River, collecting data from each location. By employing a hybrid approach that combines Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM), the level of contamination introduced into the water supply can be assessed. The data is collected using field cameras placed at the test sites to measure the water levels and a range of sensors to quantify the degree of contamination. A cloud-based web interface facilitates real-time monitoring, data storage, and data transfer functions. The proposed CNN-BiLSTM model was evaluated, resulting in an improved detection accuracy of 4.62%. This approach proves valuable in precisely assessing the quality and quantity of water in rivers, making it a useful tool for water resource management.