Search Results (2)

This study investigates the mechanical properties and optimization of hybrid composites composed of flax, vetiver, and mahogany fruit fillers (MFFs) using epoxy resin as the matrix material. Nine distinct composite configurations were fabricated using different MFF concentrations (0, 5, and 10 wt.%) to evaluate their influence on tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance. The MFF was subjected to alkali treatment and characterized using FTIR, XRD, and particle size analysis to enhance its compatibility with the polymer matrix. Vetiver and flax fibers also underwent alkali treatment to improve interfacial bonding. The composite fabrication process followed the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array to optimize the design. Mechanical testing revealed that the incorporation of MFF significantly improved the overall performance, with FVM9 (10 wt.% MFF) exhibiting the highest tensile strength (56.32 MPa), flexural strength (89.65 MPa), and impact resistance (10.46 kJ/m²). The CRITIC–EDAS method was employed to rank the composite configurations, and FVM9 was identified as the optimal configuration. Comparisons with alternative MCDM methods (WASPAS, COPRAS, TOPSIS, and VIKOR) validated the reliability of the rankings, and FVM9 consistently performed the best. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the CRITIC–EDAS approach, as the rankings remained stable despite variations in the criterion weights. The synergistic effect of flax, vetiver, and MFF, along with improved interfacial bonding, contributed to the superior mechanical properties of the hybrid composites. These findings highlight the potential of FVM composites as sustainable, high-performance materials for various industrial applications in the automotive, construction, and aerospace sectors. Full article

The Mae Kha Canal in Chiang Mai, Thailand, has long suffered from severe water quality deterioration due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and inadequate waste management practices. This article describes an integrated water resource management approach, started in February 2018, with the goal of guaranteeing sustainable urban living conditions and improving the water quality of the canal. This study was a quasi-experimental study, with key interventions including garbage net installation, coconut-fiber mattress weir installation, and Free Water Surface Wetland treatment using vetiver grass. An interrupted time-series analysis of the monthly biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were applied to examine the trends and changes after the full implementation of wastewater management in March 2021. The results demonstrated significant improvements in water quality, indicated by reduced BOD levels (from 17.00–38.70 to 9.00–12.67 mg/L) and increased DO levels (from 0.00–2.40 to 0.80–6.00 mg/L). However, the decreases in BOD and increases in DO levels were not stable during the year. The post-intervention trend of BOD level decreased after the wastewater management implementation at SriDonChai Road (coefficient of trend: = −0.75 [95% confidence interval: −1.44 to −0.06]). This project highlights the effectiveness of integrated management strategies in addressing urban water quality issues and emphasizes the importance of community involvement in sustainable environmental management. The findings underscore the necessity for integrated approaches to wastewater management in urban environments to address both ecological health and public welfare. Full article