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Farming tools are often exposed to high wear rate in dry agricultural land areas. This makes the farming activity to have problems of recurrent labour, idle time, and the extra expenses in replacing the damaged implements like ploughshares. Damaged tools end up in poor tillage, poor planting efficiency, and higher fuel costs. The major phenomena responsible for this is their susceptibility to wear, corrosion, and tribo-corrosion. The engineers are seeking means of enhancing the wear characteristic of implements used for farming activities to increase their durability. Increasing durability emanates from an investigation of corrosion, wear, and tear model of machine parts during tillage operation. It helps to fabricate standard tillage material components to extend their operating life. In this regard, this article gives a brief review on the working conditions of tillage tools, abrasive wear mechanism and wear of tillage tools, factors influencing wear of tools, different technologies used in combating wear and corrosion in agriculture and other industries, and suggestion was made on the promising novel findings discovered in the field in recent times which suggest a prospective breakthrough towards wear and corrosion in agricultural industry.

This study investigates the effect of using ethanol as the process control agent during the wet ball milling of niobium (Nb). Dried nanocrystal Nb powders, of high purity, with particle sizes, ranging from 8.5 to 14.3 nm, were synthesized by ball milling. Commercial Nb powder of particle sizes of − 44 µm was employed by using the planetary ball mill equipped with stainless still vials with still balls in ethanol. A ball-to-powder mass ratio of 10:1 was used at a rotation speed of 400 rpm, an interval of 15 min with an interval break of 5 s, and a milling time of 10 h. The powder was dried in vacutec at a temperature of 100 °C, using a speed of 15 rpm in the vacuum of 250 mbar at a time of approximately 653 min. The crystal phase of the dried powders was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) with CuK ɑ radiation, and by modification of the Scherrer equation, a single crystallite size of 11.85 nm was obtained. The morphology of the particles was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD results show that the pure crystal sizes in nanometre (nm), which decreases as the 2θ and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) increases.

Inconel 738 low carbon is a nickel-based superalloy that is widely used in the marine and petroleum industries, where it is subjected to an aggressive erosive and/or corrosive environment. Degradation due to erosion and corrosion often has a negative impact on the material’s long-term performance. This study aims to improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the material. This was achieved by using spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique to fabricate IN738LC superalloy. The elemental powders were prealloy in a tubular mixer for a period of 12 h. The samples were sintered at four different temperatures of 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200 °C under a pressure of 50 MPa, heating rate of 100 °C/min and holding time of 5 min. Wear test was conducted on the sintered alloys at 15, 25 and 35 N loads. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed in 3.65% NaCl and 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 solutions. Worn surfaces and microstructural analyses of the sintered alloys were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Microstructural evaluation of the alloys revealed that there was a homogenous dispersion of elemental composition, with less morphological defects. Wear results showed that the sample sintered at 1200 °C has the highest resistance to wear and corrosion attack. It also possesses superior hardness property. Therefore, the new material is suitable for application in a highly corrosive environment and also for high strength applications.

Polymer nanocomposites are drawing considerable interest in electrical energy storage research owing to their distinctive characteristics and promising roles in various devices, such as batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. This review examines the selection criteria of polymer nanocomposites for electrical energy storage applications and the current advancements in developing and producing polymer nanocomposites specifically tailored for electrical energy storage applications. Key topics covered include the selection of polymer matrices, choice of nanofillers, fabrication techniques, characterization methods, and performance evaluation of the resulting nanocomposites. The impact of nanofiller dispersion, interface engineering, and morphology control on electrical storage properties is emphasized. Proper dispersion enhances uniformity and interfacial interactions, improving electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Interface engineering boosts polymer-nanofiller compatibility, while morphology control optimizes nanofiller structure and arrangement for better storage efficiency. Emerging trends, challenges, and future research directions are also discussed, providing insights for developing advanced polymer nanocomposites with improved electrical energy storage capabilities.

This review provides information on spark plasma sintering (SPS) as a novel approach for polymer and polymer composite manufacturing. Over the years, the potential of this technique has been widely researched and attested for fabricating different metallic and ceramic-based composite without much emphasis on polymers. However, in recent times, this process has been employed to solving numerous challenges encountered while engaging the conventional polymer processing technique such as compression, injection moulding and extrusion in processing high viscous polymers and others. The numerous merit of this process, its mode of operation and applications are thoroughly explained in this review. It also evaluated the outstanding performance and unique properties obtained from the spark plasma-sintered polymer specimen when compared to the conventional polymer processing techniques. It was hence discovered that the thermoelectric properties, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, crystallinity, microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of the polymer can be greatly enhanced through this process compared to other conventional means. This review will help polymer scientist, industrialist and engineers to properly understand and explore this alternative route in solving many material development challenges.

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have become increasingly crucial in high‐performance applications due to their superior properties like outstanding wear resistance, high specific strength, and low thermal expansion. This review comprehensively examines the machining of MMCs, focusing on both conventional and nonconventional techniques. Conventional methods, including turning, milling, drilling, and grinding, are discussed alongside their inherent challenges and limitations. Nonconventional methods such as abrasive water jet machining (AWJM), ultrasonic machining (USM), electrical discharge machining (EDM), electrochemical machining (ECM), and laser beam machining (LBM) are evaluated for their effectiveness in overcoming these challenges. Recent advances and emerging trends in the field are highlighted, with particular emphasis on hybrid machining techniques, nanomachining, micromachining, and the integration of additive manufacturing with machining processes. The transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in process optimization is explored, showcasing improvements in precision, tool wear reduction, and surface quality. Additionally, the review addresses the growing importance of sustainability and green machining practices, underscoring the need for environmentally friendly manufacturing approaches. The paper identifies current challenges in machining MMCs, such as tool wear, process instability, and the complexity of modeling MMC behavior. Innovations needed to overcome these challenges are discussed, including the development of advanced tool materials, coatings, and enhanced modeling techniques. Potential areas for future research are proposed, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of nano‐enhanced MMCs, multiscale modeling, and the integration of AI‐driven process controls. In conclusion, this review provides a detailed overview of the state of the art in MMC machining, highlights significant advancements, and offers recommendations for both practitioners and researchers to drive future innovations in the field.

Packaging materials play a significant role in the meat, fish, and seafood, pharmaceutical, beverages, and electronics industries. These materials protect the contents during handling and transportation from damage, contamination, and loss of quality, thus enhancing the shelf life of the products being packaged. Several materials, like paper and cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass, have been widely used. However, the vast consumption of these materials leads to high waste generation due to increasing demands globally. This article considers some aspects of recycling waste packaging materials, the need for recycling in terms of environmental impacts, and the energy-saving and economic benefits. It also provides some highlights on the sustainability of the processes of recycling and how the government and public can influence recycling operations. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on packaging systems and solid waste management is also highlighted. This study also provides a short note on the possible future methods to be adopted in the recycling process of waste packaging materials.

Research scientists worldwide are continuously driving innovations toward achieving a safe and healthy environment across the entire ecosystem. An integral component of this pursuit, as captured in SDG-7, is ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The discovery of the vastness of bioresources embedded in agricultural and forestry residues mirrors hope and presents an array of challenges. Over the decades, biomass densification has been implemented to upgrade and consolidate the energy value of loose biomass for industrial and domestic applications. This is projected to mitigate the overreliance on fossil fuels as energy sources. However, the combustion and energy performance of biomass have not sufficiently met the energy mix requirements for extensive renewable energy use. The performance of the compacted material is dependent on the type of binder used in the manufacturing process, among other factors. This study explored the details of the available binders and biomass compositions investigated in previous studies. The authors also reported their performance, primarily regarding energy value and combustible behavior. Limitations such as low yield and low energy content, among other performance-related issues in biomass briquettes, can be highly enhanced with the appropriate selection of biomass and compatible binders. Hence, various research attempts, approaches, and methodologies have been conducted to develop solid fuel, and the binder’s influence on the energy content, density, combustion behavior, and other physical attributes of fuel briquettes has been reported.

An Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-021-07458-9

Transition to renewable and sustainable energy from fossil fuels (natural gas, coal, and oil) has dominated the research cycle. The shift is as a result of increasing population growth, industrialisation, decreasing oil reserves and hazardous environmental impact of energy generation from fossil fuels. The new methods of energy generation demand functional materials that are smart and strong for generation and storage of energy. Polymeric composite materials have been widely used. With the recent material performance demand, there is a need to improve the properties of the composite. The improvement can be achieved by reinforcing with fibres and/or nanoparticles as the matrix alone does not possess the required properties. The influence of incorporating fibres and/or fillers into the polymeric matrix has been largely reported in many studies. Recent advancement in the development and use of polymeric composites and nanocomposites is discussed for energy applications. The discussion includes material property improvements, processing methods and improving interface adhesion that may arise when compounding the materials. Various areas, in the energy sector where these materials, can be used are equally highlighted.