Articles in this Issue

10 articles
1
Research Article

Structural and Thermal Characterisation of Lithium Aluminium Titanium Tantalum Phosphate NASICON-type Solid Electrolyte

Abubakar Sadiq Sanda*, Mohammed Isah Kimpa, Ibrahim Sharifat Olalonpe, Isah Kasim Uthman

The material with NASICON-type structure lithium aluminium titanium phosphate with tantalum substituting titanium Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.66Ta0.04(PO4)3 (LATTaP) has been synthesised via the solid-state method at a sintering temperature of 900 ºC for 6 h. The thermal analysis indicated that the reaction of the chemical mixture becomes stable around 717 ºC, indicating an improvement in the material densifica...

Jul, 2025 pp. 1 - 6
2
Research Article

Advances in Sol-Gel Synthesis of MgZr4(1-x)Hf4xP6O24 (x = 0, 1) Solid Electrolytes for Electrochemical Devices

Mohammed Alhaji Adamu*, Girish M Kale

The potential solid electrolytes, MgZr4P6O24 and MgHf4P6O24 were prepared using modified novel sol-gel method. Structural and electrical properties of the solid electrolytes were determined. TGA-DSC analyses indicated that the pure dried xerogel powders, when calcined at 900 oC converts to pure single phase MgZr4P6O24 and MgHf4P6O24 nanopowders with excellent crystallinity. Pellets of 13 mm diamet...

Jul, 2025 pp. 7-17
3
Research Article

Development and Experimentation of Hybrid Composite Gasket Using Sawdust Ash, Waste Glass Powder, and Polyester Resin

Adekunle Nurudeen Olatunde*, Fasasi Rauf Olamide, Ismaila Salami Olasunkanmi, Daniel Samuel Damilare, Quadri Oluwaseun

The increasing environmental burden caused by industrial wastes has prompted the development of sustainable alternatives to conventional engineering materials. This study utilized sawdust ash, waste glass powder, and polyester resin to develop composite gasket materials, aligning with the principles of sustainability and circular economy. Five composite formulations were prepared with constant pol...

Jul, 2025 pp. 18-25
4
Research Article

Performance Evaluation of Fonio Chaff, Eggshell Powder, and Charcoal Ash as Partial Cement Replacement in Compressed Stabilised Earth Bricks

Musa Sa’atu Auta*, Abdul Bello Kagara, Dauda Ibrahim, Wahab Bamidele Kareem

Rapid urbanisation, natural resource depletion, and the high environmental impact of Portland cement production have intensified the search for sustainable, locally sourced construction materials. Compressed stabilised earth bricks (CSEBs) present a promising alternative due to their low energy demand and adaptability to local soils. This study investigated the strength performance of CSEBs inc...

Jun, 2025 pp. 26-39
5
Research Article

Fabrication and Characterisation of Aluminium Alloy/Rice Husk Ash Composites for Lightweight Automobile Wheels

Adamu M. A*, Mijinyawa A. A, Hassan U, Okafor C. A, Abdullahi M. B

This study focuses on the development of an aluminium alloy composite reinforced with rice husk ash (RHA) for automobile wheel applications. Aluminium piston scrap was used as the base matrix, and RHA was introduced at 5%, 10%, and 15% weight fractions using the stir-casting method. The produced composites were subjected to hardness, tensile strength, impact energy, density, and wear tests to e...

Jun, 2025 pp. 40-49
6
Research Article

Evaluation of the Effect of Starch as Binder in Sand Casting of Aluminium

Adamu M. A*, Ikhianfia G. O., Mijinyawa, A. A, Abdulkareem B, Ibrahim A. A.

This study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of cassava starch as an organic binder in sand preparation for aluminium casting, emphasising its influence on key mould properties, moisture content and green compressive strength and overall casting quality. Silica sand mixtures were prepared with cassava starch at 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5% by weight, molded into cylindrical samples, and tested fo...

Jun, 2025 pp. 50-56
7
Research Article

Physicochemical, Thermal and Cooling Curve Characterisation of Sulfate Salt–Modified Sesame Oil as a Potential Bio-Based Quenching Medium

Hafiz Bashir Aminu*, R. M. Dodo, Tever Ause, Ajah Ocholi

The development of environmentally safe quenching media is critical for sustainable heat treatment operations. Vegetable oils have emerged as promising bio-based alternatives to petroleum-derived quenchants due to their renewability, biodegradability and favourable thermal characteristics; however, their direct industrial application is often limited by inadequate thermal stability and sub-opti...

Jun, 2025 pp. 57-74
8
Research Article

Synergistic Enhancement of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Hybrid Polyvinyl Chloride Composites Modified with Polyvinyl Acetate, Epoxidized Soybean Oil and Graphene Oxide

Ayanwale Olushola Johnmark*, Mamza Paul Andrew, Iyun Ogunkemi Risikat Agbeke

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites modified with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), and graphene oxide (GO) were developed to investigate the synergistic effects of hybrid modification on mechanical and thermal properties. The composites were prepared using melt mixing followed by compression moulding. Tensile properties were evaluated in accordance with ASTM D638 standards, ...

Jun, 2025 pp. 75-86
9
Research Article

Structural and Optical Properties of Ag-Decorated ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesised via Hydrothermal Method for Optoelectronic Devices

M. I. Kimpa*, Muhammad Mustapha Kpanje, Haruna Isah, Abdullahi F. M, Ahmad Alhaji Abubakar, Y. Titus, K. U. Isah

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention due to their wide bandgap and excellent physicochemical properties, making them promising materials for optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications. However, intrinsic defects such as zinc and oxygen vacancies introduce mid-gap trap states that promote charge carrier recombination, thereby limiting their performance. In thi...

Jun, 2025 pp. 87-96
10
Research Article

Influence of Alkaline Treatment Performance on the Mechanical, Thermal and Wettability Properties of Epoxy/Kenaf Fibre Composite

Shuaibu M.A*, Busuguma A.U, Mohammed A.B., Amina H.B, Shamsuddeen U.A., Ahmad A.

The development of eco-friendly composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal performance remains a challenge, particularly when using natural fibres. The studies on the mechanical and thermal properties of neat epoxy (EPX), EPX/KF and EPX/KF/NaOH at different kenaf fibre loading and at different NaOH treatment. This study investigates the effects of kenaf fibre (KF) loading and sodium hydrox...

Jun, 2025 pp. 97-111