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Evaluation of mechanical and interfacial properties of friction welded alumina-mild steel rods with the use of Al6061 sheet are presented in this work. SEM, EDX analysis, hardness and bending strength tests were conducted. The bonds were attained through interfacial interlocking and intermetalllic phase formation with average bending strengths in the range of 40 to 200 MPa and insignificant hardness change in the parent alumina and mild steel. A preliminary simulation was made to predict the deformation, stress, strain and temperature distribution during the joining operation using a fully coupled thermo-mechanical FE model. The aluminum alloy metal being rubbed was simulated using a phenomenological Johnson-Cook viscoplasticity material model, which suited for materials subjected to large strains, high strain rates and high temperatures. The highest stress, strain and deformation are found to be within the heat affected zone of the weld close to the periphery rubbing surface region and correspond to the highest temperature profiles observed.

The coconut industry generates a relatively large amount of coconut shell and husk biomass, which can be utilized for industrial and environmental purposes. Immense potential for added value when coconut shell and husk biomass are turned into biochar and limited studies are available, making this review paper significant. This paper specifically presents the production and activation technology, economic and financial aspect and application of biochar from coconut shell and husk biomass. Pyrolysis, gasification and self-sustained carbonization are among the production technology discussed to convert this biomass into carbon-rich materials with distinctive characteristics. The surface characteristics of coconut-based biochar, that is, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area ( SBET), pore volume ( Vp), pore diameter ( dp) and surface functional group can be enhanced by physical and chemical activation and metal impregnation. Due to their favourable characteristics, coconut shell and husk-activated biochar exhibit their potential as valuable adsorption materials for industrial and environmental application including biodiesel production, capacitive deionization, soil amendment, water treatment and carbon sequestration. With the knowledge of the potential, the coconut industry can contribute to both the local and global biocircular economy by producing coconut shell and husk biochar for economic development and environmental remediation. The capital and operating cost for production and activation processes must be taken into account to ensure bioeconomy sustainability, hence coconut shell and husk biomass have a great potential for income generation.

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