Confronted with the contemporary challenges of maximizing energy efficiency with minimal impact on the environment, the automotive industry has developed various technologies to tackle them. Most of these technologies, however,have wider implications on the tribological performance of the automotive engines due to resultant soot build-up. This paper reviews the effects that attempts by stakeholders to satisfy requirements for reduced fuel consumption, reduced emissions and extended service intervals havehad on increasing soot levels to an extent that can lead to engine component failure.Three areas have been identified that have either not been explored or not widely explored in the study of automotive soot, namely: numerical simulation and modelling of soot wear, soot effects on wear of actual engine components and the wear and friction performance of non-metallic materials used in ICEs. A paper-grading system is also utilised to present an overview of how sooty oil related research covers various areas.

In this study, the abrasive properties of periwinkle shell and crab shell grains with the binding effect of polyester resin at high concentration were evaluated. The abrasive properties considered were the hardness, compressive strength and wear resistance. The shells were processed into grit standards by crushing, grinding and then sieving using ASTM E11 set of sieves into grain sizes of P40 and P60. Furthermore on, the grits were developed into polymer matrix composite with particles varying from 96 wt.% to 92 wt.% and resin 3 wt.% to 7 wt.% with 1 wt.% each of cobalt naphthalene and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide hardener respectively by mixing and mold compression using a hydraulic press. It was found that, with an increase in polyester resin content, the hardness and compressive strength increased, while the wear rate decreased. The composition with most improved abrasive properties was 92 wt.% periwinkle shell grains to 7 wt.% polyester resin.

This study considered the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy of Nigeria and investigated the effective application of foundry technology to proffer a sustainable solution to the problem. Domestication of production of motorcycle components, being a significant means of transportation that is required for the development of any society was considered. Aluminium scraps from a waste dump and Belle and Oyun natural moulding sands in Kwara State, Nigeria,  which have been previously recommended for non-ferrous casting in previous studies were considered and used for casting of motorcycle/tricycle parts (centre stand and brake pedal) using AFS guidelines. The scraps’ chemical compositions  were analysed. Thereafter, some mechanical properties with the microstructure of the aluminium casts and that of commercially obtained imported types were examined using appropriate ASTM standards. Cast aluminium alloy produced using  scrap had no casting defects and had some mechanical properties comparable to those available on the markets (imported). Thus, effective usage of naturally available moulding sands in Nigeria for foundry applications would help to proffer sustainable solutions to the nation’s economic problem as a result of the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.