This paper deals with the testing of tensile and flexural behaviour of epoxy-reinforced natural fibre composites, for which Banyan fibres have been selected as the natural fibre. Variations are made in the orientation of the fibres to determine which orientation made the composite the strongest. The fibre strands are arranged in different orientations, such as the uniaxial, biaxial and criss-cross arrangements, to differentiate between the orientations and observe which arrangement exhibited the best mechanical behaviour. The fibres are initially washed with 0.5% weight/volume (w/v) NaOH solution, following which specimens of the composites are made using wooden moulds designed according to ASTM standards. Biaxial layers of E-glass are incorporated into the matrix in an attempt to enhance the mechanical properties of the specimen. The variances observed in the Young’s modulus are analysed to understand the factors that majorly impacted it. For a better understanding of the results, the chemical functional groups and the microstructure of the samples are analysed with the aid of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-Ray powder Diffraction (XRD). Additionally, predictive models are simulated using Artificial and Deep Neural Networks to recognise patterns in the data, by varying specific parameters. The results obtained indicated that Banyan fibre composites can replace conventionally-used materials and serve real-world purposes better.

Natural fibre composites are ideal material substitutes for combating the issues of pollution and non-biodegradability. Several industries, the automobile industry, in particular, have shown tremendous inclination towards the usage of natural fibre composites in their deliverables. Besides providing a wide array of useful properties, natural fibre composites have offered flexibility in terms of choosing various combinations of fibres and resins. Owing to this, this paper aims to collect data and categorize the natural fibre composites based on the types of treatments and properties they exhibit. Characterization was done by taking into consideration chemical and enzymatic treatments as well as tests such as the tensile, flexural, compressive, impact, shear and hardness. Based on the values obtained from the characterization, the paper suggests suitable and feasible natural fibre composites as biocompatible replacements to conventionally used materials in the automotive industry.

The objective of this paper is to study the working of concrete pumps and to establish an alternative mechanism that would enhance their efficiency. A concrete pump is a machine used for transferring semi-solid, ready-mix concrete by pumping. As observed from the analysis of their functioning, it was evident that the transition of energy from mechanical to hydraulic, and back to mechanical during the process was accompanied with significant energy loss, which comprehensively reduced the efficiency of the concrete pump. A great proportion of this energy was lost through heat dissipation. Reducing the number of energy conversions posed to be a promising concept, for which the usage of hydraulic system in the current setup was to be withdrawn. The Whitworth Quick Return mechanism sufficed as a suitable alternative for the required purpose. It was observed from the mathematical analysis of the new mechanism that the theoretical flow rate increased from 45m3/h to 73m3/h, indicating a higher volume of concrete being pumped at the same input energy supply.