Kwara State University
Kabiru Mustapha
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Designation: Senior Lecturer
Department: Material Science and Engineering
| My Publications | ||||||||
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| S/N | Title | Abstract | Authors | Volume Numbers | Publication Type | Publication Date | Link | |
| 1 | Toughening and Resistance-Curve Behavior of Earth-based Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites |
This study presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of the toughening and resistance-curve behavior of nature fiber-reinforced earth-based composites. The composites consist of mixture of laterite, clay and straw that are stabilized with controlled levels of Portland cement. Single edge notch bend specimens of composites reinforced at 5, 10 and 20 volume percent of straw (randomly oriented whiskers) were subjected to three-point bending in resistance-curve (R-curve) experiment. The underlying crack-microstructure interactions associated with R-curve behavior were also elucidated via optical and scanning electron microscopy. This revealed evidence of crack bridging by the straw fibers. The measured resistance-curve behavior is shown to be consistent with predictions obtained from small- and large-scale bridging models. The implications of the results are then discussed for potential applications in the design of robust earth-based building materials for sustainable eco-friendly homes. | K. Mustapha, E. Annan, S. T. Azeko, M. G. Zebaze Kana and W. O. Soboyejo | 2 | Conference Proceeding | 2013-11-25 | ||