Browsing by Author "Sikiru Ottan Abdulraman"

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    EFFECTS OF SAWDUST PARTICLES REINFORCEMENT ON THE MICROSTRUCTURAL, PHYSICAL, AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CEMENT-BASED COMPOSITES: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
    (Annals of the Faculty of Engineering Hunedoara, 2024) Kabiru Mustapha; Sikiru Ottan Abdulraman; Moyosoreoluwa O. King-Okuneye
    This study investigates the effect of varying sawdust reinforcement volumes on the physical and mechanical properties of Portland cement composites. Sawdust from a local sawmill in Moro, Kwara, Nigeria, was incorporated into cement composites at volume fractions from 40% to 90%. Composites samples were produced for physical, mechanical and microstructural characterizations. Results showed that water absorption increased with higher sawdust content, peaking at 41.78% for 90% sawdust composite, and bulk density also rose, reaching a maximum of 193.33 g/m³ at 90%. Apparent void volume generally decreased with increasing sawdust content. Optimal mechanical properties were observed at 60% sawdust content, with the highest compressive strength of 20.32 MPa, flexural strength of 8.36 MPa, and fracture toughness of 0.85 MPa.m, while hardness decreased with increasing sawdust, peaking at 42.99 HRBS at 40% sawdust. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform distribution of sawdust particles within the cement matrix, with improved interfacial bonding observed at the optimal 60% sawdust content, contributing to the enhanced mechanical properties of the composite. In conclusion, 60 vol.% sawdust reinforcement is optimal for enhancing the mechanical performance of Portland cement composites, offering a balance between strength and sustainability, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective, eco-friendly reinforcement for cement-based materials in sustainable construction practices.
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    Fostering the Sustainability of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) of Barite in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
    (2021) Itohan Otoijamun; Moses Kigozi; Sikiru Ottan Abdulraman; Adelana Rasak Adetunji; Azikiwe Peter Onwualu
    The exploration and mining of Nigerian barite are primarily by artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) whose operations are characterized by poor productivity. As a result, the quantity and quality of barites produced do not satisfy the nation’s oil sector demands and other industries that require the mineral. This situation leads to massive importation of the mineral with negative impact on the country’s drive toward increasing the contribution of solid minerals to the gross domestic product (GDP). This study reviews the existing policies and government interventions on ASM of Nigerian barite; evaluates the operations of ASM through a survey of mines in Nasarawa state, Nigeria; identifies factors that affect sustainability of the sector and proffers solutions to foster sustainability of ASM of barite in the region. The study adopted the 4Is optimization technique (Information gathering, Interpretation, Implication, and Implementation) through personal interactions with the stakeholders at the barite mining sites, and government agencies, regarding policies and interventions specific to ASM of barite. Challenges identified include: weak implementation and enforcement of mining laws; inadequate support from government and development partners; poor access to mining equipment and technology; poor infrastructure (access road, water, electricity); poor pricing of products (marketing challenges); poor remuneration of mine workers; poor mining skills; inadequate formal education; limited awareness on environmental health and safety hazards; fragility and conflict; insufficient information and data on mines and miners; security issues; lack of access to finance; lack of formalization of operations and poor legal framework for operations. The strategies suggested for fostering the sustainability of ASM of barites include: enhanced policy and legislation formulation and implementation, strengthening of institutions, formalization of ASM operations, training of miners, awareness campaign, improvement in environmental and safety of operations, empowerment and support by government and development partners for individual miners and processors and organized groups within the sector (such as Miners Association of Nigeria, Association of Miner and Processors of Barite, AMAPOB). Implementation of these strategies will lead to sustainable operations of the sector and hence improved rural livelihoods, stimulation of entrepreneurship in an environmentally responsible manner, and improvement in the contribution of the mineral sector to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), and hence national development.
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    Influence of thermal ageing on the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of banana stem particles reinforced aluminium-alloy matrix composites
    (2024) Sefiu Adekunle Bello; Abdul Ganiyu Funsho Alabi; Suleiman Danjuman Daudu; Stephen Durowaye; Mohammed Kayode Adebayo; Luqman Babatunde Eleburuike; Sikiru Ottan Abdulraman; Shuaib Ajibola Mohammed
    The influence of thermal ageing on the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of banana stem particles (BSp) reinforced aluminium-alloy matrix composites was investigated. Sand casting was used to produce the composites, comprising aluminium alloy matrix reinforced with BSp of varying weight ratio of 0 wt. %, 1 wt. %, 3 wt. %, 4 wt. %, 5 wt. % and 6 wt. % were thoroughly mixed. Test samples for mechanical characterisation were prepared from the sand cast (6 mm diameter by 125 mm rods for tensile test). Thermal ageing was done for 2 hours (hrs) at 350 0C. The composites were evaluated for tensile, modulus of elasticity, hardness, and microstructural characteristics. The thermally aged samples demonstrated greater tensile strength and toughness as the concentration of BSp increased up to 5 wt. % in the composite in comparison with the as-cast samples. The greatest characteristics were demonstrated at 5 wt. % BSp concentration. Lower hardness was demonstrated by the as-cast samples in comparison with the aged-hardened samples. There was 5 wt. % BSp concentration in the alloy enhanced thermal ageing. These indicate that greater mechanical characteristics of the composites can be obtained by thermal ageing.
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    Physicochemical and mineralogical composition studies of clays from Share and Tshonga areas, Northern Bida Basin, Nigeria: Implications for Geophagia
    (2024) Olusola Johnson Ojo; Suraju Adesina Adepoju; Ayodeji Awe; Adeonipekun Dele Adedoyin; Sikiru Ottan Abdulraman; Busoye Thomas Omoyajowo
    This study is focused on the evaluation of the geophagic characteristics of the sedimentary clay deposits at Share and Tshonga areas, northern Bida Basin, Nigeria. The methods used include particle size distribution, cation exchange capacity (CEC), acidity and alkalinity (pH), X-ray diffractometry, and bulk inorganic geochemical analysis (X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer). The investigated clays are classified as dominantly clayey–silt with minor clayey–sand type, which conforms with the textural standard of geophagic clays obtained from different parts of the world. The whitish coloration of the clays with an occasional red stain also compares well with geophagic clays from Kenya and parts of South Africa and is therefore considered suitable for consumption. The observed low CEC (1.71–5.06 cmol(+)/kg) and acidic pH (4.54–6.87) values of the clay samples would make them effective against nausea and excessive salivation during pregnancy. The mineralogical compositions of these clay samples show the dominance of kaolinite with minor non-clay minerals, which makes it suitable not only for food detoxification but also as an alleviation of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea. Chemical analysis shows a low percentage per weight of certain elements that are of nutritional value, though not in the present state but better as excipients in the pharmaceutical industry. It was observed, however, that consumption of more of the studied clay may lead to adverse health due to the presence of some heavy metals (Co, Cu, Ni, Cd, Ag, and Pb) with concentrations in excess of the permissible limit.