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This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of polypropylene polymer matrix composites reinforced with luffa fibers. It also tries to reduce polypropylene content in the manufacturing process by incorporating natural fibers such as luffa. Natural fibers offer good mechanical qualities and are inexpensive. They have a high specific strength, are environmentally benign and are biodegradable. The fiber is first alkaline-treated and then heated on the surface in the sun. The fiber is then powdered using a ball milling technique and mixed with polypropylene in various weight proportions. The composite samples were prepared using the injection molding process. The prepared samples were tested for mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and hardness. The percentage increase are 8.32, 2.56, 23.07 and 7.73 respectively as compared with the control sample. The research demonstrates that adding the right amount of natural fiber with the polymer can significantly improve their mechanical properties. From the study, it is concluded that natural luffa fiber can be used to minimize the content of polymers in structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aims to investigate the effect of nanofiller, lead oxide on the mechanical, thermal, and water intake behavior of luffa fiber-reinforced epoxy polymer matrix composites. Filler material PbO of 20 nm was added in different weight proportions along with luffa fiber to the matrix and the compression molding technique was used for the fabrication of the composite laminates. Tensile, flexural, and impact properties were studied on the prepared samples. The influence of lead oxide on glass transient temperature (Tg) and the curing of epoxy were also studied using the Differential scanning calorimeter. The optimum mechanical and thermal properties were observed on the addition of 1.25 wt. % of nanofiller. The morphological images show various defects like interfacial behavior, fiber pulls outs, voids, and internal cracks, and these were examined using a scanning electron microscope. Hence the present investigation showed that the addition of nanofiller could enhance the mechanical strength of the natural fiber composite. Further, it enhanced the moisture resistance and thus could find potential structural and packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The increasing awareness in environmental safety has led to rapid development in production of electricity using wind energy with wind turbines. The widespread deployment of wind turbines has outpaced the effective recycling of End‐of‐Life wind turbines. This study explores the potential of mechanically recycling decommissioned wind turbine blades (WTB) as reinforcement material in 3D printing processes. Utilizing mechanical grinding, materials were extracted from the waste blades and subsequently analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis to determine optimal processing conditions. The reclaimed materials were then blended with recycled polypropylene through single‐screw extrusion to fabricate tensile test samples via Fused Deposition Modeling. The impact of print orientation on mechanical strength was examined at 0°, 45°, and 90° angles. Morphological analysis was conducted on the fractured specimens to assess the failure characteristics. The findings indicate that samples printed at a 90° orientation exhibited superior mechanical properties, suggesting a viable pathway for incorporating wind turbine waste into sustainable manufacturing cycles. A decentralized‐mechanical recycling technique to the waste WTB. The necessary material parameters for the operations employed in this study. Reinforced 3D printable filaments from waste WTB. Stronger reinforced filaments obtained from proper fiber alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemoptysis due to saphenous venous graft (SVG) aneurysm is an extremely rare condition and published literature has described the role of conservative management, surgical resection, and covered stent. Here, we report a successful placement of a covered stent for SVG aneurysm in a 56-year-old male who presented with hemoptysis. He was a known diabetic and had undergone a coronary artery bypass grafting 5 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) chest and fiberoptic bronchoscopy performed in another local hospital had revealed blood in the left lingula with spillover into the left lung parenchyma. Hence, he had received empirical anti-tuberculosis medication for 2 months without any improvement. He was referred to our hospital for further management of hemoptysis. Multidetector CT (MDCT) angiography of the chest covering coronaries performed at our hospital revealed SVG aneurysm that was managed with covered stent placement., Competing Interests: None