Inspired by nature, cellulose extracted from plant wastes has been explored, due to its great potential as an alternative for synthetic fiber and filler that contributes to structural performance. The drive of this study was to extract, treat, and evaluate the characteristics of rice straw (RS) (Oryza sativa L.) cellulose as a biodegradable reinforcement to be utilized in polymer base materials. Two routes of extraction and treatment were performed via the pulping (Route 1) and chemo-mechanical methods (Route 2), in order to discover comparative characteristics of the synthesized cellulose fiber. Comprehensive characterization of RS cellulose was carried out to determine crystallinity, surface morphology, and chemical bonding properties, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), respectively. The XRD test results showed that the crystallinity index (CI) of cellulose powder (CP) decreased after the surface modification treatment, Route 2, from 64.50 to 50.10% CI for modified cellulose powder (MCP), due to the surface alteration of cellulose structure. From Route 1, the crystallinity of the fibers decreased up to 33.5% (dissolve cellulose, DC) after the pulp went through the surface modification and dissolution processes, resulting from the transformation of cellulose phase into para-crystalline structure. FESEM micrographs displayed a significant reduction of raw RS diameter from 7.78 µm to 3.34 µm (treated by Route 1) and 1.06 µm (treated by Route 2). The extracted and treated cellulose via both routes, which was considerably dominated by cellulose II because of the high percentage of alkaline used, include the dissolve cellulose (DC). The dissolution process, using NMMO solvent, was performed on the pulp fiber produced by Route 1. The fiber change from cellulose I to cellulose II after undergoes the process. Thus, the dissolution process maintains cellulose II but turned the pulp to the cellulose solution. The acquired characteristics of cellulose from RS waste, extracted by the employed methods, have a considerably greater potential for further application in numerous industries. It was concluded that the great achievement of extracted RS is obtained the nanosized fibers after surface modification treatment, which is very useful for filler in structural composite applications.

Mass properties such as the centre of gravity location, moments of inertia, and total mass are of great importance for vehicle stability studies and deployment. Certain parameters are required when these vehicles need to be arranged inside an aircraft for the carrier to achieve proper mass balance and stability during a flight. These parameters are also important for the design and modelling process of vehicle rollover crash studies. In this study, the mass properties of a military armoured vehicle were estimated using hoisting and pendulum method. The gross total weight, longitudinal and vertical measurements were recorded by lifting the vehicle using a mobile crane and the data were used to estimate the centre of gravity. The frequency of vehicle oscillation was measured by applying swing motion with a small angle of the vehicle as it is suspended on air. The centre of gravity and mass moment of inertia were calculated using the vector mechanics approach. The outcomes and limitations of the approach as discussed in details.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of magnesium alloy AZ31B and its resilience with regard to fatigue by means of spectrum loading for automotive applications. This is because magnesium is being used extensively in automotive components and indirectly, it is necessary to know the fatigue level of the material to have a clear picture when designing the use of the material. Experiments and simulations were used in this study, which involved the experimental testing of material stress and fatigue. The fatigue test, using hydraulic servo fatigue, was divided into two parts, one using the constant amplitude loading analysis, and the other, spectrum loading, to get the level of resilience of the alloy concerned. The simulations were conducted using fatigue analysis software to obtain the number of fatigue cycles of the material using the Coffin-Manson theory. The spectrum loading data was developed based on the percentage of the yield stress of the AZ31B alloy. The experimental results obtained show that the material properties of magnesium alloy AZ31B are approximately equivalent to the ASTM standard with an error of less than 20 %. The validation experiments and simulations for loading fatigue had almost the same effect, namely in the correlation ratios of 1 : 2 and 2 : 1. From the study, it can be seen that the resilience of AZ31B makes it appropriate for the use in automotive applications.

The freight transport sector, which primarily relies on heavy-duty diesel vehicles, accounts for approximately 25–30% of worldwide transport-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, underscoring the critical need for decarbonisation. Hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles (HFCVs), otherwise, are emerging as a viable alternative for long-haul freight, strengthened by advancements in fuel cell technology and supportive national energy policies. Meanwhile, the battery electric vehicles (BEVs) excel in short- to medium-duty applications due to their high efficiency, but encounter challenges related to charging delays, infrastructure requirements, and reliance on the electrical grid. However, the HFCVs provide rapid refuelling and extensive ranges; yet they face obstacles due to elevated hydrogen prices, insufficient refuelling infrastructure, and fragmented policies. This review offers a comparative evaluation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and diesel vehicles in terms of technical, environmental, and economic factors, encompassing range, efficiency, lifecycle emissions, and infrastructure expenses. Moreover, this review outcome has indicated that China surpasses others in adoption due to robust national strategies at the same time, Europe gains from the Green Deal and Fit-for-55, and North America progresses through industry-led initiatives but faces challenges from fragmented regulations, with readiness indices of 3.8, 3.7, and 3.3, respectively. Realising scale necessitates synchronised policy, infrastructural investment, and intersectoral collaboration. This review study also provides empirical insights to inform sustainable freight transition strategies and emphasises HFCVs as a feasible alternative for decarbonising long-haul transportation.