Correlating Phase Evolution and Morphology of Hydroxyapatite–Titanium Composites With Titanium Content and Thermal Processing Swati K. Dhamale, Sunilkumar S. Honnungar, Lokeshwari Navalgund, Vijaykumar S. Jatti Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology, 2026 Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a bioactive ceramic widely applied in dental, bone replacement, and implant therapies because of its excellent biocompatibility and chemical similarity to natural bone. Despite these advantages, its poor strength, limited thermal stability, low crystallinity, and unfavorable surface morphology restrict its use in demanding, load-bearing implants. Improving these properties without compromising biocompatibility remains a key challenge in developing reliable biomedical materials. In this study, HA–titanium (Ti) composites were synthesized by the wet precipitation method and examined to understand how Ti content and processing temperature influence their structural and functional characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed distinct morphological changes: low Ti concentrations promoted finer, more uniform particles, whereas higher Ti content and elevated temperatures led to agglomeration, grain coarsening, and the appearance of rod-like TiO2 structures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that crystalline HA was preserved at lower temperatures, with partial Ti addition into the HA lattice. At higher temperatures, reflections of rutile and anatase TiO2 phases emerged, indicating limited Ti solubility and the onset of phase segregation. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed these trends, with characteristic HA phosphate bands present across all samples, alongside band shifts, broadening, and diminished OH peaks that reflected lattice distortion. The growth of Ti– O bands at higher calcination temperatures further supported TiO2 formation. Collectively, these findings highlight that carefully controlled Ti incorporation enhances the crystallinity, thermal stability, and morphology of HA, while excessive Ti or high temperatures promote TiO2 segregation. Optimizing these parameters can pave the way for stronger, more reliable HA–Ti composites tailored for orthopedic, dental, and load-bearing implants that better serve patient needs.
Determination of the Volume of Unboiled Arecanut Kernels using Image Processing Ajit Salunke, Sunilkumar Honnungar, Arunachalam Vadivel Acta Technologica Agriculturae, 2025 Arecanut cultivation, though widespread in India, accounting for 50% of the global output, relies on visual attributes such as colour, texture, size, shape, and tactile traits like softness for quality assessment. The paradigm shift towards alternate industrial and medical applications emphasises the need for grading based on physical and mechanical properties. Real-time measurement of crucial physical parameters, particularly the volume of kernels, poses a considerable challenge that is not yet effectively addressed. The study focused on estimating the volume of unboiled arecanut kernels cultivated in Goa, India, utilising real-time image processing with segmentation. The devised system employed two cameras positioned at right angles to determine the diameters and thickness of the kernels. The research findings disclosed an average difference of 2.67% between volume estimations by image processing and the water displacement method. The paired t-test results revealed no significant difference (P >0.05) between the volumes obtained from the two methods. Additionally, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient demonstrated a very strong correlation between the two measurement techniques. The proposed method overcoming the limitations of the ellipsoidal method achieved 97.33% accuracy with the potential for real-time measurement of the kernel volumes, providing a basis for automated quality grading based on density and porosity.
Estimation of Physical Properties of Unboiled Type Arecanuts Using Load Cell and Ellipsoid Approximation Ajit Salunke, Sunilkumar Honnungar 2025 3rd International Conference on Mechatronics Control and Robotics Icmcr 2025, 2025 The automated sorting of arecanut kernels is a significant challenge that has not been effectively addressed thus far. Scientific grading techniques are necessary given the paradigm change toward investigating alternative uses for arecanuts in industry and the medical field. This research work emphasizes the relatively unexplored aspect of the post-harvest process; quality grading of kernels based on physical properties. The study evaluated the feasibility of employing machine vision for the real-time determination of unboiled arecanut kernel volume and load cell measurements for real-time mass measurement, targeting density-based automated quality grading. The proposed system used a load cell for mass estimation and two webcams placed at right angles to estimate volume using ellipsoid approximation. The study reported that the percentage error for mass measurement was 5.82 %, and for volume measurement, it was 14.29 %. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was 0.907 ($\\mathrm{P}<0.01$) for mass measurements and 0.731 ($\\mathrm{P}<0.01$) for volume measurements. The Bland-Altman approach revealed a mean difference of $\\mathbf{- 0. 3 3 6 0} \\mathbf{g}$ for mass measurement and $\\mathbf{- 0. 9 5 8 4}$ $\\mathbf{c m}^{\\mathbf{3}}$ for volume estimation. The findings indicate a potential for automated quality grading based on physical properties such as density, rather than relying solely on machine vision, which has been the primary focus of most researchers. However, a limitation of the proposed method is that the paired $t$-test results indicated a significant difference ($\\mathbf{P}<0.05$) between the mass values obtained from the load cell and those from the digital weighing scale. Additionally, the ellipsoid approximation and water displacement methods for volume measurement also showed statistically significant differences ($\\mathrm{P}<0.05$).
DEVELOPMENT OF A TRUE DENSITY-BASED AUTOMATED QUALITY GRADING DEVICE FOR UNBOILED ARECANUT KERNELS AS Salunke, SS Honnungar, and African Journal of Food Agriculture Nutrition and Development, 2024 The automated sorting of arecanut kernels is a significant challenge that has not been effectively addressed thus far. Scientific grading techniques are necessary given the paradigm change toward investigating alternative uses for arecanuts in industry and the medical field. This research work emphasizes the relatively unexplored aspect of the post-harvest process; quality grading of kernels based on physical properties. It aimed to develop a novel approach for classifying unboiled (Chali) arecanut kernels cultivated in Goa, India based on their true density, using a combination of mechanical and visual techniques. The study explored the potential of true density as a quality indicator for real-time grading of the kernels. To achieve this, automated grading equipment was devised, utilizing a load cell to measure the kernel's mass and the ellipsoid approximation method to estimate its volume. A machine vision system captured the top and side images of the kernels to measure their volume. Python programs were created to enable image acquisition, processing, object detection, measurement and kernel segregation. Real-time kernel classification was accomplished by establishing serial data communication between the Python code and the Arduino board. The kernel segregation process was facilitated by servomechanism and a stepper motor. The kernels were classified into acceptable and non-acceptable categories based on a threshold value of true density. The research successfully established a method that utilizes the physical attributes of arecanut kernels as parameters for quality grading. However, the study encountered challenges with the density measurements, as the paired t-test results revealed significant differences between the kernel true density measured by the device and the true density estimated using the weighing scale-water displacement method, indicating a percentage error of 13.2%. Addressing these challenges would lead to more accurate density calculations, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the kernel classification process. Furthermore, the technique allowed for the offline estimation of the kernels' porosity, which was found to be 45.3%. In future research, the integration of density and porosity measurement systems could be explored for real-time quality evaluation based on porosity, offering potential opportunities for further enhancement and optimization of the grading process. The technology could be further applied to other types of nuts and agricultural products, thereby overcoming the limitations of color-based sorting using image processing. Key words: Quality grading, True density, Machine vision, Arecanut kernel, Python
Investigations on thermal behaviour of a through-hole ball-screw with air and ideal CO2 gas as cooling media using computational fluid dynamics tool International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 2015
Indian and international scenario on research in thermal error minimization in CNC machine tool Sunilkumar S. Honnungar, V. Prabhu Raja, P. R. Thyla, M. Thirumalaimuthukumaran Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2012 — High speed machine tool is one of the basic needs in catering to a wide range of machining parameters with tight tolerance band. In high speed machine tool many key factors like geometric, cutting force and thermal errors decides the performance of the machine. However amongst these three, error due to thermal deformation is an important factor in influencing the accuracy level of component produced. A survey amongst Indian machine tool manufacturers reveals that there is a strong need to infuse recent technological developments in thermal error prediction and derive methodologies to minimize the same in high speed machine tool. This paper attempts snapshots of a review relating to the errors causing thermal deformations and the modeling techniques developed by researchers and practitioners globally in present scenario. The conclusions made at the end of this paper may not give the full solutions to the problems relating to thermal error but, gives a broad perspective for the Indian machine tool manufacturers’, practitioners as well researchers in India to look in to the research relating to thermal error modeling, analysis and corrective measures.
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Correlating Phase Evolution and Morphology of HA–Ti Composites with Titanium Content and Thermal Processing SK Dhamale, SS Honnungar, L Navalgund, VS Jatti Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology, 1-27 , 2026 2026
Machine learning for analysis and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization of titanium hydroxyapatite composite SK Dhamale, SS Honnungar, L Navalgund, VS Jatti Next Materials 11, 101887 , 2026 2026
Estimation of Physical Properties of Unboiled Type Arecanuts Using Load Cell and Ellipsoid Approximation A Salunke, S Honnungar 2025 3rd International Conference on Mechatronics, Control and Robotics … , 2025 2025
Determination of the Volume of Unboiled Arecanut Kernels using Image Processing A SALUNKE, S HONNUNGAR, A VADIVEL Acta Technologica Agriculturae 28 (1), 1-9 , 2025 2025
Development of a True Density-Based Automated Quality Grading for Unboiled Arecanut Kernels AS Salunke, SS Honnungar African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development 24 (8 … , 2024 2024
A review of unboiled arecanut drying process and its correlation with mechanical properties A Salunke, S Honnungar Materials Today: Proceedings 56, 2888-2892 , 2022 2022 Citations: 5
Quality grading of areca nuts harvested and processed in Goa using image processing and lab view A Salunke, S Honnungar AIP Conference Proceedings 2247 (1), 020017 , 2020 2020 Citations: 6
Synthesis And Characterization Of Hydroxyapatite To Prepare Bio Material Implant SKDSSHLNV Jatti International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research 8 (10), 3257-3261 , 2019 2019 Citations: 1
A Review of Quality Grading of Agricultural Products in Present Context of Indian and Other Developing Countries A Salunke, S Honnungar, A Vadivel SDMCET, Dharwad 10 , 2018 2018 Citations: 2
Feasibility study for converting traditional line assembly into work cells for termination of fiber optics cable R Caldeira, S Honnungar AIP Conference Proceedings 1943 (1), 020047 , 2018 2018 Citations: 6
Failure Analysis of Thrust-Ring of A Spline Rolling Machine CS Kadadavar, SS Honnungar, V Uppin 2017
Investigations On Thermal Behaviour Of A Through-Hole Ball-Screw With Air And Ideal CO2 Gas As Cooling Media Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Tool SS Honnungar, SR Devadasan International Journal of Applied Engineering Research 10 (13), 33398-33406 , 2015 2015
Computation Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Spark Ignition Engine for Gaseous Fuels with Different Spark Time VD Shetti, P Harkare, SS Honnungar International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, 1-5 , 2013 2013 Citations: 3
Statistical-based Analysis of Thermally Induced Errors in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Center SS Honnungar, VP Raja, M Nataraj Frontiers in Aerospace Engineering 2 (1), 53-59 , 2013 2013
Impact of Ball-Screw Pre-loading on Thermal Behavior Simulation of Vertical Machining Center During End-Milling Operation SSH V PRABHU RAJA, P R THYLA, P GANESAN AMRE-13, 55-61 , 2013 2013
Indian and International scenario on research in thermal error minimization in CNC machine tool SS Honnungar, V Prabhu Raja, PR Thyla, M Thirumalaimuthukumaran Applied Mechanics and Materials 110, 1799-1807 , 2012 2012 Citations: 2
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Quality grading of areca nuts harvested and processed in Goa using image processing and lab view A Salunke, S Honnungar AIP Conference Proceedings 2247 (1), 020017 , 2020 2020 Citations: 6
Feasibility study for converting traditional line assembly into work cells for termination of fiber optics cable R Caldeira, S Honnungar AIP Conference Proceedings 1943 (1), 020047 , 2018 2018 Citations: 6
A review of unboiled arecanut drying process and its correlation with mechanical properties A Salunke, S Honnungar Materials Today: Proceedings 56, 2888-2892 , 2022 2022 Citations: 5
Computation Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Spark Ignition Engine for Gaseous Fuels with Different Spark Time VD Shetti, P Harkare, SS Honnungar International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, 1-5 , 2013 2013 Citations: 3
A Review of Quality Grading of Agricultural Products in Present Context of Indian and Other Developing Countries A Salunke, S Honnungar, A Vadivel SDMCET, Dharwad 10 , 2018 2018 Citations: 2
Indian and International scenario on research in thermal error minimization in CNC machine tool SS Honnungar, V Prabhu Raja, PR Thyla, M Thirumalaimuthukumaran Applied Mechanics and Materials 110, 1799-1807 , 2012 2012 Citations: 2
Synthesis And Characterization Of Hydroxyapatite To Prepare Bio Material Implant SKDSSHLNV Jatti International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research 8 (10), 3257-3261 , 2019 2019 Citations: 1
Correlating Phase Evolution and Morphology of HA–Ti Composites with Titanium Content and Thermal Processing SK Dhamale, SS Honnungar, L Navalgund, VS Jatti Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology, 1-27 , 2026 2026
Machine learning for analysis and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterization of titanium hydroxyapatite composite SK Dhamale, SS Honnungar, L Navalgund, VS Jatti Next Materials 11, 101887 , 2026 2026
Estimation of Physical Properties of Unboiled Type Arecanuts Using Load Cell and Ellipsoid Approximation A Salunke, S Honnungar 2025 3rd International Conference on Mechatronics, Control and Robotics … , 2025 2025
Determination of the Volume of Unboiled Arecanut Kernels using Image Processing A SALUNKE, S HONNUNGAR, A VADIVEL Acta Technologica Agriculturae 28 (1), 1-9 , 2025 2025
Development of a True Density-Based Automated Quality Grading for Unboiled Arecanut Kernels AS Salunke, SS Honnungar African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development 24 (8 … , 2024 2024
Failure Analysis of Thrust-Ring of A Spline Rolling Machine CS Kadadavar, SS Honnungar, V Uppin 2017
Investigations On Thermal Behaviour Of A Through-Hole Ball-Screw With Air And Ideal CO2 Gas As Cooling Media Using Computational Fluid Dynamics Tool SS Honnungar, SR Devadasan International Journal of Applied Engineering Research 10 (13), 33398-33406 , 2015 2015
Statistical-based Analysis of Thermally Induced Errors in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining Center SS Honnungar, VP Raja, M Nataraj Frontiers in Aerospace Engineering 2 (1), 53-59 , 2013 2013
Impact of Ball-Screw Pre-loading on Thermal Behavior Simulation of Vertical Machining Center During End-Milling Operation SSH V PRABHU RAJA, P R THYLA, P GANESAN AMRE-13, 55-61 , 2013 2013
