SLIIT Conference and Symposium Proceedings

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All SLIIT faculties annually conduct international conferences and symposiums. Publications from these events are included in this collection.

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Open Access
A Comparative Study on TiO₂/Graphite–PEG and Graphite/Carbon Fibre- Paraffin Shape Stabilized Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage Applications
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Dananjaya, V; Wen, Q; Abeykoon, P
Shape-stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs) are promising candidates for latent heat thermal energy storage systems due to their high energy density and ability to prevent leakage during phase transitions. This study presents a comparative analysis of two SSPCM systems: TiO₂/graphite–polyethylene glycol (PEG) and graphite/carbon fibre/graphene–paraffin composites. Both composites were prepared by vacuum-assisted infiltration of molten PCMs into porous expanded graphite networks, with the addition of functional fillers to enhance structural integrity and thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed distinct microstructural features for each system; TiO₂ nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed within the PEG matrix and anchored onto graphite surfaces, while carbon fibres and graphene nanoplatelets formed a hierarchical interconnected network within the paraffin-based composites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated that both systems preserved high latent heat storage capacities with slight shifts in phase transition temperatures compared to pure PCMs. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed improved thermal stability of the SSPCMs relative to neat PCMs, with filler composition significantly affecting degradation onset temperatures. In TiO₂/graphite–PEG composites, DSC analysis showed melting temperatures of 61.4-62.7 °C and solidification temperatures of 53.1-54.0 °C, with latent heats of 185-210 J g⁻¹ depending on TiO₂ content. Graphite/carbon fibre/graphene–paraffin composites exhibited melting temperatures of 54.8-55.6 °C and solidification temperatures of 48.9-49.7 °C, with latent heats of 140-160 J g⁻¹. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed improved degradation onset temperatures: TiO₂/graphite-PEG composites showed higher thermal stability compared to pure PEG, while carbon fibre/graphene–paraffin composites exhibited enhanced thermal resistance relative to pure paraffin. The TiO₂/graphite-PEG composites exhibited higher latent heat capacities and enhanced thermal resistance, whereas the graphite/carbon fibre/graphene–paraffin composites provided superior mechanical reinforcement and phase change reliability. These findings offer insight into the design optimization of SSPCMs tailored for specific thermal management applications.
Open Access
Enhancing Geometric Construction Skills Through Targeted Interventions: A Case Study of a Grade 10 Student
(School of Education, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, SLIIT, 2025-10-10) Abeykoon, P; Gamage, V
Geometric construction has been one of the topics in Mathematics that accounts for poor performance in both internal and external examinations among students in school. Geometric construction has consistently posed challenges in mathematics education, contributing to low student performance. This action research aimed to identify the causes of poor engagement and errors in geometric construction among Grade 10 students, focusing on a single case study of a student from government school in the Badulla district. Using interviews, observations, and document analysis, the study diagnosed the student’s difficulties and implemented a three-stage intervention strategy: integrating digital tools, introducing design rulers, and applying traditional mathematical instruments. The results indicate that the student’s engagement and construction skills improved significantly through targeted and student-centered learning activities. The study underscores the value of adaptive teaching strategies inpromoting geometry learning in the 21st-century classroom.