bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lift, drag and pitching moment performances of different wing profiles for MAV wings
Authors: Ismail N I , Yusoff H , Sharudin H , Suhaimi S , Hamdan S K
Published: December 2019

The wing profile for Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) can be easily developed through the polynomial equation method which is proven in generating good aerodynamic performances. However, the study demands more studies in profile configurations to provide more evidence which interrelated with its aerodynamic performances. Thus, in this works, an aerodynamic study on different wing profiles configurations has been carried out. Profile 1, Profile 2 and Profile 3 were developed through the 3rd order polynomial equations have analyzed based on simulation works by using ANSYS-CFX. Based on the lift distribution analysis, it shows that Profile 3 has a huge advantage in generating better lift distribution (CL) among the wing profiles. Profile 3 able to produce at least 20% to 22.9% better maximum lift coefficient (CLmax) and CL magnitude compared to the other wing profiles. Despite its benevolent in CL performances, Profile 3 has induced the highest drag (CD) penalty among the wing profiles. Profile 3 has consistently produced at least 57.5% higher CD magnitude compared to other wing profiles. However, in terms of moment coefficient (CM) performances, Profile 3 has shown a promising ability in providing better wing stability compared to the other wing profile due to steeper CM slope.
The study of hybrid composite plates under transverse sinusoidal load using ANSYS
Authors: Azmi N N , Nasir M F M , Ayoub G , Hussain A K , Mahmud J
Published: December 2019

Composite materials have been widely used in many applications but understanding their failure behavior is always challenging. For years, numerical investigation has been the effective alternative, even though the underlying theories related to composite materials are complicated. This study aims to investigate the improved strength of hybridization by comparing the failure behavior of glass-epoxy composite laminate and hybrid glass-graphite-epoxy laminate under transverse sinusoidal load. The composite and hybrid composite laminates with various aspect ratios were modelled using ANSYS. The plates were simply supported and transverse sinusoidal load were applied until failure occurs. Initially, numerical validation was performed and the simulated results are found to be close to the 3D elasticity analytical results. In general, most simulated parameters produced error less than 2% and thus proving the reliability of the finite element models and implementation. The first ply failure (FPF) and last ply failure (LPF) curves were plotted to compare the failure trend of glass-epoxy composite laminate and its hybrid laminate. The results showed no significant difference in the FPF trend but hybridization could withstand up to 80% more normalized load in terms of the LPF. In conclusion, the present study has shed new knowledge about the failure behavior of hybrid laminate and thus, this knowledge could be applied in designing hybrid composite laminates.
Effect of bias voltage on the electrochromic properties of WO3 films
Authors: Au B W C , Chan K Y , Pang W L , Lee C L , Wong S K , Mustafa A H
Published: December 2019

Electrochromism is the phenomena of reversible colour change in electrochromic (EC) materials due to a small applied voltage. Tungsten oxide (WO3) is one of the most studied cathodic electrochromic materials for its applications in smart windows, displays and rear-view ymirrors. In this work, WO3 films were fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass via the sol-gel spin-coating method. The influence of bias voltage on the EC properties of the fabricated WO3 films was studied. The optical properties were characterised by using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer and the EC properties were characterised by the chronoamperometry (CA) method. The fabricated WO3 films exhibited an optical transmittance of 80 % in the visible range. CA measurements revealed an increase in colouring and bleaching time and intercalated charge density as bias voltage was increased. Moreover, the colouring and bleaching transmittance of the WO3 films were found to decrease as bias voltage was increased. Within our measurement range, bias voltage of 1.0 V was found to be the optimum bias voltage where it corresponds to 34 % optical modulation and higher colouration efficiency of 22.6 cm2/C.
Short-term light soaking effect on dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Yeoh M E , Chan K Y
Published: December 2019

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are one of the most promising third generation solar cells and have been regarded as a competitive alternative to the conventional silicon-based photovoltaic devices due to their relatively low production cost. Light soaking effect is an intriguing phenomenon that exists in DSSCs, which refers to the enhancement of the electrical parameters in the cells after being exposed to light soaking. In this paper, we report on the variation in the electrical parameters of DSSCs under continuous exposure to a simulated solar irradiation for a period up to 6h. Increments of Jsc and Voc in DSSC were observed after 6h of light soaking, which led to improved efficiency from 3.87% to 4.50%. The improvements may be ascribed to the formation of electron trapping states below the TiO2 conduction band edge, which facilitated the charge carrier transport.
Damage detection of artificial corroded rebars and quantification using non-destructive methods on reinforced concrete structure
Authors: Senin S F , Hamid R , Ahmad J , Rosli M I F , Yusuff A , Rohim R , Abdul Ghani K D , Mohamed Noor S.
Published: December 2019

Corrosion of rebars in reinforced concrete structure is a big universal problem created by saline water ingress causing rebar and other metal structural member to corrode. The deterioration of concrete structures due to the harsh environment conditions leads to the deterioration of the reinforced concrete performance structure, and the premature deterioration of the structure before completing due to carbonation or the chloride content of the future services is expected to be the primary concern for engineers and researchers. Progress of corrosion location cannot be visually evaluated until the point when crack or a delamination is appearing. Therefore, in the study, the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to investigate the artificial rebar corrosion damage on steel rebars. The methods showed the artificial rebar corrosion damage can be detected and quantified without damaging the surrounding concrete material. GPR showed the potential on detecting rebar corrosion damage on large areas and in a rapid manner.
Rheological properties of film solution from cassava starch and kaffir lime oil
Authors: Manshor N M , Jai J , Hamzah F , Somwangthanaroj A , ongdeesoontorn W T
Published: December 2019

Rheology of film solution is important to determine the final characteristics of biopolymer film as packaging material. In this study, the dynamic rheological properties of cassava starch-kaffir lime oil film solution were determined. The rheology measurement was made at frequency of 0.1 to 10 Hz and 1 % strain at 25 °C. The storage modulus (G’), loss modulus (G") and complex viscosity (η*) were determined to know the viscoelastic behavior of the film solution. The magnitude of G’ was greater than G" for all samples which indicated that the film solution was a gel-like; that is, the film solution behaves more like a solid where the deformations were elastic and recoverable. All samples show increasing trend of G’ and G" as the frequency increased. The complex viscosity decreased with increasing frequency which presented a shear thinning behavior of the film solution. The dynamic rheological properties of cassava starch-kaffir lime oil film solution was determined appropriately, thus the characterization of produced biopolymer film by casting can be correlated.
Bus service indicator: The different sight of performance index development
Authors: Suria H , Ahmad F M , Siti N S
Published: December 2019

Public transportation (PT) contributes to both the economical and physical health of individuals, it brings financial benefits to communities, and a key component of a healthy business ecosystem by increasing mobility options. The objective of this research is to develop a bus performance index of the existing PT system. This research utilised the multi-method approaches in Penang based on the perceptions and expectations of the bus users. A developed TRANSQUAL model is based on the existing SERVQUAL model, producing a set of 34 benchmark items and 7 dimensions that consist of reliability, safety, environment, responsiveness, accessibility, infrastructure and image as discussed in previous articles. Further study enhanced through the TRANSQUAL application, deficiencies of bus system performance in certain route is identified and might be improved. Subsequently, the bus performance index for each route was determined through the application of the mathematical composite index. Meanwhile, it can act as a monitoring aid to the service provider. At that point, service quality can be enhanced and the public will be attracted to use the buses as the main means of transportation.
Failure analysis of woven kevlar/epoxy composite laminates under compression due to variations in fiber orientation
Authors: Mali M , Hussain A K , Muzafar M A , Zainol A F M , Mahmud J
Published: December 2019

Studies have shown that the angle of fiber orientation significantly affects the mechanical properties of a composite laminate. Although investigations on the properties of the composite material have been conducted, there is still a lack of studies related to Kevlar/Epoxy laminate. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of the angle of fiber orientation to woven Kevlar/Epoxy laminates under a compression state. The study was conducted in two stages comprising of numerical validation and failure analysis. Maximum Stress Theory and Tsai-Wu Failure criteria were selected for the failure prediction. The laminates were made of 24 layers woven Kevlar/epoxy and the stacking sequence was (θ4/0<4-θ4)s. The angle of fiber orientation, θ, was varied from 0° to 90° and failure loads for both flat plate and flat plate with circular hole were determined. The trend of displacement and failure behaviour for both type of plates were compared. From the results, it is found that the effects of the fiber angle on the plate with circular hole are more significant than the flat. Therefore, it can be reasoned that the current study is useful in contributing significant knowledge to better understand the failure behaviour of composite plate.
Utilisation of palm oil fuel ash (Pofa) as sand replacement for fresh and hardened concrete by using powder and liquidation method
Authors: Hashim N H , Muhd Sidek M N , Noor N Md , Roselli S R , Mohd Yusoff M A , Saiful Bahari M F S
Published: December 2019

Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is a waste material and generally disposed to open fields causing environmental pollution problems to the land and the air. Due to its abundance and high pozzolanic characteristics, it is highly potential to be used as civil engineering construction materials such as partial sand replacement in concrete. This paper presents the investigation of POFA as partial sand replacement in concrete. In doing so, two method of mixing processes were used namely powder and liquidation methods. The POFA was added in the concrete mix at various dosage levels of 0 %, 5 % and 10 % by weight of sand. Two types of testing were carried out; slump test for workability of fresh concrete identification and compressive strength test for strength identification of the hardened concrete cubes. The compressive strength test was carried out at 3, 7 and 28 days. The results from two different methods of mixing process were analysed, compared and discussed. From the results show that additional of 10 % of POFA by weight of sand is able to increase the strength of concrete at 28 days compared to other dosage levels. Hence, the POFA is given positive impact to be used as sustainable material in construction industry.
Phenomenological model for the prediction of the performance of a slurry bubble column reactor for green diesel production
Authors: Muharam Y , Putri A D , Hamzah A
Published: December 2019

The performance of vegetable oil hydrotreating to produce green diesel in a slurry bubble column reactor was predicted in this study using a phenomenological model. A two-dimensional axisymmetric model of the reactor of 2.68 m in diameter and 7.14 m in height was used. The model consists of species mass transfer equations, an energy transfer equation and a pressure drop equation. Fluid mixing in the reactor was explained by dispersion coefficients. Catalyst distribution along the reactor was also considered. The chemical kinetics developed by Attanatho was used in the model. The effects of the gas and liquid superficial velocities on the triglyceride conversion as well as the green diesel yield and purity were predicted and evaluated. The effect of the superficial gas velocity on the reactor performance is insignificant since the range of superficial velocities in this simulation is in homogeneous flow area. The effect of the liquid superficial velocity is quite significant.
Utilization of camphor as an alternative carbon source for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes using floating catalyst
Authors: Wulan P P D K , Fathony A , Ulfa A S
Published: December 2019

Due to its extraordinary physical, mechanical and electrical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNT) have continued to develop since it was discovered in 1998. Domestic demand itself has not been fulfilled because the production costs are fairly expensive. Conventional CNT exhibits many toxic effects on invertebrates and also cause genotoxicity in rats and in humans. Camphor-based CNT production is cheap and easy to use for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) because of its volatile and non-toxic properties. This research was conducted with the floating catalyst method using ferrocene (Fe) as a catalyst precursor and camphor as a carbon precursor by varying the number of camphor mass by 1, 3 and 5 grams. The CNT Synthesis was performed silica balls and quartz shatter as the substrates, argon as carrier gas with flow rate 100 mL/min, and hydrogen as co-reactant with flow rate 70 mL/min. The operating temperature of the synthesis used was 800°C with a reaction time of 60 minutes. The results showed that camphor decomposed into three compounds which are 40% benzene, 8% toluene, and 52% xylene. The synthesis process with quartz as the substrate produces more carbon deposits than silica balls due to its better heat transfer and the purer silicon dioxide (SiO2) contained in the quartz. CNT has grown to follow a tip growth model with deformations such as the buckling growth model and a continuous growth model was also found. The biggest yield (25 mg/cm2) is obtained at camphor mass of 5 gram with a carbon percentage of 87.1% and average diameter 33 - 44 nm.
Natural rubber latex (NRL) waste protein purified at various pH condition and metal extraction studies
Authors: Tahir H , Misran M
Published: December 2019

Purification of NRL protein was accompanied by extraction of waste proteins using salting out and multiple centrifugation methods. Both methods contributes to varying degree of yield and purified protein characteristics. However both methods produces protein that can bind metal efficiently. Conventionally, salting out method was used and it is uncommon to use multiple centrifuge to extract protein. The key aspects discussed here, were on how the pH condition exposed to the NRL waste leads to variation in hevea protein extracted amount and how metal binding featured in FTIR spectroscopy. The purified protein were reacted with metal solution of different strength to study the binding characteristics. Molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) size of dialyzing tube shows greater effect on the final protein extracted amount by about 50% when smaller size were used. Acidic condition favors part of proteins from waste in purification while some favors basic condition. Standard salting out method shows consistent profile in extracting metal compared to multiple centrifugation method from 30 to 80%.
CME event produced along with solar flares and its relation with the magnetic field
Authors: Norsham N A M , Hamidi Z S
Published: December 2019

The magnetic field of the Sun plays the main role in the production of the solar flares until the enormous coronal mass ejections. The magnetic field can be observed from the sunspot on the Sun’s surface. This paper is focusing on the production of the coronal mass ejection and solar flare based on the solar radio burst type II and III that occurred on 2nd April 2017 which were recorded by BLENSW site in Switzerland. The active region (AR) 2644 on the sun’s surface that day had produced the M-class flare with the value of M5.3 which peaked at 0802 UTC. The region of 2644 had a magnetic classification of the beta-gamma spot where it contributes to the energy of the M class flare. The velocity of the flare moving through the interplanetary space was 588 km/sec. During that day, three significant shortwave radio blackouts affected the Indian and Pacific regions oceans. The coronal mass ejection produced was not facing the Earth and Kp index of 3 and the total interplanetary magnetic field with 5 nT were recorded. All data were collected from e-CALLISTO, CACTUS, Space Weather Live and Space Weather website.
Microwave-assisted CO2 activation preparation of ceiba pentandra seed based activated carbon for Cu(II) adsorption
Authors: Latiff M F P M , Badrealam S , Dolian E S , Khan M N N , Nasir N H M , Yahaya N K E M
Published: December 2019

This study involves producing activated carbon from Ceiba Pentandra seed by using a physical activation method to adsorb Cu(II) from synthetic wastewater. Ceiba Pentandra seed was carbonized and activated using CO2 using a microwave heating process. The process was optimized using Design-Expert version 11. The interactions between different process conditions towards the Cu(II) adsorption were analyzed. The optimum radiation power, radiation time and CO2 flow were found out 264 Watt, 4 minutes and 100 cm3, respectively for the maximum Cu(II) removal.
Flexural behaviour of RC beams with steel and polypropylene fibres
Authors: Lee S W , Hassan R , Saari N , Mohamad N M , Mat Noor N I
Published: December 2019

The flexural behaviours of reinforced concrete (RC) beams incorporating steel and polypropylene fibres under four-point bending test is examined in this paper. A total of nine beam specimens were designed, cast and tested under flexural loadings. Three types of concrete mixture – plain, concrete with steel fibres and concrete with polypropylene fibres – were employed in this study. Fibre content is fixed at 3% by the weight of sand as sand replacement for both mixtures containing either steel or plastic fibres. Compression tests were also conducted at 7, 14 and 28 days for twenty-seven concrete cubes prepared using the three mixtures. Comparisons of results were done in term of compressive strength, ultimate flexural load and deflection capacity. The crack pattern and failure mechanism of RC beams subjected to four-point bending are discussed. Finally, the effect of steel and polypropylene fibres on the flexural behaviour of RC beams are justified.
Degradation of phenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol wastewater by ozonation in multi-injection bubble column reactor
Authors: Wahyudi D P , Ghaisani S V , Bismo S
Published: December 2019

The presence of phenolic compounds, such as phenol (carbolic acid or phenylic acid) and 2,4-DCP (2,4-dichlorophenol), in trace amounts in the agricultural environment and in chemical industries wastewater has been considered a potentially large risk for the environment and human health. Therefore, it is very important to develop effective techniques for removing phenolic compounds in wastewater. This research was conducted specifically to observe the effect of temperature of ozone production in the ozonation process to remove phenol and 2,4-DCP in the agricultural aquatic environment and industrial wastewater. This experimental study was conducted using a semi-continuous multi-injection bubble column reactor with initial concentrations of phenol and 2,4-DCP 50 ppm for 60 minutes ozonation. The effect of parameters namely, waste water flow rate, air flow rate, pH of the solution, and temperature were evaluated and optimized. Degradation efficiency, COD concentration, hydroxyl radical concentration were also monitored. It was found that the degradation efficiency at room temperature and low temperature (cold conditions) of phenol were 98.79% and 98.22%, respectively, while 2,4-DCP degradation at room and cold temperatures was 99.83% and 99, 99%, respectively.
Effect of different amount chitosan, starch and glycerol in composite edible coating
Authors: Mohd Yusof N , Jai J , Sharif Z I M , Mustapha F A , Pinijsuwan S
Published: December 2019

The experimental works involved the preparing of composite edible coating containing chitosan, starch, and glycerol to improve the shelf life of fruits. In this study, the number of raw materials was varied to determine the effect of each amount of raw materials towards the value of spreading, adhesion and cohesion coefficient on the fruit samples. The surface tension characteristic of the coatings is important for predicting the stability of the coatings during storage. 1.5 (% w/v) content of chitosan in coating solution was the best amount of chitosan to be used in formulating the chitosan-starch composite edible coating formulation while 2.0 (% v/v) amount of starch has got the nearest value to zero of spreading coefficient Ws, which make it the best formulation to be chose. Glycerol of 0.25 (% v/v) was used in formulating the starch composite edible coating formulation.
Improving precipitate calcium carbonate (PCC) particle size distribution for a continuous mineral carbonation system
Authors: Onn M S , Noh M G M , Shukor M S M , Isa M A
Published: December 2019

Mineral carbonation is a process where carbon dioxide (CO2) is converted into solid carbonates. The product of mineral carbonation is obtained when CO2 is being contacted with alkaline earth metals, such as calcium and magnesium. In this research, the team focusing on producing precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), as a solution to manage CO2 release which comes from high CO2 content natural gas field production. To make this process economically feasible, the team has researched obtaining valuable PCC quality which is marketable in various industries. The quality mainly measured in terms of particle size, where the particle size will determine the application of the PCC. This study investigates the effect of feed solution retention in reactor towards PCC particle size, using continuous mineral carbonation system. In this system, Milk of Lime, which is Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution used as feed. To produce this solution, 7 g/L Calcium Oxide (CaO) is suspended in deionized water and stirred. This solution is injected in the range of 0.8 L/min to 1.2 L/min into pressurized CO2 in the range of 10 bar to 80 bar. The retention time is varied by using mechanically modified reactor inlet cap, where the feed inlet time is delayed by elongation of feed injector inside the reactor by 15 cm (NEWCAP). Particle size of the product was analyzed by using Malvern Mastersizer 3000. Experimental data show that by shortening the feed solution retention time inside the reactor, will produce smaller particle size. Using the unmodified reactor inlet, the obtained product particle size ranging (D50) from 15 micron to 25 micron. On the other hand, using NEWCAP reactor inlet the obtained particle size ranging (D50) from 8 micron to 20 micron.
Corrosion behaviour of in-situ Zirconium Diboride (ZrB2) reinforced by Aluminium-Copper (Al-Cu) alloy metal matrix composite
Authors: Mustafa N H , Mahat M M , Yahaya S M , Rosmamuhamadani R
Published: December 2019

Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) through the medium of in-situ counteraction has crop up under the name of preference contributively prior to lay out weak point as well as defects reside within ex-situ MMC. In contemporary work, aluminium-copper-zirconium diboride (Al-Cu-ZrB2) composite have been plug through in-situ reaction which promote mechanical abilities on top of dispersion strengthening together with grain refinement accessed by continuation of particular particulates inside the melt for the time being of solidification. Aluminium-copper (Al-Cu) reinforced which was surrounded by various proportion of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) which were 0, 3 and 6 wt. % synthesized applying in-situ fabrication at 800 °C of molten Al-Cu alloys by inorganic salts potassium hexaflourotitanate (K2ZrF6) mixed with potassium tetraflouroborate (KBF4). The amalgam itemized using Potential-Dynamic Polarization (PDP) test on suitably segment which were metallographically qualified surface to criticize and inspect the corrosion rate itself. Microstructural investigation discovered the homogeneous and persistent allocation of second phase particles, clean interface together with favourable bonding. It is promoting that zirconium diborate (ZrB2) molecules are altogether in nano size amidst hexagonal either tetragonal shape, yet minor molecules in micron size were also noticed. For that intention, composite synthesized using in-situ techniques indicated homogeneous disposal of reinforcing influenced to be superlative associated within pure interface al over metallic matrix. Outcome of dissimilar ZrB2 percentages all over surface morphology, surface roughness, grain size, crystalline texture and of Al-Cu alloy were also inspected. Results displayed grain size drop off upon an increase of ZrB2 content in the Al-Cu alloy. Furthermore, the surface roughness was seen to decrease alongside greater ZrB2 concentration of the deposited alloy.
Intensity crack zones of reinforced concrete beam under monotonic loading
Authors: Mat Saliah S N , Nor N Md , Kamaruzzaman K N , Mohd Mesron M A , Abd Rahman N
Published: December 2019

This paper presents the intensity crack zones of reinforced concrete (RC) beam under monotonic loading in conjunction with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. Five RC beam size 200 mm x 300 mm x 1500 mm were prepared and tested. Due to similar pattern in term of the crack pattern and the analysis, only one beam was presented in this paper. The intensity crack zones were performed by mean of historic and severity indices at sensor 6 (CH6) and sensor 7 (CH7). The plot in the intensity crack zone was based on the crack mode performed during testing. As a result, the progression of the crack was well-matched with the plots in the intensity crack zones. In a nutshell, the data obtained from the AE signal and analyse using intensity analysis, it can be used to classify damage in the RC beam.
The properties of wastepaper sludge ash and its generic applications
Authors: Azrizal M F , Noorsuhada M N , Latif M F P M , Arshad M F , Sulaiman H
Published: December 2019

Wastepaper sludge ash (WSA) is generated during the recycling of paper, which is an industrial by-product can induce pollution to the environment. Due to its effect related to pollution, a generic review on its application is required. Despite many researchers conducted in the world to resolve the application of WSA as a sustainable material, the effects of WSA as a cementitious material in its application is still limited assess. Hence, this paper presents a generic review on the effect of WSA as a cementitious material. The generic review on WSA in term of its physical properties, chemical properties, reactive properties and application of WSA in the industry was carried out. From the review on WSA properties, it is found that the WSA has good potential as one of the important materials in the construction industry especially in the production of concrete, brick, mortar, soil stabilizing additive, rigid pavement and controlled low-strength materials (CLSM).
Strength of two-way Semantan Bamboo reinforced concrete slabs
Authors: Yong C B , Ali Ridzuan , Mohd Ikmal Fazlan R
Published: December 2019

Steel has been widely known as the essential material for reinforcement. However, many researches have been conducted in order to find an alternative sustainable material to replace steel. In this study, bamboo has been chosen to replace steel as reinforcement is introduced as one of the alternative material for reinforcement of concrete. The Semantan Bamboo (Gigantochloa Scortechinii) splint with a size of 20 mm x 10 mm (Thickness) was used as the main reinforcement. Three samples of two-way concrete slabs were prepared with a dimension of 1200 mm x 1200 mm x 100 mm. One sample will be constructed without reinforcement, while the remaining two samples will be reinforced with 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5% and 4.5% of bamboo. All the samples will undergo concentrated punch loads and control slab without reinforcement. The results show that the maximum punching shears that the slabs can sustain more 60 kN. The slabs fail by the cracking of concrete at the bottom of the slab under the concentrated load.
Prediction of concentration of dispersed phase outlet in rotating disc contactor column
Authors: Azmi E F , Miswan N H , Arshad K A , Zainal N A
Published: December 2019

Rotating Disc Contactor (RDC) columns are one of the extractors that used for liquid-liquid extraction. It has an extensive application in various industries. The performances of these columns indicate that they are more efficient and possess better operational flexibility. However, there is still some improving that researchers can do to enhance the performances. This paper presents Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Neural Network (NN) modeling in prediction of concentration of dispersed phase outlet in RDC column. SVM is an exciting Machine Learning technique that learns by example to sign labels to object and can be used for regression as well as classification purpose, while NN is widely used as an effective approach for handling non-linear data especially in situations where the physical processes are not fully understood. The mean square error (MSE) is calculated to compare the result between the two models. The analysis shows that both SVM and NN modeling can predict the concentration of dispersed phase in RDC column but the SVM approach gives better result than the NN approach. Both modelling systems offer the potential for a more flexible and less error in forecasting. Thus, it can help to save time and reducing cost in conducting experiments.
Synthesis and characterization of amine-impregnated silica gel for potential carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption
Authors: Mohamad N F , Abdul Rani N H , Onn M , Sayed Jamaludin S I , Ahmad Shafiq A S I , Wan Yeit W M Y , Zulkifli N A
Published: December 2019

The rising of CO2 concentration in atmosphere become global concern due to its effect to the global warming. One potentially economical for CO2 capture is through adsorption using solid sorbents. Silica gel has potential to adsorb carbon dioxide with modification of silica gel with amine groups which provide specific adsorption sides for carbon dioxide adsorption. Therefore, a study of impregnated silica gel with amine for carbon dioxide adsorption was done. A series of characterization was made between raw silica and impregnated silica with amine. Based on the results from Iodine Test Analysis and DSC characterization, it can be stated that the modification of Raw Desiccant Silica Gel (DSG) which had been modified with Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APMS), 95% had the highest possibilities of percentage to absorb CO2 from the environment with iodine value of 2736.85 mg/g that indicate the porosity and surface area of the adsorbent is higher. Amine 1A consist of 17.84 % of carbon, 5.41 % of hydrogen and 6.44 % of nitrogen. For FTIR result, Amine 1A has Si-O-Si stretching, C-C stretching, N-C stretching and C-N stretching due to the impregnation of amine to the raw silica gel. From DSC analysis, the higher the peak shows that water molecule bound to Amine 1A evaporated at a higher temperature of 92.4°C shows the highest porosity and have highest possibility as adsorbent for CO2 adsorption.
Investigation towards salt rejection performance on thin film composite membrane prepared through single layer method and layer by layer method
Authors: Mustafa H , Onn M , Zainuddin A , Abu Talip A R , Mohammad Iliyas S M , Sean G P
Published: December 2019

Forward osmosis (FO) membrane has becomes a promising membrane technology due to its lower energy consumption and high salt rejection performance. However, in prolong application, FO membrane is susceptible to internal concentration polymerization (ICP) that reduce water flux through the membrane. Therefore, layer by layer (LbL) method was proposed to improve the FO performance. This study focused on the effect of fabrication method to cast thin film composite (TFC) membrane using SL method and LbL method. The membranes were prepared using interfacial polymerization technique and tested through salt rejection experiment. Theoretically, LbL method should provide high salt rejection value as it is good at controlling the structures and thickness compare to SL method. However, from the testing, the results showed that the salt rejection value of TFC membrane using SL technique is higher (97.17%) compared to LbL technique (73.33%). Thus, it is suggested, co-casting method should be used towards the TFC membrane for future studies due to its advantageous over SL and LbL method.
Acid treated corn stalk adsorbent for removal of alizarin yellow dye in wastewater
Authors: Ismail M I , Fadzil M S M , Rosmadi N N F , Razali N R A M , Mohamad Daud A R
Published: December 2019

Wastewaters generated from textile industry are mostly contained high concentration of dyes pollutant. Commercial dyes are difficult to treat due to their complex structure and synthetic origin. An untreated dye discharged through the wastewater system affect the environment. Most of the conventional methods that have been used for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater had resulted in varying degree of success. In the present study, corn stalk residue from the corn industry has been used to remove the Alizarin Yellow (AY) dye. The corn stalk was treated by hydrochloric acid (HCl) in order to improve the porosity of the adsorbent for the AY dye removal. The adsorption capacity and percentage removal of AY dye at varying adsorbent dosage, initial AY dye concentration and adsorption time onto acid treated corn stalk adsorbent sample was examined by using UV-Vis spectrometer. The percentage removal and adsorption capacity increases with the adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration and adsorption time. Maximum AY dye percentage removal of 75.85% was achieved using 0.6 g corn stalk adsorbent at 20ppm AY dye concentration. The adsorption increases rapidly in the first 10 min to about 70% and extending the adsorption time do not further increase the adsorption of the AY dyes. Adsorption data were modelled using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Both models adequately described the adsorption process with RL value of 0.049 (0<RL<1) for Langmuir and n value of 0.028 (n greater than 1) for Freundlich model which indicated that the adsorption was favourable. These results showed that acid treated corn stalk has the potential to be employed as an effective absorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater.
Investigation of water absorption and strength performances on concrete bricks containing Malaysian thermal power plant coal bottom ash (CBA)
Authors: Sayed Jamaludin S I , Abdul Rani N H , Mohamad N F
Published: December 2019

Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) is normally associated as a by-product from the thermal power plants. Due to the current situation where the power plant is facing an increase in the production of CBA at an alarming rate reaching up to hundreds of thousands of tonnes in Malaysia alone, without known economic value CBA commonly ends up in ash ponds. As sustainable solid waste management has become a growing concern, this research present the recent development achieved on the utilization of CBA as partial replacement of cement in concrete bricks manufacturing. The influence of different amount of CBA on the water absorption, compressive strength performances and UPV test on bricks are presented. With the addition of CBA as a partial replacement of cement also causes an increase in physical performance compared to regular bricks. As a conclusion, the bricks produced passed the required value of typical commercial bricks for water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and compressive strength test for industrial purposes. Hence, incorporating CBA in construction materials will significantly reduce the dumping of the by-products in landfills and thus reduce the adverse effect towards the environmental.
Consolidation settlement and buoyancy behaviour for different thickness of polyurethane foam as a ground improvement
Authors: Lat D C , Mohamed Jais I B , Ali N , Wan Kamaruddin W M I , Nor Zarin N H W
Published: December 2019

Lightweight polyurethane (PU) foam is an alternative ground improvement method to resolve soft ground problem. In this study, Rowe Cell laboratory test is executed to determine the consolidation settlement of marine clay soil improved with polyurethane foam. The ground improvement is carried out by excavate the soft soil at shallow depth and replace with polyurethane foam. The performance for different thickness of PU foam as a ground improvement is evaluated. The comparison is made between partial replacement of PU foam on saturated marine clay and water in order to determine the buoyancy and uplift behaviour of the ground improved with lightweight PU foam. The percentage thickness of PU foam to soft clay layer and water varies from 20% to 80%. The correlation between PU foam thickness coefficient and compressibility index, Cc value for PU foam partial replacement on water and saturated soil are adopted in this study with the respective equations. The settlement reduces significantly with the increase of PU foam thickness for both soil and water conditions.
The study of buoyancy behaviour of polyurethane foam as a ground improvement by constant rate strain test
Authors: Lat D C , Ali N , Mohamed Jais I B , Mohd Yunus N Z , Zainuddin A N , Mat Yusof D A
Published: December 2019

The buoyancy of lightweight polyurethane (PU) foam as a ground improvement is of important aspect to be investigated to ensure the stability of the founded structure. Constant Rate Strain test (CRS) was carried out to evaluate the buoyancy behavior of PU foam in water and to determine the effect of different water content of the marine clay to the settlement and uplift in short term undrained condition. The percentage thickness of PU foam to soft clay layer and water varies from 10% to 80%. The buoyant force of PU foam to immerse at the water surface depends on the thickness of PU foam that displaces the water. On top of that, water content in the soil has a crucial effect on the buoyancy of PU foam. For PU foam partial replacement on water, the downward displacement is very less compared to the settlement for PU foam partial replacement on marine clay soil due to higher buoyant force produced in the earlier condition. However, the settlement for improved condition of marine clay reduces significantly compared to the condition of existing condition. In addition, the reduction in soil weight as part of the soil is replaced with lightweight PU foam assist to reduce the overburden load imposed on the soil. Therefore, settlement reduces significantly with the increase in PU foam thickness. The verification of the buoyancy test results was done using finite element model PLAXIS 2D.
Development of linear regression model for brick waste generation in Malaysian construction industry
Authors: Hassan S H , Aziz H A , Zakariah Z , Noor S M , Majid M R A , Karim N A
Published: December 2019

Construction waste generation is one of the challenging tasks that related to the materials used at site. Brick waste (BW) is also part of the waste generated in construction sites. This paper determines the brick waste generated in construction stages and conducts linear regression analysis for the amount of brick waste generated. The brick waste management practices are also revealed in this study. The method used in this study was Linear Regression Model. The regression model established based on the sample data reported an R2 value of 0.78; therefore, the model can predict approximately 78% of the factor (area) involved in brick waste generation. Specifically, the prediction model is focusing on the relationship between the area of work and the amount of brick waste generated. Moreover, the linear regressions can be applied as tools to predict the brick waste generated at construction sites and as a tool for the contractor to track the brick waste sources in the future.
Factors influencing nanotechnology acceptance: benefits, potential risk, government support and attitude
Authors: Rahim R A , Kassim E S , Sari N A M , Abdullah S
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to examine issues of benefits (B), potential risks (PR), government support (GS) and attitude (AT) that influence the acceptance (AC) of nanotechnology in Malaysia. Respondent were selected based on purposive sampling and generally they represent the various social groups in the country (n=1207). The findings of the study provide a strong support of the relationships, which theorizes for the roles played by each determinant, either positively or negatively. Almost equal results were obtained to determine nanotechnology acceptance between benefits, potential risks and government support.
Effect of reaction conditions in the catalytic esterification of palm fatty acid distillate to produce fatty acid methyl ester
Authors: Wan Kamis W Z , Azuwar W N , Ali Bashah N A , Isa N , Syed-Hassan S S A
Published: December 2019

Biodiesel or fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) obtained via esterification process is an alternative for industrial and transportation fuel. In this study, chromium-titanium mixed oxides catalyst synthesized via sol-gel method was used to catalyse the esterification of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) to produce FAME. Esterification was conducted in a batch reactor. The effects of reaction temperature, methanol to PFAD molar ratio, reaction time and reusability of catalyst were studied. Reaction conditions yielding the best performance of 89% FAME content were reaction temperature of 160°C, methanol to PFAD molar ratio of 3:1 and reaction time of 3 h. The catalyst can be reused for 3 times with 20% performance reduction between the first run and the third run. The results revealed that the mixed oxides of Cr-Ti is a potential heterogeneous catalyst for use in the esterification of high acid value feedstock of PFAD.
Fabrication of NIPAM polymer gel dosimeter and characterization using raman spectroscopy
Authors: Adenan M Z
Published: December 2019

Gel dosimeter is a kind of radiation dosimetry medium that has been extensively applied in radiotherapy treatment. In this study, the samples of NIPAM-based polymer gel that possessed a good potential as 3D radiation dosimetry were fabricated. The samples of polymer gel were irradiated up to 18 Gy by using gamma irradiator with 60Co sources at a constant dose rate. Upon irradiation, the chemical changes in polymer gel were measured and evaluated by using a Raman spectrometer. Polymerization refers to an increment in Raman intensity at 815 cm-1, assigned for C-C stretching mode of NIPAM polymer gel, as the dose was increased. Consumptions of the co-monomers refers to a decrement in Raman intensities at 1025 cm-1 and 2353 cm-1 assigned for C=C stretching modes of NIPAM and BIS respectively, as the dose was increased. Result showed that following irradiation, the amount of carbon single bonds increases while the amount of carbon covalent bonds decreases.
Estimation of driven pile capacity in soft soil based on limited geotechnical data: A case study
Authors: Harahap M I P , Ibrahim A , Abdul Majid M R , Ling F N L
Published: December 2019

The lack of qualified geotechnical data for the foundation design process is a present and growing concern among the consultancy practitioners. The clients have been increasingly reluctant to commit to extensive but necessary site investigative program that has no immediate economic benefits or perceived to impede work progress. Consequently, the risk of foundation failure and over-design are a potential reality. Even so, the construction pace is unrelenting. The research attempted to address such a quandary via a project case study with not too dissimilar limitation with respect to the availability of geotechnical data. Selecting the best available data for the type of foundation selected, further analyses were carried out in order to obtain collaborative strength information with the appropriate application of the factor of safety. Next, selection of the governing value from among the derived strength parameter had been based on the currency and accuracy of the testing process. Finally, provisional qualifiers had been attached to the design proposals in case alternate scenarios were encountered during the implementation stage. In the context of the case study, a reasonable driven pile capacity of 15.55 tonnes as determined from the PDA test has been recommended contingent upon the prescribed project scale and ground conditions.
Comparison techniques using phase – loop locked (PLL) and synchronous references frame (SRF) controller to mitigate voltage flicker
Authors: Jamaludin N F , Saidina Omar A M , Isa S S M , Ahmad N D , Ramli S S
Published: December 2019

Voltage flicker is one of the vital disruptions in electrical distribution power systems. An electric arc furnace is considering as one of the major causes of voltage flicker due to it an unbalanced, nonlinear and time-varying behaviours. Distribution Synchronous static compensator (D-STATCOM) has been shown to be a competent and dynamic device to compensate voltage flicker in power system. This paper presents a comparison between Phase-Loop Locked (PLL) Controller and Synchronous References Frame (SRF) Controller technique for 6-pulse D-STATCOM to compensate voltage flicker due to electric arc furnace load. To observe the effectiveness of the proposed technique, testing has been conducted on IEEE 13 distribution bus test system. The simulation results show the effectiveness of 6-pulse D-STATCOM using PLL Controller compare to the SRF Controller techniques to alleviate the fast-varying voltage flicker.
Influence of bamboo in concrete and beam applications
Authors: Goh L D , Zulkornain A S
Published: December 2019

Bamboo is known as one of the quick growing plant due to its unique rhizome-dependent system. Its fiber owns the lowest density in comparison with the other natural fibers. The bamboo fibers can be used as innovative fibers in concrete. It can increase the strength of the concrete and improve the ductility of concrete. This study investigates the influence of different percentages of bamboo fiber in concrete through the compressive strength results. There are three different percentages of bamboo fibers to be incorporated in the concrete. A demonstration of utilising the bamboo as the steel reinforcement replacement is also presented in this study. From this study, an optimum percentage of 0.5% of incorporation of bamboo fiber as an addition in the concrete mix provides the highest compressive strength. From the three point load test, the concrete beam specimen cast with the addition of bamboo fibers yielded the prominent outcome. The findings of this study proved that the bamboos have a good potential for its application in the concrete application.