bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Investigation of Slotted Capacitor Plate on the Performance of Planar Type Witricity Device
Authors: Salleh M.H.M. , Seman Norhudah
Published: August 2015

In designing a Witricity Device, it is quite challenging to achieve highly efficient transferrable power with the consideration of size reduction. The planar type Witricity device is designed to be thin and small in size but posses an adequate efficiency of transferrable energy. This paper investigates the slot variation influence of capacitor plate to the Witricity device performance. Slot is introduced to the varied number of capacitor plate, which initially designed in planar rectangular shape. In addition, the effect of non-rectangular-shaped capacitor is studied. The best design with two rectangular-shaped slotted capacitors is fabricated and measured that achieve more than 70% coupling efficiency for 20 mm distance with its 40 mm x 40 mm dimension and 0.67 mm thickness.
Error Analysis of 4-Crossing Hall Sensor with Frequency Domain in Measurement of Material Imperfection
Authors: Suwannasuk Sirisuk , Sriratana Witsarut , Murayama Riichi
Published: August 2015

This study presents a methodology of frequency domain for analysis the output signal of the sensor device in order to enhancing the performance and resolution in measurement of a sensor module. However, in this case used the new sensor module namely 4-crossing Hall sensor, which was designed by the assembling of four permanent magnets with four Hall generators as a sensor device. An analysis of frequency domain in this study aims to develop a new non-destructive measurement using a new sensor module as a sensor device in order to measure the imperfection of metal materials using, in some cases, the methodology of non-destructive inspection. This process was performed by transforming the values in the pattern of the output voltage from sensor device, which was amplified by the instrumentation amplifier into the time domain by the voltage to frequency converter and then transformed into the frequency domain based on the principle of Fourier transform. It was found that an analysis by frequency domain is the methodology which can be explicitly applied to detect the dimension of holes on a metal surface. In an experiment, the principle of frequency domain can precisely determine and distinguish the depth of drilled holes with 1 mm difference.
An Artificial Neural Network Model for Chilling Environment Control in Meat Production
Authors: Wongsriworaphon Apirachai , Apichottanakul Arthit , Laonapakul Teerawat , Pathumnakul Supachai
Published: August 2015

In this study, artificial neural network with a supervised learning algorithm called vector-quantized temporal associative memory (VQTAM) is proposed to estimate chilled weight loss during chilling process of pig slaughtering plant. Four models based on carcass weights are developed. The results show that the proposed algorithms can accurately predict chilled weight loss with an error rate of less than 5% on average. The models are also employed to determine the suitable chilling times for each weight class.
Gaussian Filter Based Image Watermarking
Authors: Thongkor Kharittha , Amornraksa Thumrongrat
Published: August 2015

We present a spatial domain image watermarking method based on a Gaussian filter: it assumes that, in a watermarking method based on the modifying blue image pixels, if the watermark to be embedded within a local area is controlled by a Gaussian distribution, a Gaussian filter based watermark extraction will be the most fitted method used to obtain the highest accurate version of extracted watermark. Experiments show the accuracy of the extracted watermark in terms of NC was notably improved from our previous method. The robustness against attacks was also improved.
Effects of Spatial Domain Image Watermarking on Types of Printers and Printing Papers
Authors: Amornraksa Thumrongrat , Thongkor Kharittha
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the performance investigations of the spatial domain image watermarking for camera-captured images on different types of printers and printable materials. We examine the effects of our previous watermarking method based on the modification of image pixels on three types of printers, i.e. inkjet, laser and photo printers, and four different types of printing papers, i.e. uncoated, matte, glossy and semi-glossy papers. In the experiments, the DSLR camera is used as tool to capture the printed watermarked images, while the image registration technique based on projective transformation is used to diminish the RST and perspective distortions in the captured image. The performances in terms of extracted watermark accuracy at equivalent watermarked image quality on different types of printers and printing papers are measured and compared.
Performance Investigation of Microstrip Klopfenstein Tapered Line Impedance Transformer Using MathCAD Software for Communication System
Authors: Esa Mazlina , Nik Abd. Malik Nik Noordini , Ismail Mohd. Khairul Hisham , Hamzah Shipun Anuar
Published: August 2015

Impedance transformer is highly desirable in systems such as microwave communication systems for compensating impedance mismatches. Such device that can perform over broadband frequencies find numerous applications. This article presents the design and investigation of a microstrip Klopfenstein tapered line impedance transformer, KTLI. In ideal condition, it must possess minimum passband reflection coefficient for a given taper length. For specific reflection coefficient, there is a minimum value of taper length. The investigation is based on analytical equations which were computed using MathCAD. The reflection coefficient and return loss responses were found to be in good agreement with theory. Broadband characteristics were observed.
Spatial Mapping of HIV Infection by Means of Mixture Models
Authors: Viwatwongkasam Chukiat , Gunngam Watcharawan , Soontornpipit Pichitpong
Published: August 2015

Geographical distribution of HIV infection has an important role to serve the policy and the health resource allocation. A standardized infection ratio (SIR) is a measure of interest for identifying HIV infected on a map while controlling age-confounder by applying age-specific infection rates of a standard population to the study population. Mixture models of Poisson distributions allowing for heterogeneity using the nonparametric maximum likelihood (NPML) estimators were proposed to classify SIRs into the area clusters. Surveillance data of the number of HIV cases infected overall the country, classified by provinces and age groups, collected by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) were adopted during 2008 to 2013 in Thailand. The results indicated that in 2013 there were 18,081 persons infected with HIV among 623,265 people scrutinized with blood test (about 2.90 per 100). After applying the standard age-specific infection rates with the past five years 2008-2012 of HIV infection overall the country to each province, the SIR for each province varied widely around the mean 0.83 (SD =0.51) and this reported a 17% decrease in SIR Thailand 2013 compared with the national standard in 2008-2012. Mixture model has provided 5 clusters of high risk areas. The provinces with the five highest SIRs were Nongbualamphu (3.13), Chumphon (2.26), Samutprakan (2.09), Udonthani (2.04), Pathumthani (1.63). Finally, the mixture program for analysis of data is available on request.
The Dual Piston-Shaped Monopole Antenna for Wireless Communication Applications
Authors: Ruengwaree Amnoiy , Boonming Songsomsak , Naktong Watcharaphon
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the dual piston-shaped monopole antenna for wireless communication applications. The analysis of optimization parameters used the empirical method and simulation technique with CST program. The design of matching impedance of proposed antenna is 50 ohms. The applications of prototype antenna are RFID, WLAN ( IEEE 802.11a/j ) and WiMAX ( IEEE 802.16e ) system. The simulation results show the bandwidth of proposed antenna is 2.93 GHz (2.80 – 5.73 GHz) by the average gain is 4.27 dBi and radiation pattern is omni-directional.
Prediction Modeling of PM-10 in Chiangmai City Moat by Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Wongsathan Rati , Seedadan Issaravuth , Kavilkrue Metawat
Published: August 2015

A mathematical prediction model has been developed in order to detect particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less (PM-10) that are responsible for adverse health effects because of their ability to cause serious respiratory conditions in areas of high pollution such as Chiang Mai City moat area. The prediction model is based on 3 types of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), including Multi-layer perceptron (MLP-NN), Radial basis function (RBF-NN), and hybrid of RBF and Genetic algorithm (RBF-NN-GA). The model uses 8 input variables to predict PM-10, consisting of 4 air pollution substances ( CO, O3, NO2 and SO2) and 4 meteorological variables related PM-10 (wind speed, temperature, atmospheric pressure and relative humidity). These 3 types of ANN have proved efficient instrument in predicting the PM-10. However, the performance of RBF-NN was superior in comparison with MLP-NN and RBF-NN-GA respectively.
Mammogram Enhancement Using Wavelet Transform and Sigmoid Function
Authors: Kidsumran Varakorn , Chiracharit Werapon
Published: August 2015

Mammogram enhancement is important for the radiologist to diagnose and screen breast cancer. This paper proposes a method to improve contrast and denoising in mammogram using wavelet transform and sigmoid function. First, mammogram is decomposed using wavelet transform and detail coefficients are decreased in order to remove noises by soft thresholding. Inverse wavelet transform is then applied to obtain the denoised image. Finally, sigmoid function is applied to the image to enhance mammogram. Experimental results illustrate that the proposed method can improve contrast and denoise mammogram effectively.
Supply Chain Network Design of Ethanol in Thailand
Authors: Homchalee Rojanee , Sessomboon Weerapat
Published: August 2015

The proposed model is location-allocation model developed to design and manage the plants-to-customers ethanol supply chain in Thailand with the objective to minimize the total cost. The results showed that Thailand should have only one ethanol export depot and central depot located along wharfs in Samut Prakan province and along the highway in Non Sung district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, respectively. This model also provided the solutions on opening and expanding of production capacity of ethanol plants over time and appropriate ethanol allocation both of direct distribution and through the central depot for long term (2012-2021).
Indoor Multipath Interference Cancellation Using MMSE-CMA Estimator with 2.45 GHz of MIMO Channel Measurement
Authors: Suppayasarn Atikom , Duangsuwan Sarun , Promwong Sathaporn
Published: August 2015

This paper studies an indoor multipath interference cancellation using the MMSE-CMA estimator for the unlicensed at 2.45 GHz of wireless communication systems. The proposed of the MMSE-CMA estimator can mitigate a superposition of the multipath interference at the receiver. As the result, the magnitudes of the channel characterization in the time domain are shown between the measured and estimated channel as a difference of number of iterations. Furthermore, we also confirm the multipath interference cancellation with the eye diagrams.
Ag-Fe Alloy Nanoparticles Embedded in Polyaniline Nanocomposite Thin Films for E. coli Monitoring Sensor
Authors: Abdullah Huda , Naim Norshafadzila Mohammad , Azmy Noor Azwen Noor , Umar Akrajas Ali , Hamid Aidil Abdul , Shaari Sahbudin
Published: August 2015

The nanocomposite of polyaniline (PANI) and bimetallic nanoparticles of silver and iron were prepared by the oxidative polymerization of aniline and the reduction process of bimetallic compound with the presence of nitric acid and PVA. The nanocomposite thin films in various compositions were deposited using spin-coating technique. The films were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy to study the optical and structural properties. The microphotograph from TEM image shows the nanospherical of Ag-Fe alloy particles in 5 – 25 nm diameter size. The sensitivity performance was tested using I-V measurement to obtain the changes of resistivity before and after the incubation with E. coli bacteria in water. UV-visible absorption bands show the single absorbance peak at 422 – 424 nm in each band indicating the Ag-Fe alloy nanoparticles form. I-V characteristic shows the sample which contains Fe-rich Ag-Fe alloy performed high sensitivity on E. coli.
On the Formation of Nanograined LiCo2O3(OH) Spinel-Type Material Synthesized via Modified Low-Temperature Sol-Gel Approach
Authors: Cervera Rinlee Butch M. , Yamaguchi Shu
Published: August 2015

A new lithium cobalt oxyhydroxide compound has been successfully synthesized. This new compound has been found to be related to the low temperature LiCoO2 (LT-LiCoO2) spinel structure formed at low processing temperatures. With the use of a modified sol-gel approach, this compound with the composition of LiCo2O3(OH) can be successfully synthesized at around 150 °C. Structural analyses using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) suggest a cubic-spinel structure, which is also supported by FT-IR and TG/DTA analyses. In addition, from the TEM morphological analysis, a very fine nanograined LiCo2O3(OH) powder with an average grain size of 5 nm has been obtained. From these results, the presence of OH or water at low processing temperatures promotes a favorable formation of this structure. At higher temperatures (>400 °C), the phase transforms to a layered high-temperature LiCoO2 (HT-LiCoO2) structure with the excess cobalt precipitated as Co3O4 as suggested by the in-situ high temperature XRD analysis.
Optical and Morphological Properties of TiO2 Nanotubes for Sensor Applications
Authors: Dussan Anderson , Quiroz Heiddy P.
Published: August 2015

Highly-ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated by electrochemical anodizing, using titanium foils as the anode and cathode and changing the amount of fluoride (NH4F) in the solution. The effect of synthesis parameters, such as, ethylene glycol solutions containing different amounts of water, NH4F, anodizing voltage, and current density were studied on the optical and morphological properties. It was observed from XRD espectra, that Anatase and Rutile phases were influenced by annealing, between 300 and 723 K, for all the samples, while morphological changes were not observed. Nanotubes diameters varying beteween 20 and 50 nm with diferent length sizes were observed from SEM micrographics. A high absorption for the UV region and a gap band round of 3.1 eV were obtained from spectrophotometry measurements. The correlation between the synthesis parameters and the optical properties presented are an excellent indicator for the TiO2 nanotubes application as optical sensors.
Controllable Growth of Highly Oriented ZnO Nanorod Arrays on Copper by a Two-Step Route
Authors: Xia Yong Mei , Zhang You Fa , Yu Xin Quan , Chen Feng
Published: August 2015

Highly oriented and well-aligned ZnO nanorod arrays were synthesized by low-temperature solution phase method on copper substrate under different conditions. Results illustrated that dense ZnO nanorods were vertically and uniformly distributed on the substrate. The effects of precursor concentration, growth temperature and time on the morphologies of nanorod arrays were investigated systematically. It is demonstrated that the controllable growth of well-aligned ZnO nanorods can be realized by readily adjusting the preparation parameters. The high quality ZnO nanorod arrays could be achieved via the chemical approach at low temperature.
Synergistic Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Nanoclay on Epoxy Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Nuruddin Md. , Gupta Raju , Tcherbi-Narteh Alfred , Hosur Mahesh , Jeelani Shaik
Published: August 2015

The prime objective of this study was to fabricate epoxy polymer composite modified with graphene nanoplatelets (GP) and montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT) binary filler materials. Different loading percentages of individual and binary nanofillers were incorporated into an epoxy matrix system to investigate the synergistic effect of nanofillers on composites properties. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and three point bend test were carried out to investigate the viscoelastic and flexural properties of neat epoxy and nanofillers reinforced nanocomposites. Incorporation of 3 wt. % of MMT and 0.1 wt. % of GP resulted in better flexure strength, modulus and storage modulus although there is no significance change in glass transition temperature (Tg).
Improved Nanoindentation Phase Transformation in Functional Structure of NiTi SMA and Graphene
Authors: Amini Abbas , Yang Chun Hui , Xiang Yang
Published: August 2015

Graphene layers were deposited on the surface of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) to enhance the spherical indentation depth and the phase transformed volume through an extra nanoscale cooling. The graphene-deposited NiTi SMA showed deeper nanoindentation depths during the solid-state phase transition, especially at the rate dependent loading zone. Larger superelastic deformation confirmed that the nanoscale latent heat transfer through the deposited graphene layers allowed larger phase transformed volume in the bulk and, therefore, more stress relaxation and depth can be achieved. During the indentation loading, the temperature of the phase transformed zone in the stressed bulk increased by ~12-43°C as the loading rate increased from 4,500 μN/s to 30,000 μN/s. The layers of graphene enhanced the cooling process at different loading rates by decreasing the temperature up to ~3-10°C depending on the loading rate.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Prunus Amygdalus Extract and their Anti-Microbial Activity
Authors: Srikar S.K. , Giri D.D. , Upadhyay C. , Mishra P.K. , Upadhyay S.N.
Published: August 2015

Highly stable silver nanoparticles synthesized in single-step green method by mixing silver nitrate and aqueous extract of Almond (Prunus amygdalus). Experiments were conducted to influence the change in the silver nitrate concentration and time on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles at room temperature under dispersed sun light. The almond extract acted both as the reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The change in the color of the reaction mixture was monitored using UV-Visible spectrometry whereas particles synthesized were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The synthesized nanoparticles were almost spherical in shape with an average size about 20 nm and they exhibited bacteriostatic property against E. coli.
Investigation on Voltage Breakdown of Natural Ester Oils Based-On Zno Nanofluids
Authors: Saenkhumwong Wittawat , Suksri Amnart
Published: August 2015

Transformer is one of the major component, which is the most important device in power system. Their lifetime depends upon liquid insulation that help transfer the heat out of its winding inside of transformer. Transformer oil uses mineral oil that is the most commonly used has very slow process on decomposition and non-biodegrade. This paper presents the investigation on breakdown voltage of two types of natural ester oils, including palm oil and soy bean based-on ZnO nanofluids. Nanofluids that use nanoparticles modified by use of surfactant that are suspended by process of sonication. Different fraction of nanoparticles were investigated from 0.1% - 0.5% by weight. The breakdown voltage were measured according to ASTM D877. The voltage breakdown strength increased significantly when nanoparticles were added in oils. The obtained results will enable transformer industry to develop liquid insulation dielectric for use in transformer in the future.
Patterning of Polymer Arrays with Enhanced Aspect-Ratio Using Hybrid Substrate Conformal Imprint Lithography
Authors: Kolli Vijay Ramya , Woidt Carsten , Hillmer Hartmut
Published: August 2015

Ultraviolet Substrate Conformal Imprint Lithography (SCIL) is an economic nanolithography technique of imprinting high-fidelity patterns over large areas. It is an improvement to conventional UV-Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) with high resolution, flexibility and conformal imprinting. However the aspect-ratio of SCIL is limited due to its patterning by capillary forces and the PDMS material has very low Young’s modulus (<2Mpa) hence, resulting in deformation of the feature sizes during the imprint process. In general the residual layer between the imprinted structures is etched away to obtain high aspect ratio. But in industrial applications an array of different 3D patterns are imprinted in a single step, thus, the residual layer of each structure depends on its volume and viscosity of the imprint material, thereby making the etching process impossible to increase the feature size and aspect-ratio of each microstructure individually. Hence in this paper a new SCIL stamp technique is demonstrated to implement an enhancement of aspect ratio. In this process, a flexible polymer material, Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is used as the stamp material. The heights of the structure on the stamp are supported by a metal layer (higher Young’s modulus), which provides higher stiffness and rigidity to the stamp and thereby avoiding distortion of the patterns on the stamp. Also the metal layer acts as an UV blocking mask: hence while patterning on an UV curable imprint material, the residual edges of the microstructures, which are subjected to decrease the feature size, are removed in the development process of the uncured polymer areas. Thus, irrespective of the number and shape of the microstructures, an enhancement of aspect ratio is attained in a single step. Conventional imprinting of circular polymer arrays with dimensions 90μm / 70nm on their master template resulted in increased feature size up to 150 μm, while the height varied between 90-66nm and thereby decreasing the aspect ratio. Imprinting with the proposed SCIL technique resulted in 96 μm / 74nm dimension, thus around 60 μm of feature size improvement is achieved
Mechanism of Carrier Transport in n-Type β-FeSi2/Intrinsic Si/p-Type Si Heterojunctions
Authors: Promros Nathaporn , Takahara Motoki , Baba Ryuji , Mostafa Tarek M. , Shaban Mahmoud , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2015

Preparation of n-type β-FeSi2/intrinsic Si/p-type Si heterojunctions was accomplished by facing-target direct-current sputtering (FTDCS) and measuring their current-voltage characteristic curves at low temperatures ranging from 300 K down to 50 K. A mechanism of carrier transport in the fabricated heterojunctions was investigated based on thermionic emission theory. According to this theory, the ideality factor was calculated from the slope of the linear part of the forward lnJ-V plot. The ideality factor was 1.12 at 300 K and increased to 1.99 at 225 K. The estimated ideality factor implied that a recombination process was the predominant mechanism of carrier transport. When the temperatures decreased below 225 K, the ideality factor was estimated to be higher than two and parameter A was estimated to be constant. The obtained results implied that the mechanism of carrier transport was governed by a trap-assisted multi-step tunneling process. At high forward bias voltage, the predominant mechanism of carrier transport was changed into a space charge limit current process.
Buckling Optimization of Composite Shells by Utilizing Finite Element Analysis, Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Amirabadi Hossein , Mostofi Mehdi
Published: August 2015

The main goal in this investigation is optimization of two, four, eight and twelve layer shells in order to identify optimized fiber angle in different layers aiming maximizing critical load. In order to identify critical load parameter, a hybrid approach including Finite Element Method (FEM) and Neural Networks (NN) is employed. To achieve the above results, required data for NN is supplied by FEM and the appropriate network is trained. For optimization of obtained function, Genetic Algorithm (GA) is utilized. In this case, GA is also employed over and over in order to obtain the effect of different parameters. Furthermore, existence of several close optimized points and interactions among layers, critical load and fiber angle are discussed.
Comparative Study between SiC Reinforced Al 64430 Metal Matrix Composites and RHA Reinforced Al 64430 Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Laad Meena , Jatti Vijaykumar S. , Yadav Satyendra
Published: August 2015

The excellent mechanical properties of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites find applications in a variety of engineering applications in the automotive, aerospace and heavy machinery industries. This study aims at synthesis and characterization of Al 64430 reinforced with SiC particles and Rice Husk Ash (RHA). Rice husk ash is an agricultural waste which is produced in millions of tons worldwide. Aluminium was used as the base metal. With liquid metallurgy technique the metal matrix composites were prepared. The MMCs were synthesized with 3 % weight percentage RHA in Al metal matrix and the mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength and structural properties of MMCs were studied. The microstructure of the synthesized composites was examined by optical emission microscope and XRD. The Vicker’s microhardness test was performed on the composite specimens from base of the cast. The synthesized MMCs were found to have increased tensile strength, hardness, increased ultimate strength. The density of MMCs was observed to be decreased. This study indicates that RHA can be used as reinforcement material to synthesize light weight composites with increased hardness, tensile strength, Young’s modulus for various industrial applications.
Preparation and Performance Analysis of Mesh Hydroxyapatite/Sodium Alginate Composite Scaffold
Authors: Xu Yan , Zhou Jian Pin , Wei Zheng Ying , Dang Li Yan , Wu Feng Lin
Published: August 2015

Scaffolds material is the key factor for bone tissue engineering, and construction of the scaffolds is also an important part. Adopting the biocompatible, biodegradable, hydroxyapatite (HAP) and sodium alginate (SA) as the molding material, using three-dimensional printing technology, choosing cross grid filling paths, we manufactured the artificial bones through self-developed 3D printing equipment. Then we measured and analyzed important parameters of the work, and did composite culture experiment. It can be seen that the prepared artificial bone scaffold has good biocompatibility. The paper provides a reference for the study of bone tissue engineering materials.
Preparation and Characterisation of Surface Adsorbed Reduced Graphene Oxide/Polyaniline Nanocomposite on Polymer Membrane for Trimethylamine Sensing
Authors: Rañola Rey Alfred G. , Concina Isabella , Comini Elisabetta , Sevilla Fortunato B. , Sberveglieri Giorgio
Published: August 2015

A graphene/polyaniline (rGO/PANi) nanocomposite was synthesized by solution blending method and deposited on to a nylon-6 membrane via vacuum assisted self-assembly (VASA) method to fabricate a flexible material applied as a chemoresistive gas sensor for trimethylamine (TMA). The morphological and structural characterization of surfaced adsorbed polymer nanocomposite was carried out by FT-IR, SEM, UV-Vis and surface profilometry. While, electrical property was carried out by four-point probe measurement. Prepared rGO/PANi nanocomposite has a percolation threshold around 0.40% vol. fraction, with a conductivity of 8.28 S/m (rsd = 3.0%, n=3) and thickness around 38.58 μm (rsd = 7.63%, n=3. The composite sensor exhibited linear range from 45 to 230 mg/L (r2= 0.9962) and the calculated limit of detection was 25.30 mg/L. It exhibited a repeatable response to TMA gas.
Analysis of Mechanical Properties of Wood Dust Reinforced Epoxy Composite Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Kumar Kaushik , Bhowmik Sumit
Published: August 2015

In this paper, the sundi wood dust reinforced epoxy composite is developed with three different filler content. The tensile and flexural tests are performed at three different speeds to study the mechanical behavior of the composites. Experiments are conducted based on central composite design considering two factors viz. speed and filler content. The experimental data are statistically analyzed by using analysis of variance to find out the significant parameters. Response surface design has been employed to determine optimum design parameters. It has been observed from the analysis that speed is the main significant factor affecting the load and tensile stress values but for flexural stress, filler content is the main significant factor at 95% confidence level.
Biocomposite from Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Polymer and Kenaf Whole Stem Fibre: Mechanical Properties
Authors: Lufti M.T.M. , Majid D.L. , Faizal A.R.M. , Mazlan Norkhairunnisa
Published: August 2015

Mechanical properties of formulated biocomposite between acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer and kenaf whole stem (KWS) fibre have been investigated. This work has been done by alternating the KWSfibre loading with aim to propose the best formulation for preparing ABS/kenafbiocompositeby referring to its mechanical properties with the addition of processing aid.KWS fiber loading up from 10% to 50% are considered in this work and evaluated. It was found that by increasing the KWS fibre loading, the Young’s and flexural modulus of the ABS/kenafbiocomposite was subsequently increased too. Interestingly, the biocomposite strength decreased considerably while the impact strength drops significantly. ABS/kenafbiocomposite with 50% KWSfibre loading (C-50/50) has showed better performance compared to other formulation. However, a higher fibre loading was not considered presently as difficulties during compounding process are to be anticipated.
Synthesis and Water Retention Properties of Poly(Acrylamide)-g-Kenaf Fiber Hydrogel
Authors: Badaruddin Ila Najaa Ali , Hashim Shahrir
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this research was to study water retention properties of superabsorbent hydrogel based on poly (acrylamide)/biofiller hydrogel and urea liquid fertilizer, by solution polymerization. Kenaf fiber (KF) was used as biofiller and the preparation of the poly (acrylamide)-grafted-kenaf fiber (PAAm-g-KF) hydrogel was carried out by polymerizing the monomer. Urea fertilizer was employed as polymerization media. N,N’-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) was used as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. Water retention of the hydrogel was studies in soil with three different samples (Controlled, PAAm Hydrogel, PAAm-g-KF). The PAAm-g-KF was also applied to agricultural field. The results show that PAAm-g-KF greatly improved water retention in the soil and agricultural field.
Electrospun Cellulose Acetate Fiber Containing Rubber Extract
Authors: Suwannateep Natthakitta , Meechaisue Chidchanok , Ruch Hubert
Published: August 2015

Recent studies on cream of rubber extract (HB) have significantly showed skin improvement results, however, there were color and odor issues. To solve the problems, we successfully produced ultra-fine cellulose acetate (CA) fiber mats (electrospun fibers) containing 1-5 wt% extracts of rubber from Hevea brasilensis without any chemical additions. This new approach has in fact revealed the desired material and biomolecule immobilization. The SEM photographs show the straight and even shaping of the processed HB-CA fibers. The average fiber diameters of the HB-CA fibers ranged between 415 and 585 nm. Moreover, HB-CA solutions containing 1-3% HB extract resulted in a more consistent texture of the fiber mats. This was the first time to produce nanofibers using only rubber extract and cellulose acetate without any other potentially bioactive components involved. This innovation did not only solve the initially addressed color and odor issues, but also provided a new purified material of very small fibers which allows better control of its bioactivity due to the fact that less chemical substances are involved. Its highly interesting characteristics, such as high surface areas to mass ratio, high porosity et al make this result an excellent potential candidate e.g. facial masks, and other innovative products in the field of cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry. Further research is needed and highly promising.
The Influence of Agglomerators on Powdering of Chloroprene Rubber PCR-244
Authors: Wei Xu Ling , Wei Yu Li , Gong Guang Bi , Liang Tao , Cai Wen Jing , Gao Lei
Published: August 2015

Powdered polychloroprene rubber (PCR-244) was prepared by the direct condensation, and the influence of agglomerator kinds and dosages on powdering of PCR-244 were investigated, including trivalent salt (aluminum chloride), divalent salt (magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride) and monovalent salt (sodium chloride, potassium chloride). The result showed that powder chloroprene rubber could be used as adhesive material that calcium chloride was used as agglomerator.
One-Pot Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio Copper Nanowires in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Tan Michael , Balela Mary Donnabelle
Published: August 2015

We report a one-pot, low temperature process for the synthesis of high-aspect ratio copper nanowires in aqueous solution for 1 hr. Ethylene diamine (EDA) was utilized to promote anisotropic reduction of Cu (II) by hydrazine. Cu nanowires with mean diameters around 90 nm and lengths exceeding 50 μm were synthesized using 180 mM EDA at 60°C, giving an effective aspect ratio of about 450. Without EDA, nanoparticle growth is observed. The synthesis temperature was also significant in limiting nanoparticle formation. Decreasing the temperature resulted to 1D growth and fewer nanoparticles.
Influence of Modified Cassava Peel Waste (CPW) Loading on Tensile Properties of Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) Products
Authors: Harahap Hamidah , Hadinatan Kelvin , Hartanto Adrian , Surya Elmer , Surya Indra , Ismail Hanafi
Published: August 2015

Cassava peel is one of agricultural waste that abundantly found in environment. One approach to manage this waste is to apply it as filler in natural rubber latex. In this work, the cassava peel waste (CPW) was powdered and dispersed in alkanolamide-water dispersion system to modify its surface. The amount of fillers used was 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 phr (part per hundred rubber) and loaded in natural rubber latex (NRL) formulation system. The products then were formed by dipping method after the NRL formulation was pre-vulcanized at 70°C. The observed parameter includes crosslink density, tensile strength, tensile modulus and elongation at break. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to study the morphology of tensile fracture in NRL film. The results show that 10 phr loading of modified fillers increases the crosslink density, tensile strength, and tensile modulus but decreases the elongation at break. SEM study also reveals that higher filler loading above 10 phr will create the agglomeration in rubber matrix.
The Effect of Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene on the Friction and Wear Properties of Polystyrene/Low Density Polyethylene Blends
Authors: Taşdemir Münir , Miskioglu Ibrahim
Published: August 2015

The polymer blends offer end products with better thermo-mechanical properties and they can be more economical. Hence, the interest in the blends by the plastics industry has been increasing and the industry has been moving towards more complex systems.In the present work, an attempt was made to improve compatibility in a polymer blend composed of two normally incompatible constituents, namely, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polystyrene (PS), through the addition of a compatibilizer. The compatibilizing agent, styrene–ethylene-butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SEBS), was added to the polymer blend in ratios of 5, 10, 20, and 30 wt% with a twin-screw extruder. The morphology and the compatibility of the mixtures were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Further, all blends of LDPE/PS/SEBS were tested to examination to obtain their tribological properties. The result showed that the addition of SEBS to the PS/LDPE blend increased the friction coefficient and the wear rate.
Durability of Wood Shavel Composites with Environmental Friendly Based Binder
Authors: Endawati Jul , Diasti Lilian
Published: August 2015

The composite element of 20 mm in thickness were manufactured using high volume fly ash, silica fume as alternative hydraulic binders and Portland cement Type II. Pine wood shavel as by product of local small wood working industries were used as the composite filler. The elements were given in situ wet and dry treatment for 9 months. Visually there is no fiber degradation as a result of the interaction of the environment. The assessment were done to the elements bending strength and dimensional properties. Increase in MoRafter 180 days of exposure shown that mechanically, this degradation is not seen yet. The increment of MoR ( 213%) compare to that of 28 days might be affected by the formation of calcium hydroxide (CH) or ettringite in the transition zone. The use of pozzolan showed also a delay or minimize degradation of composites while improving the pore structure, and minimize the mineralization of the fiber bond with the cement matrix. The water absorption is 4,22% at 180 days, 7,94% at 120 days and 12,38% at 28 days, in line with the 68% decrease in Thickness Swelling (TS). This unoccured degradation could also be affected by the presence of silica fume in the binder matrix. After 270 days of exposure under tropical condition, the flexural strength started to decrease.
Synthesis of Self-Healing Thermosetting Resin Based Capsules and their Related Complexities
Authors: Choudhury Ikbal , Halder Sudipta , Mathur Abhinav , Nath Writuparna , Phukan Aniruddha
Published: August 2015

Microencapsulation forms an integral part in synthesizing bioinspired materials. This paper focuses on elaborating the problems faced in encapsulation of DGEBA microcapsules in PMMA and urea formaldehyde shell wall. The preparation process and the process parameters affecting the microcapsule property are discussed. The difference between the microcapsules prepared using emulsion polymerization and that by solvent evaporation has been discussed. The size, shape and morphology of the microcapsules was characterized using FESEM technique. It was observed that the agglomeration of the microcapsules can be prevented by changing the concentration of the emulsifier. However, in case of urea formaldehyde encapsulation chunks of pre-polymer resulted in agglomeration of the nanosized capsules even if higher concentration of emulsifier was implemented.
Investigation of Ag Oxidation and Ion Adsorption on Small Intestinal Submucosa in Simulated Body Fluid through Simultaneous Electrochemical and SPR Measurements
Authors: Manole Claudiu Constantin , Demetrescu Ioana
Published: August 2015

Small Intestinal Submucosa (SIS) is a material used from ancient times in foods, and more recently as a biomaterial. To ensure antibacterial properties, the presence of ionic Ag+ is benefic and brings a minimum of toxicity to the SIS. In this paper, the electrochemical oxidation of Ag is considered to obtain the ionic Ag+. The simultaneous use of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Electrochemical techniques opens an insight on Ag oxidation. The study is undertaken in a Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) with ions concentration that closely resembles the concentrations of the human blood plasma for a simulation of the Ag+ ions behavior in physiological conditions. The simultaneous SPR and Electrochemical approach highlighted aspects of the ion adsorption into the SIS membrane.
Tuning the Microwave Dielectric Properties of Nd0.96Yb0.04(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3 by Introducing Ca0.8Sr0.2TiO3
Authors: Chen Yih Chien , Li Chih Hung , Liu Hua Xian , Fu Jing Yu
Published: August 2015

The influence of sintering temperature on the microwave dielectric properties and microstructure of the (1-y)Nd0.96Yb0.04(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3-yCa0.8Sr0.2TiO3ceramic system were investigated with a view to their application in microwave devices. The (1-y)Nd0.96Yb0.04(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3-yCa0.8Sr0.2TiO3ceramic systems were prepared using the conventional solid-state method. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the (1-y)Nd0.96Yb0.04(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3-yCa0.8Sr0.2TiO3ceramic system shifted to higher angle as y increased. A dielectric constant of 38.2, a quality factor (Q×f) of 53,500 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of-3 ppm/°Cwere obtained when the 0.4 Nd0.96Yb0.04(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3–0.6Ca0.8Sr0.2TiO3ceramic system was sintered at 1600 °C for 4h.
Mesoporous Titanium Dioxide Thin Films on Quartz via Electrochemical Anodisation Process
Authors: Uttiya Sureeporn , Cavalleri Ornella , Biasotti Michele , Pani Marcella , Carnasciali Maria Maddalena , Caviglia Daniele , Mattera Lorenzo , Canepa Maurizio
Published: August 2015

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films were prepared by means of electrochemical anodisation or anodic spark deposition (ASD) from thin and flat metallic titanium (Ti) films pre-deposited on high quality quartz substrates by electron beam evaporation. AFM analysis indicates the formation of uniform mesoporous layers and a definite increase about 50% of the film thickness upon anodisation and about 90% upon annealing. Anodised mesoporous TiO2 films have been characterized by Raman spectroscopy, which indicates the presence of well-defined peaks related to anatase structure. Phase transformation from anatase to rutile was observed after annealing at temperatures up to 900°C for 3h.
Crystallization of Aragonite from Vaterite Precursor during Various Refluxing Times
Authors: Ševčík Radek , Mácová Petra , Pérez-Estébanez Marta
Published: August 2015

CaCO3 polymorphs are intensively studied due to their importance in the nature and the widespread use in the industry as well. This work is dealing with the crystallization of aragonite from vaterite dispersion during the refluxation at 100°C. The characterization of CaCO3 polymorphs during vaterite transformation was performed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). The influence of the different refluxing times on the aragonite crystallization was discussed. The purest aragonite, 70.7(2) wt.%, was synthetized in the sample refluxed for 60 minutes. Prolonged refluxation strongly affected aragonite crystals with gradual transformation into calcite.
An Analysis of Burn Defect in Hard Anodized Process of AL 3003
Authors: Thangthong Jariyaporn , Prombanpong Suksan
Published: August 2015

The hard anodizing process is performed on aluminum 3003 work-part in order to increase surface hardness and corrosion resistant. Due to the fact that a massive of heat is generated during the process and attributing to burn defect. Burning can be described as an uneven growth and destruction of the oxide layer. The interface between the barrier layer and the aluminum is not smooth on a microscopic scale. Metallic aluminum extends as many small projections into the barrier layer. These intermetallic phases, metallic needles, and/or other impurities transport the electric current easier than the aluminum oxide and as a consequence give rise to a short circuit through the barrier layer in these pores. When the current density concentrates in these pores the temperature will rise at the bottom of the pores and cause burning defect to the work-part. Thus, an analysis of reducing burn defect is implemented using an experimental design technique. It is founded that with an increasing of ramp time, sulfuric acid concentration, and agitation in the hard anodizing process without relaxing current density, burn defects are substantially reduced.
Effect of Lanthanum Addition on Fluidity of Complex Al-11Si-Cu-Mg Cast Alloy
Authors: Ahmad Roslee , Asmael M.B.A.
Published: August 2015

This research was to determine the effect of rare earth metal (REM) on the fluidity of eutectic Al-11Si-Cu-Mg cast alloy. The rare earth metal used here is Lanthanum to produce Al-11Si-Cu-Mg-0.1La, Al-11Si-Cu-Mg-0.5La and Al-11Si-Cu-Mg-1.0La alloys. The fluidity was measured by permanent spiral mold, pre-heated at 450°C. The microstructure was characterized by optical microscope. The fluidity of complex Al-11Si-Cu-Mg eutectic alloy decreased with the increase of La addition. The 1.0 % of La addition led to refinement of silica particles, which reduced the fluidity length by 25%.
Caustic Magnesia Production in Microfluid Furnace
Authors: Spišák Jan , Truchlý Martin , Mikula Ján , Šindler Vratislav
Published: August 2015

During procedure and heat treatment of magnesite in shaft and rotary furnaces, a great number of fine fractions are generated. In terms of MgO content, the fractions comprises the highest quality raw material. However, the desired degrees of calcination or sintering have not been achieved. For direct heat treatment of fine particles the microfluidic furnace has been proposed. The microfluidic furnace consists of the fluidization chambers in which the technology operations are being carried out. The furnace operates on the counter-current principle. The experiments of dust magnesite and flue gas calcination from rotary and shaft furnaces were carried out in the furnaces.
Preparation and Characterization of sPDVB/SPPO Composite Proton Exchange Membrane for Fuel Cell
Authors: Zou Gong Wen , Liu Xu , Cong Chuan Bo , Zhou Qiong , Zhao Kun
Published: August 2015

In this study, a series of composite proton exchange membranes are prepared from sulfonated polydivinyl benzene (sPDVB) microspheres and sulfonated polyphenyl ether (SPPO). The PDVB microsphers and PPO are functionalized by direct sulfonation. The synthesis products are characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy technique (FT-IR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM). The incorporation of sPDVB decreases the water uptake and proton exchange capacity, so the proton conductivity is lower than that of blank SPPO membrane. But the composite membranes still have the excellent conductivity range from 4.88×10-2 to 6.99×10-2 Scm-1.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Hardness and Microstructures of AISI 1045
Authors: Akhyar Ibrahim , Sayuti M.
Published: August 2015

The SAE/ AISI 1045, a type of medium carbon steel, is used most commonly in various structural and element of machines. Sometime, it failed during the in-service, which assumed to be caused by cracking in material as the effect of casting, manufacturing, or heat treatment processes. The current research was developed to find out the effect of hardening and of tempering processes toward hardness, microstructure and cracking. The objectives of the current research are to obtain the effect of cooling rates toward the hardness and cracking and to define a proper cooling media to get a martensite microstructure without cracking of heat resistant products. Results showed that the chemical composition from the spectrometry test confirmed that the specimens were classified as AISI 1045 or JIS S45C. The hardness values properties increased with increase of temperature, except at 1000 °C. The specimens having the hardness property more than that of ASME II standard were not useable due to its brittle.