bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)/Thermoplastic Sago Starch (TPSS) Blend Filled with Kenaf Core Fiber (KCF)
Authors: Sarifuddin Norshahida , Ismail Hanafi , Zuraida Ahmad
Published: December 2012

Recently, blending of common hydrocarbon polymer with natural based materials has gain much interest towards the development of degradable composite. In this study, a series of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS) blend reinforced with kenaf core fiber (KCF) with starch content ranging from 10 to 40 % were prepared via melt-blending method. For this study, kenaf loading was fixed at 20 % (by weight). The blended samples were characterized by means of tensile test and morphological study. The experimental result shows that there is a gradual decrease in tensile strength, modulus and elongation at break with increase in starch loading. The scanning electron micrograph (SEM) supports the findings of tensile properties.
An Experimental Study on the Die Roll Height According to the V-Ring Distance of the Fine Blanking Tool for the Seat Recliner Holder with Various Corner Shapes
Authors: Kim Jong Deok , Heo Young Moo , Kim Heung Kyu
Published: December 2012

In this paper, the relation between die roll height and V-ring distance of a fine blanking tool was studied by experimenting on a special designed seat recliner holder with various corner shapes. Three guide plate inserts with different V-ring distances and a die insert with constant die chamfer were machined, and a fine blanking tool was manufactured for the experiments. Three experiments were conducted on a 650-ton fine blanking press. Each die roll height on the sample from the experiments was measured and analyzed. It should be noticed that the die roll heights on the corner shapes of fine blanked parts increase with increasing the distance between the V-ring distance, and decrease with increasing corner radius and angle. These results can be used to minimize the die roll height of fine blanking parts with corner shapes when designing the V-ring of a fine blanking tool.
The Carbon Black Sonofication Effects on Vulcanisate Properties of Natural Rubber
Authors: Anggaravidya Mahendra , Sudirman Sudirman , Soegijono Bambang , Budianto Emil , Djamin Martin
Published: December 2012

The mechanical properties of natural rubber can be enhanced by the addition of carbon black. The mechanical properties change is highly affected by particle size and carbon black structure used. A modification of N660 carbon black was conducted in the research by sonoficating the carbon black for 3 and 5 hours (N600-M3; M5). The results of adding modified carbon black were characterised by Particle Size Analysis (PSA), Scanning Electron Microscopes - Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The addition of modified carbon black shows bound rubber, thermal properties, and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break and modulus 300% on the vulcanisate produced were increased from the vulcanisate that had been filled with N660 natural (N660-N). Keywords: natural rubber, carbon black, particle size, sonofication, characterisation
Preparation and Characterization of Fe3O4/TiO2 Composites by Heteroagglomeration
Authors: Fisli Adel , Saridewi Rahmi , Dewi Sari Hasnah , Gunlazuardi Jarnuzi
Published: December 2012

Fe3O4/TiO2composites were prepared by heteroagglomeration. The composites of different Fe3O4to TiO2weight ratio were prepared by mixing of prepared Fe3O4with TiO2in aqueous slurry, under ultrasonic treatment. All prepared samples were characterized by XRD, VSM, SEM/EDS, raman spectroscopy and BET. The prepared composites contained TiO2(anatase and rutile) and Fe3O4crystal phases. The magnetization hysteresis loop for Fe3O4/TiO2nanocomposites indicated that the hybrid catalyst showed superparamagnetic characteristics at room temperature. Photocatalytic performance of the prepared composites was examined by its ability to degrade methylene blue dye in aqueous solution. The photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4/TiO2composites was lower than that of pure TiO2sample because of the presence of non-active photocatalytic in composite (iron oxide). Under UV irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4/TiO2(1:1) composite was relatively similar to Fe3O4/TiO2(1:2), however, under sunlight irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of Fe3O4/TiO2(1:2) composite was relatively increase. The Fe3O4/TiO2composite can be easily recovered from treated water in slurry-type reactor by the application of an external magnetic field.
Effect of Ar Gas Pressure on Phase Separation of Tungsten Silicides Intermetallic Compound In Situ Self-Propagating High Temperature Synthesis-Casting Process
Authors: Chanadee Tawat , Niyomwas Sutham , Wannasin Jessada
Published: December 2012

Tungsten silicides intermetallic compound (WSi2) was synthesized in-situ by self-propagating high temperature synthesis-casting of WO3-Si-Al system in Ar gas environment. It is proposed that the extent of phase separation between oxide ceramic and intermetallic compound depends on the reaction temperature that made a lower viscosity and longer lifetime of the melted. The effects of inert gas pressure on densification of the intemetallic product were investigated.
Applications of Acoustic Emission Technique Associated with the Fracture Process Zone in Concrete Beam – A Review
Authors: Basri Siti Ramziah , Bunnori Norazura Muhamad , Kudus Sakhiah Abdul , Shahiron Shahidan , Jamil Mohd Nazli Md. , Noorsuhada Md Noor
Published: December 2012

This paper summarized the recent development within the application of acoustic emission technique in the formation of fracture process zone and the AE energy released during the fracture process in concrete beam specimens. AE technique is a non destructive technique which is a useful tool to study the energy released during the different failure mechanisms in different types of materials and fracture process is one of the failure mechanisms in concrete. Most of the researchers were applied three point bending test on plain concrete in order to determine the facture process zone of the concrete and some of them were used numerical modeling to verify their results. The results between AE data and experimental in different parameters such as specimens size and aggregate size are normally compared. As a conclusion, AE technique is a very useful tool to determine the fracture process zone in concrete.
Morphological Structure of Pretreated Organo Layer Silicate Dispersion in Masterbatch Biodegradable Polymer Cassava Starch Clay Nanocomposite
Authors: Liza Chandra , Soegijono Bambang , Budianto Emil , Alinasiri Syah Johan , Jayatin Jayatin
Published: December 2012

Biodegradable polymer using inexpensive renewable resources such as starch produced poor mechanical, barrier properties and transparency of product, these properties were the important parameter for packaging material. This research intended to study the effect of glycerol monostearate (GMS) treated organo layer silicate (OLS) in biodegradable polymer starch masterbatch to eliminate the inferior properties. Focus was in morphological structure of biodegradable polymer starch clay nanocomposite. Biodegradable polymer starch clay nanocomposite was prepared using Haake Rheomix Polydrive at a temperature of 100 °C for 5 minutes and screw speed 60 rpm and the product was used as masterbatch to get a better dispersion of OLS in the matrix. Masterbatch was formulated with the parameter of 35 %, 45 % and 50 % starch and 3.5 % of OLS. Morphological structure of biodegradable polymer starch clay nanocomposite was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to observe the dispersion and compatibility of the organo layer silicate in biodegradable nanocomposite matrix. XRD analysis provided the dispersion of organo layer silicate at 35% starch was better than 45% starch and 50% starch in materbatch. This was consistent with the SEM and AFM result, masterbatch containing 50% starch had interfere the OLS dispersion and produced agglomeration of organo layer silicate. SEM images of masterbatch with 50 % loading level of starch shown structure that starch not completely thermoplasticized.
Real Time Synchrotron X-Ray Imaging for Nucleation and Growth of Cu6Sn5 in Sn-7Cu-0.05Ni High Temperature Lead-Free Solder Alloys
Authors: Nogita Kazuhiro , Yasuda Hideyuki , McDonald Stuart D. , Uesugi Kentaro
Published: December 2012

This paper demonstrates how recent progress for real-time solidification observation at SPring-8 synchrotron has contributed to the development of Sn-7wt%Cu-0.05wt%Ni high temperature lead-free solder alloys. Lead-free solder alloys in the composition range Sn-0.7 to 7.6wt%Cu that consist of primary Cu6Sn5in a eutectic Sn-Cu6Sn5matrix have been proposed as solders for application at temperatures up to 400°C for the assembly high current semiconductors. It is shown that trace levels of Al have a marked effect on the solder microstructure and refine the size of the primary Cu6Sn5. The solidification pathway that leads to the refinement was observed in real-time using X-ray synchrotron observations.
Investigation of Vanadium Oxide Thin Film Deposited by Sputtering for Electrochromic Applications
Authors: Liu Chien Cheng , Liu Kuang I , Chang Chiung Wen , Lin Hao Tung
Published: December 2012

Vanadium oxide films were deposited on ITO (Indium Tin oxide) glass substrates at room temperature by reactive DC magnetron sputtering. The effect of annealing temperature on composition, microstructure, optical properties, and electrochromic properties of vanadium oxide films were investigated by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), UV-visible spectrometer, and cyclic voltammetry. These films showed (110) crystalline orientation after annealing at 300 °C. V2O5 films with more porosity had better electrochromic property and optimal performance after heat treatments.
Predictive Modeling of TiN Coating Roughness
Authors: Jaya Abdul Syukor Mohamad , Hashim Siti Zaiton Mohd , Haron Habibollah , Muhamad Muhd Razali , Abd Rahman Md Nizam , Basari A. Samad Hasan
Published: December 2012

In this paper, an approach in modeling surface roughness of Titanium Nitrite (TiN) coating using Response Surface Method (RSM) is implemented. The TiN coatings were formed using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) sputtering process. N2pressure, Argon pressure and turntable speed were selected as process variables. Coating surface roughness as an important coating characteristic was characterized using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) equipment. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to determine the significant factors influencing resultant TiN coating roughness. Based on that, a quadratic polynomial model equation represented the process variables and coating roughness was developed. The result indicated that the actual coating roughness of validation runs data fell within the 90% prediction interval (PI) and the residual errors were very low. The findings from this study suggested that Argon pressure, quadratic term of N2pressure, quadratic term of turntable speed, interaction between N2pressure and turntable speed, and interaction between Argon pressure and turntable speed influenced the TiN coating surface roughness.
Effects of Calcination Temperature of LUSI Mud on the Compressive Strength of Geopolymer Mortar
Authors: Antoni  , Geman Rudini , Tjondro Riovandi T. , Anggono Juliana , Hardjito Djwantoro
Published: December 2012

The abundant availability of LUSI (a short form of LUmpur SIdoarjo or Sidoarjo mud) mud of a mud volcano located in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, attracts interest of researchers to seek the possibility of utilizing it; among them is as construction material. This study focuses on the effect of calcinations temperatures of LUSI mud on the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar. Three different calcinations temperatures were investigated, i.e. 700, 800 and 900°C for five hours duration. Characterization of the mud, both the original and the calcined ones, was performed by using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluoresence (XRF) analyses. The calcined LUSI mud was then employed as precursor for making geopolymer mortar, and tested for its 7-day compressive strength. It is found that calcinations at 800°C is the optimum calcinations temperature producing the highest compressive strength.
Comparative Properties of Vegetable Oil-Based Benzyl Esters and Vegetable Oils as Processing Oil in Natural Rubber Compounds
Authors: Boontawee Hasleena , Nakason Charoen , Kaesaman Azizon , Thitithammawong Anoma , Chewchanwuttiwong Sopa
Published: December 2012

The vegetable oil tends to be incompatible and insoluble in the rubber hydrocarbon. They can migrate to the surface of the uncured rubber. To overcome this problem, fatty acid esters that are soluble in rubber material and minimize migration were prepared. Benzyl esters of three different types of vegetable oils (i.e., coconut, palm, and soybean oils) were prepared by reacting fatty acids of vegetable oil with benzyl alcohol. They were then used as processing oil in rubber compounding and processing compared with the one with unmodified vegetable oils. It was found that the benzyl esters of those oils provided the rubber compounds and rubber vulcanizates with superior Mooney viscosity, curing and mechanical properties. Furthermore, better dispersion of filler was observed compared with the rubber compound and vulcanizate with vegetable oil.
Shrinkage Characteristics of Green Engineered Cementitious Composites with Varying Palm Oil Fuel Ash Contents and Water-Binder Ratios
Authors: Altwair Nurdeen M. , Johari M.A. Megat , Hashim Syed Fuad Saiyid
Published: December 2012

The present paper is a part of an extensive study on green palm oil fuel ash engineered cementitious composites conducted at Universiti Sains Malaysia. It specifically investigates the effects of waterbinder ratio (w/b) and palm oil fuel ash (POFA) on the drying shrinkage of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs). W/b values of 0.33, 0.36, and 0.38 were selected. ECC mixes were proportioned to have various ratios of POFA ranging from 0 to 1.2 from the mass of cement. The drying shrinkage measurements were taken at 4, 11, 18, 25, 57, and 90 days. The experimental results show that w/b has a significant effect on the drying shrinkage of the ECC mixtures. Drying shrinkage is remarkably reduced with a decrease in the w/b. The results also showed that drying shrinkage of the composites is considerably reduced when POFA is used in the matrix. The measured drying shrinkage strain at 90 days is only 920×10-6 µε to 1216×10-6 µε for ECC mixtures with high POFA content. The shrinkage strain of the ECC mixtures without POFA at 90 days is nearly 1597×10-6 µε to 1910×10-6 µε.
Effects of Feeding Angles and Cutting Speeds of a Mower Knife with Serrated Edges on the Pulverization of Sweet Potato Vines
Authors: Kakahy Amer N.N. , Ahmad D. , Akhir M.D. , Sulaiman Shamsuddin , Ishak A.
Published: December 2012

A study was conducted to test the effects of three different speeds of 1830, 2066 and 2440 rpm of a mower knife with serrated edges and two different feeding angles of 45° and 90° on the pulverization of sweet potato vines.
The results indicated that all the treatments were significant at 99% significance level for the pulverized percentage of sweet potato vines remaining on the sieve.
The best result was for the 45° feeding angle with lowest vine pulverized percentage of 47.20%. The second speed of 2066 rpm had the finest vine pulverized percentage of 57.47%. The best performance for overlapping effect between feeding angle and speed of mower was achieved by the 45° feeding angle and a mower speed of 1830 rpm resulting in an average percentage of 44.45 % of pulverized vines.
BET Analysis on Carbon Nanotubes: Comparison between Single and Double Stage Thermal CVD Method
Authors: Maryam Mohammad , Suriani A.B. , Shamsudin Muhammad Salleh , Rusop Mohamad
Published: December 2012

Carbon nanotubes have many applications and therefore widely produced. However, it is limited due to the high production cost. In this paper, by preparing the CNTs using the Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition method, CNTs were synthesized with a low cost method since palm oil is used as the precursor which is a biodegradable and cheap source. The aerosol or spray pyrolysis method is used for single stage and double stage TCVD method. Then, the samples were both collected at deposition temperature of 750°C and were characterized using Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) method. Since CNTs are said to have high surface area therefore BET method is used to prove this fact. Results showed that by using double stage TCVD method, more CNTs were synthesized compared to single stage TCVD method which produced more impurities namely amorphous carbon. CNTs also have higher surface area compared to amorphous carbon. To support this result, the images of the CNTs produced by same method but different parameters were characterized with field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and the raman spectra was determined by the raman spectroscopy characterization.
The Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment and Gamma Radiation on the Thermal Conductivity of TPNR Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Tarawneh Mou’ad A. , Ahmad Sahrim Haji
Published: December 2012

This paper discusses the effect of Gamma radiation and ultrasonic treatment time on hybrid nanofillers nanoclay and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcing agents to improve the thermal conductivity of TPNR. The laser flash technique was also employed to determine the thermal conductivity of the hybrid nanocomposite. The thermal conductivity of hybrid nanocomposites that were sintered at 30 to 150 °C did not show a monotonous change with MWCNTs as the filler has a high thermal conductivity compared to nanoclay by using different dose of gamma radiation or with different time of ultrasonic treatment. TEM results showed a combination of intercalated-exfoliated structure of OMMT and the dispersion of MWCNTs in the TPNR composite. The probability that hybrid nanoparticles form a network depends on the interaction between the particles, on their shape (aspect ration), preparation conditions and on their inter-particle distance will control the thermal conductivity of the hybrid nanocomposite.
Rheological Properties of Zirconia Toughened Alumina Powder for Ceramic Injection Molding
Authors: Ani Sarizal Md , Muchtar Andanastuti , Muhamad Norhamidi , Ghani Jaharah A.
Published: December 2012

The rheological properties of feedstock are critical element to the success of the ceramic injection molding (CIM) process. The suitability of the developed feedstock can be reducing the problems that may arise during injection molding, debinding, and sintering. This study identifies suitable powder loading based on the rheological properties of materials by using a capillary rheometer machine. The feedstock used is a combination of zirconia toughened alumina powder with a binder that consists of high density polyethylene, paraffin wax, and stearic acid. Experimental results showed that all of the feedstocks are suitable for injection molding because of their pseudoplastic nature and low viscosity. However, the low power law index and low activation energy flow of the 57 vol.% powder loading make it most suitable for the CIM process.
Characterization of TiAlBN Nanocomposite Coating Deposited via Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering Using Single Hot-Pressed Target
Authors: Rosli Zulkifli Mohd , Loon Kwan Wai , Mohd Juoi Jariah , Nafarizal Nayan , Mahamud Zainab B. , Yusuf Yusliza
Published: December 2012

TiAlBN coatings have been deposited at varying bias voltage of 0, -60, and-150 V by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique. A single hot-pressed Ti-Al-BN target was used for the deposition process. With glancing angle X-ray diffraction analysis (GAXRD), the nanocrystalline (nc-) (Ti,Al)N phase was identified. In addition, the existence of BN and TiB2amorphous (a-) phase were detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Thus, the deposited TiAlBN coatings were confirmed as nc-(Ti,Al)N/a-BN/a-TiB2nanocomposite. On the other hand, it was found that optimum bias voltage used in present study is-60 V where the deposited TiAlBN coating exhibits an excellent adhesion quality. The adhesion quality of the coatings deposited at-60V bias voltage is classified as HF 1 evaluated using the Rockwell-C adhesion test method (developed by the Union of German Engineers).
Surface Modification of Polyvinylidenefluoride-Trifluoroethylene Film Using Argon Gas Plasma
Authors: Mohd Dahan Rozana , Sarip Muhamad Naiman , Ling Yap Seong , Wahid Mohamad Hafiz Mohd , Nurashikin Arshad Adillah , Kamarulzaman Norlida , Kamarun Dzaraini
Published: December 2012

This study investigates the surface properties of plasma surface modified spin coated PVDF-TrFE (70/30) film using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Water Contact Angle (WCA) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The surfaces of the spin coated PVDF-TrFE film were modified using 13.56 MHz rf Argon plasma. The exposure time of the charged particle PVDF-TrFE films were varied for 1, 3 and 5mins. Prior to modification, the average surface roughness obtained was 8.615nm, but upon modification, the surface roughness was found to increase to 12.466nm. The value of the contact angle of the modified film was reduced from 90o to 43o and the XPS analysis showed dehydrofluorination of PVDF-TrFE films surfaces. The improved in surface roughness and the increased in wettability of the modified film, resulted in good biocompatibility of the modified PVDF-TrFE thin films. This phenomenon has created interest in researchers for developing functional polymer used for applications in areas such are biomedical, bio-analytical assays, textile and even food industry.
Optical Properties and Antibacterial Bioactivity of ZnO Nanopowder Annealed in Different Ambient
Authors: Ling Chuo Ann , Mahmud Shahrom , Siti Khadijah Mohd Bakhori , Amna Sirelkhatim , Dasmawati Mohamad , Habsah Hasan , Azman Seeni , Rosliza Abdul Rahman
Published: December 2012

Nanomaterials have attracted much attention for their unique properties and promising performance compared to macroscopic materials. Nanotechnology refer to the cutting-edge approach of synthesis and modification of nanomaterials whose structures exhibit novel and improved physical, chemical, biological properties and functionality due to their nanoscaled size [1-2]. The ongoing revolution of the technology has imposed significant impact into several areas of biomedical research and engineering applications. Among the biomedical application include nanoparticle drug delivery, cell imaging, and cancer therapy.
Development of Hydroxyapatite Layer on Superplastic Ti-6Al-4V for Biomaterials Applications
Authors: Dom Adibah Haneem Mohamad , Jauhari Iswadi , Mohd Khalid Hidayah , Rosli Zulkifli Mohd
Published: December 2012

In this study, HA is embedded onto superplastic Ti-6Al-4V through continuous pressing technique at temperature below the allographic temperature to improve the poor bonding strength obtained by the commercial methods. The cross section morphologies of the HA layer show uniform structure without any delamination or cracks at the interface with the surface hardness of approximately 500±5HV. The EDX and line scan analysis shows that interfacial reaction occur between the HA layer and the substrate. Wear test evaluations show that embedded layer on superplastic Ti-6Al-4V substrate can withstand higher pressure compared to the as-received substrate.
Unconfined Compressive Strength and Drying Shrinkage of Cement Treated Recycling Base at Boyolali-Kartosuro Road Rehabilitation
Authors: Setyawan Ary , Muda Anastasia , As’ad Sholihin
Published: December 2012

Road rehabilitation and reconstruction generate large supplies of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). One of the efforts to reuse the RAP is by insitu process and utilize it as road base materials. To get satisfying result from the RAP, it is necessary to add a certain amount of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as stabilizer. This study investigate the potential use of OPC-stabilized RAP in road bases. Laboratory experimental method was applied by using material collected from road located at Boyolali-Kartasura as the object of the study with the cement content variations of 4%, 5% and 6% for unconfined compressive strength test (UCS) and the cement contents variation of 5% and 6% for drying shrinkage test. The range of cement contents required for unconfined compressive strength of cement treated recycling base (CTRB) are 5% to 6%. The cement content used at Boyolali - Kartosuro road rehabilitation was 5.5%. Drying shrinkage during 28 days is 805.3 micro strain for the cement content of 5% and 826.3 micro strain for the cement content of 6%. The drying shrinkage of the materials was quite high for CTRB, so that carefully design and attention need to take into account to avoid the cracks at the road base and the prospective of reflective cracking at the surface course of the road.
Improvement of Hydrophobicity of Urea Modified Tapioca Starch Film with Lignin for Slow Release Fertilizer
Authors: Ariyanti Sarwono , Man Zakaria , Bustam Mohammad Azmi
Published: December 2012

Tapioca starch was chemically modified with urea in the presence of borate as crosslinker and catalyst. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and viscosity were performed to measure qualitatively the reactivity of the mixture. To improve the hydrophobicity, 10% of lignin (10%L) was then added into the starch-urea-borate (SUB) system. The incorporation of lignin leads to lower water uptake film. It was found that lignin retards the urea release and the SUB10%L film is stable and stayed intact for one month after immersing in water which shows high potential as a biopolymer for slow release fertilizer.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Relationship between Tensile Crack and Shear Movement in Concrete Beams
Authors: Shahidan Shahiron , Pullin Rhys , Holford Karen M. , Bunnori Norazura Muhamad , Noorsuhada Md Noor
Published: December 2012

This paper investigates the use of acoustic emission (AE) to identify tensile cracks and shear movements in concrete structures. The analysis of AE signals detected during a concrete beam investigation mainly focused on the relationship between signal parameters namely rise time, amplitude, duration and counts. This method allowed crack classification and shear movements to be identified. A laboratory experiment test was completed on a reinforced concrete beam (150 x 250 x 1900 mm). During testing AE data was captured and analysed post-test. Results from the most severely damaged zone, based on visual inspection, was analysed. The results indicated that tensile cracks developed though out the area of analysis, as confirmed by visual observation and relatively little shear movement occurred as would be expected in a reinforced beam.
Effect of Natural Antioxidants on Curing Characteristics and Crosslink Density of Natural Rubber Vulcanisate
Authors: Shuhaimi N.H.H. , Ishak N.S. , Othman Nadras , Ismail Hanafi , Sasidharan S.
Published: December 2012

Oil palm leaves is a waste material. Phenolic compound was extracted from oil palm leaves and know as natural antioxidant that could possibly used in natural rubber compound. The present study involves the effect of natural antioxidants that obtained from oil palm leaves on cure characteristics and crosslink density of natural rubber vulcanisate. The natural rubber had been cured at 160°C in three different vulcanization systems which were conventional (CV), efficient (EV) and semi-efficient (SEV). The cure characteristic was been conducted by using Mosanto Rheometer at 160°C for 30 minutes. For swelling test, the specimens were immersed in toluene solvent for 22 hours. The specimens were weighed before and after immersed. CV system showed better result in M90and curing rate due to higher degree of crosslinking as compared to SEV and EV system. Meanwhile, EV and SEV system showed comparable result in crosslink density with CV system. This is due stronger bonding between monosulphide crosslink. Finally, the results indicated that natural antioxidant has a tendency to substitute commercial antioxidant (TMQ) in the rubber field.
An Overview Current Application of Artificial Neural Network in Concrete
Authors: Kudus Sakhiah Abdul , Bunnori Norazura Muhamad , Basri Siti Ramziah , Shahiron Shahidan , Jamil Mohd Nazli Md. , Noorsuhada Md Noor
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the overview of aArtificial Neural Network (ANN) in the scope of civil engineering application. ANN is one of the artificial intelligence (AI) applications which are currently one of the effective methods used by engineers and researchers to solve technical problems in many scopes of engineering field. One of the explicit criteria of ANN is the ability of the network to deal with the incomplete data and have the capability of learning from experience. This network is also able to adapt to new and changing situation or environment.
Effects of Homogenizing and Extrusion on Elongation of As-Cast AZ80 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Wu Yao Jin , Zhang Bao Hong , Yang Yong Biao , Zhang Zhi Min
Published: December 2012

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the effects of homogenizing heat treatment and extrusion on plasticity of the as-cast AZ80 magnesium alloy. Both the homogenized and non-homogenized billets of AZ80 alloy were forward extruded at several different temperatures and different extrusion ratios. The effects of homogenization and extrusion on plasticity were evaluated by conducting tensile tests on these billets at room temperature and comparing their elongations. The experimental results showed that the elongation of the as-cast AZ80 alloy was increased by 67% after the homogenization treatment. After extrusion, the elongation of both the homogenized and non-homogenized AZ80 alloy increased significantly. The elongation of the homogenized billets decreased gradually with increasing temperature. For the non-homogenized billets, however, the elongation decreased sharply with temperature from 300 to 350 °C and then increased gradually with increasing temperature. There was not clear correlation between the elongations of both the homogenized and non-homogenized billets and the extrusion ratio.
Mixed Photocatalyst for Sustainable Concrete Construction
Authors: Nath Ranjit K. , Zain M.F.M. , Kadhum Abdul Amir Hassan , Alam Rabiul
Published: December 2012

An innovative approach to the material science has demonstrated that photocatalytic activity may be conferred to cement-based construction materials, such as concrete, mortars, paints, etc. Photocatalyst is needed for a cleaner environment and a better quality of life that leads to thoughts of a more eco-compatable use of light. Addition of photocatalytic materials to the RC structure during its construction phase could reduce the corrosion problem of RC materials. This material hinders calcium oxide to form acidic compound. In this study, cement-based mixed photocatalytic material has been presented, which would adjustable with RC material for enhancing oxidization process and reducing corrosion problem.
CdSe Thin Film by Using Spin-Coating
Authors: Rosmani C.H. , Abdullah S. , Rusop Mohamad
Published: December 2012

CdSe thin film was prepared by using spin coating method .The surface morphology of CdSe thin films can be used as the main material in solar cells application, by using sodium selenosulfate as a selenium source and cadmium chloride as cadmium precursor. The solution for each sample had with different molar ratio of cadmium chloride and sodium selenosulfate to know the comparison between the samples. The spin for each samples were constant parameter with 3000 rpm at 30 seconds and dry in ambient temperature. The characterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to know the surface morphology of CdSe thin film. The important thing in this paper was to know the surface morphology of CdSe thin films as the comparison with other experiment for solar cells application.
A Novel Porous-Polymer-Supported Ru(II)-dm-Pheox Catalyst and its Application in Highly Efficient N-H Insertion Reactions
Authors: Elfotoh A.M. Abu , Chua H.W. , Murakami S. , Phomkeona K. , Shibatomi K. , Iwasa S.
Published: December 2012

A novel macroporous polymer supported ruthenium (II) dimethyl phenyloxazoline (Ru (II)-dm-Pheox) catalyst has been developed by crosslinking polymerizing monomeric Ru (II)-dm-Pheox complex with styrene and 1,4-divinyl benzene (DVB) in the presence of 2,2-azobisizobutyronitrile (AIBN) and water. We evaluated the catalytic activity of our novel porous catalyst in the intermolecular N-H insertion of the commercially available ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) with various amines. The polymer supported catalyst showed excellent catalytic reactivity by delivering the amino acid derivatives in high yields after centrifugation.
Viscosity Effect on Piezoelectric Actuated Nozzle in Generating Micro Droplet
Authors: Raman Ibrahim , Syafiq M. , Sa’ude N. , Ibrahim Mustaffa , Saidin Wahab
Published: December 2012

nkjet printing has proven to be a promising and flexible process methodology for low cost and drop-on-demand pattern formation in small-scale devices with a functional material. In this paper, micro droplet deposition using 80 micron diameter nozzle with micro piezoelectric printhead was investigated using a mixture of three fluids, distilled water (DW) and solutions of two different percentage of glycerine (G) as an operating fluids. The droplet formation capability and stability was studied according to the influence of pulse amplitude, dwell time and fluid viscosity. The results show that the optimal drop velocity to obtain a stable printing range from 0.5 ~1.5 ms-1 which corresponds to pulse amplitude range of 25 to 100V and dwell time 15 to 35 μs. Respectively droplet formation and dispensing performance give benefit in dispensing application and build a solid background to inkjeting functional polymer material.
Effects of Cobalt Addition and Temperature on Microstructure and Density of W-25Cu Composites Prepared via Liquid Infiltration
Authors: Hafed Ibrahim , Azizan Aziz , Azmi Rahmat
Published: December 2012

In this study, the effect of Co and sintering temperature on microstructure of W-25Cu composites prepared via copper melt infiltration has been investigated. The concentration of Co addition used ranged from 0.5 to 3wt. %. The infiltration temperatures were performed at 1150°C and 1250°C for 2 hr under vacuum. The microstructure and sintering density of W-25Cu composites are discussed. Results indicated that, the relative density (RD) and microstructure of W-25wt. % Cu were greatly affected by the addition of low Co concentration and sintering temperature. The concentration of 3 wt. % Co to tungsten-copper compact and infiltration temperature of 1250°C give high sintering density of 98.6% theoretical density (TD). The concentration of Co and infiltrating temperature have strong effects on the densification of W-Cu composite materials. The sintered compact microstructures and density were obtained using scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with EDX and Archimedes technique respectively.
Utilization of Raw Gypsum as Hydrated Filler in Bagasse Particleboard Bonded with a Formaldehyde-Free Epoxidized Natural Rubber Adhesive
Authors: Thongnuanchan Bencha , Suwanpetch Somporn , Nakason Charoen
Published: December 2012

The present study described the feasibility of using raw gypsum as filler to improve the flame retardant and mechanical properties of particleboard (PB) prepared from bagasse. The PB was made with a formaldehyde-free adhesive based on epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) latex via a hot pressing process. The effect of gypsum loading on the mechanical properties of the PB was initially investigated. Both the tensile strength and modulus of rupture (MOR) of the PB tended to increase with increasing gypsum loading and reached the maximum values at 150 phr. The incorporation of gypsum into the PB beyond this loading level brought about a decrease in the corresponding properties. A horizontal burning test was conducted to determine the flame retardant properties of the PB (i.e., elapsed time and burning rate). The PB containing 150 phr of gypsum (PB-150G) was found to have a much shorter elapsed time and a lower burning rate than the PB with no gypsum added. The lower values of the corresponding properties indicated the better flame retardancy of PB. It was also found that the PB-150G exhibited a comparable level of flame retardancy to the PB containing 8 wt% of total flame retardants (i.e., 5 wt% magnesium chloride in combination with 3 wt% antimony trioxide) based on the combined weight of bagasse and ENR contained in the PB. These results revealed that the use of an appropriate amount of gypsum as filler could significantly enhance the flame retardancy with considerable improvement in the mechanical properties of BP.
Simulation and Analysis for Harvesting Dioscorea hispida Tubers
Authors: Ssomad M.A.H.A. , Hudzari R.M. , Noordin M.N.A. , Abdullah S.J. , Sapuan S.M. , Hassan S.
Published: December 2012

This study discussed an analysis and simulation of fixture stand structure that will use for data collection of force required for harvesting the tubers of Dioscorea hispida. The tubers were surrounded by roots which were well gripped to the soil which made harvesting process difficult. Therefore, a new tool fixture equipped with digital force gauge device to gripped stem dioscorea hispida is required. Imada digital force measurement gauges are state-of-the-art, instruments capable of the highly accurate measurements required in quality testing to determine the strength or functionality of a part or product. The information from the experiments is used to model and simulate the tool in Computer Aided Design (CAD) environment. The solid modelling software Solidworks was used for the design, modelling and simulation of the equipment and the finite element analysis to determine the stress affected on various fixture designs.
Development of Novel Detection Device for Chemical Properties of Dioscorea hispida
Authors: Syazili R. , Hudzari R.M. , Kamarul Ain M. , Abdullah A.B.C. , Ssomad M.A.H.A.
Published: December 2012

The potential of machine vision application in the determination of alkaloid inDioscorea hispidarhizome was explored. A camera vision system used in this research is chroma meter CR-400 made by Konica Minolta. The first component is the hardware component that functions as an image acquisitioned for the system. The second component is the software part which converts reading obtained from the hardware. From the design review, the images from a variety of harvested ofDioscorea hispidawill be captured and the reading in L*a*b color space were converted. The prediction was also made on the statistical relationship between Hue and dioscorine level in the fruit. With the same rhizomes, 40 grams was selected for chemical analysis at a laboratory for the programme of East Coastal Economic Regions Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia (ECER-KPT UniSZA). The samples were selected from 12 portions of 2 plants (I and B) collected from Kampung Kudat, Ajil, Terengganu, Malaysia. The development on this study is grouped as non destructive method to determine the dioscorine content which is one of the alkaloid components in the rhizome ofDioscorea hispida.
Effect of Voltage and Suspension Medium on Stanum Oxide (SnO2) Film Prepared by Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD)
Authors: Taib Hariati , Ab. Aziz Siti Alwani Binti
Published: December 2012

The electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique was applied in order to produce stanum oxide (SnO2) coating on stainless steel. Voltages of 2V, 4V, 6V and 8V and two types of SnO2 suspensions; (i) acidic (pH 3) and (ii) alkaline (pH 10) were studied. Depositions were carried out for duration of 10 minutes. It was found that weight of coatings produced using both acidic and alkaline SnO2 suspensions increased proportionally with increasing voltage. However, the morphology of coatings in acidic SnO2 was observed to yield better SnO2 depositions through the EPD technique.
Thermoplastic Natural Rubber Based on Blending of Co-Polyester: Effect of Amount of Epoxide Groups in Epoxidized Natural Rubber on Preperties
Authors: Sasdipan Krisna , Kaesaman Azizon , Nakason Charoen
Published: December 2012

TPNRs based on blending of co-polyester (i.e., PBT/PC) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) with various epoxide content (i.e., 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mol% epoxide) were prepared by dynamic vulcanization. It was found that the co-polyester/ENR blends gave better properties (i.e., mechanical, dynamic mechanical, morphological and oil resistant properties) than that of co-polyester/unmodified NR blend. It was also found that co-polyester/ENR with 50 mol% epoxide exhibited the highest tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus at 100% elongation, hardness, storage modulus, complex viscosity and oil resistant properties but showed the lowest tension set value. This indicates the highest elasticity. Moreover, it was found that size of vulcanized rubber domains dispersed in thermoplastic matrix decreased with increasing the epoxide content in ENR molecules.
Char Strength of Wool Fibre Reinforced Epoxy-Based Intumescent Coatings (FRIC)
Authors: Amir Norlaili , Ahmad Faiz , Megat Yusoff Puteri S.M.
Published: December 2012

Fire protective intumescent coating cannot insulate a base material effectively if its char lacks mechanical strength. This research therefore, studied the effects of fibre reinforcement to epoxy-based intumescent coatings char strength. The fibres used include glass wool fibre, Rockwool fibre and ceramic wool fibre of 10mm length. The three formulations mechanical performances were compared to both, a famous commercial intumescent coating and a control formulation without fibre. These coatings were fire tested up to 800°C in an electric furnace for an hour. Their chars mechanical properties were evaluated for char resistance test using predetermined weight loads. In the test, masses from 100g to 3600g were loaded continuously on top of the chars where the fibre reinforced intumescent coating (FRIC) has shown better strength and resistance to deformation. As a result, they produced lower percentage of height reduction i.e. 34% - 83% different when compared to unreinforced coating. Control char also ruptured at as low as 4N load. It was deduced that fire insulative wool fibres are effective reinforcement for improved char strength of the FRIC.
Co2 Solubility in Silica Supported [hmim][Tf2N]
Authors: Nurul Safiah Mat Dagang , Bustam Mohammad Azmi , Yunus Normawati M. , Man Zakaria
Published: December 2012

Solid supported ionic liquids can be used to overcome the high viscosity issue of ionic liquids and help increase the efficiency of CO2 removal. In this research, [hmi [Tf2 was impregnated into porous silica dioxide (SiO2) and characterized using Porous and Surface Analyzer, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Spectroscopy RAMAN. The CO2 solubility was measured at different pressure at room temperature. The mole fraction of CO2 captured was increased as the pressure increased, and the highest mole fraction was at 40 bar. The mole fraction of CO2 captured at 40 bar for SiO2-[hmi [Tf2 was 0.812 which was higher compared to pure [hmi [Tf2, with mole fraction of 0.650. Henrys Law Constant (KH) was higher for SiO2-[hmi [Tf2 with 26.8±5.2 bar while for [hmi [Tf2, the KH was 35.4±3.3 bar.
Effect of Ball Milling Parameters on the Synthesization of Carbon Nanotube Aluminium Nano Composite
Authors: Umma Abdullah , Maleque Md Abdul , Iskandar Idris Yaacob , Ali Mohammad Yeakub
Published: December 2012

Recently, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are attracting much interest as fibrous materials for reinforcing aluminium matrix composites due to unique properties such as high strength, elastic modulus, flexibility and high aspect ratios. However, the quality of the dispersion is the major concern factor which determines the homogeneity of the enhanced mechanical and tribological properties of the composite. This work study and characterized the nanocomposite prepared with different weight percentage of CNT in aluminium matrix using powder metallurgy route under high energy planetary ball milling operations. The ball milling was performed for three hours at different milling speeds and under controlled atmosphere. The experimental results showed homogeneous dispersion of CNTs in aluminium matrix at 300 rpm. The preliminary mixing of CNTs and aluminium powder in a tube via manual shaking could be the main contributing factor in achieving uniform dispersion of CNT in aluminium matrix after ball milling. The addition of ethanol as a process control agent reduced the agglomeration of CNTs in the matrix. Control atmosphere during milling also prevented the formation of inter metallic compounds such as aluminium carbide in the composite.
Effect of Sulfur Donor on Properties of Thermoplastic Vulcanizates Based on NR/PP
Authors: Manleh Chanida , Nakason Charoen , Lopattananon Natinee , Kaesaman Azizon
Published: December 2012

Thermoplastic vulcanizates based on natural rubber and polypropylene blend (NR/PP) was prepared via dynamic vulcanization by melt mixing process at 180°C and a rotor speed of 60 rpm. Three types of vulcanizing agent (i.e., Tetramethyl thiuram disulfide (TMTD), 4,4 Dithiodimorpholine (DTDM) and Dipentamethylene thiuram tetrasulfide (Tetrone A)) were used to cure the rubber phase of NR/PP blends. Influence loading levels of sulfur donor at 1, 2 and 3 phr on dynamic properties and crosslink density were studied. The result showed that the dynamically cured NR/PP blends with Tetrone A gave higher mechanical properties, storage modulus, complex viscosity, and crosslink density with the lower value of tanδ than those of the blends with TMTD and DTDM. Furthermore, the storage modulus, complex viscosity and crosslink density of TPVs increased with increasing loading levels for all types of sulfur donor. It was also found that thermal stability of dynamically cured NR/PP blends is higher than that of the pure NR.
Tensile Properties Evaluation of Paper Pulp Packaging at Different Sections and Orientations on the Egg Tray
Authors: Masni-Azian A. , Choudhury Imtiaz Ahmed , Sihombing Haeryip , Yuhazri M.Yaakob
Published: December 2012

Paper-based material has been frequently used as part of packaging solution as an option towards reducing municipal solid waste generation. Various studies on mechanical behaviour of paper-pulp packaging material have been conducted based on the machining direction and cross machining direction. However, there is still gap of information on paper-pulp packaging material behaviour at diagonal direction. A study has been conducted to investigate the variability to tensile properties of paper-pulp packaging at various packaging section (draft and base surface) and different specimen orientation (horizontal, vertical, and diagonal direction). In this research, results from the stress-strain relationship obtained from tensile and compression tests are presented. The data obtained are further analysed using ANOVA to find out whether material variations are significantly different with varying sections and orientations. Findings in this research supported the anisotropic properties of paper-based packaging material. Draft surfaces exhibit weaker strength than base surface. Also, the variability of stiffness and strength of specimens are more significant in horizontal and vertical direction compared to diagonal direction.