bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Activated Carbon Produced from Rubber Seed Shell by Using Different Methods of Chemical Activation with KOH
Authors: Pagketanang Thanchanok , Wongwicha Prasong , Thabuot Mallika
Published: August 2015

Rubber-seed shell was selected as the precursor for the preparation of activated carbon by chemical activation with KOH as an activating agent. Impregnation-Activation Method and Carbonization-Impregnation-Activation Method were investigated with different concentration of KOH solution. Rubber-seed shell activated carbons were characterized by using scanning electron microscope, fourier transform infared spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The results present that the first method which impregnation of precursor in 2%wt. KOH solution with the ratio of 300 g/l for 24 hrs before thermal activation at 700°C for 2 hrs under 2 cm3/min of nitrogen flow, was satisfied to prepare the Rubber-seed shell activated carbon. Products with maximum BET surface area, average pore diameter and volume ratio of micropores to mesopores were equal to 429 m2/g, 2.09 nm and 4.19, respectively.
Collaborative Production Planning in Multi-Plant Feed Mill Industry
Authors: Khamjan Sakda , Pathumnakul Supachai
Published: August 2015

In animal feed production, there are several feed products to be processed through mixer and pelleting machines. To avoid the contamination between two feed products, machines are required to be cleaned (i.e., machine setup) when switching production between different feed products. The cleaning process lessens the machine capacity. In this paper, the production planning based on the collaboration between two feed plants is studied in order to reduce unnecessary machine setup time. The problem is to optimally allocate products to be processed in each plant with suitable production lot size. The trade-off between inter-plant transferring cost and the setup cost is considered. The mathematical model is developed and solved with small size problems. The results indicate that the collaborative plan provides the better plan with the cost 16.05% less than the non-collaborative production plan.
Efficient Frequency Reuse for Broadband Wireless Access with Sectored Cells in Offshore Territory
Authors: Kunavut Kunagorn
Published: August 2015

Due to the physical constraint in offshore territory, cell placement to the certain location is not always possible. Because it requires high telecommunication tower or tall building/platform to avoid the curvation of the earth in order to communicate with the distant Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) terminals. Hence, applying the concept of cellular network design to cover all service area in offshore territory without outage area or coverage gap is very difficult to be achieved. Hence, the typical frequency reuse with omni-directional cells in cellular networks is not much practical in this area. In addition, using omni-directional cells can incur lower capacity and shorter transmission range compared to the sectored cells. In this work, efficient frequency reuse is considered in only sectored cells. With proper network design in terms of transmission direction and power, it can guarantee that there is much fewer or possibly no interference among sectors or cells.
Design Tri-Band Fractal Antenna with Minkowski Island Split Ring Resonator Structures
Authors: Nornikman H. , Kamarudin Muhammad Ramlee , Ahmad Badrul Hisham , Abd Aziz Mohamad Zoinol Abidin
Published: August 2015

The paper investigates the effect of Minkowski Island split ring resonator (MI-SRR) on the microstrip fractal patch antenna. Firstly, a basic Minkowski Island had been simulated in the CST Microwave Studio. Then, the addition of several sizes of the Minkowski Island split ring resonator on the substrate had been generated tri-band resonant frequencies. The optimal result of this tri-band antenna 2.394 GHz, 3.528 GHz and 5.257 GHz with a gain of 0.874 dB, 1.41 dB and 2.94 dB and the reflection coefficient magnitudes of - 21.945 dB, - 17.154 dB and – 16.536 dB. The reflection coefficient magnitudes of the simulation and fabricated antenna also had been compared. The target application for this antenna is for WLAN and WiMAX.
Nanofibrous Filters for Respirators
Authors: Vyslouzilova Lucie , Seidl Martin , Hruza Jakub , Bobek Jiri , Lukas David , Lenfeld Petr
Published: August 2015

This article deals with a development of new filtration materials for respirators. Contemporary used filters with charged microfibers are not sufficiently stable in all conditions and not efficient for all types of particles and that is the reason why the requirement for new generation of filtration materials is rising up. The research was focused on the development of nanofibrous filters that have a great precondition to be used as filters for respirators. The filtering material was designed as a multilayer sandwich consisting of spundbound, meltblown and nanofibrous layers. For the evaluation of final properties and filtering performances different 3D structures were also created.
Acetylene Sensing Characteristics of SnO2 Nanowires
Authors: Wang Bing
Published: August 2015

SnO2 nanowires have been fabricated using thermal evaporation of the mixed powders of SnO2 and active carbon with Au catalysts. The morphology and structure of the prepared nanowires are determined on the basis of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The comb-shape interdigitating electrode made by MEMS technology is used to auxiliary investigating the gas sensing performance of the synthesized SnO2 nanowires. The SnO2 nanowires have sensing response to acetylene concentration of 1000 ppm under operated temperature of 300°C. The gas sensing mechanism is attributed to the gas adsorption and desorption processes occurring on the surface of the gas sensing material.
Hybrid Hetero p-n Junction between ZnO Microspheres and p-Type Materials
Authors: Ikebuchi Tatsuya , Tetsuyama Norihiro , Higashihata Mitsuhiro , Ikenoue Hiroshi , Nakamura Daisuke , Okada Tatsuo
Published: August 2015

We report a hybrid hetero p-n junction between Zinc Oxide (ZnO) microspheres and p-GaN thin film or poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). ZnO microspheres, which have high crystalline quality, were synthesized by ablating a ZnO sintered target with focused pulsed laser at high fluence. Recent investigation has demonstrated that ZnO microspheres had high optical property and laser actions in the WGM (whispering gallery mode) from the microshperes under pulsed laser irradiation. In this study, we fabricated a hybrid hetero p-n junction between ZnO microspheres and p-GaN or PEDOT:PSS, and both p-n junctions with p-GaN or PEDOT:PSS had a good rectifying characteristic. In the case of p-GaN, electroluminescence was observed under forward bias.
Resistive Switching Properties of Zr, Ti, and Zn Metal Oxides
Authors: Lai Chun Hung , Chen Wen Shiush , Hsu Cheng Hsing , Lee Yi Mu , Lin Jenn Sen , Chen Tze Ming
Published: August 2015

Sputtered metal oxides of Zr, Ti, and Zn were investigated on their resistive switching properties. All these three oxides exhibit electrode independence of the on-state currents, implying presence of non-uniform distribution of the conduction paths. The formation and rupture of those low-resistance filaments determine the reversible stable conductions and transition thresholds, which is related to the oxygen vacancy. The change in filament size explains the effect of current compliance and sweeping bias under various deposition temperatures and ambient. The decrease or increase of conduction currents is ascribed to the varying length and cross-section area of the filaments.
Optimization of Moulding Parameters on the Electrical Conductivity of Carbon Black/Graphite/Epoxy Composite for Bipolar Plateusing the Taguchi Method
Authors: Suherman Hendra , Irmayani Irmayani , Sahari Jaafar
Published: August 2015

Optimization of the moulding parameters on the carbon black/graphite/epoxy (CB/G/EP) composite for bipolar plate application using the Taguchi method was carrying out. Moulding parameters of the compression moulding process such as moulding temperature, moulding pressure and moulding time were measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that, the most significant moulding parameter is moulding time with percentage contribution of 59.98%.The confirmation experiment using additive model shows that, the electrical conductivity of CB/G/EP composites was 168.50 S/cm. The electrical conductivity of CB/G/EP composite was improved 65.72 % compare with the initial trial. The results show that Taguchi method is an effective approach to obtain the optimal moulding parameters of the CB/G/EP composites.
Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Buckminster Fullerene (C60) Added Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyamide 66 Multiscale Composites
Authors: Keskin Reyhan , Göcek Ikilem , Ozkoc Guralp
Published: August 2015

In the present study, Buckminster Fullerene and glass fiber reinforced Polyamide 66 multiscale composites were produced using laboratory type twin screw extruder and injection molding machines, respectively. The glass fiber reinforcement was set as 30 wt % and samples A, B and C were produced with 0.1, 0.5 and 2.0 wt % Buckminster Fullerene addition besides the glass fiber reinforcement. Tensile tests were conducted and their results were compared with samples having only 30 wt % glass fiber reinforcement to investigate the effect of Buckminster Fullerene addition. The morphological structure of the multiscale composites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.
Fracture Mechanism of Polypropylene-Kenaf Composite under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Murdani Anggit , Maskuri Maskuri , Suharti Profiyanti Hermin , Makabe Chobin
Published: August 2015

Mechanism of fracture of polypropylene composite reinforced by kenaf fiber under cyclic loading was investigated. Weight fraction of the composite used is 50% polypropylene and 50% kenaf fiber with random fiber orientation. Skins of composite that contains polypropylene dominant fraction are formed on both surfaces. The experiments were performed with flat specimen under cyclic flexural loading with constant displacement. Cyclic softening was detected by hysteresis loop of a local area. Deformation of the specimen was measured from the observed cycles. Fracture features were investigated using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The result shows that polypropylene-kenaf composite with 50%-50% fraction with random fiber orientation has complicated fracture features. The damage of the composite started from internal part. The surface crack proceeded after the internal damage. Moreover, it is discussed that some of fibers were covered by only thin matrix. The strength of specimen was determined the fracture behavior of fibers.
Reuse of Byproduct Alumina Composite Powder from Hydrogen Production Process
Authors: Velmanirajan K. , Abinesh R.S. , Manoharan S. , Anuradha K. , Karunakaran R. , Pakia Selvi J. , Partheeban Partheeban
Published: August 2015

Water molecule reacts with aluminium when it is immersed in water, which plays a vital role in hydrogen generation process. This process which uses sodium hydroxide as catalyst produces a byproduct alumina and some other scarce ingredients. This byproduct is mentioned as alumina composite powder (ACP). In an attempt of reutilizing and converting it into a matrix material using a resin polymer as a binder, this work investigates the workability of the product produced by alumina composite matrix. The specimen produced by alumina composite matrix has been tested for its desirable strength, namely, tensile strength, elongation under varied thermal conditions, compression test, flexural test with fiber reinforcement and non fiber reinforcement. The nature of crack formation and the plastic behavior of the specimen during test have been analyzed, based on the crack propagation in failure plane in the alumina composite matrix as a high quality alternative for wood and tiles for high class interior decorations. This research explores the effective use of the byproduct alumina composite matrix and its consistent eco-friendly nature.
Influence of Acid/Ether-Ratio on Composition and Dispersive Property of Polycarboxylic Type Water Reducers
Authors: Li Chong Zhi , Zhang Fang Cai
Published: August 2015

Polycarboxylic type water reducers were synthesized at different molar ratios of acrylic acid to methyl-allyl polyethylene glycol2400 (acid/ether-ratio). Influence of the acid/ether ratio on its composition and dispersive property were studied by means of Gel Permeation in Chromatography (GPC) and fluidity test of cement paste. The GPC analysis results showed that the average molecular weight and polydispersity were increased with the increase of acid/ether-ratio, but the polymerization degree should be no longer increased as which reached to a certain value, the excessive small-monomers would be self-polymerized when macro-monomers had been consumed. As the final product of polymer at an acid/ether ratio of 5:1, was composed of un-reacting macro monomer (about 6%) and the copolymer of water reducers (about 92%) and the copolymer of small monomers (about 2%). The result of fluidity of cement paste showed that the acid/ether-ratio also influenced the dispersive property to different cement, its ability would be bad if at the ratio of 2:1, then the property of dispersive and fluidity retaining should be all well if at 3.5:1, and the beginning dispersive ability might be high but the ability of fluidity retaining be low as the ratio was beyond 4.5:1.
Flow Behavior of Wood Treated with Melamine Formaldehyde Resin under Non-Equilibrium Thermal-Compression
Authors: Miki Tsunehisa , Nakaya Rumiko , Seki Masako , Tanaka Soichi , Sobue Nobuo , Shigematsu Ichinori , Kanayama Kozo
Published: August 2015

A uni-axial compression test of solid wood containing a melamine formaldehyde resin and moisture at a heating condition was carried out to investigate fluidity of solid wood aiming at application of wood-flow-forming with an acceptable pressure level. Results show that there is a preferable moisture condition for initiation of flow phenomenon of the resin-treated wood. Since the decrease in the flow stress of wood generating pronounced size change in the drying process was distinguished, there might be a positive effect of the non-equilibrium state in moisture on the ease in generation of flow deformation.
Compatibilization Efficiency of Reactively Modified Poly(butylene succinate) as a Compatibilizer for Poly(butylene succinate) Composites
Authors: Tansiri Vanalee , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: August 2015

The modified poly (butylene succinate) (PBS), namely, PBS-g-MA and PBS-g-GMA were prepared in order to be used as a compatibilizer for PBS composites. The grafting of maleic anhydride (MA) or glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto PBS was carried out using a twin-screw extruder. The grafting reactions were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. Comparing with MA, it was found that GMA can be effectively grafted on PBS. The PBS-g-GMA was successfully used for PBS composites to enhance thermal properties. Furthermore, it was found that the incorporation of compatibilizer increased the melt viscosity of PBS composites.
Pressure Dependence of AZO Film Deposited by RF Powered Magnetron Sputtering System
Authors: Shain Farah Lyana , Mani Azmizam Manie , Li Lam Mui , Shuib Umar Faruk , Salleh Saafie , Alias Afishah , Mohamad Khairul Anuar
Published: August 2015

This paper investigates the dependence of pressure onto characteristic of Aluminium Zinc Oxide (AZO) thin films. Films were deposited on a glass substrate by RF Magnetron Sputtering using AZO ceramic target with 99.99% purity. Sputtering was performed with RF power of 100 Watt and the deposition times were fixed at 40 minutes. The argon pressures were varied from 10 sccm to 30 sccm in order to achieve different working pressure during deposition in order to study the effect of pressure towards characteristic of films. AZO thin films on different argon pressure were successfully deposited onto glass substrate. All films are polycrystalline with (0 0 2) preferential orientation and fully transparent films with high transparency above 80 percent were achieved. The film deposited at 10 sccm argon flow exhibit the highest growth rate at 7.9 nm/m, highest intensity XRD peak with higher crystalline quality and lowest resistivity that is 2.7 x 10ˉ2 Ω cm .
Modification of the Mechanical Behavior in the Glass Transition Region of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) through Catalyzed Reactive Extrusion with Poly(carbonate) (PC)
Authors: Phuong Vu Thanh , Coltelli Maria  Beatrice , Anguillesi Irene , Cinelli Patrizia , Lazzeri Andrea
Published: August 2015

In order to improve the thermal stability of PLA based materials it was followed the strategy of blending it with a polymer having a higher glass transition temperature such as poly (carbonate) of bisphenol A (PC) . PLA/PC blends with different compositions were by melt extrusion produced also in the presence of an interchange reaction catalyst, tetrabutylammonium tetraphenylborate (TBATPB) and triacetin. The dynamical mechanical thermal characterization showed an interesting change of the storage modulus behavior in the PLA glass transition region, evident exclusively in the catalyzed blends. In particular, a new peak in the Tan δ trend at a temperature in between the one of PLA and the one of PC was observed only in the blends obtained in the presence of triacetin and TBATPB. The height and maximum temperature of the peak was different after the annealing of samples at 80°C. The data showed an interesting improvement of thermal stability above the PLA glass transition, this was explained keeping into account the formation of PLA-PC copolymer during the reactive extrusion. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature of the copolymer as a function of composition was studied and the obtained trend was discussed by comparing with literature models developed for copolymers.
Metal Nano Particles Formation on Rotating Powder (NPP) Substrate in Physical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Koh Seok Keun , Lee Charles , Lee Jung Hwan , Kang Byung Kwuan , Kaji Hiroyuki , Hayash Motohiko , Cho Wan Ho
Published: August 2015

Nano-sized (2~10 nm) metal particles were formed and accumulated on a rotating powders substrate by conventional physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. Sucrose was selected as a supporter for the nano-particles on powder (NPP) process. Nuclei, which were formed on the substrate from vaporized or sputtered metal atoms at an initial thin film growth, did not grow up to coalescence stage and did not agglomerate each other when the powder in the vessel was continuously circulated during the deposition. Size of the nanoparticles is controlled by the physical parameters such as metal evaporation rate, rotation speed of the powder, selection of the powder in the PVD. Formation mechanism of nano-particles on the carrier powder have been explained in terms of thermodynamics with TEM, SEM, EDX, UV spectroscopy, etc. comparing with conventional thin film growth in PVD.
Effect of Particle Size of Natural Based Carbon Filler to the Absorbency of Superabsorbent Polymer Composite Synthesis by Graft Polymerization Method
Authors: Wan Yaacoba Wan Siti Nadiah , Jamarib Saidatul Shima , Ghazalic Suriati
Published: August 2015

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) has been widely used in many application such as in hygiene products, agriculture and also horticulture, wastewater treatment and others. The absorbency and degradability of SAP can be enhanced by utilization of carbon filler. In this research, SAP with carbon filler has been synthesized using graft polymerization method. Acrylic acid (AA) used as monomer, N, N-methylbisacrylamide (MBA) used as crosslinking agent, ammonium persulphate (APS) as initiator and different size of natural carbon filler used as filler. Water absorbency test showed that SAP with 500 μm carbon filler has highest degree of swelling while SAP with 125 μm and 71 μm carbon filler has degree of swelling lower than degree of swelling of control hydrogel. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image showed 500 μm carbon filler has better surface morphology and alignment to make interfacial contact with hydrogel besides buil excellent capillary effect to absorb and store more water. In conclusion, smaller in particle size of filler will decrease the degree of swelling of SAP.
Electrical Characteristics of Silicone Rubber as Insulation Materials
Authors: Abd El-Khalek Mohamed , Saad Nasrat Loai , Abd El-Hamed Mahmoud , El-Debeiky Soliman
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the results of a study carried out to examine electrical characteristics of high voltage Silicone Rubber (SIR) insulators under weather pollution conditions. The specimens of SIR with and without Alumina tri-hydrate (ATH) filler have been chemically prepared. The AC (50 Hz) surface aging of SIR specimens have been evaluated under salt fog chamber. Furthermore, the relationship between the leakage current and time to failure for SIR specimens with various concentrations of ATH filler under different weather pollution conditions has been measured in this work.
Cure Characteristics and Ageing Resistance of Recovered Waste Pre-Vulcanized Nitrile/Epoxidized Natural Rubber Latex Blends in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Compounds
Authors: Dayang Habibah A.I.H. , Devaraj V. , Kamarularifin H. , Suhawati Ibrahim
Published: August 2015

Waste pre-vulcanized nitrile latex (WPNL), obtained from nitrile glove dipping tank was blended at different ratios with concentrated ENR latex processed via ultrafiltration and designated as ENRLC-SP20 and ENRLC-SP50, respectively, with the number indicating, the percentage of WPNL incorporated into the blend. The blends were prepared in the latex stage and subsequently processed into dry rubber. The rubbers were then blended with virgin nitrile rubber (NBR) at various ratios and the curing characteristics and physical properties of the blends were evaluated. The results showed the maximum torque (MH) decreases while the minimum torque (ML) increases with increasing level of SP 50 rubber. Using higher concentrations of SP-50, the results showed slight reductions in the cure (t90) and scorch time (ts2), respectively. It was also found that by increasing ratio of ENRLC-SP20 and ENRLC-SP50 improves the heat ageing resistance of NBR blends at 100°C as evidenced by the higher percentages in retention of the blends, compared to the control compound.
Transparent and Hydrophilic TiO2 Anatase as Top-Protective Layer for CSP Reflectors
Authors: Ennaceri Houda , Khaldoun Asmae , Benyoussef Abdelilah , Köhler Tristan , Sáez-Araoz Rodrigo , Ennaoui Ahmed
Published: August 2015

Titanium Dioxide is an important material that is used in many industrial applications such as photo-catalysis, glass-defogging, self-cleaning, waste water purification and anti-bacterial sterilization. The strong photo-catalysis of TiO2, and therefore its ability to decompose dirt and organic contaminants makes it an excellent top-protective layer candidate for CSP reflectors. The aim of this study consists of the deposition of a transparent and hydrophilic TiO2 layer on top of the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) mirrors without altering their specular reflectance. The strong photo-catalysis and hydrophilicity of TiO2 will decompose the dirt and organic matter on the surface of the mirrors, which would be cleaned away from the reflectors’ surface by rain, therefore minimizing the use of water for cleaning the CSP mirrors.In this study, polycrystalline anatase TiO2 layers were deposited on glass substrates with different thicknesses. The contact angle measurements show that the hydrophilicity of TiO2 increases with increasing surface roughness, with Water Contact Angle (WCA) of 52°and 30° for 48 nm and 100 nm, respectively. Super-hydrophilicity (WCA < 5°) was achieved for thicker TiO2 layers, with WCA of 8° and 1° for 177 nm and 220 nm, respectively. The deposition of a 48 nm-thick TiO2 layer on glass showed a high transmittance in the visible and Near Infrared (NIR) range (75%), whereas the transmission decreased with increasing thicknesses of TiO2. Therefore, a TiO2 layer of 48 nm thickness is suggested in this study as a hydrophilic top-protective layer since it preserved the specular reflectance of the mirrors (97.5%) in the NIR range, compared to 98.6% without the TiO2 layer.
Surface Modification on Vulcanized Rubber by DBD Plasma
Authors: Pongsopa Pongsopa , Honglertkongsakul Kanchaya , Homhuan Pattira
Published: August 2015

Vulcanized rubber surface was modified by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma system. The hydrophilic surface can be achieved in the shortly treatment and confirmed by contact angle measurement. The increasing hydrophilic group on rubber surface was monitored by Attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectrometer called as ATR-FTIR. The surface roughness was investigated to decrease from 202.13 to 82.02 nm after DBD plasma at treatment time 180s.The optimum conditions for making contact angle lower to 22 degree by DBD plasma treatment in this work were; treatment time, 15 s; input voltage on a neon sign transformer, 200 V; electrode gap, 6 mm.
The Novel Electroless Plating Process for Enhancing Coating Adhesion Strength
Authors: Yang Rui , Guo Hua Feng , Sun Shi Yong , Han Jan , Xing Ling Bing
Published: August 2015

Metallization of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites aggrandized their application to aircraft, automobile, and wind power industries. However, their application is impeded by insufficient coating adhesion strength. In order to enhance coating adhesion strength between metal coating and fiber-reinforced polymer composites substrate, a new electroless-electrolytic plating process is proposed. The plating process of composite includes the preparation composite specimens with interlayer, micro-roughening, decreasing, acid activation, electroless plating and electroplating. The coating adhesion strength was measured by pull-out test.
Non-Linear Insulator Performance of Wind Turbine Blade Surface against Lightning Strike
Authors: Sasimma Watthanapong , Wongwuttanasatian Tanakorn , Suksri Amnart
Published: August 2015

This research work investigates the surface degradation of blade specimen which is made from epoxy resin mixed with non-linear fillers of Zinc oxide, Aluminium oxide and Sodium silicate in different ratio percentage. Test on surface trackability of each specimen according to IEC 60587 standard. Then, choose the best specimen which has achieved a high tracking resistance to test against lightning impulse voltage according to IEC 60243-3 at ± 60 kVpeak. A comparison has been made with the pure epoxy resin specimen as a controlled sample. The results showed that, the epoxy resin specimen with the ratio of 40% by weight of Aluminium oxide filler slow down the tracking process better than other specimen type. And from the result of lightning impulse withstand voltage test, it is found that all of the specimen were not affected.
Green Manufacturing of Eco-Materials by Urban Mining from Landfill Dump Site
Authors: Kerdsuwan Somrat
Published: August 2015

Waste that was generated by human activities needed to be treated properly in order to reduce harmful to environment. At present, landfill is the most common treatment method of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) all over the world, due to it’s lowest net treatment cost when comparing with the other methods, i.e. thermal treatment and composting. However, it is quite clear that the landfill method is not an ultimate and sustainable way for the MSW treatment. Indeed, it works in such a way that the waste would be transferred into land and waiting for final disposal process in the future, causing a large land usage and long-term treatment. But still, there are a lot of valuable materials that needs to be reclaimed inside the dump waste. Green manufacturing of Eco-Materials from Landfill Dump Site by urban mining has been developed. The pilot reclaiming landfill has a daily capacity of 50 Tons, by using land excavation and passing through trommel screen and magnetic separation. The reclaim materials consist of non-degradable plastic, metal, glass and soil. Metal and glass have been used for recycling purposed. The non-degradable plastic has a proportion around 35% of reclaim materials in the form of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and shall be used for green and clean energy to produce electricity by using gasification technology. This research described the green manufacturing process of urban mining to get the valuable eco-materials. The results shown that the new and eco-materials from landfill dump site can be used as clean and green energy that helps reduce the global warming effects and impact to environment.
Control of the Ozonation by-Products by O3/BAC in Shanxi Yellow River Water Treatment
Authors: Du Ren , Zhou Jian Jun , Wang Fu Jin , Liu Jian , Tang Xiao Bin , Zou Jian Feng , Yuan Yi Xing , He Jun Guo
Published: August 2015

While ozonation and biological activated carbon (O3/BAC) process was widely used in advanced water treatment, the control of ozonation by-product was one of the most important objects in water treatment. In this study, the filtered water of Huyan water plant, treating Yellow River water in Shanxi, was used as the raw water to investigate the control of ozonation by-products and the biological stability by O3/BAC process. Results showed that the bromate, formaldehyde and AOC concentration of ozonation effluent were increased, yet BAC filter could effectively reduce the concentration of the by-products. When ozone dosage was less than 3.5 mg/L, the bromate of BAC filter effluent was lower than 10 ug/L. And the formaldehyde was less than 20 ug/L in the whole range of ozone dosage. Moreover, the optimal ozone dosage for the highest AOC removal of 63.25% was 2.0 mg/L. The results could provide an operation parameter for Shanxi Yellow River water advanced treatment, thus to ensure the water quality safety.
Study on Gamma Irradiation on Sago Starch-Chitosan-PVA Blend Films
Authors: Idris Sarada , Abdullah Huda , Ratnam Chantara Thevy
Published: August 2015

Blends from sago starch, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and distilled water have been prepared and subjected to gamma irradiation with doses ranging from 10 to 30 kGy. In some circumstances silver nitrate solution was added to the blends. The blends were then dried in an oven to form films. Some characteristic of the films were then determined.
Surface Modification of 316 L Stainless Steel by Sol-Gel Ceramic Coating and its Cytocompatibility
Authors: Lee Han , Liao Jiunn Der , Thi Minh Hien Ngo , Lin Yu Hui , Shao Pei Lin , Yao Chih Kai , Juang Yang Der
Published: August 2015

In this research, sol-gel method was utilized to prepare ceramic coating on medical grade 316 L stainless steel with different annealing temperature, solution constitute and coating layers. As-prepared zirconia film morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscope. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured on specimens to evaluate their biocompatibility, with fluorescence staining to observe the morphology of cells. The results showed that annealed zirconia film was improved mechanical properties. According to the bio-evaluation results, HUVECs shows very small difference on proliferation activity on ZrO2 coatings compared to 316 L stainless steel, which was shows high difference on proinflammation response test. This indicated that ceramic coating can be indeed less aggressive, which was use for potential future application in surface treatment of stainless steel in scalpels and indwelling needle.
Rapid Biomimetic Coating of Biocompatible Calcium Phosphate on Titanium: Influence of Pretreated NaOH Concentration and Cleaning Method
Authors: Thammarakcharoen Faungchat , Hobang Nattapat , Suwanprateeb Jintamai
Published: August 2015

In this study, the influence of employing three different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pretreatment concentration (1, 3 and 5M) and two cleaning methods (Ultrasonic or Rinse) used in rapid biomimetic coating process on phase composition, function groups, thickness, amount and microstructure of the resulted coating was carried out. Regardless of process parameters, x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the all coating mainly comprised octacalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite as main phases while the microstructure similarly consisted of sharp and interconnected plate-like calcium phosphate (CaP) crystals vertically grown on the surface of titanium. However, the change in sodium hydroxide concentration in pretreatment step and cleaning method influenced the weight change after pretreatment, coating continuity and uniformity, but not the weight change after coating. This could be related to amount of the amorphous alkali gel layer formed during pretreatment step which influenced the rate of coating formation in rapid biomimetic coating process.
The Influence of Electric Parameters on Film Quality of GZO Thin Film Fabricated by APPJ Process
Authors: Chiang Kai Chieh , Tsai Yao Yang , Chang Shih Cheng , Hsu Jui Mei , Weng Chih Chiang
Published: August 2015

In this paper, APPJ (Atmospheric pressure Pules arc Plasma Jet) is used to generate a DC pulse source depositing GZO thin film under atmospheric pressure. Thus, no vacuum chamber needed leads to the cost downward. With scanning operation, makes single unit area into large size area. Several key process parameters have been studied, including the power supply voltage, DC pulse, the length of the nozzle extended head, and depositing gap to understand their relationship with the film quality and atmospheric plasma state.In this study, with adjusting DC pulse, the pulse frequency is found to have a great impact on the plasma state and the film quality. When the pulse frequency is near 25 kHz, lower sheet resistance can be retained. Besides, adjusting Toff time, the plasma and thin film quality are influenced more than Ton time. By changing the power supply voltage, the secondary-side voltage decreases with increasing of the instantaneous current; moreover, the plasma will become more intense.
Grafting of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) onto Tallow via Anhydride: Effect of Residence Time
Authors: Alwi Habsah , Hanipah Suhaiza Hanim , Zakaria Mustaqim , Subuki Istikamah , Shahrudin Munawar Zaman , Hadi Abdul
Published: August 2015

Grafting polymerization by reactive small molecules involves the formation of graft copolymers from a reaction between polymers and monomers. Monomer units can be propagated onto the polymer backbone to form a graft structure. In the polymer processing industry, the internal mixer is the most important piece of machinery. The study used the internal mixer as a reactor to make a reactive process with the interest in residence time,as the residence time is importance in the chemical reaction. By increase the residence time, the optimum degree of grafting may be occurred. The objectives of this study are to increase the knowledge and understanding of the internal mixer process, determine optimum residence time process variables for grafting LLDPE and study the effect of the residence time toward the LLDPE grafting process. Several residence times was choosing for the specified sample, to study the effect of the residence time which were 60 s, 120 s, 180 s, 240 s, 300 s and 600 s. Degree of grafting (DOG) was calculated to determine the grafting of LLDPE grafted copolymers and a series of samples in which degrees of grafting had been determined by chemical titration. Residence time at 300 s produces the optimum DOG of monomer onto polymer. Longer residence time will produce high degree of grafting but will cause other issues such as increasing in gel content and lower the mechanical properties of the grafted polymer.
Effect of Lanthanum Addition on Microstructure and Hardness as Cooling Rate Function of ADC12 Eutectic Cast Alloy
Authors: Ahmad Roslee , Asmael Mohammed Bsher A.
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the experimental investigation conducted on ADC12 cast alloy. The main objective of the research is to investigate the effect of 1.5%La addition with different cooling rate on microstructure and hardness value of ADC12 cast alloy. The Ceramic Mold with different thickness dimensions was use to obtained different cooling rate. The Si structure became modified by increase the cooling rate of base alloy. With La addition the Si size observed smaller area than base alloy when the cooling rate increases. In addition, the higher cooling rate and La addition improves the hardness specially at lower thickness with La addition.
Effect of HCl Concentration on the Phase and Microstructure of TiO2 Film Synthesized by Low-Voltage Anodization of Titanium
Authors: Lau Kok Tee , Loganathan Zurianee Lokman
Published: August 2015

Titanium oxide (Ti-O) films were prepared by low-voltage (i.e., 5-15 V) anodization of titanium plate in different hydrochloric acid (HCl) concentrations. Phase composition and surface microstructure of the anodized sample were investigated through XRD and SEM characterizations. Samples anodized at 15 V and in 0.6, 1.5 and 3.0 M HCl concentrations show higher amount of crystalline TiO2 (i.e., anatase and rutile) phases as compared to other anodizing conditions. The three samples show open pores microstructure on the anodized surface. Samples anodized at lower voltages and in low to medium HCl concentrations also produce loosely bonded amorphous Ti-O granules on top of the crystalline TiO2 phases. After annealing these samples at 400 or 600°C in air, further oxidation occurred on the anodized surface particularly at pores, contribution to slight increase in the crystalline phase. It suspected that the presence of amorphous Ti-O granules on top of crystalline TiO2 phases at initial anodizing stage, hindered movement of OH- and Cl- anions onto the anodized surface, thus inhibited further growth of the crystalline TiO2 phases.
Effect of Zr, Nb and Ti Additions on Injection Molded 316L Stainless Steel: Microstructural, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Gulsoy H. Ozkan , Pazarlioglu Serdar , Ozbey Semih
Published: August 2015

The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of Zr, Nb and Ti additions on microstructural, mechanical and electrochemical properties of injection molded 316L stainless steel. The amount of additive powder plays a role in determining the sintered microstructure and all properties. In this study, 316L stainless steel powders used with the elemental Zr, Nb and Ti powders. The binders were completely removed from molded components by solvent and thermal debinding. The debinded samples were sintered at different temperature for 60 min. at different temperatures. Mechanical property, microstructural characterization and electrochemical property of the sintered samples were performed using tensile testing, hardness, optical, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical experiments. Results of study showed that sintered 316L and 316L with additive powder samples exhibited high mechanical and corrosion properties in a physiological environment.
Influence of Synthesis Conditions on the Properties of SnO2 Nano-Crystalline via Hydrothermal Methods
Authors: Song Jie Guang , Hua Lin , Shen Qiang , Wang Fang , Zhang Lian Meng
Published: August 2015

The study of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) based on nanocrystalline films of high band gap semiconductors is a progressive field of research that is being carried out by scientists in a wide range of laboratories. To improve the conversion efficiency of the DSCs, the SnO2 nanocrystalline is prepared via the hydrothermal methods, and characterized by XRD, TEM, BET and Absorption spectrum. Though analysis the results, the conclusion is shown the pure SnO2 is prepared under a certain condition, such as pH=11, reaction time for 8 days, heat treating temperature at 200°C and 0.05mol/L SnCl4 concentration, the SnO2 nanocrystalline both shows the single phase that SnO2 from the sule solution to kalin solution. The prepared SnO2 nanocrystalline shows the rod shape crystalline, the diameter of rod shape crystalline is about 10nm, the length of rod shape crystalline is about 100nm, the surface area of SnO2 nanocrystalline is 79.7591m2/g. The absorbance of SnO2 nanocrystalline shows the strong absorption in the ultraviolet ray range, the absorbance of synthesized SnO2 nanocrystalline shows the highest value.
Performance of Mixed Cellulase-Amylase Immobilized on PSF Membrane Support via Cross-Linked with Glutaraldehyde in Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Hamzah Fazlena , Saleh Nurul Husna , Alimin Nuratiqah , Abdul Manaf Shareena Fairuz , Manshor Norasmah Mohammed , Samsudin Syahman , Yusof Noorsuhana Mohd
Published: August 2015

A Cellulase and amylase are important enzymes for hydrolysis of cellulose and starchy material into the glucose. The performance of the mixed cellulose-amylase immobilized on polysulfone membrane (PSF) by cross-linked with glutaraldehyde was investigated. PSF membrane consists of 1-methyl-2-pyrolidone (NMP) as a solvent and using polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP) as an additive was developed. The study highlighted in the surface structure of PSF membrane, stability of the immobilized enzyme and reusability of the immobilized enzyme. Morphology studied using FESEM analysis indicated a good distribution of the pores was formed on the surface of the PSF membrane. The immobilization process shown no effect on the membrane structure and it was stable to be used as a support in immobilization process. The optimum operating condition for enzymatic hydrolysis of mixed cellulase-amylase on PSF membrane was 50°C and pH 5. The maximum glucose produced at the optimum condition was 4.843g/ml. The study also indicated that immobilized mixed cellulase-amylase achieved a maximum rate of reaction at first recycle of reusable before the rate of reaction decreased rapidly after 5 reusable hydrolysis cycles.
Energy Analysis of Hydrogen Production from Methanol under Atmospheric Pressure and Supercritical Water Conditions
Authors: Srisiriwat Nawadee
Published: August 2015

The energy analysis of hydrogen production from the methanol reforming and oxidation under atmospheric (ATM) pressure and supercritical water (SCW) conditions was performed. The equilibrium hydrogen was investigated by the minimization of the Gibbs free energy based on Peng-Robinson equation of state for high pressure and ideal gas equation for atmospheric pressure. An objective of this study was to obtain the optimum operating conditions to maximize the net hydrogen yield, defined as the hydrogen yield taking into account also the methanol consumed by combustion to generate heat. This was done by investigating the effect of operating parameters over the following ranges: temperatures between 773 and 1273 K, pressures between 0.1 and 25.0 MPa, water-to-methanol (H2O:MeOH) ratios between 1 and 5, and oxygen-to-methanol (O2:MeOH) ratios between 0 and 1.05. At ATM pressure, it was found that the equilibrium hydrogen yield increases with increasing H2O:MeOH ratio but the peak of equilibrium H2 yield is at 973 K for higher H2O:MeOH ratio than 1:1. Additionally, the total heat load increases significantly as the reaction temperature and the water amount increase. Therefore, the optimum net H2 yield is at the H2O:MeOH ratio of 2:1 and the reaction temperature at 973 K. Under SCW conditions, an increase of temperature and water amount in the system constantly increases the equilibrium H2 yield. It means that the high H2O:MeOH ratio and temperature are required in SCW. The presence of oxygen in hydrogen production was investigated that an increase of O2:MeOH ratio constantly decreases the H2 yield and also the net H2 yield for reaction at ATM pressure whereas under SCW conditions, the equilibrium H2 yield and the net H2 yield increase with increasing oxygen up to 0.42 and 0.84, respectively.
Effect of Alloying Elements and Impurity (N) on Bulk and Grain Boundary Cohesion in Cr-Base Alloys
Authors: Butrim Victor Nikolaevich , Razumovskii Igor M. , Beresnev A.G. , Kartsev A. , Razumovskiy Vsevolod I. , Trushnikova A.S.
Published: August 2015

Effect of comprehensive alloying system (W, Ta, Nb, Mo, V, Hf, Ti, Zr, Ni) and impurity N on cohesive properties of the bulk and the special high-angle grain boundary (GB) Σ5 (210)[100] in Cr-base alloys, as well as segregation behavior of impurities at the GB and the (210) free surface are studied by first principles calculations. The analysis of the data obtained allows us to single out W, Ta as the best and nitrogen as the worst interatomic bond strengthening elements for both the bulk and GB in Cr-base alloys. To verify these theoretical results by means of experiment, we investigated an influence of W (up to 10 wt. %), and (Ta, Nb, Hf and Zr) on mechanical properties of Cr-base alloy. We observed an increasing of the strength properties due to W addition and increasing of the plasticity as a result of (Ta, Nb, Hf, Zr) adding.
Effects of Al3+ and Zr4+ Cations on the Growth of Dendritic Lithium
Authors: Jeong Soon Ki
Published: August 2015

This study examined the electrochemical deposition and dissolution of lithium on nickel electrodes in propylene carbonate-based electrolytes containing Al3+ or Zr4+ cations as a solid electrolyte interface (SEI)-forming additive. The electrode reactions were significantly affected by the Al3+ and Zr4+ cations. The cyclability of the electrodes was considerably improved in Zr4+-containing electrolyte solution. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the growth of dendritic lithium was greatly suppressed in the Zr4+-containing electrolyte solution. On the other hand, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy suggested that a relatively thinner SEI was generated on lithium metal from the Zr4+-containing electrolyte solution.
Investigation into Effect of Cutting Conditions on Surface Roughness while Dry Machining Al-11%Si and Al-11%Si-1% Bi Die Casting Alloy
Authors: Barzani Mohsen Marani , Sarhan Ahmed A.D. , Farahani Saeed , Singh Ramesh
Published: August 2015

In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted to determine the effects of cutting speeds and feed rates on surface roughness in turning of the Al %11Si and Al-11%Si-1% Bi die cast alloys. Experimental trials carried out on a CNC machine using coated carbide inserts (PVD). Three different cutting speeds, 70, 130 and 250 m/min and three feed rates 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15 mm/rev were used with a 0.15 mm constant depth of cut for all experiments. Additionally scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to clarify the different types of silicon morphology. Results revealed that surface roughness increased with increasing feed rate from 0.05 to 0.15 mm/rev and decreased with increasing cutting speed from 70 to 250 m/min. The result showed that workpiece containing Bi had the best surface roughness with lamellar silicon shape in comparison with aluminium-silicon with flake-silicon shape.
Quasi-Static Lateral Crushing of Non-Woven Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Composite Hexagonal Tubes
Authors: Alkbir M.F.M. , Sapuan S.M. , Nuraini A.A. , Ishak M.R.
Published: August 2015

This investigation presents the lateral quasi-static compression crushing testing and load carrying capacity of three different hexagonal angles ranging from 40ο to 60ο. The objective of this study is to understand the effect of hexagonal shape on the progressive deformation, crashworthiness and failure modes. A hand lay-up technique was used to fabricate a hexagonal composite. Quasi-static tests have been carried out on all the specimens tested. From the experimental study, it was found that the tubes crushed with four longitudinal cracks on all sides of the tubes. Furthermore, the energy absorption capability, decreased with the increase of the hexagonal side angles from 40ο to 60ο.