bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NO Abatement by Activated Semi-Coke with Existence of SO2 through TPD Method
Authors: Zheng Yu , Meng Xiang Chao , Li Chun Hu , Wang Liang , Wang Qun , Feng Li Juan
Published: May 2013

The removal of SO2 and NO from flue gas could be achieved with high efficiency by using activated semi-coke through catalytic oxidation. In order to probe the interaction between SO2 and NO on the surface of activated semi-coke, the TPD study was carried out when NO and SO2 had adsorbed separately on the support surface or they were brought into the reaction of TPD simultaneously. The results showed that the activated semi-coke had two different alkaline adsorption sites and the surface of semi-coke was heterogeneous due to the appearance of overlap peak. What’s more, SCO process by using activated semi-coke should be placed after the process of desulfurization.
Optimization of Treatment Parameters on the Recycling of Used Lubricating Oil
Authors: Abdulkareem Ambali Saka , Muzenda Edison , Afolabi Ayo Samuel
Published: May 2013

Acid treatment is one of the cheapest techniques and least applicable processes in the recycling of used lubricating oils. In this work, the performance of sulphuric acid in the treatment used oil was studied. The effects of the critical treatment parameters (acid volume, concentration of the acid, treatment temperature, stirring time and treatment time) were investigated by varying one treatment parameter at a time and analysing metal content in the sample of the treated oil using atomic absorption spectrometry (ASS). Thereafter, an optimal solution was determined by the combination of the optimum values of each treatment parameters. The original conventional treatment parameter values, resulted in 13.2 ppm and thereafter was optimised to 11 ppm this showed a definite improvement in efficiency. This result is also comparable to other data obtained in previously studied work which employed the same conventional treatment parameters. The optimal solution is within 10% variation as compared the standard individual metal content which ranges 0-10 ppm.
Analyses of Connected Interface Area by Pulsed DE-MIG Brazing-Welding for Aluminum-Steel Dissimilar Metals
Authors: Gu Yu Fen , Shao Ling , Shi Yu , Huang Jian Kang
Published: May 2013

Aluminum alloy welding wire ER5356 was welded on galvanized steel plate by Pulsed DE-MIG. The best welding seam morphology was got by adjusting Pulsed DE-MIG welding parameters. It indicated that welding-brazing of aluminum-galvanized steel dissimilar metals were achieved by Pulsed DE-MIG. SEM and EDS were adopted to observe and analyze the interface microstructure of welding joints. The results indicated that two intermetallic compounds layers of Fe2Al5 and FeAl3 formed along the interface of aluminum-steel. And models of interface reaction of aluminum-steel dissimilar metals were put forward.
Numerical Simulation Research on Triple Splitting Rolling Process
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Hua Gui , An Zi Jun
Published: May 2013

Aiming at the triple splitting rolling process of Φ14 mm ribbed bar in small section continuous rolling line, a nonlinear thermal-mechanical coupled finite element model was setup to investigate the splitting mechanism based on the normalized Cockroft-Latham criterion and algorithm of removing elements. From the simulation results, the exit cross section profile, stress and strain distribution of workpiece in each pass is presented. The metal separating in splitting pass and the cause of formation of the insufficient defect was discussed, and the prediction result is in good agreement with that of the practice in the steel company.
Study on Extraction Efficiency of Coal with Different Methods
Authors: Yang Hong , Bi Wen Yan , Zhang Yu Gui , Chen Hou Xiang , Hu Hua , Hou Liang Liang
Published: May 2013

To raise the extraction efficiency of the organic components of coal, samples were selected from tectonic coal and original bituminous coal in symbiotic seam of coal in Pingdingshan 8th coal mine and 5th coal mine. For comparing the extraction time required under the same extraction rate, two different extraction methods, ultrasonic-microwave coordination extraction and traditional soxhlet extraction, was adopted. The experimental results showed that the extraction proportion of ultrasonic-microwave coordination extraction was 10.7911% when adopted tectonic coal of 8th coal mine as sample, selected 80mL pyridine as solvent, set 95W as microwave power and 3min as extraction time. Under the condition of same extraction proportion, soxhlet extraction time is 39.43h.So the extraction efficiency of the ultrasonic-microwave coordination extraction was as 788.6 times as soxhlet extraction. The ultrasonic-microwave coordination extraction was a simplify method with fast extraction speed, large volume sample, energy saving and environmental friendly.
Femtosecond Laser Nonlinear Ablation Process of Biliary Nitinol Stent for Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Hung Chia Hung , Chang Fuh Yu , Chang Tien Li , Chang Yu Ting , Huang Kai Wen , Liang Po Chin
Published: May 2013

Recently, the different types of biliary stent are widely used to provide a longer patency and are more cost-effective for patients surviving. In this study, the design of biliary stent can be fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation in wavelength of 1035 nm. Here the pulsewidth of this laser is smaller than heat diffusion time to reduce heat-affected zone (HAZ). And then, the smart material of nitinol (Ni-Ti) alloy is used to fabricate the stent for medicine application of cholangiocarcinoma. The experimental results show the good quality edge of stent can be obtained via the nonlinear ablation process; however, the kerf surface of stent still can generate some nano-scale structures after this process.
Role of Debinding to Control Mechanical Properties of Powder Injection Molded 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Raza Muhammad Rafi , Ahmad Faiz , Omar M.A. , German R.M. , Muhsan Ali S.
Published: May 2013

316L stainless steel is widely used in various industries due to low cost, ease of availability and exceptional combination of mechanical properties along with corrosion resistance as compared to the other available metal alloys. In powder injection molding, debinding is very critical step and improper debinding can change the final properties dramatically. In the present study, affects of debinding on mechanical properties of powder injection molded 316L stainless steel were studied. The prepared feedstocks were molded according to MPIF 50 standard using vertical injection molding machine (KSA100). The plastic binder was removed at 450°C from the molded test samples using two different furnaces i.e. commercial and laboratory furnace followed by the sintering in vacuum, hydrogen, mixture of H2 and N2 (9:1) and nitrogen at 1325°C for 2hr with post sintering cooling rate 3°C/min . Test samples debound in commercially available furnace showed 97% densification and higher mechanical properties. The corrosion resistance was reduced due to presence of residual carbon during thermal debinding. The presence of carbon and formation of carbides and nitrides were confirmed by XRD and microstructural analysis. The results showed that the test samples debound in commercial furnace showed brittle behavior due to the presence of carbides and nitrides. Test samples sintered in N2 showed 96.3% density and tensile strength 751MPa. This value of strength is twice as compared to the sample debound in laboratory furnace followed by the sintering in vacuum. The achieved mechanical properties in vacuum sintered samples were comparable to the wrought 316L stainless steel (according to ASTM standard).
Microwave Near-Field Detection of the Ion Concentration in Sealed Fluidic Systems
Authors: Feng Tao , Pang Tian Wen , Sun Wei Qiang , Xu Sheng Yong
Published: May 2013

We have developed a near-field scanning microwave microscopy (NSMM) system that contains a high-quality factor resonator, a sharp metallic probe tip, a 6-degree scanning stage and a vector network analyzer. By applying incident GHz microwaves through the probe tip over samples under test and measuring the magnitude and phase shift of the reflection parameter S11, we have precisely detected the ion concentration of electrolytes in a variety of fluidic systems which are sealed under a 50 μm thick dielectric cover. As expected, the measured magnitude of S11 monotonically increases with the ion concentration, but not linearly, and is sensitive to the tip-sample spacing. This technique offers a useful way for on-site, real-time monitoring of the changes in electrolyte fluids of limited volume in a sealed device. Further work is needed to reveal the exact correlation between the deflection magnitude and ion concentration.
Solution-Based Fabrication of Carbon Nanotube Gas Sensor by Using Dielectrophoresis and Spin-Column Chromatography
Authors: Watanabe Hideaki , Komure Hiroki , Nakano Michihiko , Suehiro Junya
Published: May 2013

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) gas sensor has attracted a great deal of attention because of their remarkable properties. The sensor response is attribute to the semiconducting CNT whose electronic properties depend on its chirality. The authors have previously found that the sensor response increased by using separated semiconducting SWCNTs from a mixture with metallic one. Since the electronic structure (metallic or semiconducting) of CNTs is governed by their chirality, a chirality-selective fabrication of CNT gas sensor is essential to improve their performance. In this study, we proposed chirality-based separation of semiconducting SWCNTs by using spin-column chromatography. Pristine CNT suspension was separated into three fractions that had different chiralities of semiconducting SWCNTs. Separated semiconducting CNTs of each fraction were used for fabrication of three CNT gas sensors by dielectrophoresis. Comparison of these sensor responses to NO2 revealed that sensor response depended on the chirality.
ANN-Model for Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition Process
Authors: Li Zhen Yu , Li Hong Sheng
Published: May 2013

Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition process is one of the main process to make optical fiber core-rod. In this process, gas flow, pressure, furnace temperature, reflective microwave power , resonator moving speed and deposition rate are dependant aspects. An artificial neural network model is set up to describe the relationship of variables in the process, and also verified by the experiment and production. Based on the ANN-model, the process recipe setting is illustrated in the paper.
Influence of NaCl on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Cement Stone
Authors: Tang Xin , Huang Jin
Published: May 2013

The mechanical properties and microstructure of cement stone containing different sodium chloride (NaCl) have been investigated. Uni-axial compression experiments were used to study mechanical properties. The main crystalline phase composition of cement specimens was determined by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). Surface morphology of cement stone was observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results showed that compared with the other samples, the sample incorporated 14% sodium chloride was quite different, whose compressive strength was higher and microstructure was denser. The sodium chloride crystalline phase and the hydration (C-S-H) gel phase co-existed.
Stress Analysis for Safety Evaluation of Subsea Pipeline Based on Material Properties
Authors: Ji Da Wei , Wei Li Xin
Published: May 2013

Subsea pipeline has been wildly used in the offshore oil exploitation, and its operational safety has profound significance to the subsea oil industry. In this paper, an actual operating subsea pipeline, which is a typical structure of pipe-in-pipe system, is selected as the object of study. Based on finite element method, the stress analysis is carried out. Results show that the residual ultimate strength of the current damaged pipeline is founded and the damage greatly increased the stress state of dented region of the pipeline.
Effect of Winding Tension on Elastic Modulus of Filament Wound Composite Cylinder under Axial Loading
Authors: Wen Wei Dong , Li Jian , Cui Hai Tao , Xu Ying , Zhang Hong Jian
Published: May 2013

Effect of winding tension on elastic modulus of filament wound composite pipes were investigated with experiments in this paper. Three winding tension configuration were utilized and axial tension experiments were carried out. quantity of fiber tension descent from inner to outside in each configuration, which is always used in practices. The result of experiment shows that elastic modulus increase with fiber tension's raising and effect of fiber tension is not too remarkable.
Research on Coarse Aggregate Gradation of SMA Mixture Influence with Material Properties
Authors: Hao Guang Pu
Published: May 2013

SMA is made by a large number of coarse aggregate skeleton formed, so the coarse aggregate gradation on pavement performance of SMA effect. Since 80 time, SMA mixture in many European countries has been widely used. In recent years, our country road workers on SMA mixture also conducted very fruitful research, and started engineering application. In this paper, SMA mixture in practical application, through the coarse aggregate ratio changes as well as the volume and density of tests on high temperature stability influence made some experimental study.
Study on Solar Materials with New Solar Cell Structure Using Surface Selective Etching and Periodical Barrier Technology
Authors: Yarn Kao Feng , Kuo Chao Kun , Hsieh I Ting , Chang Wen Chung
Published: May 2013

This study presents a simple technique for improving the power conversion efficiency of a AlGaAs-GaAs based solar cell. A traditional III-V semiconductor solar cell heterojunction structure, i.e. n-GaAs/n-AlGaAs/n-GaAs/i-GaAs/p-GaAs is used. The top n-GaAs/n-AlGaAs structure is responsible for the selective etching stop layer. The selective etched surface barriers associated with polymer gratings with different aspect ratios are produced on solar cell by using the photolithography and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) techniques. A reflective-type diffraction optical grating is fabricated on the surface of the solar cell to redirect the incident light reflected from the solar cell back onto the solar cell surface. The experimental results show that the addition of the optical grating increases the open circuit voltage, Voc, from 4.51 V to 4.73V and improves the maximum output voltage, Vm, from 4.12V to 4.32V. From inspection of surface reflectivity , the average reflectivity is also found to be 13.7% down to 9.9 %.
Study on Engineering Construction with Three-Dimensional Heat Transfer Modeling for Double U-Tube Heat Exchangers in Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems
Authors: Yang Lian , Huang Yong Hong , Zhang Liu
Published: May 2013

There are many ground source heat pumps in engineering construction application. However, Research on heat exchanger models of single-hole buried vertical ground source heat pump mostly focuses on single U-tube ground heat exchangers other than double U-tube ones in China currently. Compared with single U-tubes, double U-tubes have the heat transfer particularity of asymmetry. Therefore, the use of the traditional single tube models would have large error in the simulation of the actual double U-tube heat exchangers. This paper frames a three-dimensional heat transfer model for the vertical single-hole buried double u-tube heat exchanger in a ground source heat pump system. The model considers the performance of U-bube material and uses a dual coordinate system and makes the control elemental volumes superimposed.
Calculation of the Nucleation Temperature during Gas Horizontal Atomization Stage in the Spray Rolling of 7050 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Li Feng Xian , Luo Xia
Published: May 2013

Spray rolling is a novel metallic semi-solid near-net-shape forming technology. This paper describes the qualitative influence of the key process parameters on the nucleation temperature during gas horizontal atomization stage in the spray rolling of 7050 aluminum alloy. The Newtonian heat transfer formulation has been coupled with heterogeneous nucleation, as well as the special solidification process. Results show that the droplet diameter has remarkable influence on nucleation temperature during spray rolling of 7050 aluminum alloy compared with that of wetting angle. The nucleation temperature approximately is 878K.
Effects of Hot Water Extract from Fructus tribuli on Growth of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus with Material Properties
Authors: Shu Guo Wei , Zhang Qiu Hong , Chen He , Wang Xu
Published: May 2013

Effect of hot water extract (HWE) from Fructus tribuli on growth of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus with material properties was studied by measuring optical density at 600nm (OD600) and pH using MRS media as the control. The addition of HWE (v/v) was 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%. Results were as follows: addition of HWE has the significant inhibition on growth of Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus bulgaricus and the significant promotion on growth of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The optimum concentration of HWE in MRS media was 2% for Lactobacillus casei and 3% for Lactobacillus rhamnosus, respectively.
Photocatalytic Activity of Transition Metal Doped Strontium Titanate Nanomaterial
Authors: Ma Rui , Zhang Wen Jie
Published: May 2013

Ce, Nd and Gd doped strontium titanate nanomaterial was prepared by a sol-gel method. Effects of transition metals doping on photocatalytic activities of the prepared materials were studied. The pure strontium titanate had photocatalytic degradation activity of 31.0%. The maximum degradation rate happened at Ce content of 20% and nearly 32.5% of the initial methyl orange was degraded on the material after 30 min of irradiation. Although there was a slight variation of photocatalytic degradation rate with the increasing Nd doping content, the materials doped with Nd had lower photocatalytic activity compared with pure strontium titanate. Nearly all the samples doped with Gd in the range up to 30% had much lower activity that the pure strontium titanate.
Tunable Silver Leaching from Polyelectrolyte Multilayers Thin Films
Authors: Wacharanad Sirorat , Dubas Stephan Thierry
Published: May 2013

Silver nanoparticles were deposited on glass slides and surgical suture as antibacterial agent. The silver nanoparticles were prepared by chemical reduction with sodium borohydride and using a synthetic polyelectrolyte as capping agent. Poly (4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid) sodium salt PSSMA was used to stabilize the silver nanoparticles and provide an anionic surface charge which then allowed the layer-by-layer deposition method with poly (dially dimethyl ammonium chloride) PDADMAC. Various concentration of capping agent were used to prepare the silver nanoparticles which were then deposited on glass slide and surgical suture. The layer-by-layer deposition of the nanoparticles was studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy by monitoring the intensity of the characteristic Plasmon band of the nanoparticles at 400nm. The leaching of the silver nanoparticles in buffered solutions of pH 3,7 and 9 was monitored by recording the decrease in absorbance of silver nanoparticles film as a function of time for each pH solutions and each capping concentrations. Finally, suture material coated with silver nanoparticles were tested for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and results showed that all coated sutures had more than 99% bacterial reduction. So these suture material could be applied to use in medical products for promoted wound healing and decreased bacterial colony leading to relieve inflammation of patient.
Exchange Coupled Composite Media for Magnetic Recording – Issues and Challenges
Authors: Gavrilǎ Horia , Gavrilǎ Doina
Published: May 2013

The paper is devoted to the analysis of the exchange coupled composite (ECC) media. The principle of ECC media, the switching process and the thermal stability of these media are analysed. The features of ECC media ask for some changes in the design of recording heads; a lot of proposed geometries of these heads are presented. Finally, challenges and possible improvements of ECC media are summarized.
PP/PS/PMMA Ternary Blend Foaming Using Supercritical CO2
Authors: Sharudin Rahida Wati , Alwi Habsah , Ohshima Masahiro
Published: May 2013

The aim of this work is to study controllability of cell structure of foam by a Polypropylene (PP)/Polystyrene (PS)/ Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) ternary polymer blend. The effects of different polymer matrix, its blend morphology, and rheology on the cell structure of the ternary blend foam were investigated. The batch pressure quenched foaming of the ternary blend with supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) was conducted in the temperature range from 60 to 160°C for PP matrix and 60 to 140°C for PS and PMMA matrices to observe the controllability of bubble location and size. The experimental results showed that interfacial tension, foaming temperature, and viscoelasticity are the important factors to control the cellular structure in ternary blend system.
Morphological and Structural Study on Titania Nanotubes Formation by Difference Voltage
Authors: Usaili Zafirah , Jani Nur Aimi , Abdullah Saifollah
Published: May 2013

Titania nanotube arrays were fabricated by anodic oxidation of the titanium foil in an electrolyte containing F-ion. In here, will be discuss on effect of difference anodization voltage to the morphologycal, structural and optical properties of the TiO2nanotubes. All of these properties were investigated by FESEM, XRD and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that, the vertical oriented TiO2nanotube arrays were obtained at 20 V for 30 min in electrolyte which contained 0.7 g NH4F and 100 mL NaSO4.The diameter size of the nanotube is average at 70 nm, the length of the tube is about 1.6 μm and the wall thickness is average at 10 nm. XRD results shows that there are no significant changes of Ti peaks from 4 V to 20 V, but at 28 V some of the Ti peaks were disappeared due to the collapsed of nanotube structure toward compact oxide of TiO2. The spectral reflectivity were shifted at wavelength of 569 nm with average percentage of transmittance is about 60 % for as-anodized sample.
A Comparative Study of Confined Carrier Concentration of Laser Using Quantum well and Quantum Dot in Active Layer
Authors: Humayun M.A. , Rashid M.A. , Malek F. , Yusof A. , Abdullah F.S. , Ahmad N.B.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a comparative analysis of some of the important characteristics of the carriers of quantum well and quantum dot based laser. Among the characteristics of the carriers, confined carrier concentrations in the gain medium as well as the carrier concentrations at the threshold have been studied extensively by using InxGa1-xN based quantum well and InxGa1-xN based quantum dot in the active layer of the laser structure. The numerical results obtained are compared to investigate the superiority of the quantum dot over quantum well. It is ascertained from the comparison results that InxGa1-xN based quantum dot provides higher density of confined carrier and lower level of carrier concentration required for lasing action. This paper reports the enhancement of confined carrier density and minimization of carrier concentration at threshold of laser using InxGa1-xN based quantum dot as the active layer material. Hence, it is revealed that better performances of lasers have been obtained using InxGa1-xN based quantum dot than that of quantum well in the active medium of the device structure.
Electrical Conductivity and Hardness Property of CNTs/Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Suherman Hendra , Sahari Jaafar , Sulong Abu Bakar
Published: May 2013

This study investigates the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as conductive fillers and epoxy resin as matrix on the electrical conductivity and hardness property. The different CNTs weight percentage (0 ~ 10 wt.%) were added into the epoxy resin. The dispersion of CNTs in epoxy resin was conducted by high speed mixer through mechanical shearing mechanism. The mixture of CNTs/epoxy was poured into the mold and compression molding was conducted for fabrication of CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites. The electrical conductivity and hardness of CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites by several of CNTs loading concentration were measured by the four point probe and dynamic ultra micro hardness tester. Agglomeration of CNTs in epoxy matrix was observed on fractured surface by scanning electron microscopic. Non conductive epoxy polymer becomes conductor as addition of CNTs. Electrical conductivity of CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites were increased with increasing of CNTs loading concentration. Hardness property of CNTs/epoxy nanocomposites ware reached the highest value at 5 wt.%, and then it was decreased.
Thermal Stability Study of Ce0.75-Zr0.25O Nanostructures Synthesized via Water-in-Oil Microemulsion Method
Authors: Jani Nur Azrani M. , Hadi Abdul , Ismail Kamariah Noor
Published: May 2013

Fundamentally, ceria particle had ability to store, transport and release oxygen, which was identified as oxygen storage capacity (OSC). Due to this OSC ability, ceria became the most important component in the three-way catalyst. With the addition of zirconia into the ceria resulting in better performance in three-way catalyst as it increased or improved thermal stability and also promotes the redox properties. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of heat treatment on the structure and physical property of nanocrystalline Ce-Zr-O solid solution. Microemulsion method was used for preparation of Ce-Zr-O solid solution, and heat treatment investigation was applied towards the synthesized nanocrystalline Ce-Zr-O solid solution. The phase and crystal structure of Ce-Zr-O solid solution were determined using XRD analysis. While, the modification of surface area and porosity size over the wide range of calcination temperatures range from 300°C to 700°C was investigated using BET Analyzer. XRD analysis confirmed the Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 solid solution was succesfully synthesized in the research. The results exhibited the effect of heat treatment on the decreasing of surface areas and porosity profiles of the Ce0.75Zr0.25O2. Despite of the reduction of surface areas at elevated temperatures, the study found the promising results that the enhancement of thermal stability of ceria by addition of zirconia.
Effect of Alkali Treatment on the Tensile Behavior and Structure of Betel Nut (Areca catechu) Husk Fiber
Authors: Yusriah L. , Sapuan S.M. , Zainudin E.S. , Mariatti Jaafar Mustapha
Published: May 2013

The tensile properties of untreated and alkali treated betel nut husk fiber were investigated using single fiber tensile test method and the fiber structures were observed using SEM technique. The alkali treatment aids in the removal of lignin, hemicellullose and non-cellulosic components such as wax and pectin on the betel nut husk fiber surface, which yields bigger lumen size and rougher betel nut husk fiber surface. The alkali treatment enhanced the elongation at break of betel nut husk fiber but at the expense of tensile strength and Young's modulus.
The Effect of Processing Parameters Onpoly (Lactic Acid)/Poly(Ethylene Oxide)Bicomponentultrafine Fibersby Co-Electrospinning
Authors: Pavasupree Suttipan , Srikulkit Kawee , Rangkupan Ratthapol
Published: May 2013

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) bicomponent fibers werefabricated by co-electrospinning technique in a side by side configuration. Effect of PEO concentration, PLA and PEO solution flow rate and an applied voltage on formation, size and morphology of the fibers were investigated. The results showed that the fibers size increased with increasing PEO concentration, PEO flow rate ratio and applied voltage. The composition of the fibers was confirmed by IR spectrum. Additionally, by pairing PEO, which is a water soluble polymer, with PLA, follow by PEO phase removal in water, a C-shaped ultrafine fiber was prepared.
Performance of Nonwoven Geotextile as a Filter at Road Shoulder
Authors: binti Salehuddin Shamshinar , Rahim Nur Liza , Ibrahim Norlia Mohamad , Hafiz Bin Ilias Mohd Amirul
Published: May 2013

Geotextile is one of material in engineering field. In this research, nonwoven geotextile is used at road shoulder to flow clean water to the drainage system since it can act as a filter. The purpose of this research are to determine the ability of nonwoven geotextile as filter media and identify the quality of the filtered water before and after placing the nonwoven geotextile. Therefore, the road shoulder is designed to show the filtering process. Based on the JKR Manual On Pavement Design, a minimum thickness for soil and aggregate is 100 mm and each layer is compacted. However, the actual thickness is not being used because it is only to show the ability of nonwoven geotextile in filtering process and its consequence of using it. Two small scale models are created, first is with nonwoven geotextile and another one is without geotextile which aims to show the difference. Tank size 350 x 200 x 240 mm is used for placing material same as road shoulder such as nonwoven geotextile, sand, soil, and aggregates which form in three layers. Water was poured in the road shoulder model. Then the water sample flow out from the tank was tested in terms of level of turbidity and suspended solids contained in the water. Base on the results, it shows that the use of nonwoven geotextile can reduce almost 100% of suspended solid and turbidity of the water from flow into drainage system. As conclusion, the use of nonwoven geotextile at road shoulder can contribute positive impact to reduce the level of water pollution.
Mechanical Properties of Rubber Toughened Polyester Filled Carbon Black
Authors: Redzuan Aein Afina , Bonnia N.N. , Siti Shakirah Shuhaimen , Mohamed M.R.H. , Surip Siti Norasmah
Published: May 2013

This paper is focusing on mechanical properties of rubber toughened polyester filled carbon black (RPCB) for automotive parts and integrated circuits (IC) encapsulations applications. The samples were fabricated via hand lay-up and open molding technique in which 3 % of LNR was added as toughening agent in this composite and percentages of carbon black (CB) used vary from 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%. The mechanical properties were evaluated by impact and flexural testing. The result for each test was discussed to determine the most optimum loading of carbon black used to produce the composite. It was found that the addition of carbon black increased impact strength by 87%, flexural modulus by 33%, and flexural strength by 3%, at 4% of filler loading. The microstructures of the composites fracture surface were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to correlate and further explain the mechanical properties of the composites with morphology observation .
Experimental Study on Welding Fumes Exposure from Aluminum Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Process
Authors: Hariri Azian , Leman Abdul Mutalib , Yusof Mohammad Zainal M.
Published: May 2013

Welding fumes are known as hazard that can cause acute health effects. Welders exposures to welding fumes are oftentimes difficult to evaluate due to the different parameters settings exist in their workplace. Therefore, this experimental study focused on welding fumes exposure towards aluminum metal inert gas (MIG) welders. The experimental set-up was done by using a dummy welder and a welding machine attached to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) workbench for programmable welding route. This preliminary experiment aims at comparing results between scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) analysis method. New insight on the consistency of the SEM-EDS experimental results, comparison of element detected by using SEM-EDS and ICP-MS result analysis and the different elements detected between standing and sitting welding position were recognized through this preliminary experimental study. It is concluded that SEM-EDS analysis are not suitable to be used as a preliminary analysis to shortlist the metal elements exists in the welding fumes sample due to the misleading results if compared to the elemental characterization measure proportional to the atomic number such as ICP-MS.
Elemental Analysis and Wettability Properties of Polyene with Epoxidised Oil Based Coating
Authors: Norizan Mohd Nurazzi , Mohamed Rahmah
Published: May 2013

Presence of chlorine in by product of degradation process from polyvinyl chloride was analysed through structural feature changes and elemental analysis. Coating samples with polyene was also tested for its wettability via contact angle. Analyzing the elimination of chlorine content from polyvinylchloride through chemical dechlorination with tetrahydrofuran (THF) has been studied via FTIR spectra, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and static contact angle measurement. Qualitative value of decreasing chlorine content of polyene at 2 hours reaction time was found to be about 96% from supplied PVC. All treated samples at different reaction time of polyene synthesize showed good wettability properties since the contact angle value were less than 90o.
Ionic Liquids: Green Solvent for Pretreatment of Lingnocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Nagoor Gunny Ahmad Anas , Arbain Dachyar
Published: May 2013

Green technology has become the primary concern of nations around the world. In-line with this concern, lignocellulosic biomass is often advocated as significant starting material for a greener production. However, the current biomass conversion cannot be considered as green due to the use of acid or alkaline during its pretreatment. An introduction of ionic liquids (ILs) as replacement of acids or alkaline for the pretreatment of lingo-cellulosic materials is gaining interest due to their minimal waste, nonvolatility and low toxicity and therefore considered green. This paper discusses the benefits of ILs as a green solvent for pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass.
A Metaheuristic Approach to Transmembrane Protein Assembly Using Limited Distance Restraints
Authors: Sujaree Kanon , Sompornpisut Pornthep
Published: May 2013

Metaheuristic methods have become a popular tool in solving large scale optimization problem for a variety of biological systems. In this report, we present Max-Min Ant System (MMAS), a class of swarm intelligence metaheuristics approach, in computing transmembrane helical arrangement of the homotetrameric protein, the potassium channel from Streptomyces iividans (KcsA). The MMAS algorithm was employed to solve transmembrane arrangement problems through the use of an objective penalty function based on distance-violated constraints. Assembly structures of the four inner helices of the KcsA channel were computed bythe construction of probability associated with a set of translational and rotational parameters and the four-fold symmetry transformation applied to the atomic coordinates of the rigid single helix. The MMAS parameters including the number of ants, the number of iteration, weight of pheromone, weight of heuristic information, and pheromone evaporation weight were examined. We demonstrated the effectiveness of the present approach, which can correctly generate native-like structure with root-mean square deviation (RMSD) below 3 Å with respect to the x-ray structure.
Storage Conditions and Particle Size Effects on Powder Cohesion Index Using Stable Micro System
Authors: Mohammed Salam A. , Abdullah Ezzat C , Raman Abdul Aziz A.
Published: May 2013

Flowability indicates the degree of ease of flow. For dynamic (or aerated) flowability, Hausner Ratio (HR) and Angle of Repose (AOR) have been established as a strong indicator for flowability. In this work the influence of particle size and relative humidity (RH) on the flowability of silica gel and ballotini powders were investigated using a non-aerated method. The non-aerated method is a cohesion index (CI) measurement based on a Stable Micro Systems TA.XT PLUS texture analyzer (SMS). The results of the indicator measured confirmed the general expectation that the fine powders are cohesive and the coarse powders are free-flowing at low RH. An interesting trend was observed on the humidity effect study where in low humidity, the powder maintained to be more free-flowing than the powder after the drying process up to a certain limit of RH. However at humidity above this limit, the flowability indicator of the powder is decreasing below than the measureed dry powder flowability. Moreover the apparatus has proven equipment ability to predict even small changes in cohesion value and that using non-aerated methods is greatly important to evaluate the flowability and the powder behavior under different conditions (dynamic and static). It is observed that there are numerous factors related with powder flowability.
Effect of Polycaprolactone Electrospun Fiber Size on L929 Cell Behavior
Authors: Kulpreechanan Narissara , Bunaprasert Tanom , Damrongsakkul Siriporn , Kanokpanont Sorada , Rangkupan Ratthapol
Published: May 2013

Poly (caprolactone) (PCL) was selected as the substance for producing the ultrafine fiber using the eletrospinning process. The effect of the solution concentration on fiber size was studied to determine the condition for preparing PCL fiber mats with desired size range. PCL fiber mats with three different fiber sizes, i.e. 440 nm, 960 nm and 4.6 μm, were prepare and used to evaluate effect of fiber size on cell adhesion and proliferation using L929 as a model cell. The results showed that while fiber size has no effect on initial cell attachment, the mat with medium and large fibers showed higher cell proliferation than the mat with small fiber. Fiber size also played role in prohibiting or accommodating cellular distribution or penetration into the under layer of electrospun fiber mat.
Finite Element Analysis of Composite Cylinder with Centre Cutout under Axial Load and Internal Pressure
Authors: Ismail M. S , Baharudin B. T. H. T , Yahya S. A. , Kahar H. A.
Published: May 2013

Results from Finite Element (FE) study on the response of composite cylinder shells with cutouts and subjected to internal pressure and axial compression are presented. The objective of the study is to improving the buckling load by applying the internal pressure whilst the compression load is applied. The effect of localized stress concentration distributed around the cutout region also being examined. The numerical results are obtained using ABAQUS finite element code software package. The composite cylinder shells were tested in two conditions which are a combination of axial compression load with internal pressure and a single axial compression load. The effects of varying internal pressure and cutout size on the pre-buckling, buckling, and post-buckling responses of the shell are demonstrated. Reasonable results comparison was obtained by reviewing previous literature. Results indicated that the load distribution and displacement of the cutout significantly influence the structural response of the shell. The results also indicate that the stress distributions can be affected by the size of the cutout under axial compression load.
Comprehensive Review on the Utilization of PALF
Authors: Binti Yahya Siti Asia , Yusof Yusri
Published: May 2013

The establishment of high-performance materials made from natural resources is increasing worldwide. Recently, there are exceptional accomplishments in green technology in materials science field via the development on natural fibers utilization due to sustainability and environment issues. One of the natural fibers that getting more attention is pineapple leaf fibers (PALF). Since PALF consist of high cellulose contents and mechanically sounds, it has seen a tremendous increase in use as reinforcement in polymer composites. This paper presented a comprehensive review of literature on the utilization of PALF nowadays. The PALF characteristics in terms of chemical composition and properties including mechanical properties, as well as thermal properties will be reviewed and summarized in this paper. Several studies have shown that the common modification methods used are silane and alkaline treatment. Finally, this review will conclude all the current developments and trends of PALF utilization as well as key issues that need to be considered for future works.
Study and Comparison of Vibration-Based Intrusive and Non-Intrusive Sand Monitoring System
Authors: Liu Gang , Liu Peng Tao , He Bao Sheng
Published: May 2013

Sand production is a serious problem during the exploitation of oil wells, and people put forward the concept of limited sand to alleviate this problem. Oil production with limited sanding is an efficient mod of production. In order to complete limited sand exploitation, improve the productivity of oil wells, a real-time sand monitoring system is needed to monitor the status of wells production. Besides acoustic sand monitoring and erosion-based sand monitoring, a vibration-based sand monitoring system with two installing styles is proposed recently. The paper points out the relationships between sand monitoring signals collected under intrusive and non-intrusive installing styles and sanding parameters, which lays a good foundation for further study and actual sand monitoring in oil field.
Sound Absorption Coefficients Natural Fibre Reinforced Composites
Authors: Jayamani Elammaran , Hamdan Sinin
Published: May 2013

In this Investigation, the influence of two kind of polymers (Urea-formaldehyde and Polypropylene) mixed with natural fibre (Kenaf) were studied for their sound absorption coefficients. Four samples were made; Samples A1 and A2 are made of Kenaf core fibre with adhesive of high emission Urea-formaldehyde resin (HN 100) with 51.6 % solid content. The fabrication of the particle board was done using a hot press for 6 minutes under the pressure of 40 Ton at 180°C for different fibre lengths 1 mm (Sample A1) and 0.6 mm (Sample A2) with weight fraction of 80%. Sample B1 and B2 are made of Kenaf core fibre with polypropylene matrix materials with coupling agent of polyvinyl alcohol. The fabrication of the sample was done using hot press for 30 minutes under the pressure of 1000 Psi at 180°C for different lengths of 1 mm (Sample B1) and 0.6 mm (Sample B2) with weight fraction of 20%. The sound absorption coefficients of samples were measured according to American society for Testing Materials (ASTM E1050 10) two microphone method. It is evident that type of polymer influences the sound absorption coefficients.
Tensile Properties of Impregnated Sugar Palm (Arenga pinnata) Fibre Composite Filled Thermosetting Polymer Composites
Authors: Ibrahim Abu Hatim , Zulkiflle Leman , Sapuan S.M.
Published: May 2013

The effect of fibre modification via vacuum resin impregnation on tensile properties of sugar palm fibre reinforced thermosetting composites was studied. The fibres were impregnated with unsaturated polyester, vinylester and epoxy at the pressure of 600mmHg (79.99kPa) for 30 mins. After curing time, it was observed that tensile strength of impregnated fibre was significantly increased with epoxy (EPX) was the best with 188.06 MPa. It was followed by unsaturated polyester (UP) and vinylester (VE) with 107.12 MPa and 158.31 MPa. However, tensile modulus for sugar palm fibre impregnated with EPX increased up to 21% compared to un-impregnated sugar palm fibre followed by UP (12.7%) and VE (8.4%). It was observed that different impregnation agents gave different values of strength of sugar palm fibre composites.
Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Disk Laser Welded Aerospace Alloys
Authors: Caiazzo Fabrizia , Alfieri Vittorio , Sergi Vincenzo
Published: May 2013

The original micro structure of the base metal is significantly affected by a welding thermal cycle, irrespective of the type of the heat source. Hence, new phases and different grain size result in the welding bead. The tensile strength of the overall structure is affected in turn. Tensile tests are normally conducted to eventually test a square butt joint configuration. In conjunction, micro hardness is thought to be a good indicator to predict where the fracture would occur in the welded structure. Referring to common metal alloys for aerospace and considering a diode-pumped disk-laser source, the response of the base metal to the laser beam is investigated in this paper. Autogenous welding of aluminum alloy 2024, autogenous welding of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V and dissimilar welding of Haynes 188 with Inconel 718 are discussed, with respect to micro structure changes in the fused zone and in the heat affected zone. The failure mode is examined.
Investigation on Galvanic Corrosion Behavior of 2A12/45 Couple under Tensile Stresses
Authors: Zhou Hong Liang , Shi Ping An , Yin Yi Hui , Liu Dao Xin
Published: May 2013

Galvanic corrosion behavior of 2A12/45 couple under different tensile stresses is investigated using the electrochemical test. Surface morphologies of the specimens are observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the applied stress have an important effect on the galvanic corrosion of 2A12/45 couple. The couple current density and galvanic corrosion sensitivity increases with the increase of the applied stresses.
Microstructure and Compound Developed from La-As-Fe System at 1223K
Authors: Liu Xiao Dong , Zhang Jin Zhu , Zhu Si Si
Published: May 2013

The interaction among Lanthanum, Arsenic and Iron at 1223K were studied by means of electron probe microanalysis, optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The result shows that the gray phase might be a ternary compound La10Fe50As40, and the binary compound LaAs and the ternary compound La10Fe50As40 are the main interaction products when the atomic ratio of La to As is 1:3. The eutectic compound Fe2As can be precipitated from ferrite with the temperature decreasing.
Synthesis and Characterization of Antimony Doped Tin Oxide Conductive Nanoparticles by Alkoxide Hydrolysis Method
Authors: Zhu Fu Liang , Meng Yan Shuang
Published: May 2013

Antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) conductive nano-particles are synthesised by alkoxide hydrolysis method using SnCl4•5H2O and SbCl3 as raw materials. The optimum parameters are determined as: Sb3+ doped molar concentration 15%, reaction temperature 60°C and roasting temperature 600°C. Under optimum conditions, the synthesised nano-particles are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). XRD results show that all Sb ions came into the SnO2 lattice to substitute Sn ions. The image of TEM shows the ATO conductive nano-particles average size is 5 nm. Volume resistivity lowest value of ATO nano-particles is 141 Ω•cm.
A Study on the Bending Analysis of the Al Honeycomb Core Sandwich Composite Panel Bearing Large Bending Load
Authors: Kim Hong Gun , Kim Young Jun , Shin Hee Jae , Ko Sun Ho , Kim Hyun Woo , Kim Young Min , Cha Yun Ju , Lee Woo Kum , Kwac Lee Ku
Published: May 2013

Al honeycomb core sandwich composite panels have different core and plate materials. The core is the Al honeycomb core, and the thin plate is GFRP sheets with fibers laminated in the 0°/90° symmetric structure. The Al honeycomb core sandwich composite panel is used for structures, which involve relatively high bending load. Before designing the structures, their stability is evaluated via the finite element analysis. In this study, an analysis method that is closest to the reality was proposed for designing the structures with Al honeycomb core sandwich composite panels. For that purpose, the modulus was reviewed. In the finite element analysis, the tensile modulus is generally used. In the results of this study, however, the tensile modulus led to significant deviations from the test results, whereas the bending modulus led to a closer value to the test results.