bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Curing Temperature on Degree Imidization of Melamine-BPADA Hyperbranched Polyimide Studied by FT-IR
Authors: Othman Muhammad Bisyrul Hafi , Akil Hazizan Md. , Osman Hasnah , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: April 2015

We has synthesized hyperbranched polyamides (HPI) series containing s-triazine rings derived from melamine in the main chain, according to A3 + B2 approach which involving the emulsion polymerization reactions of melamine in hydrochloric acid and stepwise thermal imidization. The effect of curing temperature on the degree of imidization (DI) films of Melamine-BPADA (4,4'-(4,4'-Isopropylidenediphenoxy) bis (phthalic anhydride) has been examined by using the techniques of FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) and SEM-EDX (Scanning Electron Microscope-Electron Diffaction X-Ray). The DI varied significantly with annealing temperature before the films were fully cured. The Melamine-BPADA film was nearly fully cured when annealed at 180 °C, while the same was revealed for SEM-EDX. The morphology of the Melamine-BPADA film did not vary with annealing at temperatures and the FTIR experiment fairly match those from the SEM-EDX.
Magnetic and Electrical Properties of TPU/NR Blends Filled NiZn Ferrite
Authors: Ahad Nor Azwin , Ahmad Sahrim Haji , Abd Jalil Jalilah
Published: April 2015

Blending method of two or more polymer is well-established strategy to modify the physical properties without synthesizes the new polymer system. While adding magnetic filler will change the magnetic properties of the polymer as an insulator to the materials that are magnetic. The TPU/NR blends as matrix was prepared from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and natural rubber (NR) in the ratio 85/15 with 1-5 wt% NiZn ferrites. The value of saturation magnetization (Ms), remanance (Mr) increased, while coercive force (Hc) decreases with increasing filler loading. For the electrical properties, resistivity decreased and conductivity increased with the increase of NiZn ferrite loading in the blends.
Effect of Poly (Butyl Acrylate) and Poly (Ethylene Oxide) Modified Sago Starch on Natural Rubber Latex Films Physical Properties
Authors: Afiq M.M. , Sean N.T. , Azura A. Rashid
Published: April 2015

Sago starch is modified with 1 wt % Poly butyl acrylate (PBA) and Poly ethylene oxide (PEO) monomer and 1 wt% of initiator, potassium persulfate (PPS) at temperature 80°C for 2 hours. Modified sago starch is cooled under room temperature for 24 hours prior to Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) compounding process. Results indicates that NRL films with PBA modified sago starch have higher mechanical properties compared to PEO modified sago starch and unmodified sago starch. Swelling test indicates that PEO gives lowest percentage of swelling and crosslink density. This is due to higher reaction probability that produce more closely packed structure with NRL matrix compared to PBA which only improved the compatibility of sago starch particle with rubber matrix. Thus, chemically modified sago starches are preferable to be used as fillers to produce better interaction between fillers and rubber matrix.
Regenerated Cellulose/Nypa Fruticans Fiber Biocomposite Films Using Ionic Liquid
Authors: Govindan Vaniespree , Husseinsyah Salmah , Teh Pei Leng , Zakaria Marliza Mosthapa , Tanjung Faisal Amri
Published: April 2015

Regenerated cellulose (RC) biocomposite films from Nypa Fruticans Fiber (NFF) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were prepared by dissolving cellulose in lithium chloride (LiCl) and dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The effect of NFF content on tensile properties and X-ray diffraction were studied. The results found that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of RC biocomposite films increased from 1 wt% to 3 wt% of NFF content and decreased at 4 wt% of NFF content. The elongation at break of RC biocomposite films decreased with increases NFF content. The crystallinity of RC biocomposite films also showed the highest crystallinity at 3 wt% of NFF content.
Mechanical Properties of Artificial Lightweight Geopolymer Aggregate (ALGA) Concreteusing Volcano Mud with Various Sintering Temperature
Authors: Abd Razak Rafiza , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Kamarudin Hussin , Ismail Khairul Nizar , Hardjito D. , Zarina Yahya
Published: April 2015

The mechanical propertiesof artificial lightweight geopolymer aggregate (ALGA) using volcano mud in concrete have been investigated at various sintering temperature. The volcano mud was mixed with alkaline activator, formed into spherical pellets, then sintered in the furnace at temperature of 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, 800°C, 900°C, 950°C, and 1000 °C. The lightweight concrete with density below than 1800 kg/m3 can be achieved at sintering temperature ALGA of 950 °C. The optimum compressive strength of 30.1 MPa was achieved at 28 days of testing. The lower water absorption of ALGA concrete was produced with 5-8 % in range.
Electrical Properties of Starch/PEO Blend Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Ramly K. , Khiar Azwani Sofia Ahmad
Published: April 2015

Films of starch/PEO blends were prepared via solution casting technique and their properties with different amount of ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3 were compared. The measurement of conductivity at room temperature were carried out using impedance spectroscopy. The highest conductivity calculated is found to be 2.81±0.46 x 10-7Scm-1 with addition of 35wt% NH4NO3 .
Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash Artificial Geopolymer Aggregates with Natural Aggregate
Authors: Abdullah Alida , Ku Yin Ku Amirrul Rahman , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Kamarudin Hussin , Tran Mien Van
Published: April 2015

This study was conducted to compare the mechanical properties of fly ash artificial geopolymer aggregates with natural aggregate (rock) in term of its impact strength, specific gravity and water absorption.The raw materials used were fly ash, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate and natural aggregate. After the artificial geopolymer aggregate has been produced, its water absorption, specific gravity and aggregate impact test has been done. All results obtained were compared to natural aggregate. The result shows that the fly ash geopolymer aggregate are lighter than natural aggregate in term of its specific gravity. The impact value for fly ash artificial geopolymer aggregate slightly high compared to natural aggregate while it has high water absorption value compared to natural aggregate. As conclusion, the fly ash artificial geopolymer aggregate can be used as one of the construction materials in concrete as an alternative for coarse aggregate besides natural aggregate with more lightweight properties.
Geopolymer Steel Slag Brick
Authors: Mohammed Bashar S. , Fadhil Nuruddin Muhd , bt Mohd Azizli Khairun Azizi , Ku Shaari Ku Zilati
Published: April 2015

Steel slag waste is a by-product of steel mining industry. Effort to utilize the steel slag in concrete production has been failed due to its high contents of MgO which causes volumetric instability of the hardened concrete. Researchers also have failed to utilize the steel slag in the sub-base of road construction due to its low compaction ratio. Geopolymer concrete is a new sustainable material made of mainly two materials which are alkali liquid and source material. The source material usually has to be pozzolanic. However, the chemical composition of the steel slag has shown that the steel slag is not considered as a pozzolanic in accordance to the requirement of the ASTM. Therefore, a special modification has been carried on and a geopolymer steel slag brick has been developed. The new developed geopolymer steel slag brick has compressive strength of about 10 MPa which is made the brick suitable for construction of a load bearing walls.
Effect of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Concentration on Compressive Strength of Alkali-Activated Slag (AAS) Mortars
Authors: Hashim Aimi Noorliyana , Kamarudin Hussin , Begum Noorzahan , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Razak Kamrosni Abdul , Ekaputri Januarti Jaya
Published: April 2015

Energy saving in building technology is among the most critical problems in the world. Thus it is a need to develop sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete utilizing more environmental friendly materials. One of the possibilities to work out is the massive usage of industrial wastes like ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) to turn them to useful environmental friendly and technologically advantageous cementitious materials. In this study, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) is used to produce of alkali activated slag (AAS) mortar with the effect of alkaline activator concentration. Alkali activated slag (AAS) mortar is accelerated using alkaline solution of sodium silicate mixed with sodium hydroxide. The fixed ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide is 1.7 and the concentration of sodium hydroxide is varied from 6M to 12M. Concentration of 10M NaOH promotes the best properties of mortar by achieving the greatest compressive strength. Substitution of mineral admixture also influences strength performance of AAS mortars. The mortar with 20% calcium carbonate demonstrates the maximum compressive strength. The used of alkaline activation system is the best method to prepare industrial byproduct concrete. Moreover, alkali activated product itself gains superior properties which lead to the system become the most interesting method to produce sustainable concrete.
Characteristics of Mortars with Various Composition of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Hashim Aimi Noorliyana , Razak Kamrosni Abdul , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Mohd Nan Noor Mariamadzliza , Mohd Noor Noor Azira
Published: April 2015

The characteristics of mortars made from ordinary Portland cement with various composition of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) were investigated in this research. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) was chose as an alternative binder to partially replace high energy consuming Portland cement in concrete according to the composition of the slag itself. GGBS were blended with Portland cement from 20 to 80 weight percent. The samples were mechanically tested for water absorption and compressive strength after 7, 14 and 28 days. From research, the most suitable proportion is 60% OPC + 40% GGBS which gain the highest compressive strength and the lowest water absorption among OPC blended mortars. These mortars used water to hydrate and solidify with ratio water to binders 0.7 equally.
Acid Resistance of Oil Palm Shell Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Containing Palm Oil Fuel Ash
Authors: Muthusamy Khairunisa , Zamri Nurazzimah , Mohd Haniffa Iqbal , Sarbini Noor Nabilah , Yahaya Fadzil Mat
Published: April 2015

Concern towards reducing waste disposed by Malaysian palm oil industry, palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and oil palm shell (OPS) that poses negative impact to the environment has initiated research on producing oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete (OPS LWAC) containing palm oil fuel ash. The present investigation looks into the effect of palm oil fuel ash content as partial cement replacement to compressive strength and acid resistance of oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete. Two types of mix, plain OPS LWAC and another one containing POFA as partial cement replacement have been used in this research. Cubes of 100 x 100 x 100 (mm) were water cured for 28 days before subjected to compressive strength test and acid resistance test. The findings indicate that suitable integration of POFA content would ensure occurrence of optimum pozzolanic reaction leading to densification of concrete internal structure which increases the compressive strength and better durability to acid attack. Integration of 20% POFA successfully assist concrete to achieve the highest compressive strength and exhibit superior resistance against acid attack compared to other mixes.
Effect of Interrupting Electricity Period on Electrochemical Chloride Extraction of Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Tran Mien Van , Tran Dong Viet Phuong , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa
Published: April 2015

Electrochemical chloride extraction – ECE is an effective method to rehabilitate reinforced concrete structure, which has been corroded. This study investigated concentration of chloride remained in concrete and half-cell potential of the steel reinforcement after ECE using interrupting period of electricity current. Efficiency of ECE using Ca (OH)2 was surveyed with two current density of 0.5 and 1A/m2. In this study, ECE treatment was proceeded intermittently in approximately 8 weeks. Results pointed out that chloride concentration decreased to 30 – 60% significantly, especially at in the vicinity of reinforcing steel. Simultaneously, half-cell potential of the steel reinforcement after 4 weeks halted treatment stabilizes in low-corrosion rate.
Compressive Strength of Concrete from Lightweight Bubbles Aggregate
Authors: Ibrahim Norlia Mohamad , Wen Leong Qi , Abdul Rahim Mustaqqim , Ismail Khairul Nizar , Che Amat Roshazita , Sallehuddin Shamshinar , Rahim Nur Liza
Published: April 2015

Compressive strength of concrete is the major mechanical properties of concrete that need to be focused on. Poor compressive strength will lead to low susceptibility of concrete structure towards designated actions. Many researches have been conducted to enhance the compressive strength of concrete by incorporating new materials in the concrete mixture. The dependencies towards natural resources can be reduced. Therefore, this paper presents the results of an experimental study concerning the incorporation of artificial lightweight bubbles aggregate (LBA) into cementations mixture in order to produce comparable compressive strength but at a lower densities. Three concrete mixtures containing various percentages of LBA, (10% - 50% of LBA) and one mixture used normal aggregate (NA) were prepared and characterized. The compressive strength of LBA in concrete was identified to be ranged between 39 MPa and 54 MPa. Meanwhile, the densities vary between 2000 kg/m3 to 2300 kg/m3.
Durability of Blended PFA and POFA Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Azreen M. , Hussin M.W.
Published: April 2015

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials globally, though its production in construction has negative environmental impact. About 0.9 ton of CO2 is emitted for every one (1) ton of cement produced. In order to reduce the amount of CO2 emission from cement industry, the utilization of supplementary cementitious materials such as pulverized fuel ash (PFA), blast-furnace slag and natural pozzolans is common and effective. Geopolymer is an inorganic binder material and can be produced by a geopolymeric reaction of alkali activating solution with silica and alumina rich source materials such as PFA and blast-furnace slag. In this study, the durability of concrete such as the resistance to sulfuric acid and sulfate solutions due to the effect of blended as of PFA and palm oil fuel ash (POFA), along with alkaline activators were investigated. Consequently, the optimum mix design of the blended ash geopolymer (BAG) concrete and OPC concrete specimens were prepared with water to cement ratio of 0.5 by mass as control. The micro structural analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) was done. BAG concrete showed better performance in 2% sulfuric acid and 5% sulfate solutions. From micro structural analysis, it was evident that BAG binder gel (N-A-SH) produced more durable material compared with C-S-H binder gel of OPC. The BAG concrete is strongly recommended to be used as an alternative to OPC concrete in addition to its environmental friendliness. Abundant PFA and POFA can be efficiently utilized to produce a high performance concrete.
Usage of Sugarcane Bagasse as an Additive in Building Materials
Authors: Yahya Muhamad Azani , Yusof Muhamed Alias , Ridzuan Norita , Yahya Mohamad Yusrin , Ab Aziz Ahmad Azizi
Published: April 2015

Discovering about sustainability, construction sector should be a part of participant in utilizing waste materials for the benefits of the industry. The idea of converting waste materials into some application can contribute to sustainability and greening the earth. Apart from that, research must be done to promote the waste material into economic and useful construction material. A concept of going green must be adopted rather than just thinking of the rapid construction as the whole project aim. This paper promotes sugarcane bagasse as an additive for construction material in 3 ways which are on concrete strength improver, a concrete retarder and composite brick. The sugarcane bagasse were blended and mixed with 30MPa concrete with certain ratio and tested for compressive, flexural, water absorption and penetration. From the tests, it shows that the sugarcane bagasse gives a positive impact to concrete. Therefore, the usage of sugarcane bagasse can be considered as a concept of utilizing waste material for sustainable approach.
The Effect of Steel Fiber as Additional Reinforcement in the Reinforced Concrete Beam
Authors: Abdul Rahim Mustaqqim , Ghazaly Zuhayr Md , Azizi Azizan Muhammad , Ibrahim Fazdliel Aswad , Ibrahim Norlia Mohamad , Mahmud Nur Izzati
Published: April 2015

In the normal practice in the reinforced concrete design, the main reinforcement steel bar and links was used to fabricate the concrete structure. However new materials such as steel fiber has been introduced as the reinforcement to the reinforced concrete structure [1]. Nowadays, the application of fiber in concrete increase slightly as an engineering material demands. Fibers have distinctive of geometry, size and material. The characteristics and properties of fiber influence the properties concrete. Steel, glass and synthetic fibers were used in concrete in 1960s because of the difficulty to handle the asbestos fiber [2].
Geopolymer Application in Soil: A Short Review
Authors: Abdullah M.S. , Ahmad F. , Mustafa Al Bakri A.M.
Published: April 2015

Geopolymer is a well-known material names by Davidovit’s since 1970’s. The other names of geopolymer is alkali-activated cement, geocement, alkali-bonded ceramic, inorganic polymer concrete, and hydroceramic. In a simple explanation, the termed ‘geopolymers’ comes when the inorganic polymeric material synthesized in a manner similar to thermosetting organic polymers. The development and contribution of geopolymer to the industries are moving stage by stage until today. Since a decades, performance of Geopolymer has been evaluated and tested by researchers in many field. The result published showed the unique bonding between aluminosilicate and alkali solution produce high compressive strength, low shrinkage, resistance toward acid, resistance to fire and etc. Advance research showed the application of Geopolymer in civil engineering works (including structures and geotechnical) also giving a good strength result. To that extend, this paper try to review performances of geopolymer application in geotechnical fields.
Hydration Kinetics and Strength Development of Waste Paper Sludge Ash (WPSA) with Different Particle Size as Binary Blended Cement
Authors: Abdul Ghani Abdul Halim , Arshad Mohd Fadzil , Salehuddin Nurul Aini , Mohd Ridzuan Ahmad Ruslan
Published: April 2015

In this study, four types of Waste Paper Sludge Ash (WPSA) were explored for use as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) in binary system. The WPSA use varies in particle size range and surface area however similar in chemical composition. At first stage, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was replaced by WPSA at 5% mass to mass basis as blended cement. Four size of WPSA was prepared which are unsieve, retained at 63μm, retained at 45μm and pan. WPSA blended cement (WPSABC) was introduced from the four size of WPSA that prepared earlier. Water to cement ratio selected was 0.50 and it keep constant at all type of blended cement. When compared with the control mix, result shows that hydration kinetics is affected by the particle size of WPSA. Pan WPSA has slightly higher peak of hydration kinetics and compressive strength of blended cement. At second stage, Pan WPSA was selected to undergo the further investigation on its performance. Pan WPSABC were prepared at replacement level of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, mass to mass basis. Same method and w/c ratio was used and compared with control mix. From the result, it is found that the peak for rate of heat evolution of Pan WPSABC occur earlier and slightly lower as compared to OPC. Pan WPSA also achieved it optimum strength at 5% replacement level which is more than control mix.
The Behaviour of Rubber Tyre as Fine Aggregate in Concrete Mix
Authors: binti Salehuddin Shamshinar , Rahim Nur Liza , Ibrahim Norlia Mohamad , Tajri Siti Aza Nurdiana , Zainol Abidin Mohd Zuhaidi
Published: April 2015

Usage of waste materials as concrete mixture can reduce the waste management crisis in the world. Used tyres were widely researched as an alternative source of aggregates replacement in concrete mixture. This research is to study the behaviour of concrete incorporating rubber tyre crumb as fine aggregate replacement. The workability, compression strength and water absorption of this concrete will be determined and then compared to normal concrete. Motorcycle inner tube will be used as rubber source and it will be shredded to crumbs. Three samples of concrete with rubber as fine aggregates were prepared. Rubber crumbs will be used to replace fine aggregates in 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% in mass. Normal concrete were prepared separately as control for comparison. Concrete mixture of 1:2:4 and 0.5 of water cement ratio were used. Slump test were done to test the workability of each mix. Twelve sample cubes from (150mm x 150mm x 150mm) each mix were prepared and cured for 7, 14 and 28 days. Compression tests were performed for each mix cube at age 7, 14 and 28 days. Water absorption test were done at age 28 days. Results revealed that rubberized concrete has better workability than normal concrete. They also have smaller compressive value and higher water absorption compared to normal concrete.
Polyethersulfone/Polyvinyl Acetate Blend Membrane for CO2/CH4 Gas Separation
Authors: Abdul Hadi Siti Hajaratul Akma , Mukhtar Hilmi , Abdul Mannan Hafiz , Murugesan Thanabalan
Published: April 2015

The synthesis of polyethersulfone (PES)/polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) blend membrane was successfully developed by dry phase inversion method. The membrane morphology characterized using Field Emission Electron Microscope (FESEM) showed both polymers were homogeneously mixed and a dense structure was formed. A shift in characteristic peak for most chemical groups was observed in blend membrane as analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis which suggests the presence of molecular interaction between the blend polymers. The permeability of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) gases was recorded at a constant pressure of 10 bars and room temperature. The permeability across polymer blend membrane showed better performance as compared with native polymer membrane.
Effect of Fly Ash on Compressive Strength and Porosity of Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Sunarmasto Sunarmasto , Adi Kristiawan Stefanus
Published: April 2015

Self-compacting concrete has been produced incorporating fly ash as cement replacement. The hardened properties of this concrete in term of compressive strength and porosity are investigated. The main goal of this investigation is to observe the effect of fly ash on those properties. The range of fly ash replacement level is 50%-70% by weight of the total binder. The compressive strength self-compacting concrete is reduced when fly ash replacement level is increased. The decrease in strength is more distinctive at 28 days of age compared to that of earlier or later age. Porosity as measured by vacuum saturation method tends to increase as fly ash replacement level is increased. A good correlation exists between porosity and compressive strength.
Experimental Investigation on the Flexural Behaviour of Patched Reinforced Concrete with Unsaturated Polyester Resin Mortar
Authors: Supriyadi Agus , Adi Kristiawan Stefanus , Raditya Sandy
Published: April 2015

This research is aimed to investigate the flexural behaviour of patched reinforced concrete beam with patching material made from unsaturated polyester resin mortar. The variable studied is the dimension of patching zone as compared to the control beam (without patching). Based on the load-deflection observation of the beam under a four-point bending loading, it is confirmed that the flexural behaviour of the patched reinforced concrete beam is similar to that of control beam at a loading up to about peak load. After this load the patched reinforced concrete beam tends to behave more ductile. The patched reinforced concrete beam show less cracking density compared to control concrete.
Properties of Unfired Building Bricks Prepared from Fly Ash and Residual Rice Husk Ash
Authors: Hwang Chao Lung , Huynh Trong Phuoc
Published: April 2015

This work investigates the possibility of using fly ash (FA) and Vietnam residual rice husk ash (RHA) in producing unfired building bricks with applying densified mixture design algorithm (DMDA) method. In this research, little amount of cement was added into the mixtures as binder substitution. Unground rice husk ash (URHA), an agricultural by-product, was used as partial fine aggregate replacement (10% and 30%) in the mixtures. The solid bricks of 220×105×60 mm in size were prepared in this study. The hardened properties of the bricks were investigated including compressive strength, flexural strength and water absorption according to corresponding Vietnamese standards. Forming pressure of 35 MPa was applied to form the solid bricks in the mold. The test results show that all brick specimens obtained good mechanical properties, which were well conformed to Vietnamese standard. Compressive strength and flexural strength of the bricks were respectively in range of 13.81–22.06 MPa and 2.25–3.47 MPa. It was definitely proved many potential applications of FA and RHA in the production of unfired building bricks.
Performance Analysis of Varied Dimensions Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Taib Bibi Nadia , Sabani Norhayati , Fei Chan Buan , Mazalan Mazlee , Md Azidin Mohd Azarulsani
Published: April 2015

Thin film piezoelectric material plays a vital role in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), due to its low power requirements and the availability of high energy harvesting. Zinc oxide is selected for piezoelectric material because of its high piezoelectric coupling coefficient, easy to deposit on silicon substrate and excellent adhesion. Deposited ZnO and Al improve the electrical properties, electrical conductivity and thermal stability. The design, fabrication and experimental test of fabricated MEMS piezoelectric cantilever beams operating in d33 mode were presented in this paper. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) was selected as the deposition method for aluminium while spincoating was chosen to deposit ZnO thin film. The piezoelectric cantilever beam is arranged with self-developed experimental setup consisting of DC motor and oscilloscope. Based on experimental result, the longer length of piezoelectric cantilever beam produce higher output voltage at oscilloscope. The piezoelectric cantilevers generated output voltages which were from 2.2 mV to 8.8 mV at 50 Hz operation frequency. One of four samples achieved in range of desired output voltage, 1-3 mV and the rest samples produced a higher output voltage. The output voltage is adequate for a very low power wireless sensing nodes as a substitute energy source to classic batteries.
Sn-Cu-Ni (SN100C) Lead-Free Solder Coating Wettability Study
Authors: Mohd Sobri Fatin Afeeqa , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Ghazali Che Mohd Ruzaidi , Narayanan Pavithiran
Published: April 2015

SN100C lead-free solder coating wettability on SN100C solder has been investigated on as soldered samples and exposed intermetallic compound (IMC). In addition, the effect of oxidation on its wettability has also been investigated. Oxidation layer on the coated copper surface was developed after 120 hours of exposure on as soldered samples and exposed IMC samples. GEN3 solderability test machine in globule mode was used to determine the wettability of each sample. The influence of oxidation and the effect of exposed IMC were established. Results show that oxidation affected wettability by increasing the wetting time. On the other hand, exposed IMC had increased the wetting time and decreased the maximum force.
Effect of Hybrid Tackifiers on Viscosity, Peel Strength and Shear Resistance of Natural Rubber and Epoxidized Natural Rubber-Based Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
Authors: Musa Luqman , Firdaus Syed Zhafer , Kamarudin Hussin , Teik Poh Beng
Published: April 2015

Natural rubber (SMR L grade), epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) 25 and 50 were loaded with hybrid tackifiers consisting of a mixture of coumarone-indene and gum rosin. The coumarone-indene was fixed at 40 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) while the concentration of gum rosin was varied from 20 to 80 phr. The viscosity, peel and shear strength of the adhesives prepared from the elastomers was studied. Results show that peel strength exhibits a maximum value at 60 phr gum rosin for SMR L-based adhesive while for ENR 25 and ENR 50 based adhesives a maximum value is observed at 40 phr gum rosin which was attributed to the occurrence of optimum wettability and compatibility at this tackifier loading. Meanwhile, viscosity and shear strength decreases with increasing gum rosin concentration. SMR L-based adhesive consistently exhibits higher viscosity and shear strength whereas ENR 25-based adhesive steadily shows higher value for all modes of peel tests.
In Situ Soldering Process Technique by Synchrotron X-Ray Imaging
Authors: Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Sugiyama A. , Yasuda Hideyuki , McDonald Stuart D. , Nogita Kazuhiro
Published: April 2015

This paper demonstrates the development of an experimental technique of in-situ observation for soldering of Sn-0.7wt%Cu lead-free solder on a Cu substrate which was achieved for the first time by synchrotron X-ray imaging. Reactions between liquid solder and Cu substrate during a soldering process were able to be recorded in real-time. Individual stages of the soldering process consisted of flux activation in removal of Cu oxide, solder melting and contact with the Cu substrate (wetting) and intermetallic compound (IMC) and void formation between the solder and Cu substrate. The technique development which includes experimental setup with calculated optimum beam energy in the range of 20 – 30 keV appears to result in a clear observation of real-time X-ray imaging of the soldering process. This technique provides a key method to understand the mechanism of formation of micro-electronic inter-connects for future electronic packaging applications.
Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Polylactic Acid/Recycled Low Density Polyethylene/Nypa fruticans Biocomposites Compatibilized with Polyetylene-co-Acrylic Acid
Authors: Syahmie Rasidi M. , Salmah Husseinsyah , Teh Pei Leng , Hanafi Ismail
Published: April 2015

The main purpose of incorporating Nypa Fruticans (NF) into Polylactic Acid (PLA)/Recycled Low Density Polyethylene (rLDPE) biocomposites is to decrease costs and change the properties. Polyethylene–co–acrylic acid (PEAA) was used as a compatibilizer. The effect of NF content and PEAA on the mechanical properties and morphology of the biocomposites were investigated. Results show that the effect of NF content increased Young’s modulus but decreased the tensile strength and elngation at break of PLA/rLDPE/NF biocomposites. It was found that incorporation of compatibilizer (PEAA) increased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus but decreased the elongation at break of compatibilized biocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of the tensile fracture surface of the biocomposites indicated that the presence of PEAA improved the interfacial interaction between Nypa Fruticans and LDPE matrix.
The Influence of Activated Carbon (AC) on Melting Temperature, Wettability and Intermetallic Compound Formation of Sn-Cu-Ni (SN100C) Solder Paste
Authors: Said Rita Mohd , Saud Norainiza , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Derman Mohd Nazree , Izwan Ramli Mohd Izrul , Nasir Norhayanti Mohd
Published: April 2015

This paper reports on the effect of activated carbon (AC) addition on the properties of Sn-Cu-Ni (SN100C) solder paste. The composite solder was prepared by mixing reinforcement particles (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 wt. %) into SN100C solder paste. The melting temperature of composite solder was determined by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Wettability of fabricated solder was studied through contact angles between solder and copper substrate interface. The intermetallic compound formation was studied after reflow soldering process.With increased carbon particles addition, the composite solder was found to have a slightly lower melting temperature compared to monolithic solder while the wettability of composite solder effectively had improved. The activated carbon particles in solder paste composite have significant effects on the formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the solder/Cu substrate interfaces by suppressing the IMCs thickness.
Fabrication and Characterization of Doped Polysilicon Nanowire for pH Sensor
Authors: Stephen Su C.S. , Md Arshad Mohd Khairuddin , Nuzaihan Mohammad , Fathil M.F.M. , Ruslinda A. Rahim , Hashim Uda
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the characteristics of the doped polysilicon nanowire for pH sensors. The fabrication involved two chromium mask designs. Example the first mask is used for the polysilicon nanowire pattern and the other one is for pad patterning. It involved of photolithography, deposition, etching and wet oxidation process. Different length, number of polysilicon are fabricated and then subjected to voltage, current and pH measurement. APTES is being introduced to improve the sensitivity of the polysilicon nanowire. For the low pH, the conductivity is high, while for the high pH, the conductivity is low. The impact on investigating length is insignificant to the sensitivity of the doped polysilicon nanowire.
Extraction of Tin (Sn) from Solder Dross by Using Hydrochloric Acid Leaching Treatment
Authors: Ismail Syarifah Aminah , Jamil Noorina Hidayu , Kamarudin Hussin , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar
Published: April 2015

This project deals with the experimental results of leaching of Sn from solder dross by means of leaching using different concentration of hydrochloric acid (HCl). Solder dross was sieved to obtain a mean particle size of 75 μm. The solder dross powder obtained was leached by using HCl acid aqueous solution. To optimize the parameter required for recovery of Sn from solder dross, initially the bench scale studies were carried out using varying acid concentration, stirring time and temperature. The experimental indicate that 98.7% of Sn was leached out from solder dross using 0.1M of HCl, 24 hours of stirring time at60°C solution temperature.
Extraction of Tin (Sn) from Solder Dross by Using Citric Acid Leaching Treatment
Authors: Ismail Syarifah Aminah , Jamil Noorina Hidayu , Kamarudin Hussin , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar
Published: April 2015

Solder dross containing Sn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe and other impurities was leached with 0.1-1.0 M citric acid at 60 °C for 24 hours stirring times. Parameter affecting the tin recovery of suggested method such as acid concentration, stirring time and temperature were investigated. Results obtained revealed that the optimum leaching parameter were achieved using 250ml of citric acid (C6H8O7) and 10 acid/g drossfor 24 hours at 60°Cof solution temperature. Recovery of tin from solder dross was 99.0%.
Design of Compact Composite Microstrip Low Pass Filter Using MEMS Technology
Authors: Liew Hui Fang , Hassan Syed Idris Syed , bin Abd Malek Mohd Fareq , Wahab Yufridin , Amirruddin Melaty , Abdullah Ahmad Zaidi , Irwanto Misrun Muhammad , Shasidharan Gomesh Nair , Yusoff Mohd Irwan , Mohd Mukhtar Nurhakimah
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the design technique of a compact composite microstrip filter operating at ultra high frequency (UHF) band and its fabrication using micro-electro mechanical system MEMS technology. The fringing compensation method is applied into the design of the microstrip line transformation from lumped element. The filter lumped circuits and microstrip line circuit were designed and simulated using Advanced Design Software (ADS) and fabricated on silicon substrates to obtain the best filter characteristic based on S-parameter. The measured and simulated results have achieved a good agreement within the frequency of interest. This shows that the fringing compensation method of transforming lumped element into microstrip line is able to solve the conventional design of complexity size of circuit of composite low pass filter (LPF) into microstrip line. The proposed filter design can replace the conventional filters in wireless communication as they offer better performance at lower cost in the RF microwave communication applications.
Raman Scattering Characterization of MoxW1-xS2 Layered Mixed Crystals
Authors: Nasruddin M.N. , Sigiro Mula , Fahmi Muhammad Ridwan
Published: April 2015

A systematic study of a series of MoxW1-xS2 layered mixed crystals, with 0 ≥ x ≤ 1, grown by the chemical vapor transport method were carried out by using Raman scattering measurements. The peaks of the two dominant first-order Raman-active modes, A1g and E2g1 , and several second-order bands have been observed in the range of 150-500 cm-1. The peaks corresponding to A1g mode show one-mode type behavior while the peaks of E2g1 mode demonstrate two-mode type behavior for the entire series. The results can be explained on the basis of the atomic displacements for each mode. For A1g mode only sulfur atoms vibrate and this give rise to a one-mode type behavior for the mixed crystals. For E2g1 mode metal atoms also vibrate as well as sulfur atoms, the mass difference of the vibrating Mo and W cations causes the two-mode type behavior of E2g1 mode. In addition, the observation of largest asymmetry and broadening of A1g mode for Mo0.5W0.5S2 has been attributed to random alloy scattering.
The Mechanical Characterization of Bending Test for MEMS Capacitive Pressure Sensor Based 3C-SiC in High Temperature
Authors: Marsi Noraini , Yeop Majlis Burhanuddin , Azlan Hamzah Azrul , Mohd-Yasin Faisal
Published: April 2015

This paper reports the mechanical analysis of bending test for Si and 3C-SiC materials. The analytical experimental were determined by using a standard three-point micro-bend test method (ASTM E290) to be applied on MEMS capacitive pressure sensor diaphragm. The MEMS device was fabricated into 5.0 mm x 5.0 mm square shape with the thicknesses of 680 μm and 1.0 μm thin film on 3C-SiC-on-Si wafer. The bending test is performed to determine the maximum stress during heat treatment up to 1000 °C and the load is applied until the 3C-SiC-on-Si wafer fracture. The test results indicated that 3C-SiC has good fatigue properties when heated up to 1000 °C with the maximum load of 52.72 N directly bring out the maximum stress and maximum strain of 104.95 MPa and 3.2%, respectively. This approach can be compared to Si, the material no longer withstand with the maximum load is 1.30 N only with the maximum stress is 10.13 MPa and maximum stain is 1.0%.
Roselle Blend Film Sensor (RBFS) for Detecting Fertilizer Concentration of Grape Tree
Authors: Mustaffa Roshida , Nainggolan Irwana , Nasution Tulus Ikhsan , Ahmad Khairel Rafezi , Derman Mohd Nazree B.
Published: April 2015

A Roselle blend chitosan film sensor (RBFS) with different concentration of roselle has been developed. Electrochemical deposition has been chosen as an efficient technique for the fabrication of RBFS. RBFS with the concentration of 20cc of roselle has a stable value to detect the different concentration of fertilizer ranging from 0 ppm until 60 ppm. The type of fertilizer used in this testing was magnesium sulphate. The electrical laboratory testing result of the RBFS exposed to de-ionised water (DIW) showed the highest response with the value ~94%. The highest response value of RBFS exposed to magnesium sulphate with the concentration of 10 ppm was ~66%. The lowest response value of RBFS exposed to magnesium sulphate with the concentration of 60 ppm was ~30%. The results have been proven that RBFS is able to differentiate the concentration of fertilizer. The RBFS fulfils all the reliable sensing properties which include excellent response time, stability, repeatability, recovery, and selectivity. The morphological surfaces of RBFS were observed with SEM and chemical interactions between roselle blend chitosan were explained using FTIR spectra results. SEM image of RBFS showed the film surface was compact and the roselle was well distributed within the chitosan.
Characterization of MEMS Materials Using Laser Micromachine
Authors: Johari Shazlina , Mazalan Mazlee , Sridaran Yuvahraj , Ahmad Siti Rohaida
Published: April 2015

Laser micromachining technique was used in this work to produce two different microfluidic structure on three MEMS materials namely silicon, SU-8 photoresist and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The operational parameters of the machine ablation effects on the materials, which are the laser energy, laser pulse rate and the laser size were also investigated. We found that this technique is capable to produce typical MEMS structure similar as being produced using conventional photolithography process.
Effect of Solution Heat Treatment Temperature on Mechanical Property and Silicon Morphology of Cast A319 Alloy
Authors: Murizam Darus , Jamaludin Shamsul Baharin , Noorina Hidayu Jamil , Pa Faizul Che , Zaki Ruhiyuddin Mohd , Arif Wan Mohd
Published: April 2015

The effect of different solution heat treatment temperature on the mechanical property and silicon morphology was investigated by hardness test and microstructural analysis. The samples of A319 alloy were solution heat treated at three different temperatures (495°C, 510°C and 525°C) followed by artificial ageing at 180°C. The ageing kinetic was accelerated and peak aged gave the lowest value for the samples solution treated at the highest solution treatment temperature (525°C). This result was due to the fragmentation and spherodization of the silicon particles morphologies in the microstructure of the samples.
The Improvement of Stainless Steels Processing by Annealing
Authors: BĂITANU Doru Dumitru , Galusca Dan , Achiţei Dragos , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa
Published: April 2015

The paper presents a study about the structural modifications induced by heat treatment at the stainless steels, like AISI 321 and AISI 304, frequently used in industrial applications. The principal characteristic of these steels is their bigger corrosion resistance, conferred by chrome and nickel.The addiction of other elements is made for the improvement of corrosion resistance in humid environments (molybdenum and cooper), mechanical characteristics at low and high temperatures (tungsten, molybdenum, niobium and cobalt). The necessary condition to obtaining a high corrosion resistance is that all chrome content to be in forms of solid solution. The precipitation of carbides from solid solution causing a decrease under 12% of chrome content, the structure become bi-phase and the corrosion resistance decrease. For the improvement of machinability may be applied an annealing, with respect of all the treatment parameters, obtaining a micro-hardness decrease.The heating for annealing was made in an electric furnace, type UTTIS, with fixed hearth. The imposed heating speed was 10°C/minute. The decrease of micro-hardness by annealing, permit an easy processing for high alloy steels.
Study on Al-Si Alloys Properties Enhancement
Authors: Achiţei Dragos , Vizureanu Petrică , Minciună Mirabela Georgiana , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Sandu Ioan Gabriel
Published: April 2015

The paper presents a study about aluminum alloy, allied with Si, Cu, Mn, Mg. The Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys for foundry are used for parts strongly required and which work at high temperatures, due to their good wear resistance. The industrial Al-Cu alloys contain 12 % cooper, are hipo-eutectic and may be for foundry or deformable. By alloying with magnesium, the Al-Cu alloys become with remarkable properties of resistance and plastic deformation processing. The improvement of mechanical characteristics for Al-Si alloys is realized with metals which forms the intermediate phases with silicon or aluminum, with variable solubility in solid state and which permits the structural hardening by heat treatments (quenching and ageing). From the analysis of dilatogramms, grouped for each sample, with the specific initial length, subjected to successive heating, from ambiance temperature up to 500°C, it is found that, with the appearance of ageing phenomena, on the samples aren’t significant modifications for elongation (few microns), only different may be the form of elongation-temperature curve. This analysis permits the determination of experimental data, regarding the behavior of Al-Si alloy subjected to heat treatments and repeated warming. Therefore, the Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys, for foundry, are used for manufacture the parts strong required and which work at high temperatures, like pistons for engines with internal burn, parts for machines and reinforcements construction, due to their high usage resistance.
Study of a XVIII-th Century Triptych: Materials and Technologies Used and Conservation State
Authors: Munteanu Marius , Sandu Ion , Vasilache Viorica , Sandhu Andrei Victor , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Sandu Irina Crina Anca
Published: April 2015

The paper presents the conservation state of a XVIII-th century triptych, evaluated by analyzing the materials and the technologies used to create it. The triptych is part of the Neamt Agapia monastery collection. It is made out of hand carved lime wood, painted in egg tempera, by an unknown author. The theme of the triptych is “Annunciation” and it is painted in a miniaturist style, all the architectural details on the background of the icon being oversized. A variety of materials was used to create this art piece: the lime wood for the support, metal for the hinges and hanger and the fish glue used at binder and various pigments. This triptych is extremely important not only for its cultural value, but also for its historical perspective because inside the triptych there is a memorial of the founders of the cemetery church of Agapia monastery. The wooden support, the metallic elements and the painting layer are affected by a series of deteriorations and degradations, all caused by the storage environment, the ageing of the materials and improper handling. In order to determine the conservation state and to authenticate the triptych MO and SEM-EDX were used. Archeometrical characteristics of pigments and binders were identified. The obtained data will be used to established a restoration protocol for the triptych.