bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Carbon and Nitrogen Modified TiO2 on Photoluminescence Property and Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Nawawi Wan Izhan , Nawi M.A. , Ishak Mohd Azlan Mohd
Published: April 2015

Carbon (C) and Nitrogen (N) modified TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared by using two different precursors namely peat and urea using commercial TiO2-P25. The results from HR-TEM and XPS analyses shows different interactions between C-TiO2 and N-TiO2 photocatalysts where C is only coated on top of TiO2 while N is chemically bonded in TiO2 particle. Higher photocatalytic activity for both C and N modified TiO2 were observed under degradation of reactive red 4 dye (RR4) with the degradation rate were c.a 2.5 and 2.7 times faster compared with pristine TiO2. The photoluminescence (PL) analysis data showed the lowest PL intensity over C coated TiO2 followed by pristine TiO2 while N doped TiO2 exhibited the highest PL intensity. The lowest PL intensity of C coated TiO2 was due to the presence of C as electron acceptor while the highest PL intensity for N doped TiO2 was due to the oxygen vacancies and TiO2 defect structure.
The Study of Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Recycled Nitrile Glove Filled Epoxidized Natural Rubber Compounds (NBRr/ENR25)
Authors: Afiratul A.A. , Noimam N.Z. , Ting Sam Sung , Hanafi Ismail , Ab Wahab Mohamad Kahar , Zakaria Muhammad Salihin , OMAR MOHD FIRDAUS
Published: April 2015

The effects of mechanical properties (tensile properties and resilience test) and morphology of recycled nitrile glove (NBRr) filled epoxidized natural rubbers (ENR25) were examined. Two different size ranges of NBRr particles, i.e., S1 (250μm-500μm) and S2(2cm-5cm) were used in this study. The NBRr/ENR25 compounds with five different compositions of NBRr (5, 15, 25, 35 and 50 phr) were prepared using a two roll-mill at room temperature. The result indicated that the tensile properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break decreased as the ratio of NBRr increased. Meanwhile stress at 100% elongation show an increasing trend with the addition of recycled nitrile glove in ENR25. The resilience properties of NBRr/ENR25 compounds decreased when NBRr loading increased. The scanning electron microscopy studies showed that the fine size, S1 of NBRr particles in NBRr/ENR25 compounds illustrated a better NBRr-ENR25 matrix interaction compared with coarse size, S2 of NBRr particles. The results overall indicated that the NBRr/ENR25 with fine size, S1 of NBRrparticles show better mechanical properties (tensile properties and resilience properties) and morphology compared to coarse size, S2 of NBRr particles.
Properties of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)/Recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBRr)/Banana Skin Powder (BSP) Composites: Oven Ageing
Authors: Santiagoo Ragunathan , Kamarudin Hussin , Ting Sam Sung , Abdul Ghani Azlinda , Ismail Hanafi , Hashim Amirul Faiz
Published: April 2015

The thermal degradation of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ banana skin powder (BSP) composites with and without ENR-50 are fabricated and studied. The thermal degradation of this composite was evaluated for 30 days oven ageing. The BSP with size of 150 – 300 μm was utilized in this work. All compounds were mixed using heated two roll mill at 180 °C. The compounds were molded in a hot press machine at 180 °C for 11 minutes to produce 1 mm thin sheet. Then the sheet were cut into dumbbell shape for the mechanical testing using universal testing machine. The tensile strength of high density polyethylene/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/ banana skin powder composites showed the decreasing trend with the increasing NBRr loading for the composites with and without ENR-50. However, the result for the oven ageing showed lower tensile strength. This may due to the chain session of PP matrix at heat exposure duration of 30 days.
Tensile Properties of Wollastonite Filled High Density Polyethylene/Natural Rubber Composites
Authors: Yuhaida Ismail , Salmah Husseinsyah , Ismail Hanafi , Firuz Zainuddin
Published: April 2015

Wollastonite is one type of inorganic filler. The effects of wollastonite loading on tensile properties of wollastonite (WS) filled high density polyethylene (HDPE)/Natural Rubber (NR) composites was studied. The HDPE/NR/WS composites were prepared by using Brabender EC Plus at a temperature of 180 °C with rotor speed of 50 rpm for 10 min. It was found that the increasing of wollastonite loading had decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break, whereas the Young’s modulus of the HDPE/NR/WS composites had increased with the increasing of wollastonite loading.
Enhancing Properties of Reinforcing Steel by Chemical Phosphatation
Authors: Bejinariu Costică , Lazăr Petru , Sandhu Andrei Victor , Cazac Alin , Sandu Ioan Gabriel , Corbu Ofelia
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the first results of complex study concerning the protection of reinforcing steel used in concrete structures from civil and industrial buildings. The obtained coatings have multiple purpose, increasing the corrosion resistance but also the adherence with the concrete, improving the overall performance of concrete and its durability.
Experimental and Analytical Study of Various Shear Connectors Used for Cold-Formed Steel-Ferrocement Composite Beam
Authors: Saggaff Anis , Alhajri Talal , Tahir M.Md. , Alenezi Khaled , Siang Tan Cher , Sulaiman Arizu , Muhammad Lawan Mustapha , Ragae Mohamad
Published: April 2015

This work presents the experimental tests carried out to evaluate the behaviour of different types of shear connectors proposed for cold formed steel (CFS) section integrated with ferrocement slab as potential used for composite beam. Ten push-out test specimens of cold-formed steel lipped channel sections connected with ferrocement slab were tested. Three types of shear connectors were studied comprised of bolts, self-drilling-screw and bar angle. The connection behavior is analysed in terms of its load-slip relationship and the failure mode. The parametric studies were performed to investigate the effect on the shear connector’s capacity by varying the number of layers of wire mesh used in ferrocement slab and types of shear connector used. A theoretical analysis (Eurocode 4) was carried out to verify the experiment results. The results show that the experimental and theoretical proved to have good agreement with each other.
A Comprehensive Characterization and Determination of Fly Ashes in Indonesia Using Different Methods
Authors: Ekaputri Januarti Jaya , Ulum Muhammad Bahrul , Triwulan Triwulan , Bayuaji Ridho , Susanto Tri Eddy , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa
Published: April 2015

This paper presents an observation on fly ash quality in East Jawa, Indonesia. The ash samples were collected from 16 fly ashes produced by some Indonesian power plants. The samples are majority categorized as class F fly ashes with good pozzolanic characteristics according to the standard. The samples were examined for their physical, chemical and mechanical properties with compression test. The test was conducted by making some mortars and paste containing fly ash as cement replacement in accordance with three methods. The compressive strength results were compared with the control specimens made from ordinary Portland cement to obtain a strength activity index (SAI). The results showed that physical properties of fly ash influenced the mechanical properties of mortars more than those showed by chemical characterization.
Comparison of Chloride Binding Capacity of Binary and Ternary Binders
Authors: Tran Mien Van , Thuy Hang Dang Thi , Kamarudin Hussin
Published: April 2015

Reinforced concrete structures work in the marine environment are easily erroded by the environment, the most dangerous intrusion by chloride ions. Chloride ions from the environment penetrate into concrete layer and cause reinforcement corrosion. The high chloride binding capacity in concrete helps reducing the reinforcement corrosion. The chloride binding capacity in concrete is largely dependent on the cement type. This paper investigated the chloride binding capacity of various binary and ternary binders. Chloride contents in mortars prepared with various binary and tinery binders were determined by chemical titration methods combining with microstructure analysis SEM. The experimental results showed that the chloride binding capacity of tinery binders which contains Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), blast furnace slag mixed with silica fume is highest.
Effect of Geopolymer Concrete Infill on Profiled Steel Sheeting Half Dry Board (PSSHDB) Floor System Subjected to Bending Moment
Authors: Jaffar Mohd Isa , Wan Badaruzzaman Wan Hamidon , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Kamarulzaman Kartini , Seraji Mahmood
Published: April 2015

Profiled Steel sheeting Dry Board (PSSDB) system is a lightweight composite structural system consisting of profiled steel sheeting, mechanically connected to a dry board using self-drilling and self-tapping screw. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of geopolymer concrete infill in PSSDB system with half board (PSSHDB), focus on its deflection serviceability limit at mid-span region. Geopolymer concrete was chosen to be as infill in the PSSDB floor system due to its high compressive strength as compared to normal concrete and its potential as an alternative concrete since it does not utilize Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). This study used a modified PSSHDB panel using a half-sized dry board. In achieving this objective, forecasting the behavior of the system in laboratory experiments will be taken into account as the research approach. Experimental results found that with the use of geopolymer concrete infill, the mid-span deflection on the PSSHDB floor system can be reduced to 41% as compared to the use of normal concrete infill. This indicates an increase in the stiffness of this system due to the effect of infill geopolymer concrete.
Comparative Study Floor Flexural Behavior of Profiled Steel Sheeting Dry Board between Normal Concrete and Geopolymer Concrete In-Filled
Authors: Jaffar Mohd Isa , Wan Badaruzzaman Wan Hamidon , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Abd Razak Rafiza
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the behavior of in-filled materials of profiled steel sheeting dry board (PSSDB) floor system. Two tests were conducted, namely, push-out test to know the connection stiffness and bending test on the PSSDB panel under the influence of different in-filled materials. Result of the push-out test shows that the connection stiffness of the geopolymer concrete-filled PSSDB is 331% higher than that of PSSDB that is filled with normal concrete. This connection stiffness contributed to the reduction of deflection value of 21% in the middle of the midspan for full-board geopolymer concrete in-filled panel bending test. This phenomenon triggered the increase of interaction within the composite system, making the panel that is filled with the geopolymer concrete 25% stronger than the normal concrete–filled panel.
Properties of All-Cellulose Composite Films from Coconut Shell Powder and Microcrystalline Cellulose
Authors: Farah Norain H. , Salmah Husseinsyah , Zakaria M. Mostapha
Published: April 2015

All-cellulose composite using coconut shell powders (CSP) as natural lignocellulosic material and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were prepared by a surface selective dissolution. The effect of CSP content on tensile properties and crystallinity of CSP/MCC all-cellulose composites were investigated. It was found that the addition of CSP have increased the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity up to 3 wt% and decreased with further increment of CSP content. The elongation at break decreased with CSP content. The crystallinity of cellulose composites increased with the increasing of CSP content.
Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Alum Sludge Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Mohd Rajin Nur Quraatu’ Aini , Hamid Roszilah
Published: April 2015

Disposal of alum sludge (AS) in such an economical and environmental friendly way is a major challenge that water treatment plants around the globe had to deal with. AS cannot be dumped into landfills as it contains heavy metals which are harmful to the environment. In this study, alum sludge is utilised as partial replacements (0, 5 and 10%) of natural granite coarse aggregate (by mass) to form a lightweight concrete. The water/cement ratio is 0.65. The water absorption of the alum sludge is 22.06%. The slump, density, compressive strength and split tensile strength of the lightweight alum sludge aggregate concrete (LASAC) reduce as the AS aggregate content increase. The density of the 10% AS aggregate concrete is 2185.3 kg/m3. The compressive strength reduced from 25.6 MPa to 16.7 MPa and 14.2 MPa at 0, 5 and 10% replacement of AS aggregate respectively. The 2.18 MPa tensile strength of the control concrete reduced to 1.53 MPa at 10% replacement of AS aggregate. But as for the flexural strength, it increases from 5.42 MPa for the control up to 5.55 MPa and 5.63 MPa for 5 and 10% replacement of AS aggregate respectively. Results show that strength of alum sludge lightweight aggregate concrete is better than lightweight crumb tyre aggregate concrete and is at par with oil palm coconut shell aggregate concrete.
Workability and Compressive Strength of Recycled Concrete Waste Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Ali Rashid , Hamid Roszilah
Published: April 2015

Concrete waste from construction site such as pile waste and tested concrete cubes waste is quite a problem for the contractor to dispose of. This waste is currently being buried or dumped illegally at a certain area, which lead to environmental pollution issue and waste of construction materials. In this study, concrete cubes waste from a concrete testing laboratory is crushed and recycled as natural coarse aggregate (NA) replacement (0% - control, 30% and 50% by mass) in grade 15, 25 and 40 concrete. The recycled concrete waste aggregate (RCWA) was tested for grading, specific gravity, percent absorption and impact and crushing (% crushed). For the fresh concrete mix, slump and compaction factor test were carried out. Concrete samples are wet cured and tested at 7 and 28 days for compressive strength. Results show that the workability of RCWA concrete reduce as the content of RCWA increase in the mix as the water absorption of RCWA is higher than the NA. The compressive strength of the RCWA concrete is acceptable at all RCWA replacement for grade 15 and 25 concrete with strengths higher than the design values of 15 and 25 MPa. For grade 40 concrete, the optimum RCWA replacement is at 30% and at 50% replacement, the compressive strength of the RCWA concrete is lower than the design value of 40 MPa. 50% replacement of NA with RCWA works well for grade 15 and 25 concrete, but for higher concrete grade (C40), the limiting value of replacement is 30%.
The Effect of Dipping Time to the Intermetallic Compound and Free Solder Thickness of Sn-Cu-Ni (SN100C) Lead-Free Solder Coating
Authors: Mohd Sobri Fatin Afeeqa , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Ruzaidi Che Mohd , Narayanan Pavithiran
Published: April 2015

The effect of dipping time to the intermetallic compound and free solder thickness of Sn-Cu-Ni (SN100C) lead-free solder has been investigated. Dipping of copper strips in molten solder was carried out using GEN3 solderability test machine with 20 s, 60 s, 120 s, 180 s, and 240 s of dipping time. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to observe the solder coating on the copper strips. Thickness of IMC, free solder and total solder coating was calculated. The influence of dipping time was established. The results indicated that longer dipping time produced high IMC thickness while the free solder thickness reduced with the growth of IMC. Solderability test was also conducted to know the wettability of SN100C coating for the lowest dipping time which had resulted in 1.571 s of wetting time and 4.066 mN of maximum force.
Microstructural Observation and Phase Analysis of Sn-Cu-Ni (SN100C) Lead Free Solder with Addition of Micron-Size Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) Reinforcement
Authors: Izwan Ramli Mohd Izrul , Saud Norainiza , Mohd Salleh Mohd Arif Anuar , Derman Mohd Nazree , Said Rita Mohd , Nasir Norhayanti
Published: April 2015

The effect of micron-size silicon nitride (Si3N4) particles additions, up to 1.0 wt. % on Sn-Cu-Ni (SN100C) solder alloy was investigated. Sn-Cu-Ni composite solder were prepared via powder metallurgy (PM) technique. Different percentages of Si3N4 (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 wt. %) were added into the alloy. Result revealed that reinforcement was well distributed between the grain boundaries which could positively affect the properties of the composite solder.
Effect of SiC Particles Addition on the Wettability and Intermetallic Compound Layer 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

The effects of SiC on wettability and intermetallic compound (IMC) formation of Sn-Cu-Ni solder paste composite were systematically investigated. Lead-free solder paste composite was produced by mixing silicon carbide (SiC) particle with Sn-Cu-Ni (SN100C) solder paste. The wettability of composite solder was studied by observing the contact angle between solder and copper substrate. The IMC phase formation on copper substrate interface was identified using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The phase as detected in the composite solder is Cu6Sn5.The wettability of composite solder was observed through contact angle between solder and copper substrate and Sn-Cu-Ni + 1.0 wt.% SiC shows improvements in wetting angle and suppresses the IMCs formation.
Characterization of Geopolymer Composite via Filament Winding
Authors: Abu Hashim Mohammad Firdaus , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Ghazali Che Mohd Ruzaidi , Kamarudin Hussin , Mohd Tahir Muhammad Faheem , Binhussain Mohammed
Published: April 2015

Generally, the composite pipes are fabricated using glass fiber and polyester resin matrix by hand lay-up and also by 2-axis filament winding machine. In this work, a filament winding machine was used for the fabrication of geopolymer composites pipes. In this study, raw material based geopolymer resin composites reinforced by continuous glass fiber were used for fabrication and synthesized by different types of raw materials which is fly ash, silica sand, white clay, kaolin and pozzolanic. The effects of different types of raw materials on the product were investigated. The morphological properties, density and burnout of the resulting composite were determined on an optical microscope for morphology and densimeter for bulk density. The results shows fly ash has the higher density compare to the others and kaolin has the highest reduction of weight percentage.
Acrylic Binder Used for the Consolidation of Gilded Surfaces
Authors: Huțanu Ioana , Nica Liliana , Sandu Ion , Vasilache Viorica , Sandu Andrei Victor
Published: April 2015

The consolidation of the painting layer or plane and carved gildings which represent different types of detachments is an essential operation for the preservation and restoration of the cultural goods of polychrome wood. Our paper focuses on testing a new type of acrylic binder applied on cracks with blind detachments with an OMRON nebulizer with NE-C28P compressor which sprays microparticles of 3 μm under a hermetic film that covers the operated surfaces. The experiments have been performed on samples of old gilded wood. The results are compared to those obtained by using the traditional process of peliculization of the acrylic binder over the detached surfaces and with the process of spraying. The analysis techniques used are the optical microscope and SEM-EDX.
From Rice Husk into Discreet 0-D Ag/ZnO Nanomaterial
Authors: Andas J. , Subri Nor Wahida
Published: April 2015

In this work, highly mesoporous Ag/ZnO was rapidly developed from rice husk, a cheap agricultural biomass with urea as the reducing agent at acidic medium. A facile and cheap sol-gel method combined with calcination was employed to produce Ag/ZnO 0-D nanoparticles. TEM investigation revealed the formation of spherical and discreet nanoparticles with an average particle size of 13.55 nm. Ag/ZnO with semi-crystalline nature was confirmed from the high-angle XRD study. A type IV isotherm with high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 416.78 m2g-1 was exhibited by Ag/ZnO nanoparticles.
Transformer Fault Classification from Polarization Current Measurement Results by Using Statistical Technique
Authors: bin Ahmad Khiar Mohd Shahril , Talib Mohd Aizam , bin Ab Ghani Sharin , bin Sutan Chairul Imran
Published: April 2015

In general, the presence of moisture and other impurities inside the insulator or oil can cause the breakdown of the power transformer. Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) is one of the technique to assess the condition of insulation oil in power transformer and can be applied in many electrical apparatus such as power cables and on load tap changer as well as to estimate conductive and moisture content of the insulation. Basically, it is a technique that is based on time domain measurement and has been used since 1990. For this research, the PDC data will be analyzed using graphical method and statistical technique to classify the transformer faults into a proper range. Lastly, it will be validated with the results from previous research. The output of the research work revealed that in term of the sequence, the results obtain in both graphical technique and the statistical technique is identical with the results presented in previous research. Hence, the range of the faults started with partial discharge, followed by arcing and lastly is the overheating.
Ultrasonic Irradiation on Microorganism Disruption in Water Disinfection Process – A Mini Overview
Authors: Mat Budari Noraini , Ali Mohd Fozi , Ku Hamid Ku Halim , Musa Mohibah
Published: April 2015

Ultrasonic irradiation is considered as one of the methods in advanced oxidation processes for water and wastewater treatment. In general, ultrasonic is a disinfection process that is capable to destruct and disintegrate physical and chemical contaminants, as well as pathogenic microorganisms under sonochemistry method. With sufficient frequency, power, duration of treatment and initial concentration of microbe, ultrasonic application is able to perform and cause the death of microorganisms. In addition, ultrasonic as an advanced technology is sustainable to the public health and environmental quality.
The Influence of Sintering Temperature and Mn-Ti Doped BaFe12O19 on the Microwave Absorbing Properties
Authors: Nasruddin M.N. , Nasution Tulus Ikhsan , Achmad M.S. , Candra K. , Lukman F.N. , Sebayang P. , Nainggolan Irwana
Published: April 2015

The effect of sintering temperature and Mn-Ti (x = 0.1 and 0.5 % mol) doped in Barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) on the microwave absorption properties have been investigated. The BaFe(12-2x)MnxTixO19 samples were prepared by using a solid state reaction method from technical grade materials of BaCO3, Fe2O3, MnO2, and TiO2. The permagraph and vector network analyzer (VNA) measurement with frequency of 4 – 10 GHz were used to determine the magnetic properties and microwave absorbing properties, respectively. The magnetic induction and magnetizing force (B-H) curve analysis of BaFe(12-2x)MnxTixO19 revealed that by increasing the Mn-Ti dopant concentrations, the remanence (Br) and BH(max) increases, meanwhile, the HCB value decreases for both 1100 and 1150oC. The frequency dependence of reflection loss (RL) measurement given anoptimum value of-26.15 dB at frequency of 9.18 GHz which obtained by x = 0.1% mol Mn-Ti (1100oC). The maximum absorption peak was achieved for 0.5 % mol Mn-Ti sample with ~98.3 % at 9.18 GHz. By controlling the sintering temperature and Mn-Ti dopant concentration, the RL and absorption behavior can be modified to desirable values and also indicates that higher Mn-Ti dopant concentration (0.5% mol) possess better absorbing characteristics. Furthermore, it was found that complex permitivitty and permeability values of BaFe12O19 can be modified by controlling the Mn-Ti dopant concentration.
Simulation Using Finite Element Analysis in the Optimization of Inflatable Bedpan Wall Thickness
Authors: Hakim Ibrahim M. , Bakar Sharifah Shahnaz Syed , Musa Luqman , Yahud S. , Zaharah Ahmad S. , Baidi Bahari M. , Chye Wah Yu , Sathasivam Kathiresan V.
Published: April 2015

The inflatable bedpan is designed to provide comfortable, convenient, safe, hygienic, efficient and easy to use to the patients and their caretakers. In order to investigate the suitability thickness of inflatable bedpan for the pressure inflow in bedpan tube, the analysis is done using Catia analysis. The static analysis work is carried out to inflatable bedpan cross section of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and their relative performances have been observed respectively. The thickness 0.5 mm shows the highest Von Mises Stress which is 21100 kPa compared to 0.8and 1.0 mm thicknesses. The lowest Von Mises Stress observed at thickness 1.0 mm which is 2990 kPa. The less stress obtained can encourage perfect shape of the design. In this paper, by observing the result of static structure analysis obtained, 1 mm is suggested as best thickness to be used as an inflatable bedpan wall because it can withstand more pressure while maintaining its stability.
LN2 Grinding of Ti 6Al-4V Using Novel Bondless Diamond Grinding Wheel
Authors: Ananda Kumar Eriki , Prahalada Rao K. , Johnrajan A.
Published: April 2015

Titanium alloys are extremely difficult to machining and economically it’s very expensive, so that to minimize the machining cost using the novel bondless diamond grinding wheel, analyze the performance of nanometric finishing in grinding operation. While machining the Ti alloys, the cutting zone temperature is too high, so that to reduce the temperature of cutting zone and favorable change in the chip-grinding using liquid nitrogen (LN2) coolant for good surface finish.
Experimental Studies on the Effects of Tin on the Densification of W-Brass Composites
Authors: Gowon Baba , Mohammed Kahtan S. , Jamaluddin Shamsul B. , Hussain Zuhailawati , Aminu Aji D. , Lawal Yusuf A.
Published: April 2015

The effects of 1% tin (Sn) addition on the densification of pre-alloyed and pre-mixed W-brass composites were carried out. The green compacts were produced with the pressure of 350MPa and sintered at the temperature of 800°C, 920°C and 1000°C. The Sn addition is aimed at inhibiting the dezincification (selective removal of zinc from an alloy) of the brass component by the elimination of pores and enhances densification. The hardness of the composites increased with increase in temperature, the densification was low at both temperatures while the electrical conductivity remains constant as a result of constant composition in both pre-alloyed and pre-mixed composites. The microstructures revealed pores, which might be as a result of zinc evaporation.
Effect of Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) Concentration on Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) Performance for Carbon Dioxide Removal
Authors: Nasir Rizwan , Mukhtar Hilmi , Shima Shaharun Maizatul , Man Zakaria
Published: April 2015

Different compositions of carbon molecular sieve (CMS) were incorporated in polyethersulfone (PES) matrix to fabricate mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) by solution casting method. The characterization was carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis to investigate the morphology of membrane. FESEM images showed acceptable contacts between the filler particles and the polymer chains. The performance of the developed membrane is analyzed by single gas permeation measurement of high purity CO2 and CH4. Both CO2 permeance and CO2/CH4 selectivity increased with CMS loadings as compared to pure PES membrane. Experimental results showed that the highest value of CO2 permeance (66.71 GPU) and CO2/CH4 selectivity (10.94) can be achieved with 30 wt. % loading of CMS particles. This can be credited to size discrimination of CMS pores that falls between CO2 and CH4 kinetic diameters.
Effect of Sintering Temperature on Different Ca Content in Mg-Ca Composite Using Powder Metallurgy Technique
Authors: Syaza Nabilla M.S. , Zuraidawani C.D. , Derman Mohd Nazree B.
Published: April 2015

Having the benefit of lightweight and low density makes magnesium (Mg) a good element with high potential to be used in various field of work. Yet, its application is limited for Mg is relatively low in term of strength. Hence, calcium (Ca) is chosen to be mixed with Mg as additional element for it is lightweight and non-toxic. In this research, Mg is prepared with different weight percentage (0, 1, 2 wt. %) of Ca via powder metallurgy (PM) method. The effect of sintering was investigated by focusing on the microstructure and properties of sintered sample. The samples were sintered at two sintering temperature (500 and 600 °C) in argon atmosphere. Morphological analysis carried out by optical microscope shows increase pores refinement with the increase of sintering temperature together with calcium content in Mg-Ca composites. Results show that the grain size and hardness of the samples increase as sintering temperature increase.
Experimental Investigation of In Situ Soot Oxidation Using Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Abdul Karim Zainal Ambri , bin Haron Mohamed Haziq
Published: April 2015

This paper presents the experimental results of smoke opacity and exhaust gas measurements due to the oxidation of soot at different microwave power levels to the exhaust gas. The experiment attempts to ascertain the soot oxidation capability of using microwave in reducing smoke from the diesel engine. The exhaust gas from a diesel engine was directed into the microwave generator system which then flows through the chamber assembly that contains the soot trap. Three different microwave power levels of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kW were generated and exposed to the soot at different exposure time. The results showed that when the power level of the electromagnetic waves was increased, the amount of smoke opacity reduced between 32 to 65 % depending on the microwave power levels. Due to the oxidation of the carbon particles of the soot, CO2 gas increased in corresponding to the decreased in the smoke opacity. The experimental work also found that NOx gas was also reduced due to the breaking down of NOx at the localised high temperature of the soot trap. Hence, the microwave generator system has proven its capability as an in-situ soot oxidation device for deployment in diesel vehicles.
The Effects of Branched-Tail Structure of Surfactant on the Phase Behaviour of Alkylglucoside/Water/n-Octane Ternary System
Authors: Nainggolan Irwana , Radiman Shahidan , Hamzah Ahmad Sazali , Hashim Rauzah
Published: April 2015

Two glycolipids were synthesized to study the lyotropic behavior of these glycolipids in alkylglucoside/water/n-octane ternary system. These glycolipids have been distinguished based on the structure of alkyl chain (branched-alkyl chain and straight alkyl chain). 2-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (2-OG) and 2-ethylhexyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (2-EHG) were used as surfactants to perform two types of phase diagram. Phase behaviours investigated were phase behaviours of 2-OG/n-octane/water ternary system and 2-EHG/n-octane/water ternary system. Small angle x-ray (SAXS) and optical polarizing microscope were used as the instruments to study the lyotropic phase behaviour of these two surfactans in ternary phase diagram. Study the effect of branched-tail structure on the phase behaviour of glycolipids in ternary system is one of strategy to derive the structure-property relationship. For this purpose, 2-OG and 2-EHG were used as surfactants in the same ternary system. The phase diagram of 2-OG/water/n-octane ternary system showed rectangular ribbon phase and lamellar phase. The phase diagram of 2-EHG/water/n-octane ternary system showed wide region of lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline in different ratio of weight composition. In 2-OG/water/n-octane ternary system, as more surfactant was added to the system, the interlayer spacing, d1 and scattering angle, a value increased, whereas in 2-EHG/water/n-octane ternary system, the d1 and a value decreased.
Mercerization Effect on Morphology and Tensile Properties of Roselle Fibre
Authors: Razali Nadlene , Sapuan S.M. , Jawaid Mohammad , Ishak M.R.
Published: April 2015

Natural fibres are preferred compared to synthetic fibres because of several advantages such as biodegradable, lightweight, low cost and good mechanical properties. Roselle is one of the plants found to be suitable to be used to produce natural fibres. Although natural fiber reinforced composites are becoming widely used, several weaknesses such as lack of good interfacial adhesion, low melting point and poor resistance to moisture absorption are harmful to its further acceptance. Chemical treatment is a method that can improve the interfacial bonding, stop water absorption, clean the fibre and increase surface roughness. In this study, roselle fibres were immersed in Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with 3 different concentration (3, 6, and 9%). The results before and after treatment were compared. Scanning electron microscope was used to examine the surface morphology. Tensile properties of roselle fibre were performed to study the tensile properties. Results shows that the higher concentration of NaOH will increase the surface roughness and have higher ability to clean the fibre. For tensile properties, 6% of NaOH give the highest tensile strength. It can be concluded that, 6% of NaOH is the most suitable concentration to clean roselle fibre and while maintaining good tensile properties.
Indirect Additive Manufacturing Processing of Poly-Lactide-co-Glycolide
Authors: Khan Shah Fenner , German M.J. , Dalgarno K.W.
Published: April 2015

The research and development of biomaterials have brought about new treatments in regenerative medicine. The research work presented in this paper focus on the use of Poly-Lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) in the fabrication of patient specific fracture fixation plate by indirect additive manufacturing method. The use of biopolymers such as PLGA has been seen as a solution to the problems of stress shield and post-surgery inherent in biometal fixation plates. This paper discusses the consequence of this processing method on characteristics and properties of the PLGA. PLGA of ratio 50:50, 65:35 and 85:15 was processed and compared. The granules of PLGA were positioned in the cavity of the stereolithography (SLA) mould and heated under constant pressure with sintering temperature of 73°C for 2.0hours. Both the variation in samples fabricated from this process with the designed model and the changes in material characteristics are below 10%. The flexural strength for PLGA of ratio 50:50, 65:35 and 85:15 is 73.8±2.3MPa, 75.0±2.8, 60.0±11.7, respectively. The characteristics and mechanical tests indicate that the results were comparable with conventional processing of PLGA.
Effect of Alkaline Treatment to Wettability and Flexural Properties of Kenaf Nonwoven Fibre Mat Reinforced Epoxy Composites Produced by Resin Transfer Moulding
Authors: Salim Muhamad Saifuddin , Mohd Ishak Z.A. , Ariawan Dody , Thirmizir Mohd Zharif Ahmad
Published: April 2015

This paper focuses on the study of the effect of chemical treatments of fibres by alkalization on the flexural and impact properties of epoxy matrix composites reinforced by kenaf fibre (KF) produced via resin transfer moulding (RTM) technique. The reinforcement consists of KF nonwoven fiber mat fabricated using needle punching method. Prior to punching process, KF are subjected to alkali treatments with Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 3, 6 and 9% for a period of 3h at room temperature. The composites were reinforced with kenaf nonwoven mat at 40% by volume. Effect of alkaline treatment concentration to wettability of KF towards epoxy resins are measured by means of contact angle and surface energy analysis. Influences of alkaline treatment on the flexural properties are studied to determine the optimum conditions of alkaline treatment. As concentration of NaOH in alkaline treatment increased, the experimental results show that the flexural properties of composites increases. For 6% NaOH treatment, the flexural strength and flexural modulus improved by 7.88 MPa to 81.38 Mpa and from 4.79 GPa to 5.41GPa compared to untreated fibre composites. However, as the concentration of NaOH increase to 9%, the bending properties reduced significantly.
Waste to Wealth for the Edible Bird Nest Industry
Authors: Hamzah Zainab , Jeyaraman Sarojini , Hashim Othman , Kamarudin Hussin
Published: April 2015

Edible bird nest (EBN) is a product obtained from the salivary excretion of different species of swiftlets during the breeding season. It is an expensive health food product. The raw EBN needs intensive cleaning before it can be consumed. Currently, EBN is increasingly used in cosmetic products. The cleaning procedure generally produced about 30 % (w/w) of waste. To date, there is no work conducted to study the composition of the waste recovered from the cleaning process and converting the waste into useful downstream products. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the composition of the EBN wastes and to formulate a value added facial cream product from the EBN waste. EBN waste (residues) was collected from the cleaning water of EBN samples from the swiftlet species Aerodramusfuciphagus using the centrifugation method. The chemical composition of the EBN waste (residues) was analyzed qualitatively using the FTIR technique. Similarly, the different grades of processed EBN samples (2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and biscuit white) from the swiftlet species Aerodramusfuciphagus were quantitatively analyzed using the elemental analyzer. The residual EBN showed high protein content (47.33±3.09 %) and carbohydrate content of 2.4±0.37 %. Interestingly, nitrite, nitrate and lead were not present in the EBN waste. Thus, EBN waste is considered safe to formulate a facial cream. The collagen content in EBN is good as an anti-aging beauty cream. Since the EBN is a very expensive product, the residual EBN waste has good potential to formulate a value added product without any loss in its nutritional health benefits to achieve a similar effect as EBN. The high protein content retained in EBN waste makes the wash off water from EBN washings a suitable nutrient – rich component for the formulation of health and beauty products.
The Study of Hydrogen Accumulation Dynamics in Ti-6Al-4V Nanocrystalline Alloy
Authors: Pimenov Nikita O. , Nikitenkov Nikolay N. , Sypchenko Vladimir S. , Stepanova Ekaterina N. , Tyurin Yurii I.
Published: April 2015

This work presents the results of hydrogen diffusion study in macro-and nanocrystalline titanium using the method of combining an electrolytic cell with vacuum chamber through the membrane. It has been stated that the formation of nanocrystalline structure, on the one hand, leads to the decrease in the effective hydrogen diffusion coefficient and, on the other hand, to the increase in the capability to accumulate hydrogen. This is observed due to more developed grain boundaries in nanocrystalline samples as compared with macrocrystalline.
Production of Iron Nanopowders by the Electric Explosion of Wire
Authors: Pustovalov Alexey V. , Zhuravkov Sergey P.
Published: April 2015

The work presents the study of the properties of nanopowders produced bythe electric explosion of wire (EEW) in the atmosphere of Ar, CO, CO2, N2. It was established that with the increase of theelectric strength of a gas the wire acquires more energy, enabling the reduction of a particle average size. The EEW in gaseous media that have high dissociation energy (N2 and CO) produces metal powders that consist of crystalline α-Fe и γ-Fe. EEW products obtained in СО2 consist of α-Fe and bivalent iron oxide.
Synthesis and Characterization of High Density and Low Temperature Sintered Proton Conductor BaCe0.5Zr0.35In0.1Zn0.05O3-δ
Authors: Azad Abul Kalam , Setsoafia D.D.Y. , Ming L.C. , Petra Iskandar
Published: April 2015

Rare-earth-doped BaCeO3 and BaZrO3 electrolytes with perovskite structure have been studied extensively in developing proton conducting intermediate temperature SOFC. Acceptor doped alkaline earth cerates and zirconates have been thoroughly studied because of the great interest in their possible applications as solid proton conductors. The perovskite type proton conductor BaCe0.5Zr0.35In0.1Zn0.05O3-δwas prepared in the traditional solid state reaction method. The density of the sample obtained about 96% of the theoretical density after sintering at 1350 °C and X-ray diffraction study confirms the pure phase. Rietveld refinement of the neutron and X-ray powder diffraction data shows that this material crystallizes in the orthorhombic symmetry in the space group Pm3m. Particle size measurement shows that the average particle size is about 2.4 μm. The average thermal expansion at 894 °C was 9.49 x 10-6/°C. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) traces obtained for the sample on heating in wet air shows that the maximum proton uptake occurs from 595 °C.
Features of Contact Interaction of BCC and FCC Metals
Authors: Nikonov Anton Yu. , Dmitriev Andrey I. , Abrikosov Igor A.
Published: April 2015

We carried out simulations of contact interaction between BCC iron crystallite and various pure FCC metals under shear loading by means of molecular dynamics. It was shown that the result of this interaction is the transformation of FCC atomic lattice of contacted material into BCC one within a thin layer in the contact zone. The results of simulations can be used to control strength of the interfacial layers of coated materials, as well as to understand the processes which are taking place in surface layers of materials under the contact.
Analysis and Calculation of the Lateral Electromagnetic Force on Shaped Charge Jet in the Passive Electromagnetic Protective Device
Authors: Huang Yong Fang , Cao Yan Jie , Zhou Gang , Wang Hui Jin , Wang Cheng Xue
Published: April 2015

Under the pulse current, the lateral electromagnetic force on the shaped charge jet in the passive electromagnetic protective device is analyzed. Based on the equivalent circuit model, the current distribution model of metal plate is established according to the characteristic of current distribution proposed by Hummer. The lateral transient action model of a shaped charge jet is established based on the Biot Savart law. It is discussed in detail that the magnetic induction By of the shaped charge jet between two metal plates and the lateral electromagnetic force fx on the shaped charge jet varies with time and location. By shows U distribution along the jet axial. Before the 37μs, fx along the jet axial basically is M distribution; the maximum electromagnetic force appears in the distance near the site of the metal plates. After the 37μs, the lateral electromagnetic force along the jet axial basically is U distribution. Prior to 25μs, the total electromagnetic force Fx on the jet is approximately linear increase. In 25μ to 60μs, Fx maintains at a high level. The simulation result is identical with P. Appelgren’s result of static electrically-exploded conductors experiment.
Corrosion Behavior of Copper in Biodiesel-Diesel-Bioethanol (BDE)
Authors: Thangavelu S.K. , Piraiarasi C. , Ahmed A.S. , Ani Farid Nasir
Published: April 2015

The present study aims to investigate the impact of biodiesel-diesel-bioethanol (BDE) fuel blend on the corrosion behavior of copper. Static immersion tests in B45D35E20 (45% biodiesel, 35% diesel and 20% bioethanol) were carried out at room temperature (25°C) and 50° for 408 hours. Mechanical, physical and chemical properties of copper were investigated before and after immersion tests. Investigations were carried out on the change in morphological properties using optical microscope; change in chemical structure using FTIR; change in mass and volume by weight loss measurement; and hardness changes using universal hardness tester. The changes of fuel properties of the blend such as total acid number (TAN) and color changes were also investigated. The results showed that the corrosion rate of copper in B45D35E20 at high temperature (50°C) is comparatively lower than the previous studies reported for pure biodiesel (B100).
Thick Composite Structures under a Load Pinch
Authors: Karama Moussa
Published: April 2015

Thick composites are increasingly used in the design of mechanical structures. Combined with low weight, they are generally resistant structures, which can support importante loads. In addition, depending on the number and nature of the materials used, it is possible to adapt properties for specific applications (damping structures).This work proposes the establishment of a new theoretical model of multilayer beam. The model, which is simple and easy handling, is intended for the subsequent establishment of a finite element. The goals are:improve the refinement of the transverse displacement and transverse shear, avoiding the calculation of transverse shear, the use of correction factors,keep only the usual displacement,test the accuracy of the model compared with models from the literature (for an equivalent single-layer approach).The proposed approach is of the kinematics, the form adopted for the displacement field is justified from a dimensional point of view, by the equations of elasticity. The equations of motion and boundary conditions are obtained by applying the principle of virtual power.The validity of the model is tested on problems for which solutions (obtained by previous theories) exist.
Concept of the Tip Effect in Single Walled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: El-Hami Khalil , El-Hami Abdelkhalak
Published: April 2015

In this investigation, we reported that single walled carbon nanotube can act as a sharpest tip where the electric field strength is highly concentrated at the edge. Therefore, we study the effects of the physical and geometrical parameters of an applied electric field gradient to various electrode structures. Results showed that carbon nanotubes presented a strongest electric field value at the edge which makes them suited for applications as unidirectional electric field or serving as nanoelectrode with a diameter of about one nanometer to be used for conductivity nanotest and to determine the electrical properties of single molecules or clusters.Keywords: single walled carbon nanotube, nan-electrode, tip, electric field lines, surface charge density.
Nanocomposite Based Carbon Nanotubes for Electromechanical Application
Authors: El-Hami Khalil , El-Hami Abdelkhalak
Published: April 2015

Nanocomposites from carbon nanotubes (CNT) and ferroelectric polymers/CNT provide new generation of nanomaterial with high electromechanical properties and allow polymers to exhibit enhanced actuating. Based on relative motion of nanotubes walls incorporated in polymer matrix, CNT are considered for various electromechanical applications such as nanoactuator, nanopump, nanothermometer, nanoresistor, nanomotor...In this investigation we determine the experimental correlation between the electrical and mechanical coupling of the nanocomposite based single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT).A strain refereed as a mechanical deformation was determined to be 10-3 under an applied electrical voltage of 6V.