bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of iron loading onto mesoporous titania nanoparticles and its photoactivity
Authors: Marfur N A , Jaafar N F , Habibullah N H H M 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Titania is proven to be one of the best catalysts for various pollutant degradations. However, it can only be activated under UV light. This research was conducted to further enhance the photoactivity of titania under visible light irradiation by doping with iron metal. Different weight loadings of Fe (3, 5, 7 and 10 wt.%) supported on mesoporous titania nanoparticles (MT) were synthesised via a facile in-situ electrochemical method and denoted as 3FMT, 5FMT, 7FMT and 10FMT to degrade 2-chlorophenol (2-CP). These catalysts were characterised by XRD, FTIR and UV-Vis DRS. The photocatalytic activity of 3FMT was the most effective with 98% degradation probably due to its lowest band gap energy. This work showed that the catalyst functioned best with dosage 0.075 g in a solution of pH 5 and a concentration of 10 mg L−1. Therefore, this study showed great enhancement in the photoactivity of the catalysts especially under visible light irradiation by lowering their band gaps.
Restoration of pretreated palm oil mill effluent using TiO2 based photocatalytic system: An optimization study
Authors: Nawaz R , Chong F K , Ho Y C , Isa M H , Lim W H 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Phenolic compounds found in pretreated palm oil mill effluent (pre-POME) pose severe threat to aquatic ecosystem and human health due to their build-up in the environment and high toxicity. Thus, the removal of phenolic compounds from pre-POME is necessary to preserve environmental quality and protect human health. In this paper, the optimized degradation of phenolic compound, gallic acid (GA) from pre-POME under visible light assisted TiO2 based photocatalysis is reported. TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by chemical precipitation technique followed by characterization with X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy (DR-UV-Vis) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The effect of process variables such as loading of TiO2 and H2O2 dose on the degradation of GA from pre-POME was investigated and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). Spherical shaped anatase phase TiO2 NPs with size 45.47 nm and band gap (Eg) of 3.16 eV were obtained. The results demonstrated that both variables, TiO2 loading and H2O2 dosage showed positive effect on GA degradation. The highest removal of GA from pre-POME (71.20%), from 44.85 ppm of initial concentration was observed for the optimal TiO2 loading of 0.88 g/L, H2O2 dosage of 8.5 wt% and 2 h reaction under visible light irradiation. The use of H2O2 combined with TiO2 NPs indicated a great potential for the removal of GA, which has been pointed out as the major phenolic compounds in pre-POME.
The study of chromium oxide loading on platinum chromium oxide zirconia catalyst for n-dodecane and 1,4-diisopropylbenzene hydrocracking
Authors: Annuar N H R , Teh L P , Setiabudi H D , Aziz M A A , Salam N M , Jalil A A 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Hydrocracking reaction is one of the major processes in petroleum refining. To date, the exploration of a suitable catalyst for hydrocracking reaction remains challenging. The presence of Pt loaded on Cr2O3-ZrO2 promotes the catalytic activity and stability of Cr2O3-ZrO2. While, zirconia has an interesting thermal and mechanical properties which make it as a support material. Therefore, in this study, platinum chromium oxide zirconia catalyst (Pt/Cr2O3-ZrO2) with different Cr2O3 loading (1, 4, 8, and 12 wt%) were prepared by impregnation method. The physical and chemical properties will be characterized by the XRD and FTIR analysis whereas catalytic testing will be analyzed by n-dodecane and 1,4-diisoproylbenzene hydrocracking. The XRD results showed that the peak intensity of the tetragonal phase of ZrO2 and bulk crystalline of Cr2O3 increased with the increase in the Cr2O3 loading from 1 to 12 wt%. The FTIR KBr analysis showed the presence of monoclinic and tetragonal phase of ZrO2 and none or only negligible amount of coke formed during the reaction. The 2,6-lutidine adsorbed FTIR analysis showed that six bands located at 1675, 1660, 1650, 1640, 1630 and 1625 cm−1 corresponding to the Bransted acid sites whereas the Lewis acid sites located at 1608, 1603, 1593, 1580, 1565 and 1560 cm−1. For n-dodecane and 1,4-diisoproylbenzene hydrocracking, all catalysts showed 100% conversion except for Pt/12Cr2O3-ZrO2. Hence, the presence of tetragonal phase and Lewis acid sites play an important role for catalytic activity of n-dodecane and 1,4-diisoproylbenzene hydrocracking.
Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of castor oil using glycerolbased reaction
Authors: Amin U S M , Osman N B , Uemura Y , Majid N M 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
A catalytic transfer hydrogenation of castor oil using glycerol-based is a process of adding hydrogen to the castor oil to produce hydrogenated castor oil with the addition of 10% Pd/C as the catalyst and glycerol as a hydrogen donor. The reaction occurred at the reaction temperature of 178°C for an hour. To prove whether glycerol can be one of the hydrogen donors like limonene that is commonly used, the research started by using pure glycerol as the hydrogen donor and as a control to determine the protocol. A direct heating aparatus connected with a reflux system was used for this experiment. The result from FTIR along with the melting point shows the formation of hydrogenated castor oil from this reaction. The increment in melting point value and the absence of C=C peak (1655.79 cm−1) from FTIR spectrum shows that the catalytic transfer hydrogenation successfully occurred. The melting point of the hydrogenated castor oil is 65°C and the melting point of castor oil is -7°C. Therefore, it was proven that, the glycerol can be used as the hydrogen donor for the castor oil for a catalytic transfer hydrogenation reaction.
Synthesis of anti-corrosion polymers from thiadiazole
Authors: Jassim Ibtisam Kalifa , Mohammed Intisar Yahiya , Salman Sara 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
One of the biggest problems facing many industries particularly oil, is the problem of corrosion, where the metal parts under the influence of the vital factors are eroded during use and storage, therefore, to lift the metal’s ability and to protect it against corrosion, corrosion inhibitors are used. For the first time in this research, polymers which contain sulfur - heterocyclic ring with a thiadiazole base were made. Anti- corrosion polymers were made on two stages, in the first stage, thiadiazole was made from hydrazine hydrate reaction to carbon disulfide, afterwards the first product was reacted with an excess of hydrazine. In the second stage, polymers were prepared by the reaction of the monomer produced from benzaldehyde reaction with [dichloro methane, dichloro ethane or vanillin] and the reactions progress were monitored using thin layer chromatography technique. Prepared compounds were characterized using FT-IR, 1HNMR spectra, TLC, DSC, m.p measurements and weight loss measurement. More than one type of polymers prepared with different concentrations (0.5, 1.0%) was tested as a weight loss inhibitor and the results were very good.
Efficient Removal of Pb(II) from Aqueous Solution using Zinc Oxide/Graphene Oxide Composite
Authors: Ahmad S Z N , Salleh W N W , Yusof N , Yusop M Z M , Hamdan R , Awang N A , Ismail N H , Rosman N , Ibrahim H , Ismail A F 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Due to the rapid development of industrialization over the years, the enhancement on heavy metals removal technology are becoming more urgent. Graphene oxide (GO) gained attention as adsorbents due to high surface area and high affinity towards heavy metals removal. However, its tendency for agglomeration and difficulty in phase separation urges more researches done to address its drawback. Zinc oxide (ZnO), a versatile nanomaterial, has been discovered to have high affinity towards heavy metals removal, tendency to spread out across GO sheet and ease of handling. Therefore, in this study, zinc oxide/graphene oxide nanocomposites (ZnO/GO) were synthesized as adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The synthesized composite was characterized using Fourier-transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and had confirmed the chemically bonding of ZnO on GO. From the batch test, the optimum adsorbent dosage and initial pH for Pb(II) adsorption using ZnO/GO were 0.16 g/L and at pH 5, respectively, with the adsorption capacity of Pb(II) at 418.78 mg/g. The most rapid adsorption had occurred in the first 30 minutes, and the equilibrium time was achieved at 160 minutes. Also, Pb(II) adsorption had followed the pseudo-first order kinetic model. Therefore, ZnO/GO is thought to be a newly promising adsorbent in removing Pb(II) ion from the aqueous solution.
Fabrication of PVDF/HMO Mixed Matrix Membrane: Effect of HMO Loading on Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Ismail N. H. , Salleh W. N. W. , Hasbullah H. , Aziz F. , Awang N. A. , Ahmad S. Z. N. , Rosman N. , Ismail A.F. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In this research, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer was mixed with hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) nanoparticles to form a mixed matrix membrane (MMM) with excellent wetting properties to separate oil/water emulsion. Accordingly, the effects of different HMO loading (3, 5, 7 and 10 wt%) on the membrane’s water flux and oil rejection performance were studied. The characteristics of the MMM were demonstrated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as water and oil contact angle analysis. The HMO nanoparticles, which has large amounts of hydroxyl (-OH) groups, enhanced the membrane’s hydrophilicity. The fabricated MMM became hydrophilic and underwater oleophobic with the presence of -OH groups on the membrane surface. Specifically, the MMM surface repelled the oil droplets and had high affinity towards the water molecules, thereby demonstrating good oil/water separation performance. PVDF/HMO with 10 wt% of HMO had the highest water flux (402 L/m2.h) and oil rejection rate (93%).
Effect of different pretreatment methods on structural carbohydrates of kenaf fiber
Authors: Mazlan N A , Samad K A , Zulkifli S N , Yussof H W , Saufi S M , Jahim J 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe application of pretreatment on lignocellulosic biomass is considered as a critical step to alter the recalcitrant structure of biomass especially in bioconversion process. Different pretreatment may result in different modification effects which is important to be rationally evaluated before adoption in order to achieve high yield of end products. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the effect of different pretreatment methods on kenaf in terms of their chemical and physical properties. Kenaf was subjected to alkaline pretreatment using 4.42% sodium hydroxide operated at 100 °C for 1 hour and acid pretreatment using 0.1% nitric acid which was run at 60 °C for 12 hours. Through characterization study, higher structural carbohydrates were found in alkaline pretreated kenaf compared to acid pretreated kenaf with 73.4% and 70.3% respectively. The SEM, XRD and FTIR analysis showed the significant different of biomass structure before and after pretreatment. From this study, pretreatment process has been verified can improve the biomass compositions to be utilized for chemicals production by disrupt the structure and remove lignin which can be proven by the increasing in structural carbohydrates and decreasing in lignin yield from this characterization study.
Enhancement of CO2 permeation properties of polymeric membrane by incorporating metal organic framework
Authors: Ch’ng C , Yeong Y F , Jusoh N 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This research work focuses on the fabrication of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for the enhancement of CO2 removal from CH4. Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) with a framework of 0.34 nm pore size which favours CO2 adsorption is used as filler in this work. Different loadings of ZIF-8 filler were incorporated into polysulfone (PSf) polymer matrix. From the EDX mapping, the morphology of the ZIF-8/PSf MMMs has shown compatibility between the polymer and filler phases. The MMMs demonstrated an increment of 8°C in glass transition temperature, Tg compared to the pure PSf. Based on the permeation results, MMM loaded with 1 wt% of ZIF-8 showed the highest performance with CO2 and CH4 permeability of 33.12 Barrer and 0.85 Barrer respectively, and CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity of 38.8. The development of this new type of MMM has great potential to be utilized in CO2/CH4 separation process.
Mechanical properties of styrene butadiene rubber toughened graphene reinforced polystyrene
Authors: Ab Ghani N F , Mat Desa M S Z , Yusop M , Bijarimi M , Ramli A , Ali M F 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In this study, styrene butadiene rubber was used for toughened polystyre/graphene nanoplatelets (PS/GNP) nanocomposites. The objective of this research is to determine the effect of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) contents on the toughness of PS/GNP nanocomposites. In order to achieve the objectives of the research PS/GNP nanocomposites were prepared with various SBR content styrene butadiene rubber content, while the contents of GNP were fixed at 0.5 wt%. The PS/GNP/SBR nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending technique. Mechanical properties of SBR toughened PS/GNP nanocomposites showed a decrement of toughness and tensile strength with increasing content of SBR. SEM study shows that the rubber dispersed uniformly within the blends with polystyrene nanocomposites. SEM results show that the polystyrene mixed with graphene nanoplatelets (PS/GNP) had the smooth surface compare to samples have toughened with styrene butadiene rubber. The mechanical properties of PS/GNP nanocomposites with contain of 15 wt% of SBR shown the best of toughening effect.
Vermicomposting of palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) based fertilizer with various organics additives
Authors: Lew J H , May A K A , Shamsuddin M R , Aqsha  , Lazim A M , Narasimba M M 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
This work aimed at increasing the nutritional content of EFB vermicompost using organic additives at specific initial C:N ratio. Seven batches of composts namely EFB+POME (A) in 1:1 weight ratio; fishmeal (B); bonemeal (C); bunch ash (D) and combinations EFB+POME, FM, BM and BA in different proportion to achieve the initial C:N ratio of 35 (Compost E), 42 (Compost F) and 47 (Compost G) were prepared. Sawdust was added into Compost E, F, G as Carbon regulator. The results indicated that the compost maturation was achieved on day 40 based on stable temperature and pH profiles. The changes in initial to final C:N ratio were at 59.8 to 29 (A), 3.69 to 7.4 (B), 8.13 to 10.8 (C), 42.3 to 23 (D), 35 to 16 (Compost E), 42 to 15 (Compost F) and 47 to 22 (Compost G). Fishmeal and bonemeal could enhance the nitrogen (N) and potassium (P) of compost but it was found that composting them alone resulted in pest problem due to the pungent rotten smell. Compost G with initial C:N of 47 produced final compost of C:N 22, suggesting for suitable organic formulations for a healthy compost C:N value and possibly with enhanced quality as compared to EFB compost alone. Future work will focus on establishing the quality of compost in terms of NPK and other elemental compositions.
Effect of Soil Burial on Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Chin S C , Tong F S , Doh S I , Lim K S , Gimbun J 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Nowadays, natural fiber reinforced composites in structural strengthening and rehabilitation was preferable due to its environmentally friendly, low cost and biodegradable characteristics compared to the synthetic strengthening material, fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). However, limited information is available on natural fiber composite durability when exposed to environmental elements. This paper presents the effect of environmental exposure to the durability of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite. Bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composite samples were prepared and buried in soil for 20, 40, 60 and 80 days. The composite samples were prepared using 40% fiber volume fractions. The mechanical properties (tensile and flexural) and surface morphology of the samples before and after degradation were investigated. The experimental results show that the mechanical properties deteriorate as the exposure time increases. The tensile and flexural properties of the composites decreased by about 6-19% compared to the fresh sample. The result from this work may be useful to determine the durability of natural fiber composite when exposed to environmental elements.
A review on physical, mechanical, thermal properties and chemical composition of plant fibers
Authors: Bakar N , Chin S C , Siregar J P , Ngien S K 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In recent years, research on natural fiber composites increased owing to their lightweight, easy availability and improved mechanical characteristics. Natural fiber is also an environmentally friendly material, which produces less pollutant during its production. Therefore, extensive research has been carried out on natural fibers as they constitute an interesting alternative to traditional synthetic fibers, especially for composite materials. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the physical, mechanical and thermal properties as well as chemical composition of natural fibers. Comparison between different natural fibers regarding the aforementioned properties and composition are presented and discussed. This review will provide a useful guide on the performance of natural fibers in natural fiber reinforced composites for other applications such as structural strengthening.
Fabrication of 6FDA-based composite membranes loaded with MIL-125 (Ti) for CO2/CH4 separation
Authors: Suhaimi Nadia Hartini , Yeong Yin Fong , Chew Thiam Leng , Bustam Mohamad Azmi , Jusoh Norwahyu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) separation is necessary for natural gas purification to enhance the calorific value of methane gas (CH4 ), besides reducing the corrosion risk in pipelines with the presence of water or moisture. This work focuses on the development of new combination of composite membrane materials containing titanium-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and 6FDA-based polymer for CO2 and CH4 gases permeation. The composite membranes were successfully fabricated by incorporating 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 wt% of MIL-125 (Ti) fillers into 6FDA-durene polymer by using solvent evaporation method. The resultant fillers and composite membranes were characterized by using different analytical tools including XRD, FESEM and EDX. Then, the permeability test was conducted by using single gas of CO2 and CH4. The results showed that composite membrane loaded with 5wt% of MIL-125(Ti) showed the highest CO2 permeability of 814.9 Barrer, and CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity of 18.1 compared to pure 6FDA-durene membrane with CO2 permeability of 510.3 Barrer and CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity of 8.6. It was found that the incorporation of fillers, MIL-125 (Ti) into 6FDA-durene polymer matrix led to the enhancement of gas permeation performance due to good compatibility between fillers and polymer matrix. Besides, the presence of organic ligand in MIL-125 (Ti) filler has potentially reduced the interfacial voids between the filler and polymer.
Polymer sorbent for mercury removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Azman N A A , Amohd Azoddein A , Ali M F 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The research study the feasibility of polysulfide sorbent (PSS) by using waste palm cooking oil and low-cost sulphur for mercury removal from aqueous solution. Mercury is known as one of the most hazardous toxic heavy metal that gives harmful to human being and environment. PSS is one of the materials that act as adsorbent to remove heavy metals. Waste palm cooking oil was used to produce PSS thus also can solved waste cooking oil management in Malaysia. The efficiency of PSS was investigated in this study based on the study of effect of initial Hg (II) concentration, contact time, pH and polymer sorbent dosage for removal of Hg (II) ion in aqueous solution. The characterization of surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From this study, the highest mercury removal was 95.57 % at 120 rpm of agitation speed, 4 hour of contact time, initial Hg (II) ion concentration of 1 mg/L, 2 g of sorbent dosage and pH 6.
Mechanical and thermal properties of binary blends poly lactic acid (PLA) and recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE)
Authors: Aishah N , Bijarimi M , Moshiul A K M , Mat Desa M S Z , Norazmi M , Alhadadi W , Hafizah F , Nor M Z M 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In this work, plastic bottles made of high-density polyethene (HDPE) have been recycled and blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The aim of the work is to prepare a binary blend of PLA and Recycled HDPE (rHDPE) at 90:10 blend ratio by using a twin-screw extruder. The blends were compression moulded and characterized in terms of mechanical and thermal properties. It was found that the rHDPE increased the tensile modulus of the binary blend. Fracture morphology demonstrated that the blend of rHDPE and PLA is immiscible. In terms of thermal property, as measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), the glass transition temperature of the binary blend showed a lower value, whereas the crystallization process was significantly improved.
Bending properties of 3D printed coconut wood-PLA composite
Authors: Kesavarma S , Kong C K , Samykano M , Kadirgama K , Pandey A K 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technology that has been utilized in developing numerous components from various material for various application. However, in particular, the properties of PLA embedded with coconut wood are still limited. Coconut wood is well known for its environmentally friendly, biodegradable materials, thermal resistance and corrosion resistance. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the properties of Coconut wood-PLA at different infill percentage (25%, 50%, 75%) and infill pattern (Rectilinear, honeycomb, grid, concentric and octagram spiral) by using FDM technique. The infill percentage refers to the amount of material in percentage used to print corresponding infill patterns. The specimen is printed according to ASTM D790. After that, the bending test been carried out to investigate the mechanical properties. Two mechanical properties were analyzed which are flexural strength and flexural modulus. After the experiment, the results obtained are then further analyzed by using response surface methodology to determine which parameter gives significant effect to mechanical properties. Mathematical models of the mechanical properties were also introduced using response surface methodology which can be used to predict desired mechanical properties with varying infill percentage and infill pattern. The results show that concentric infill pattern and 75% infill percentage achieved maximum properties in bending testing. The optimum parameters combination is concentric infill pattern with 75% infill percentage. Its optimum mechanical property is 22.666MPa for flexural strength and 0.4823GPa for flexural modulus.