bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Vulcanization System on the Mechanical Properties of CCTO/ENR50 Composite
Authors: Sharifuddin Syifa’ Muhamad , Sulaiman Muhammad Azwadi , Mohamed Julie Juliewatty , Pabli Asila Fathin Mohd , Chueangchayaphan Wannarat 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A study on vulcanization systems consist of conventional (CV), semi-efficient (SEV) and efficient (EV) was carried out by fabricating the CCTO/ENR50 composites. The rubber compound was mixed in internal mixer at 60°C and 60 rpm rotor speed for 13 min. Then, followed by hot pressing at 160°C. The effect of the vulcanization system of the composites was closely monitored on mechanical properties (stress versus strain, tensile strength, elongation at break and hardness. As a result, the CCTO/ENR50 composites with the SEV system exhibit higher modulus strength, which is related to the stiffness of the composite. Hence, it reduced the elongation at break (%) from 591 (CV system) to 495% (SEV system). It also gives high tensile strength, 5.47 MPa, and 47.74 Shore A in hardness compared to other vulcanization systems.
The Effect of Alkaline Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid Reinforced with Kenaf Fiber Mat Biocomposite
Authors: Mohamad Mardawani , Ting Sau Wan , Bakar Mohamad Bashree Abu , Osman Wan Hasnidah Wan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Kenaf fiber mat (KFM) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposite have been developed by using film stacking and compression molding. In order to achieve the composite with good mechanical properties, the effect of processing parameters such as processing temperature and heating time on mechanical properties of PLA was studied. The optimum values of processing temperature and heating time on mechanical properties of PLA that were obtained were then being used to produce PLA/KFM biocomposite. PLA and kenaf fiber has distinct properties as natural fiber is hydrophilic whereas the polymer matrix is hydrophobic. In order to improve the fiber matrix adhesion, the KFM was chemically treated at different concentrations of NaOH for 3 hours at room temperature. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength, tensile and flexural modulus and elongation at break of untreated and alkali-treated PLA/KFM biocomposite were studied and compared. The obtained results showed that the alkali treatment have impact on the mechanical properties of PLA/KFM biocomposite. The study has demonstrated that the optimum alkali concentration was 4% NaOH concentration.
Characterization of biosurfactant production by indigenous bacteria from Sungai Dungun estuary, Terengganu by surface activity and emulsification test
Authors: Khamis N , Rahim A Abdul , Ibrahim N A , Zaman K Abdul Kadir Pahirul 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Natural surface-active agents or biosurfactants are derived particularly from bacteria and yeasts. These natural bio compounds have several advantages over synthetic surfactants such as more environmentally friendly, biodegradable, biocompatible, and low toxicity. Therefore, many efforts have focused on investigating biosurfactants including the isolation of new potent biosurfactant producers. In the present study, twelve potent biosurfactant producing bacteria were successfully isolated from oil-contaminated water and sediment samples from Sungai Dungun estuary by using Minimal Salt Media (MSM) with the addition of 1 % (v/v) engine oil. From characterization tests, one isolate named as DSB7 demonstrated the highest activity among others by semi-quantitative tests i.e., oil spreading technique and drop collapse test. Besides, it has the lowest value of 38.48 mN/m in water surface tension measurement and emulsification index of 53.57 % and 30.0 % for kerosene and used engine oil respectively. As for the molecular identification of the isolate, it showed the highest similarity to Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis.
Properties of unsaturated polyester-coconut shell composite with titanium oxide addition
Authors: Mohamad Zani Siti Noor Asma , Hasmizam Razali Mohd , Mar Iman Abdul Hamid , Nik Yusof Nik Alnur Auli , Razali Sofiyah Mohd , Yusoff Mahani 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUnsaturated polyester based composite is a strong composite. Adding natural fiber and inorganic filler into polyester produce a hybrid composite. The fiber and filler are added approximately 5wt% to 40wt% and 5wt% to 20wt% of composite total weight, respectively. Utilization of different filler content facilitate for future application of the composite. This study investigates the properties of UPE-CS composite using titanium oxide (TiO2) as filler by compression molding. Different concentration of coconut shell (CS) and TiO2 were used. The composite mixture were mixed and cold compressed with 200, 300, 400 and 500 MPa. The result showed UPE-CS-TiO2 composite density increased with increasing amount of TiO2 as a result of TiO2 particles dispersion in the composite. The composite with 40 wt% of CS fiber and high concentration of TiO2 (20wt%) has higher flexural and strength properties compared to that of other composites The composite with 20 wt% CS and 20wt% TiO2 exhibit higher thickness swelling, water uptake and moisture content reduction. Modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity was increased with compaction pressure while thickness swelling, water absorption and moisture content was decreased.
Recycling of Wood Saw Dust Waste as Green Pore Forming Agent for Porous Ceramic
Authors: Zakaria Siti Koriah , Hakim Md Zulkifli Muhammad Luqman , Azhar Taib Mustaffa Ali , Budiman Faisal , Mohamed Mazlan , Ali Arlina , Yusoff Abdul Hafidz , Teo Pao Ter 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Porous ceramic fabrication using natural pore forming agents have received more and more attention in the past few years. However, researchers have encountered an issue with an inconsistent particle size, which led to uneven pore distribution. Considering waste material as pore forming agent, this research seeks to explore the potential application of wood sawdust in porous ceramic production. Moreover, the effects of wood sawdust weight percentage (wt.%) and firing temperature towards the physical and mechanical properties of porous ceramic will also be investigated. Porous ceramic was fabricated by introducing two different proportions of wood sawdust (10 and 20 wt.%) into China clay, followed by drying at 110°C and firing at 900°C. The characterization analyses were performed by means of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, and X-Ray Diffraction. The results showed that the compressive strength appears to decrease as the composition of the waste wood sawdust increases. Relatively, the water absorption value increases as the wood sawdust incorporation increased. This is because more porosity formation is observed at a higher sawdust ratio, leading to a lower density of the ceramic.
Synthesis of Sodium Alginate Graphene Oxide Thin Film for Adsorption Application
Authors: Mohd Zin Farah Amanina , Mohamed Noor An’amt , Mohd Nasri Wan Nurshafeera Wan , Rosli Nurul Natasya , Buniamin Nur Aqilah , Abd Razab Mohammad Khairul Azhar , Mat Rasat Mohd Sukhairi , Abdullah Nor Hakimin , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper essentially describes the synthesis of sodium alginate graphene oxide silver (SA-(GOAg)) composite thin film for adsorption of methylene blue. The composite thin film is synthesized using simple solvent casting method by varying the amount of GOAg (20 ml, 40 ml, 60ml, 80ml and 100 ml) into SA solution. The thin film then characterized by using UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The degradation of methylene blue was observed by using UV-Vis and recorded in every 5 minutes for one hour. The results reveal that the combination of SA and 100 ml GOAg shows the highest adsorption rate in one hour compared to other value of SA-GOAg thin films. The SA-GOAg thin film is believed to have a huge potential in adsorption application such as water treatment.
Physical properties and soil degradation of PLA/PBAT blends film reinforced with bamboo cellulose
Authors: Mhd Ramle Sitti Fatimah , Ahmad Nur Ayuni , Mohammad Rawi Nurul Fazita , Zahidan Nur Salsabilla , Geng Boon Jia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Cellulose is known as the most abundant organic molecule that is renewable and suitable to replace synthetic polymers in the production of plastics with a formula of (C6H1005)n. Cellulose from plants is the most excellent material for reinforcing fillers. The percentage of cellulose in bamboo is range 45-55%. In this research cellulose from bamboo were incorporated with PLA and PBAT to produce cellulose film. The cellulose film produced with different amount of cellulose which are 0%, 3%, 6% and 9%. The findings showed that PLA/cellulose with 9% content of cellulose showed a higher mass loss with 12.39%, followed by the PLA/PBAT/cellulose 9%, which was 9.69%. Meanwhile, the cellulose film with 0% cellulose content for both types of plastic showed the lower biodegradability of 0.57% (PLA/cellulose bioplastic) and 0.44% (PLA/PBAT/cellulose bioplastic). It shows that biodegradability in the natural environment is the benefits of the film with a high content of cellulose. This analysis revealed the degradation of cellulose film in the soil. Usually, conventional plastic cannot easily be biodegraded by the organisms. Based on this study, it is showed that the increase of the cellulose content also encourages the film to degrade quickly. It is thus revealed that the study on bamboo’s cellulose, provides the scientific information for the application and implementation of bamboo cellulose as an effective biodegradable plastics.
Performance of P. betle extraction as sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Jaafar H , Magesvaran L 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Natural dyes extracted from Piper betle (P. betle) pigment, was utilized and researched as sensitizer in DSSCs application. The optical characteristics of the extracted dye and photovoltaic performance of the cells were studied. The extracts showed UV-vis absorptions in the range of 530–560 nm with broad maxima absorption at∼ 430 nm. For P. betle the photovoltaic performance of the sample with 3.16μm-thick ZnO produced the best results with open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF), and energy conversion efficiency (η) values of 0.33 V, 6.35 mA/cm2, 0.52, and 1.09%, respectively.
Optimization and characterization of chitosan extracted from Mucor rouxii
Authors: Azlan Nur Shahilla , Edinur Hisham Atan , Ghafar Noraini Abdul , Rasudin Nur Syahmina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Chitosan is a non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer comprising of (1,4)-linked amino-deoxy-β-D-glucan. The unique characteristics of biodegradability and non-toxicity led to versatile application of this biopolymers in various fields. The aim of this study was to identify factors which could optimize the yields and physicochemical characteristics of chitosan extracted from Mucor rouxii using different incubation period and temperature. Three combinations of incubation temperatures (98°C, 110°C and 121°C) and three incubation periods (15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes) were used in the alkaline treatment and the extracted chitosan were analysed for the dry weight, molecular weight and degree of deacetylation. Results shown that incubation temperature had a significant effect on the yield of chitosan (p<0.05). Kruskal-Wallis test shown that, different incubation temperatures and periods had no significant effects on the molecular weight and degree of deacetylation (p>0.05).
Ionizing Radiation as a Non-invasive Treatment for COVID-19 Patients-A Perspective Review
Authors: Abdul Razab Mohammad Khairul Azhar , Aurifullah Mohamme , Atan Edinur Hisham 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single-stranded positive RNA virus surrounded by four structural proteins which are envelope, membrane, spike and nuclear capsid. This virus was identified at the end of 2019 and caused respiratory illness (i.e. coronavirus disease 2019: COVID-19). There is no specific vaccine or medication for the COVID-19 and current treatment relies on existing drugs including anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents. Here, we describe the potential use electromagnetic radiation to treat COVID-19 infected individuals. The electromagnetic radiation, particularly UV-C has so far proved to be highly effective as coronavirus disinfectant method on medical instruments and material surfaces. Photochemical mechanisms of UV-C with human cell could alter the single strand RNA and effective to obtain photodimeric lesions in nucleic acid of the virus. Inactivation mechanisms by photodimers induced in genome commonly lead to mutagenesis, where base pairing during viral RNA replication will be interfere usually at pyrimidine dimers. Therefore, application of UV-C at moderate intensities within periodical irradiation on patient might be useful to inactivate RNA of SARS-CoV-2 and can be used as an alternative for non-invasive treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Effect Additions Zn on Sn-0.7Cu Lead-Free Solder: A Short Brief
Authors: Mohd Tarmizi Fatin Sufina , Masri Mohamad Najmi , Mohd Nazeri Muhammad Firdau , Mohamad Ahmad Azmin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Sn-0.7Cu lead-free solder is an alternative solder material that suitable to replace Sn-Pb solder in electronic manufacturing. However, it has a weakness of high melting temperature and lower mechanical strength. In this study, the change in microstructure, elements, the structural and melting point of Sn-0.7Cu after the addition of different compositions of Zn element was discussed. The result shows that after adding a small amount of Zn, a refinement microstructure of Sn-0.7Cu-xZn solder alloy was obtained, and the melting point of the solder decreased from 227.7 °C to 225.7 °C. Besides, the formation new phase of was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) followed by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Besides, the behaviour of Sn-0.7Cu-xZn solder alloy can be further studied via open circuit potential (OCP) to determine the corrosion potential.
Effect of Calcination Temperature to the Dielectric Properties of CaCu3Ti4Oi2 using Enhanced Microwave Processing
Authors: Mohd Pabl Fathin Asila , Na Teo Wei , Sharifuddin Syifa’ Muhamad , Mat Nor Mohd Shukri , Wan Ali Wan Fahmin Faiz , Ain Mohd Fadzil , Juliewatt Julie , Sulaiman Muhammad Azwad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
CaCu3Ti4O12 or calcium copper titanite (CCTO) electroceramics is viably produced with an enhanced process in order to tackle the dielectric loss problem in microelectronic industry. In this study, the influence of microwave radiation temperature during calcination to the electrical properties was investigated. The CCTO samples undergo synthesis process using a solid-state reaction route. The calcination process was conducted for 1 hour at different calcination temperatures (500-800°C) using microwave furnace set at the frequency of 2.45GHz. An enhanced silicon carbide (SiC)-based susceptor was used as crucible to accelerate the process. The result of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that the phase formation of cubic perovskite CCTO is partially formed after calcination at more than 500°C for 1 hour, but the single-phase CCTO does not form completely during this time duration. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that with the increasing of calcination temperature, there are patterns of reduction in porosity and grain growth of the sintered CCTO pellets. Dielectric properties also increase within the frequency range of 1 GHz to 10 GHz with the increasing calcination temperature.
Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures Growth by the role of pH variation
Authors: Ali Arlina , Yusoff Mahani , Noor An’amt Mohamed , Teo Pao Ter , Mamat Sarizam , Mohamed Mazlan , Ramli N.H. , Akmal Syamsyir , Rahimie  
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we study on the morphology variation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures by varied the pH of precursor via hydrothermal method. The Zinc chloride and ammonium hydroxide were used as precursor, which was heated at 180°C for 24 hours. The pH of the precursor was varied from 7, 8, 9, 10 to 11 by the controlled amount of ammonium hydroxide. The samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. XRD pattern shows that the ZnO nanostructured exhibit the hexagonal wurtzite structure and average crystallite size is calculated. The morphology images revealed the rod and flower like structure for all samples. UV-Vis spectroscopy (UVs) shows the absorption or reflectance peaks of zinc oxide was around 350 to 450 nm. pH value was found key to the structure control of studied.
Investigation of Chemical Analysis and Physical Properties of Bio-polymer Waste Banana Peel Fibre Composite
Authors: Yusof NAA Nik , Yusoff M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The present work has investigate the conversion of waste banana peel fiber (WBP) a raw a material in the form of food industry wastes into value added bio-polymer which can be replaced synthetic plastics. WBP represent around 85% of the total by products generated from the brewing industry and is available in large quantities throughout the year; however its primary application has been limited to animal feed. Despite this, due to its chemical composition, it has value as lignocellulosic rich material. In this paper, raw WBP has undergone physical and chemical characterisation to determine the composition analysis of extractives, cellulose and lignocellulose of WBP. WBP fiber contains a high moisture content (approx. 75 wt. %). Then, it will be process into form of composite by added of variety glycerol content (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 grams) mixed on a dry weight basis of WBP. The solution was premixed and then heated from room temperature to 80°C, where it was maintained for 1 h while being constantly mixing. The solution was then allowed to cool at 40 °C, and then, the glycerol was added to the gelatinized suspension. The suspension was then vigorously mixing for 45 min. The mixed suspensions were immediately poured onto a aluminium-nylon mesh mold to form a composite thin film. The films were then pressed with heat press machine at 120°C for 5 minutes. The composites will dried for 24 h in an ambient room temperature in dessicator at about 37 °C until they reached a constant weight. The thickness of the films was controlled by the addition of the same weight of suspension into a dish of same size. The final thickness of the film was about 0.20 mm. This research were focus on the chemical analysis of WBP fiber where it can determine the extractives, halocellulose, lignin and α-cellulose. Then, the WBP fiber composite film were tested for physical properties analysis which were the thickness and density, moisture content, water solubility, water absorption and thickness swelling, porosity and contact angle (CA). This work shows that glycerol can strongly affect the functional properties of WBP fiber based composite
Humic Acid Degradation by the Ozonation Process: Parameters Effect and Comparison of Ozonation Method
Authors: Che Miur Amalin Sofia , Mahyun Zafirah , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Zuhairi Abdullah Ahmad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Humic acid is one of the constituents that are easily found in the water. Interest of humic acid degradation has been escalating as water is one of the most important source in this world. Though these recent years, extensive research in ozonation has been rising as it a feasible and dynamic process. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the efficiency of humic acid degradation by ozonation method under different operating conditions, such as initial concentration of humic acid, pH, temperature. Different ozonation method was also studied using catalyst Tin (IV) oxide (SnO2) and oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Different methods of ozonation were also applied in order to study the capability of each method for degradation of humic acid. The most efficient method for the degradation of humic acid was ozonation with H2O2, gave the higher degradation rates of 98.82 % in 120 min of reaction. The results lead to the conclusion that ozonation process is an efficient method for removing humic acid from aqueous solutions.
Preliminary Study on Mineral Identification in Sediment from Sungai Nal, Ulu Sat Forest, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Ter Teo Pao , Yusoff Abdul Hafid , Chang Chang Shen , Mohamed Khairul Nizam , Sulaiman Mohd Sofiyan , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Mohd Amin Mohd Faiz , Muhamad Nor Amal Najihah , Zakaria Khairul Anam , Hazwani Oslan Siti Nur 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Ulu Sat Forest, Kelantan is rich with various biodiversity and been protected and reserved from any illegal logging activity. Previous studies mainly focus to explore biodiversity of the forest, without any in-depth investigation to explore mineral distribution in soil. This paper is baseline study which investigated mineral distribution in sediments from different sites of Sungai Nal (Nal River), as well as different core depth, which were situated at Ulu Sat Forest, Kelantan, Malaysia. Total of five surface sediment and one core were analyzed with x-ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis, it was found that despite of sampling location and sampling core depth, the soil merely consisted of quartz (SiO2) mineral, without any traces mineral been detected. However, concentration of the quartz mineral did vary with the sampling locations as well as core depth of the sampling. Thus, mineral distribution in the soil was consistent as only quartz was detected by XRD analysis.
Challenges in Creating Ecotourism in Rural Area: A Case of RK Eco Farm Business Venturing
Authors: Rahman A Ab , Zainol N , Ramli A , Manzoor H 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe objectives of this article is to reveal the findings on the challenges encountered by a small business venture in the process of developing ecotourism that preserve the natural environment in rural area. Study on the natural resources and ecotourism has been indicated through the symbiotic relationship discourses. However, less research has been done on the lenses of business venturing that promote ecotourism and natural environment. The effective development of small business venturing that preserve the environment is significant for sustainability development for environment. Qualitative research methodology was adopted to understand this phenomenon utilising interpretive paradigm. Hence, this study is not mean for statistical generalization as indicated for objectivism paradigm. Six participants that contain of the founder, the manager, the workers, and three other participants are involved in this study. Accordingly, in-depth interview techniques as main data sources had been adopted for data collection to understand the phenomenon. Six participants with three times attempt for in-depth interview has been executed. To ensure the robustness of the information, direct observation and photograph also been utilised. Thematic technique was used for data analysis. The findings indicate that waste management, farm safety, and society awareness are the challenges that encountered by the entrepreneur in small business venturing that relates to ecotourism and natural environment. Future research should research further on this issue within the different context.