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The palm oil industry is one of the most important agro-based industries in Malaysia, with more than 400 palm oil mills nationwide. These mills are generally self-sustained in energy by converting empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm mesocarp fibre (PMF) and palm kernel shell (PKS), into energy. However, palm fuel burned in boilers have caused severe air pollution problems due to improper boiler operation and inefficient air pollution control systems. This results in emission of bottom ash particulates from multicyclone and electrostatic precipitator (ESP) hopper after combustion. This paper discusses the characteristics of palm fuel, namely PMF, PKS and EFB, based on proximate analysis, gross calorific value, ultimate analysis and element composition. Morphology of bottom ash emitted from multicyclone and ESP was also examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). EFB was found to have the ' highest moisture content of 63.1% among others, while mixture of PMF and PKS had the highest volatile matter of 54.5% and fixed carbon of 18.5%. PMF has the highest calorific value of 2993 kcals/kg among others. The bottom ash from multicyclone and ESP exhibited particulate sizes ranging from 18.4 to 68 µm and 10.9 to 44.6 µm, respectively. These were considered as preliminary results which require further future research. The outcomes of this study are useful for mitigation of fine particulate emission from air pollution control system in the palm oil mill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, researchers have used nanomaterials as additives in base lubricating oils to improve spesification, especially to minimize wear and friction in their applications. Nanolubricant is a new engineering lubricant, made of nanoparticles suspended in base lubricating oil. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles were chosen as additives that can be a protective layer from direct contact friction between components that have anti-wear properties. As synthesized samples will be characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) to determine the phase, morphology and functional groups of CaCO3 from scallop shells. XRD results show a particle size of 35.48 nm. SEM images show irregular particle shape. FTIR results display carbonate groups and natural characteristics of dolomite at wavelengths of 715.59 cm-1 and 875.68 cm−1. The viscosity and density results increased in proportion to the addition of CaCO3 nanoparticles. This study will give an insight into how nanolubricant additives can contribute to the reduction of material wear and friction that occurs in vehicle engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dependence on lubricants that use non-renewable energy from natural minerals is a concern in terms of waste, alternative energy lubricants taken from plants are also more reliable, renewable and more sustainable than mineral lubricants. Nanobiolubricant is a newly engineered lubricant, made of nanoparticles suspended in vegetable oil. In this study, an experimental method was used, namely to analyze the effect of variations in the mass fraction of nanopowders of 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2% in vegetable oil as an alternative cooling medium for cutting fluid. The basic ingredient of the biolubricant used is soybean oil, while the additive is calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanomaterial. The characterization carried out included X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) on CaCO3 powder from scallop shells. XRD results show a particle size of 35.48 nm. The SEM image shows the irregular shape of the particles. FTIR results show a peak at 2978 cm-1 indicating the presence of OH bonds, at a peak of 875.63 cm−1 to 1386.82 cm−1 associated with asymmetric C-O bonds, at 500–580 cm−1 indicating Ca–O bonds. using the Nano Homogenizer Machine and through the Sonitation process for the synthesis process. Density results increase in proportion to the addition of CaCO3 additive. The results of viscosity and density increased proportionally with the addition of CaCO3 nanoparticles. The use of the CaCO3 additive in the biolubricant showed that the best viscosity increase was obtained from the use of the CaCO3 mass variation, which was 0.15% compared to other variations which were known through the viscosity results. This study will provide an overview of how biolubricant additives can contribute to reducing material wear and friction that occurs in the cutting fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable oil is a liquid that has great potential and many advantages as the base material for cutting fluids used in machining processes. Mineral oil reserves will run out and are not environmentally friendly, so it is necessary to look for alternatives. Nanotechnology is currently widely applied to lubricants as additives. This study aims to determine analysis the volume fraction variation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles as a bio-based lubricant additive as cutting fluid for sustainable machining. Calcium carbonate can be a protective layer from direct contact friction between materials that have anti-wear properties. Calcium carbonate from scallops shell as an additive was synthesized and then characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). Calcium carbonate from scallops shell used as an additive has a crystal size of 35.484 nm and including an irregular round agglomeration morphology structure. The results of density and viscosity are directly proportional to the magnitude of the variation of the volume fraction of nanoparticles, the higher the volume fraction, the value of density and viscosity will also increase, besides that the viscosity value is observed to decrease with increasing temperature. The highest density value was 804.7458 kg/m3 at 0.2% volume fraction variation, while the lowest density value was 765.1670 kg/m3 at 0% volume fraction variation. While the highest viscosity value was obtained at 0.2% volume variation in all variations of temperature and rotor rotational speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alginate macrobeads filled with porous activated carbon (PAC) treated using different types of chemical activating agents were prepared in this study. Rice husk ash (RHA) was treated using five types of chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), zinc chloride (ZnCl2), hydrochloric acid (HCl) and citric acid, at a low temperature (∼80°C) for 2 hours to produce PAC with high porosity and compared to the conventional process using furnace with a high processing temperature. A biopolymer, namely sodium alginate, was used to hold the PAC powder to produce an immobilized structure of PAC in macrobeads form. Adsorption of remazol red (RR) dye using macrobeads was measured using UV-spectrophotometer, while the morphology and composition of PAC were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), respectively. The functional groups of PAC were identified using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). The results indicated that the alkali treated PAC successfully removed up to ∼99% of the dye in 120 minutes, while the acid treated PAC could only remove ∼30% the dye at the same time. This demonstrated that alkaline treatment produced PAC with higher porosity structure and the PAC produced using NaOH has high adsorption of RR dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass is widely recognized as an essential source of renewable energy. The most abundant organic resources in the plantation field are oil palm frond (OPF) and trunk (OPT). These lignocellulose biomaterials are rich in renewable biobased products. The recalcitrance of oil palm biomass directly linked with the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin structure remains a challenge. The pretreatment process is still a consideration because the recalcitrant lignocellulose structure prevents depolymerization from releasing the appropriate substrate to a new approach. This study is aimed to characterize the oil palm frond and trunk pretreated by a combination of ultrasonication with a dilute sulfuric acid medium. This study considers the morphological and thermal characteristics intending to explore their future potential application. The procedure in this research was that the raw OPF and OPT were weighed and transferred into a 1000 ml beaker containing a low acid concentration of H2SO4 in the ratio of 1: 25. The deionized water (DW) was used as a control. The mixture was stirred and incubated in an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes at an ultrasonic frequency of 40 kHz and an ambient temperature of 80°C. The operating time and power were set at the start of the pretreatment. The ultrasonicated materials were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG-STA). The results demonstrated that the yield percentages of OPT's ultrasound-assisted low sulfuric acid (ULSA) are about 10% higher than the deionized water pretreatment. SEM results showed that the ULSA pretreatment of OPF and OPT revealed a significant disruption of their surface structures. The DTG analysis revealed that the maximum temperature degradation of ULSA pretreatment is shifted to a higher temperature than the raw material, which is 273.43℃ for OPF and 265.15 for OPT to 314.43℃ for ULSA-OPF (SOPF) and 318.88℃ ULSA-OPT (SOPT). The thermogravimetric data indicates that the ULSA pretreatment produced more thermal stability than untreated oil palm biomass. Thermal stability is an essential criterion for determining the best lignocellulose material for a particular application, including energy. Hence, ultrasound coupled with the low sulfuric acid medium in both oil palm frond and the trunk has potential as a renewable material for use in many future applications of the bio-based material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium and its alloys are preferred for dental implants because they have much better corrosion resistance and mechanical properties than stainless steel. However, its corrosion resistance, which goes down in acidic environments (acidic pH), requires a breakthrough. Indonesian people like to consume foods and drinks that contain a lot of acidic substances (with low pH), such as Pempek, fried foods, chili sauce, soft drinks and carbonated drinks. This is the background of research to determine the corrosion behavior and corrosion rate of titanium and its alloys in an acidic environment. The results expectedly would help dentists select materials with higher corrosion resistance for orthodontic applications. We selected Ti-6Al-4V Extra Low Interstitial (ELI) as the object of this research. The specimens were immersed in Kokubo's Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) solution, a solution modified to resemble human saliva (pH 5.0) in four variations of time (t): 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks. The corrosion rate was calculated by the weight loss method. To improve corrosion resistance in this strong acid environment, the specimens were coated with commercial nano-sized hydroxyapatite (HA). To examine the microstructure of corrosion, an optical microscope and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used. The results showed that HA coating on Ti-6Al-4V ELI could reduce the corrosion rate. In the fourth week, the corrosion rate of Ti-6Al-4V ELI without HA coating was 0.07575 mm/year. Meanwhile, at the same immersion duration, the corrosion rate of Ti-6Al-4V ELI coated with HA was 0.00841 mm/year. HA can protect the TiO2 passive layer on the Ti-6Al-4V ELI so that the implant material is not easily eroded when installed in the body. Implant materials that are more corrosion resistant are good for implants for their good osseointegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to the unique architectural construction, nano-sized activated carbon materials demonstrate superior performance as supercapacitor electrode materials compared to conventional carbon-based materials. In this work, we demonstrated biowaste-derived tubular-like porous architecture synthesis through the KOH activation with different mass ratios (precursor/KOH) viz. 1:0.20, 1:0.25, and 1:0.30 by using a one-step pyrolysis strategy. The young coconut husk (YCH) waste was used as a carbon resource. All the synthesized samples were characterized using several techniques, including a scanning electron microscope combined with energy-dispersive X-ray, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray diffraction, to evaluate the surface topography, elemental composition, and crystalline nature of the samples. A cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge technique was employed to assess their capacitive behavior. The surface morphology of YCH-0.25 shows a tubular-like porous architecture with a diameter in the range of 26-144 nm. According to CV and GCD, curves The YCH-0.25 sample attains the optimum capacitive performance as high as 231 F g−1 and 297 F g−1, respectively. This work provides a new perspective on the future management of young coconut husk waste in terms of promising clean energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary caries may occur in composite restoration. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is commonly found in human oral cavity and may contribute significantly to caries. One of the efforts to minimize secondary caries is by incorporating antibacterial agents into the composition of the composite. This composition could be made by replacing inorganic fillers with organic fillers derived from natural fibers, such as sisal fibers. Sisal fibers consist of antimicrobial activities, such as saponin, tannin and flavonoid. In this study, sisal nanofiber was used as a filler for dental composite material. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adherence of S. mutans and microscopic overview of sisal nanofiber, sisal nanofiber with coupling agent and nanofiller composite. The sisal fibers were made to nano size and were combined with BisGMA, UDMA, TEGDMA, and camphorquinone, DGEBA with coupling agent (all available from Sigma Aldrich). As a control, Z350 XT composite (3M ESPE) was used. Nine cylinder-shaped material samples of 4 mm3 were used. The sisal nanofiber composite was labeled group A, sisal nanofiber with coupling agent group B, and Z350 XT group C. The samples were immersed in saliva for one hour, then immersed in bacterial suspension, and incubated for 48 hours at 37°C. The amount of S. mutans was determined by direct count using microscope. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Three cuboid (1 cm3) samples were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) (JSM-6510LA). Mean of S. mutans colony of group A was 271.333 ± 258.369, group B was 1791.000 ± 206.066, and group C was 1376.333 ± 503.345. A significance difference of p < 0.05 was observed in S. mutans colony between sample groups. Sisal nanofiber composite showed the least adhesion of S. mutans colonies. The outcome of the microscopic image showed variation between the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major aim of the study is to biosynthesised silver nanoparticles fromGossypiumhirsutumand chitosan coated silver nanoparticles compare their morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy depending on size and frequency. Materials and methods: Biosynthesised silver nanoparticles and chitosan coated silver nanoparticles were synthesized by biosynthetic approach. Here, two groups were analyzed with sample size for each group was 5 and the total sample size was 10 with ∝=0.05, G power 80% and confidence interval 95%. The morphological characteristics of both biosynthesised silver nanoparticles and chitosan coated nanoparticles were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis reveals that biosynthesised silver nanoparticles (2500nm) have larger size particles when compared to chitosan coated silver nanoparticles. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles found to be statistically significant 0.002 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Biosynthesised silver nanoparticles have larger size particles when compared with chitosan coated silver nanoparticles are examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Biosynthesised silver nanoparticle is having good optical property and it can be used in therapeutic agents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the size and uptake of chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles in the blood of non-diabetic patients by optically and morphologically characterizing the nucleation and growth processes. Materials and methods: For the analysis of diabetic blood, chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles were used with silver nitrate, sodium borohydride (NaBH4), and sodium citrate as capping agents. A total of seven sets of 26 samples were tested with a G performance of 80% and a 95% confidence interval. Nanoparticles were examined using UV-Vis spectroscopy as well as scanning and electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Check the absorbance and morphology of the sample. Nanoparticles absorb different wavelengths to different degrees. The uptake of nanoparticles needs to be studied. Study particles in the 200–700 nm range. It shows significant absorption in the UV part of the visible spectrum in the 200–400 nm range. SEM topographical examination confirmed the size distribution. The size distribution of the particles was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). At a concentration of 70 mM, the absorbance of diabetic blood was statistically significant at 0.227 (p>0.05). Conclusions: The nucleation and growth process was used to produce silver nanoparticles for diabetes analysis. Silver nanoparticles were prepared using sodium citrate as a capping agent. Although less toxic, it lacks antimicrobial properties. Therefore, silver nanoparticles should be synthesized for in vivo testing. Nanoparticles can be used in surface coating process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research is to make use of a scanning electron microscope to do a comparison between the morphologies of nano copper and nano zinc. The components and procedures: The biosynthetic and wet chemical approaches were utilised in this study to facilitate the synthesis of nanoscale copper and nanoscale zinc structured particles. In this instance, two groups were investigated, with a sample size of four being used for both Group 1 and Group 2, with a total sample size of eight, a significance level of 0.05, a G power of 80%, and a confidence interval of 90%. A scanning electron microscope image showing the morphological formation of nano copper and nano zinc (SEM). The examination carried out using a scanning electron microscope produced the following results: nano copper was discovered to have a statistically significant value of 0.500 (p>0.05) when compared to nano zinc particles. The morphology of nano copper and nano zinc particles was observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the results of the investigation demonstrated the development of highly pure nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles have a higher efficiency and are also used in the application of bio medical implants and also in the minimising of sensors by coating use for novel piezoelectric sensors that are used by MEMS technology in the field of nanotechnology. Copper nanoparticles are also used in the field of nanotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fundamental objective of this investigation is to use a scanning electron microscope to make a direct comparison between the morphologies of nano silver and nano zinc, with regard to both size and frequency. The components and procedures: The bio synthetic method was used in this research to produce nano silver and nano zinc structured particles. The morphological study of nano silver and nano zinc that was performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In this study, two groups were investigated, with a sample size of four for each group and a total sample size of eight. The statistical parameters used were a significance level of 0.05, a power of 80 percent, and a confidence interval of 95 percent. By using a scanning electron microscope, the morphological properties of biosynthesised nano silver coated nanoparticles and nano zinc coated nanoparticles were investigated (SEM). Analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) yielded the following result: in comparison to chitosan coated silver nanoparticles, biosynthesised silver nanoparticles (4500nm) had larger size particles. The value of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was determined to be 0.627, which is statistically insignificant (the p-value was more than 0.05). In the realm of nanotechnology, silver nanoparticles have a greater effectiveness and are also utilised in the application of bio medical implants and also in the minimization of sensors by coating with innovative piezoelectric sensors that are used by mems technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been widely used especially in tropic countries either for topically applied on adults or children's skin or orally-intake products as a supplement. In this study, VCO has been produced in nanoparticles using nanostructured lipid carrier system targeted for hair care application. This study used emulsification-ultrasonication method of glyceryl monostearate as a solid lipid, and VCO itself as a liquid lipid and water as a disperse solvent. Different amount of solid lipid was varied in order to obtain smaller particle size and narrow polydispersity index. Particle size distribution and zeta potential of the samples were then identified. In vitro occlusion factor was also examined. Then, samples with and without VCO-NLC were then applied on the hair tresses and examined using scanning electron microscope. As a result, VCO-NLC (F1) produced smallest particle size with 126.3 ± 10.0 nm and narrow PDI (0.16 ± 0.01) with spherical shape. In vitro occlusion factor produced 8.8 ± 4.2% and 10.2 ± 5.5% for VCO-NLC at 24 and 48 h. Results showed that, hair tresses tested with VCO-NLC produced slightly thin film formation on the hair tresses that prevented the hair dry and loss its moisture. Thus, VCO-NLC was satisfactorily produced and has a potential to be used as a hair care substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous Titanium Niobium (Ti-6Al-7Nb) are widely found in biomedical applications due to their excellent mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility with human bone. In this study, porous Ti-6Al-7Nb were produced with powder metallurgy process together with space holder technique. Magnesium (Mg) was used as spacer to generate pores with porosity range 20-40 vol.%. The production of porous samples started with the spherical Ti-6Al-7Nb powders with average size of 20 µm were mixed with Mg powders with different weight percentage and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as binder. The mixtures then were compacted using Hydraulic Hand Press under pressure of 600 MPa with double-ended steel die. The green compacts produced sintered for 2 hours under high purity argon gas atmosphere at temperature 1300°C to remove the Mg. The calculated porosity in range ~25-37 % of sintered samples achieved desired porosity content. Compression test with speed 0.001mm/sec were conducted to figure out the mechanical characterization resulting in Elastic modulus, E in the range ~0.0651-0.9375 GPa and yield strength, σy ~3.9-47.0 MPa which sufficient for implantations with human bone. The sintered samples were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) where spherical, interconnected macropores and irregular shape of micropores were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dunaliella salina is an example of microalgae. The microalgae Dunaliella salina has a halotolerant ability to live in a high salt environment. Besides, this type of microalgae can be used as a source of bioethanol because it has a high carbohydrate content of 69.7%. Microalgae harvesting techniques can be chosen as an alternative for harvesting microalgae because they have advantages, including being able to maintain up to 100% biomass and low energy consumption. The membrane filtration technique has the disadvantage that there is a blockage in the membrane during the harvesting process. In this study, membrane cleaning was carried out through a process of immersion into cleaning reagents, namely sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and citric acid. The membranes before cleaning and the membranes after five cycles of cleaning were characterized using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed that the membrane cleaning with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) was more effective than cleaning with citric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective adsorber nanocomposite of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 metals ferrite loaded on ZIF-12 composite was successfully constructed and tested for removal of acid red (AR) textile dye. The characterization procedures powder X-Ray diffraction XRD, Scanning Electron Microscope SEM, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy EDX, Vibrating Sample Magnetometer VSM, and surface area (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller BET) methods were used to analyze the constructed materials. The acquired Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/ZIF-12 nanocomposites exhibited high adsorption capacity for acid red (AR) dye removal from aqueous solutions. The max adsorption capacities of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, ZIF-12, and Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/ZIF-12 were 19.8, 46.7, 76.4 mg.g−1, respectively. The AR day concentration, adsorber dose, solution pH and contact time were studied in detail on the absorption efficiency. Kinetic and equilibrium isotherm studies were also conducted, which show that second order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm were fitted well with the experimental results. Besides, the Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/ZIF-12 nanocomposites could be effortlessly separated by simple magnate, and displayed high stability after reused 4 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the morphological properties and the presence of carbonate minerals in the fine and coarse clay separated, two soils representing the sediments of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were chosen to represent them. The Physical and chemical analyzes were conducted on it, the clay was separated by sedimentation, which was divided into two treatments with the presence and absence of carbonate minerals. The separated clay models were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the purpose of studying the morphology properties of clay minerals. The following results were found:there is a discrepancy in the percentage of Calcite minerals in the Tigris River, and its percentage was higher than that of in the fine clay, while this case differed in the Euphrates sediments, as the Calcite mineral excelled in the coarse clay separated, in general, Calcite mineral was higher in the sediments of the Euphrates River than in the Tigris River. Also the presence of Dolomite mineral in the fine clay separated in the Tigris sediment, while it was not present in the coarse clay fraction. This situation was reflected in the sediment of the Euphrates River, as the mineral Dolomite was present in the coarse clay separated and was not present in the fine clay separated, and the sediment of the Tigris River were the highest in the percentage of Dolomite mineral. The results of the (SEM) showed that the Carbonate minerals partially cover the mineral crystals or act as a welding material between two or more crystals in the sediments of the Tigris River, while the Carbonate minerals completely cover some mineral crystals in the sediments of the Euphrates River, and this is due to the increase in the percentage of Carbonate minerals in the sediments of the Euphrates River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) fiber is a byproduct of the palm oil industry, and have the potential as a reinforcement material in various polymer based products, resulting in remarkable improvements in mechanical properties. In recent years, researchers have focused on developing OPEFB fiber reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS) films as a potential alternative to petroleum based plastic films. However, the mechanical properties of these films need to be improved for practical applications. One approach to improving the mechanical properties of OPEFB fibers/TPS films is acid hydrolysis (AH) treatment. TPS films were formed by the plasticization process, in which the structure of granule starch was devastated and reformed by water, and glycerin through the heating process. The OPEFB fiber were undergo AH treatment for reduced the size of particles, removed impurities, and enhanced the compatibility between the OPEFB cellulose, and the TPS matrix. The OPEFB cellulose was added to the TPS matrix to produce OPEFB(AH)/TPS bio composites by film casting. The TPS films with OPEFB(AH) fiber content in the range of 1wt% to 6wt% were prepared. The mechanical properties were studied by changing the content of OPEFB(AH) fiber added to the TPS matrix. Results show that the films achieved the highest tensile strength when 4wt% OPEFB(AH)/TPS were used to form bio composites films. This was due to the homogenous, and good distribution of OPEFB cellulose in the TPS matrix. The tensile strength reduces when the OPEFB(AH)/TPS fiber content was increased to 5wt%. The elongation at the break of films experienced a slightly reduced as the loading of OPEFB(AH) cellulose increased because the mobility of the starch chain was hindered by OPEFB(AH) cellulose. The morphology of different loading OPEFB(AH) cellulose with the TPS matrix was investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizer industries are one of the most critical industries to support agriculture industries in Malaysia. A significant amount of wastewater also producing along with fertilizer production. The wastewater contains ammoniacal nitrogen, NH3−N, and causes a real treat to fish due to its toxicity. Thus, this study aims to determine the performance of ultrafiltration process removal of ammoniacal nitrogen from fertilizer wastewater incorporated with bio-adsorption process by using different feed solution chemistry and temperature. The sample was obtained from a fertilizer company located at Gurun, Kedah. The obtained sample contains NH3-N and solely used for this study only. Membrane material of polyethersulfone (PES) was used for this study. As for the bio-adsorption process, bio-adsorbent which made from banana peel was used. The removal of NH3-N was investigated at solution pH values of 10.30 and 7 for different temperature. The results showed the highest NH3−N removal was 80.07% obtained under condition of p. 10.30 and 30°C. Hence, this combined process is feasible for significantly removing NH3−N from fertilizer wastewater. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for surface membrane morphology characterization. Atomic force microscope (AFM) was employed to investigate membrane surface roughness. Results of AFM indicated that membrane fouling becomes more severe when surface roughness increasing, which was measured by the surface area difference where magnitude and frequency of surface peaks were taken to accounts. Flux decline was correlated to the surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosilica (n-SiO2) constitutes one of nanofillers that acts as nucleation centers for self-healing concrete contributing to the acceleration of hydration process as well as improving the compactness of concrete. Source of n-SiO2 varies, for example, from rice husk, fly ash, and silica sand. In this work, we present the efficient extraction route of n-SiO2 from the fly ash which contains 49% of SiO2. Further, some characterizations of n-SiO2 were carried out including surface morphology by Scanning Electron Microscope and functionality by FTIR spectroscopy, crystal structure by XRD, particle size distribution by dynamic light scattering, and the water absorption capacity. The developed extraction route in brief can be described as follows: (1) acid leaching using 0.5M citric acid solution (1:3 %wt) under 600 rpm stirring for 1h, (2) alkali treatment using 4 M sodium hydroxide solution (2:9 %wt) under 1000 rpm stirring at 90°C for 2 h, and (3) titration using 10 M citric acid forming silica hydrosol. The yield of n-SiO2 is found 81% at the highest. The resultant n-SiO2 is amorphous (92.14%) where the crystalline impurities root from trisodium citrate and sodium chloride. The particle size is 4.93 nm in which the crystal structure indicates lattice strain of 0.034 with dislocation density of 4.12·1012 cm−2. IR spectroscopy reveals that high absorption of hydroxyl (-OH) and aliphatic carboxylic groups may facilitate rapid hydration and formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). The n-SiO2 also shows large water absorption capacity of up to 49.56 ± 13.81 g/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Styrene is a plastic-type that is used as a heat-insulating material for buildings with properties difficult to be degraded, so that, this plastic should be reduced in utilization with an alternative biofoam. This study aims to present the influence of ZnO reinforcement on morphology and strength of cassava starch-based biofoam. The experiment started with biofoam synthesis using baking methods method. Biofoam made of cassava starch containing the ZnO of 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%. The resulting biofoam was observed using a scanning electron microscope and tensile test. The result indicates that the morphology of biofoam without the addition of ZnO had cavities with thick inter-cavity walls, while biofoam with variations of the addition of 3%, 6%, and 9% ZnO formed relatively the same cavities with thinner inter-cavity walls when compared to biofoam without ZnO addition. The highest strength value occurred in biofoam with the addition of 6% ZnO resulting in an average tensile strength of 0.9283 MPa. Nonetheless, when the ZnO content exceeded 6%, as demonstrated by the addition of 9% ZnO, the tensile strength of the biofoam declined to 0.7544 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the methods to stabilize potentially liquefied soils in Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) area. It presents an innovative bio-cementing soil improvement method to increase the shear strength of loose sand in soil conditions with initial salinity content 3.4%. The type of bacteria chosen was Bacillus sp, which can survive in salinity and aerobic conditions and precipitate microbial-induced calcium carbonate (MICP). This improvement was realized by mixing loose sand with fly ash as a source of Calcium (Ca) and microbial fluids. The aim of this article is to investigate the performance and mechanism of MICP in the binding process between loose sand particles by optimizing the percentage of fly ash and microbial in salinity conditions. During the MICP process, microbes require Ca2+ ions obtained from fly ash, which contains SiO2 and CaO to generate CaCO3 for the bonding process between particles. The percentage of fly ash used, loose sand moisture content, and curing time were examined to identify an increase in the shear strength value of the sample. The results showed that the shear strength of the samples treated with the addition of microbial fluid and a 35% fly ash mixture under salinity conditions exhibited a significant increase compared to other combinations. This indicated that the addition of 35% fly ash and 0.2 mL of microbial liquid can result in a shear strength of 78.08ᵒ, cohesion of 0.18 gr/cm3, and an increase in grain dimensions due to bonding between particles as observed in the results of the sieve analysis after a curing time of 28 days. Furthermore, the MICP mechanism, including the interaction of bacteria, fly ash, and sand in binding soil particles with the production of CaCO3, was observed using a digital microscope and scanning electron microscope based on the results of XRD and SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composite strength depends on the effectivity of interface interaction between the fiber and the matrix. The chemical treatment makes fiber surfaces more compatible with a hydrophobic polymer. So, this study aims to determine the influence of silane coupling agent concentration on the interfacial shear strength in the fiber composite of the Sansevieria cylindrica fiber. The methods included fibers treatment using ethanol as a dissolving and silane coupling agent with concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. Fibers were embedded into the epoxy polymer for as long as 200 µm. The interfacial shear strength test was conducted through a single fiber pull-out test. Fiber morphology, crystallinity, and the functional group were observed using a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. As a result, the morphology of S. cylindrica fibers became rougher and showed a rougher surface after a silane concentration of 7.5%, but with the proper concentration, some fiber surfaces provided a good interface. Analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) on S. cylindrica fibers without treatment showed a crystalline index of 66%. Increasing silane concentration by 10% and the crystalline index by 75%. The treatment with a silane concentration of 0.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% results in interfacial shear strength of 39.936, 59.300, 76.742, 83.965, and 91.321 MPa, respectively. The interfacial shear strength increases when the concentration of silane coupling agent increases, with the highest shear strength of 91.321 MPa at a silane concentration of 10%. The silane coupling agent changes hydroxyl groups into silanol groups in fibers, making a bond between the matrix and fibers. It can conclude that the treatment of a silane coupling agent increases the interfacial shear strength of the interface of S. cylindrica fiber-epoxy composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The machinability of nickel aluminium bronze with abrasive water jet machining technique is the subject of this paper. Three separate parameters are used in this machining process, including standoff distance at three different levels, transverse speed of abrasive flow rate, and water jet pressure. The examination of kerf width, surface roughness, and material removal rate (MRR) forms the basis of the machining. Examining surface morphology and material removal techniques also include using images from scanning electron microscopes (SEM), optical images, and surface roughness images. Water jet pressure and velocity were determined to be most influential factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimum grit of silicon carbide (SiC) abrasive paper, argon flow rate and reaction time for synthesis of the smaller average outer diameter of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) directly on 316 stainless steel (SS316) surface via chemical vapour deposition (CVD) was determined using response surface methodology (RSM). The morphology and the average outer diameter were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The optimisation results showed that roughness from 800 grit of SiC on SS316 exposed to acetone flowing in argon at 85 ml/min for 30.02 minutes successfully produced CNFs and CNTs with the average outer diameter of 98.50 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide-silver nanoparticles (rGO-AgNPs) was carried out simultaneously by reducing graphene oxide and silver salts. The synthesized nanocomposites were successfully characterized by using UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Methyl Orange dye was used to study the adsorption efficiency of rGO-AgNPs nanocomposites. Parameters affecting the adsorption rate such as the effect of time and pH were investigated. The results showed that the rGO-AgNPs composite was effective in absorbing dyes of methyl orange for 3 hours with a degradation percentage of 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superconductor is a material which when an electric current flows through it, it will not lose energy or can be said to have zero resistance at low temperatures. The manufacture of BaPb0.7Bi0.3O3 superconducting material by means of the solids method where the sample is processed through solid mixing then calcined and continued sintering at a temperature of 600, 610, 620, and 630°C for 12 hours. Then continued testing using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and superconductivity test using cryogenic. From the results of X-ray diffraction, the highest tetragonal structure was obtained at a sintering temperature of 610°C of 75.9% with a Tc value of 11.8 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radula is the feeding organ of gastropods (Mollusca). This organ is a long ribbon shaped that rolls up inside the buccal cavity, and is composed of tens to hundreds of teeth arranged in a transverse row. Morphological characters of radula have been used in the classification of gastropods at all taxonomic levels as their characteristics reflect inter− and intraspecific variations. Detailed descriptions of radular characters among gastropod species, therefore, provides essential information to identification. In this study, the radula of six Cerithiodean species of the families Pachychilidae (i.e., Sulcospira testudinaria, S. kawaluensis and Tylomelania toradjarum) and Thiaridae (i.e., Melanoides tuberculata, Stenomelania plicaria and S. punctata) were compared. The radula was extracted enzymatically using Proteinase-K and were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The six species studied have the taenioglossate type of radula with the formula 2-1-R-1-2. The radular characteristics that distinguish members of Pachychilidae from those of Thiaridae include the ribbon length, the glabella shape, and the marginal teeth structure. The pachychilid species have a longer ribbon (x̅ = 14.11-19.48 mm) compared with the thiarid species (x̅ = 2.93−4.16 mm). Moreover, pachychilid species have a narrow glabella with a convex basal shape and short marginal teeth, whereas thiarid species have a broad glabella with a flat basal shape and long marginal teeth. Each species in the present study shows radular variations in the number of rows as well as the shapes of teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valve guides used in the engine head of the internal combustion engine should have excellent wear resistance properties. Grey cast iron is mostly used material for the manufacturing of the valve guides. In the present study grey cast iron GG25 has been investigated for wear characteristics under lubricated conditions. Wear performance is analyzed by varying loads from 30N to 50N and varying sliding speeds from 0.5m/s to 2m/s in wet medium SAE10W30 lubricant. The surface morphology and material composition of the experimental samples have been carried out using Scanning electron microscope coupled with EDS. It has been found that graphite layers along with external lubricant in cast iron GG25 added with copper 2.40 weight percent helps to minimize wear losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Austenitic stainless steel is well known for its superior corrosion resistance, but they lack hardness. To overcome the above problem, several case hardening processes such as nitride, carburizing, carbonitriding, nitrocarburizing and cyaniding were adopted. Chosen for this research work, AISI 310 were taken for the following dimension 8mm diameter and42 mm length respectively. The specimens were undergone with aqueous soluted salt bath treatment for 70 minutes, 130 minutes, and 190 minutes at 570°C and were named as SBT 1, SBT 2, SBT 3 respectively. An untreated sample is used for comparing the results with the processed ones. The specimens were subjected to wear test using pin-on disc tribometer. A load of 20N was applied against a disc rotation at a speed of 1000 rpm. Measurements of hardness were done using a Rockwell hardness machine. All the specimens were undergone with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for microstructural studies. A comparison study is made between all the samples and the better wear resistant sample is chosen for the required application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Martensitic stainless steel has less corrosion resistance, great hardness, wear resistance and strength, but absence of ductility. Therefore, annealing processes have been picked out to stabilize the property of ductility. The specimens were taken in the cylindrical shapefor a dimension of 42 mm length and 09 mm diameter. Later the specimens were annealed to a temperature of 723°C, 823°C, 923°C and were named as A1, A2 and A3 respectively. The untreated specimen is kept aside comparison of results. Wear test were undergone for all the specimens with the help of pin on disc wear testing machine. All the specimens were undergone through scanning electron microscope for changes in microstructure. The results were compared and the best specimens were chosen for the needed application. It was noted that, phase change from martensite stage to residual austenite were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium ore concentrate plays an essential role in the fabrication of uranium dioxide. Uranium ore concentrate as ammonium diuranate (ADU) is an intermediate nuclear material, making it one of the materials of concern in nuclear forensics. In industrial processes, ADU was dried at the temperature range of 120 – 400 °C and the calcination process in the temperature range of 400 – 850 °C, which allows for changes in morphology and structure. The final product is very dependent on the starting material. The ADU powder from the pilot conversion plant (PCP) – BRIN needed to be characterized for its fingerprint. Heat treatment was varied at 250 °C, 300 °C, and 400 °C with an air atmosphere. Characterization included uranium content, morphological observations using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and revealing the phase composition using X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the uranium content increased with increasing temperature, the highest at a temperature of 400 °C, where the uranium content is 79.66 ± 0.51%. Visually, the pore size of the powder is getting smaller, and the amount decreases with increasing temperature. In ADU powder, before heat treatment consists of two phases, and after the heat treatment forms three phases. The results of this characterization can be devoted to a nuclear forensics database of nuclear and radioactive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the effect of the curing method using electron beams as an effort to substitute the fixation process using metal in the dyeing process of ramie batik. The study was conducted by combining the tegeran (Cudrania javanensis) natural dye with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and a small amount of alum (K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O), which was then used for batik coloring. The results showed that we can use the fixation process using electron beam irradiation as an alternative in the batik dyeing process because the process is effective, efficient, and produces environmentally friendly products. The fixation irradiation dose affects the quality of the fastness of batik. At doses of 20 and 60 kGy, it has good color fastness, especially in the color fastness test to 40 oC washing and rubbing. However, the color fastness test against sunlight gave poor results. The optimal color aging value was obtained at the 60 kGy dose level with a value of 1.62. In testing the morphology of non-irradiated and irradiated ramie batik using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), imaging results showed that there were morphological changes on the surface of ramie batik. The results of the functional group analysis test using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of cross-links in ramie batik. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superconducting properties as well as microstructural development of Bi1.7Pb0.3Sr2Ca2-xAgxCu3OY composite for (0≤x≤0.5) were studied. Powder pellets were fabricated using the solid state reaction method. Electrical properties of the samples were studied by the four point probe method. It was found that the doping of Ag up to 0.2 concentration enhances the superconducting transition temperature TC, the highest TC was exhibited at 126 K, while excessive concentration decreased it. The phase identification and structural characteristics of synthesized high-TC superconductors was investigated through X-ray diffractions. The results showed both (Bi, Pb)-2223 and -2212 phases coexist in the samples with orthorhombic crystal structure for all samples. Surface morphology was studied with scanning electron microscope SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]