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Activated carbon is needed as an additive in the cathode and anode materials of the battery. Rice husk is a carbon source that allows it to be synthesized into activated carbon using an activator. Measurements using a simultane thermal analyzer (STA) showed that changes in the thermal pattern of rice husks occurred at temperatures of 400°C and 700°C. Dry and clean rice husks were carbonated at 400°C for 2 hours, activated with HCl, H3PO4, NaOH, or ZnCl2, then calcined at 700°C for 2 hours. The crystal structure analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that carbon was formed and the results of morphological observations using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed the formation of activated carbon with an average pore diameter of 15 mm. The results of measurements using the impedance capacitance resistance meter showed the highest value 6.48x10-4 S.cm-1 was found in the use of 0.1 M NaOH activator, showing the most effective activator in comparison to other activators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid polymer electrolyte was prepared by blending two different polymers to improve their mechanical properties using solution casting method. The conductivity of films was measured by electrical impendence spectroscopy (EIS) and showed a highest conductivity when 10 wt.% of NaCl incorporated with blending polymer of potato starch and chitosan at 4.82 × 10−6 S.cm−1. This phenomenon is best clarified as the dissociation of ion is higher at this rate and the energy barrier is lowered leads to increase the conductivities. The plot of log σ versus 1000/T for all systems follow the Vogel-Tamman- Fulcher (VTF) rule. ATR-FTIR studies the interaction after addition of salt, shows the shifted band of carboxamide and amine group due to the interaction of salt (Na+ ion and Cl− ion). From the X- Ray diffraction analysis, the blending 50 wt.% starch and 50 wt.% chitosan is the most amorphous blend exhibit to the higher conductivity of addition of 10 wt.% of NaCl into the blending system. The morphology of the systems was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The morphology of highest conductivity film shows the roughness and pores in the systems indicate the space for the ions to moves and increase the conductivities compared the morphology of films beyond 10 wt.% of NaCl. It was showed that the crystalline structure and the movement of ions were inhibited and decreased the conductivity of films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic graphite was synthesized from oil palm trunk chip in controlled heating condition or pyrolysis process. The soaking time was varied in the range of 2.5 hours, 3 hours, and 3.5 hours. While the heating rate and heating temperature was constant at 20 °/min and 500°C accordingly. After heat treatment process, the samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and analyzed using X'Pert Highscore Plus software. Synthetic graphite phase was analyzed by XRD and it was further supported by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis to verify existence of functional group. The morphological study was carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Based on the analysis, it was confirmed that synthetic graphite was successfully synthesized at 3hours soaking time with 500 °C and 20 °/min heating rate. Synthetic graphite was observed in the form of amorphous carbon based on the XRD diffraction pattern that match with the reference code of 00-041-1487. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chicken feathers are considered the waste products of the poultry industry and poor disposal management couldlead to solid waste generation and environmental pollutions. Alternatively, feathers can be processed into a low-grade animal feed, but this demands water and energy. Due to environmental and sustainability concerns, this waste should be effectively managed beneficiated. This study aimed to fabricate a low dielectric composite made from methacrylated epoxidized palm oil and chicken feather for semiconductor application. Composite samples were prepared with 0 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt% and 15 wt% of mass feathers. Flexural and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Composites samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, and differential scanning calorimeter techniques. Results revealed that the addition of CFs significantly increase the flexural strength. SEM study revealed that the surface of CF-MEPO composite was rough and unevenly distributed. The DSC analysis demonstrated that the glass transition temperature of CF-MEPO composite increase with increasing CF content. The dielectric constant of CF-MEPO composite was decreasing with increasing of frequency, ranges from 3.56 to 4.15 at 1 MHz, making it suitable for semiconductor application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum-based composites have been obtained using the Powder Metallurgy (PM) to synthesize Al-TiO2 micro-composite. Axial pressing is one of the methodologies that is used to compact for preparing the green compacts. In this study, the process is carried out through adding the 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% TiO2 powders which are mixed, compacted and sintered. The compaction pressure was 45 (KN) for the observation on the Micro-structural analysis that is accomplished by the optical microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and XRD analysis have been conducted to identify an element's content, and SEM microscopes which is shoing that the reinforcements are well distributed. The reinforcement incremented the hardness from Hv82for 10% TiO2 to Hv91 for 25% TiO2. But, the PM parameter has increased the corrosion current density (104.98 µA/cm2) with an increase in TiO2 percentage compared to the results of the samples. A rise TiO2 percentage is inflated the density and physical electric of the composite that associated with the reduced of pore space (porosity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-materials have been widely accepted for many purposes as improvement materials for several engineering projects. In this research, an attempt was made to study the effect of using two types of Nano-materials, namely: Nano-SiO2 and Nano-clay, to investigate the mechanical properties of soil improved with the aid of permeation grouting technique. Three different ratios of Nano-materials/ water (1/30, 1/50, and 1/100) were grouted at low pressure in the form of gel-like solid into soil sample, for this, a sample of sandy soil size (60x60x20) mm were treated and tested using a standard direct shear apparatus. The results indicated that the gel-like solid of Nano-materials increased the shear strength parameters due to the gel probably strong the interfacial bond between sandy soil. From the results, the angle of internal friction increased from 30.5° to 33.50° and 38.29° after 48 hrs. of curing time compared with the untreated soil and treated sand soil with Nano/water percent of 1/30 and 1/50 for Nano-Clay and Nano-SiO2, separately.). From the results, the viscous gel of Nano-SiO2 occupies the voids between the sandy soils, contributing to the increase in the angle of internal friction of the soil. In this regard, the increase in the strength of the composite is related to the friction created between soil particles. In contrast, the same ratio will increase the cohesion from 0 to 21 kPa and 15 kPa at the same instance with Nano-materials. Although Nan-clay cause to increase interlocking of intra-particle and the angle of soil friction, this change is low, and shear strength increase in added sand soil to Nano Clay occurs as a result of cohesion enhance. The study also involved the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-Ray analyses as base knowledge for comparing the distribution of Nano materials and investigating the microstructural alterations. Finally, using Nano-materials will improve the mechanical properties of sand soil associated with no environmental problem and low price to similar materials in some geotechnical aspects such as an improvement of existing foundation or pile susceptibility liquefaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to reduce exhaust emissions of motorcycle by utilizing agricultural waste. The agricultural waste used is candlenut seed activated charcoal (AC) which is activated by using ZnCl2 solution to increase its absorption ability. In order to further improve the quality of the exhaust emissions produced, a certain amount of oxygen is injected into the exhaust gas lines. The results showed that there was a significant reduction in the amount of HC, CO, and CO2 emissions when using activated charcoal compared to without activated charcoal. The amount of exhaust gas emissions is even recorded to decrease when a certain amount of oxygen is applied to the exhaust gas line. Observations obtained from the morphology of activated charcoal after the scanning electron microscope (SEM) test showed that activated charcoal had enlarged pores. With these improved pores, it is easier to capture harmful gas emissions from two-wheeled vehicles. on the other hand, the results of energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX) show that there is a change in the content of compounds contained in activated charcoal due to reactions between compounds contained in exhaust gas emissions and the activated charcoal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Indigofera includes many species, but not all of them have been identified. Indigofera longeracemosa is a species of genus Indigofera, family Fabaceae. Pollen I.longeracemosa can be used as a key to identify Indigofera sp. This research aims to determine the characterization of I.longeracemosa pollen. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Biology Education, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta. The method used was the acetolysis method which was then observed using a digital binocular microscope to observe the 2D characterization and a Scanning Electron Microscope to observe the 3D characterization. I.longeracemosa used in this research came from three different regions of Central Java. Data analysis used descriptive analysis with pictures as explanatory components. The observed characterizations were the appearance of the unit, size, shape, ornamentation, sculpture, and aperture. The results of this research are the character of I.longeracemosa pollen has one unit, medium size, spheroidal shape, fine micro-perforation ornament, thin sculpture, and tricolporate aperture. Data about the pollen characteristic of I.longeracemosa could complement the novelty of the taxonomic classification information obtained by other researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fiber composites are very environmentally friendly because they can be degraded naturally and also the price of natural fibers is cheaper than synthetic fibers. The importance of pre-treatment of the fiber because it can increase the mechanical strength of the fiber itself. One of the pretreatments for fiber is to perform an alkalization process, including soaking the fiber in a solution of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and the concentration of NaOH affects the mechanical strength of the fiber. So this study aims to determine the effect of NaOH concentration on the alkalization process on the mechanical strength of rice straw fiber (RSF). The stages of this research were soaking RSF in NaOH solution with concentrations of 2%,3% and 4% for 60 minutes and without treatment, then washing with distilled water, drying at room temperature for 7-8 days, making a single fiber tensile test sample and testing and analysis of fiber morphology structure with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed that the effect of 4% NaOH treatment on rice straw showed a maximum tensile stress of 82.23 MPa, a strain value of 28.2% and an elastic modulus of 291 MPa. SEM results showed that at 4% concentration of alkali treatment, fiber surface roughness, tears and small holes on the RSF surface showed that impurities were removed including lignin, resulting in increased fiber absorption. This can facilitate the absorption of the matrix against the fiber in composite manufacturing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite materials are a combination of several materials to form a new material with specific properties. Chemical compatibility of the constituent materials is a factor that affects the characteristics of composite materials. Currently, composite phase change materials (PCM) are commonly applied as thermal energy storage systems. This study investigated the characteristics of beef tallow/rice husk charcoal/plaster PCM composite. The weight fraction of rice husk charcoal used was 10%. To prevent leakage of beef tallow from the composite structure, the researcher used polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) to cover the tallow/RHC composite before mixing it with plaster material. As much as 30% of the tallow/RHC/PVAc composite weight fraction is integrated into the plaster. PCM composite was made by using a direct incorporation method. The FTIR test results on the PCM composites produced showed good chemical compatibility among different components. The scanning electron microscope results showed the formation of microcapsules where the rice husk charcoal and polyvinyl acetate functions as a wrapper/capsule for beef tallow. This composite is suitable for application in building walls as thermal energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glass fiber and fillers are combined to create a hybrid composite with improved mechanical characteristics. The impact studies of glass fiber on the mechanical properties of an Almond shell powder-based composite will be explored in this research. Almond Shell Powder and reinforced vinyl ester will be prepared by hand lay up to achieve this goal. The effects of the hybrid composites tensile, hardness, flexural, and impact properties will be examined. The distribution of almond shell particles in composite was investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machining hard materials in high-speed machining is a knowledge area that needs further investigation due to its promoting contribution to machining knowledge and its advantages in reducing time to the market. Chips as one of the tangible outputs can explain many aspects of the machining processes. This research aims to study the chip morphology during high-speed end milling of hardened steel AISI D2. To achieve the study's objective, a set of experiments were conducted to analyze the chip morphology on hardened steel AISI D2 in high-speed end milling at different cutting parameters. The effect of various levels of cutting speed (from 120 to 240 mm/min), feed rate (from 0.05 to 0.15 mm/rev), and depth of cut (from 0.10 to 0.20 mm) were analyzed and investigated. The image of chips collected is examined and investigated utilizing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results show that the cutting speed and feed rate are the most influential independent factors on the final chip formation in high-speed end milling of hardened steel AISI D2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of pressureless sintering on the mechanical and microstructure properties of 3 mol% yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic (Y-TZP) was evaluated. The conventional sintering was conducted at temperatures between 1250 to 1600 °C for a period of 2 hours, with a heating and cooling rate of 10°C per min. Characterization of sintered Y-TZP discs was then carried out via X-Ray diffractometer, densimeter, scanning electron microscope and Vickers hardness tester. It was found that sintering Y-TZPs at 1450°C and above could attain dense structures with relative density above 99%. High hardness of about 13.6 GPa was also attained when sintering at 1450°C and above. However, there was a decrease in fracture toughness that accompanied by grain growth when sintering beyond 1450°C. This study demonstrated the beneficial effect in mechanical and microstructure properties by sintering Y-TZPs 1450°C via pressureless sintering method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, synthetic graphite was produced at higher heating temperature, which is above 2500°C in complex processing method and by using petroleum coke, anthracite, and coal tar pitch as the starting materials. These materials are known as non-waste sources. Therefore, in this study, Empty Fruit Bunch Waste (EFB) has been identified as a potential carbon source from waste to replace the non-waste sources of starting materials for synthetic graphite production. Hence, by implementing a controlled heating condition via pyrolysis process, with fixed heating rate and soaking time, Empty Fruit Bunch Waste (EFB), was heated at 3 different series of heating temperatures, which are, 300°C, 400°C and 500°C. The heating rate applied was maintained at 10°/min and the soaking time used 3 hours. After the heating treatment, the synthetic graphite obtained was characterized by various analytical tools, including, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis, and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Analysis. Based on the analysis, it was confirmed that synthetic graphite was successfully synthesized by heat treatment at 500 °C with 10°/min of heating rate and 3 hours soaking time. Synthetic graphite was observed in the form of amorphous carbon based on the XRD diffraction pattern that matches with the reference code of 00-041-1487. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empty fruit bunch (EFB) are the second-highest waste produced in the oil palm industry which is 18 022 tonnes in a year. However, the presence of oil palm waste especially from empty fruit bunch (EFB) give a major problem to the disposal. Herein, EFB waste has been identified as a potential carbon source for synthetic graphite production. This is due to implement the lower heating temperature of synthetic graphite produced in controlled heating conditions. Several parameters have been manipulated to study the effect of various parameters on the graphitization process. Hence, in this study, the effect of soaking time towards graphitization of empty fruit bunch (EFB) waste has been investigated. EFB waste was heat treated with various soaking times which is 2 hours, 2.5 hours and 3 hours in controlled heating conditions with constant heating temperature at 500°C and heating rate at 10°/minute After heating treatment, the samples were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and analyzed by X'Pert Highscore Plus software. The functional group of synthetic graphite was determined by using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphological study was carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). From the analysis, the best synthetic graphite produced is at the 2.5 hours soaking time with a constant heating temperature at 500°C and a constant heating rate at 10°/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films showed a crystallization in the preferential plane (002) perpendicular to the substrate when deposited on p-type silicon (p-Si), silicon pulsed by Nd-YAG laser of a 6 Hz frequency, and porous silicon (PS). When ZnO was co-doped with boron and aluminum in a fixed proportion of 0.5% of boron and (0.5, 1, 1. 5, 2) of aluminum ZnO:(B+Al), prepared by spray pyrolysis technique, with 200 nm. This resulted in leads to an absence of the peaks in XRD patterns of these thin films, which indicates the effect of the impurities on the crystallization of the membrane material. The surface topography was tested by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) instrument and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) tool, It has shown the average grain size of the thin films is shaped like spherical nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to create a chitosan/hydroxyapatite composition coating for biomedical applications. The effect was studied of the solution suspension and the pulsed current electrophoretic deposition on the coating composite. The 316L SS. alloys was coated by the pulsed EPD technique with hydroxyapatite in a solution containing 0.15, 0.3, 0.45 and 0.6 mg nano hydroxyapatite in 100 mL of suspension and at constant voltage 30 V. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), also the mechanical tests including micro hardness and micro roughness were performed to characterize the deposited coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug delivery carrier is a mechanism used to distribute drugs into the body. Drug delivery carrier which is widely used in drug delivery are capsules. Carrageenan-alginate is a vegetable polymer that is expected to be a substitute for gelatin in making capsules. The purpose of this research is to prepare,and characterize carrageenan-alginate hard-shell capsules with polyethylene glycol plasticizers as drug delivery carrier materials. Hard-shell capsules were made from carrageenan-alginate and PEG copolymers with variations in the volume of 0.5 ml (CAP1), 1.0 ml (CAP2), 1.5 ml (CAP3), and 2.0 ml (CAP4). Hard-shell capsules characterization includes swelling, tensile, dissolution, disintegration, kinetic, Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) tests. The hard-shell capsules with the most optimum mechanical properties were CAP3 capsules with % swelling of 413.2%, stress values of 101.4 Mpa, strain values of 0.27, and young modulus of 1297.9 Mpa. Dissolution results showed that the salicylamide drug was distributed 11% in buffer phosphate at the 120th minute. Disintegration results for 37 minutes. FTIR results show there are hydrogen bonds between carrageenan, alginate, and PEG. SEM results showed the hard-shell capsules had a smooth and porous surface morphology and cross-section, which was an average of 4.949 µm. The most linear release kinetic test results using the Higuchi model at pH 6.8 with reaction rate constants of 1.002 M.s−1/2 and R2 = 0.967, so that the Carrageenan-alginate copolymer hard-shell capsules with PEG plasticizers can be used as controlled release drug delivery carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of polysaccharide biomass from agriculture by-product can be converted as bioenergy. Oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) is one of polysaccharide biomass. Degradation of polysaccharide can be proceed by enzymatically or chemically. Excelzyme is consortium of lignocellulolytic enzyme consist of cellulase, hemicellulase, and ligninase. In this research, the Excelzyme was used to degrade OPEFB with the different ratio of cellulase:hemicellulase and continued by ligninase addition. The result showed the optimum ratio of cellulase:hemicellulase was 1:1 at 6 hours incubation with the activity 0.176 U/mL and 3.05 U/mL, respectively. This ratio produced reduction sugar about 2074.25 µg/mL. The lignin and cellulose degradation were reduced about 6.84% and 4.25%, respectively. The degradation of OPEFB also supported by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) anlysis result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an agricultural product that abundant in Indonesia and mainly used as source of carbohydrate consumption. This study aimed to utilize the waste water of cassava for producing the bacterial cellulose (BC) as a starting material to form novel composite of Ag/BC. The composite was prepared by impregnating silver solution into the BC network and followed by reduction process using NaBH4. The morphological surface of the Ag/BC composite was evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results showed that the network of Ag/BC composite consist of fibril with width below 100 nm. The SEM-EDX pattern also presented that silver particles were incorporated into the BC network. Meanwhile the functional group of the Ag/BC composite was also characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antibacterial activity of Ag/BC composite from cassava was performed against 5 bacterial pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Salmonella typhi (ST), Escherichia coli (EC), Bacillus subtilis (BS), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). The result showed that Ag/BC composite could inhibit five pathogen bacteria with good result with inhibition zone in the range of 7.11±0.3 to 8.22±0.7 mm. This study showed the potential application of Ag/BC composite from cassava waste water as a natural agent for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purpose, especially as an antimicrobial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, stir casting process was used to fabricate AA7049-Al2O3 nano particulate composite containing 6 wt% Al2O3. The characterization work was conducted by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The hardness mechanical properties and fatigue behavior of AA7049-6 wt% Al2O3 composite were investigated by Brinell hardness test, tensile test and rotating bending fatigue test respectively at room temperature (RT). The (SEM) revealed uniform distribution of Al2O3 into matrix. It was observed that the Brinell hardness number (BHN), tensile properties and fatigue behavior of 6 wt% Al2O3 nanocomposite improved in compare to the base metal. The maximum improvement percentage for nanocomposite were enhanced by 5.3%, 4.81% and 8.92% for BHN, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield stress (YS) respectively compared to the unreinforced matrix. Ductility decreased with reduction percentage of 16.6%. The fatigue strength of nanocomposite showed 3.31% improvement compared to the unreinforced matrix. Corrosion of the composite at 3.5% NaCl solution for 60 days is also reported and it was observed that the corroded reinforced matrix still better in fatigue strength and life compared with the base metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisinin is an oral antimalarial agent which effectively reduces malaria parasites in blood by radical damage to parasite lipids and proteins. However, poor water solubility, which also results in low oral bioavailability of the drug, creates obstacles in drug delivery formulations. The purpose of this study was to develop solid dispersions of artemisinin by lyophilization method and evaluate the effect of a solid dispersion on solubility and in vitro dissolution of artemisinin. The solid dispersion was prepared using natural gum and maltodextrin biopolymers as a carrier. The morphology of artemisinin crystal and artemisinin solid dispersions was determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images of freeze-dried and solid dispersion artemisinin confirmed the embedding, size reduction, and glassy form. The entrapment efficiency, saturation solubility, and dissolution were investigated. The results confirmed that the entrapment efficiencies of solid dispersions were 79.8% - 96.3%. Solid dispersion of artemisinin improved the saturation solubility of artemisinin in water up to 60.04 µg/mL in the ratio of maltodextrin and natural gum 1:2. A solid dispersion system additionally improved the dissolution rate of artemisinin in comparison to the artemisinin crystal. After 180 minutes, the solid dispersion system released 89.6% of artemisinin. The study suggests that high-energy solid forms of artemisinin could enable the delivery of artemisinin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study to investigate the properties of edible films derived from amylose fraction of sago starch. Amylose plays an important role in many fields, one of them is in the food application. Amylose that fractionated from sago starch was prepared as the main material for the edible film. The obtained amylose was produced using butanol solvent in the fractionation process. Then each of the edible films was characterized by its thickness, morphology and contact angle. The resulted edible film from amylose has a thickness of 0.23 mm. The obtained thickness was in accordance with one of the requirements for the materials to be an edible film. The morphology characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) resulted in a smooth surface without pores or cracks. Then the measurement of hydrophobicity displayed a contact angle of 48.2°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide (ZnO) was synthesized by a precipitation method using zinc from waste zinc-carbon battery as a source. ZnO in microparticle dimension was formed after dissolving Zn source in concentrated nitric acid followed by neutralization of NaOH before drying the precipitate at 105oC. Similarly, ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared succeeding the procedure of ZnO microparticles however in neutralization step, it was combined NaOH and capping agent of 0.5% w/v amylum before annealing stage of the precursor at 400oC. The structure and composition of ZnO microparticles and ZnO nanoparticles were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology of ZnO observed by SEM exhibited ZnO microparticles in irregular shape such flakes while ZnO nanoparticles were in spherical shape with the particle size was 80-100 nm. The FT-IR spectra indicated the Zn-O bond vibration in ZnO nanoparticles indicating the blue shift features due to thermal effects as compared to Zn-O bond vibration in ZnO microparticles. Furthermore, the XRD peaks revealed ZnO nanoparticles are highly crystalline and having the hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure while ZnO microparticles are lowly crystalline and having characteristic peaks of the precursor. The effect of particle size caused significant differences on ZnO characterizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the photocatalytic responses of thin film Cu2O are reported terms of photocurrent and photodegradation performance. Cu2O was synthesised using an electrodeposition technique with different deposition times. The morphological and elemental analysis of Cu2O growth were performed using a field-emission scanning electron microscope and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer, respectively. The photoelectrochemical response, which were determined using a linear sweep voltammetry technique, showed that the onset of the initial current photocurrent was at a lower potential and the photocurrent density of the deposit was higher with longer deposition times. A high photocurrent of 15.3 mA.cm−2 at a potential of 0.794 V was obtained from Cu2O prepared with 120 minutes of deposition. The catalytic impact of Cu2O on methylene blue photodegradation was highest, with degradation of 42.73%, at a deposition time of 120 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure is one of the emerging materials because of its excellent properties. It offers various interesting applications from photocatalyst, optoelectronics, antibacterial agent, cosmetics and sensors. The synthesis of this material is being explored to optimize the structure in regards to its possible applications. One of the simple methods to prepare the ZnO nanostructure is sol-gel. Optimizing the synthesis parameters enables to produce the nanostructure material with different characteristics. The effect of pH solution during the fabrication process on the morphological of ZnO nanostructures and their antibacterial activity was studied. The synthesis was conducted using zinc acetate as a precursor at 60 ℃ for 5 h and two different pH, pH 7 and 9. The characterization was conducted by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to check the formation of ZnO nanostructure, while UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to observe the antibacterial activity. The results show that ZnO nanostructures were formed at both two different pH solutions, pH 7 and 9, having wire-like and rod-like structures, respectively. Both nanostructures demonstrate their capability in inhibiting bacterial growth. The ZnO nanostructure synthesized at pH 7 had greater antibacterial activity than the ZnO synthesized at pH 9. These results confirm that pH solution during synthesis ZnO nanostructure affects the ZnO's structure and antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation of paracetamol (PCM) onto poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) polymer matrix by anti-solvent displacement method was investigated using a glass capillary microfluidics. Five (5) independent parameters involved PCL concentration (A), microfluidics orifice size (B), flow rate ratios (C), surfactant concentration (D) and paracetamol percentage loading (E) were investigated. The responses were percentage of encapsulation efficiency (Y1), % drug loading (Y2) and particle mean size, Zave (Y3). The variables were screened with the aid of a 25-full factorial design. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to examine the optimized conditions for Ace-loaded PCL nanoparticles (NPs) formulation. The physicochemical properties of PCM-PCL NPs were evaluated using particle size analyser, field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM), differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry. The optimum formulation was successfully attained at 5.96 mg.ml−1 of PCL (A), 60 µm orifice size (B), Qaq/Qor (C) of 10, 0.1 (% w/w) PVP surfactant (D) and 20 % (w/w) of paracetamol loading (E). The PCM-PCL NPs were produced at 268 nm mean size with 49.25 % encapsulation efficiency and 6.96 % of drug loading, which statistically in agreement to the predicted results. A spherical shape of PCM-PCL NPs were well acquired from FEG-SEM images [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption of Methylene Blue using biomass or bioproduct of industries has received major attention by the researcher and industries. In this study, wood chips treated using deep eutectic solvents (DES) was used for adsorption of methylene blue. The surface and pores of this wood chips were analyzed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). One Factor At a Time (OFAT) method was carried out to study the effect of contact time and biomass dosage on adsorption efficiency. Evaluation of pretreated wood chips biosorption, isotherms and kinetics were also studied.. Wood chips treated with DES changes the surface area and the pores of wood chips and improved the adsorption process efficiency. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second show correlation coefficient of R2, 0.9591 and 0.9999 respectively. Wood chips treated using deep eutectic solvents demonstrate a great potential as a cheap biosorbent for the removal of methylene blue by looking at the isotherm and kinetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose is one of the renewable natural resource materials that can be found in Indonesia. Cellulose can be synthesized from various parts of plants, such as pine trees. Pinewood waste is also known for its high amount of cellulose content. Thus, cellulose can be isolated from its pinewood waste. The necessary process in isolation is the removal of lignin and hemicellulose by extraction method using some solvents and heating. The bleaching method is carried out with hydrogen peroxide solution. This resulted in white bright cellulose with a yield of 58.40%. Cellulose result was obtained in the form of microcrystalline and further characterized by some instrumentation similar as x-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The crystallinity index of cellulose resulted from the isolation process is 55.20%, with morphological surface in the form of multisized agglomerated long fibers with an average particle size 125 µm. FTIR spectra showed some peaks at specific wavenumber indicating a typical function group of cellulose. Therefore, it can be concluded that pinewood waste can be used as a high-value cellulose material, with an easy and environmentally friendly method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pure iron sample was treated using gas nitriding at 1000 °C for 1 hour. The morphology and phase analysis of the nitride layer was characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The thickness of the nitride layer and average grain size were derived from the scanning electron microscope micrograph. The crystallite size was determined by X-ray diffraction using the Williamson-Hall method. The micrograph from the scanning electron microscope showed a nitride layer, a diffusion zone, and a narrow gap between them. The thickness of the nitride layer was 8.1 ± 0.5 µm with a visible gap in the diffusion zone of 1.5 ± 0.5 µm. The grain size in the diffusion zone increased, and some interstitial to the iron lattice and/or precipitate at the grain boundary were observed. The phase analysis of the nitride layer showed a single phase ε-Fe2N with a crystallite size number of 549 Å. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a bio-ceramics were prepared, which is hydroxyapatite from natural sources. It was obtained by calcination the bovine bone at a temperature of (750 ° C) for three hours, after which the milling and sifting operations were performed to obtain the hydroxyapatite nano composite, as the results of the Atomic Force Microscopy Technique showed that the average grain size is (60.4nm). It has been identified by the technique of X-ray diffraction. The results of the X-ray fluorescence technique found that the molar ratio of calcium to phosphorous (Ca: P=1.67), which is compatible with normal proportions in bones and teeth. Powder technology was used to prepare a bio-ceramic compound consisting of hydroxyapatite that was mixed with Titanium and nanostructured zirconia according to different weight ratios using an Ultrasonic Cleaner. Sintering of the prepared solid phase samples (1350 ° C) was performed for 3 hours. We found through the results of the physical examinations that the highest value of the bulk density is (2.949 g/cm3), which is consistent with the normal density in adult bones of approximately (2,982 g / cm3). Also, the apparent porosity ratio is directly proportional to the water absorption rate, which in turn increases with the increase in the added proportions of Titanium and Zirconia. The diagonal shrinkage and volume decrease with increasing the proportion of Titanium and Zirconia added to hydroxyapatite. Mechanical tests also showed good properties, as the compressive strength was highest when the ratios of titanium and zirconia were 20% and it was equal to (122.84 MPa). Also, samples prepared from hydroxyapatite alone showed the highest value of Vickers microstructure and was equal to (413.1MPa).The samples prepared with a scanning electron microscope technique were also photographed to study the surface topography and its internal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzed the surface structure, crystallinity and other physical properties of the low-pressure dry air plasma treated silk fiber. From the scanning electron microscope study showed the slim grooves after plasma treatment. So, plasma radiation hit on the surface of the silk fiber and get some micro range morphology changes occurred. And crystalline ratio also decreased which was useful to enrich the wettability properties of the silk fiber. From the weight loss analysis, it was concluded that some micro portion of silk fiber was etched by plasma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]