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Bamboo fibres, which are widely regarded as a contemporary environmentally sustainable resource, have been utilised in various industries including construction materials and packaging sectors. Malaysia possesses a diverse array of bamboo species, rendering it a significant resource for exploration. Five out of the 69 bamboo species discovered in Malaysia were selected for their suitability and availability in the pulp and paper industry, considering properties such as high cellulose content and long fibers. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the morphological, physiochemical, thermal, and chemical properties of five specific bamboo species that are often found in Malaysia: Gigantochloa scortechinii (GS), Gigantochloa wrayi (GW), Gigantochloa levis (GL), Schizostachyum grande (SG) and Dendrocalamus asper (DA). Selected from a pool of 69 species based on their availability, these various types of bamboo were subjected to analysis using advanced scientific techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, a chemical composition study was performed to clarify the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash in all five species. By employing various analytical methodologies, this study investigates and records the properties offered by the bamboo species, providing a significant contribution to the comprehension and knowledge of their potential applications across diverse disciplines. This holds relevance as all five bamboo species are readily available but remain underutilized for further applications in various fields especially in packaging industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance storage capacity and prevent electrical short circuits in electrochemical storage devices, it is essential and challenging to design and build Lithium ion batteries with flexible solid polymer electrolyte possessing strong ionic conductivity. This study details the use of solution-cast technique to create nano composite doped lithium solid polymer electrolytes (n-LSPEs), from polymer complex of poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and Lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3), with nano ZrO2 (n-ZrO2). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was utilised to describe the ionic conductivity values in presence of alternating fields. The ionic conductivity of n-LSPEs are enhanced nearly four times (1.54 × 10─1 mS/cm to 5.996 × 10─1 mS/cm) due to addition of n-ZrO2. By incorporating chronoamperometry (CA) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), we were able to analyse the transference number, ionic strength, and the accumulation of charge carriers in optimized n-LSPE membrane. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of n-LSPE membranes reveal a structure that is consistent with interconnecting pores between the polymer complex and the nano filler. The stable monoclinic phase of n-ZrO2 interaction with polymer segmental motion was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). By examining Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we performed a quick analysis of the complexation of functional group investigations, bond length and force constant calculations, interaction of functional groups of n-LSPE films. Our FESD's discharge characteristics were investigated at 4.8 mA average discharge current for 25 hours, as indicated by a 0.04C rating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In construction Industries, superior fresh and hardened concrete qualities play a significant role in which self-compacting concrete (SCC) is widely introduced. On the other hand, considering the depletion of river sand, manufactured sand (M-sand), created by crushing rock deposits, has been recognized as viable. However, still, there is a lack of understanding of the strength aspect of SCC with M-sand replacement along with admixtures such as Alccofine and silica fume. Therefore, experimental investigations are conducted in SCC by partially and completely replacing river sand with M-sand. Furthermore, to reduce the negative impacts of cement, such as energy consumption and environmental pollution, 10% and 12% pozzolanic materials were added, such as silica fumes and alccofine. Moreover, to examine the impacts on rheological and mechanical properties, EFNARC guidelines were used and measured the compressive strength, impact resistance, bond strength, and flexural and splitting tensile strengths. The test results indicate that incorporating the M-sand as a full replacement in the mix increased the compressive strength by 6.82% for M50 grades of concrete compared to reference SCC after a 28-day curing period. Microstructural analyses such as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), EDS (Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) techniques were also used to study the hydration phase of the M-sand SCC mix when compared to the conventional SCC mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of a large volume of agricultural residue during the processing of fruits has resulted in environmental problems. Therefore, the production of bioactive compounds from agricultural residue will provide a direction to overcome these issues. These residues are a potential source of many bioactive compounds, such as pectin. The present study deals with the extraction and characterization of pectin from the Bael pulp residue produced during the processing of Bael fruit. Pectin was extracted by using hot acid extraction methods and evaluated for its physicochemical properties by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and the values of moisture content, ash content, equivalent weight, methoxyl content, total anhydrouronic acid content, and degree of esterification. The results were compared with those of commercial pectin. Bael pulp residue yielded 24.02 ± 0.63% of pectin by using HCl and 22.1 ± 0.7% by using H2SO4. The physicochemical characterization of extracted pectin, such as equivalent weight (852.32 ± 8.43), methoxyl content (8.28 ± 0.35%), total anhydrouronic acid (67.69 ± 0.35%), and degree of esterification (69.39 ± 0.57%), was within the acceptable range and comparable with the commercial pectin. The values of moisture content (4.62 ± 1.14%) and ash content (5.22 ± 0.66%) indicated that the extracted pectin was in pure form. SEM and XRD patterns observed the rough and amorphous nature of extracted pectin. The antioxidant activity of pectin and total phenolic content were also observed. The IC50 value was found to be 15.74 µg/mL, showing an adequate amount of antioxidant activity in isolated pectin with a total phenolic content of 58.5 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g. Additionally, the prebiotic potential of extracted pectin was confirmed by the viability assay of two probiotics (Bacillus clausii and Saccharomyces boulardii). Based on these results, Bael pulp residue could be a good alternative source of high-value pectin that could be used to make health products and other biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present scenario, the searching for novel plant fibers able to be used as reinforcement of polymer composites is highly appreciable. This study deals with extraction and characterization of Eleusine indica grass fibers extracted from its stem by manual retting process. From this study, it was found that the Eleusine indica has higher cellulose of 61.3 wt% content, density of 1143 kg/m3, average tensile strength and Young's modulus equal to 22 MPa and 10.75 GPa, respectively. From the XRD studies, it was noted that the Crystallinity Index (CI) of Eleusine indica was 45%. The surface morphology of Eleusine indica grass was examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Chemical functional group were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The thermal stability of EIF was evaluated using TG and DTG curves from Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The characterization results confirmed that Eleusine indica grass could be used for the production of sustainable fiber-reinforced polymer composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fe doped Mn2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized by the microwave-assisted method and synthesized samples were further annealed at 5000C and the samples were subjected to analyze structural, optical and magnetic properties. The structural properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by using X-ray diffractometry. XRD pattern revealed that the existence of Mn2O3 with cubic structure and Mn-doped Fe isa rhombohedral lattice structure. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Fe-O stretching vibrations. The observed band positioned at 570cm-1 could be due to the stretching vibration of Fe-O bonds. Energy dispersive analysis (EDAX) spectroscopy confirmed the purity, chemical composition of the FeMn2O3 nanoparticles. The structural properties were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum-based nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes have increased scientific attention in today's life. The dispersion quality was the critical aspect, which decides the homogeneous distribution of CNTs within the Al matrix as starting precursors. In this study, a new attempt has been made to obtain a uniformly dispersed Al-0.75% CNT precursor via combining ultra-sonication, cubic tumbler rod milling, and spray drying. This process was integrated with organic deflocculant (formulator) in specific proportion to transform as a semi-wet-based route. The effect of milling media on the morphology and interface structure of the as-produced composite precursor after all the processing steps was investigated through scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results reveal that the approach is effective in CNT dispersion in Al precursor, which shields the nanotube structure from damage for longer periods of milling time due to the organic formulator mixture, and also, the CNT retention in the Al precursor with minimum clustering is identified compared to the ball milling process. Carbon traces were confirmed in the as-produced composite precursor by this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Perlite-based geopolymer can be produced by one-part mixture method. • Nano-CaO affects the strength of perlite-based geopolymer concrete negatively. • Nano-Al 2 O 3 affects the strength of perlite-based geopolymer concrete positively. • Nano-additives were more effective in reducing the volume of macropores formed in geopolymer concrete. In terms of sustainability, alternative binders have been sought despite the environmental effects of CO 2 gas released as a result of cement production. In accordance with this purpose, geopolymer binders produced by activating aluminosilicate materials with alkalis are one of these alternatives. This study aimed to produce one-part geopolymer concrete from aluminosilicate-based perlite, which is rich in SiO 2, and to improve its mechanical properties by adding nanomaterials. The effect of using nano-Al 2 O 3 and nano-CaO at 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % by weight instead of perlite on the properties of geopolymer concrete under different curing conditions (heat + ambient and heat + water curing) was investigated with SEM (scanning electron microscope), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), t -Plot/BJH (specific surface area and pore size distribution) and FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) tests, the compressive strength, flexural strength, length change. As a result, the applicability of the one-part mixture method in the production of perlite-based geopolymer concrete has been determined. Nano-Al 2 O 3 was found to be effective in perlite-based geopolymer concrete in terms of compressive strength and the optimum curing condition was heat + ambient curing. The addition of nanomaterials especially prevented crack and pore formation and according to t -Plot/BJH analysis, were more effective in lowering the number of macropores generated in geopolymer concrete, but increased the number of micropores. Moreover, the nanoparticles had no discernible effect on the geopolymerization process of perlite-based geopolymer concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Spherical shape and 99% purity of biosilica were identified in SEM–EDS. [•] The XRD patterns were analyzed and compared the phase nature of ashes and biosilica. [•] The functional groups of biosilica were recorded by FTIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pr3+ and Tm3+ (0.2 mol %) ions doped magnesium calcium bismuth titanate [(MgCa)2 Bi4Ti5O20] ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction method. The structural and morphological properties of prepared ceramic powders were studied by using XRD and SEM profiles. The elemental analysis and FTIR spectra of the prepared ceramics have been analyzed. Emission spectrum of Pr3+: (MgCa)2Bi4Ti5O20 ceramic powder has shown strong red emission at 614 nm (3P0 → 3H6) with an excitation wavelength λexci = 452 nm (3H4 → 3P2) and Tm3+: (MgCa)2Bi4Ti5O20 ceramic powder has shown blue emission at 477 nm (1G4 → 3H6) with an excitation wavelength λexci = 367 nm (3H6 → 1D2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Radiotherapy is a frequently used treatment for oral cancer. Although radiation therapy may promote healing, head and neck-irradiated patients are susceptible to oral complications. Radiation caries is one of the highest indirect and late effects of radiation in the head and neck region damaging the structural and mechanical properties of tooth Enamel & Dentin. The weakened Enamel and Dentin are more susceptible to caries formation. So far, very little is known about the influence of irradiation on the tribological properties of enamel. Therefore, this study is aimed investigate the effect of electron beam radiation on the endodontically treated tooth. Material & Methods: A total number of 20 Intact teeth samples were selected for the study. The samples were endodontically treated and further used for the analysis. Microhardness test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis were used to evaluate the structural and Morphological properties of enamel and dentin before and after irradiation treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to analyse the changes in crystallography and chemical composition induced by irradiation. Results: The results showed that irradiation resulted in decreased micrhardness values and loss of prism orientation in both the tissue layers. Also, the variations in mechanical and morphological properties were closely related to changes in the crystallography and chemical composition of the dental tissues. Conclusion: Altogether, the test measurements indicated that irradiation had a direct deleterious effect on the mechanical and morphological properties of human tooth enamel along with the resultant variation in the tissue composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]