In this study, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) wastes bottle was recycled by glycolysis process using ethylene glycol. The unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) was then prepared by reacting the glycolysed product with maleic anhydride. The blend of UPR based on recycled PET wastes with liquid natural rubber (LNR) was carried out by varying the amount of LNR from 0 to 7.5 wt%. Mechanical tests such as tensile and impact were conducted to investigate the effects of LNR on the mechanical properties. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the morphology of the breaking area resulted from the tensile tests on the UPR and blend samples. From the results, the blend of 2.5 wt% LNR in UPR based recycled PET wastes achieved the highest strength in the mechanical properties and showed a well dispersed of elastomer particles in the sample morphology compared to other blends concentrations. This blend sample was then compared to the optimum blend of LNR with commercial resin through the glass transition temperature value Tg, mechanical strength and morphology properties. The comparison study showed that the Tg for UPR based recycled PET was higher than the value represented from commercial resin due to the degree of crystalinity in the molecular structure of the materials. LNR was found to be an effective impact modifier which gave a greater improvement in UPR from recycled PET wastes structure but not to the commercial one which needs 5% LNR to achieve the optimum properties. Thus, the compatibility between the UP resin based recycled PET and LNR was much better than with the commercial resin.
The effect of various multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on the tensile properties of thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) nanocomposite was investigated. The nanocomposite was prepared using melt blending method. MWNTs were added to improve the mechanical properties of MWNTs/TPNR composites in different compositions of 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt.%. The results showed that the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were affected significantly by the composition and the properties of MWNTs. SEM micrographs confirmed the homogenous dispersion of MWNTs in the TPNR matrix and promoted strong interfacial adhesion between MWNTs and the matrix which was improved mechanical properties significantly.
Several methods of incorporating sago pith waste (SPW) into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) had been conducted: (i) dry blending (PVA/SPW/G), (ii) blending of SPW and pre-plasticized PVA (pPVA/SPW/G) and (iii) blending of pre-plasticized of both PVA and SPW (pPVA/pSPW). The effect of the compounding method on the mechanical and water absorption properties were investigated. The addition of SPW into PVA greatly reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break. The tensile strength and elongation at break of PVA/SPW composites with identical geometry during compounding stage (powder/powder and pellet/pellet), which were PVA/SPW/G and pPVA/pSPW yielded the highest value. The percentage of water absorbed by PVA/SPW/G (without pre-plasticization) was the highest, followed by pPVA/pSPW and pPVA/SPW/G.
Natural organic and abundant resources biopolymers received more attention due to their low cost, availability and degradability after usage. Cassava skin was used as natural fillers to the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Cassava skin/poly vinyl alcohol blends were compounded using melt extrusion twin screw extruder and test samples were prepared using the compression method. Various ratios of cassava skin and glycerol were investigated to identify suitable composition based on the water absorption and tensile properties. The water absorption of the cassava skins/PVA samples increased at higher composition of cassava skin due to their hydrophilic properties but decrease with glycerol content. The strength of the cassava skins/PVA samples increased with the higher composition of cassava skin up to 70 wt% while gradually decreased with the increasing composition of glycerol. The Young modulus increased with glycerol content but decreased with fibre loading up to 70 wt%. Elongation at break decreased with fibre loading and glycerol up to 70 wt% and 30 phr, respectively.
In the present work, polymer electrolytes of poly(vinylidene fluoride co-hexafluoroproplyne) (PVDF-HFP) and PVDF-HFP/poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PVDF-HFP/PEMA) blend complexed with different concentrations of ammonium triflate (NH4CF3SO3) were prepared and characterized. The structural and thermal properties of the electrolytes were studied by XRD and DSC while the electrical properties were investigated by impedance spectroscopy. Ionic transference number measurements were done by D.C polarization technique. The results of these study showed that the PVDF-HFP/PEMA based electrolytes exhibit higher ionic conductivity as compared to PVDF-HFP based electrolytes. This could be attributed to the higher degree of amorphicity in the PVDF-HFP/PEMA based electrolytes. The results of ionic transference number measurements showed that the charge transport in these electrolytes was mainly due to ions and only negligible contribution comes from electrons.
Solid polymer electrolytes comprised of various weight percent ratios of poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) and lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) salt were prepared via solution casting technique using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent. The conductivity values of the electrolytes were determined via impedance spectroscopy. The conductivity of the PEMA-LiClO4 electrolytes increased with increasing salt concentration and the highest conductivity obtained was in the order of 10-6 S cm-1 at salt concentration of 20 wt%. The conductivity decreased for higher salt concentration. In order to understand the conductivity behavior, XRD and dielectric studies were done. The results showed that the conductivity was influenced by the fraction of amorphous region and number of charge carriers in the system. The transference number measurement was also performed on the highest conducting electrolyte systems. The result of the measurement indicated that the systems were ionic conductors.
Polymer electrolytes based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) containing inorganic salts; lithium triflate (LiCF3SO3) and sodium triflate (NaCF3SO3) and ethylene carbonate (EC) as plasticizer were prepared using solvent casting technique. In this study, five systems of plasticized and unplasticized polymer electrolyte films i.e. PAN-EC, PAN-LiCF3SO3, PAN-NaCF3SO3 PAN-EC-LiCF3SO3 and PAN-EC-NaCF3SO3 systems have been prepared. The structural and morphological properties of the films were studied using infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while the conductivity study was done by using impedance spectroscopy. The infrared results revealed that interaction had taken place between the nitrogen atoms of PAN and Li+ and Na+ ions from the salts. SEM micrographs showed that the plasticized film, PAN-EC-NaCF3SO3 has bigger pores than PAN-EC-LiCF3SO3 film resulting in the film containing NaCF3SO3 salt being more conductive. On addition of salts and plasticizer, the conductivity of pure PAN increases to three orders of magnitude. The plasticized film containing NaCF3SO3 salt has a higher conductivity compared to that containing LiCF3SO3 salt. This result showed that the interaction between Li+-ion and the nitrogen atom of PAN was stronger than that of Na+-ion. The conductivity-temperature dependence of the highest conducting film from each system follows Arrhenius equation in the temperature range of 303 to 353 K. The conductivity-pressure study in the range of 0.01 - 0.09 MPa showed that the conductivity decreased when pressure was increased. This can be explained in term of free volume model.
The effect of different plasticizers on the properties of PAN–LiCF3SO3 polymer electrolytes has been studied. Propylene carbonate (PC) and ethylene carbonate (EC) having different values of donor numbers, dielectric constant and viscosity have been used as plasticizers. The highest room temperature conductivity for the film in the PAN–LiCF3SO3 system was 3.04 × 10-4 S cm-1. The highest room temperature conductivity for the films in the PAN–EC–LiCF3SO3 system and the PAN–PC–LiCF3SO3 system was 1.32 × 10-3 and 8.64 × 10-4 S cm-1. The addition of plasticizers has been found to enhance the conductivity of polymer electrolytes by increasing the amorphous content as well as by dissociating the ion aggregates present in polymer electrolyte. Conductivity temperature-dependence studies of these plasticized PAN-salt systems were carried out in the temperature range of 303 to 373 K. The conductivity versus temperature plots obeyed an Arrhenius type variation. The structural and complex formations were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
The effects of HVA-2 on radiation-induced cross-linkings in 60/40 natural rubber/ linear low density polyethylene (NR/LLDPE) blends was studied. NR/LLDPE was irradiated by using a 3.0 MeV electron beam machine with doses ranging from 0 to 250 kGy. Results showed that under the irradiation employed, the blends NR/LLDPE were cross-linked by the electron beam irradiation. The presence of HVA-2 in the blends caused the optimum dose to decrease and the blends to exhibit higher tensile properties. Further, within the dose range studied, the degradation caused by electron beam irradiation was found to be minimal. The optimized processing conditions were 120oC, 50 rpm rotor speed and 13 min processing time. The gel content, tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness and impact test studies were used to follow the irradiation-induced cross-linkings in the blend. For blends of 60/40 NR/LLDPE with 2.0 phr HVA-2, the optimum tensile strength and dose, were 19 MPa and 100 kGy, respectively. Blends of 60/40 NR/LLDPE without HVA-2, the optimum tensile strength and dose were 17.2 MPa and 200 kGy, respectively.
The effects of liquid natural rubber (LNR) on the morphology and mechanical properties of rubber modified epoxy were investigated. Epoxy composites were prepared in four different compositions of LNR (3, 5, 7 and 9phr) by using twin screw extruder. The samples for tensile, fracture toughness and impact tests were prepared according to ASTM D 638, D 5045 and D 256. The elastomeric nature of rubber can act as energy dissipating centre to cause the ductile fracture for the rubber modified epoxy. They was an obvious increment of fracture toughness where maximum value was observed with 3 phr LNR. A clear increment of impact strength at 3 phr LNR was observed, followed by a small increment at 5 phr and no further increment at 7 and 9 phr LNR. The tensile strength showed a similar trend with impact strength and Young’s modulus. SEM micrographs showed an increment of rubber particle size when the amount of LNR was increased and caused the mechanical properties to drop.
In Malaysia, the incidence of Dengue Fever (DF) and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) have risen dramatically in the last twenty years. With the use of Geographical Information System an explanation for the spread and control of these diseases can be obtained. This study aims to develop a spatial modeling that can predict the risks for DF and DHF based on environmental factors such as physical surroundings, land use, rainfall, temperature and GIS application using logistic regression. A total of 16 variables were used in the process of spatial modeling development. At the significant level of 0.05, the results of logistic regression showed that only 10 out of 16 significant variables in the modeling process. The accuracy of the resulting model is 70.3%. A crucial feature of this study is a risk area map for incidence of DF and DHF in the study area. This study also highlights the application of spatial analysis in planning and implementing the process for the prevention and control activities of DF and DHF in Malaysia.
MeSH terms: Dengue; Malaysia; Physical Examination; Temperature; Incidence; Logistic Models; Severe Dengue; Geographic Information Systems; Spatial Analysis
This paper focuses on measuring risk due to extreme events going beyond the multivariate normal distribution of joint returns. The concept of tail dependence has been found useful as a tool to describe dependence between extreme data in finance. Specifically, we adopted a multivariate Copula-EGARCH approach in order to investigate the presence of conditional dependence between international financial markets. In addition, we proposed a mixed Clayton-Gumbel copula with estimators for measuring both, the upper and lower tail dependence. The results showed significant dependence for Singapore and Malaysia as well as for Singapore and US, while the dependence for Malaysia and US was relatively weak
MeSH terms: Malaysia; Risk; Singapore; Models, Statistical; Normal Distribution
In this paper we determined the estimate of p-adic sizes of common zeros of partial derivative polynomials associated with a cubic form whose indicator diagrams have one overlapping segment by using Newton polyhedron technique. We showed that the p-adic sizes of such common zeros can be found explicitly on the overlapping segment of the indicator diagrams associated with the polynomials.
The volume flux pinning force density of MgxB2 (x = 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2) materials was calculated for grains boundary and point pinning potentials. Stoichiometric Mg0.8, MgB2, and Mg1.2B2 samples were prepared by the conventional solid state reaction method. Three pellets were annealed at temperature range of 650-800°C. Structural analysis revealed large values for FWHM at (hkl) (110)(°) which indicates distortion in the boron plane of these specimens. The a and c – axis lattice parameters showed respective contraction and elongation with the increase in processing temperature. The low crystallinity found in Mg0.8B2 and Mg1.2B2 specimens was concluded to be due to structural defects, which act as flux pinning centres. Experimental anisotropic factor and the minimum fraction for current path, obtained from the framework of current percolation theory were used to explain the strong field dependence of the critical current density, Jc in the specimens. The summit of the maximum pinning force density was shifted to lower magnetic field position with the increase of anisotropy. The scaling laws were employed in a Kramer– like field in order to identify the dominant pinning mechanism correspondence to the summit of maximum pinning. For MgB2 specimens however, a renormalization field based on the current percolation exposition is considered for the identification of their dominant pinning since it is very difficult to account for the flat behaviour of the pinning force in the weakened current region of these specimens.
Titanium dioxide photocatalyst was synthesised by microemulsions method under controlled hydrolysis of titanium butoxide, Ti(O(CH2)3)CH3. The synthesised TiO2 photocatalyst was compared with Sigma-commercial TiO2 by carrying out the investigation on its properties using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The photocatalytic activities for both photocatalysts were studied for atrazine photodegradation.
New phase-pure nanohybrids of dichlorprop[2(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)propionate]-intercalated Zn/Al-LDH were successfully prepared using either co-precipitation or ion exchange methods. The basal spacing expansion from 8.9 Å in the layered double hydroxide (LDH) to 18.7 and 21.7 Å of the nanohybrids was observed. This together with FTIR, DTG/TGA and compositional studies show that dichlorprop was successfully intercalated into the Zn/Al-layered double hydroxides interlayer. Release study of dichlorprop showed that it is dependent on the concentration of the incoming ionic species and governed by the pseudo-second order kinetic. This study suggests that the layered double hydroxide might be used as a matrix for controlled release formulation for a herbicide, dichlorprop and the release of the herbicide can be tuned using parameters such as method of synthesis and the concentration of the incoming ionic species to be ion exchange with. This is towards new generation of agrochemicals which are safer as well as user- and environmentally-friendly.
This paper reports on a new record of the itch moth from the family Lymantriidae, Toxoproctis hemibathes (Swinhoe), for Peninsular Malaysia. The islands of Sumatera and Borneo are known to be within the geographical range of Lymantriidae, their habitat preference being the wetland and coastal forests. Our study showed that this species can also erupt in large numbers in specific locations in the southern parts of Peninsular Malaysia and thus, our finding is considered a new record for T. hemibathes (Swinhoe). This specimens were collected using portable ultra violet (UV) light trap during a population outbreak of this species in the Labis District of Johore.
Magnetic surveys were carried out in Farigh area which is located in the eastern part of the Libyan Sirte basin. Interpretation of the onshore magnetic anomaly of this area, suggests that the high total magnetization may be caused by an intrusive body. Analysis of the magnetic power spectra indicates the presence of four sub-anomalies at depths of 340 m, 1400 m, and 2525 m which is probably related to the igneous rocks. The presence of igneous rock as basement at depth of 4740 m was confirmed by drilling. Assuming that all rock magnetization in the area is caused by induction in the present geomagnetic field, it strongly suggests that the causative structure has a remnant magnetization of declination (D) = −16° and inclination (I) = 23°. Based on pseudogravity data, the total horizontal derivative map shows high gradient values in NW-SW trends related to the structures in the eastern part of the Sirte basin. The 3D Euler deconvolution map derived from gravity data clearly indicates the location of igneous body in the study area as well as its tectonic trends and depth, which is estimated at 350 m to 1400 m below the surface. Depth of gravity anomalies at 1400 m to 2525 m is considered as anomalies in between shallow and deep. Anomaly at depth of approximately 4740 m below the surface is interpreted as basement rock. Geologically, the magnetic survey shows that the source of anomaly is a mafic igneous rock of Early Cretaceous age. The study also discovered a left-lateral sheared fault zone along the NW-SE of Hercynian age which was believed to be reactivated during Early Cretaceous.
Kawasan Pentadbiran Putrajaya merangkumi 70% daripada kawasan tadahan Tasik Putrajaya. Kerja-kerja pembangunan yang dijalankan di dalam kawasan Putrajaya kebiasaannya dapat dikawal dengan merujuk kepada peraturan-peraturan dan garis panduan yang telah disediakan oleh pihak Perbadanan Putrajaya dalam memastikan kualiti air Tasik dan Tanah Bencah Putrajaya sentiasa mematuhi piawaian yang telah ditetapkan. Seluas 30% daripada kawasan tadahan Tasik dan Tanah Bencah Putrajaya terletak di luar pentadbiran dan kawalan pihak berkuasa Putrajaya. Kawasan tadahan Utara Putrajaya adalah kawasan tadahan yang luas yang menyumbang sebahagian besar air yang memasuki kawasan Tasik dan Tanah Bencah Putrajaya. Berasal dari anak Sg. Chuau kini ia telah membentuk satu kawasan tasik dan tanah bencah tersebut. Data kualiti air yang dilakukan oleh pihak berkuasa Putrajaya iaitu Perbadanan Putrajaya dari tahun 2002 sehingga 2005 dianalisis bagi mengenalpasti masalah utama kualiti air dari kawasan Tadahan Utara Tanah Bencah Putrajaya. Data kualiti air yang dicatat sepanjang tahun 2002 mendapati purata peratusan parameter yang melebihi standard Putrajaya bagi ammoniakal nitrogen (NH3-N) ialah 43.7%, E. coli 31.3%, TSS 12.5% manakala DO dan COD masing-masing 6.2%. Untuk sepanjang tahun 2003, purata peratusan parameter bagi NH3-N ialah 23.7%, E. coli 18.4%, jumlah koliform 18.4%, TSS 2.6%, DO 13.2%, COD 13.2%, dan BOD 10.5%. Untuk sepanjang tahun 2004, purata peratusan parameter bagi NH3-N ialah 35.5%, E. coli 22.6%, jumlah koliform 12.9%, TSS 9.7%, COD 3.2%, dan BOD 16.1%. Untuk tahun 2005, purata peratusan parameter bagi E. coli 36.4%, NH3-N ialah 22.7%, jumlah koliform 18.2%, BOD 13.6%, DO 4.5%, dan COD juga 4.5%. Secara keseluruhan, analisis bagi tempoh empat tahun ini mendapati parameter NH3-N dan E. coli sering kali menunjuk bacaan yang tidak mematuhi Piawaian Putrajaya. Punca utama masalah kualiti air di kawasan Tadahan Utara Tanah Bencah Putrajaya adalah kegagalan mengurus kawasan tadahan secara bersepadu dan sikap pihak berkepentingan di kawasan kajian tidak mengurus dan mengawal secara menyeluruh masalah air larian, kawasan terbuka dan kelodakan ketika membangunkan kawasan.
Two core sediment samples collected from Tanjung Lumpur mangrove forest were analysed for lead, copper and manganese using the sensitive Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Mn in core samples were 36.28±7.04 μg/g dry weights, 50.17±5.84 μg/g dry weights, and 110.41±14.48 μg/g dry weights, respectively. From the calculated enrichment factors (EF), only Mn was considered to be predominantly terrigeneous in origin, while Pb and Cu have slightly higher EF values which were related to anthropogenic input.