Displaying publications 481 - 500 of 1298 in total

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  1. Fulltext Functional Hydrophilic Membrane for Oil-Water Separation Based on Modified Bio-Based Chitosan-Gelatin
    Zakuwan SZ, Ahmad I, Abu Tahrim N, Mohamed F
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Apr 06;13(7).
    PMID: 33917600 DOI: 10.3390/polym13071176
    In this study, we fabricated a modified biomaterial based on chitosan and gelatin, which is an intrinsic hydrophilic membrane for oil-water separation to clean water contamination by oil. Modification of the membrane with a non-toxic natural crosslinker, genipin, significantly enhanced the stability of the biopolymer membrane in a water-based medium towards an eco-friendly environment. The effects of various compositions of genipin-crosslinked chitosan-gelatin membrane on the rheological properties, thermal stability, and morphological structure of the membrane were investigated using a dynamic rotational rheometer, thermogravimetry analysis, and chemical composition by attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (ATR). Modified chitosan-gelatin membrane showed completely miscible blends, as determined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and ATR. Morphological results showed membrane with establish microstructure to further experiment as filtration product. The membranes were successfully tested for their oil-water separation efficiencies. The membrane proved to be selective and effective in separating water from an oil-water mixture. The optimum results achieved a stable microporous structure of the membrane (microfiltration) and a separation efficiency of above 98%. The membrane showed a high permeation flux, generated as high as 698 and 420 L m-2 h-1 for cooking and crude oils, respectively. Owing to its outstanding recyclability and anti-fouling performance, the membrane can be washed away easily, ensuring the reusability of the prepared membrane.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  2. Fulltext Physicomechanical Properties of Rice Husk/Coco Peat Reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Blend Composites
    Norhasnan NHA, Hassan MZ, Nor AFM, Zaki SA, Dolah R, Jamaludin KR, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Apr 06;13(7).
    PMID: 33917337 DOI: 10.3390/polym13071171
    Utilizing agro-waste material such as rice husk (RH) and coco peat (CP) reinforced with thermoplastic resin to produce low-cost green composites is a fascinating discovery. In this study, the effectiveness of these blended biocomposites was evaluated for their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Initially, the samples were fabricated by using a combination of melt blend internal mixer and injection molding techniques. Increasing in RH content increased the coupons density. However, it reduced the water vapor kinetics sorption of the biocomposite. Moisture absorption studies disclosed that water uptake was significantly increased with the increase of coco peat (CP) filler. It showed that the mechanical properties, including tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength of the 15% RH-5% CP reinforced acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), gave the highest value. Results also revealed that all RH/CP filled composites exhibited a brittle fracture manner. Observation on the tensile morphology surfaces by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) affirmed the above finding to be satisfactory. Therefore, it can be concluded that blend-agriculture waste reinforced ABS biocomposite can be exploited as a biodegradable material for short life engineering application where good mechanical and thermal properties are paramount.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  3. Fulltext Seed biopriming with P- and K-solubilizing Enterobacter hormaechei sp. improves the early vegetative growth and the P and K uptake of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seedling
    Roslan MAM, Zulkifli NN, Sobri ZM, Zuan ATK, Cheak SC, Abdul Rahman NA
    PLoS One, 2020;15(7):e0232860.
    PMID: 32645001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232860
    Limited information is available that seed biopriming with plant growth-promoting Enterobacter spp. play a prominent role to enhance vegetative growth of plants. Contrary to Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter hormaechei is a less-studied counterpart despite its vast potential in plant growth-promotion mainly through the inorganic phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) solubilization abilities. To this end, 18 locally isolated bacterial pure cultures were screened and three strains showed high P- and K-solubilizing capabilities. Light microscopy, biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that strains 15a1 and 40a were closely related to Enterobacter hormaechei while strain 38 was closely related to Enterobacter cloacae (Accession number: MN294583; MN294585; MN294584). All Enterobacter spp. shared common plant growth-promoting traits, namely nitrogen (N2) fixation, indole-3-acetic acid production and siderophore production. The strains 38 and 40a were able to produce gibberellic acid, while only strain 38 was able to secrete exopolysaccharide on agar. Under in vitro germination assay of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seeds, Enterobacter spp. significantly improved overall germination parameters and vigor index (19.6%) of seedlings. The efficacy of root colonization of Enterobacter spp. on the pre-treated seedling root tips was confirmed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The pot experiment of bioprimed seeds of okra seedling showed significant improvement of the plant growth (> 28%) which corresponded to the increase of P and K uptakes (> 89%) as compared to the uninoculated control plants. The leaf surface area and the SPAD chlorophyll index of bioprimed plants were increased by up to 29% and 9% respectively. This report revealed that the under-explored species of P- and K-solubilizing Enterobacter hormaechei sp. with multiple plant beneficial traits presents a great potential sustainable approach for enhancement of soil fertility and P and K uptakes of plants.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  4. Fulltext Carbon Nanotube Reinforced High Density Polyethylene Materials for Offshore Sheathing Applications
    Okolo C, Rafique R, Iqbal SS, Saharudin MS, Inam F
    Molecules, 2020 Jun 27;25(13).
    PMID: 32605124 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25132960
    Multiwall carbon nanotube (CNT)-filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites were prepared by extrusion and considered for their suitability in the offshore sheathing applications. Transmission electron microscopy was conducted to analyse dispersion after bulk extrusion. Monolithic and nanocomposite samples were subjected to accelerated weathering and photodegradation (carbonyl and vinyl indices) characterisations, which consisted of heat, moisture (seawater) and UV light, intended to imitate the offshore conditions. The effects of accelerated weathering on mechanical properties (tensile strength and elastic modulus) of the nanocomposites were analysed. CNT addition in HDPE produced environmentally resilient nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties. The energy utilised to extrude nanocomposites was also less than the energy used to extrude monolithic HDPE samples. The results support the mass substitution of CNT-filled HDPE nanocomposites in high-end offshore applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  5. Fulltext Effects of salivary pH on coating durability of two different aesthetic archwire coatings under a simulated intraoral environment
    Abdulkader YC, Kamaruddin AF, Mydin RBSMN
    Saudi Dent J, 2020 Sep;32(6):306-313.
    PMID: 32874071 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2019.09.010
    Objectives: This study compared the effects of normal salivary pH, and acidic pH found in patients with poor oral hygiene, on the durability of aesthetic archwire coated with epoxy resin and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

    Methods: The posterior parts of the archwires were sectioned into 20 mm segments (N = 102) and divided among six groups. Four groups were treated with different pH levels and two served as controls. The specimens were immersed in individual test tubes containing 10 ml of artificial saliva adjusted to a pH of 6.75 or 3.5. The tubes were sealed and stored in a 37 °C water bath for 28 days. After 28 days, the specimens were ligated to brackets embedded in an acrylic block and subjected to mechanical stress using an electronic toothbrush for 210 s. The specimens were photographed, and images were measured for coating loss using AutoCAD® software. Surface morphology was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

    Results: Significant coating loss (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  6. Fulltext Preparation and Characterization of Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) Membranes for Biogas Upgrading
    Kujawski W, Li G, Van der Bruggen B, Pedišius N, Tonkonogij J, Tonkonogovas A, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2020 Jun 25;13(12).
    PMID: 32630434 DOI: 10.3390/ma13122847
    Asymmetric polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) membranes were fabricated by a non-solvent induced phase inversion method. Glycerin and silica nanoparticles were added into the polymer solution to investigate their effects on the material properties and gas separation performance of prepared membranes. The morphology and structure of PPSU membranes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the surface roughness of the selective layer was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the surface free energy was calculated based on the contact angle measurements by using various solvents. The gas separation performance of PPSU membranes was estimated by measuring the permeability of CO2 and CH4. The addition of glycerin as a nonsolvent into the polymer solution changed the cross-section structure from finger-like structure into sponge-like structure due to the delayed liquid-liquid demixing process, which was confirmed by SEM analysis. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles into PPSU membranes slightly increased the hydrophilicity, which was confirmed by water contact angle results. PPSU membrane fabricated from the polymer solution containing 10 wt.% glycerin showed the best CO2/CH4 selectivity of 3.86 and the CO2 permeability of 1044.01 Barrer. Mixed matrix PPSU membrane containing 0.1 wt.% silica nanoparticles showed the CO2/CH4 selectivity of 3.16 and the CO2 permeability of 1202.77 Barrer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  7. Fulltext Physicochemical Characterization, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Dissolution of Glimepiride-Captisol Inclusion Complexes
    Pal A, Roy S, Kumar A, Mahmood S, Khodapanah N, Thomas S, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2020 Aug 18;5(32):19968-19977.
    PMID: 32832751 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c01228
    This present study investigated the effect of Captisol, a chemically modified cyclodextrin, on the in vitro dissolution of glimepiride. We prepared glimepiride-Captisol complexes of different mass ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 w/w) by a physical mixing or freeze-drying technique, and found that complexation with Captisol enhanced the water solubility of glimepiride. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation predicted complex formation; at the same time, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscope indicated molecular interactions that support complexation. We also found that an inclusion complex was better than a physical mixture in enhancing the complexation of glimepiride with Captisol and enhancing water solubility. Phase solubility study of the glimepiride-Captisol complex showed an AL-type profile, implying the formation of a 1:1 inclusion complex. The study also revealed that pH influenced the stability of the complex because the stability constant of the glimepiride-Captisol complex was higher in distilled water of pH ∼6.0 than in phosphate buffer of pH 7.2.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  8. Fulltext A novel histozoic myxosporean, Enteromyxum caesio n. sp., infecting the redbelly yellowtail fusilier, Caesio cuning, with the creation of the Enteromyxidae n. fam., to formally accommodate this commercially important genus
    Freeman MA, Yanagida T, Kristmundsson À
    PeerJ, 2020;8:e9529.
    PMID: 32742799 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9529
    Gastrointestinal myxosporean parasites from the genus Enteromyxum are known to cause severe disease, resulting in high mortalities in numerous species of cultured marine fishes globally. Originally described as Myxidium spp., they were transferred to a new genus, Enteromyxum, to emphasize their novel characteristics. Their retention in the family Myxidiidae at the time was warranted, but more comprehensive phylogenetic analyses have since demonstrated the need for a new family for these parasites. We discovered a novel Enteromyxum in wild fish from Malaysia and herein describe the fourth species in the genus and erect a new family, the Enteromyxidae n. fam., to accommodate them. Enteromyxum caesio n. sp. is described infecting the tissues of the stomach in the redbelly yellowtail fusilier, Caesio cuning, from Malaysia. The new species is distinct from all others in the genus, as the myxospores although morphologically similar, are significantly smaller in size. Furthermore, small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence data reveal that E. caesio is <84% similar to others in the genus, but collectively they form a robust and discrete clade, the Enteromyxidae n. fam., which is placed as a sister taxon to other histozoic marine myxosporeans. In addition, we describe, using transmission electron microscopy, the epicellular stages of Enteromyxum fugu and show a scanning electron micrograph of a mature myxospore of E. caesio detailing the otherwise indistinct sutural line, features of the polar capsules and spore valve ridges. The Enteromyxidae n. fam. is a commercially important group of parasites infecting the gastrointestinal tract of marine fishes and the histozoic species can cause the disease enteromyxosis in intensive finfish aquaculture facilities. Epicellular and sloughed histozoic stages are responsible for fish-to-fish transmission in net pen aquaculture systems but actinospores from an annelid host are thought to be necessary for transmission to fish in the wild.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  9. Fulltext The Study of EDLC Device with High Electrochemical Performance Fabricated from Proton Ion Conducting PVA-Based Polymer Composite Electrolytes Plasticized with Glycerol
    Brza MA, B Aziz S, Anuar H, Dannoun EMA, Ali F, Abdulwahid RT, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2020 Aug 23;12(9).
    PMID: 32842522 DOI: 10.3390/polym12091896
    In the present work, a novel polymer composite electrolytes (PCEs) based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA): ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN): Cd(II)-complex plasticized with glycerol (Gly) are prepared by solution cast technique. The film structure was examined by XRD and FTIR routes. The utmost ambient temperature DC ionic conductivity (σDC) of 2.01 × 10-3 S cm-1 is achieved. The film morphology was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The trend of σDC is further confirmed with investigation of dielectric properties. Transference numbers of ions (tion) and electrons (tel) are specified to be 0.96 and 0.04, respectively. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) displayed that the PCE potential window is 2.1 V. The desired mixture of activated carbon (AC) and carbon black was used to fabricate the electrodes of the EDLC. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was carried out by sandwiching the PCEs between two carbon-based electrodes, and it revealed an almost rectangular shape. The EDLC exhibited specific capacitance, energy density, and equivalent series resistance with average of 160.07F/g, 18.01Wh/kg, and 51.05Ω, respectively, within 450 cycles. The EDLC demonstrated the initial power density as 4.065 × 103 W/Kg.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  10. Anisotropic lanthanide-based nano-clusters for imaging applications
    Yang X, Wang S, King TL, Kerr CJ, Blanchet C, Svergun D, et al.
    Faraday Discuss, 2016 Jul 18.
    PMID: 27430046
    We have developed a new class of lanthanide nano-clusters that self-assemble using flexible Schiff base ligands. Cd-Ln and Ni-Ln clusters, [Ln8Cd24(L(1))12(OAc)39Cl7(OH)2] (Ln = Nd, Eu), [Eu8Cd24(L(1))12(OAc)44], [Ln8Cd24(L(2))12(OAc)44] (Ln = Nd, Yb, Sm) and [Nd2Ni4(L(3))2(acac)6(NO3)2(OH)2], were constructed using different types of flexible Schiff base ligands. These molecular nano-clusters exhibit anisotropic architectures that differ considerably depending upon the presence of Cd (nano-drum) or Ni (square-like nano-cluster). Structural characterization of the self-assembled particles has been undertaken using crystallography, transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. Comparison of the metric dimensions of the nano-drums shows a consistency of size using these techniques, suggesting that these molecules may share similar structural features in both solid and solution states. Photophysical properties were studied by excitation of the ligand-centered absorption bands in the solid state and in solution, and using confocal microscopy of microspheres loaded with the compounds. The emissive properties of these compounds vary depending upon the combination of lanthanide and Cd or Ni present in these clusters. The results provide new insights into the construction of novel high-nuclearity nano-clusters and offer a promising foundation for the development of new functional nanomaterials.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  11. Fulltext The Study of Plasticized Sodium Ion Conducting Polymer Blend Electrolyte Membranes Based on Chitosan/Dextran Biopolymers: Ion Transport, Structural, Morphological and Potential Stability
    Asnawi ASFM, Aziz SB, Brevik I, Brza MA, Yusof YM, Alshehri SM, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jan 26;13(3).
    PMID: 33530553 DOI: 10.3390/polym13030383
    The polymer electrolyte system of chitosan/dextran-NaTf with various glycerol concentrations is prepared in this study. The electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study shows that the addition of glycerol increases the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte at room temperature. The highest conducting plasticized electrolyte shows the maximum DC ionic conductivity of 6.10 × 10-5 S/cm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) is used to investigate the effect of plasticizer on film morphology. The interaction between the electrolyte components is confirmed from the existence of the O-H, C-H, carboxamide, and amine groups. The XRD study is used to determine the degree of crystallinity. The transport parameters of number density (n), ionic mobility (µ), and diffusion coefficient (D) of ions are determined using the percentage of free ions, due to the asymmetric vibration (υas(SO3)) and symmetric vibration (υs(SO3)) bands. The dielectric property and relaxation time are proved the non-Debye behavior of the electrolyte system. This behavior model is further verified by the existence of the incomplete semicircle arc from the Argand plot. Transference numbers of ion (tion) and electron (te) for the highest conducting plasticized electrolyte are identified to be 0.988 and 0.012, respectively, confirming that the ions are the dominant charge carriers. The tion value are used to further examine the contribution of ions in the values of the diffusion coefficient and mobility of ions. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) shows the potential window for the electrolyte is 2.55 V, indicating it to be a promising electrolyte for application in electrochemical energy storage devices.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  12. Fulltext Isolation of Textile Waste Cellulose Nanofibrillated Fibre Reinforced in Polylactic Acid-Chitin Biodegradable Composite for Green Packaging Application
    Rizal S, Olaiya FG, Saharudin NI, Abdullah CK, N G O, Mohamad Haafiz MK, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jan 20;13(3).
    PMID: 33498323 DOI: 10.3390/polym13030325
    Textile waste cellulose nanofibrillated fibre has been reported with excellent strength reinforcement ability in other biopolymers. In this research cellulose nanofibrilated fibre (CNF) was isolated from the textile waste cotton fabrics with combined supercritical carbon dioxide and high-pressure homogenisation. The isolated CNF was used to enhance the polylactic acid/chitin (PLA/chitin) properties. The properties enhancement effect of the CNF was studied by characterising the PLA/chitin/CNF biocomposite for improved mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties. The tensile properties, impact strength, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetry analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and the PLA/chitin/CNF biocomposite wettability were studied. The result showed that the tensile strength, elongation, tensile modulus, and impact strength improved significantly with chitin and CNF compared with the neat PLA. Furthermore, the scanning electron microscopy SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) morphological images showed uniform distribution and dispersion of the three polymers in each other, which corroborate the improvement in mechanical properties. The biocomposite's water absorption increased more than the neat PLA, and the contact angle was reduced. The results of the ternary blend compared with PLA/chitin binary blend showed significant enhancement with CNF. This showed that the three polymers' combination resulted in a better material property than the binary blend.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  13. Fulltext Enhancement of Thiamine Biosynthesis in Oil Palm Seedlings by Colonization of Endophytic Fungus Hendersonia toruloidea
    Kamarudin AN, Lai KS, Lamasudin DU, Idris AS, Balia Yusof ZN
    Front Plant Sci, 2017;8:1799.
    PMID: 29089959 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01799
    Thiamine, or vitamin B1 plays an indispensable role as a cofactor in crucial metabolic reactions including glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle in all living organisms. Thiamine has been shown to play a role in plant adaptation toward biotic and abiotic stresses. The modulation of thiamine biosynthetic genes in oil palm seedlings was evaluated in response to root colonization by endophytic Hendersonia toruloidea. Seven-month-old oil palm seedlings were inoculated with H. toruloidea and microscopic analyses were performed to visualize the localization of endophytic H. toruloidea in oil palm roots. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that H. toruloidea colonized cortical cells. The expression of thiamine biosynthetic genes and accumulation of total thiamine in oil palm seedlings were also evaluated. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to measure transcript abundances of four key thiamine biosynthesis genes (THI4, THIC, TH1, and TPK) on days 1, 7, 15, and 30 in response to H. toruloidea colonization. The results showed an increase of up to 12-fold in the expression of all gene transcripts on day 1 post-inoculation. On days 7, 15, and 30 post-inoculation, the relative expression levels of these genes were shown to be downregulated. Thiamine accumulation was observed on day 7 post-colonization and subsequently decreased until day 30. This work provides the first evidence for the enhancement of thiamine biosynthesis by endophytic colonization in oil palm seedlings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  14. Engine performance and emission characteristics of palm biodiesel blends with graphene oxide nanoplatelets and dimethyl carbonate additives
    Razzaq L, Mujtaba MA, Soudagar MEM, Ahmed W, Fayaz H, Bashir S, et al.
    J Environ Manage, 2021 Mar 15;282:111917.
    PMID: 33453625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111917
    This study investigated the engine performance and emission characteristics of biodiesel blends with combined Graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GNPs) and 10% v/v dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as fuel additives as well as analysed the tribological characteristics of those blends. 10% by volume DMC was mixed with 30% palm oil biodiesel blends with diesel. Three different concentrations (40, 80 and 120 ppm) of GNPs were added to these blends via the ultrasonication process to prepare the nanofuels. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) surfactant was added to improve the stability of these blends. GNPs were characterised using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), while the viscosity of nanofuels was investigated by rheometer. UV-spectrometry was used to determine the stability of these nanoplatelets. A ratio of 1:4 GNP: SDS was found to produce maximum stability in biodiesel. Performance and emissions characteristics of these nanofuels have been investigated in a four-stroke compression ignition engine. The maximum reduction in BSFC of 5.05% and the maximum BTE of 22.80% was for B30GNP40DMC10 compared to all other tested blends. A reduction in HC (25%) and CO (4.41%) were observed for B30DMC10, while a reduction in NOx of 3.65% was observed for B30GNP40DMC10. The diesel-biodiesel fuel blends with the addition of GNP exhibited a promising reduction in the average coefficient of friction 15.05%, 8.68% and 3.61% for 120, 80 and 40 ppm concentrations compared to B30. Thus, combined GNP and DMC showed excellent potential for utilisation in diesel engine operation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  15. Fulltext Investigating the use of date seed for removal of boron from seawater
    Ahmed, Moussa Mohamed, Nik Rashida Nik Abdul Ghani, Jami, Mohammed Saedi, Mirghani, Mohamed Elwathig Saeed, Md. Noor Salleh
    Biological and Natural Resources Engineering Journal, 2020;3(2):55-73.
    MyJurnal
    Boron has been classified as a drinking water pollutant in many countries. It is harmful to many plants, exceptionally sensible plants, and human health. Therefore, boron level needs to be decreased to 0.3 mg/L for drinking water and within 0.5 mg/L to 1 mg/L for irrigation water. In this study, various operational parameters namely pH, contact time and liquid/solid ratio were investigated to determine the potential of using date seed (or date pit or date stone) to remove boron from seawater. This study's main objective was to determine boron adsorption capacities of date seeds prepared by various methods (i.e., powdered, activated, acid-treated and defatted seed) by batch adsorption process using boron contaminated synthetic seawater. The process parameters of the selected biosorbent among the four date seed preparations methods were optimized. The surface characteristics were analyzed by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed that acid-treated date seed was the best biosorbent in terms of removing 89.18% boron from aqueous solution at neutral pH, liquid to solid ratio of 5 within 2 hours of reaction time at room temperature (25°C±2°C).
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  16. Friction at nanopillared polymer surfaces beyond Amontons' laws: Stick-slip amplitude coefficient (SSAC) and multiparametric nanotribological properties
    Ishak MI, Dobryden I, Martin Claesson P, Briscoe WH, Su B
    J Colloid Interface Sci, 2021 Feb 01;583:414-424.
    PMID: 33011410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.09.038
    Frictional and nanomechanical properties of nanostructured polymer surfaces are important to their technological and biomedical applications. In this work, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) surfaces with a periodic distribution of well-defined nanopillars were fabricated through an anodization/embossing process. The apparent surface energy of the nanopillared surfaces was evaluated using the Fowkes acid-base approach, and the surface morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The normal and lateral forces between a silica microparticle and these surfaces were quantified using colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM). The friction-load relationship followed Amonton's first law, and the friction coefficient appeared to scale linearly with the nanopillar height. Furthermore, all the nanopillared surfaces showed pronounced frictional instabilities compared to the smooth sliding friction loop on the flat control. Performing the stick-slip amplitude coefficient (SSAC) analysis, we found a correlation between the frictional instabilities and the nanopillars density, pull-off force and work of adhesion. We have summarised the dependence of the nanotribological properties on such nanopillared surfaces on five relevant parameters, i.e. pull-off force fp, Amontons' friction coefficient μ, RMS roughness Rq, stick-slip amplitude friction coefficient SSAC, and work of adhesion between the substrate and water Wadh in a radar chart. Whilst demonstrating the complexity of the frictional behaviour of nanopillared polymer surfaces, our results show that analyses of multiparametric nanotribological properties of nanostructured surfaces should go beyond classic Amontons' laws, with the SSAC more representative of the frictional properties compared to the friction coefficient.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  17. Fulltext Processing and Characterisation of Banana Leaf Fibre Reinforced Thermoplastic Cassava Starch Composites
    Jumaidin R, Diah NA, Ilyas RA, Alamjuri RH, Yusof FAM
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Apr 28;13(9).
    PMID: 33924842 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091420
    Increasing environmental concerns have led to greater attention to the development of biodegradable materials. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of banana leaf fibre (BLF) on the thermal and mechanical properties of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS). The biocomposites were prepared by incorporating 10 to 50 wt.% BLF into the TPCS matrix. The samples were characterised for their thermal and mechanical properties. The results showed that there were significant increments in the tensile and flexural properties of the materials, with the highest strength and modulus values obtained at 40 wt.% BLF content. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the addition of BLF had increased the thermal stability of the material, indicated by higher-onset decomposition temperature and ash content. Morphological studies through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited a homogenous distribution of fibres and matrix with good adhesion, which is crucial in improving the mechanical properties of biocomposites. This was also attributed to the strong interaction of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between TPCS and fibre, proven by the FT-IR test that observed the presence of O-H bonding in the biocomposite.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  18. Fulltext Effect of Cellulose Nanofibrils on the Properties of Jatropha Oil-Based Waterborne Polyurethane Nanocomposite Film
    Amri MR, Guan CT, Osman Al-Edrus SS, Md Yasin F, Mohamad SF
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Apr 30;13(9).
    PMID: 33946517 DOI: 10.3390/polym13091460
    The objective of this work was to study the influence of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of Jatropha oil-based waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) nanocomposite films. The polyol to produce polyurethane was synthesized from crude Jatropha oil through epoxidation and ring-opening method. The chain extender, 1,6-hexanediol, was used to improve film elasticity by 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 wt.% of CNF loading was incorporated to enhance film performance. Mechanical performance was studied using a universal test machine as specified in ASTM D638-03 Type V and was achieved by 0.18 MPa at 0.5 wt.% of CNF. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to measure the temperature of degradation and the chemical crosslinking and film morphology were studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results showed that when the CNF was incorporated, it was found to enhance the nanocomposite film, in particular its mechanical and thermal properties supported by morphology. Nanocomposite film with 0.5 wt.% of CNF showed the highest improvement in terms of tensile strength, Young's modulus, and thermal degradation. Although the contact angle decreases as the CNF content increases, the effect on the water absorption of the film was found to be relatively small (<3.5%). The difference between the neat WPBU and the highest CNF loading film was not more than 1%, even after 5 days of being immersed in water.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  19. Fulltext SYNTHESIS OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES BY USING ALOE VERA LEAF EXTRACT AS PONTENTIAL ANODE MATERIAL IN LITHIUM ION BATTERY
    SITI RABIATUL ADAWIYAH MAZLI, HANIS MOHD YUSOFF, NURUL HAYATI IDRIS
    UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2020;2(2):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Synthesis of nanoparticles by using plant have sparked interest among researchers due to environmentally safe, inexpensive and simple method to compare with chemical method. Use of plant in synthesis zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) that act as reducing and capping agent are more recommended, due to high production of product and rate of synthesis is faster than using microorganism. This study focus on the synthesis of ZnO NPs by using leaf extract of aloe vera (Aloe bardenisis miller) with different concentration (30%, 40% and 50%) and various calcination temperature which are 500 ˚C, 700 ˚C and 900 ˚C for 4 hours. Fourier – transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmet and Teller (BET) were used to characterize the prepared samples. FTIR spectra showed present wavenumber in between 400-500 cm-1 indicated the presence of Zn-O stretch. Powder XRD pattern confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure with average particles size from 24.19 nm to 67.69 nm for all concentration and temperature by using Scherer’s equation. For SEM analysis the images show irregular shape for concentrations 30% and 50% with size range from 500 nm to 900 nm while for concentration 40% cubic shape was observe with size range from 140 nm to 900 nm. All characterize show that formation of ZnO NPs depend on the concentration and calcination temperature. Sample 30% and 50% ZnO NPs was applied in lithium battery at voltage from 0.01 to 3. 1.2 mAhg-1 was recorded for sample 30% ZnO NPs while 100 mAhg-1.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  20. Fulltext SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TiO2/ZnO-EPOXY BEADS AND THEIR PERFORMANCE FOR THE DEGRADATION OF DYE
    MOHAMAD HANIF AKMAL HUSSIN, WAN RAFIZAH WAN ABDULLAH, MOHAMAD AWANG
    UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2020;2(2):9-14.
    MyJurnal
    Semiconductor oxides such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are used as the photocatalyst for removing contaminants. In addition, TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles in the suspension form makes it difficult to be recovered and recycled. This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of immobilizing TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles in epoxy beads. The immobilization process using different ratios of photocatalysts TiO2/ZnO (1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3 and 0:1) fixed on epoxy material. These epoxy beads were used for dye removal in photocatalysis using methylene blue (MB) solution at a concentration of 10mg/L. Besides, epoxy beads also characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the highly recommended epoxy bead is 3:1 ratio of TiO2/ZnO because it has good performance in dye degradation that proved from reducing concentration of MB to 2.4mg/L (76%). However, TiO2/ZnO characterization of 3:1 by SEM show on the surface the particle are found to be spherical in shape which is relatively high efficiency for the degradation, ATR-FTIR pattern in broad band 4000 cm-1 - 400cm-1 which correspond to hydroxyl stretching to be adsorbed at peak (474.49 cm-1 - 3722.61cm-1) respectively to the optimum for the degradation and TGA rate of change are 5mg to 2.5mg that residue (49.78%) due to decomposition or oxidation from mass loss. These findings are very effective and economical technique to be cost saving and highly efficient photocatalyst.
    Matched MeSH terms: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
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