ISSN: 0128-7389, eISSN: 0127-9645 Solid State Science and Technology is a peer reviewed journal published by the Malaysian Solid State Science and Technology Society (MASS). It was first established in 1993 and is published on a biannual basis. The journal releases two issues each year, scheduled for publication in June and December. Solid State Science and Technology provides a forum of communication for solid state scientists, material scientists, technologists and engineers and promotes the advancement and dissemination of knowledge related to the science and technology of solid state. In addition to conventional solid-state materials, Solid State Science and Technology strongly encourages and welcomes high-quality research on the exploration and application of local and indigenous materials for advanced technological applications. Such efforts contribute to the diversification of electronic and functional material sources, foster sustainable and cost-effective material development, and promote innovation rooted in regional resources with global technological relevance. The journal will consider original research papers and review articles from the national and international communities. The scope of this journal is as follows: Advanced Material Synthesis and Crystal Growth Technology Carbon and Related Materials Ceramics and Glasses Devices and Materials for Biology and Medicine Electrochemical and Solid State Lasers and Optoelectronics Materials and Energy Metals and Alloys Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Optical and Dielectric Materials Photonic Devices and Optoelectronic Integration Polymers and Composites Semiconductors and Devices Solid State Theory, Simulation and Computation Superconductors Thin Films and Nanostructures Organic Materials and Application Functional local, and indigenous resource materials
The Malaysian Solid State Science and Technology Society (MASS)
EFFECTS OF ENR ON MORPHOLOGY, CHEMICAL INTERACTION AND CONDUCTIVITY OF PEO-LiCF3SO3 SOLID POLYMER ELECTROLYTE
The effects of Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR) in the PEO doped LiCF3SO3 solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) were investigated. These films were prepared by a solution casting technique and characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) to determine the surface morphology, while the presence of the complexes was investigated by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FTIR) spectroscopy. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was conducted to obtain ionic conductivity. SEM analysis showed that, the rough surface morphology of SPE became smoother with addition of ENR and salt while ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis confirmed the polymer salt complex formation. The interaction occurred between the salt and ether group of polymer host where the triple peaks of ether group in PEO merged and formed one strong peak at 1096 cm-1. The incorporation of ENR is found to increase the conductivity of the system. The highest conductivity achieved was 4.67 x 10-5 S/cm at room temperature when 25 wt. % of LiCF3SO3 was added into the PEO blend containing 10% ENR. The ionic conduction mechanism for both with and without ENR electrolytes comply with the Arrhenius rule which the ion transport in these materials is thermally assisted.
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EFFECT OF ANNEALING TEMPERATURE ON STRUCTURAL, MORPHOLOGY AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES ON ZnS THIN FILMS BY SOL-GEL METHOD
Zinc sulphide (ZnS) thin films were prepared by the sol-gel technique. This study focused on nanocrystalline structure and optical properties in four different temperature which are at 250 °C, 300 °C, 350 °C and 400 °C on quartz slide. The obtained reaction product was a transparent and colloidal solution. SEM, EDX, XRD, UV-Vis and PL were used to characterize the sample. SEM shows the film are thicker and have bigger grains size at 400 °C compared to the film at 250 °C with the grain size between 39.0 - 63.3 nm and 22.3 - 29.0 nm respectively. EDX analysis confirmed the thin film consisted of zinc and sulphur. XRD shows development of well-crystallized film with pure wurtzite structure after annealing. XRD spectrum indicates that the films are amorphous and have cubic zinc blend structure. The films also shows good optical properties with high transmittance of range 85 % - 95 % in the visible region and the band gap value are around 3.8 eV. Photoluminescence have been studied and the film annealed at 250 °C was existed in blue transmission spectrum in visible region at wavelength about 490 nm. While for the annealed temperature at 300 °C, 350 °C and 400 °C are exist at green transmission spectrum in visible range having wavelength in between of 495 nm to 497 nm.
EFFECT OF SUBSTRATE BIAS ON THE OPTICAL, BONDING AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF a-CNx DEPOSITED BY rf PECVD
Hydrogenated amorphous carbon nitride (a-CNx:H) thin films were deposited using rf PECVD technique. The effects of negative dc substrate biasing on formation of these films were studied. UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy was used to obtain the deposition rate (D) and optical energy gap (E04). Bonding properties were studied by means of FTIR spectroscopy while the I-V characteristics were measured by using two probes I-V. The results show a significant change in deposition at a substrate bias of -120 V with an increase in the deposition rate and E04. Effects of the substrate biasing on the optical, bonding and electrical properties are discussed.
THE PRODUCTION OF HfO2-HfB2 COMPOSITE POWDER FROM HfO2, B2O3 AND Mg BY SOLID STATE REACTION AND SUBSEQUENT ANNEALING
Hafnium dioxide-hafnium diboride (HfO2-HfB2) composite powder was synthesized by high-energy ball milling and subsequent annealing of powder mixtures containing stoichiometric amounts of HfO2, BB2O3 and Mg. Milling was carried out in various durations by using vibratory ball-mill with a ball-to-powder weight ratio of 10:1. The milled products were annealed in tube furnace with a heating and cooling rate of 10°C/min. under flowing Argon atmosphere. After annealing, the HfO2-HfB2 composite powder is obtained in the presence of magnesium oxide (MgO). The milled and annealed products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and scanning electron microscope (SEM).
OPTICAL AND STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF PbO-B2O3-TeO2 GLASSES
Optical and structural properties of [TeO2]y [(B2O3)1-x (PbO)x]1-y glasses of different composition have been studied using UV-Vis, Raman and XRD spectroscopic techniques. The UV optical absorption was recorded at room temperature in the wavelength range of 200 to 800 nm, while the XRD patterns of as-received samples was verified at 2θ = (5 - 80 deg). Eventually, values of the optical energy gap are calculated and found to be dependent on the glass composition. Furthermore, the XRD diffractograms exhibit a wide smooth halo, which is a fingerprint of amorphous materials and some strong narrow diffraction lines corresponding to crystalline of α TeO2. The Raman spectroscopy measurement shows strong existence of Pb group, O-B O bending and O-Te-O stretching in lattice vibrations.
PULSE ELECTRODEPOSITION AND SOLID PHASE VOLTAMMETRY OF COPPER INDIUM DISULFIDE SEMICONDUCTOR THIN FILMS
CuInS2 thin films were deposited onto fluorine doped tin oxide coated glass (FTO) using pulse electrodeposition from aqueous solutions comprising Cu-EDTA, In2(SO4)3 and Na2S2O3. Deposited films were polycrystalline with tetragonal structure and behavior as a p-type semiconductor. A smooth and adherent film was obtained at pulse height of -1.00 V and the band gap energy was found to be 1.40 eV with indirect transition. The Cu:In:S compositions of the films was 1.1:1.0:1.8. From morphological studies, the particles had worm like structure which interconnected with each other. Solid phase voltammetry resulted in redox couple of Cu2+/Cu+ and Cu+/Cu0.
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF NICKEL ZINC FERRITE POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITE
Nickel-zinc ferrite (Ni0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4) was prepared using conventional solid-state method. It acts as a filler with polypropylene as the matrix. The samples were characterized by XRD and dielectric measurement was done using Agilent 4291B Impedance/Material Analyzer. It was observed that the composition of 30% doped nickel-zinc ferrite (Ni0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4) gives the highest value of the dielectric constant in the frequency range of 1 MHz to 1.5 GHz at room temperature.
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF OVEN DRY MALAYSIAN WOOD
Four species of selected local hard wood had been studied for dielectric properties. Measurements were made at frequency 10-2 Hz to 106 Hz from room temperature to 100°C. Dielectric behaviors show that the low frequency dispersion (LFD) proposed by Jonscher and the DC conductivity dominated the profile of the dielectric processes. Dielectric analysis was made by shifting the data of relative dielectric permittivity and the loss factor to become a master curve. From the shift of the loss peak at various fixed temperatures the activation energy was determined by plotting of Arrhenius plot of ln ε” against 1000/T. The dielectric properties of wood were found to be dependent on temperature and density of wood species. Impedance, Z, and modulus, M, plots were also used to reveal the model of the dielectric behaviour in wood
THE EFFECT OF TIO2 THIN FILMS ON THE SENSITIVITY, REPEATABILITY AND CURRENT DENSITY OF THE DIELECTRIC BOLOMETER BA0.6SR0.4TIO3 AS A DISTANCE SENSOR
Sol–gel method has been used for the preparation of titanium as a buffer layer in the dielectric bolometer Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3. The TiO2 films were prepared onto RuO2/SiO2/Si substrate and annealed at various temperatures. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that TiO2 thin film annealed at 300 and 350 oC were amorphous, and transformed into the anatase form at 400 oC, and mix phase between anatase and the brookite phase at 450 oC. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FE SEM) results showed that the grain size of TiO2 thin films increased as the temperature increased. All the sensitivity, repeatability and current density of the sensors decreased with the increased grain size of TiO2 thin films after annealed above 350 oC. Our result shows that all of the sensors except sensor with TiO2 film annealed at 550 oC can act as a sensor even though without the IR source.
EFFECT OF INTERMEDIATE ROLLING ON THE TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 SUPERCONDUCTOR TAPES WITH NANO NiFe2O4 ADDITION
The effects of nano sized NiFe2O4 addition in (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 (Bi2223) superconductor tapes were investigated. The (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 powders were prepared by using coprecipitation technique and the tapes were prepared by using the powder-in-tube method (PIT). 0.01 wt% nano sized NiFe2O4 (13 nm) was added to the powders as this ratio of nano NiFe2O4 optimized the critical current density (Jc) of bulk samples based on our initial studies. The effects of intermediate rolling on the transport critical current density of the (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-(NiFe2O4)0.01 tapes were investigated. The transport critical current density at 30 K was 17870 A/cm2 for tapes sintered for 50 hours without intermediate rolling. Intermediate rolling up to two times increased the Jc at 30 K to 32700 A/cm2. Intermediate rolling improved the Jc of the tapes by 83 % compared to tapes without intermediate rolling.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MOLAR RATIO CITRIC ACID AND ETHYLENE GLYCOL TO METAL CATION ON THE CERAMICS POWDER OF Y3+ DOPED BAZRO3
Sample of BaZr0.85Zn0.05Y0.1O2.95 (BZY10) compound were prepared by the Pechini method with different molar ratios of citric acid and ethylene glycol to metal ions using metal nitrate-salts. Metal organic complexes were obtained from the polymerization process between metal nitrate, citric acid and ethylene glycol. After heated at 120 oC, a clear viscous solution or polymer resin containing metal in solid solution was formed. The resin was annealed at 3 different temperatures to remove the organic materials and produce the desired oxide powder. The powder was characterized by a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). FTIR and XRD results showed that BaCO3 still exist even after calcined at T= 1100 ºC for 30h. The loose particles size for BZY10 powders obtained from FESEM and particle size analyzer was in the range 20−100 nm.
EFFECTS OF RUBBER-MODIFIED ON THERMAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF EPOXY MOLD COMPOUND
In a semiconductor packaging, the thermal stress greatly influenced the package cracking, passivation layer cracking and aluminium pattern deformation. The effects of thermal stress that resulted from the use of plastic encapsulants will contribute to shrinkage of the plastic upon curing and thermal mismatch between the resin and the device. Therefore, an innovative low stress epoxy molding compounds (EMC) were formulated by utilization of rubber modification technology. The characteristics can be achieved a lower Young’s modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The EMCs are generally prepared from a blend of an epoxy resin, hardener, fillers, catalyts, low stress agent, and colorants. This article reports the effects of the modified EMC by liquid poly (methyl methacrylate) grafted natural rubber copolymer on the thermal and mechanical properties of EMCs as a function low stress agent. The addition of rubber significantly decreased the flexural strength and elastic modulus the EMCs without lowering the Tg. Therefore, this properties of EMCs found considerably used in semiconductor packaging. Various characterization have been done on the EMC such as thermal expansion using thermo mechanical analyzer (TMA), storage modulus and tan δ using dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and flexural properties using Universal Testing Machine. Morphological observations were done using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
EFFECTS OF NANO CaO IN Tl(Sr1.5Yb0.5)CayCu2O7-δ SUPERCONDUCTOR
Yb substituted Tl-1212 type phase with nominal starting composition Tl(Sr1.5Yb0.5)CayCu2O7-δ (y = 1.0, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4) have been prepared and characterized. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the variation of nanosized calcium oxide for y = 1.0 to 1.4 showed a dominant 1212 phase and the 1201 as the minor phase. This system showed a metallic normal state behavior for all samples. Scanning electron micrographs of fractured internal sections of all the samples showed porous microstructure with grains of similar shapes and sizes.
INFLUENCE OF La3+ WITH Pr3+ TO STRUCTURE, MICROSTRUCTURE, AND MAGNETOTRANSPORT PROPERTIES IN BARIUM MANGANITE PEROVSKITE
Polycrystalline perovskite manganite of (La,Pr)0.67Ba0.33MnO3 bulk ceramic samples were synthesized by conventional solid-state route. The structure, microstructure, electrical and magnetic properties were studied. Substitution of La3+ with Pr3+ promote coarsening of microstructure formation and influencing the connectivity of grains which resulting an increase in resistance. This substitution promotes magnetic dilution and consequently leading to the suppression of magnetic behaviour. The metal-insulator transition temperature, TP drops drastically from 264K (LBMO) to 127K (PBMO). PBMO displayed higher %MR in 10kG applied external magnetic field at room temperature which is -8.8% as compared to LBMO (-5.2%) because of magnetic dilution and reduced the magnetic saturation. Meanwhile, reduction in bond angle and bond length of Mn3+-O2--Mn4+ due to the distortion in MnO6 might enhance DE and JT mechanism. In this work, the %MR at room temperature enhanced by replacing La3+ with Pr3+ but weaken the LFMR effect.
FTIR SPECTROSCOPY ANALYSIS OF THE PREPOLYMERIZATION OF PALM-BASED POLYURETHANE
The palm kernel based polyurethane (PU) was synthesized by prepolymerization method with various isocyanate/ polyol group ([NCO/OH]) ratio in ambient temperature under nitrogen gas. The presence of the urethane bond was observed in all the FTIR spectra of the PU. The carbonyl peak was identified at 1700 cm-1 while the disappearance of isocyanate peak (-NCO) was observed around 2270 cm-1 , indicating a complete usage of the diisocyanate. However, the absorption peak of the carbonyl group (-C=O) in the urethane bond shifted to the left when the diisocyanate content decreased. The FTIR spectroscopy analysis justified that the diisocyanate was the main contributor in the formation of the hard segment of the PU. When the diisocyanate content is decreased, the formation of hard segment of PU will be affected and lowered the extent of polymerization of urethane bond in the PU system. Hence, PU1 may have the strongest urethane bond compared to others.
POST-ANNEALING EFFECTS ON THE STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF RF SPUTTERED ZNO THIN FILMS
The present experimental study investigates the influence of post-annealing in air environment for 90 minutes on the crystal structure, thickness and root mean square (RMS) surface roughness of RF-sputtered ZnO thin film on silica glass substrate. It was found that the as-deposited film exhibits amorphous phase and RMS surface roughness of 5.81 nm with sputtering parameter of 150 W, 50 mTorr, 96% Ar and 4% O2. Meanwhile, annealed film at 400 oC shows diffraction peaks at ( 0 0 2 ) and ( 0 1 1 ) planes with slightly decreased RMS surface roughness of 3.24 nm. The thickest film with a value 209.72 ± 4.54 nm obtained after annealing is suitable for gas sensing application.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HEMATITE (Fe2O3) - HALLOYSITE NANOTUBES (HNTs) NANOCOMPOSITES
Hematite (Fe2O3)-halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via self-assembly of hematite (Fe2O3) nanoparticles and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) building blocks. The nanocomposites were prepared via Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) routes. The as-prepared hematite/HNTs nanocomposites had been characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The analysis of the results, indicates that the samples prepared via PVA routes with ferric nitrate nanohydrate [Fe(NO3)3.9H2O] shows better result in size distribution of nanoparticles. Other than that, based on the analysis of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement, the use of PVA as capping agent in the preparation of hematite/HNTs nanocomposites improved the conductivity properties.
CHARACTERIZATION OF Y3+-DOPED BaZrO3 SYNTHESIZED USING SUPERCRITICAL ETHANOL AT DIFFERENT REACTION TEMPERATURE
Y3+-doped BaZrO3 (BZY) ceramic powder was prepared by a supercritical fluid method using ethanol as a reaction medium. The respective prepared samples were denoted as Z0, Z1, Z2 and Z3 at four different reaction temperatures with constant (4 MPa) reaction pressure. The formation of metal oxides and carbonate impurity in the samples were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The formation of single perovskite phase of BZY sample was identified by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). At 1100 °C, FTIR spectra showed that the carbonate residue still remains in the Z1, Z2 and Z3 samples. However, Z0 free from the carbonate species due to the decomposition of intermediate compounds were completely occurred. The high crystalline single perovskite phase of Z0 was matched to the ‘pure’ BaZrO3 (JCPDs Card: 060399). It was found that the low reaction temperature of ethanol successful produced highly crystallization of BZY ceramic powder.
OIL LOSS IN PALM BIOMASS USING CONTINUOUS STERILIZERS, CONVENTIONAL, AND COMPACT MODULAR CONCEPT: A CASE STUDY FOR FELDA PALM OIL MILLS
The effect of three types of sterilizer [continuous (CS), conventional (CV), and compact modular concept (CMC)] on the oil loss in oil palm biomass was studied. The statistical test was conducted on the oil loss data retrieved from 15 FELDA palm oil mills from 2009 to 2013. The results showed the test was significant where F (p-value 0.007<.05) indicating oil loss in the palm biomass has significant difference, according to its sterilizer system. It can be concluded that the different sterilizer system affected the oil loss in palm biomass. As for the oil loss content in the oil palm biomass, the CS system indicated the lowest oil loss content, followed by the CV system and CMC system. > <.05) indicating oil loss in the palm biomass has significant difference, according to its sterilizer system. It can be concluded that the different sterilizer system affected the oil loss in palm biomass. As for the oil loss content in the oil palm biomass, the CS system indicated the lowest oil loss content, followed by the CV system and CMC system.
OPTIMIZATION IN PREPARATION OF SPENT MUSHROOM FARMING WASTE ACTIVATED CARBON BY KOH ACTIVATION
This study investigates the utilization of Spent Mushroom Farming Waste (SMFW) as a potential precursor for activated carbon (AC) preparation. The AC preparation was conducted using chemical activation method with potassium hydroxide (KOH) as activating agent. The SMFW was impregnated with KOH, dried and carbonized in furnace. The AC was washed using hydrochloric acid (HCl) and distilled water, dried and sieved. The investigated optimization parameters were 0.25 to 1.25 impregnation ratio, 30 to 90 minutes activation time and 400 to 700 oC activation temperature. The prepared AC was measured by quantitative and qualitative analysis. The quantitative analysis referred to carbon percentage yield which represents the quantity of the AC produced. Meanwhile, qualitative analysis was measured by iodine number that reveals the adsorption capacity, high porosity and surface area of AC. The optimum conditions were observed at impregnation ratio KOH: SMFW of 0.5, activation time of 45 min and activation temperature of 500 °C at percentage yield of 21 % and iodine number of 484 mg/g. The AC was characterized with FTIR and proximate analysis. This study provides economic importance due to energy consumption minimization and applicable for industrial application
CYCLIC VOLTAMMETRIC STUDY OF STAINLESS STEEL SUBSTRATE IN ACIDIC CuSO4 SOLUTION
There is a great interest in understanding the electrochemical process of the stainless steel by studying the current-potential peak appeared from a cyclic voltammogram. In this study, the electrochemical reactions of Cu2+ ion on stainless steel surface were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in 0.01 M CuSO4 solution with respect to pH at which Cu2+ ion stable (pH 1 – 3). It was found that the decrease of pH has improved the conductivity and throwing power of the solution as shown by current density produced. Chronological events of Cu2+/Cu reactions (reduction of Cu2+ - nucleation and growth of Cu and oxidation of Cu to Cu2+) on the stainless steel surface during an entire cyclic voltammetric scan in 0.01 M CuSO4 solution at pH 1 were described by the cyclic voltammogram.
MICROWAVE ASSISTED PROCESS (MAP) FOR EXTRACTION OF FRAGRANCES FROM SELECTED MALAYSIAN FLOWER
The Microwave Assisted Process (MAP) is a high-speed method used to selectively extract target compounds from various raw materials. It was originally developed for the extraction of flavors and fragrances from plant materials, which is generally carried out by techniques that require a lot of energy or a long time or a combination of both. In this study, the important process parameters; the time, temperature and microwave power of the microwave extraction system are controlled in order to obtain the highest yield of extracted essential oil in less time. The Microwave Extraction and Conventional Method Extraction are compared for the extraction of essential oil from Jasmine flowers (Jasminum officinale). The Microwave Extraction Method provides more valuable essential oils, reduces the extraction time and allows a substantial saving of energy. After 60 minutes of Microwave Extraction, it is possible to collect sufficient essential oil for analytical determinations, whereas Conventional Method Extraction requires 8 hours. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is used for detection and identification of the extracted compounds. The composition of essential oils isolated by Microwave Extraction and Conventional Method Extraction show a major difference in terms of their aromatic profiles.
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ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE (MCC) FROM RICE HUSK (RH) AND KENAF : A COMPARISON STUDY
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was successfully isolated from rice husk (RH) and kenaf via acid hydrolysis process by using nitric acid (HNO3). RH and kenaf were undergone alkali and bleaching treatment for removal of non-cellulosic materials. The extracted MCC-RH and MCC-kenaf were characterized to study their functional groups, thermal stability and percentage crystallinity. Analysis of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the successive elimination of non- cellulosic constituents in both MCC-RH and MCC-kenaf. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) displayed 58% and 89% crystallinity of the extracted MCC-RH and MCC-kenaf respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed MCC-kenaf exerted the highest crystallinity index value of 64%. The results indicated MCC isolated from RH and kenaf were extracted with high purity, crystallinity index and posed higher percentage crystallinity that able to be utilized in the biocomposite preparation
TURNING PERFORMANCE OF DIAMOND-COATED INSERT
Diamond-coated tungsten carbide (WC) insert is used for machining of non-ferrous material such brass, bronze, aluminium alloy, and metal matrix composite. However in this study, diamond-coated insert was subjected to machine medium carbon steel at cutting speed of 60 mm/min, feed rate of 0.254 mm/rev, and depth of cut 2 mm. The machining test was performed on CNC turning machine. The purpose is to investigate the microstructural changes on the flank and crater of the insert and then postulate the failure mechanism of the insert. From the SEM examinations and EDAX analysis, the two-way transfer materials were observed to occur on the worn surfaces of the insert and workpiece. It was postulated that the carbon contents from the diamond diffused interstitially into the work piece materials and formed metal carbides (MC) on the work piece, thus resulted in the blunting of the diamond-coated insert. This failure mechanism prevents the usage of the diamond-coated insert on machining of the ferrous materials even though it is the hardest material on the earth.
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF ACRYLATED EPOXIDIZED PALM OIL FOR UV CURED COATINGS
Radiation curing technology using palm oil as a raw material has encountered increasing applications in recent years. An acrylated epoxidized palm oil (AEPO) was synthesized from epoxidized palm oil (EPO) using acrylic acid as a ring opening agent. FTIR and 1H-NMR spectra were performed to confirm the formation of acrylate grafting on the fatty acid chain. The AEPO was mixed with four different amounts of photoinitiators using Irgacure 500. Glass substrate surfaces were coated with the resin formulations, subsequently cured under UV light and the coating adhesion were characterized. AEPO vinyl functional group appeared at 1624 cm-1, CH2=CH-COO and also at absorption band of 961cm-1, =C-H. In 1H NMR, the acrylate group CH=CH2 introduced resonate around at δ5.8-6.5 ppm. The increased in viscosity of AEPO, 497.5 Cps was confirmed by appearance of peak at 3417cm-1 in FTIR. In the preparation of AEPO films in UV curing adhesive, AEPO 2wt% have the highest surface hardness. The AEPO 2wt% has the highest gel content whereas the AEPO 2.5wt% had the lowest gel content.
OPTICAL BAND GAP AND IR SPECTRA OF GLASSES IN THE SYSTEM [Nd2O3](x)-[CuO](35-x)-[P2O5](65)
The infra red and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopiy of neodymium copper phosphate glasses on the [Nd2O3](x)-[CuO](35-x)-[P2O5](65) system with 0 10 mol.% has been studied. The study shows existence of phosphate tetrahedral dominates in lattice vibrations. It is also found out that The Urbach energy lie between 0.451 and 0.634 eV, and the optical energy gaps between 0.79 eV to 2.34 eV.
THE PROPERTIES OF GELATIN FROM THE SKIN OF TERUBUK FISH (TENUALOSA TOLI)
Gelatin was successfully extracted from the skin of terubuk (Tenualosa toli) by alkaline and acid pre-treatment method with the yield of 25.12%. The functional group, pH value, and sensory, foaming and emulsifying properties were studied. The FTIR spectra showed that the gelatin has major absorption bands in the amide region. The pH of the gelatin was in acidic range. The sensory evaluation showed that the gelatin has a strong but not offensive odour with the mean sensory of 2.55. The gelatin has low foaming capacity as well as foaming stability with 10% and 6% respectively. The low foaming capacity could be due to the lower percentage of negatively charged amino acids. For emulsifying properties, it showed that the increased of the concentration of gelatin solution the decreased of emulsifying activity index (EAI) as well as the emulsifying stability index (ESI). This might because of at high protein concentration, the diffusion is limited due to the activation energy barrier. Meanwhile, at low protein concentration favours higher EAI because of the ability of the protein to diffuse and adsorb at the oil water interface.
THE INFLUENCE OF FILLER LOADING AND THE CHEMICALLY MODIFIED FILLER SURFACE ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PALM KERNEL SHELL REINFORCED POLYESTER COMPOSITES
Composites of unsaturated polyester (UP)/palm kernel shell (PKS) were prepared by hand lay-up technique. The effect of filler loading and modified PKS surface with silane coupling agent on mechanical properties and morphology of UP/PKS composites were studied. Tensile and flexural tests were done to determine the effect of filler loading on mechanical properties of composites. A silane coupling agent, 3 aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-APE) was used to improve fiber-matrix adhesion. Increased of PKS filler loading in composites have decreased the value of tensile and flexural strength due to poor wettability and dispersion of PKS in matrix, but an increased in tensile and flexural modulus, indicate that stiffness was increased. However, the composites showed further improvement in these properties when treated PKS along with 3-APE was used at the same composition of filler due to better interfacial adhesion between filler and matrix. The study of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed the filler-matrix interaction was improved with an incorporation of 3-APE. Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemically-modified filler showed the appearance of new peak indicating the interaction between 3- APE and PKS filler have been obtained.
THE CHARACTERIZATION OF A SnO2-CuO COMPOSITE–TYPE GAS SENSOR HAVING SENSITIVITY FOR H2 GAS
The hydrogen gas sensing properties and the electrical conductivity of SnO2-CuO composites were investigated at the temperature range of 125 - 400 oC in air and in 200 ppm H2 gas. Four composite samples of SnO2:CuO with the ratio of 4:1, 3:2, 2:3 and 1:4, respectively, were fabricated in the pellet form by mechanically pressing and sintered at 800 oC for 3 h in air. The electrical conductivity of the composites was found to increase with the increasing content of CuO and the SnO2:4CuO composite showed the highest conductivity value. On the other hand, 2SnO2:3CuO composite was found to have the highest sensitivity to 200 ppm H2 gas and may be suitable for use as a H2 gas sensor.
ELECTRICAL AND HYDROGEN GAS SENSING PROPERTIES OF ZnO-CuO COMPOSITES
Composites of xZnO:CuO with 1 ≤ x ≤ 3 composition ratio were fabricated in the form of pellets by sintering at 800oC. Their electrical conductivity and hydrogen gas sensitivity were examined between 100 and 500oC. Sample consisting of 1.5ZnO:CuO was found to have the highest sensitivity to both 5%H2 and 200 ppm H2. The sensitivity of the samples was found to decrease for the values of x greater than 2. The samples also shows higher sensitivity to 5%H2 than 200 ppm H2 above 250oC. The electrical conductivity of the composites varies with temperature and has a minimum values when the ZnO content is about 60-67 mole% for temperature above 350oC.