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)
MICROWAVE DIELECTRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF TURMERIC
Dielectric properties of turmeric were measured at frequencies 0.2 to 20 GHz and temperature 26°C using the HP-85070B open-ended coaxial line probe coupled with a computer controlled Automated Network Analyzer (ANA). For all samples the dielectric constant decrease with increasing frequency. There is a sudden drop in the dielectric loss factor at 0.2 GHz due to ionic losses. At 1.5 GHz, the loss factor increases gradually to a constant value. The penetration depth is dependent on the evaporated moisture in the low frequency region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Azila Aziz, Jumiah Hassan, Kaida Khalid , Zulkifly Abbas (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Bi3Mg2Nb3O14 PYROCHLORE
Synthesis of Bi3Mg2Nb3O14 pyrochlore was carried out using conventional solid-state method. Phase formation and electrical properties of Bi3Mg2Nb3O14 pyrochlore were investigated by employment of different instruments. X-ray diffraction technique was applied to analyze the phase purity of the prepared Bi3Mg2Nb3O14 pyrochlore. The surface morphology of Bi3Mg2Nb3O14 pyrochlore was examined by scanning electron microscope. Electrical properties of this sample were studied using ac impedance analyzer, HP4192A in the frequency range of 5 Hz – 13 MHz. The “ideal” Bi3Mg2Nb3O14 formed at 1025°C as cubic pyrochlore with minute traces of secondary phase. The dielectric constant was ~110 at room temperature at 1 MHz. The sample showed negative temperature coefficient of relative permittivity, TCε’ ~ -480 ppm/°C in the temperature range of 25 -300°C and low dielectric loss, tan δ, 10-3 at 1 MHz.
Copyright (c) 2026 P.Y. Tan, K.B. Tan, Z. Zainal, S.K. Chen, C.C. Khaw (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SYNTHESIS AND OPTICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF Co NANOPARTICLES DISPERSED ON POLYMER MATRIX BY GAMMA RADIATION
Cobalt nanoparticles were synthesized using reduction of 60Co gamma source with dose range 10-50 kGy in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer as a capping agent. Radiation synthesis has the advantages of without the use of reducing agent and catalyst and the cobalt nanoparticles aggregated immediately upon irradiation. The Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer and Nanophox measurement revealed the formation of cobalt nanoparticles by exhibiting surface plasmon absorption maxima at 500 nm. The size distribution of the cobalt nanoparticles was influenced by the concentration of CoCl2 and absorbed dose of gamma rays irradiation .
Copyright (c) 2026 H.I. Suhaila, Elias Saion, S.A. Halim, S.M.N. Najah, S.M. Iskandar, M. Abdo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NEW Bi1.5-xCuNb1.5+xO7+x PYROCHLORES
A new pyrochlore solid solution, Bi1.5-xCuNb1.5+xO7+x has been synthesized using conventional solid state method. The synthesized ceramic samples were fired at 925ºC and their phase purities were analyzed using Shimadzu XRD-6000, X-ray powder diffractometer. The refinement process was performed using Chekcell programme with Fd-3m symmetry. The cubic pyrochlore structures were confirmed with a = 10.5024 (3) Å and 10.5092 (5) Å for x = 0.1 and x = 0.2, respectively. Lattice constants of the cubic pyrochlore have been found increased with increase of Nb content. On the other hand, the resulting powder was pelletized and sintered at sintering temperature prior to impedance spectroscopy (IS) measurement. The electrical measurement was carried out in the frequency range of 0.1 Hz – 10 MHz over a temperature from room temperature to 800ºC, in both cooling and heating cycles.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chon Mun Ping, Tan Kar Ban, Khaw Chwin Chieh, Zulkarnain Zainal, Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF La0.67Sr0.33Mn1-xTixO3 WITH x = 0.4 and 0.6
The dielectric properties of Ti-substituted La0.67Sr0.33Mn1-xTixO3 with x = 0.4 and 0.6 as a function of frequency and temperature have been investigated. The samples have been prepared using the conventional solid state reaction method at 1300oC. Both samples showed rhombohedral structure with R3C space group. The grain size of x = 0.4 and 0.6 are ~2.5 to 3.3 μm and ~0.4 to 0.9 μm respectively. The dielectric constant, ε' of the samples decreases with frequency but increases with temperature. We have successfully obtained very high dielectric constant material. The highest ε' value for LSMT with x = 0.4 and 0.6 are at frequency of 10 Hz and temperature 300 K, which are ~5.7 x 106 and ~2.4 x 106. The tan δ increases with temperature for x = 0.6 but shows a peak at a certain temperature for x = 0.4. Sample with x = 0.4 has better dielectric properties compared to x = 0.6 sample because it has higher ε' and lower tan δ value. At 175 K and 1 kHz sample with x = 0.4 shows the best dielectric properties with a high ε’ value and low tan δ which are 1.1 x 105 and 0.8 respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Z. Zalita, S.A. Halim, W.D.W. Yusoff, Z.A. Talib, K.P. Lim, M. Mazni (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DEVELOPMENT OF TiO2 NANOTUBES VIA ANODIZATION FOR DEGRADATION OF METHYL ORANGE
TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by anodization of titanium foil (Ti) in an electrochemical bath consisiting fluorinated ethylene glycol/glycerol organic solvents. The pH of the bath was kept constant at pH~7 and the anodization time was varied (1, 15, 20, 30 and 60 min) to study the formation of well ordered TiO2 nanotubes. The crystal structure was studied by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the morphology was observed via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The average tube diameter and tube length was found to be increase with increasing anodization time. Crystallization of the nanotubes to anatase phase occurred at 300 °C while rutile formation occurred at 600 °C. Sintegration of the nanotube arrays was observed at 700 °C. Photocatalytic activity of the nanotubes produced in different annealing temperature was also evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange. The detail of the observation is discussed thoroughly in this paper.
Copyright (c) 2026 Khairul Arifah Saharudin, Srimala Sreekantan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
LEAKAGE CURRENT BEHAVIOR OF Al/Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3/Pt THIN FILM CAPACITOR
Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 ferroelectric ceramic thin film is prepared via sol-gel technique and fabricated as Al/BST/Pt capacitor. The leakage current mechanism has been studied under positive bias using semiconductor parameter analyzer. The results show that the leakage current is Ohmic conduction at low applied electric field, space charge limited conduction at higher applied field, and it is Schottky emission for all applied electric field regions. The leakage current density increases from 3.63×10-8 to 7.66×10-8 A/cm as the electric field increases from 2.39×104 V/cm up to 3.91×104 V/cm, these values quite low compared to the values reported in the literature for the same value of applied field. Furthermore, the breakdown strength of BST thin film has been discussed; the results show that it has high breakdown strength.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ala’eddin A. Saif, Nurhafizah Ramli, P. Poopalan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CHARACTERIZATION AND PROPERTIES OF ALUMINIUM- SILICA SAND NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITES
Aluminium base alloys have mostly been used as structural components and aerospace application due to light weight and environmental resistance. However aluminium pure powder product’s applications were limited despite many potential merits. The present study aims to develop an aluminium matrix composite with nanoparticle silica sand. The nanoparticle silica sand with average particle size of less than 100nm was produced by several stages of ball mill and heating combinations. Aluminium matrix composites with 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt.% of nanoparticles silica sand were developed through powder metallurgy technique. It was observed that addition of 8 wt.% nanoparticles silica sand was able to increase the hardness and tensile strength of the composites up to 50 HRB and 323.77 MPa, respectively. Despite of decreasing in its density the composite showed improvement in mechanical properties.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tahir Ahmed, Othman Mamat (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EFFECTS OF THERMAL ANNEALING ON THE PROPERTIES OF HIGHLY REFLECTIVE nc-Si:H/a-CNx:H MULTILAYER FILMS PREPARED BY r. f. PECVD TECHNIQUE
The effects of thermal annealing in the range of 100-700°C on highly reflecting multilayer thin film consisting of 7 periods of alternating nc-Si:H/a-CNx:H layers prepared by radio-frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapour (r.f. PECVD) deposition technique were investigated. The films were deposited on quartz and <111>p-type c-Si substrate and were studied using ultra-violet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis NIR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The as-deposited multilayered films show high reflectivity and wide stop band width at a wavelength of approximately 650 ± 60 nm and the value starts to reduce as the annealing temperature, TA increase. Its FTIR spectra showed the formation of Si-H and Si-H2 bonds in the nc Si:H layer and C=C, C=N, C≡N, C-H and N-H bonds in a-CNx:H layer. The films remain thermally stable up to the TA of 400°C and then begin to degrade above this temperature. The results shows that both a-CNx:H and nc-Si:H were affected by heat treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 N.M.A. Rashid, R. Ritiikos, B.T. Goh, S.M.A. Gani, M.R. Muhamad, S.A. Rahman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
MAGNETOTRANSPORT AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF COLOSSAL MAGNETORESISTIVE La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 AT DIFFERENT SINTERING TEMPERATURE
The magnetotransport and electrical properties of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSMO) compounds prepared by simple chemical co-precipitation route and sintered at 1120oC, 1220oC and 1320oC were studied. All the samples are indexed in the rhombohedral structure with R3C space group. From this study, TIM remained nearly constant (~290K) for samples sintered at 1120oC and 1220oC. Resistivity values were fitted with several equations in the metallic (ferromagnetic) region. Whereas at insulating (paramagnetic) region, variable range hopping (VRH) and small polaron hopping (SPH) models were used to estimate the density of states at Fermi level, N (EF), and activation energy of the electron.
Copyright (c) 2026 S.T. Shilan, L.S. Ewe, W.N. Voon, K.P. Lim (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
O2 PLASMA BASED SIZE REDUCTION FOR NANO ELECTRONICS DEVICE FABRICATION
The field of plasma chemistry has provided some understanding of plasma processes. By controlling plasma conditions and gas mixtures, ultra-fast plasma cleaning and etching is possible. Plasma has frequently been used by the industry as a last step surface preparation technique in an otherwise predominant wet-etched process. With enhanced organic removal rate, plasma processes become more desirable as an environmentally sound alternative to traditional solvent or acid dominated process, not only as a cleaning tool, but also as a patterning and machining tool. In this paper, photoresist (PR) stripping using O2 plasma process in nanogap fabrication is explained including many parameters for PR patterning with limited time in O2 plasma process. And the applications that have not been possible with limited usefulness, plasma processes are now approaching the realm of possibility. We introduce this proposal to fabricate the nanogap device using O2 plasma technique as a size reduction for biosensor fabrication. In this review, the 2 masks designs are proposed. The first mask is for the lateral nanogap and the second mask is for a gold pad electrode pattern, and lateral nanogap is introduced in the fabrication process using polysilicon, and gold as an electrode. Conventional photolithography technique is used to fabricate this nanogap (NG) based on the plasma etching technique.
Copyright (c) 2026 Th. S. Dhahi, U. Hashim, N.M. Ahmed, A. Mat Taib (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THERMAL BEHAVIOUR OF LAYERED ORGANIC-INORGANIC NANOCOMPOSITE: BETA-NAPHTOXYACETIC ACID INTERCALATED INTO ZINC-ALUMINIUM LAYERED DOUBLE HYDROXIDE
An organic-inorganic nanohybrid material of zinc-aluminium-layered double hydroxide containing beta-naphtoxyacetic acid (BNOA) as the interlamella anion was synthesized using co-prepitation method. BNOA ion was successfully intercalated into Zn-Al layered double hydroxide by expanding the interlayer spacing from 8.93 Å to 19.46 Å based on the PXRD diffractogram of the nanocomposite. Thermal composition (calcination) of the nanocomposite (Zn-Al-BNOA) was studied by heating the samples at 100 – 800 °C under atmospheric condition. The layered structure of the nanocomposite collapsed when the sample was heated at 350 °C and the formation of ZnO phase was observed at 400 °C and higher. Further characterization for the FTIR and organic-inorganic composition and SEM, were also carried out.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zaemah Jubri, Nor Zalina Anua Mohd Yusoff, Siti Halimah Sarijo, Elya Sufliza Marsom (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
INVERTED BULK HETEROJUNCTION ORGANIC SOLAR CELL WITH ZnO NANOROD ARRAYS
Inverted bulk heterojunction organic solar cells based on a blend of poly[2-methoxy-5 (2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEHPPV) as donor and (6,6)-Phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as acceptor with a structure of FTO/ZnO nanorods array/MEHPPV:PCBM/Au utilizing ZnO nanorods array as electron collecting layer and gold as a hole collecting electrode were investigated. The organic layer consisting of MEHPPV and PCBM was spin-coated on ZnO nanorod arrays. ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates which were pre-coated with ZnO nanoparticles using a low temperature chemical solution method. The device gave a short circuit current density of 0.18 mA/cm2 and an open circuit voltage of 0.38 V under illumination of a simulated AM 1.5 G sunlight at 100 mW/cm2. The power conversion efficiency of the solar cell was increased from 0.0015 % to 0.016 % through the introduction of ZnO nanorods arrays.
Copyright (c) 2026 C.C. Yap, M. Yahaya, M.M. Salleh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
OPTIMIZED CONDITIONS FOR SYNTHESIS OF Na-A ZEOLITE FROM COAL FLY ASH BY APPLYING THE RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used in this study to determine the optimum conditions for the synthesis of Na-A zeolites from coal fly ash (CFA). Application of this methodology allows a better understanding of the influence of various factors (Si/Al ratio (0.5-1.5), incubation temperature (70-120 °C) and time of incubation (2–4 days)) on the synthesis of zeolites. The Box–Behnken design was applied with different levels of the factors, determining its influence on yield percent in order to obtain contour plots. The silicates and aluminates were extracted from coal fly ash (CFA) with 4M NaOH solution assisted by microwave irradiation (power level 100 watts) for 6 minutes followed by incubation at various temperatures. The products isolated were characterized by their XRD images and found to be Na-A zeolites, sodalite octahydrate and gibbsite. The highest percent yield of product was obtained at 0.5 SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio, 70 °C incubation temperature for 3 days, the product however, was not a zeolite. It was gibbsite which contains Al(OH)3. Na-A zeolite was formed at SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio 1-1.5, incubation temperature was 70 – 95 °C and 2-4 days of incubation and the highest yield was observed at SiO2\Al2O3 ratio = 1, incubation temperature 70 oC for 4 days. The contour plots showed that the yield percent of the product was inversely proportional to the three factors used. The order of effectiveness of the factors on yield percent is: SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio > incubation temperature > duration of incubation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Salam Matlob, Rose Aini Kamarudin, Zaemah Jubri, Zainab Ramli (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THERMAL PROPERTIES OF TERNARY TELLURITE GLASS SYSTEM
Ternary tellurite glass system of [(TeO2)60 (B2O3)40]1-y[Ag2O]y glasses had been synthesized by melt quenching method. The thermal expansion coefficient of the glasses was determined between 30oC and 210oC. Experimental results indicate that the thermal expansion varies with micro structural of the glass system. Transition temperature and Debye temperature decrease with Ag2O due to loose packing of the glass network.
Copyright (c) 2026 M.K. Halimah, W.M. Daud, H.A.A. Sidek, S.M. Iskandar, A.W. Zaidan, A.M. Khamirul (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CATALYST PERFORMANCE TESTING: CATALYTIC CONVERSION OF DILUTED GLYCEROL TO HIGHER VALUE ADDED PRODUCT
Glycerol production has increased dramatically over the passed few years as a result of tremendous biodiesel demand. Glycerol can be converted to various higher value added products. One of the products that can be converted from glycerol is olefin. Olefin has numerous benefits as it is tough, light and stain resistant. This study will focus on the analysis of the effect of reactant and catalyst bed dilution on the conversion of glycerol to olefin. The temperature for this reaction is set at 700°C as high temperature will favour high olefin production. Feed of glycerol/water mixture are varied at from 5 to 60wt%. The dilution of well mixed catalyst bed was varied to different degree of dilution to observe the conversion of glycerol using glass pellet as the inert material. Highest conversion was obtained when the catalyst and diluents were very well mixed. With higher degree of catalyst dilution, the yield of olefin increase as the dilution fraction approaches one.
Copyright (c) 2026 Z. Y. Zakaria, I. F. A. Mohamad, N. A. S. Amin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
IMPEDANCE STUDIES ON THE SUB-MICRON GRAIN Yb-DOPED Ba(Ce,Zr)O3 CERAMICS AT INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURES
A ceramic of Ba(Ce0.6Zr0.4)0.95Yb0.05O2.975 was prepared by the Pechini method. Morphology of the fractured surface of sintered pellet was observed using a scanning electron microscope. The sample formed clear and compact grains with submicron sizes. Impedance data were collected using a high frequency response analyzer under wet hydrogen in the temperature range from 200 to 800 oC. At T ≤ 250 oC, the high frequency arc corresponding to grain response, the mid-frequency arc due to the grain boundary response, and low frequency arc attributed to the electrode/electrolyte interface were observed. Above 300 oC, the grain resistance was obtained from the intercept of the grain boundary arc with the real axis at high frequency. It was also noticed that above 300 oC, the Z-imaginary data at high frequencies changed its sign to positive values. All the responses were resolved by the fitting procedure using an equivalent circuit representing the brick-layer model. Arrhenius plot of proton conductivity and capacitances associated with the grain and grain boundary of Ba(Ce0.6Zr0.4)0.95Yb0.05O2.975 are also presented.
Copyright (c) 2026 N. Osman, I. A. Talib, H. A. Hamid (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DEGRADATION AND DRUG RELEASE STUDIES OF COPOLYMER OF (1,3 BIS(P-CARBOXYPHENOXY)PROPANE (CPP) AND SEBACIC ACID (SA) LOADED WITH CIS PLATIN
The degradation and drug release studies of poly((1,3-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy))propane co-sebasic acid) loaded with cis platin are studied through various means. The drug loaded samples were first prepared from compression molding technique and degraded in 0.01M phosphate buffer saline at 37°C with pH of 7.4 at predetermined time. Interaction of drug and the polymer was monitored through FTIR and DSC. The influence of the drug to the degradation behaviour of the copolymer was detected through mass loss and water uptake and also pH changes. Variable Pressure Scanning Electron (VPSEM) was used in studying of the effect of degradation to the surface topography of the samples. The drug release profile is monitored through the U.V. spectroscopy work.
Copyright (c) 2026 M. Yusuf, F. S. Abdul Rahman, N. A. Johan, S. A. Abu Bakar, K. Noorsal (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ATMOSPHERIC PLASMA SPRAY OF NiCrAlY BOND COAT WITH DIFFERENT FEED RATES
Thermal barrier coating (TBC) is used to reduce the temperature imposed on hot section of the component, which are subjected to high temperature such as gas turbine and diesel engine. TBC consist of a metal bond coat (MNiCrAlY, M=Ni Co) and a ceramic top layer (ZrO2/Y2O3). The bond coat is used to mediate the contact between the top coat and the metal alloy substrates, while the top coat of zirconia coating offer an excellent thermal shock resistance as a thermal barrier coating. In this study, the bond coat of Ni22Cr10Al1.0Y powders were deposited on M2 steel substrates by atmospheric plasma spray technique repeated at three different feed rate i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 rpm while other parameters were kept constant. The surface morphology demonstrates overlapping splat and other appears to be poorly consolidated by fine particles, with no definite splat structure. Results show that an increase in feed rate resulted in increase of thickness of bond coat and surface roughness but decrease in hardness of the coatings. The studies also show that deposition of ZrO2-8Y2O3 has higher resistance towards hot corrosion when compared to the application of bond coat only.
Copyright (c) 2026 S. Istikamah, M. F, Fazira, R. J. Talib (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EFFECT OF METHANE FLOW RATE ON THE PROPERTIES OF HWCVD SILICON CARBIDE THIN FILMS
Silicon carbide (SiC) thin films were prepared by Hot Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition (HWCVD) from SiH4/CH4 gases on glass and crystalline silicon substrates. The SiH4 gas flow rate was 1 sccm and influences of CH4 gas flow rate, [CH4], on structural properties of SiC thin films were investigated. The mean crystallite size was increased with decreasing [CH4] from 100 to 10 sccm. Infrared absorption spectra showed that the Si–C bonds increased with decreasing the methane gas flow rate.
Copyright (c) 2026 F. Shariatmadar Tehrani, R. Ritiikos, B. T. Goh, M.R. Muhamad, S. A. Rahman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FLUORESCENCE GAS SENSOR BASED ON CdTe QUANTUM DOTS FOR DETECTION OF VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS GAS
The CdTe quantum dots (QDs) synthesized using a wet chemical process was utilized an attempt to develop thin film sensor for detection of organic vapors. A sensor system was setup, comprises an excitation light source made of laser diode, a dual arm fiber optic probe, a spectrometer, a sensor chamber and a nitrogen gas for driving the vapor sample from the vapor compartment. The QDs thin film was deposited by dropping QDs solution onto the probe surface and let them dried in the ambient temperature. The detection of organic vapors was done by comparing the photoluminescence (PL) spectra the thin film exposed in the nitrogen gas and in organic vapors. The PL intensity of the CdTe thin film was quenched by the presence organic vapors with the increasing of a reaction of time until reached the saturation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Norhayati Abu Bakar, Aidhia Rahmi, Akrajas Ali Umar, Muhammad Mat Salleh, Muhammad Yahaya (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SYNTHESIS OF MgB2 FROM MgB4 THROUGH COMBINATORIAL SOLID STATE REACTION ROUTES
MgB4 was first prepared from the elemental magnesium and boron powders, followed by acid-washed in order to remove the primary impurity of MgO. In the second step, appropriate amount of Mg was added into the MgB4 powders and sintered in the temperature range of 650°C to 950°C for 8 hours. XRD spectra showed that MgB2 appeared as the main phase. The relative intensity fraction for MgB2 was found to decrease while this value was increased for MgB4 and MgO upon increasing the sintering temperature. Scanning electron microscopy showed a denser microstructure compared to samples prepared by direct in-situ reaction of (Mg + 2B). The density was found to decrease with increasing sintering temperature possibly due to the loss of Mg.
Copyright (c) 2026 K.L. Tan, K.Y. Tan, K.P. Lim, S.A. Halim, S.K. Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EFFECT OF Zr ADDITION ON Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oδ SUPERCONDUCTOR
The effect of Zr doping on 2223 phase of BSCCO system with general formula of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3OδZrX has been studied via XRD and resistance measurement to determine its crystalline structure and critical temperature, TC respectively. All samples were prepared using conventional solid state reaction technique that involved a series of mixing and grinding. Generally, all samples exhibit metallic behaviour above TConset (>108K except in x = 0.2 where TC-onset ~ 80K). A single-step features was observed in all samples except in x = 0.15 and x = 0.2. The zero-resistance temperature, TC(R=0) decreased as the content of Zr was increased with the Zr-free recorded the highest value at 100 K while the lowest TC(R=0) was recorded in x = 0.2 with 56 K. The ZrO2 was incorporated into the crystalline structure of BSCCO system in all samples except for x = 0.15 and x = 0.2. A few peaks of ZrO2 were detected in the samples. The volume for fraction of 2223:2212 in samples x =0.00 – x =0.10 is approximately 74:26 but drastically decreased to 38:72 in x = 0.15 and x = 0.20. The crystallographic structure remains in tetragonal form where a = b ≠ c. The c-lattice that plays an important role of superconducting properties was not significantly affected by the Zr addition up to x =0.10. However the c-lattice decreased in other samples.
Copyright (c) 2026 H. Azhan, F. Fariesha, S. Khalida (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SIMULTANEOUS ANALYSIS OF CONDUCTIVITY AND CONCENTRATION OF SALINE SOLUTIONS AND SEA WATER AT MICROWAVE FREQUENCIES FROM DIELECTRIC INVESTIGATION
Prediction of conductivity and concentration of saline solutions and sea water are calculated from dielectric spectra at microwave frequencies of 2 GHz and 5 GHz respectively. The calculation is based on two different previously published empirical models relating to conductivity and concentration. An empirical relationship is established and is used to find corrected calculated conductivity and concentration. The expected results are verified with standard measurement where correlation coefficient of given is 0.98 and above. The data is useful as tools for quality indication of liquid samples.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohd Amiruddin Abd Rahman, Kaida Khalid , Jumiah Hassan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
EFFECT OF SINTERING DURATION ON MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 PEROVSKITE
La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) powder has been prepared by conventional solid state method. The evolution of structure formation on magnetic properties via single-stage and multi-stage sintering process were studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis showed that better crystallinity was observed in multi-stage sintered sample. The enhancement of crystallinity in multi-stage sintered sample is due to intermediate grinding process which provides more homogenous size, better diffusion and grain connection between particles. The increasing of crystallinity enhanced the magnetization for multi-stage sintered sample.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF NEW PROCESS NATURAL RUBBER BY DYNAMIC MECHANICAL THERMAL ANALYSIS AND GABO FLEXOMETER
Malaysian Rubber Board has developed a new grade of rubber using a new process and technique for production of field coagulum grades. Research showed that the new process natural rubber (NPR) has low gel content, better processability, low modulus and similar recovery behaviour and physical properties compared to commercial Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR). Further research is carried out to determine the dynamic properties of NPR by Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) and Gabo flexometer. The DMTA measures the tan delta values of material when exposed to temperatures from -70°C to 80°C at constant deformation. The Gabo flexometer machine can be used to determine heat build-up and viscoelastic properties of rubber undergoing rapid cyclic deformations at certain frequency or over a range of frequencies. The cyclic deformation behavior of rubber is important in products such as an indication of tyre performance, bearing, v-belts, and cable pulley insert rings etc. which are subjected to dynamic flexing in service. The dynamic properties of NPR are compared with commercial grades SMR 10 and SMR CV 60. DMTA results show that the vulcanizates give almost similar curves and values at both 0°C and 60°C indicating little differences in the compound’s wet grip and rolling resistance properties for the three grades of rubber. The Gabo flexometer machine determined heat build-up and viscoelastic properties of rubber. The results indicate that the NPR generates the lowest heat build-up value and low tan delta as compared to SMR 10 and SMR CV60. As a general conclusion, NPR could be advantages as an alternative material for tyre applications.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MAGNETIC COLE-COLE LIKE PLOT AND DIELECTRIC COLE-COLE PLOT IN POLYCRYSTALLINE NICKEL ZINC FERRITE
Polycrystalline nickel zinc ferrite of composition Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 has been synthesized by using the conventional ceramic technique. The dielectric constant ε’ and dielectric loss ε’’ were found to increase as the sintering temperature increased and to decrease as the frequency increased. Meanwhile, the real part of magnetic permeability μ’ and the imaginary part μ’’ showed dependence on the microstructure and frequency in a manner very similar to that shown by ε’ and ε’’ above. A dielectric cole-cole diagram can be obtained by plotting the dielectric loss ε’’ against the dielectric constant ε’. The cole cole diagram is generally used for studying the dielectric polarization characteristics by following the variation of dielectric loss ε’’ with dielectric constant ε’. From this work, it is possible to use magnetic cole-cole like plots to deduce magnetization polarization mechanisms associated with magnetic domain wall movement and magnetic spin rotation as it is possible to deduce interfacial polarization and dipolar polarization from dielectric cole-cole plots.
EFFECTS OF NANO-SiC ADDITION ON THE SUPERCONDUCTING PROPERTIES OF MAGNESIUM DIBORIDE
In this study, we report the results on phase formation, microstructures, and superconducting properties of a series of MgB2 samples with different level of SiC additions. The polycrystalline samples were prepared via solid state reaction by mixing magnesium, boron and silicone carbide powders according to the ratio of Mg:B:SiC = 1:2:x. XRD spectra showed that MgB2 is the primary phase while Mg2Si, MgO and MgB4, together with some unreacted SiC are the secondary phases as the addition increases. The presence of Mg2Si became more significant as the addition level increased. SEM images showed smaller grains as the addition level increases indicating more grain boundaries were formed. The Tc was as low as 30.5K for x=15wt%. The field dependence of Jc showed that x=1wt% sample gave the best performance at both 5K and 20K.
EFFECT OF Li2O ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF Nd2O3 DOPED TELLURITE GLASS
The effects of Li2O on the physical properties of mixed alkali tellurite glasses of the system Nd2O3-(10-x) PbO-xLi2O-89TeO2 such as refractive index and microhardness have been identified. The glass densities were varied from 5903.30 kg m-3 to 5710.43 kg m-3 with respect to mol % of Li2O. The decreasing trend in density implies that addition with atomic masses less than PbO tend to decrease the packing density of the glass structures since the atomic masses of Li2O and PbO are 29.88 and 223.19, respectively. However, the refractive indices and microhardness of the glass showed anomaly trend. From these results, other physical parameters such as reflection loss, molar refractivity, ionic concentration, electronic polarizability and inter-ionic separation have also been identified. The parameter non-linearly with respect to mol% of Li2O content.
PALM OIL POLYOL/ POLYURETHANE SHAPE MEMORY NANOCOMPOSITES
A series of nanoclay reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane with shape memory effect have been successfully synthesized via two-step polymerization process. The polyurethanes are composed of polycaprolactonediol, palm oil polyol, 4,4’ diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol. Nanoclay was added in order to improve the overall properties of the pristine polyurethane. Besides, the addition of palm oil polyol is believed to enhance the crosslinking process and further improve the properties. X-ray diffraction result showed that there is a decrease in crystallinity of polyurethane nanocomposites as clay is added. Good shape memory and mechanical properties of resulting polyurethane nanocomposites were obtained in this work.