International Journal of Nanoelectronics and Materials (IJNeaM) https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam <p style="text-align: justify;">IJNeaM aims to publish original work of importance in the fields of nanoscience and engineering. Topics covered including Theoretical, Simulation, Synthesis, Design and Fabrication of Nanomaterials and Nanodevices; Metals, Insulators, and Semiconductors with a focus on Electronic, Structural, Magnetic, Optical, Thermal, Transport, Mechanical and other properties for the specialists in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics and Materials Science. IJNeaM accepts submission in the form of Reviews, Research Articles, Short Communications, and selected conference papers.</p> en-US ijneam@unimap.edu.my (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Voon Chun Hong) norhanim@unimap.edu.my (Norhanim Hashim) Tue, 02 Apr 2024 03:00:40 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.13 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Characterization of Nanocrystalline SnS Thin Film Fabricated used PLD Method for Photodetection Applications https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/656 <p>Pulsed laser deposition was used to create tin sulfide (SnS) nanoparticles with a Nd:YAG laser (700 mJ) with laser pulses of (200, 250, 300, and 350 pulses). Nanoparticles were created and investigated using XRD, AFM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to understand their optical, topographical, and electrical properties. After that, a SnS photodetector was built for the first time, and its performance, photoresponse, and sensitivity were evaluated. The development of monocrystalline SnS films was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination. Clear crystallization with increased crystalline size and the optimum orientation was observed in the sample synthesized SnS thin film treated with 300 pulses. The crystallite size increased from 44 at 200 to 77 nm for 350 pulses. These films were characterized by better surface morphology with (111) preferred crystals. In addition, atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies showed that the average diameter of generated SnS nanoparticles rose from (39.4 nm to 64.7) nm when the laser pulses increased in pulsed laser deposition. Transmission measurements were used to determine the films' absorption coefficient energy gap (Eg), and they showed that the optical transition was direct and that the transmittance value dropped with increasing laser pulses. Band gap energy is reduced from 2.139 to 1.773 eV. Moreover, Hall Effect measurements on all samples demonstrate that all thin films were n-type, with charge carrier concentration increasing with increased pulses and carrier mobility decreasing with increased pulses. The photodetectors ' photosensitivity was evaluated in the dark after depositing Al contacts on SnS thin films through a metal mask. The Pulses of enhancement cause a red shift in the values of particular detectivity and quantum efficiency. The highest responsivity was obtained at 350 pulses, 6.72×10−1 AW−1. The high (QE) of 150% at 200 p and detectivity of 2.9×1011 cm, Hz1/2.W-1 at 300p.</p> Suad M.Kadhim Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/656 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Morphology, Crystallinity and Thermal Properties of Nanocrystalline Cellulose Isolated of Sisal Fiber by Acid Hydrolysis-Ultrasonication https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/657 <p>Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) from natural Agave sisalana (Sisal) fibers were isolated using a combination of chemical and mechanical processes. The chemical treatment begins with soaking the fiber in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution with a concentration of 5 wt.% at a temperature of 90°C for 60 minutes. Then following by bleaching (fiber refining) using a hydrogen peroxide solution (H2O2) with a concentration of 3 wt.% (weight), at a temperature of 60°C, and pH of 10 for 30 minutes. It aims to eliminate the presence of hemicellulose and lignin contained in the fiber. Fibrillation Micro into nano Sisal fibers using sulfuric acid (hydrolysis process). Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) with 55 wt.% at temperature 60°C for 30 minutes produced NCC with a diameter of 5±1 nm (D) and a length of 260±10 nm (L), as seen using a TEM (transmission electron microscope). The web-like network structured shape of NCC results in a high aspect ratio (L/D) value is 52. The acid hydrolysis-ultrasonication process produced a high crystallinity index of 78.82% through the XRD (x-ray diffraction) test. The crystallinity and aspect ratio of NCC show that Sisal fiber is a suitable material as a filler for bio-nanocomposite materials. The maximum temperature (Tmax) of NCC decreased by 10°C due to sulfate ions attached to the cellulose structure, causing the thermal stability to drop from 348°C to 338°C.</p> Ferriawan Yudhanto, Venditias Yudha, Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Jamir, Indran Suyambulingam, Pinar Terzioglu, Sudarisman Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/657 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Study of the Structural and Optical Properties of the TiO2:Au Nanocomposite Mixture Prepared by Laser Ablation Method https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/658 <p>In this study, TiO2, Au, and a mixture of TiO2: Au nanoparticles (NPs) were produced using a Nd: YAG pulsed laser. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy, and Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV) was used to characterize the produced nanoparticles. The XRD patterns of TiO2 NP showed that the diffraction peaks values were corresponded to the ICDD card number (21-1272) for the anatase form of TiO2 NPs. The XRD patterns of Au NPs values were corresponded to the ICDD card number (00-004-0784) of Au NPs. The XRD patterns the mixture TiO2: Au nanoparticle with mixing ratios (4:1, 3:2 and 2.5:2.5), it was found that the diffraction peaks were (2θ~ 38.138° and 64.687°) of TiO2 nano-particles, and the diffraction peaks were (2θ~ 44.341° and 77.577° ) Au NPs. The average crystalline size of the prepared nanoparticles was determined by Scherer's technique, it was found that the average crystalline size (TiO2 NPs) is (23.36 nm), whereas mixing titanium oxide with gold nanoparticles (TiO2: Au) increased the average crystallite size to (34.18, 34.15, and 34.20 nm) for the mixing ratios (4:1, 3:2, and 2.5:2.5), respectively. The TEM images showed that the TiO2 NPs are light grey in the combination of (TiO2: Au) NPs, while for the ratio (4-1), the Au NPs are dark, spherical spheres. However, when the ratio of Au particles is increased to (2:3), the TiO2 particles remain light grey but are smaller in size. The absorption spectra of pure TiO2 NPs is in the UV spectrum, whereas the absorption spectrum of the (TiO2: Au) mixture shifts towards the wavelengths of visible light in the range (520-540 nm), according to the optical characteristics of TiO2 NPs and a mixture of (TiO2:Au) NPs. The optical energy gap of pure TiO2 NPs is 3.22eV, and it decreases as the proportion of gold nanoparticles in the mixture increases.</p> Adnan A. Mohammed, Hiba J. Jaafer Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/658 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Effect Of Quarry Dust On Mechanical Properties Of Rice Husk Ash-Based Concrete For Sustainable Environment https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/683 <p>As the global population has continued to grow, the costs and environmental issues associated with traditional construction materials like cement and river sand have become increasingly problematic. This research aimed to explore an alternative and eco-friendly approach to traditional building materials. The researchers conducted an experimental program to assess the mechanical properties of the rice husk ash-based concrete at different curing ages 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Following the mix design, the concrete was produced using water to binder ratio of 0.5. A series of experiments were conducted on both fresh and hardened states to investigate the impact of quarry dust on rice husk ash-based concrete. It was observed from the experimental results that when 40% of the quarry dust was used as a replacement for fine aggregates, the concrete exhibited the highest strength. After 28 days of curing, the compressive strength showed a 0.65% improvement, while the splitting tensile strength displayed a 1.77% enhancement compared to the reference mix. To ensure the reliability of the experimental findings, a statistical analysis was conducted. The study concluded that certain factors, such as quarry dust, curing duration, and rice husk ash, interacted synergistically to influence the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of the concrete. The researchers also proposed equations to predict these strengths based on the aforementioned parameters.</p> Sadaf Noshin, Ali Hamza, Muhammad Uzair, Hafiz M Shahzad Aslam, Atteq Ur Rehman, Mazhar Yasin, Frooq Mustafa Joyia, Abrar Ahmad, Muhammad Hamza, Hafiz Haseeb Ahmad, Norheen Amina Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/683 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Enhanced Breakdown Voltage of AlGaN/GaN MISHEMT using GaN Buffer with Carbon-Doping on Silicon for Power Device https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/684 <p>In recent years, Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based metal-insulator-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MISHEMTs) have attracted interest in high-power and high-frequency applications. The breakdown mechanism in E-mode GaN MISHEMTs with carbon doping in the GaN buffer grown on a Silicon (Si) substrate (Sub) was investigated using technology computer-aided design simulations. Results showed that GaN MISHEMTs without Si Sub had a breakdown voltage (BV) of 600 V. However, after adding Si Sub to the GaN buffer layer, the electric field (E<sub>F</sub>) increased, creating a vertical breakdown through the total buffer thickness, therefore, BV was reduced to around 240 V. On the other hand, BV is increased to approximately &gt;1100 V, and the Electric field is reduced after employing a carbon deep acceptor with the proper doping concentration in this device. The GaN MISHEMTs with Si Sub is presented as threshold voltage +1.5 V with transconductance of 700 mS/mm, which is an excellent result compared to GaN MISHEMTs without Si Sub. Eventually, the study device depicted higher BV performance compared to other C-doped GaN HEMT devices. This suggests that the designed GaN MISHEMTs device could effectively be used in power semiconductor devices with optimum performance.</p> Naeemul Islam, Mohamed Fauzi Packeer Mohamed, Siti Fatimah Abd Rahman, Mohd Syamsul, Hiroshi Kawarada, Alhan Farhanah Abd Rahim Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/684 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Fabrication and Characterization of Nanostructured Tin doped Indium Oxide Coatings by the Instrument of Spray Pyrolysis https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/685 <p>Nanostructured indium tin oxide (ITO) coating is one of the transparent conductive oxides (TCO) materials utilized as a transparent electrode. Due to its high demand in various applications like liquid crystal displays, touch screens, light emitting devices, and solar cells, ITO coatings have garnered significant research attention, owing to their excellent properties of high visible light transmittance and low resistance. Nanostructured coating of tin -doped Indium Oxide (ITO) was fabricated on glass slides utilizing the instrument of chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP), with varying levels of Sn-doping at 0, 3, 6, and 9 wt%. The effect of tin content on the many physical characteristics of the resulting coatings has been examined. The analysis of x-ray diffraction (XRD) displayed the characteristic &nbsp;orientations. The coatings have a polycrystalline cubic lattice structure along (400) as the preferred growth direction. Morphological measurements indicate that the samples possess a highly uniform surface and the grain size for the ITO samples is &nbsp;100 nm displaying a nanostructure for all samples. The optical transmittance was measured over 75% for coating with tin content equal to 0wt%, while the transmittance of the Sn-doped films can range from 78% to 84% at 700 nm and the values of the direct bandgap &nbsp;were measured as 3.6, 3.65, 3.675, and 3.7eV for Sn doping 0, 3, 6, and 9 wt% respectively. In the visible area, the nanostructured ITO coatings exhibit elevated values of transmittance which makes them suitable for various optoelectronic applications such as window materials in solar cells. The results indicate a desirable reduction in the electrical resistivity with rising the number of carriers per unit volume and mobility with increasing tin content in the samples. The minimum electrical resistivity &nbsp;and maximum carrier concentration &nbsp;were achieved for ITO coating with tin content equal to 9wt%. The incorporation of Sn dopant significantly changes the overall electrical properties of indium oxide films, this is favorable for transparent conducting oxide.</p> Salam Amir Yousif Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/685 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Healing Process Affected by Morphology of PCL/Epoxy Blends https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/686 <p>In this study, a blend of epoxy and polycaprolactone (PCL) was prepared to investigate its <em>‎</em>properties. Different weight percentages of thermoplastic PCL (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 wt%) were <em>‎</em>combined with epoxy coatings. The final morphology revealed PCL scattered as spherical <em>‎</em>particles within the epoxy phase, which was functioning as a continuous matrix. The coating <em>‎</em>showed toughness and rigidity when it had fully cured. The PCL phase had a special behavior <em>‎</em>when heated, called "bleeding," in which it filled any open surfaces of its own volition. By <em>‎</em>using molten PCL to fill in cracks, this property can be used for self-healing applications. The <em>‎</em>self-healing efficacy of blends with different PCL contents was assessed. The self-healing <em>‎</em>efficacy of the various mixes was determined by dividing the width of the self-healed crack by <em>‎</em>the width of the original crack. The results showed that the highest thermal-mending efficiencies, <em>‎</em>reaching 100%, were achieved with a PCL/epoxy blend containing co-continuous phases, <em>‎</em>specifically at a 1 wt.% PCL content. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicated that <em>‎</em>there was physical interaction between the epoxy and PCL phases, but no chemical bonding <em>‎</em>occurred between them.<em>‎</em></p> Ammar Emad Al-kawaz, Ahmed Fadhil Hamzah, Nabeel Hasan Al-Mutairi, Ban Jawad Kadhim, Yasir Ammar, Ali Yahya Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/686 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Numerical Simulation, Electrostatic and Physical Compact Modeling of C8-BTBT-C8 Organic Thin Film Transistor https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/693 <p>This paper presents numerical simulation and compact modeling of 2,7-Dioctyl {1} benzothieno {3,2-b}{1} benzothiophene (C8-BTBT-C8) organic semiconductor-based TFT. It shows the entire modeling process flow of this organic semiconductor (OSC) and tests the device realization using a ring oscillator. The paper comprises OSC characterisation, band-gap modeling, electrostatic modeling, and capacitance modeling. The TCAD model consists of the Hopping and Pool Frenkel premise and characterizes the Density of State (DOS) for traps in deep and tail states. The findings from this research provide valuable information for improving OTFT models, enhancing their predictive accuracy, and advancing the understanding of organic semiconductor device behavior. The electrostatics demonstrate device structure dependency</p> Shubham Dadhich, Garima Mathur, A.D.D. Dwivedi Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/693 Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Employing Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Technology in Surface Treatment Iron Oxide Films for Industrial Applications https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/694 <p>In this study, pure iron oxide nanostructures were prepared by a physical method (laser-induced plasma) inside a vacuum using a second harmonic laser Nd: YAG with a wavelength of 532 nm, a laser energy of 500 mJ and a number of pulses of 300 pulses per second. The effect of the plasma generated from argon gas under normal atmospheric pressure was studied using a "cold plasma jet" system with an output voltage of 13 kV and a frequency of 50 Hz. Iron oxide nanostructures were exposed to cold plasma for different periods. The optical and structural properties of the nanostructures were measured before and after exposure, and there was a clear change in them, thus improving the properties of the nanostructures for use in industrial applications such as gas sensors, photovoltaic cells, diodes, detectors, and solar cells.</p> Nisreen kh. Abdalameer, Eman kadum. Jebur, Mirvat D. Majed, Rafal H. Jassim Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/694 Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Density Functional Theory Study on the Reactivity and Stability of Calix[n]arene-paba Complexes: Drug Sensor Application https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/698 <p>As drug carriers, calixarenes are often investigated and employed in numerous sectors as host molecules. The use of calixarenes in drug delivery systems is a relatively new notion, despite the fact that countless studies have been conducted on calixarenes and their various applications. It is worthwhile to research the computational investigation of the host-guest interaction between calixarenes and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in terms of their binding energy and band gap. The first principles study of PABA sensing by calix [4] arene (C4) and calix [6] arene (C6) based on density functional theory (DFT) was carried out in this study using Quantum ESPRESSO software. By using the computational method, the binding energy, as well as the band gap of C4, C6, PABA, and the novel complexes, C4-PABA, and C6-PABA, were calculated. Different interaction distances were used in the formation of complexes. Our results demonstrate the reduction of the band gap for both complexes. Furthermore, the calculated binding energy shows the promising stability of the complexes. This demonstrates the sensing ability of calixarenes towards PABA and the potential anti-cancer properties of calixarene-PABA in sunscreens.</p> Yeong Yi Wong, Faridah Lisa Supian, Afiq Radzwan, Nur Farah Nadia Abd Karim, Amiruddin Shaari, Aminu Shehu Yamusa Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/698 Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Morphological, Optical, and Electrical Studies of PVD CdTe Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/699 <p>Nano-crystalline CdTe films were coated on glass and silicon substrates using the vacuum evaporation (PVD) technique, with annealing temperatures of 25, 100, 150, and 200 °C. This study aims to create a simple photoelectric cell using the effective light-absorbing layer CdTe as a thin film and Si as an n-type semiconductor. Additionally, it investigates the properties of CdTe thin films annealed at various temperatures. The following equipment was used: XRD, UV-visible spectrophotometer, SEM, and AFM. Moreover, the electrical characteristics of the fully designed devices were tested using I-V measurements and the Hall effect. Thin-film photovoltaics could become the primary source of global electricity. The CdTe thin films were coated using thermal evaporation. The best efficiency was 0.99% for the CdTe/Si structure with V<sub>oc</sub> = 5.0 x 10<sup>-1</sup> V, J<sub>sc</sub> = 51.0 x 10<sup>-2</sup> mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, FF = 0.39, at 25 °C, and the efficiency decreased with increasing temperature. It has been found that annealing temperatures have an impact on the size of crystallites, the values of energy gaps, and the electrical properties of CdTe thin films.</p> Ebtehaj F. Jassem, Shams B. Ali, Soad M. Kadhim Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/699 Fri, 26 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Antiviral Coating for Mitigation of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review on the Role of Nanomaterial for Safer Surface against COVID-19 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/704 <p>The COVID-19 pandemic the world has been facing is caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus can remain on certain surfaces for an extended period. As a consequence, contact with the surfaces can cause a healthy human to contract the disease. Although certain household items work against contaminated surfaces, none of the disinfectants can be used for a considerable amount of time. Therefore, the assessment and use of non-corrosive and non-toxic disinfectants are critical to stop the infection from spreading. Copper, along with its compounds and polymers, CPEs and OPEs, and Carbon Nanomaterials have demonstrated effective antibacterial and antiviral activity against bacteria such as&nbsp;E. Coli, S. Aureus,&nbsp;and viruses such as Influenza A virus. This review investigates the potential of using these substances as a surface coating to render the SARS-CoV-2 virus inactive. In addition, the review summarizes helpful information regarding the antimicrobial and antiviral activity and mechanism of polymers, copper, and carbon nanostructures. It also discusses the efficacy of these functional coatings in deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> Mohd Hamzah Harun, Taskeen Reza, Norfazlinayati Othman, Mahathir Mohamed, Mohd Sofian Alias, Khairil Nor Kamal Umar, Mohd Faizal Abd Rahman, Siti Aishah Rashid, Rafiza Shaharudin, Rida Tajau, Khairul Azhar Abdul Halim, Naurah Mat Isa, Mohd Roslie Ali, Rosley Che Ismail, Abdul Muizz Mohd Sani, Sharilla Muhamad Faisal, Nor Batrisya Ismail, Izzuddin Mohd Zaharuddin Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/704 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of Silicone Rubber on the Properties of Epoxy/Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) Conductive Materials https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/705 <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>The primary focus of this study is to investigate the effect of silicone rubber (SR) content on the mechanical, thermal, electrical conductivity, and morphological properties of epoxy/recovered carbon black (rCB) conductive material. The conductive material is used to produce the electrostatic discharge (ESD) tray for the electronic packaging industry. This study investigated the effect of silicone rubber content (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 vol.%) on the properties of epoxy/SR/rCB conductive materials, with the rCB content fixed at 15 vol.% for its optimum electrical conductivity. The silicone rubber acts as a toughening agent for epoxy. Through the fracture toughness result, it can be identified that silicone rubber plays a role in improving the toughness properties of the epoxy/SR/rCB conductive material. The optimum results for mechanical properties were recorded at 5 vol.% SR. The addition of SR to the epoxy matrix enhances the electrical properties of the epoxy/SR/rCB conductive material. The effect of thermal aging on epoxy/SR/rCB conductive materials was also studied to determine the properties of the conductive material materials at high temperatures for a long period of time. After thermal aging, the mechanical, thermal, electrical conductivity, and morphological properties of the epoxy/SR/rCB conductive material were slightly reduced.</p> Pei Chee Leow, Pei Leng Teh, Cheow Keat Yeoh, Wee Chun Wong, Chong Hooi Yew, Xue Yi Lim, Kai Kheng Yeoh, Nor Azura Abdul Rahim, Chun Hong Voon Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/705 Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000 A Review of the Effect of Different Electrolytes on the Synthesis of Graphene Sheets by Electrochemical Exfoliation https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/717 <p>Graphene oxide (GO) possess some excellent properties that fulfil various applications. Hummers’ method has been used in GO synthesis for years but some issues such as high-cost GO synthesis, the use of toxic chemicals and low yield of GO are still remains and concerned. In addition, this method spends very long time to be completed and subjected to thorough cleaning process to remove toxic chemicals. On the other hand, the electrochemical method saves time, has no explosion risk, releases no toxic gases, and keep safe environmental. The demand of GO supply is crucial particularly important in applications such as energy storage in automobiles thus, a large scale and cheap production of GO is needed. It is reported that the electrochemical synthesis of GO has more benefits such as rapid synthesis, low cost and environmentally friendly than Hummers’ method, therefore, the impact of different electrolytes is important to be studied.&nbsp; Herein, various research works about the electrochemical synthesis of GO are reviewed, precisely involving the anodic exfoliation of graphite, exfoliation mechanism and effects of exfoliation parameters.</p> S. S. Bhullar, W. W. Liu Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/717 Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Exfoliation of Graphite into Graphene Oxide and Reduction by Plant Extract to Synthesize Graphene https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/718 <p>Graphene oxide (GO) is a demand material in industrial field for many applications such as electronic devices, capacitor and sensor. This is due to its unique structures and excellent properties. The GO sheets were exfoliated from graphite rod in electrochemical exfoliation. To reduce GO, an electrochemical reduction of GO using green tea was carried out in this research. The conventional chemical reduction method consumed highly toxic and strongly hazardous chemicals such as hydrazine to reduce GO to reduced GO (RGO). Therefore, a green synthesis method was proposed by using green tea leaves extract as the reducing agent to synthesize RGO. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that low amount of oxygen-containing functional groups was remained after green tea reduction due to weak reduction capability by green tea. In addition, EDX indicates that oxygen content of GO was decreased from 23.23 to 16.89 Mass% after green tea reduction.</p> Nurul Firzanah Binti Mohd Ithnin, W. W. Liu Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/718 Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Improvement Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Yield in Two Steps of Intercalation and Oxidation of Flexible Graphite Foil by Electrochemical Exfoliation https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/719 <p>Synthesis of high quality and quantity of graphene by cost-effective methods are highly desirable for various application. In electrochemical exfoliation, graphite foil has been used as carbon source for the synthesis of high yield of graphene flakes. Electrochemical exfoliation is one of the faster and cheaper method to synthesize graphene sheets. In this work, five different types of concentration of sulphuric acid were used for electrochemical exfoliation. The electrochemical cell design where graphite foil as anode and copper foil as cathode which were connected to DC power supply of 5V. To examine the morphology scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed in which the sheet structures with large lateral dimension and thin graphene flakes. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that exfoliated graphene samples showed a significant peak at about 2θ = 26º corresponded to graphite.</p> M. O. Ariff, W. W. Liu, K. L. Foo Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/719 Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Dielectric And Mechanical Properties Of PLA-Carbon Composites https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/720 <p><br>This study focuses on the development and characterization of Carbon-based Polylactide (PLA) composites for 3D printer filaments. The aim is to enhance the electrical and mechanical properties of PLA by incorporating recovered carbon black (RCB) in different mesh sizes (500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mesh). Electrical impedance spectroscopy and dielectric constant measurements were performed to investigate the electrical properties of the composites. Results showed that the addition of RCB increased the dielectric constant, with values ranging from 2.5 to 7.1, indicating improved electrical performance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the dispersion of carbon particles within the composites, enhancing their electrical conductivity. The effect of RCB particle size on electrical properties was also explored, with smaller particle sizes (2000 mesh) resulting in the highest conductivity of 6.2 S/m. Tensile testing demonstrated that the addition of RCB increases the tensile strength of PLA, with values ranging from 28.6 MPa to 47.2 MPa, and the elastic modulus, ranging from 832 MPa to 1.56 GPa, depending on the mesh size. The optimal combination of RCB content and mesh size resulted in a composite with a tensile strength of 43.8 MPa. Overall, this research provides insights into the development of Carbon-based PLA composites with improved electrical and mechanical properties.</p> Mathanesh Thangarajan, Cheow Keat Yeoh, Pei Leng Teh, Wee Chun Wong, Chong Hui Yew, Kang Zheng Khor, Nor Azura Abdul Rahim, Chun Hong Voon Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/720 Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of Clay as Additive Element in Recycling Waste Porcelain and Sintering Temperature https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/721 <p>Porcelain tile production has been consistently growing worldwide at an approximate rate of 300 million m<sup>2</sup>/year. This implies that there is an increasing demand for porcelain raw materials. The industry's commercial success was due to the constant and continuous increase in both technical and aesthetic performance. Due to the complex nature of its raw materials, vigorous firing process and processing approach, porcelain represent the most intricate ceramic system. This paper studied effect of sintering temperature using recycled porcelain and clay as additive in the production of porcelain on physical and mechanical properties of the new product. Waste porcelain was treated with HCl acid, dried in an oven to remove the moisture content and sieve with 50µm aperture. Clay was added to the treated porcelain powder at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% mixed with a ball mill machine, dry pressed into pallet at 91 MP and sintered at 1100 °C, 1150 °C and 1200 °C for 2 hours soaking time. Physical and mechanical properties such as volume shrinkage, mass loss, bulk density, water absorption and compressive strength as well as microstructural analysis were determined. At a sintering temperature of 1200 °C and clay composition of 2%, the maximum value of compressive strength was 863.15 MPa, indicating the overall maximum. Furthermore, at this composition, the value of the mass loss, shrinkage, bulk density and water absorption of porcelain waste with clay addition was 5.93%, 64%, 2.53% and 6.09%, respectively.</p> Sani Garba Durumin-Iya, Mohamad Zaky Noh, Wan Nur Atira Nadirah Wan Rosnan, Ibrahim Garba Shitu, Adamu Suleiman Bashir Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/721 Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 Effect of Electrospinning Parameters on the Morphological and Thermal Properties of ABS/ENR Electrospun Fibres https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/722 <p>The electrospun of the Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blend with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) is fabricated using the electrospinning technique. Research shows that ABS/ENR electrospun fibres have not been studied. The effects of electrospinning parameters were investigated to determine a significant effect on the microstructure, surface roughness, fibre diameter, and fibre distribution of the electrospun membranes. Sample preparation is made straightforwardly by dissolving ABS and ENR in acetone solvent using a magnetic stirrer. In this research, there are two solution parameters being studied: the ABS/ENR solution concentration (15 to 25 wt.%) and the ratio of ENR (100:0, 70:30, 50:50). Meanwhile, process parameters that are being studied are applied voltage (15 kV to 30 kV) and distance from syringe tip to collector (5cm to 15cm). FTIR results showed that hydrogen bond interaction occurs between ABS and ENR. According to the SEM images, micrometre and sub-micrometre fibres with a smooth surface and bead formation were produced at a concentration of 25%, a ratio of 70:30, a voltage of 30kV, and a distance of 15cm. The diameter of electrospun fibres increases with increasing solution concentration, ranging from 400 nm to 4.5 µm. The diameter of the electrospun fibres decreased with the addition of ENR, increasing voltage, and tip-to-collector distance. TGA results showed that ABS/ENR blends gave higher degradation temperature (393.7°C) than pure ABS (368.8°C), which enhanced thermal stability.</p> Mahathir Mohamed, Abu Bakar Sulong, Rosiah Rohani, Mohammad Iqbal Shueb, Mohd Sofian Alias, Mohd Hamzah Harun Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/722 Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 UV-Radiation and TiO2 Nanoparticles Effects on Physical Properties of PVA/CMC/TiO2 Nanocomposite Films https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/730 <p>Fabrication of nanocomposite films of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) blended with Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) by a modest solution casting technique is investigated. Also, TiO2 NPs and UV-irradiation effects for different intervals (12, 26, 40, and 48 hours) on the morphology (FESEM), structure (XRD), composition (FTIR) and optical properties (UV-Vis) of as-prepared films are inspected. FESEM images display that the morphology of PVA/CMC/TiO2 nanocomposite films is altered due to the strong influence of TiO2 NPs and UV exposure. The XRD spectra indicate that the amorphous phase of the samples has changed (decline or enhancement) due to UV exposure.&nbsp; The FTIR spectra demonstrate that the UV-irradiation period had a favourable impact on polymer structure by exhibiting some interesting IR peaks. Furthermore, the UV-Vis examination illustrates that the increased UV-irradiation times (12 h to 40 h) and TiO2 NPs addition improved the absorption intensity of the as-prepared films. Interestingly, the Energy gap Eg of the nanocomposite films was tuned from 4.47 eV to 5.01 eV with increased irradiation time (12 h to 40 h). In contrast, due to a higher increased UV-irradiation time of 48 h, the Energy gap Eg value of nanocomposite film was decreased to 4.62 eV. That can be attributed to the strong effect of UV exposure, which influenced the creation of structural defects. Finally, these findings prove that the PVA/CMC/TiO2 nanocomposite films have an amazing chance to be used in important optoelectronic applications.</p> Sara H. Abead, Mahasin F. Hadi Al-Kadhemy, Khaldoon N. Abbas Copyright (c) 2024 https://ejournal.unimap.edu.my/index.php/ijneam/article/view/730 Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000