International Journal of Biomass Utilization and Sustainable Energy (IJBUSE)

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14170/1581
The International Journal of Biomass Utilization and Sustainable Energy (IJBUSE) aim is to engage and disseminate knowledge in all the related areas of utilization of biomass, waste to wealth conversion, bioenergy, biotransformations and bioresource systems analysis, and technologies associated with conversion or production. For Bioenergy Processes, fermentations, thermochemical conversions, liquid and gaseous fuels, and petrochemical substitutes are also discussed. Types of papers published are: Full-length original research papers; Short communications; Review articles; Letters to the Editor.

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  • Publication
    Investigation of the white-rot fungus biomass extraction conditions and their impact on phenolic, flavonoids content and antioxidant activities
    ( 2023-07)
    Ahmad Anas Nagoor Gunny
    ;
    Shahizatul Emilia Jahidin
    ;
    Zulkarnain Mohamed Idris
    ;
    Gidado Muhammad Junaid
    ;
    Safa Senan Mahmod
    ;
    Norhidayah Bohari
    White-rot fungus are known as natural source of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic, and other enzymes through extraction processes. In this study, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Panus tigrinus biomass were subjected into different extraction conditions to determine the best optimal level for the extraction of phenolic and flavonoids compounds. P. chrysosporium produced high yield of phenolic (0.7041 mg/mL) and flavonoids (0.0286 mg/mL) compared to P. tigrinus; 0.3755 mg/mL and 0.0109 mg/mL of phenolic and flavonoids compounds, respectively. P. chrysosporium has higher antioxidant activity (70.31%) compared with P. tigrinus (25.30%). Therefore, P. chrysosporium was selected to determine the optimum condition for extraction method of phenolic and flavonoids compounds using aquoues-two phase system. The conditions used in the extraction was time within the range of 30 min to 180 min and temperature range from 250°C to 650°C. The conditions were optimized using Response Surface Method (RSM) under Central Composite Design. The best optimum condition was 105 min and 450°C, this condition produced the highest concentrations of phenolic, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (AA%) at 0.4269 mg/mL, 0.0695 mg/mL, and 76.13% respectively. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to determine the presence of phenolic and flavonoids in the sample. The Rf value from P. chrysosporium was 0.98 closed to the Rf values of gallic acid and 3,4-hydroxybenzoic acid at 0.95 and 0.97, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy shows that P. chrysosporium have gallic acid, 3,4 hydroxybenzoic acid and small amount of quercetin.
  • Publication
    Effect of microwave-assisted CO₂ pyrolysis on the production of activated carbon from confiscated cigarettes
    ( 2023-07)
    Lee Jian Wei
    ;
    Ku Syahidah Ku Ismail
    ;
    Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad Yusop
    ;
    Mohd Azmier Ahmad
    Confiscated cigarettes are a significant problem worldwide, and in Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) Perlis had confiscated 1.5 billion sticks of cigarettes from 2016 to 2019 and the cost of disposal reached RM1.2 billion. Confiscated cigarettes are commonly disposed by incineration which can cause environmental pollution. In this study, the cigarette tobacco was converted into activated carbon (AC) via microwave-assisted CO₂ pyrolysis. The tobacco was first carbonized at 300℃, followed by carbon dioxide (CO₂) activation under microwave heating. The highest yield, 31% was obtained at 616W for 6 min. The BET surface area for tobacco, char and the best AC produced were 1.99, 1.21 and 1.69 m2/g, respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) of dye removal from AC showed that the optimum condition with the best adsorption properties was achieved at 364 Watt for 2 minutes, which resulted in 87.4% removal of methylene blue (MB). Due to the low surface area, the capability of the AC to adsorb MB dye might be assisted by a diversified factors that contributes to the adsorption mechanism. Modelling of the adsorption data also showed that the adsorption process occurs in multilayers of the adsorbent, best fit to the Freundlich isotherm. Microwaveassisted CO₂ pyrolysis shows potential in the production of AC from tobacco and could be further improved to increase the surface area.
  • Publication
    Effects of steam pretreated rice biomass condensate containing soluble solid inhibitors on disruption of Pomacea Canaliculata egg
    ( 2023-07)
    Nor Azahanim Khamis
    ;
    Saleha Shamsudin
    ;
    Muhammad Hafiz Zabidi
    ;
    Khairul Farihan Kasim
    ;
    Ezyana Kamal Bahrin
    Pomacea canaliculata is an invasive freshwater snail species that has become a serious pest of rice in irrigation and paddy fields and is popularly known as the golden apple snail. They are species that are capable of surviving and spreading rapidly, causing significant changes in the ecosystem. The application of natural by-products of a physicochemical method of biomass steam pre-treated condensate is one option for disrupting Pomacea Canaliculata egg. This experiment was conducted to investigate the feasibility of steam pre-treated rice biomass condensate which contained soluble solid inhibitors as a biopesticide to eradicate Pomacea canaliculata. Rice straw, rice husk, and a combination of rice straw and rice husk (1:1) were pre-treated by the saturated steam pre-treatment in a batch reactor at high temperatures (190°C and 210°C) for 10 min. The steam condensate produced from this system was analysed for major degraded products or inhibitors such as furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and phenol. The steam condensate which contained soluble solid inhibitors was then analysed for solubility test on P. canaliculata eggs. The effect of soluble solid inhibitors on the eggs was structurally examined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results revealed that rice husk which was pre-treated at 210°C reflected the highest contents of furfural (0.300 g/L), HMF (1.670 g/L), and phenol (0.087 g/L). However, the combination of rice biomass sample (1:1) condensate at 210°C demonstrated the greatest solubility percentage (11.51%) when treated to the eggs P. canaliculata eggs. The image of the egg structure examined by SEM clearly displayed the fractures forming on the cuticle layer of the eggs. SEM results demonstrated that the condensate from saturated steam pre-treated rice biomass has the possibility to be used as a biopesticide to disrupt the eggs and eventually could prevent the snails’ invasion.
  • Publication
    Bioconversion of organic wastes by Black Soldier Fly for chitin, lipid and protein production
    ( 2023-07)
    Muhammad Hazim Aminuddin
    ;
    Nor Hidawati Elias
    ;
    Moh Jin Hao
    ;
    Nurhadijah Zainalabidin
    The bioconversion of organic waste into black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, which is a valuable source of lipid, and protein, is part on an ongoing creative effort in valorising waste. Besides lipid and protein, BSF larvae also contain significant amounts of chitin, a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine that make up the backbone of the polysaccharide structure normally found in insects. In this study, the effects of organic waste type and moisture content on biomass conversion ratio were investigated. BSF larval development (larvae to prepupae to pupae) was found to occur to the highest extent (98.90 ± 0.71 % biomass converted) when kitchen waste (KW) was used compared to when vegetables waste (VW) (84.6 ± 1.41 % biomass converted) or fruit waste (FW) was used (87.5± 0.71 % biomass converted). The optimal moisture content of the kitchen waste was found to be 80 %, which results in the highest waste biomass conversion of 99.8 % ± 0.58. The BSF larvae were found to have approximately 38 –42 % crude lipid, 34 –41 % crude protein, and 8 –9 % ash content. Chitin was isolated through a three-step process of deproteinization, demineralization, and decolorization. A yellowish-grey powder was obtained at the end of the isolation process and the chitin yield was determined to be 4 –6% (g/g). Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analyses confirmedthe chitin yield by identifying the -OH,-CH3CONH, and -CO stretching of its polysaccharides and glucosamine rings; and the lipid yield by noting the disappearance of the hydroxyl stretching that had been present in the spectra of unprocessed BSF larvae, and the appearance of X–H stretching which indicates the presence of triglyceride functional groups
  • Publication
    Optimization of natural dye extraction from coconut husk
    ( 2023-07)
    Nur Ain Abdul Ghafar
    ;
    Khairul Farihan Kasim
    ;
    Nawwal Abdul Kadir
    This work aims to optimize the extraction of natural dye from coconut husks for use in the textile industry. The optimization process was carried out using the One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) approach. Before optimization, different parts of the coconut husk i.e., endocarp, exocarp, mesocarp, and a mixture of mesocarp and exocarp were screened for their potential to be used as dye. It was found that the combination of mesocarp and exocarp has the highest potential in terms of physicochemical and phytochemical properties as it resulted in the best yield of extract, pH and colour intensity, and the highest Total Flavonoid Content, Total Phenolic Content, and Total Tannin Content. The optimal parameters to extract dye from coconut husk (combination of mesocarp and exocarps) are particle size of 2 mm, sample to solvent ratio of 1:100, extraction time of 60 min, and a temperature of 100 °C. The dye extract was tested for use on cotton fabric. It was found that regardless of the mordanting method, acetic acid is the best mordant to use. It resulted in a brighter and more intense colour than alum. The usage of acetic acid as the mordant combined with the pre-mordant method was found to be the best for colour fixation of the natural dye from coconut husk on cotton fabric.
  • Publication
    Bioconversion of organic wastes by black soldier fly for chitin, lipid and protein production
    ( 2023-07)
    Muhammad Hazim Aminuddin
    ;
    Nor Hidawati Elias
    ;
    Moh Jin Hao
    ;
    Nurhadijah Zainalabidin
    The bioconversion of organic waste into black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, which is a valuable source of lipid, and protein, is part on an ongoing creative effort in valorising waste. Besides lipid and protein, BSF larvae also contain significant amounts of chitin, a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine that make up the backbone of the polysaccharide structure normally found in insects. In this study, the effects of organic waste type and moisture content on biomass conversion ratio were investigated. BSF larval development (larvae to prepupae to pupae) was found to occur to the highest extent (98.90 ± 0.71 % biomass converted) when kitchen waste (KW) was used compared to when vegetables waste (VW) (84.6 ± 1.41 % biomass converted) or fruit waste (FW) was used (87.5± 0.71 % biomass converted). The optimal moisture content of the kitchen waste was found to be 80 %, which results in the highest waste biomass conversion of 99.8 % ± 0.58. The BSF larvae were found to have approximately 38 – 42 % crude lipid, 34 – 41 % crude protein, and 8 – 9 % ash content. Chitin was isolated through a three-step process of deproteinization, demineralization, and decolorization. A yellowish-grey powder was obtained at the end of the isolation process and the chitin yield was determined to be 4 – 6% (g/g). Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analyses confirmed the chitin yield by identifying the -OH, - CH3CONH, and -CO stretching of its polysaccharides and glucosamine rings; and the lipid yield by noting the disappearance of the hydroxyl stretching that had been present in the spectra of unprocessed BSF larvae, and the appearance of X–H stretching which indicates the presence of triglyceride functional groups.
  • Publication
    Effect of Microwave-Assisted CO₂ Pyrolysis on the production of activated carbon from confiscated cigarettes
    ( 2023-07)
    Lee Jian Wei
    ;
    Ku Syahidah Ku Ismail
    ;
    Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad Yusop
    ;
    Mohd Azmier Ahmad
    Confiscated cigarettes are a significant problem worldwide, and in Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) Perlis had confiscated 1.5 billion sticks of cigarettes from 2016 to 2019 and the cost of disposal reached RM1.2 billion. Confiscated cigarettes are commonly disposed by incineration which can cause environmental pollution. In this study, the cigarette tobacco was converted into activated carbon (AC) via microwave-assisted CO₂ pyrolysis. The tobacco was first carbonized at 300°C, followed by carbon dioxide (CO₂) activation under microwave heating. The highest yield, 31% was obtained at 616W for 6 min. The BET surface area for tobacco, char and the best AC produced were 1.99, 1.21 and 1.69 m2/g, respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) of dye removal from AC showed that the optimum condition with the best adsorption properties was achieved at 364 Watt for 2 minutes, which resulted in 87.4% removal of methylene blue (MB). Due to the low surface area, the capability of the AC to adsorb MB dye might be assisted by a diversified factors that contributes to the adsorption mechanism. Modelling of the adsorption data also showed that the adsorption process occurs in multilayers of the adsorbent, best fit to the Freundlich isotherm. Microwave-assisted CO2pyrolysis shows potential in the production of AC from tobacco and could be further improved to increase the surface area.
      10  11
  • Publication
    Development of vegetarian burger patties from Jackfruits’(Artocarpus heteropyllus) inner skin
    ( 2023-07)
    Noor Shazliana Aizee Abidin
    ;
    Mageswaran Murugiya
    ;
    Siti Nadherah Mohamad
    Jackfruit is a native kind of Malaysian fruit. During its fruiting season, the peels are usually discarded as waste and become a source of pollution. From the research that has been done, the inner skin, which is about 60% of the fruit, has a high nutritional value which can be utilized for human consumption,mainly as a source of dietary fiber. Hence, this paper reports the chemical compositions, comprisingthe percentage of the moisture content, ash, crude fiber, fat, protein,and carbohydrate, as well as thephysical properties;texture analysis, color, and sensory evaluation of the jackfruit inner skin (JIS) vegetarian patty. Overall, JIS vegetarian patties consist of 62.75% moisture, 2.67% ash, 23.93%protein, 1.80% fat, and 18.50%crude fiber. Thesevalues have contributed to the calculation of carbohydrate and calorific value, 8.88% and 143kcal/100g respectively,lower than the control. In terms ofphysical properties, the texture analysis shows higher hardness and chewiness which is indirectly associated with the overall acceptance of the panelists on sensory evaluation. Within the hedonic values 1 to 9 which 9 being the highest, on average the panelist rated JIS vegetarian burger patties as 7.61. This value is in overall acceptance forthecolor, texture, odor, and tasteof the JIS patties.
      3  31
  • Publication
    Development of vegetarian burger patties from jackfruits’ (Artocarpus heteropyllus) inner skin
    ( 2023-07)
    Noor Shazliana Aizee Abidin
    ;
    Mageswaran Murugiya
    ;
    Siti Nadherah Mohamad
    Jackfruit is a native kind of Malaysian fruit. During its fruiting season, the peels are usually discarded as waste and become a source of pollution. From the research that has been done, the inner skin, which is about 60% of the fruit, has a high nutritional value which can be utilized for human consumption, mainly as a source of dietary fiber. Hence, this paper reports the chemical compositions, comprising the percentage of the moisture content, ash, crude fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate, as well as the physical properties; texture analysis, color, and sensory evaluation of the jackfruit inner skin (JIS) vegetarian patty. Overall, JIS vegetarian patties consist of 62.75% moisture, 2.67% ash, 23.93% protein, 1.80% fat, and 18.50% crude fiber. These values have contributed to the calculation of carbohydrate and calorific value, 8.88% and 143kcal/100g respectively, lower than the control. In terms of physical properties, the texture analysis shows higher hardness and chewiness which is indirectly associated with the overall acceptance of the panelists on sensory evaluation. Within the hedonic values 1 to 9 which 9 being the highest, on average the panelist rated JIS vegetarian burger patties as 7.61. This value is in overall acceptance for the color, texture, odor, and taste of the JIS patties.
      104  6
  • Publication
    Optimization of natural dye extraction from coconut husk
    ( 2023-07)
    Nur Ain Abdul Ghafar
    ;
    Khairul Farihan Kasim
    ;
    Nawwal Abdul Kadir
    This work aims to optimize the extraction of natural dye from coconut husks for use in the textile industry. The optimization process was carried out using the One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) approach. Before optimization, different parts of the coconut husk i.e., endocarp, exocarp, mesocarp, and a mixture of mesocarp and exocarp were screened for their potential to be used as dye. It was found that the combination of mesocarp and exocarp has the highest potential in terms of physicochemical and phytochemical properties as it resulted in the best yield of extract, pH and colour intensity, and the highest Total Flavonoid Content, Total Phenolic Content, and Total Tannin Content. The optimal parameters to extract dye from coconut husk (combination of mesocarp and exocarps) are particle size of 2 mm, sample to solvent ratio of 1:100, extraction time of 60 min, and a temperature of 100 °C. The dye extract was tested for use on cotton fabric. It was found that regardless of the mordanting method, acetic acid is the best mordant to use. It resulted in a brighter and more intense colour than alum. The usage of acetic acid as the mordant combined with the pre-mordant method was found to be the best for colour fixation of the natural dye from coconut husk on cotton fabric
      1  75
  • Publication
    Effects of steam pretreated rice biomass condensate containing soluble solid Inhibitors on disruption of Pomacea Canaliculata Egg
    ( 2023-07)
    Nor Azahanim Khamis
    ;
    Saleha Shamsudin
    ;
    Muhammad Hafiz Zabidi
    ;
    Khairul Farihan Kasim
    ;
    Ezyana Kamal Bahrin
    Pomacea canaliculatais an invasive freshwater snail species that has become a serious pest of rice in irrigation and paddy fields and is popularly known as the golden apple snail. They are species that arecapable of surviving and spreading rapidly, causing significant changes in the ecosystem. The application of natural by-products of a physicochemical method of biomass steam pre-treated condensate is one option for disrupting Pomacea Canaliculata egg. This experiment was conducted to investigate the feasibility of steam pre-treated rice biomass condensate which contained soluble solid inhibitors as a biopesticide to eradicate Pomacea canaliculata. Rice straw, rice husk, and a combination of rice straw and rice husk (1:1) were pre-treated by the saturated steam pre-treatment in a batch reactor at high temperatures (190°C and 210°C) for 10 min. The steam condensate produced from this system was analysed for major degraded products or inhibitors such as furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and phenol. The steam condensate which contained soluble solid inhibitors was then analysed for solubility test on P. canaliculata eggs. The effect of soluble solid inhibitors on the eggs was structurally examined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The resultsrevealed that rice husk which was pre-treated at 210°C reflected the highest contents of furfural (0.300 g/L), HMF (1.670 g/L), and phenol (0.087 g/L). However, the combination of rice biomass sample (1:1) condensate at 210°C demonstrated the greatest solubility percentage (11.51%) when treated to the eggs P. canaliculata eggs. The image of the egg structure examined by SEM clearly displayed the fractures forming on the cuticle layer of the eggs. SEM results demonstrated that the condensate from saturated steam pre-treated rice biomass has the possibility to be used as a biopesticide to disrupt the eggs and eventually could prevent the snails’ invasion.
      7  33
  • Publication
    Asam gelugur-based carbon aerogels for highly recyclable oils adsorption
    ( 2023-07)
    Cheong Yi Xin
    ;
    Siti Khalijah Mahmad Rozi
    ;
    Monisha Devi Elan Solan
    ;
    Syazwani Mahmad Puzi
    Rapid development of the oil industries and improper oil management caused a huge amount of oil pollutant released into the water environment. Oil pollutant is toxic and may harm aquatic biodiversity. The present work highlights the facile preparation of carbon aerogels based from Asam Gelugur (CA@Ga) for oil remediation from aqueous. Analysis on the structure of CA@Ga using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), confirmed the successful preparation of CA@Ga through hydrothermal carbonization. The main parameters affecting the adsorption of oil such as the sorption time, pH and mass of sorbent were screened and oil adsorption studies revealed that the optimum conditions were at contact time of 3 minutes, pH of solution at 7 and the adsorbent mass of 2 g with the highest adsorption capacity of 0.82 + 0.01 g/g. CA@Ga displayed a good stability towards thermal treatment and exhibited good adsorption ability towards several types of oil. Recyclability study depicts that CA@Ga could be regenerated by simple physical treatments and retained a high sorption after 10 cycles with adsorption capacity of 0.80 + 0.01 g/g. Therefore, the prepared CA@Ga has potential in application of oil recovery and environmental protection.
      13  3
  • Publication
    Synthesis and optimization study of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) through acid hydrolysis from confiscated cigarette
    ( 2023-07)
    Kaarthiga Manogaran
    ;
    Akmal Hadi Ma’Radzi
    Tobacco is a type of plant which is used to make some products such as cigarettes and cigarettes are known to have a lot of harmful effects. There are few factors which causes the Royal Malaysian Custom Department to confiscate cigarettes which are white smuggled cigarette, contraband and false while storing the confiscated cigarettes for long time does not give any benefits. Therefore, cigarette butts which are chosen for this research study come from these confiscated cigarettes to utilize the waste. The tobacco was first undergoing alkaline pretreatment followed by bleaching process. Finally, hydrolysis process was done to synthesize microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). In this research, various acids (hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, and nitric acid) were used for the hydrolysis process. It was found that the best acid to synthesize MCC was nitric acid where the highest percentage of MCC yield was 76.83%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the surface morphology of MCC which is observed to be like rod-like structure, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the crystalline and crystalline size of MCC was 74.28% and 4.61nm, respectively. FTIR spectra shows a successful removal of lignin structure from raw cigarette butts after hydrolysis process. Besides that, optimization of acid hydrolysis using Design of Expert software (DOE) were conducted where three independent variables were chosen which are hydrolysis time, hydrolysis temperature and acid concentration (nitric acid). Through this study, the highest yield of MCC obtained was 78% and the optimum conditions of parameters are 60 minutes, 60°C and 1.25M of nitric acid. The results of this study can be used to eliminate the hazards of the cigarette butts scattered in the environment and create the added value for the overall process.
      1  11
  • Publication
    Synthesis and optimization study of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) through acid hydrolysis from confiscated cigarette
    ( 2023-07)
    Kaarthiga Manogaran
    ;
    Akmal Hadi Ma’Radzi
    Tobacco is a type of plant which is used to make some products such as cigarettes and cigarettes are known to have a lot of harmful effects. There are few factors which causes the Royal Malaysian Custom Department to confiscate cigarettes which are white smuggled cigarette, contraband and false while storing the confiscated cigarettes for long time does not give any benefits. Therefore, cigarette butts which are chosen for this research study come from these confiscated cigarettes toutilize the waste. The tobacco was first undergoing alkaline pretreatment followed by bleaching process. Finally, hydrolysis process was done to synthesize microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). In this research, various acids (hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid,and nitric acid) were used for the hydrolysis process. It was found that the best acid to synthesize MCC was nitric acid where the highest percentage of MCC yield was 76.83%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the surface morphology of MCC which is observed to be like rod-like structure, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the crystalline and crystalline size of MCC was 74.28% and 4.61nm, respectively. FTIR spectra shows a successful removal of lignin structure from raw cigarette butts after hydrolysis process. Besides that, optimization of acid hydrolysis using Design of Expert software (DOE) were conducted where three independent variables were chosen which are hydrolysis time, hydrolysis temperature and acid concentration(nitric acid). Through this study, the highest yield of MCC obtained was 78% and the optimum conditions of parameters are 60 minutes, 60°C and 1.25M of nitric acid. The results of this study can be used to eliminate the hazards of the cigarette butts scattered in the environment and create the added value for the overall process
      5  7
  • Publication
    Asam Gelugur-based carbon aerogels for highly recyclable oils adsorption
    ( 2023-07)
    Cheong Yi Xin
    ;
    Siti Khalijah Mahmad Rozi
    ;
    Monisha Devi Elan Solan
    ;
    Syazwani Mahmad Puzi
    Rapid development of the oil industries and improper oil management causeda huge amount of oil pollutant released into the water environment. Oil pollutant is toxic and may harm aquatic biodiversity. The present work highlights the facile preparation of carbon aerogels basedfromAsam Gelugur (CA@Ga) for oil remediation from aqueous. Analysis on the structure of CA@Gausing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), confirmed the successful preparation of CA@Ga through hydrothermal carbonization. The main parameters affecting the adsorption of oil such as the sorption time, pH and mass of sorbent were screened and oil adsorption studies revealed that the optimum conditions were at contact time of 3 minutes, pH of solution at 7 and the adsorbent mass of 2 g with the highest adsorption capacity of 0.82 +0.01 g/g.CA@Ga displayed a good stability towards thermal treatment and exhibited good adsorption ability towards several types of oil. Recyclability study depicts that CA@Ga could be regenerated by simple physical treatments and retaineda high sorption after 10 cycles with adsorption capacity of 0.80 +0.01 g/g. Therefore, the prepared CA@Ga has potential in application of oil recovery and environmental protection.
      6  18
  • Publication
    Effect of torrefaction process on the physicochemical properties of solid fuel from palm kernel shells
    ( 2024-07)
    Munira Mohamed Nazari
    ;
    Nur Syafiqah Mansor
    This research investigates the effects of torrefaction on the characteristics of solid fuel made from palm kernel seed (PKS). The torrefaction process was conducted on raw PKS to improve its energy density and combustion efficiency. Torrefaction was carried out at 400°C at different durations (30, 40, and 50 minutes), with the goal of improving the energy density and combustion efficiency of raw PKS. The torrefied PKS was then ground and sieved into particle sizes of 150μm and 300μm. After being blended with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the torrefied PKS was compacted using hot press machine into solid fuel and tested for its physicochemical properties. The results indicated that PKS torrefied for 50 minutes with particle size of 300 μm exhibited optimal characteristics, with a high heating value (HHV) of 23.22 MJ/kg. The particle size plays a role, with finer particles (150μm) having lower HHV values compared to coarser particles (300μm). Additionally, the inclusion of HDPE affected the properties of the solid fuel. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy provided insights into its structural features.
  • Publication
    Effect of cold exposure on the biofoam produced from different types of Oyster mushroom
    ( 2024-07)
    Tan Siu Siew
    ;
    Nur Mawaddah Majib
    ;
    Sam Sung Ting
    ;
    Noorulnajwa Diyana Yaacob
    Mycelium-based biofoam is a sustainable material derived from the growth of fungal mycelium on lignocellulosic agricultural waste substrate, as it has potential use in a variety of applications. The main objective of this research is to advance the sustainable alternatives for various application by investigating the mycelium growth of the biofoam produced from Pleurotus >lorida and Pleurotus sajor-caju on rice husk substrate, in improving the properties of the biofoam through innovative cold exposure. This study showed P. >lorida can produce mycelium biofoam at a faster rate, 7.022mm/day compared to P. sajor-caju 6.08mm/day). By cold exposure at 0°C and 10°C for 3 hours, every 2 days and 5 days, respectively until the mycelium are fully grown in the substrate, sample exposed to the latter condition for P. >lorida exhibits a faster growth rate at 7.3037 mm/day. However, cold exposure on biofoam produced from P sajor-caju had not improved the mycelium growth rate. Cold exposure samples at 0°C every 5 days and 10°C every 2 days have demonstrated capability in water (103.51%) and oil absorption (143.23%), proving their effectiveness in absorbing pollutants for the purpose of environmental remediation. The FTIR analysis con>irmed the presence of hydrophilic and oleophilic characteristics in the biofoam, indicating its capability to absorb water and oil. By subjecting biofoam to cold exposure, its properties can be altered, broadening its potential applications.
  • Publication
    Properties of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)thermoplastic starch filled with treated and untreated sugarcane bagasse fiber
    ( 2024-07)
    Maisara Azad Mat Akhir
    ;
    Syazana Ahmad Zubir
    ;
    Mariatti Jaafar
    Sugarcane bagasse, comprising fibrous rind and spongy pith, is frequently employed as a reinforcing agent in both concrete and plastic composites. In thin plastic films, sugarcane bagasse is typically utilized as finely ground particles within the composite film. The integration of this agricultural byproduct into biodegradable plastic films could potentially lower production expenses and promote the film's biodegradability. This study presents the development of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) (90/10) formulations incorporating varying loadings of sugarcane bagasse fibers. The impact of alkaline and silane surface treatments on tensile strength, thermal properties, and water barrier properties was investigated. Upon the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%), a decrease in tensile strength from 23.47 to 8.41 MPa and elongation at break from 1135% to 55.83% was observed. Conversely, the Young's modulus increased from 47.12 to 188.50 MPa following the addition of 20% sugarcane bagasse in the PBAT/TPS matrix. Modest enhancements in tensile properties, thermal characteristics, and water barrier properties were noted after treating the bagasse fibers with alkaline and silane. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that silane-treated sugarcane bagasse exhibited increased surface roughness due to the removal of lignin and hemicellulose, facilitating better adhesion between the fibers and the PBAT/TPS matrix.
  • Publication
    Isolation of cellulose nanocrystals from rice husks using natural deep eutectic solvent
    ( 2024-07)
    Nur Ain Natasya Ramli
    ;
    Sam Sung Ting
    ;
    Ahmad Radi Wan Yaakub
    ;
    Muhammad Faiq Abdullah
    Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are highly crystalline, rod-shaped nanoparticles derived from cellulose, commonly found in biomass such as rice husks. Rice husks, an agricultural waste rich in cellulose, can be utilized for CNC production. In this study, CNCs were isolated from rice husks using a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES), an environmentally friendly solvent. The objective was to examine the effects of temperature and reaction time on CNC solubility during dissolution with NADES. The one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method revealed that the optimal conditions were at temperature of 120°C and a reaction time of 8 hours. Morphological analysis using microscopy showed that raw rice husks had a rough, solid, brown appearance, while alkaline-treated rice husks appeared smoother and more porous. Bleached rice husks exhibited a very smooth, white, and fluffy appearance, and CNCs appeared as transparent solids. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicated the presence of β-glycosidic linkages in all three samples (CNCs, alkaline-treated, and bleached rice husks), suggesting that the cellulose structure remained intact during pretreatment. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, confirming that raw, alkaline-treated, and bleached rice husks, as well as CNCs isolated from rice husks, exhibited antibacterial properties against both gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) and gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis). This study successfully isolated CNCs from rice husks using NADES, demonstrating the potential for further improvements to enhance production efficiency.
  • Publication
    Bioeconomy sustainability integrating circular economy principles with big data and IoT for sustainable farming in agriculture 4.0
    ( 2024-07)
    Ahmad Tajudin Baharin
    ;
    Noormaizatul Akmar Ishak
    ;
    Nurulisma Hj Ismail
    ;
    Mohd Fisol Osman
    ;
    Evawaynie Valquis Md. Isa
    ;
    Wan Nor Munirah Ariffin
    This concept paper explores the synergy between Bioeconomy sustainability and advanced technologies, specifically the integration of circular economy principles with big data and the Internet of Things (IoT), in the context of sustainable farming within Agriculture 4.0 in Malaysia. Despite limited understanding, the study aims to unveil the potential benefits of this integration and assess the current state of technology adoption, bioeconomic practices, and sustainable farming in Malaysia. Challenges faced by Malaysian farmers, such as awareness gaps and resistance to change, are identified, and strategies, including targeted education and financial incentives, are proposed to overcome these barriers. While acknowledging potential limitations in universality due to data access constraints and the dynamic nature of technology and agriculture, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating these innovative approaches to propel Malaysian agriculture toward sustainability within the Agriculture 4.0 framework.