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Producing low temperature graphitic compound from oil palm trunk waste

2019 , Norizah Abd Karim

Carbon has many allotropes or polymorphs which differ in the arrangement of atom. Graphite, graphene, fullerenes and diamond are common example of carbon allotrope. Graphene receive a great impact on electronic and optoelectronic devices, chemical sensors, nano-composites and energy storage. However, the graphene is derived from the chemical processes and treatment of graphite. There are two types of graphite, which are, natural graphite and synthetic graphite. Previously, synthetic graphite was produced under higher heating temperature, which is above 2500ՕC in complex processing method, which bear the name of the scientist whose discover the synthetic graphite namely “Acheson Process”. Previously, synthetic graphite was produced under higher heating temperature and by using petroleum coke, anthracite, and coal tar pitch as the pre cursor raw materials. However, in this study, via pyrolysis process, in controlled heating condition, and specific heating rate by utilizing oil palm trunk waste, synthetic graphite was manage to produce at much lower heating temperature. In this study, the heating temperature was varied in five heating temperature series, which are, 300°C, 500°C, 800°C, 1000°C and 1200°C. The heating rate applied was also varied in 3 different series, which are, 5°/min, 10°/min and 20°/min. After the heating treatment, the sample was characterized by different analysis tools, including, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, RAMAN analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis, Thermogravimetry (TGA) Analysis, and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Analysis. The results obtained for produced synthetic graphite was compared with the commercial graphite. From the conducted characterization process, among all parameters varied, the best parameter to produce synthetic graphite from oil palm trunk waste was at the heating temperature of 800ºC and with the heating rate of 20º/min. XRD analysis of the synthetic graphite produced at 800 ºC, 20º/min, shows the significant graphite peak in XRD diffraction pattern at 26 º in 2ϴ, which is comparable with the commercial synthetic graphite. This was further supported with RAMAN analysis as to confirm the graphitic nature of the synthetic graphite produced. RAMAN spectroscopy shows the graphitic nature of the graphite obtained in the presence of D, G and 2D peaks at 1250 cm-1, 1625 cm-1 and 2700 cm-1 respectively. From the morphological characterization conducted by scanning electron microscope (SEM), the formation of graphite flakes also formed for the sample heated at 800 ºC at 20º/min which comparable with the commercial synthetic graphite. Thermogravimetry (TGA) analysis also show the 10 % of percentage weight loss as a function of increasing temperature for sample heated at 800 ºC, 20º/min. Fourier transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analysis also show existence of functional group of graphite. The synthetic graphite obtained from the best parameters was further exfoliated by using Modified Hummers Method to produce reduced graphene oxide. The reduced graphene oxide produced was further characterized by using XRD, RAMAN, FTIR and TEM.

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Sustainable packaging design for molded expanded polystyrene cushion

2023 , Normah Kassim , Shayfull Zamree Abd. Rahim , Wan Abd Rahman Assyahid Wan Ibrahim , Norshah Afizi Shuaib , Irfan Abd Rahim , Norizah Abd Karim , Andrei Victor Sandu , Maria Pop , Aurel Mihail Titu , Katarzyna Błoch , Marcin Nabiałek

A molded expanded polystyrene (EPS) cushion is a flexible, closed-cell foam that can be molded to fit any packing application and is effective at absorbing shock. However, the packaging waste of EPS cushions causes pollution to landfills and the environment. Despite being known to cause pollution, this sustainable packaging actually has the potential to reduce this environmental pollution because of its reusability. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the accurate design parameter that can be emphasized in producing a sustainable design of EPS cushion packaging. An experimental method of drop testing and design simulation analysis was conducted. The effectiveness of the design parameters was also verified. Based on the results, there are four main elements that necessitate careful consideration: rib positioning, EPS cushion thickness, package layout, and packing size. These parameter findings make a significant contribution to sustainable design, where these elements were integrated directly to reduce and reuse packaging material. Thus, it has been concluded that 48 percent of the development cost of the cushion was decreased, 25 percent of mold modification time was significantly saved, and 27 percent of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction was identified. The findings also aided in the development of productive packaging design, in which these design elements were beneficial to reduce environmental impact. These findings had a significant impact on the manufacturing industry in terms of the economics and time of the molded expanded polystyrene packaging development.

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Production of low temperature synthetic graphite

2023-04 , Anis Syafiqa Rosman , Ranjitha Navalan , Muhammad Mahyiddin Ramli , Norizah Abd Karim , Mohd Fairus Ahmad , Shazlina Johari , Norshamsuri Ali @ Hasim , Nurul Huda Osman

Synthetic graphite is a material consisting of graphitic carbon which has been obtained by graphitizing a non-graphitic carbon. The growth in demand, particularly in customizing properties for certain usage has brought about research on viable alternative, low-cost, and environmentally pleasant synthetic graphite production. Biomass wastes are amongst appealing carbon precursors which have been broadly checked out as replacement carbon for graphite production. This research aimed to synthesize synthetic graphite from oil palm trunks at low temperatures (500 °C, 400 °C and 300 °C) under controlled conditions to determine the physical properties and properties of the graphite obtained. After the heat treatment process, the obtained samples were then characterized by using XRD, SEM and RAMAN characterizations. Based on SEM and RAMAN characterization, it can be seen that graphite that undergoes a 500 °C pyrolysis process shows the best results compare to graphite that undergoes a pyrolysis process at the temperatures of 300 °C and 400 °C. The graphite flakes and the peaks obtained for 500 °C graphite are obviously present. For XRD characterization, the best samples at 500 °C were chosen to be characterized. From the results, the sample shows slight behavior imitating the commercialized graphite. Hence, from the characterizations of the samples, it can be concluded that the best synthetic graphite produced was from the oil palm trunks heated at 500 ° C

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Aluminium Interdigitated Electrode with 5.0 µm Gap for Electrolytic Scooting

2024-06-01 , Afnan Uda M.N. , Uda Hashim , Asral Bahari Jambek , Tijjani Adam , Saad I. , Muhammad Nur Aiman Uda , Nor Azizah Parmin , Shahidah Arina Shamsuddin , Norizah Abd Karim , Yashni G. , Ibrahim N.H. , Parimon N. , Rani M.F.H.

The goal of the research project is to design, fabricate, and characterize an extremely sensitive biosensor for use in healthcare. Using AutoCAD software, a novel IDE pattern with a 5 µm finger gap was created. Conventional photolithography and regular CMOS technology were used in the fabrication process. A 3D nano profiler, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-power microscopy (HPM), and low-power microscopy (LPM) were used to physically characterize the manufactured IDE. Chemical testing was done using several pH buffer solutions, and electrical validation was performed using I-V measurements. The Al IDE was produced, with a tolerance of 0.1 µm between the fabricated IDEs and the design mask. Electrical measurements verified the flawless fabrication of the IDE, and the device's repeatability was validated by the outcomes of comparable IDE samples. For each pH buffer solution, a modest additional volume of 2 µl was used to quantitatively detect slight current fluctuations in the microampere range. Through pH calibration for advanced applications in the realm of chemical sensors using an amperometric method, this research study has verified the chemical behavior of the IDE.

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Banana stem waste as a sustainable modifier for microstructure modification of protonic ceramic fuel cell cathode

2024-06 , Ismariza Ismail , Muhammad Mahyiddin Ramli , Norizah Abd Karim , Abdullah Abdul Samat

This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing banana stem waste (BSW) as a pore former to modify the microstructure of the PCFC composite cathode. The microstructure of the La₀.₆Sr₀.₄Co₀.2Fe₀.8O3-α-Ba(Ce₀.₆Zr₀.₄)₀.₉Y₀.1O3-δ (LSCF-BCZY64) composite cathode was modified by varying the amounts of the incorporated banana stem waste. The samples underwent sintering at 1000 ˚C, and their microstructural and physical properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and densimeter. The results indicate that the incorporation of BSW enhances the porosity of the cathode without significantly affecting its crystalline structure. As the amount of BSW increased from 10 to 40 wt.%, the porosity level increased from 7.0% to 32.7%, and the density of the samples decreased from 1.3 to 0.9 g/cm3, thereby supporting the results of the porosity analysis. Increased cathode porosity can enhance reactant accessibility to active sites, potentially resulting in improved cell performance and durability. Moreover, the utilization of BSW as a sustainable and cost-effective pore former aligns with the growing emphasis on environmentally friendly materials in energy applications.

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Gold-nanoparticle associated deep eutectic solution mediates early bio detection of ovarian cancer

2025-01 , S. Uvambighai Devi , Nor Azizah Parmin , N. Fareezah Jaapar , F. Syakirah Halim , Uda Hashim , Subash Chandra Bose Gopinath , Muhammad Nur Aiman Uda , Voon Chun Hong , Mohammad Nuzaihan Md Nor , Adilah Ayoib , Shahidah Arina Shamsuddin , Norizah Abd Karim

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have indeed been extensively researched in biological and photothermal therapy applications in recent years. This study aims to enhance the sensitivity of biosensors for early detection of ovarian cancer biomarkers by investigating the efficacy of DES-mediated surface functionalization of AuNPs. Additionally, the impact of DES on the stability and dispersion of AuNPs on SiO2 support is assessed to optimize sensor performance. A simple DES-mediated synthesis method for efficient amine surface functionalization of silicon dioxide (SiO2) to incorporate tiny AuNPs for antibody biosensors. Physical characterization [Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and 3D Profiler] and electrical characterization (Keithley) have been done to determine the functionalization of the modified IDE surface. SEM analysis indicated the resultant nanoparticles have truncated spherical shapes. There is just a peak recorded by UV-Vis at 504-540 nm with AuNPs due to the formation of monodispersed AuNPs. When the conjugation of DES with samples is measured, the curves are identical in form, and the highest peak after conjugation has remained at 230 nm but the SPR absorption peak becomes narrower and moves toward greater wavelengths, indicating the conjugation between the molecules. Furthermore, when the DES is conjugated with AuNPs, 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), antibody, and protein, the peaks gradually increased and became narrower, where O-H at 3280 cm-1, C-H at 2809 cm-1 and 2933 cm-1, CH2 at 1448 cm-1, CH3 at 1268 cm-1, C-OH at 1048 cm-1 and 1110 cm-1 and C-N+ at 844 cm-1 as analyzed by FTIR. Moreover, it can be observed that the 3D profilometer revealed a few red-colored areas, which are the portion that protrudes from the IDE surface. Based on the findings, it is possible to infer that this immunosensor does have the prospective to be used in clinical investigations for the precise detection of ovarian cancer or other biomarkers. The capacitance, transmittance, and resistivity profiles of the biosensor clearly distinguished between the antibody immobilization and the affinity binding. The presence of a DES-mediated synthetic approach increased the possibility of supporting different metal nanoparticles on SiO2 as the potential platform for biosensor applications.

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Optimization of soaking time for graphitization of oil palm trunk waste

2023 , Norizah Abd Karim , Muhammad Mahyiddin Ramli , Che Mohd Ruzaidi Ghazali , H. S. S. A. Syed , R. M. S. Syah

Synthetic graphite was synthesized from oil palm trunk chip in controlled heating condition or pyrolysis process. The soaking time was varied in the range of 2.5 hours, 3 hours, and 3.5 hours. While the heating rate and heating temperature was constant at 20 °/min and 500°C accordingly. After heat treatment process, the samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and analyzed using X'Pert Highscore Plus software. Synthetic graphite phase was analyzed by XRD and it was further supported by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis to verify existence of functional group. The morphological study was carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Based on the analysis, it was confirmed that synthetic graphite was successfully synthesized at 3hours soaking time with 500 °C and 20 °/min heating rate. Synthetic graphite was observed in the form of amorphous carbon based on the XRD diffraction pattern that match with the reference code of 00-041-1487.

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Overview of activated carbon derived from biomass for heavy metal removal

2020 , Z. Nur Aimi Nadhirah , M. Rabiatul Manisah , Norizah Abd Karim , Faizul Che Pa

Discharge of industrial wastewater containing heavy metals has resulted in serious problems thus effective solution to prevent such pollution is vitally needed. Adsorption technique is a popular method wastewater treatment and studies are focusing on the development of alternative activated carbons derived from biomass as alternative adsorbent with low cost, abundantly available and environment friendly. This paper goes through the treatment of biomass as activated carbon and its application in reducing heavy metals in wastewater. Such technology will reduce the cost of activated carbon production and the cost of biomass disposal as well.

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Low temperature synthetic graphite from oil palm trunk waste via pyrolisis process

2020 , Norizah Abd Karim , Muhammad Mahyiddin Ramli , Che Mohd Ruzaidi Ghazali , C A I Nadia , G Denesh

Synthetic graphite was produced from oil palm trunk chip in lower heating temperature via pyrolysis process. The heating rate (10 °/min and 20 °/min) were varied whilst the heating temperature at 500 °C was fixed. All of the samples produced after heat treatment process were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and the diffraction pattern obtained analyzed using X’Pert Highscore Plus software to affirm the phase analysis. To ensure the graphitic nature of synthetic graphite produced, RAMAN analysis was conducted. Morphological study of the synthetic graphite produced involved scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. From the investigation, the results show, confirmation that synthetic graphite was successfully synthesized at the heat treatment of 500 °C (20 °/min heating rate) with fixed soaking hours. Synthetic graphite produced matched with XRD reference code of 00-041-1487. Analysis of RAMAN confirm the formation of D, G and 2D peaks at the respective wavenumber of 1250 cm-1, 1625 cm-1 and 2700cm-1.

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Analysis on Silica and Graphene Nanomaterials Obtained From Rice Straw for Antimicrobial Potential

2024-06-12 , Muhammad Nur Aiman Uda , A Jalil N.H. , Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Muttalib , Fadhilnor Abdullah , Uda Hashim , Subash Chandra Bose Gopinath , Afnan Uda M.N. , Shahidah Arina Shamsuddin , Norizah Abd Karim , Ahmad Radi Wan Yaakub , Ibrahim N.H. , Tijjani Adam , Nor Azizah Parmin , Baharum N.A.

This study focuses on the encapsulation of silica and graphene nanoparticles and their potential applications. The encapsulation enhances the properties and effectiveness of these nanoparticles, with silica providing stability and graphene contributing to high surface area and electrical conductivity. Characterization of silica-graphene nanoparticles was conducted using various techniques including High Power Microscope (HPM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and 3D Nano Profiler. The antimicrobial activity of silica, graphene, and silica-graphene nanoparticles was evaluated using a disc diffusion assay against E. coli and B. subtilis at varying concentrations. Results showed significant antimicrobial activity, with the inhibition zone being directly proportional to the concentration. Silica-graphene nanoparticles demonstrated higher efficacy against E. coli compared to B. subtilis, attributed to differences in cell wall structure. Statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed significant differences in antimicrobial activity among the tested components.