Ras Izzati Ismail
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Preferred name
Ras Izzati Ismail
Official Name
Ras Izzati, Ismail
Alternative Name
Ismail, Ras Izzati binti
Ismail, R. I.
Ismail, Ras Izzati
Main Affiliation
Scopus Author ID
57193309626
Researcher ID
AAI-8795-2021

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The effect of torrefaction reaction temperature on the Elaeis Guineensis Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) pellet durability and calorific value

2020-12-18 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Leng L.Y. , Nur Lailina Makhtar , Rahman A.A.A. , Dali J.A.A. , Abd Razak Shaari , Yee K.C. , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Mohd Riduan Jamalludin , Norawanis Abdul Razak , Wan Nur A'tiqah Wan Draman

Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) are not being fully utilized for energy production due to its high moisture content, low density, having bulky characteristics and low calorific value. In order to improve characteristic of Elaeis Guineensis empty fruit bunch as fuel, pre-treatment process is necessary to overcome these shortcomings. Therefore, the aim of this research is to examine the effect of torrefaction reaction temperature on the Elaeis Guineensis pellet energy characteristics. The observed pellet qualities include the pellet durability and calorific value of the pellet. The torrefaction of empty fruit bunch was conducted in a fixed-bed reactor at 200 C, 220 C, 240 C and 260 C. The torrefied sample was pelletized, analysed and tested to examine the characteristics of empty fruit bunch biomass as fuel. The pelletization process was carried out by using the cold single press pelletizer and using cassava starch as binder. At higher torrefaction temperature, the decomposition of cellulose and lignin become more prominent. At the torrefaction temperature 260 C, the gross calorific value is the highest due to the removal of moisture, release of volatile matter and the decomposition of biomass components such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin which resulted in energy densification. By comparing the torrefied empty fruit bunch at 260 C with the untorrefied empty fruit bunch, it was found that the torrefaction increased the energy densification and pellet qualities of empty fruit bunch that can be utilized as biomass energy sources in renewable energy.

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The Effect of Different Waste Material Binders in Relation to Khaya Senegalensis Solid Fuel Pellet Quality

2023-11-01 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Khor Chu Yee , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Mustafa N.M.K.N. , Lee Yit Leng , Nur Lailina Makhtar , Norawanis Abdul Razak

Fuel pellets are an attractive renewable energy source derived from biomass sources thanks to their uniformity and ease of handling. However, raw biomass and waste material binders have several drawbacks, which include poor physical properties, particularly low density and compositional heterogeneity, which restrict their wider use as a general source of energy. Besides, due to the low energy density, low bulk density, and uneven shape and size of raw biomass, it is very difficult to store and transport biomass in its original form, which decreases transport efficiency. This study investigated the effect of waste material binders (rice husk, corn cob, and sugarcane bagasse) on the mechanical and thermal properties of Khaya Senagalensis pellets. The mechanical and thermal properties were determined according to ASTM standards. Waste material binders have affected pellet quality such as density, bulk density, moisture content, durability, compressive strength, shatter index, water resistance, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and calorific value. From the analysis, sugarcane bagasse as a binder shows the highest quality pellet in terms of mechanical properties. Sugarcane bagasse produces the highest density (0.967g/cm3), bulk density (0.4094), durability (99.71%), shatter index (98.85%), water resistance (98.35%), and thermal properties, which are the highest volatile matter (94.71%) and the lowest ash content (1.71%). In a nutshell, sugarcane bagasse is a good binder that gives a positive impact to the K.senegalensis pellets in terms of storage and transportation compared to corn cob and rice husk binder.

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The effect of different khaya senegalensis raw feedstock particle sizes on solid fuel pellet quality

2020-07-09 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Usamah M.I. , Abd Razak Shaari , Yee K.C. , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Mohd Riduan Jamalludin , Norawanis Abdul Razak , Leng L.Y. , Nur Lailina Makhtar , Rosli M.U.M.

In recent years, the usage and demand for biomass pellet has been increasing due to the need of substitution for non-renewable energy source. Therefore, high quality solid fuel is in need to cater this demand. Pellet qualities such as durability, calorific value and density are different depending on the type of material, size of particle and the density of the feedstock. In this study, the durability, calorific value and unit density of Khaya Senegalensis pellet was investigated. This was done to identify the optimum particle size to obtain the best qualities of pellet possible. The ground biomass material was separated into 0.15 mm, 0.50 mm and 1.00 mm particle sizes, pelletized and ultimately the pellet durability, calorific value and unit density were tested in this study. It was found that 0.15 mm particle size resulted in the highest pellet durability, and density value. 1.00 mm particle size pellet has the highest calorific value. As a conclusion, different raw biomass feedstock particle size will affect the durability, density and calorific value of pellet.

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Optimization of fuel pellet parameter from oil palm fronds by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

2023-06 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Khor Chu Yee , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Nadiah Farzana Jamaludin , Adli Azimi Abdul Rahman , Mohd Riduan Jamalludin

The oil palm tree, which had been producing a plentiful supply of oil palm fronds, had simply been left to rot on the ground. As biomass is a loose substance, pelletization was undertaken so that it could be transported and stored with ease. High-quality pellet production was studied to maximize oil palm frond use. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to determine the impact of particle size and moisture content on fuel pellet quality. The response surface approach was utilized in this study to optimize the oil palm fronds pellet particle size and the moisture content on the durability, unit density, and calorific value. The particle sizes analyzed were 0.15 mm, 0.500 mm, and 1.00 mm, while the moisture content was 5%, 10.50%, and 16%. The pellets were manufactured using a hydraulic single pellet press, and their calorific value, unit density, and durability were evaluated using a bomb calorimeter, a density formula, and a sieve shaker, respectively. The optimization yielded the maximum desirability (0.5026) for particles with a 16% moisture content and a 0.500 mm particle size. The condition is ideal when the value of desirability is closest to 1.00. It may be concluded that the particle size and moisture content of oil palm fronds affect the durability, unit density, and calorific value of oil palm fronds pellet.

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Estimating shelf-life of fresh Brazilian spinach: Paper and plastic packaging

2023-04-24 , Norawanis Abdul Razak , Amran M.A.F. , Sharon S. , Wei L.T. , Abd Razak Shaari , Lee Yit Leng , Ras Izzati Ismail , Sriyana Abdullah

The selection of packing materials is an important factor to prolong the shelf life of food products, especially for perishable foods or produces. This research was conducted to determine the effect of packing materials (papers and plastics) on fresh Brazilian spinach leaves quality such as moisture content, water activity and total color difference (Δη). The samples were stored at ambient temperature (25 °C) for 16 days. The moisture content and water activity of the samples were measure by moisture analyzer and water activity meter, respectively. The total color difference (Δη) was calculated based on L∗, a∗ and b∗ parameters. Generally, based on overall results, the packing materials significantly affected the quality of fresh Brazilian spinach leaves throughout 16 days of storage period. The results asserted that the paper materials are not suitable to use to pack fresh Brazilian spinach leaves for long period. It is also not recommended to use any paper material to pack fresh produce, especially perishable vegetables and fruits, in protecting their quality. The use of HDPE and PP plastics is recommended to prolong the shelf life of the fresh Brazilian spinach leaves. However, it has a limitation in controlling the changes of leaves color.

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Mechanical and physical properties of khaya senegalensis solid fuel pellet with different binder percentages

2021-10-25 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Shaari A.R. , Khor Chu Yee , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Rahim M.S.b.A. , Lee Yit Leng , Wan Nur A'tiqah Wan Draman , Nur Lailina Makhtar , Norawanis Abdul Razak , Mohd Riduan Jamalludin

The characteristics of the solid fuel pellets, such as its strength, durability and density can be used to assess its quality. During the transport and storage, pellets with low strength and durability produces dusts and ultimately resulting in equipment blockage, high pollution emissions, and an increased risk of fire and explosion. Therefore, pellet manufacturing process should be given priority to improve pellet quality. The use of binder in the production of pellets will aid in improving pellet quality. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of different binder percentages on the mechanical properties of K. senegelensis fuel pellets. Durability, unit density, bulk density and diametral compressive strength testing were carried out in compliance with international standards. It was discovered that pellets containing 4% cassava starch binder produces better results, particularly in terms of durability and compressive ldiametral strength.

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Optimization of processing parameters for physical, mechanical and chemical properties of Khaya senegalensis fuel pellets

2024 , Ras Izzati Ismail

Flourishing even in less-than-ideal conditions, the rapid growth of the Khaya senegalensis (khaya) tree requires regular pruning, presenting a challenge in waste management. To address this, the study proposes repurposing the pruning waste to manufacture energy pellets, offering an eco-friendly solution to waste removal. Pellets offer improved energy density, bulk density, moisture content, and homogeneity, thereby reducing storage, handling, and transportation costs. Notably, there is a lack of scientific gap on using Khaya senegalensis wood for fuel pellet production. To produce high-quality solid fuel, it is essential to comprehend the properties of wood fuel. Due to this necessity, the current study examines the effects of pelletization temperature, pressure, particle size, feedstock moisture content and binder percentages on fuel pellet properties, particularly on their physical, mechanical and combustion characteristics. In this study, the methodology involved determining the fuel characteristics of Khaya senegalensis wood biomass, including bulk density and calorific value, followed by the fabrication of fuel pellets from varying feedstock parameters. The effects of these parameters on pellet properties were analyzed through a parametric study, and response surface methodology was employed to optimize the processing conditions for enhanced pellet quality. The study achieves its first objective by comprehensively assessing the fuel characteristics of Khaya senegalensis wood, with bulk density measured at 258 kg/m³, moisture content (26.06 %), ash content (5.38 %), volatile matter (83.07 %), fixed carbon (15.46 %), and calorific values (16.11 MJ/kg). The second objective involves a parametric study, investigating the effects of pelletizing parameters on mechanical strength and combustion characteristics. The study successfully establishes relationships and optimized conditions for various parameters, presenting statistically significant findings in response analysis. The third objective employs response surface methodology to optimize pelletizing variables for ideal mechanical and combustion characteristics, resulting in well-validated models and predicted optimized values. Design Expert 13 revealed that khaya pellets performed optimally with factor settings of pelletization temperature at 110 °C, pressure at 5 tonnes, and a binder percentage of 9 %. The optimized values for various responses include axial compressive strength at 55.66 MPa, diametral compressive strength at 9.604 MPa, moisture content at 6.93 %, volatile matter at 87.83 %, ash content at 6.54 %, fixed carbon at 5.31 %, calorific value at 19.08 MJ/kg, durability at 99.93 %, and unit density at 1309.37 kg/m³. In conclusion, all the objectives have been successfully achieved, and the research provides valuable insights into repurposing khaya wood waste for sustainable energy pellet production. Understanding wood biomass, solid fuel qualities, and pelletization parameters for this crop could streamline the production of premium-quality pellets from khaya wood, addressing global energy demands efficiently.

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Production of Solid Biofuels From Renewable Resources: A Review

2023-06-09 , Ras Izzati Ismail , Khor Chu Yee , Shaari A.R. , Alina Rahayu Mohamed , Abdul Halim M.H.B. , Rahman A.A.A. , Lee Yit Leng , Nur Lailina Makhtar , Norawanis Abdul Razak

Increasing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, volatile fossil fuel prices, and political instability have led to biomass as a renewable energy source. Close cooperation from the government supported by independent bodies also helps produce this effective and sustainable energy source. As a result, the current growth of solid biofuels has increased tremendously. Agricultural, municipal, forest, commercial waste and dedicated energy crops are the main sources of biomass. Due to this biomass's nature, the methods to produce them into solid biofuels are also different. The energy potential of these biomass sources is quite dependent on the use of technology and public awareness. Therefore, this paper review feedstock biomass, processing processes, product types and properties of solid biofuels in terms of mechanical and combustion. The paper also reviews the solid biofuel production situation in Malaysia.

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The effect of silica toward polymer membrane for water separation process

2017-09-26 , Mohd Riduan Jamalludin , Rosli M.U. , Muhammad Ikman Ishak , Khor Chu Yee , Mohamad Suhaimi Shahrin , Ras Izzati Ismail , Lailina N.M. , Leng Y.L. , Hazrin Jahidi Jaafar

The aim of this present work was to investigate the effect of different percentage rice husk silica (RHS) particles composition towards polymer mixed matrix membrane microstructure and performance in water separation process. The polymer membranes were prepared by a phase inversion method using polysulfone (PSf), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent, distilled water as non-solvent and fixed RHS at 400°C as an additive. The microstructures of PSf/PEG/RHS sample were characterized by performing scanning electron microscope (SEM). The performance was measured by using pure water flux and humic acid for the rejection test. The analyzed result of SEM analysis revealed that the addition of RHS obviously improved the microstructure of the membrane especially at the top and sub layer at the range of 1 until 3 wt. %. This was proven by the pure water flux (PWF) value measured from 114.47 LMH to 154.04 LMH and rejection from value 83% to 96% at this specified range substantially higher than the mixed matrix membrane with synthetic silica. In fact, the presence of RHS particles not only improved the properties and performance of membrane but also possess biodegradable properties which can minimize the pollution and provide a membrane green technology system.

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Soil Macrofauna abundance in the intercropping of Mangifera Indica with aromatic plants

2023-12 , Iqbal Usamah , Lee Yit Leng , Noor Hasyierah Mohd Salleh , Norawanis Abdul Razak , Zarina Zakaria , Ras Izzati Ismail , Nur Lailina Makhtar

Soil macrofauna such as earthworms, beetles, ants, and centipedes are an important aspect of soil health as they help in the breakdown of plant residue to provide natural resources such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous into the soil. Monocropping practice uses heavy machinery, pesticides, and herbicides to maintain farm productivity, which negatively impacts soil macrofauna abundance. Thus, intercropping is a sustainable practice for farmers to maintain soil health with the minimal use of external input, which can do more harm to the soil ecosystem over a long period of time. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of intercropping mango with pandan and lemongrass on soil macrofauna density compared to mango monocrop. The field experiment consisted of mango, mango-pandan intercrops, and mango-lemongrass intercrops. Soil macrofauna was assessed using the tropical soil biology and fertility (TSBF) monolith method. The result showed that intercropping of mango-lemongrass and mango-pandan had higher soil macrofauna density compared with mango monocrop due to the presence of intercrops providing more natural resources and a better soil environment for soil macrofauna to grow and reproduce. However, further long-term research is needed to reinforce these findings.

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