Now showing 1 - 10 of 11
  • Publication
    Comparison of hook and straight steel fibers addition on malaysian fly ash-based geopolymer concrete on the slump, density, water absorption and mechanical properties
    ( 2021) ; ;
    Ratnasamy Muniandy
    ;
    ;
    Katarzyna Błoch
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    ;
    Sebastian Garus
    ;
    Paweł Palutkiewicz
    ;
    ;
    Geopolymer concrete has the potential to replace ordinary Portland cement which can reduce carbon dioxide emission to the environment. The addition of different amounts of steel fibers, as well as different types of end-shape fibers, could alter the performance of geopolymer concrete. The source of aluminosilicate (fly ash) used in the production of geopolymer concrete may lead to a different result. This study focuses on the comparison between Malaysian fly ash geopolymer concrete with the addition of hooked steel fibers and geopolymer concrete with the addition of straight-end steel fibers to the physical and mechanical properties. Malaysian fly ash was first characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to identify the chemical composition. The sample of steel fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete was produced by mixing fly ash, alkali activators, aggregates, and specific amounts of hook or straight steel fibers. The steel fibers addition for both types of fibers are 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% by volume percentage. The samples were cured at room temperature. The physical properties (slump, density, and water absorption) of reinforced geopolymer concrete were studied. Meanwhile, a mechanical performance which is compressive, as well as the flexural strength was studied. The results show that the pattern in physical properties of geopolymer concrete for both types of fibers addition is almost similar where the slump is decreased with density and water absorption is increased with the increasing amount of fibers addition. However, the addition of hook steel fiber to the geopolymer concrete produced a lower slump than the addition of straight steel fibers. Meanwhile, the addition of hook steel fiber to the geopolymer concrete shows a higher density and water absorption compared to the sample with the addition of straight steel fibers. However, the difference is not significant. Besides, samples with the addition of hook steel fibers give better performance for compressive and flexural strength compared to the samples with the addition of straight steel fibers where the highest is at 1.0% of fibers addition.
  • Publication
    Design of experiment on concrete mechanical properties prediction: A critical review
    ( 2021)
    Beng Wei Chong
    ;
    Rokiah Othman
    ;
    Ramadhansyah Putra Jaya
    ;
    Mohd Rosli Mohd Hasan
    ;
    Andrei Victor Sandu
    ;
    Marcin Nabiałek
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    ;
    Paweł Pietrusiewicz
    ;
    Dariusz Kwiatkowski
    ;
    Przemysław Postawa
    ;
    Concrete mix design and the determination of concrete performance are not merely engineering studies, but also mathematical and statistical endeavors. The study of concrete mechanical properties involves a myriad of factors, including, but not limited to, the amount of each constituent material and its proportion, the type and dosage of chemical additives, and the inclusion of different waste materials. The number of factors and combinations make it difficult, or outright impossible, to formulate an expression of concrete performance through sheer experimentation. Hence, design of experiment has become a part of studies, involving concrete with material addition or replacement. This paper reviewed common design of experimental methods, implemented by past studies, which looked into the analysis of concrete performance. Several analysis methods were employed to optimize data collection and data analysis, such as analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression, Taguchi method, Response Surface Methodology, and Artificial Neural Network. It can be concluded that the use of statistical analysis is helpful for concrete material research, and all the reviewed designs of experimental methods are helpful in simplifying the work and saving time, while providing accurate prediction of concrete mechanical performance.
  • Publication
    Elevated-Temperature performance, combustibility and fire propagation index of Fly Ash-Metakaolin blend geopolymers with addition of Monoaluminium Phosphate (MAP) and Aluminum Dihydrogen Triphosphate (ATP)
    ( 2021)
    Khairunnisa Zulkifly
    ;
    ; ;
    Ridho Bayuaji
    ;
    ;
    Shamsul Bin Ahmad
    ;
    Tomasz Stachowiak
    ;
    Janusz Szmidla
    ;
    Joanna Gondro
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    ;
    Mohd Suhaimi Bin Khalid
    ;
    Sebastian Garus
    ;
    Ong Shee-Ween
    ;
    Ooi Wan-En
    ;
    Ng Hui-Teng
    Thermal performance, combustibility, and fire propagation of fly ash-metakaolin (FA-MK) blended geopolymer with the addition of aluminum triphosphate, ATP (Al(H2PO4)3), and monoaluminium phosphate, MAP (AlPO4) were evaluated in this paper. To prepare the geopolymer mix, fly ash and metakaolin with a ratio of 1:1 were added with ATP and MAP in a range of 0–3% by weight. The fire/heat resistance was evaluated by comparing the residual compressive strengths after the elevated temperature exposure. Besides, combustibility and fire propagation tests were conducted to examine the thermal performance and the applicability of the geopolymers as passive fire protection. Experimental results revealed that the blended geopolymers with 1 wt.% of ATP and MAP exhibited higher compressive strength and denser geopolymer matrix than control geopolymers. The effect of ATP and MAP addition was more obvious in unheated geopolymer and little improvement was observed for geopolymer subjected to elevated temperature. ATP and MAP at 3 wt.% did not help in enhancing the elevated-temperature performance of blended geopolymers. Even so, all blended geopolymers, regardless of the addition of ATP and MAP, were regarded as the noncombustible materials with negligible (0–0.1) fire propagation index.
      1  23
  • Publication
    The influence of MMA esterification on interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties of hybrid kenaf bast/glass fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites
    ( 2021) ;
    Syed Zhafer Firdaus Syed Putra
    ;
    ;
    Irwana Nainggolan
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    ;
    Marcin Nabiałek
    ;
    ;
    Andrei Victor Sandu
    ;
    Petrica Vizureanu
    ;
    ;
    Dariusz Kwiatkowski
    ;
    Izabela Wnuk
    The demand for natural fiber hybrid composites for various applications has increased, which is leading to more research being conducted on natural fiber hybrid composites due to their promising mechanical properties. However, the incompatibility of natural fiber with polymer matrix limits the performance of the natural fiber hybrid composite. In this research work, the mechanical properties and fiber-to-matrix interfacial adhesion were investigated. The efficiency of methyl methacrylate (MMA)-esterification treatments on composites’ final product performance was determined. The composite was prepared using the hand lay-up method with varying kenaf bast fiber (KBF) contents of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 (weight%) and hybridized with glass fiber (GF) at 5 and 10 (weight%). Unsaturated polyester (UPE) resin and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) were used as binders and catalysts, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to examine the effects of MMA-esterification treatment on tensile strength and morphology (tensile fracture and characterization of MMA-esterification treatment) of the composite fabricated. The tensile strength of MMA-treated reinforced UPE and hybrid composites are higher than that of untreated composites. As for MMA treatment, 90 min of treatment showed the highest weight percent gain (WPG) and tensile strength of KBF-reinforced UPE composites. It can be concluded that the esterification of MMA on the KBF can lead to better mechanical properties and adhesion between the KFB and the UPE matrix. This research provides a clear reference for developing hybrid natural fibers, thus contributing to the current field of knowledge related to GF composites, specifically in transportation diligences due to their properties of being lightweight, superior, and involving low production cost.
      11  15
  • Publication
    Contribution of interfacial bonding towards geopolymers properties in geopolymers reinforced fibers: a review
    ( 2022)
    Muhd Hafizuddin Yazid
    ;
    ; ;
    Marcin Nabiałek
    ;
    ; ;
    Marwan Kheimi
    ;
    Andrei Victor Sandu
    ;
    Adam Rylski
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    There is a burgeoning interest in the development of geopolymers as sustainable construction materials and incombustible inorganic polymers. However, geopolymers show quasi-brittle behavior. To overcome this weakness, hundreds of researchers have focused on the development, characterization, and implementation of geopolymer-reinforced fibers for a wide range of applications for light geopolymers concrete. This paper discusses the rapidly developing geopolymer-reinforced fibers, focusing on material and geometrical properties, numerical simulation, and the effect of fibers on the geopolymers. In the section on the effect of fibers on the geopolymers, a comparison between single and hybrid fibers will show the compressive strength and toughness of each type of fiber. It is proposed that interfacial bonding between matrix and fibers is important to obtain better results, and interfacial bonding between matrix and fiber depends on the type of material surface contact area, such as being hydrophobic or hydrophilic, as well as the softness or roughness of the surface.
      22  2
  • Publication
    Nonisothermal kinetic degradation of Hybrid CNT/Alumina Epoxy Nanocomposites
    ( 2021)
    Muhammad Helmi Abdul Kudus
    ;
    Muhammad Razlan Zakaria
    ;
    ;
    Muhammad Bisyrul Hafi Othman
    ;
    Hazizan Md. Akil
    ;
    Marcin Nabiałek
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    ;
    Due to the synergistic effect that occurs between CNTs and alumina, CNT/alumina hybrid-filled epoxy nanocomposites show significant enhancements in tensile properties, flexural properties, and thermal conductivity. This study is an extension of previously reported investigations into CNT/alumina epoxy nanocomposites. A series of epoxy composites with different CNT/alumina loadings were investigated with regard to their thermal-degradation kinetics and lifetime prediction. The thermal-degradation parameters were acquired via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in a nitrogen atmosphere. The degradation activation energy was determined using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (F-W-O) method for the chosen apparent activation energy. The Ea showed significant differences at α > 0.6, which indicate the role played by the CNT/alumina hybrid filler loading in the degradation behavior. From the calculations, the lifetime prediction at 5% mass loss decreased with an increase in the temperature service of nitrogen. The increase in the CNT/alumina hybrid loading revealed its contribution towards thermal degradation and stability. On average, a higher Ea was attributed to greater loadings of the CNT/alumina hybrid in the composites.
      2  16
  • Publication
    Contribution of interfacial bonding towards geopolymers properties in geopolymers reinforced fibers: A review
    ( 2022)
    Muhd Hafizuddin Yazid
    ;
    ; ;
    Marcin Nabiałek
    ;
    ; ;
    Marwan Kheimi
    ;
    Andrei Victor Sandu
    ;
    Adam Rylski
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    There is a burgeoning interest in the development of geopolymers as sustainable construction materials and incombustible inorganic polymers. However, geopolymers show quasi-brittle behavior. To overcome this weakness, hundreds of researchers have focused on the development, characterization, and implementation of geopolymer-reinforced fibers for a wide range of applications for light geopolymers concrete. This paper discusses the rapidly developing geopolymer-reinforced fibers, focusing on material and geometrical properties, numerical simulation, and the effect of fibers on the geopolymers. In the section on the effect of fibers on the geopolymers, a comparison between single and hybrid fibers will show the compressive strength and toughness of each type of fiber. It is proposed that interfacial bonding between matrix and fibers is important to obtain better results, and interfacial bonding between matrix and fiber depends on the type of material surface contact area, such as being hydrophobic or hydrophilic, as well as the softness or roughness of the surface.
      6  18
  • Publication
    Comparison of hook and straight steel fibers addition on Malaysian fly ash-based geopolymer concrete on the slump, density, water absorption and mechanical properties
    ( 2021) ; ;
    Ratnasamy Muniandy
    ;
    ;
    Katarzyna Błoch
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    ;
    Sebastian Garus
    ;
    Paweł Palutkiewicz
    ;
    ;
    Geopolymer concrete has the potential to replace ordinary Portland cement which can reduce carbon dioxide emission to the environment. The addition of different amounts of steel fibers, as well as different types of end-shape fibers, could alter the performance of geopolymer concrete. The source of aluminosilicate (fly ash) used in the production of geopolymer concrete may lead to a different result. This study focuses on the comparison between Malaysian fly ash geopolymer concrete with the addition of hooked steel fibers and geopolymer concrete with the addition of straight-end steel fibers to the physical and mechanical properties. Malaysian fly ash was first characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to identify the chemical composition. The sample of steel fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete was produced by mixing fly ash, alkali activators, aggregates, and specific amounts of hook or straight steel fibers. The steel fibers addition for both types of fibers are 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% by volume percentage. The samples were cured at room temperature. The physical properties (slump, density, and water absorption) of reinforced geopolymer concrete were studied. Meanwhile, a mechanical performance which is compressive, as well as the flexural strength was studied. The results show that the pattern in physical properties of geopolymer concrete for both types of fibers addition is almost similar where the slump is decreased with density and water absorption is increased with the increasing amount of fibers addition. However, the addition of hook steel fiber to the geopolymer concrete produced a lower slump than the addition of straight steel fibers. Meanwhile, the addition of hook steel fiber to the geopolymer concrete shows a higher density and water absorption compared to the sample with the addition of straight steel fibers. However, the difference is not significant. Besides, samples with the addition of hook steel fibers give better performance for compressive and flexural strength compared to the samples with the addition of straight steel fibers where the highest is at 1.0% of fibers addition.
      2  20
  • Publication
    Synthesis of metakaolin based alkali activated materials as an adsorbent at different Na2SiO3/NaOH ratios and exposing temperatures for Cu2+ Removal
    ( 2023)
    Masdiyana Ibrahim
    ;
    ; ;
    Marcin Nabialek
    ;
    Ramadhansyah Putra Jaya
    ;
    Monthian Setkit
    ;
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    Water contamination is a major issue due to industrial releases of hazardous heavy metals. Copper ions are among the most dangerous heavy metals owing to their carcinogenicity and harmful effects on the environment and human health. Adsorption of copper ions using alkali activated materials synthesized through the polycondensation reaction of an alkali source and aluminosilicates is the most promising technique, and has a high adsorption capability owing to a large surface area and pore volume. This research focuses on the effect of the alkaline activator ratio, which is a sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio. Various exposing temperatures on metakaolin based alkali activated materials on a surface structure with excellent functional properties can be used as adsorbent materials for the removal of copper ions. A variety of mix designs were created with varying sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratios, with a fixed sodium hydroxide molarity, metakaolin to alkali activator ratio, hydrogen peroxide, and surfactant content of 10 M, 0.8, 1.00 wt%, and 3.0 wt%, respectively. Most wastewater adsorbents need high sintering temperatures, requiring an energy-intensive and time-consuming manufacturing process. In this way, metakaolin-based alkali activated materials are adsorbent and may be produced easily by solidifying the sample at 60 °C without using much energy. The specific surface area, water absorption, microstructure, phase analysis, functional group analysis, and adsorption capability of copper ions by metakaolin based alkali activated materials as adsorbents were evaluated. The water absorption test on the samples revealed that the sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide 0.5 ratio had the highest water absorption percentage of 36.24%, superior pore size distribution, and homogeneous porosity at 60 °C, with a surface area of 24.6076 m2/g and the highest copper ion uptake of 63.726 mg/g with 95.59% copper ion removal efficiency at adsorption condition of pH = 5, a dosage of 0.15 g, 100 mg/L of the initial copper solution, the temperature of 25 °C, and contact time of 60 min. It is concluded that self-supported metakaolin based alkali activated material adsorbents synthesized at low temperatures effectively remove copper ions in aqueous solutions, making them an excellent alternative for wastewater treatment applications.
      1  15
  • Publication
    Warpage optimisation using recycled Polycar-bonates (PC) on front panel housing
    ( 2021)
    Nur Aisyah Miza Ahmad Tamizi
    ;
    ;
    Abdellah El-hadj Abdellah
    ;
    ;
    Marcin Nabiałek
    ;
    Jerzy J. Wysłocki
    ;
    Bartłomiej Jeż
    ;
    Paweł Palutkiewicz
    ;
    Rozyanty Abdul Rahman
    ;
    ;
    Many studies have been done using recycled waste materials to minimise environmental problems. It is a great opportunity to explore mechanical recycling and the use of recycled and virgin blend as a material to produce new products with minimum defects. In this study, appropriate processing parameters were considered to mould the front panel housing part using R0% (virgin), R30% (30% virgin: 70% recycled), R40% (40% virgin: 60% recycled) and R50% (50% virgin: 50% recycled) of Polycarbonate (PC). The manufacturing ability and quality during preliminary stage can be predicted through simulation analysis using Autodesk Moldflow Insight 2012 software. The recommended processing parameters and values of warpage in x and y directions can also be obtained using this software. No value of warpage was obtained from simulation studies for x direction on the front panel housing. Therefore, this study only focused on reducing the warpage in the y direction. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimisation methods were used to find the optimal processing parameters. As the results, the optimal ratio of recycled PC material was found to be R30%, followed by R40% and R50% materials using RSM and GA methods as compared to the average value of warpage on the moulded part using R0%. The most influential processing parameter that contributed to warpage defect was packing pressure for all materials used in this study.
      1  18