Now showing 1 - 10 of 68
  • Publication
    Sustainable geopolymer adsorbents utilizing silica fume as a partial replacement for metakaolin in the removal of copper ion from synthesized copper solution
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2025-07)
    Pilomeena Arokiasamy
    ;
    ;
    Eva Arifi
    ;
    ;
    Md Azree Othuman Mydin
    ;
    Andrei Victor Sandu
    ;
    ;
    Shafiq Ishak
    Biochar has great significance for controlling heavy metal pollution. Nevertheless, its application is impeded by certain shortcomings, such as a limited adsorption capacity, a slow adsorption rate, and poor reusability. Besides, the physical adsorption capacity of raw biochar to heavy metals is suboptimal. As a result, researchers prefer to use geopolymer-based adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals due to their excellent immobilization effect. However, no research has been done on the synthesis of geopolymer-based adsorbent using silica fume for heavy metal adsorption. Thus, the aim of this study is to partially replace metakaolin (MK) with silica fume (S1) (25, 50, 75 and 100 %) in geopolymer formulation at varied S:L ratio (0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) to study the impact on the geopolymerization and its following properties in the removal efficiency of copper (Cu2 +). Characterization techniques such as Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to study the physicochemical properties of the developed geopolymer. The concentration of Cu2+ before and after adsorption was determined by Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and the removal efficiency was calculated. Based on the experimental result, the geopolymer prepared with 25 % MK and 75 % S1 at S:L of 0.6 maintained the high removal efficiency of Cu2+ (99.62 %) with 100 % MK geopolymer (98.56 %). The generation of N-A-S-H gel with the 75 % replacement level of S1 producing more reactive Si and Al binding sites for Cu2+ adsorption. In addition, S1 contains exchangeable cations such as Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ which further promote the adsorption of Cu2+ by ion exchange. Moreover, the mechanisms such as chemical bonding and precipitation were involved in the adsorption of Cu2+. Hence, this research could serve as a basis for the development of solid waste based geopolymers that could remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.
  • Publication
    Potential of Rapid Tooling in rapid heat cycle molding: a review
    ( 2022)
    Nurul Hidayah Mohamad Huzaim
    ;
    ; ;
    Abdellah El-hadj Abdellah
    ;
    ;
    Allan Rennie
    ;
    ;
    Sebastian Garus
    ;
    Katarzyna Błoch
    ;
    Andrei Victor Sandu
    ;
    Petrica Vizureanu
    ;
    Marcin Nabiałek
    Rapid tooling (RT) and additive manufacturing (AM) are currently being used in several parts of industry, particularly in the development of new products. The demand for timely deliveries of low-cost products in a variety of geometrical patterns is continuing to increase year by year. Increased demand for low-cost materials and tooling, including RT, is driving the demand for plastic and rubber products, along with engineering and product manufacturers. The development of AM and RT technologies has led to significant improvements in the technologies, especially in testing performance for newly developed products prior to the fabrication of hard tooling and low-volume production. On the other hand, the rapid heating cycle molding (RHCM) injection method can be implemented to overcome product surface defects generated by conventional injection molding (CIM), since the surface gloss of the parts is significantly improved, and surface marks such as flow marks and weld marks are eliminated. The most important RHCM technique is rapid heating and cooling of the cavity surface, which somewhat improves part quality while also maximizing production efficiencies. RT is not just about making molds quickly; it also improves molding productivity. Therefore, as RT can also be used to produce products with low-volume production, there is a good potential to explore RHCM in RT. This paper reviews the implementation of RHCM in the molding industry, which has been well established and undergone improvement on the basis of different heating technologies. Lastly, this review also introduces future research opportunities regarding the potential of RT in the RHCM technique.
      16  1
  • Publication
    Tool wear and surface evaluation in drilling fly ash geopolymer using HSS, HSS-Co, and HSS-TiN cutting tools
    ( 2021) ; ; ;
    Joanna Gondro
    ;
    Paweł Pietrusiewicz
    ;
    Sebastian Garus
    ;
    Tomasz Stachowiak
    ;
    Andrei Victor Sandu
    ;
    ;
    Mehmet Erdi Korkmaz
    ;
    Mohamed Syazwan Osman
    This paper reports on the potential use of geopolymer in the drilling process, with respect to tool wear and surface roughness. The objectives of this research are to analyze the tool life of three different economy-grade drill bit uncoated; high-speed steel (HSS), HSS coated with TiN (HSS-TiN), and HSS-cobalt (HSS-Co) in the drilling of geopolymer and to investigate the effect of spindle speed towards the tool life and surface roughness. It was found that, based on the range of parameters set in this experiment, the spindle speed is directly proportional to the tool wear and inversely proportional to surface roughness. It was also observed that HSS-Co produced the lowest value of surface roughness compared to HSS-TiN and uncoated HSS and therefore is the most favorable tool to be used for drilling the material. For HSS, HSS coated with TiN, and HSS-Co, only the drilling with the spindle speed of 100 rpm was able to drill 15 holes without surpassing the maximum tool wear of 0.10 mm. HSS-Co exhibits the greatest tool life by showing the lowest value of flank wear and produce a better surface finish to the sample by a low value of surface roughness value (Ra). This finding explains that geopolymer is possible to be drilled, and therefore, ranges of cutting tools and parameters suggested can be a guideline for researchers and manufacturers to drill geopolymer for further applications
      2  11
  • 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
    Experimental investigation of chopped steel wool fiber at various ratio reinforced cementitious composite panels
    The flexural toughness of chopped steel wool fiber reinforced cementitious composite panels was investigated. Reinforced cementitious composite panels were produced by mixing of chopped steel wool fiber with a ratio range between 0.5% to 6.0% and 0.5% as a step increment of the total mixture weight, where the cement to sand ratio was 1:1.5 with water to cement ratio of 0.45. The generated reinforced cementitious panels were tested at 28 days in terms of load-carrying capacity, deflection capacities, post-yielding effects, and flexural toughness. The inclusion of chopped steel wool fiber until 4.5% resulted in gradually increasing load-carrying capacity and deflection capacities while, provides various ductility, which would simultaneously the varying of deflection capability in the post-yielding stage. Meanwhile, additional fiber beyond 4.5% resulted in decreased maximum load-carrying capacity and increase stiffness at the expense of ductility. Lastly, the inclusion of curves gradually.
      1
  • Publication
    Evaluation on the mechanical properties of Ground Granulated Blast Slag (GGBS) and fly ash stabilized soil via geopolymer process
    ( 2021)
    Syafiadi Rizki Abdila
    ;
    ; ; ;
    Małgorzata Rychta
    ;
    Izabela Wnuk
    ;
    Marcin Nabiałek
    ;
    Krzysztof Muskalski
    ;
    ;
    Muhammad Syafwandi
    ;
    Marek Isradi
    This study intended to address the problem of damaged (collapsed, cracked and decreased soil strength) road pavement structure built on clay soil due to clay soil properties such as low shear strength, high soil compressibility, low soil permeability, low soil strength, and high soil plasticity. Previous research reported that ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) and fly ash can be used for clay soil stabilizations, but the results of past research indicate that the road pavement construction standards remained unfulfilled, especially in terms of clay’s subgrade soil. Due to this reason, this study is carried out to further investigate soil stabilization using GGBS and fly ash-based geopolymer processes. This study investigates the effects of GGBS and ratios of fly ash (solid) to alkaline activator (liquid) of 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, and 3:1, cured for 1 and 7 days. The molarity of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and the ratio of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was fixed at 10 molar and 2.0 weight ratio. The mechanical properties of the soil stabilization based geopolymer process were tested using an unconfined compression test, while the characterization of soil stabilization was investigated using the plastic limit test, liquid limit test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the highest strength obtained was 3.15 MPA with a GGBS to alkaline activator ratio of 1.5 and Na2SiO3 to NaOH ratio of 2.0 at 7 days curing time. These findings are useful in enhancing knowledge in the field of soil stabilization-based geopolymer, especially for applications in pavement construction. In addition, it can be used as a reference for academicians, civil engineers, and geotechnical engineers.
      8  24
  • Publication
    Thermal insulation and mechanical properties in the presence of glass bubble in fly ash geopolymer paste
    ( 2022-01-01)
    Noor Fifinatasha Shahedan
    ;
    ; ; ; ;
    Ikmal Hakem Abdul Aziz
    ;
    Kadir A.A.
    ;
    Sandu A.V.
    ;
    The density, compressive strength, and thermal insulation properties of fly ash geopolymer paste are reported. Novel insulation material of glass bubble was used as a replacement of fly ash binder to significantly enhance the mechanical and thermal properties compared to the geopolymer paste. The results showed that the density and compressive strength of 50% glass bubble was 1.45 g/ cm3 and 42.5 MPa, respectively, meeting the standard requirement for structural concrete. Meanwhile, the compatibility of 50% glass bubbles tested showed that the thermal conductivity (0.898 W/mK), specific heat (2.141 MJ/m3K), and thermal diffusivity (0.572 mm2/s) in meeting the same requirement. The improvement of thermal insulation properties revealed the potential use of glass bubbles as an insulation material in construction material.
      1  37
  • Publication
    Influence of filler surface modification on static and dynamic mechanical responses of rice husk reinforced linear low-density polyethylene composites
    Filler surface modification has become an essential approach to improve the compatibility problem between natural fillers and polymer matrices. However, there is limited work that concerns on this particular effect under dynamic loading conditions. Therefore, in this study, both untreated and treated low linear density polyethylene/rice husk composites were tested under static (0.001 s–1, 0.01 s–1 and 0.1 s–1) and dynamic loading rates (650 s–1, 900 s–1 and 1100 s–1) using universal testing machine and split Hopkinson pressure bar equipment, respectively. Rice husk filler was modified using silane coupling agents at four different concentrations (1, 3, 5 and 7% weight percentage of silane) at room temperature. This surface modification was experimentally proven by Fourier transform infrared and Field emission scanning electron microscopy. Results show that strength properties, stiffness properties and yield behaviour of treated composites were higher than untreated composites. Among the treated composites, the 5% silane weight percentage composite shows the optimum mechanical properties. Besides, the rate of sensitivity of both untreated and treated composites also shows great dependency on strain rate sensitivity with increasing strain rate. On the other hand, the thermal activation volume shows contrary trend. For fracture surface analysis, the results show that the treated LLDPE/RH composites experienced less permanent deformation as compared to untreated LLDPE/RH composites. Besides, at dynamic loading, the fracture surface analysis of the treated composites showed good attachment between RH and LLDPE.
      1  16
  • Publication
    Hybrid mold: comparative study of rapid and hard tooling for injection molding application using Metal Epoxy Composite (MEC)
    ( 2021) ;
    Safian Sharif
    ;
    Marcin Nabiałek
    ;
    ;
    Mohd Tanwyn Mohd Khushairi
    ;
    Mohd Azlan Suhaimi
    ;
    ; ;
    Jerzy J. Wysłocki
    ;
    Katarzyna Błoch
    The mold-making industry is currently facing several challenges, including new competitors in the market as well as the increasing demand for a low volume of precision moldings. The purpose of this research is to appraise a new formulation of Metal Epoxy Composite (MEC) materials as a mold insert. The fabrication of mold inserts using MEC provided commercial opportunities and an alternative rapid tooling method for injection molding application. It is hypothesized that the addition of filler particles such as brass and copper powders would be able to further increase mold performance such as compression strength and thermal properties, which are essential in the production of plastic parts for the new product development. This study involved four phases, which are epoxy matrix design, material properties characterization, mold design, and finally the fabrication of the mold insert. Epoxy resins filled with brass (EB) and copper (EC) powders were mixed separately into 10 wt% until 30 wt% of the mass composition ratio. Control factors such as degassing time, curing temperature, and mixing time to increase physical and mechanical properties were optimized using the Response Surface Method (RSM). The study provided optimum parameters for mixing epoxy resin with fillers, where the degassing time was found to be the critical factor with 35.91%, followed by curing temperature with 3.53% and mixing time with 2.08%. The mold inserts were fabricated for EB and EC at 30 wt% based on the optimization outcome from RSM and statistical ANOVA results. It was also revealed that the EC mold insert offers better cycle time compared to EB mold insert material.
      2  9
  • 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