Now showing 1 - 10 of 25
  • Publication
    The role of zinc chloride in enhancing mechanical, thermal and electrical performance of ethylene vinyl acetate/carbonized wood fiber conductive composite
    Carbonized natural filler can offer the production of low cost composites with an eco-friendliness value. The evolving field of electronics encourages the exploration of more functions and potential for carbonized natural filler, such as by modifying its surface chemistry. In this work, we have performed surface modification on carbonized wood fiber (CWF) prior to it being used as filler in the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composite system. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) with various contents (2 to 8 wt%) was used to surface modify the CWF and the effects of ZnCl2 composition on the surface morphology and chemistry of the CWF filler were investigated. Furthermore, the absorptive, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the EVA composites containing CWF-ZnCl2 were also analyzed. SEM images indicated changes in the morphology of the CWF while FTIR analysis proved the presence of ZnCl2 functional groups in the CWF. EVA composites incorporating the CWF-ZnCl2 showed superior mechanical, thermal and electrical properties compared to the ones containing the CWF. The optimum content of ZnCl2 was found to be 6 wt%. Surface modification raised the electrical conductivity of the EVA/CWF composite through the development of conductive deposits in the porous structure of the CWF as a channel for ionic and electronic transfer between the CWF and EVA matrix.
  • Publication
    Physical, thermal transport, and compressive properties of epoxy composite filled with graphitic- and ceramic-based thermally conductive nanofillers
    ( 2022)
    Siti Salmi Samsudin
    ;
    ; ; ;
    Mariatti Jaafar
    ;
    Hassan A. Alshahrani
    Epoxy polymer composites embedded with thermally conductive nanofillers play an important role in the thermal management of polymer microelectronic packages, since they can provide thermal conduction properties with electrically insulating properties. An epoxy composite system filled with graphitic-based fillers; multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and ceramic-based filler; silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCs) was investigated as a form of thermal-effective reinforcement for epoxy matrices. The epoxy composites were fabricated using a simple fabrication method, which included ultrasonication and planetary centrifugal mixing. The effect of graphite-based and ceramic-based fillers on the thermal conductivity was measured by the transient plane source method, while the glass transition temperature of the fully cured samples was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Thermal gravimetric analysis was adopted to study the thermal stability of the samples, and the compressive properties of different filler loadings (1–5 vol.%) were also discussed. The glass temperatures and thermal stabilities of the epoxy system were increased when incorporated with the graphite- and ceramic-based fillers. These results can be correlated with the thermal conductivity of the samples, which was found to increase with the increase in the filler loadings, except for the epoxy/SiCs composites. The thermal conductivity of the composites increased to 0.4 W/mK with 5 vol.% of MWCNTs, which is a 100% improvement over pure epoxy. The GNPs, SiCs, and MWCNTs showed uniform dispersion in the epoxy matrix and well-established thermally conductive pathways.
  • Publication
    Influence of carbonization conditions and temperature variations on the characteristics of coconut shell carbon
    ( 2024-03)
    Yee Wen Yap
    ;
    Nurul Najiha Abu Bakar
    ;
    ; ;
    Siti Norsaffirah Zailan
    ;
    ; ; ;
    Mohd Yusry Mohamad Yunus
    This research aims to study the impact of carbonization atmospheres (ambient and nitrogen) and temperature on the properties of the coconut shell carbon (CSC) formed. To characterize the properties of CSC, the char yield percentage was calculated. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to study the surface morphology of CSC while X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was done to identify the degree of graphitization. The carbon formed by carbonization under the nitrogen atmosphere yields lower char percentages compared to the ambient atmosphere. When the carbonization temperature elevated, both atmospheres produced a lower char yield percentage. This result is aligned with the SEM analysis where more and larger pores were observed from the carbon produced at higher temperatures and the result was further enhanced under a nitrogen atmosphere. It was found that the char yield of CSC decreased from 20.9% to 11.4% when the carbonization temperature increased from 400°C to 1000°C under the ambient atmosphere. More significant changes were formed through the carbonization process under the nitrogen atmosphere (from 18.3% to 6.03%). Pores formed when the volatile materials are released due to the elevated carbonization temperature, resulting in a reduction in total weight thus, the char yield percentage. From the XRD, all CSC produced from both atmospheres with varying temperatures poses an amorphous XRD pattern. However, the right shifted peak and the presence of an additional peak of ~40° suggest that under different temperatures and atmospheres, the crystallinity of the CSC produced was affected. This research provides insight for optimizing CSC production in the future to enhance the application of CSC.
  • Publication
    The effect of twin screw compounding parameters on the tensile properties of pineapple leaf/sea shell hybrid polymer composite using DOE approach
    Pineapple leaf and sea shell were used as natural fillers in this research due to its biodegradable nature, wide availability, continuous resources and low cost. This research work was carried out to investigate the effect of compounding process using twin screw extruder on the tensile performance of pineapple leaf / sea shell polymer composite using Design of Experiment (DOE) approach. A total of nine runs of were formulated and the resulitng hybrid composites were compounded using twin screw extruder. The short term tensile test was carried out to determine the tensile properties and the data were sunsequently analyse using DOE software. Pareto chart of the standardized effect and the main effect plot were employed to investigate the relationship between processing parameters and the tensile performance of the hybrid composite systems. Based on the initial DOE analysis, it is shown that compounding parameters had influenced the final mechanical behavior of the hybrid composites.
  • Publication
    The use of ground & ultrasonicated dolomite (GUD) for improving the tensile performance of Poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) copolymer composite
    ( 2021-11-12)
    Fauzi A.A.A.
    ;
    ; ;
    Mustafa Z.
    ;
    Alakrach A.M.
    ;
    The combination of the organic and inorganic materials to fabricate a new form of material called 'composite' has been performed since several decades ago. However, the strategy to improve the homogeneity of the resultant composite system is still being the main focus of current research. In this study, dolomite and poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVAc) were employed as filler and matrix, respectively. Dolomite was ground and ultrasonicated before being used as filler. It can be observed that the size of dolomite particles has been reduced significantly upon the grinding and ultrasonication processes. The effect of ground and ultrasonicated dolomite (GUD) addition on the mechanical performance of the PEVAc copolymer was investigated. Results indicate that the GUD filler has successfully increased the tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity and tensile toughness of the PEVAc copolymer when being employed in 1 wt%. However, the use of higher content of GUD resulted in the decreasing trend of those properties. This shows that the ground and ultrasonicated dolomite with smaller and higher surface area particles than its pristine form could bring improvement to the mechanical performance of the copolymer when being used in low loading as it can be more easily dispersed in the copolymer matrix.
  • Publication
    Poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) copolymer based nanocomposites: a review
    (IOP Publishing Ltd., 2020) ; ;
    Tuty Fareyhynn Mohammed Fitri
    ;
    Asfa Amalia Ahmad Fauzi
    ;
    Nowadays, there is huge demand for novel materials which are desired for new functions and new technological advancements. All technological demands for new applications cannot be implemented by many of the well-established materials, such as single plastics, metals or ceramics. Hence, engineers and scientists realized that, in comparison with pristine counterparts of material, the mixtures of materials can produce much better properties. Polymer nanocomposites is a new form of materials that resulted by the combination of polymers and nanofillers which contributed to various benefits over the neat polymer such as improvement in biocompatibility, biostability, thermal stability, flame retardancy, mechanical and barrier properties. Due to these factors, nanocomposites have received an extraordinary consideration for use in broad range of applications. However, the polymer nanocomposites which comprised of copolymer as matrix material are not widely studied, especially those involved poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVA). The production of PEVA copolymer-based nanocomposites for various applications has been reported by few research papers. In this communication, a review on the properties of PEVA-based nanocomposites with different types of nanofiller was summarized, revealing the high potential of this class of nanocomposite for advanced applications.
  • Publication
    The degradation mechanisms of organo-montmorillonite (O-MMT) ahead of to melt compounding process in polymer nanocomposites
    (AIP Publishing, 2023) ; ;
    Shazrul Haqeem Shahiri
    ;
    Organic surface modifier in organo-clays are known to go through the degradation during the melt compounding process in polymer nanocomposites. Development of completely exfoliated nanocomposites based on polymer/clay is decisive for achieving the actual value of nanoscale reinforcement in the polymer matrix. In this paper, Thermogravimetric Analysis or Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes (FeSEM) were applied to study the degradation mechanism by involving the commercial organo-montmorillonite (O-MMT) thermal treated. This O-MMT white power samples were heated for 3 minutes by using the Muffle furnace in variable temperature from 150 celsius to 600 celsius (150 °C, 250 °C, 350 °C and 600 °C). The thermogravimetric curve and morphology of FeSEM showed that the organic molecular within the galleries first undergoes the degradation process during thermal heating and the organic surface modifier molecules are the main problem when the organic clays are treated at high temperatures. The results indicate that in thermal resistant capacity the silicate clay structure can protect the organic surface modifier molecules from degradation below 200 °C temperature range.
      2  3
  • Publication
    Effect of chemical treatment on tensile properties of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB)-based All Cellulose Composite (ACC) films
    (IOP Publishing Ltd, 2020)
    Nur Liyana Izyan Zailuddin
    ;
    ;
    This study explored the potential of using oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) in the production all-cellulose composite (ACC) films. The isolation process of the raw OPEFB fiber was carried out using chemical process to extract the OPEFB nanocellulose. The ACC films from the OPEFB and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were prepared using dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and lithium chloride solvent system whereby the partially dissolved cellulose was transformed into the matrix phase surrounding the remaining non-dissolved fiber. The ACC films containing 1, 2, 3 and 4 % (wt/vol) OPEFB cellulose and 3 % (wt/vol) microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were prepared and the effects of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate chemical treatment of the OPEFB cellulose on tensile properties of the ACC film were investigated. Results indicate that the chemical treatment using 2-ethylhexyl acrylate has reduced the hydroxyl group composition in the cellulose and allowing greater dissolution of the cellulose during the formation of the ACC film. As a result, the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of the ACC film were significantly enhanced. However, both untreated and treated ACC films experienced the reduction in both properties when the cellulose concentration was increased from 1 % to 4% (wt/vol), due to the saturation of the cellulose particles and non-homogeneity of the ACC system.
      2  4
  • Publication
    Impact of Mendong fiber–epoxy composite interface properties on electric field frequency exposure
    ( 2023-11-01)
    Suryanto H.
    ;
    Irawan Y.S.
    ;
    Soenoko R.
    ;
    Binoj J.S.
    ;
    ; ;
    Maulana J.
    ;
    Ali A.
    This research investigates the effects of the frequency of the external electric field during the curing process on the interfacial properties of epoxy composites reinforced by Mendong fiber. Epoxy was used as a matrix with cycloaliphatic amine as a curing agent. The AC electric field by frequencies of 1, 2, and 3 kHz and strength of 750 V/cm were applied during the curing process. The functional groups, structure, interface properties, and morphology of treated epoxy were observed using Fourier-transform infrared, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and pull-out test, respectively. The result indicates that after treatment with an electric field of 1 kHz, new peaks were observed in the epoxy diffractogram at the angle of 6.2° and 12.3°, change in morphology, the wettability properties of epoxy were increased and interface shear strength was improved. Increasing the frequency of electric fields results in more damage to the interface and subsequently reduces the shear strength at the interface. Highlights: Interface properties of the composite after curing in an electric field characterized. Exposure to electric field frequency during curing changed epoxy properties. Shear strength of Mendong fiber/epoxy varied post-exposure to the electric field.
      4  19
  • Publication
    Physical, mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid epoxy multi-walled carbon nanotubes silicon carbide conductive nanocomposites
    ( 2024-12)
    Nurul Hani Noor Asmadi
    ;
    Siti Salmi Samsudin
    ;
    ; ;
    This study investigates the efficacy of an epoxy composite system that incorporates hybrid nanofillers consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiCs), as a means of reinforcing epoxy matrices with enhanced thermal properties. The fabrication of epoxy hybrid nanocomposites was carried out through a solution mixing process involving ultrasonication and planetary centrifugal mixing. Before proceed with the analysing synergistic effect of hybrid filler ratios, the samples were first being investigated on the effect of filler loadings to determine the optimal fillers loading, and it was discussed in other study. It was found that there was a correlation between the thermal properties of the specimens and their respective filler loadings, which an increase in filler loadings led to an increase in thermal properties. The incorporation of 4 vol.% of MWCNTs resulted in a significant enhancement of the thermal conductivity of the composites, reaching a value of 0.46 W/mK. This represents a doubling of the thermal conductivity compared to that of pure epoxy (~0.2 W/mK). Moreover, the hybrid fillers loadings of 3vol.% MWCNT+1vol.% SiC shows a higher thermal conductivity value of 0.48 W/mK which indicates the synergistic effects of hybrid fillers. The epoxy matrix exhibited uniform dispersion of MWCNTs and SiCs, resulting in the establishment of thermally conductive pathways.
      4  1