Review
Polymer Science
Hamid Kaddami, Oumaima Hafs, Taha El Assimi, Lamia Boulafrouh, El-Houssaine Ablouh, Mohamed Mansori, Hicham Banouni, Said Bouzit, Fouad Erchiqui, Khalid Benmoussa, Fatima-ezzahra Arrakhiz
Summary: This study developed laminated polyester thermoset composites with good mechanical properties by mixing palm tree fibers and glass fibers, showing that the use of glass fibers significantly enhanced all properties. It was found that an optimum combination of the mixture could be interesting and could be developed with less glass fibers and more natural fibers.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Vivek Vij, Raj Agarwal, Mohinder Pal Garg, Rajesh Khanna, Vishal Gupta
Summary: Metal matrix composites reinforced with nanoparticles are becoming increasingly important in the automobile and aerospace industry due to their high performance, lightweight, and excellent mechanical strength. In this study, a nanocomposite with aluminum matrix reinforced with alumina and zirconia nanoparticles was fabricated using the stir-casting technique. The microstructural and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite were investigated and compared with those of pure rolled aluminum. The results showed that the addition of nanoparticles significantly improved the tensile strength and hardness of the nanocomposite, while slightly reducing its flexural strength.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Walid Abotbina, S. M. Sapuan, R. A. Ilyas, M. T. H. Sultan, M. F. M. Alkbir
Summary: By using cassava bagasse fibers as reinforcement material, the properties of black seed w-cornstarch films were improved significantly. The reinforced films showed compact and smooth structures, with improved mechanical properties and faster biodegradability in the soil.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Salise Oktay, Nilgun Kizilcan, Basak Bengu
Summary: A bio-based wood adhesive formulation containing cornstarch, Mimosa tannin, sugar, and citric acid was developed and evaluated for its chemical and thermal properties. The quality of the adhesive was tested by producing laboratory-scale particleboards according to European norms. Factors such as wood raw material, press parameters, and environmental conditions were found to affect the formaldehyde content of the boards.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
S. F. K. Sherwani, E. S. Zainudin, S. M. Sapuan, Z. Leman, A. Khalina
Summary: The research evaluated the properties of treated sugar palm fiber/glass fiber reinforced poly(lactic acid) hybrid composites, showing promising physical, mechanical, and morphological results for potential use in automotive component manufacturing.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hossein Keshavarz, Seyyed Ezzatollah Moosavi, Hosein Eslamian, Amirhossein Kokabi
Summary: This study investigates the microstructural evolution, tribological properties, and corrosion behavior of hybrid metal matrix composites reinforced by graphite and zirconia particles fabricated by Friction Stir Processing. The results show that the FSP can significantly refine the grain size and improve the tribological and corrosion resistance of the composites. Furthermore, the presence of graphite particles can reduce the coefficient of friction and weight loss.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
S. Mohd Izwan, S. M. Sapuan, M. Y. M. Zuhri, A. R. Mohamed
Summary: This research aimed to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of sugar palm fiber (SPF) and kenaf fiber (KF)-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites. The treated hybrid composite (PP/SPF/KF) exhibited the best flammability properties with the lowest average burning rate and superior stiffness and damping factor. The thermomechanical analysis showed that the hybrid composite with the best ratio achieved the highest dimensional coefficient at a specific temperature.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agustina Setiawati, Sungwoo Jeong, Albertus Ivan Brilian, Sang Ho Lee, Jin-Gon Shim, Kwang-Hwan Jung, Kwanwoo Shin
Summary: In this study, a hybrid extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold was successfully fabricated, and it was demonstrated that the fibronectin (FN)-rich hybrid ECM scaffold promoted successful settling of liver cells. This method holds promise for the fabrication of scaffolds that provide tailored cellular microenvironment for specific organs and can serve as novel pathways for organ replacement or regeneration.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ehsan Yousefi, Mostafa Barzegar Shiri, Mohammad Amin Rezaei, Sajad Rezaei, Shahab S. Band, Amir Mosavi
Summary: This study predicts the long-term water absorption and thickness swelling behaviors of cornhusk fiber propylene composites using deep learning method, and evaluates the accuracy of the predictions. The results show that 200 hours of training data is sufficient to meet the requirement of a 2% prediction error.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mazen Alshaaer, Obaid Alqahtani, Meshari M. S. Alharbi, Abdulaziz O. S. Alanazi, Khalid A. Aldhafeeri, Moustafa T. Ahmed, Thamer Alomayri
Summary: This study introduces the usage of date palm fibers (DPFs) as reinforcement of geopolymer matrices. By enhancing the fiber-matrix adhesion force, the mechanical performance of the composite is significantly improved. Experimental results show that DPFs-reinforced geopolymer composites have better mechanical properties and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Asmawi Nazrin, Salit Mohd Sapuan, Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Zuhri, Intan Syafinaz Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas
Summary: In this study, sugar palm crystalline nanocellulose (SPCNC)-reinforced thermoplastic sugar palm starch (TPS) was blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to balance the individual polymer limitations and prioritize biodegradation feature. The results showed that incorporating SPCNC into TPS led to a significant reduction in water uptake of the blend in all mediums and a slight increase in soil degradation rate. However, PLA40TPS60 and PLA60TPS40 exhibited flammable properties.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. B. M. Supian, M. Jawaid, B. Rashid, H. Fouad, N. Saba, Hom N. Dhakal, Ramzi Khiari
Summary: The study revealed that the date palm fiber/bamboo hybrid composite exhibited superior mechanical properties and higher water resistance compared to single date palm fiber composite, making it suitable for applications as non-structural and semi-structural components.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Isah Aliyu, Salit Mohd Sapuan, Edi Syams Zainudin, Umer Rashid, Mohd. Yusoff Mohamed Zuhri, Ridwan Yahaya
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the sugar palm fiber in Malaysia and explore its silica content as a potential renewable material. The results revealed the presence of amorphous silica in the sugar palm fiber ash, with a higher amount than other elements. Sugar palm fiber ash has been identified as a possible substitute for silica and a prospective industrial resource.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
S. Mohd Izwan, S. M. Sapuan, M. Y. M. Zuhri, A. R. Muhamed
Summary: The study investigated the effect of benzoylation treatment on the performance of sugar palm/kenaf fiber-reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites, revealing improvement in mechanical properties with treated materials, particularly in impact and flexural strength. SEM analysis demonstrated that surface treatment enhanced the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites.
TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Snehal Sant, Dan Wang, Minhal Abidi, Gwyneth Walker, Nicholas Ferrell
Summary: Decellularized organs are potential scaffolds for tissue engineering, with the mechanical properties of the ECM playing a critical role in cell function regulation. Research shows that sugar-induced modifications significantly alter the mechanical behavior of decellularized organs, with increased resistance to deformation correlating with ECM crosslinking. The degree of post-translational modifications of ECM is influenced by the age and health of the organ donor, impacting the mechanical properties of decellularized organs.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Pediatrics
Christine E. Jones, Heather Bailey, Alasdair Bamford, Anna Calvert, Robert B. Dorey, Simon B. Drysdale, Asma Khalil, Paul T. Heath, Hermione Lyall, Kate Monica Isabel Ralph, Shari Sapuan, Tushna Vandrevala, Simone Walter, Elizabeth Whittaker, Sharon Wood
Summary: Congenital human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common condition with long-term consequences for children. However, it is not well-known among pregnant women, families, and healthcare providers. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important for reducing transmission and improving outcomes for infants. Further research is needed to inform screening, outcomes, and treatment decisions.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Faris M. AL-Oqla, S. M. Sapuan
Summary: This study investigates the effects of various structural and treatment parameters on the mechanical properties of low-cost biomaterials made from Mediterranean corn agro waste lignocellulosic fibers. The results show that the produced composites can enhance tensile strength, but increasing fiber content decreases the modulus of elasticity.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nafeesa Mohd Kanafi, Anis Abdul Ghani, Norizah Abdul Rahman, Azira Abd Aziz, S. M. Sapuan
Summary: Natural rubber possesses superior performance properties compared to synthetic rubbers. Self-healing natural rubber has emerged as a sustainable material with the ability to recycle and repair rubber products. This article focuses on the material design principles for achieving self-healing capability in natural rubber, as well as testing methods and potential applications. Synthetic rubbers are also included for comparison and future strategies.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Isah Aliyu, Salit Mohd Sapuan, Edi Syams Zainudin, Umer Rashid, Mohd. Yusoff Mohamed Zuhri, Ridwan Yahaya
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the sugar palm fiber in Malaysia and explore its silica content as a potential renewable material. The results revealed the presence of amorphous silica in the sugar palm fiber ash, with a higher amount than other elements. Sugar palm fiber ash has been identified as a possible substitute for silica and a prospective industrial resource.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Dieter Rahmadiawan, Hairul Abral, Rafi Alzues Kotodeli, Eni Sugiarti, Ahmad Novi Muslimin, Ratna Isnanita Admi, Andril Arafat, Hyun-Joong Kim, S. M. Sapuan, Engkos Achmad Kosasih
Summary: This study successfully prepared and characterized an all-cellulose film from TEMPO-oxidized bacterial cellulose (TOBC) powders without adding metal compounds through ultrasonication. It was found that increasing the ultrasonication power level significantly improved the properties of the film.
Article
Polymer Science
Abdulrahman A. B. A. Mohammed, Zaimah Hasan, Abdoulhdi A. Borhana Omran, Abdulhafid M. M. Elfaghi, M. A. Khattak, R. A. Ilyas, S. M. Sapuan
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different plasticizers (glycerol, fructose, sorbitol, and urea) on the morphological, mechanical, thermal, and physical characteristics of wheat starch films at various concentrations. The addition of plasticizers improved the flexibility and homogeneity of the films. Films plasticized with 35% sorbitol showed the highest elongation, while fructose showed the highest tensile strength at 35%. Glycerol films had the lowest water absorption at 35% fructose and showed coherent surfaces. Fructose exhibited the best performance with low water absorption, water content, and mass loss, and high mechanical performance at 35% concentration. SEM images showed that fructose and glycerol improved surface homogeneity, while sorbitol and urea had a less compact structure with large pores.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Franklin A. A. Anene, Che Nor Aiza Jaafar, Azmah Hanim Mohamed Ariff, Ismail Zainol, Suraya Mohd Tahir, Bushroa Abdul Razak, Mohd Sapuan Salit, Joy Anene-Amaechi
Summary: This research explored the potential of an inexpensive biogenic hydroxyapatite derived from fish scales and FSHA/yttria-stabilized zirconia bioceramic coatings as an alternative to synthetic HA coatings on a titanium alloy. The coatings showed improved biocompatibility and functionality, with good corrosion resistance and bioactivity. This study provides a promising solution to reduce the cost of implant coatings while maintaining their performance.
Article
Forestry
Tengku Anita Raja Hussin, Rohana Hassan, Buan Anshari, Azman Md Nor, S. M. Sapuan
Summary: This research presents a statistical study of the glued-in rod splice connection for Mengkulang glulam timber. The use of statistical analysis is a relatively new approach to evaluate the performance of glued-in rod splice connections. Glued-in rods have several advantages over traditional mechanical connections, and the standard design for glued-in rods is currently based on estimated extrapolation. The main objective of this research was to develop a pull-out model and validate its effectiveness for glued-in rods parallel and perpendicular to the grain directions using SPSS.
Article
Polymer Science
Sanusi Hamat, Mohamad Ridzwan Ishak, Mohd Sapuan Salit, Noorfaizal Yidris, Syamir Alihan Showkat Ali, Mohd Sabri Hussin, Muhamad Saifuldin Abdul Manan, Muhamad Qauyum Zawawi Ahamad Suffin, Maliki Ibrahim, Ahmad Nabil Mohd Khalil
Summary: This research investigates the impact of self-polymerized polydopamine (PDA) coating on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA)/kenaf fiber (KF) composites in fused deposition modeling (FDM). The study develops a biodegradable FDM filament composite by coating dopamine on bast kenaf fibers and evaluates its mechanical properties through various tests. The results show that the PDA coating acts as a coupling agent, enhancing the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and PLA matrix, resulting in improved mechanical properties.
Article
Polymer Science
M. A. H. M. Yusri, M. Y. M. Zuhri, M. R. Ishak, M. A. Azman
Summary: This study examined the capabilities of honeycomb core structures made of kenaf fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composite. Two types of kenaf fiber were used, woven kenaf and non-woven cotton/kenaf. The study manufactured corrugated panels using a hot molding compression method, and then cut them into strips to form the honeycomb core structure. Balsa wood was used as the skins. The study found that the core height and loading rate significantly affected the mechanical properties of the kenaf/PLA honeycomb core structure, with the highest compressive strength and specific energy absorption observed in the 20 mm core height samples tested at a rate of 500 mm/min.
Article
Polymer Science
S. Ayu Rafiqah, A. F. Nur Diyana, Khalina Abdan, S. M. Sapuan
Summary: This study investigates the effects of alkaline treatment on the mechanical and thermal properties of miswak fiber-reinforced polylactic acid. The results show that the treatment significantly improves the tensile strength and thermal stability of the composite materials. The tensile strength increases by 18.01% for 1 wt % treatment, 6.48% for 2 wt % treatment, and 14.50% for 3 wt % treatment.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
I. Aliyu, S. M. Sapuan, E. S. Zainudin, M. Y. M. Zuhri, Y. Ridwan
Summary: By varying the content of sugar palm fibre ash (SPFA) in LM26 Al alloy, the hardness and corrosion rate of the composites were studied. It was found that the incorporation of SPFA improved the hardness of the alloy, but increased content of SPFA, HCl concentration, and temperature lead to increased corrosion rate.
MULTIDISCIPLINE MODELING IN MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Haja Syed Hussain, Mohd Ridzuan Mohd Jamir, Mohd Shukry Abdul Majid, S. M. Sapuan, Ferriawan Yudhanto, Aris Widyo Nugroho, Muhammad Faiz Hilmi Rani
Summary: In this study, the friction and wear properties of Furcraea foetida fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were investigated. The effect of fiber content on the tribological behavior of the composites was evaluated. The results showed that the composite with 50 vol% of fibers had the lowest frictional force and coefficient of friction (COF), while the composite with 60 vol% demonstrated the best wear resistance. This study provides valuable insights into the tribological behavior of the composites and identifies the optimal volume fractions for improved friction and wear performance.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abd Latif Amir, Mohammad Ridzwan Ishak, Noorfaizal Yidris, Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Zuhri, Muhammad Rizal Muhammad Asyraf, Sharifah Zarina Syed Zakaria
Summary: This study investigated the effect of woven glass-fibre prepreg orientation on the flexural behavior of honeycomb sandwich panels. The results showed that the 0° orientation angle exhibited higher maximum load capacity and flexural modulus, making it suitable for applications requiring better bending performance.
