Article
Agricultural Engineering
Nassima Sahnoun, Amir Abdelaziz, Djalal Trache, Ahmed Fouzi Tarchoun, Wissam Bessa, Ania Sarah Mahdjoub, Sourbh Thakur
Summary: This study synthesized energetic nitrostarches using diverse sulfonitric mediums and investigated their characteristics and performance. The results showed that an increase in nitric acid concentration enhanced the density and crystallinity of potato starch nitrate, while nitrogen content did not show a clear correlation. The short-term stability of potato starch nitrate was not affected by nitric acid content, but long-term stability and mechanical sensitivities decreased with nitrogen content. The investigation of thermolysis kinetics demonstrated that higher nitrogen content potato starch nitrate had a lower activation barrier compared to cellulose nitrate, indicating enhanced reactivity. The nitrogen-rich potato starch biopolymers showed promising features for use in high-performance propellant or explosive formulations.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
M. M. Harussani, S. M. Sapuan, Umer Rashid, A. Khalina
Summary: This study focused on producing char briquettes from polypropylene powder derived from COVID-19 isolation gown waste, using sugar palm starch as a binder. The research showed that as the SPS loading increased, the compressive strength of the briquettes improved while the higher heating values decreased. The C-80/SPS-20 briquettes demonstrated excellent combustion characteristics and satisfactory mechanical strength, making them suitable for domestic and commercial uses.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruzanna Ahmad Shapi'i, Siti Hajar Othman, Roseliza Kadir Basha, Mohd Nazli Naim
Summary: This study investigates the effects of adding chitosan nanoparticles on the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of tapioca starch films. Results show that the addition of 15% chitosan nanoparticles improves the tensile strength and elongation at break of the starch films, but slightly reduces their thermal stability. The films with chitosan nanoparticles also exhibit enhanced water vapor and oxygen barrier properties. These findings suggest the potential of using starch/chitosan nanoparticle films as food packaging materials.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Saaed Abdullah Mousa, S. M. Sapuan, M. M. Harussani, Tarique Jamal, M. A. M. Azri, R. A. Ilyas, Muhammad Amin Azman, Vasi Uddin Siddiqui, Tahrim Rafin
Summary: The study aims to develop a biopolymer composite made of sugar palm fiber and cassava starch and investigate its physical and structural characteristics. The addition of sugar palm fiber improved the thickness, density, water content, and biodegradability of the material, but had no significant effect on the tensile properties of the composite films.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Z. N. Diyana, R. Jumaidin, M. Z. Selamat, M. S. M. Suan
Summary: The addition of beeswax significantly improved the water resistance of thermoplastic cassava starch blended with beeswax, while also decreasing the material's tensile strength and elongation. FTIR spectroscopy analysis showed a good interaction between starch and beeswax. Therefore, the appropriate addition of beeswax can enhance the functional properties of the bio-composite material.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Asmawi Nazrin, Salit Mohd Sapuan, Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Zuhri, Intan Syafinaz Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas
Summary: The study developed novel materials that have the potential to substitute traditional plastics, thus offering important implications for improving plastic waste disposal.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. R. M. Asyraf, M. R. Ishak, M. N. F. Norrrahim, N. M. Nurazzi, S. S. Shazleen, R. A. Ilyas, M. Rafidah, M. R. Razman
Summary: Sugar palm fiber (SPF) is considered an emerging reinforcement candidate for biocomposites, with its thermal properties being significantly affected by changes in fiber composition and surface treatment. However, there is a lack of literature summarizing the thermal properties of sugar palm biocomposites, indicating a need for further research in this area.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
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
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Razali Mohamad Omar Syafiq, Salit Mohd Sapuan, Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Zuhri, Siti Hajar Othman, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas
Summary: This study investigated the effects of plasticizer type and concentration on the characteristics of bionanocomposite films, revealing that increasing plasticizer content led to increased film thickness and moisture content, but decreased density. Different types of plasticizers did not significantly affect the antibacterial activity of the films.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdulrahman A. B. A. Mohammed, Zaimah Hasan, Abdoulhdi A. Borhana Omran, Abdulhafid M. Elfaghi, Yasir Hassan Ali, Norie A. A. Akeel, R. A. Ilyas, S. M. Sapuan
Summary: The addition of sugar palm fiber to starch, polyvinyl alcohol based film has significantly improved the physical properties and thermal stability. However, the enhancement in mechanical properties is limited.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Abril Fonseca-Garcia, Carolina Caicedo, Enrique Javier Jimenez-Regalado, Graciela Morales, Rocio Yaneli Aguirre-Loredo
Summary: In this study, the physicochemical properties of a composite polymer material based on starch-chitosan-pluronic F127 were modified by storing it for 16 months under ambient conditions. The results showed that the incorporation of pluronic F127 can help prevent the retrogradation of starch, but higher concentrations can reduce wettability. After storage, the materials exhibited surface modification, color change, increased solubility, and a slight increase in stiffness.
Review
Polymer Science
Z. N. Diyana, R. Jumaidin, Mohd Zulkefli Selamat, Ihwan Ghazali, Norliza Julmohammad, Nurul Huda, R. A. Ilyas
Summary: The paper discusses the preparation and application of thermoplastic starch composites, exploring the related content of biopolymers and the potential advantages of these materials in replacing traditional plastics.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Muhammad Rizal Muhammad Asyraf, Agusril Syamsir, Abu Bakar Mohd Supian, Fathoni Usman, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas, Norizan Mohd Nurazzi, Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim, Muhammad Rizal Razman, Sharifah Zarina Syed Zakaria, Shubham Sharma, Zarina Itam, Mohamad Zakir Abd Rashid
Summary: In the era of globalisation, the use of biomass waste as a substitute material for green technology development has gained popularity due to the decreasing availability of synthetic resources. The development of plastic products using lignocellulosic fibre-reinforced composites has been a hot topic, especially for its abundance, sustainability, and non-toxic nature. In Malaysia, sugar palm is a plant that can be harvested for various purposes, including traditional foods, fruits, starch sugar, and alcohol. The fibre from sugar palm is commonly used in conventional products such as brushes and brooms. However, its hydrophilic behaviour poses a challenge in achieving a strong bond between the fibre and the matrix. Chemical treatments have been explored as a solution to improve the mechanical behaviour of sugar palm fibre-reinforced polymer composites. This review aims to evaluate recent studies on the mechanical properties of sugar palm lignocellulosic fibres with various chemical treatments for potential structural applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Araya Kodsangma, Nanthicha Thajai, Winita Punyodom, Patnarin Worajittiphon, Pensak Jantrawut, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Sarana Rose Sommano, Korawan Sringarm, Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong
Summary: Novel biodegradable thermoplastic starch with high mechanical properties and water resistance was developed using reactive blending technique. Addition of zinc oxide significantly improved the tensile strength of the blends and influenced their color at high concentrations. The miscibility of TPS with CMC and the ionic interactions between CMC and zinc oxide were observed to enhance the mechanical properties and water resistance of the blends.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Adriana Paola Franco-Bacca, Fernando Cervantes-Alvarez, Juan Daniel Macias, Joan Alexis Castro-Betancur, Reynell Junior Perez-Blanco, Oscar Hernan Giraldo Osorio, Nayda Patricia Arias Duque, Geonel Rodriguez-Gattorno, Juan Jose Alvarado-Gil
Summary: Polymer engineering at the molecular level has been effective in modulating thermal conductivity, with the addition of borax to cassava starch biopolymer films resulting in a linear increase in thermal conductivity. The highest thermal conductivity is achieved at a borax volume fraction of 1.40%, beyond which heat carriers scattering phenomena cause a decrease in thermal conductivity.
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
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
Chemistry, Physical
Bisma Parveez, Nur Ayuni Jamal, Md Abdul Maleque, Alya Naili Rozhan, Abdul Aabid, Muneer Baig
Summary: The compressive properties of powder metallurgy-based porous aluminum composites were optimized by adjusting the diamond content, PMMA particle content, and PMMA particle size. Through experimental design and analysis, it was found that diamond content and PMMA particle size had a significant impact on compressive properties. Further optimization revealed that maximum compressive properties could be achieved with specific parameter levels: diamond content of 12 wt.%, PMMA particle size of 150 μm, and PMMA particle content of 25 wt.%. Confirmation tests showed improved results and further emphasized the importance of these parameters in controlling the compressive properties of Al composites.
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
Materials Science, Textiles
Walid Abotbina, S. M. Sapuan, M. T. H. Sultan, M. F. M. Alkbir, R. A. Ilyas
Summary: The study examines the use of black seed fiber as a reinforcing material for cornstarch-based biocomposites. Different concentrations of black seed fiber and a plasticizer mixture were used to fabricate the biocomposites. The results showed that increasing the black seed fiber concentration improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the films, but decreased biodegradability. The addition of black seed fiber has the potential to enhance the performance of biopolymers in response to community needs and environmental concerns.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2023)
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
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
J. Yusuf, S. M. Sapuan, Umer Rashid, R. A. Ilyas, M. R. Hassan
Summary: The efficient inclusion of GNPs as nano-fillers in green polymer matrices produced from biomass carbon significantly improves mechanical and thermal properties. The study successfully dispersed GNPs in green epoxy using a solution blending technique and ultrasonic bath, resulting in nanocomposites with optimal dispersion. The addition of low wt% of GNPs also enhanced the thermal stability and mechanical performance of the green nanocomposites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Tauseef Ahmed, Hamdan Haji Ya, Mohammad Azad Alam, Mohammad Azeem, M. Rehan Khan, S. M. Sapuan, Mohammad Yusuf, Junaid Afridi
Summary: This study investigates the influence of hybrid reinforcements, namely CaCO3 particles and bentonite nano clay, on the wear and friction properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based composites. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in wear resistance, with the synthesized hybrid composite achieving a maximum improvement in wear rate of 93%. Morphological analysis reveals that the encapsulation and compatibilization effect of bentonite nano clay contribute to the improved wear performance. The prepared composite with enhanced tribological properties shows potential for use in low load-bearing wear applications such as turbo nanogenerators and piezo nanogenerators.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Abir Khan, S. M. Sapuan, J. Yusuf, Vasi Uddin Siddiqui, E. S. Zainudin, M. Y. M. Zuhri, B. T. Hang Tuah Baharuddin, Mubashshir Ahmad Ansari, A. Azim A. Rahman
Summary: This review covers the extraction of bamboo fiber, modification techniques of bamboo/PLA composites, challenges in their interfacial interaction, potential solutions to incompatibility issues, and applications of bamboo/PLA composites. It provides significant insights and suggestions for researchers and experts involved in the green composites field, leading to the development of sustainable materials for various applications.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
