Journal of Advanced Research in Micro and Nano Engineering

The Characteristics of Resin Waste (RW)/Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (R-HDPE) Blends to Enhanced Pavement

Tan K. Reen — 2024-11-30

Permeable pavement is characterized by open cell structures that enable the drainage of rainfall and snowmelt, as opposed to the runoff observed on impervious pavements. The structural strength of commercial permeable pavement materials is lower than that of conventional pavements due to inherent permeability and structural distinctions. This research focuses on the fabrication of samples using a combination of Resin Waste (RW) and reinforced Recycled High-Density Polyethylene (R-HDPE) in varying ratios of RW (30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% wt/wt). The fabrication process involves a 3-hour heating process at 200°C in a furnace, followed by a 24-hour cure at room temperature. Physical and mechanical properties of the RW/R-HDPE Blends were examined, revealing that the 60% R-HDPE ratio resulted in the lowest density (4.523 g/cm3) and porosity (0.246%). SEM images displayed fewer voids, indicating effective filler dispersion and resin matrix interaction at the 60% resin waste ratio. Tensile strength and stiffness elasticity were maximized at 60% wt/wt of R-HDPE, reaching 3.36 MPa, while the bending strength peaked at 1.1 MPa at the same ratio. The 60% RW/R-HDPE ratio recorded the highest impact strength (26.25 kJ/m2) and energy absorption (1.69 J), showcasing the sample's ability to absorb impact energy through controlled failure mechanisms. In conclusion, the 60% wt/wt RW/R-HDPE Blends exhibit promising potential for enhancing the properties of permeable pavement, particularly in road applications, due to its superior bending and tensile strength.

Effect of Nanofillers on the Flexural Performance of 3D Fibre-Reinforced Composites

Mirza Zahid Hussain — 2024-11-30

The aim of this study is to improve the flexural performance and damage mechanism of nano-filled three-dimensional orthogonal woven E-glass/epoxy composites (3DOWC). The inherent brittleness of epoxy-based 3DOWC leads to the early onset of damage mechanisms such as matrix cracking, fibre-matrix debonding, and fibre failure. To overcome these limitations, epoxy resin has been modified with nano-fillers such as graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and the novel nanostrength® (NS). The epoxy resin was infused in 3DOWC using VARI with different weight percentages of GNP (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt.%) and NS (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt.%). Three samples in each warp and weft direction of 3DOWC were tested in a three-point bend test. The results showed an increase of 48.4%, 56.2%, and 27.4% in flexural strength, final failure, and energy absorption under warp-loading with 0.5 wt.% GNP, respectively, whereas weft-loaded samples with 1.5 wt.% GNP exhibited 12.0% and 10.5% increases in flexural strength and final failure, respectively. However, 7.5 wt.% NS showed an increase in flexural strength in the warp and weft directions by 36.9% and 39.3%, respectively, and an increase in final failure and energy absorption in the warp direction by 39.4% and 12.3%, respectively. For weft-loaded samples, the final failure increased by 39.3% for the same weight percentage, but there was no significant increase in energy absorption in this direction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of damaged samples revealed that crack reconnection by GNP and fibrils formation and plasticization by NS particles improved the overall flexural performance of 3DOWC.

Influence of Accelerators and Filler Content on Physical Properties of Tin Dioxide Reinforced Deproteinized Natural Rubber Nanocomposites

Noraiham Mohamad — 2024-11-30

The global electrical industry is looking for sustainable materials in various domains, including electrical insulation cable materials. Tin dioxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles combined with deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) have the potential to produce an excellent and green electrical insulation material that combines their parents’ electrical properties. Yet, the processability is highly influenced by the curing system. The cure characteristics of rubber nanocomposites were investigated for the influence of different accelerators and SnO₂ content. The 2,20-dithiobis (benzothiazole) (MBTS)-cured compounds exhibit ultrafast curing and higher melt viscosity than the N-Cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulphonamide (CBS)-cured nanocomposite compounds, regardless of the increment in SnO₂ loadings. Therefore, CBS-cured nanocomposites exhibit acceptable process safety, good processability and properties. The morphological, thermal and compositional analyses further supported the density, swelling behaviour and hardness of the DPNR nanocomposites of the selected accelerator system.

Methane Gas Sensor using Graphene Nanoflakes at Room Operating Temperature

Siti Amaniah Mohd Chachuli — 2024-11-30

Methane gas is commonly produced and used in various industries, including agriculture, coal mining, manure management, landfills, natural gas, and petroleum systems. This gas is colorless and odorless. High concentrations of methane gas can have detrimental effects on human health, such as causing headaches, visual issues, and memory loss. Moreover, prolonged exposure to higher concentrations may lead to respiratory and heart rate fluctuations, balance problems, and even unconsciousness. In order to address these concerns, a thick film gas sensor based on graphene nanoflakes is proposed in this work to detect different levels of methane gas at room operating temperature. The gas sensor was fabricated using screen-printing technology on a Kapton film. Graphene nanoflakes were mixed with a binder to create the sensing film. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural components of the sensing film. Two graphene gas sensors (PF-1 and PF-2) were fabricated using screen-printing to compare their performance to methane at room operating temperature with gas concentrations ranging from 300 to 1000 ppm. The results showed that both gas sensors responded robustly to changing concentrations of methane gas at room operating temperature within 20 s. PF-2 outperforms PF-1, with the result of sensitivity being approximately 0.0000353, 0.0000288, and 0.0000262 for the first, second, and third exposures to methane gas. Both gas sensors also exhibited excellent repeatability characteristics with similar patterns each time exposed to the methane.

Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Response in Epoxy Nanocomposites Reinforced with MXene and Other Carbon-Based Nano-Fillers: An Experimental and Numerical Study

Mohd Shahneel Saharudin — 2024-11-30

This research introduces a finite element model tailored explicitly to assess the mechanical characteristics inherent in MXene/polymer nanocomposite. The primary focus revolves around elucidating the performance attributes through numerical simulations and subsequently aligning these findings with experimental data. The numerical analysis not only predicts mechanical behaviours but also aims to correlate these insights with experimental results obtained from fabricated epoxy nanocomposites within the study's scope. By employing this simulation-driven approach, the study investigates a deeper understanding of the mechanical response, particularly focusing on the materials' tensile properties. From the experimental results, the MXene/epoxy nanocomposite sample exhibited the highest tensile strength and modulus, measuring 50.1 MPa and 7.13 GPa, respectively. The simulation results were 50.08 MPa and 6.95 GPa, showing a difference of less than 3%. Small discrepancies in Young's modulus between the experimental and simulation results may arise from inherent sample heterogeneity. This heterogeneity, which includes microstructural variations, impurities, or defects, contrasts with the idealized homogeneous structures assumed in simulations. This research endeavours to advance predictive modelling techniques, offering valuable insights that can potentially streamline the manufacturing process and optimize MXene-based polymer composites. The goal is to tailor these materials with precise mechanical properties, ensuring their enhanced performance in various applications.

Design Low-Cost IoT Smart Home System with Comfort and Humidity Control using NodeMCU ESP 32 Microcontroller

Che Munira Che Razali — 2024-11-30

More recently, there has been growing interest in research about energy consumption, improved energy efficiency and saving electricity due to sustainability growth and improved quality of life. This paper aims to propose a Smart Home System built with a NodeMCU ESP 32 microcontroller board that allows for remote control and monitoring of electrical devices using App Blynk. This system operated with a sensor such as PIR Sensor to detect humans dan DHT 11 to detect temperature and humidity. The Smart Home System also support solar panel as renewable energy to reduce electricity usage. The prototype of the Smart Home System can control and monitor electrical appliance, sockets, air-conditioning, fan, comfort and humidity through a smartphone with the help of an internet connection via Blynk App. The results revealed the difference reading of the temperature and percentage of humidity in room before and after trigger the sensor with hair dryer. The humidity results in a room and hall before testing is higher than after triggering the sensor with a hair dryer, which from 79% to 53% and 72% to 48%.

A Mini Review of the State-of-the-Art Development in Oil Recovery under the Influence of Geometries in Nanoflood

Mudasar Zafar — 2024-11-30

The global demand for oil and petroleum products is experiencing a significant increase, while the number of newly discovered oil reservoirs is relatively low. This emphasises the critical need for innovative techniques to enhance the rate of oil recovery in order to meet global demand. The implementation of nanotechnology in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) yields numerous advantages, including cost savings in production and improved oil recovery. Additionally, it is critical to investigate the geometrical behaviour of the reservoir, as this information is vital for determining the maximum oil recovery rate. This review highlights the significance of nanotechnology through the utilisation of various geometries to determine the rate of hydrocarbon recovery. Furthermore, this paper also addresses the obstacles associated with achieving maximum oil recovery and provides suggestions for future research in this field. The review concludes with its key finding, which indicates that an examination of reservoir geometry utilising nanofluid in the presence of electromagnetic waves can significantly improve the rate of hydrocarbon recovery.

Surface Modification of Electrospun ABS/ENR Blend Membranes using Polyvinyl Alcohol-Citric Acid Coating

Mohd Edeerozey Abd Manaf — 2024-11-30

Polymeric membranes, designed for selective permeability to efficiently separate oil from water, present an innovative solution for oil-water separation and offer a rapid and environmentally friendly response to spill incidents. In this study, micro-nanofiber membranes are fabricated using acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and its blend with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) using electrospinning method. The electrospun fiber membranes are then coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) containing various concentrations of citric acid (CA), to investigate the impact of PVA coating variations on the physical and mechanical properties of the ABS/ENR membranes. It was found that mechanical properties of the ABS/ENR membrane are superior to that ABS membrane, as demonstrated by higher values of tensile strength and modulus. ENR rubber introduces elasticity and flexibility to the rigid ABS, which leads to enhanced mechanical properties. Addition of ENR was also found to improve hydrophobicity of the membrane as demonstrated by the increase in contact angle. The inclusion of CA was observed to have a beneficial impact on the strength and toughness of the ABS/ENR membrane. The presence of CA promotes the hydrophilic property in both the ABS and ABS/ENR membranes. A finer and more uniform strands were observed for ABS/ENR membranes than ABS membranes, which reflects their higher tensile strength values. From this study, it can be concluded combination of electrospinning and coating method is efficient in producing porous membranes with tailored hydrophobic/hydrophilic property crucial for efficient oil-water separation.

Microbial Use as an Agent to Improve the Durability of Sub-Structure Concrete: A Comprehensive Structured Review

Affidah Mardziah Mukhtar — 2024-11-30

The increasing degradation of sub-structure concrete due to environmental factors and aging has intensified the need for innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance its durability. To increase the longevity of sub-structure concrete, microbial use is becoming more and more important. One key technique in this exploration of the literature is Microbial-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP). We reviewed over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers published between 2020 and 2024, selecting those that specifically address microbial applications in concrete. To achieve this, we conducted an extensive search of scholarly articles from reportable databases, such as Scopus, IEE, and Science Direct, focusing on studies from 2020 to 2024. The flow of studies is based on the PRISMA framework. Our methodology involved analyzing the effectiveness of microbial treatments in extending the service life of concrete through qualitative and quantitative data synthesis. The studies found that n=29 final primary data was analyzed. The finding was divided into three themes, which are (1) Microbial Applications in Soil and Foundation Crack Stabilization, (2) Microbial Applications in Concrete and Construction Materials and (3) Advanced Microbial Technologies and their Impacts. Additionally, this study demonstrates the environmental sustainability of microbial applications compared to traditional chemical-based methods. The review concludes that while using microbes in concrete shows significant potential for enhancing durability and sustainability, further research is required to optimize these biological processes for mainstream construction practices and assess long-term of their impacts. This study lays the groundwork for future investigations into scalable microbial solutions, aiming to revolutionize the construction industry’s approach to prolonging the lifespan of concrete infrastructures.