KEMENANGAN 1 EMAS, 2 PERAK DI IENA 2012

NUREMBERG Germany, November - Satufestival International Trade Fair: Ideas,Inventions, New Products (IENA 2012) telahberlangsung pada 1-4 November di NurembergConvention Centre, Germany. USM telah meng-hantar sebanyak 3 penyertaan yang kese-muanya dari Kampus Kejuruteraan. 3 produkyang dipertandingkan iaitu D-Gloves:Biodegradable Natural Rubber Latex Glovesoleh Prof Madya Azura A Rashid dan kumpulanserta Novel SURREAL Alloy AssembledComponents oleh Prof Madya ZuhailawatiHussain dan kumpulan dari PPKBSM danCePAc: An Oil Palm Shell Based Sorbent/Catalyst As A Novel Industrial Gas CleaningTechnology For Simultaneous Removal Of GasPollutants oleh Prof. Madya Lee Keat Teongdan kumpulan dari PPK Kimia.

Prof Madya Azura A Rashid telah meme-nangi pingat Emas berganda untuk IENA 2012dan “2nd World Green Inventions Competition”yang dianjurkan oleh International Federationsof Inventors Associations (IFIA). Prof. MadyaZuhailawati Hussain dan Prof. Madya Lee KeatTeong masing-masing memenangi pingatperak. Tahniah dan syabas kepada semuapenyelidik kerana berjaya mengharumkannama USM dan Negara.

MATERIALS LECTURE COMPETITION2012 & IMM GREEN MATERIALS AWARD

2012

Prof. Hanafi Ismail dipilih sebagai penerimaGreen Materials Award 2012 oleh InstitutBahan Malaysia (IMM) berdasarkan kepadakecemerlangan produk lestari beliau yang dike-nali sebagai Environmental Friendly

Biodegradable Plastics and Non HazardousMaterials. Pengiktirafan ini telah diberikan olehIMM bersempena dengan penganjuran 8thInternational Materials Technology Conferenceand Exhibition (IMTCE2012).

Sementara itu, dua orang pelajar PPKBSM,Mohamad Danial Shafiq dan MuhammadGhaddafy Affendy, masing-masing mewakilipelajar ijazah sarjana muda dan siswazahmengungguli pertandingan The MaterialsLecture Competition 2012 setelah menjuaraikategori masing-masing. Kemenangan terse-but membolehkan mereka menggondol hadiahutama termasuk wang tunai RM 1,000.00 pialadan sijil penghargaan. Pertandingan itu jugaadalah antara inisiatif IMM yang bertujuanuntuk meningkatkan kesedaran dalam kalan-gan jurutera dan ahli sains muda berkenaankepentingan inovasi dan teknologi hijau dankesannya kepada alam sekitar. Syabas dan tah-niah diucapkan kepada Prof. Hanafi Ismail,

sudara Mohamad Danial Shafiq dan saudaraMuhammad Ghaddafy Affendy diatas kejayaanyang diperoleh dan ini secara tidak langsungtelah menaikkan nama PPKBSM diperingkatanatarabangsa di dalam bidang teknologihijau.

TOP RESEARCH SCIENTISTSMALAYSIA (TRSM)

This year, for the first time, the Academy ofScience Malaysia (ASM) announced the firstgroup of SCIENTISTS who have fulfilled the cri-teria for Top Research Scientists Malaysia(TRSM) for the year 2012. The announcementwas made at a dinner, held on 24th Novemberat the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.A total of 27 research scientists from the insti-tutions of higher learning and research insti-tutes have been selected as the 2012 TopResearch Scientists Malaysia based on theiroutstanding research achievement and per-formance.

Among the 27 TRSM for the year 2012, 9were from Universiti Sains Malaysia and 2 werefrom School of Materials and Mineral ResourcesEngineering. They were Professor Dr HanafiIsmail and Professor Dr Zainal Ariffin MohdIshak. The Top Research Scientists Malaysia isselected through an objective, balanced andstructured selection criteria and scoring mech-anism based on 3 main criteria such as knowl-edge generation, knowledge dissemination andimpact of research outputs.

MAJLIS PENYERAHAN TUGAS DEKAN

31 Disember 2012-Satu majlis penyerahantugas telah diadakan daripada Prof. AhmadFauzi Mohd Noor kepada Prof. Hj. Hanafi Ismailbagi meneruskan kesinambungan tugas selakuDekan PPKBSM yang akan berkuat kuasa pada1 Januari 2013.

ENJINIERBuletin Pusat Pengajian Kejuruteraan Bahan dan Sumber Mineral

Bulletin for the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering Universiti Sains Malaysia

JIL. 14 BIL. 02 No. ISSN: 1511-5275 http://www.usm.my JAN 2013

1Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013

Kontigen USM di IENA 2012 Nuremberg

Prof. Hanafi and Prof. Zainal with other recipients of Top Research Scientist Malaysia

2 USM ENGINEERING LECTURERS RECEIVED TOP AWARD IN

SOUTH KOREA

Nibong Tebal: 2 USM engineering lectur-ers, Professor Hanafi Ismail from School ofMaterials and Mineral Resources Engineeringand Professor Fauziah Ahmad, from School ofCivil Engineering were among the top recipi-ents at the World Inventor Award Festival(WIAF) 2012 in Seoul, Korea. Professor Hanafiwas awarded Agriculture Invention Order ofMerit for his invention, FruitPlast – A NovelBiodegradable Plastic from Various TropicalAgriculture Wastes whereas Professor Fauziahwas awarded Women Invention Order of Merit.

The award was given by the South KoreaInvention News (KINEWS) in collaboration withthe International Intellectual Property NetworkForum to individuals who are active in thefields of research and publication. The WIAF2012 Award Ceremony was held on 15December 2012 in Seoul, Korea. Among thecountries that participated in WIAF were theUnited States, Spain, Poland, Belgium,Thailand, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq,Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Romania andCroatia.

CONFERMENT OF FELLOWSHIP OFTHE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES MALAYSIA

It was a proud moment for the scientificcommunity as 24 newly elected fellows wereconferred the fellowship by the nation’s leadingthink tank for science, engineering technology– the Academy of Science Malaysia (ASM) on24 November 2012. They were elected on thebasis of very strict criteria.

They are truly deserving of their ASMmembership and were selected based on theiroutstanding leadership, individual achieve-ments and relentless pursuit of answers intheir quest for scientific, innovations and dis-closures.

Among the 24 newly elected fellows, 2were from Universiti Sains Malaysia. i.e.Professor Dr. Hanafi Ismail under clusterEngineering and Computer Science andProfessor Dr Norazmi Mohd Nor under clusterMedical and Health Sciences.

Professor Dr Hanafi is the mastermindbehind new polymer product inventions suchas EnviroPLAST, FruitPlast and `1 plus 1-fromVarious Rubber Wastes into 2 Novel Products’and one of the very few Malaysians to receivethe Khwarizmi International Award.

Professor Dr. Norazmi is heading ground-breaking research to malaria and tuberculosisvaccine development, molecular and cellularimmunology. Professor Norazmi’s achieve-ments culminated in a recent Book Award fromthe Council of Scientific Societies of Health,Cuba.

DATO’ PROFESOR IR. ERIC GOH PENER-IMA PERTAMA MALAYSIA / ASIA

ANUGERAH ‘INTERNATIONAL CITATIONAWARD’

18 Disember 2012- Dato’ Profesor Ir. EricGoh melakar sejarah USM sebagai penerimapertama Malaysia dan Asia yang dianuger-ahkan ‘International Citation Award‘ olehInstitute of Quarrying (IQ), United Kingdom.Beliau telah menerima anugerah tersebutbaru-baru ini di Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpurmelalui Encik Peter Duffy wakil Institute ofQuarrying.

‘International Citation Award‘ merupakananugerah Kecemerlangan Tertinggi IndustriKuari Sedunia yang paling prestig yang hanyadianugerahkan oleh IQ iaitu satu-satunya insti-tusi profesional antarabangsa yangberfokuskan ‘quarriying, construction materialsand relataed extractive industries’, kepadatokoh-tokoh yang banyak menyumbang danberjasa dalam pembangunan dan kecemerlan-gan akademik, penyelidikan, jaringan- industri,berpandangan jauh dalam perkembanganteknologi terkini dan mengungguli kelestarianpembangunan masyarakat.

Kepada Dato’ Profesor Ir. Eric Goh, TAHNI-AH dan SYABAS, USM khasnya KampusKejuruteraan amat teruja dan berbangga den-gan pencapaian anda. Kehebatan anda“MEMASTIKAN KELESTARIAN HARI ESOK”benar-benar menzahirkan ‘Siapa Kita’.

Informasi oleh: Mokhtar Alfakari Anurbek

Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2012 2

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Fuad Saiyid

Hashim

Prof. Zainal Arifin Ahmad

(Chief Editor)

Dr. Shah Rizal Kasim

Prof. Hanafi Ismail

(Advisor)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azura A. Rashid

Assistant Editor

Editorial Board

Ms. Hasnah Awang

Ms. Habsah Haliman

Prof. Hanafi and Prof. Fauziah with President Korea Invention News, Mr Hong Soung-Mo andwife at WIAF 2012 Award Ceremony

HARI KELUARGA PPKBSM 2012 DI LOST WORLD OF

TAMBUN, IPOH

Lost World of Tambun, 7 Julai,- HariKeluarga PPKBSM 2012 yang telah dianjurkanoleh JK Rekreasi, Kelab Sukan dan KebajikanPPKBSM telah berlangsung dengan jayanya diLost world of Tambun, Ipoh. Hari keluargaPPKBSM 2012 telah disertai oleh 43 keluargawarga PPKBSM dengan pelbagai aktiviti yangmenarik termasuk acara ‘telematch’ oleh pihakLost World of Tambun. Keseronokkan dankegembiraan bermain air di taman tema airserta pelbagai tempat menarik yang lain seper-ti ‘tiger valley, petting zoo, amusement park tinvalley dan hot spring” dapat mengeratkanhubungan kekeluargaan dalam suasana yangsantai . JK Hari Keluarga mengucapkan jutaanterima kasih atas kerjasama semua dan mem-ohon maaf jika ada sebarang kekurangan ataukesilapan sepanjang perjalanan Hari KeluargaPPKBSM tempoh hari. Semoga aktiviti ini akansentiasa diteruskan pada masa akan datangdan mendapat sambutan yang lebih meriahdari semua warga PPKBSM.

PROGRAM SUKARIA RAYA DANMERAIKAN ANAK STAF CEMERLANG

2012

29 Ogos - Satu majlis jamuan Hari RayaAdilfitri dan program meraikan anak staf yangcemerlang di dalam bidang akademik telahdiadakan pada 29 Ogos 2012 bertempat diPusat Mahasiswa Kampus Kejuruteraan.Program yang menggabungkan konsep jamuanhari raya dan sukaneka ini adalah yang perta-ma diperkenalkan dan ternyata dapat merap-atkan lagi hubungan silaturrahim dikalanganwarga PPKBSM. Sumbangan bagi anak-anakstaf yang cemerlang di dalam akademik meru-pakan suntikan moral untuk mereka berusahalebih gigih demi kejayaan di kemudian hari.Ahli keluarga PPKBSM yang hadir menzahirkankegembiraan diatas kejayaan program ini danberharap ianya dapat diteruskan pada masaakan datang.

PAMERAN POSTER LATIHANINDUSTRI PPKBSM 2012

26 Sept - Pameran poster latihan industriPPKBSM 2012 telah dilangsungkan pada 26September 2012. Acara tahunan bagi pelajar-pelajar tahun akhir kejuruteraan bahan, sum-ber mineral dan polimer ini merupakan sebaha-gian dari proses penilaian terhadap aktiviti lati-han industri yang telah mereka ikuti selama 10minggu. Menurut Timbalan Dekan BahagianJaringan Industri dan Masyarakat PPKBSM, En.Tuan Besar Tuan Sarif selain daripada menilaipengetahuan serta kompetensi para pelajarsewaktu mereka menjalani latihan industri,melalui aktiviti ini juga pengalaman merekadapat dikongsi oleh pelajar-pelajar tahun 1,2dan 3 sebagai panduan yang berguna sebelummereka pula pergi menjalani latihan industri.Seperti kebiasaanya, 10 pembentang posterterbaik telah dipilih dan dianugerahkan cender-ahati di atas kejayaan mereka itu. Syabas diu-capkan!

KHEMAH KERJA KECEMERLANGANPELAJAR DAN INTERGRITI

Sebagai sebahagian daripada usaha untukmenyediakan para pelajar tahun satu yangbaru menjadi anggota keluarga pusat penga-

jian, Program Khemah Kerja KecemerlanganPelajar dan Intergriti telah didadakan pada 12-14 Oktober 2012 bertempat di Hutan LipurBukit Panchor. Program dirancang selama 3hari 2 malam ini menggabungkan aktivitiperkhemahan dan latihan dalam kumpulanbagi memupuk semangat cintakan pusat pen-gajian dan intergriti di kalangan pelajar tahunsatu. Program anjuran bersama PPKBSM danMIMATES ini juga merupakan masa yangsesuai bagi pelajar tahun satu dan staf PPKB-SM untuk saling mengenali di antara satu samalain. Semangat kerjasama, setiakawan sertatolong menolong memang teruji sepenuhnyasepanjang program perkhemahan ini. Sekalungpenghargaan buat jawatankuasa yangdipengerusikan oleh Profesor Madya HashimHussin diatas kejayaan melaksanakan programini.

HARI WARGA STAF KAMPUSKEJURUTERAAN

Selepas hampir lima tahun menyepi, HariWarga Staf Kampus Kejuruteraan telah dilang-sungkan pada tanggal 8 November 2012.Untuk edisi kali ini kontigen PPK Bahan &Sumber Mineral telah digabungkan bersamaPPK Awam dan digelar ‘Kontigen Wira’.Aturcara selama sehari ini meliputi acarasenam aerobik, pertandingan sukaneka,memancing, memasak, explorace, berbasikal,

khemah tercantik dan persembahan kebu-dayan. Upacara penutup telah diadakan padawaktu malam dan berkat semangat sertakesungguhan, ‘Kontigen Wira’ telah berjayamendapat tempat kedua keseluruhan denganmembawa hadiah wang tunai RM 500.00.Syabas diucapkan kepada semua yang terlibat!

MATERIALS ENGINEERING TRIP(MTE 2012) BANDUNG, INDONESIA

Pada 13 November 2012 seramai 28 orangpelajar tahun akhir Kejuruteraan Bahan dan 9orang pensyarah pengiring telah mengadakanlawatan ke Fakulti Kejuruteraan Mekanikal danAeroangkasa, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)dan kilang persenjataan PT Pindad, Bandung.Aktiviti yang dijalankan di ITB lebih menjuruskepada perbincangan berkaitan proses pembe-lajaran dan pengajaran di antara kedua-duaprogram kejuruteraan bahan, USM dan ITB.Delegasi juga telah dibawa melawat kemuda-han peralatan dan penyelidikan yang ada disana. Pada sebelah petangnya pula, delegasitelah melawat kilang persenjataan PT Pindadyang merupakan antara pengeluar utama per-alatan ketenteraan di rantau Asia. Para pesertatelah diberikan peluang menaiki kereta kebalkeluaran PT Pindad. Ini merupakan suatu pen-galaman berharga yang tidak akan dapat dilu-pakan

Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013 3

Hari keluarga di Lost World of Tambun di Ipoh.

Lawatan staf akademik dan pelajar Kejuruteraan Bahan ke ITB, Bandung

Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013 4

LAWATAN KAKITANGANTEKNIKAL & PENTADBIRAN

KE UNIMAP PERLIS

Pada 14 Dis 2012 seramai 19 orang kaki-tangan teknikal dan pentadbiran PPKBSM telahmengadakan lawatan ke Pusat Kejuruteraan diUNIMAP. Tujuan lawatan adalah untukmendedahkan staf kepada persamaan dan per-bezaan yang terdapat di tempat yang dilawati.Di samping itu, staf juga dapat melihat danmendalami proses pengurusan pentadbirandan teknikal yang dijalankan di sana. Pesertalawatan didedahkan tentang teknologi ‘digitalelectronic’ dan aplikasi terkini yang terdapat diPusat Kejuruteraan, UNIMAP yang baru dibukapada julai 2012. Ucapan terima kasih kepadasemua staf Pusat Kejuruteraan di atas layananyang diberikan.

12th NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON POLYMERIC MATERIALS 2012

3rd – 5th October , Nibong Tebal- 12thNational Symposium on Polymeric Materials2012 was held on at the Science and ResearchCentre (SERC), Engineering Campus, UniversitiSains Malaysia (USM). This symposium wassuccessfully organized by PPKBSM in collabora-tion with the Plastics and Rubber Institute ofMalaysia (PRIM) and the Cluster for PolymerComposites (CPC), SERC, USM. This sympo-sium was an effective platform for researchers,academicians and industrialist nationwide toshare their knowledge and innovative thinkingespecially in the field of Polymer Science andTechnology. It offers an excellent opportunityto create an effective networking among par-ticipants from various expertises. It drawsalmost a hundred participants from the localuniversities and research center which areUSM, UniMAP, UTM, UiTM, UTHM, UniKL, UTP,UKM, UM, and RRIM. There were about 108papers presented at this symposium.

NSPM 2012 was officiated by EngineeringCampus Director, USM, Y. Brs. Prof. Abd. AzizTajuddin. This symposium was enlightenedwith three keynote speaker sessions presentedby Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kannika Sakaharo fromPrince of Songkla University, Thailand, Assoc.Prof. Dr. Aziz Hassan from Universiti Malaya,Malaysia, and Dr. Eng Aik Hwee, from Ansell(M) Sdn. Bhd. A grand dinner was held on 4thOctober 2012 at Students Development Centreto welcome all participants to NSPM 2012. Atthe dinner, the Best Posters, the Best OralPresenters, and the Best Papers were awardedto all the winners.

For the first time, NSPM 2012 have initiat-ed and included an informative workshop ses-sion. This workshop was held on the third dayof symposium and was conducted by Prof.Hazizan Md. Akil from SMMRE, Universiti SainsMalaysia. Prof. Hazizan shared his experienceson very interesting topics including the tips on“Getting your Manuscript Published: Whatreviewers and editors want” and “Peer to PeerSharing of Experience on Journal Publication”.Finally, the symposium was successfully closedby Prof. Ahmad Fauzi bin Mohd Noor, the Deanof SMMRE, USM on 5th October 2012.Congratulations for all the committee membersof NSPM 12 for the successful event!.

8th ASIAN-AUSTRALASIANCONFERENCE ON COMPOSITE

MATERIALS (ACCM-8)6-8th November 2012, Kuala Lumpur- The

8th Asian-Australasian Conference on

Composite Materials (ACCM-8) was held on the6-8th November 2012 at Kuala LumpurConvention Centre (KLCC). The conference isorganized by the Asian-AustralasianAssociation for Composite Materials (AACM)and PETRONAS Research Sdn. Bhd. UniversitiSains Malaysia was given a task to lead aTechnical Committee for the conference. Atheme of the conference is “Composites:Enabling Tomorrow’s Industry Today”.

ACCM-8 is an international conference aim-ing to provide good coverage of technologicaldevelopment in all areas of composite materi-als from design to manufacturing and applica-tions. Composites scientists, engineers andtechnologists from all over the world attendedACCM-8 to exchange ideas, to discuss the lat-est developments in composite materials andto present their work to the international com-posites community. A total of 8 Special, Plenaryand Distinguished Lectures, plus some 270 oraland poster presentation was delivered atACCM-8. The papers originated from more than25 different countries, made this conferenceone of the best opportunities for interactionamong the experts in the latest developmentsin composite materials.

This conference was enlightened withSpecial Lecture by Mr Daniel Ageda (JECComposites) and 6 Plenary speaker presentedby Mr Bruno Beral (Airbus SA, France), Prof.Zainal Arifin Mohd. Ishak (Universiti SainsMalaysia), Prof. Woo I. Lee (National SeoulUniversity), Prof. Simon R. Frost (WalkerTechnical Resources, UK), Dr Yapa D SRajapakse (Office of Naval Research, USA) andProf. Ian P. Bond (University of Bristol, UK).The distinguished lecture delivered by Prof.Yiu-Wing Mai (University of Sydney) wasorganized to commemorate the fifteenth yearsince the inception of AACM. The Best Postersand the Best Oral Presenters were awarded toall the winners at the Farewell Tea Party.

PERSIDANGAN ANTARABANGSA X-RAYS& RELATED TECHNIQU IN RESEARCH &INDUSTRY 2012 (ICXRI 2012)

Pada 3-5 Julai 2012, bertempat di HotelVistana Pulau Pinang, PPK Bahan dan SumberMineral, USM dengan kerjasama XApp danPersatuan Nuklear Malaysia (MNS) telah ber-jaya menganjurkan persidangan antarabangsaX-Rays & Related Technique in Research &Industry 2012 (ICXRI 2012). Seramai 120

orang peserta dari dalam dan luar negara telahberkumpul dan berkongsi pengetahuan sertahasil penyelidikan masing-masing di dalambidang sinar-X dan teknik-teknik yang berkai-tan. Akiviti selama 3 hari ini merangkumi pem-bentangan kertas kerja dari para peserta dis-amping bengkel yang memberikan pendeda-han berkaitan teknologi terkini di dalam bidangsinar-X.

DR TARAS KOLODIAZHINYI FROMNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS

SCIENCE (TSUKUBA, JAPAN) VISITSMMRE

Dr Kolodiazhinyi from NIMS Tsukuba visit-ed SMMRE on 3rd August 2012. After meetingProf. Ahmad Fauzi, the Dean, he then gave apresentation to academics and students abouthis institute (NIMS) and a technical talk entitled“Metal-insulator transition in BaTiO3 and dielec-tric ceramics for land-based and satellite com-munications”. About 30 participants attendedthe talk. Dr Kolodiazhinyi then offered mem-bers to potential research collaboration andsharing of facilities. He then had some discus-sion with staff and students before visiting thelab facilities of SMMRE.

LAPORAN AKTIVITI BULAN RAMADHAN(TERMASUK JUGA PENCERAMAH BEBASPUAN SUZANA BULAN OKTOBER 2012 )

PPKBSM meneruskan amalan tahunanRamadhan Al Mubarak 1433 hijrah /2012seperti bulan bulan ramadhan yang lalu dalamusaha memupuk budaya keilmuan dan nilaikekeluargaan sesama warga PPKBSM.

Budaya keilmuan digarap dalam sericeramah yang dimulai oleh Alfadhil Tuan HajiUstaz Elias Zakaria iaitu mantan Yang DipertuaMajlis Agama Islam Pulau Pinang dan mantanPengarah Pusat Islam USM. Curahan ilmuditeruskan secara berkala setiap pagi jumaatramadhan oleh Ustazah Rohayati Daud, UstazMohd Burhan Zakaria@Ahmad dan UstazMuhammad Latifi Mahadzir (ketiga-tiga pence-ramah adalah dari Pusat Islam Kampus keju-ruteraan) serta Puan Suzana Ghazali PerundingPsikologi Keluarga dan Guaman Syarie yangdijemput khas dari Kuala Lumpur untukberkongsi ilmu tentang nilai “keikhlasan berk-erja”. Bagi mendapat keberkahan juga, PPKB-SM melebarkan amalan dengan menaja majlis

Lawatan staf PPKBSM ke rumah anak yatim

Berbuka Puasa di dalam dan di luar USMiaitu 2 Ogos 2012 Majlis Berbuka Puasa diPusat Islam Kampus kejuruteraan, 9 Ogos2012 Majlis Berbuka Puasa PPKBSM bersamapenduduk Kampung Sg. Kechil Pulau Pinangdan 10 Ogos Majlis Berbuka Puasa PPKBSMbersama penduduk Taman Ilmu Nibong TebalPulau Pinang.

Di samping itu PPKBSM berusahamemupuk nilai kekeluargaan melalui program“SENYUMAN ANAK YATIM SENYUMAN ANAKKITA JUA”. Melalui program ini PPKBSMberusaha mengutip sumbangan dari seluruhwarga PPKBSM dan warga KampusKejuruteraan. Alhamdulillah sumbangan men-curah ke tabung anak anak yatim sehinggasumbangan tersebut dapat diagihkan dalampelbagai bentuk seperti makanan, kainbatik/pelekat dan wang tunai kepada 3 buahrumah anak yatim ; Rumah Anak-anak YatimNur Hidaya Kg. Cheh Bukit Gantang ChangkatJering, Rumah Anak-anak Yatim Kg. JarumEmas Sg. Nior Trong dan Rumah Anak-anakYatim Nur Kasih Ulu Sepetang. Usaha yangkecil ini berhasrat untuk merai-gembirakananak-anak yatim menjelang sambutan hariraya aidil fitri. Semoga pada tahun-tahun men-datang usaha yang kecil ini dapat diteruskanlagi di samping dapat mengintai rahmat Allahtaala sehingga dapat memupuk nilai kekeluar-gaan dan kesepakatan hati antara wargaPPKBSM.

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT 2012

September 11th, 2012 – It was the nightto remember for all postgraduates and staffsfrom the School of Materials and MineralResources Engineering (SMMRE) as thePostgraduates’ Club (PGSC) hosted the“International Night 2012” at the PusatMahasiswa, USM Engineering Campus. Thehighlight event was organized to celebrate andembrace various cultures from the school’smulti-national postgraduates by means ofauthentic cuisines, music, traditional attires,and many more.

The purpose of “International Night 2012”was to allow the students and staffs to learnand appreciate the different cultures from var-ious countries, appropriately done by the cul-ture-sharing booths displayed that night.Attendees were able to visit the booths, andthey were treated with a wealth of generalknowledge about their countries by our veryown postgraduates. The night was filled withcolours as the students dressed up in theirvibrant and unique traditional costumes.International cuisines were prepared by thestudents for everyone to feast on.

Throughout the event, some of the inter-national students mesmerized the audiencewith their classic songs and dances. By themassive applause given from the floor, theschool is able to unearth highly potentialsingers and dancers among the postgraduates.The night ended with lucky draws and the“King and Queen of The Nite” ceremony.

WHY BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY(BOS)?

“There are many strategies in the market, whythen the BOS? Why did USM choose the BOSapproach to manage the institution and tostrategies future moves in achieving the mile-stone of APEX (Accelerated Programme forExcellence).The interesting thing to note isthat the BOS is not a new strategy. It is derived

from observing more than 150 strategic moveswhich have been played by the industrialistover a span of 100 years by 30 over industries.Kim and Mauborgne studied and analyzedthese moves before crystallize the analyticalframeworks and tools of the BOS. The strongideologies and principles make BOS strategydifferent and capable of minimizing the risksthat often faces by industries or institution.There are 6 principles of the BOS: reconstruct-ing the market boundaries, focusing on the bigpicture and not the numbers, reaching beyondthe existing demand, getting the strategicsequence right, overcoming key organizationalhurdles and building execution into strategy.The first four minimize the risks in the formu-lation processes and the last two principlesminimize risks in the execution process. What separated winners from losers in creatingBO was their strategy. The institution caught inred ocean race to beat the competition bybuilding defensible position within existinginstitution. For example, if institution A provid-ing a fellowship of RM 1000 to capture theinterest of postgraduate enrolment, here wego institution B will be offering RM 1300. Webeat and kill each other in bloody ocean. Thecreators of BO don’t compete but they followdifferent strategy called as value innovationwhich is a cornerstone of BOS. In BOS theyfocus on making competition irrelevant by pro-viding high value to customers and therebyopen up uncontested market space. We atSchool of Materials and Mineral ResourcesEngineering (SMMRE) have realized the impor-tant of this BOS in achieving the KPI of theschool. Therefore, recently we have conducteda seminar to introduce BOS tools to the aca-demics, management staff and technicians tocultivate BOS in their daily activities for thebetterment of the school. In the spirit of theBOS, SMMRE is determined to eliminate thered ocean practice to achieve the ultimate suc-cess of the school.

LAPORAN RINGKAS PERJUMPAANPANEL PENASIHATAN INDUSTRI

BERSAMA PPKBSM

Majlis Perjumpaan Ke 6 antara PusatPengajian Kejuruteraan Bahan dan SumberMineral (PPKBSM) dengan Panel PenasihatanIndustri (PPI) telah diadakan pada 17 Oktober2012/rabu jam 9.00 pagi. Perjumpaan kali iniadalah perjumpaan terakhir bagi kumpulanPanel Penasihatan Industri yang dilantik dalamtempoh tiga tahun iaitu bermula dari bulan

Januari 2010 hingga Disember 2012.Pelanjutan atau pelantikan ahli baru PPI PPKB-SM bagi tahun 2013 dan 2015 akan dibuat dansurat pelantikan akan ditandatangani oleh NaibCanselor USM.

Sesi perbincangan dibahagikan kepada 3bahagian ; (i) sesi aluan dan pengenalan iaituucapan aluan pengerusi kepada semua ahliyang hadir (ii) sesi selari bersama PengerusiRancangan ketiga tiga program pengajiankejuruteraan dan (iii) Sesi Rumusan iaitumenggarap segala yang dibincang untuk men-dapat titik pertemuan antara kedua dua belahpihak.

Matlamat perjumpaan kali ini adalah untukberbincang dan bertukar-tukar pandangandalam usaha membantu kecemerlangan PPKB-SM, terutama dalam usaha mempergiat-luaskan lagi penglibatan antara kedua-duabelah pihak PPKBSM dan industri, antaranyamembantu proses akreditasi bagi ketiga-tigaprogram kejuruteraan yang ditawarkan olehPPKBSM yang dijangka akan diadakan padabulan Mac 2013.

Di akhir pertemuan pengerusi mengucap-kan jutaan terima kasih kepada semua ahlipanel yang hadir di atas sumbang bakti yangdihulur selama ini demi kecemerlang PPKBSMdan USM amnya.

PROFESOR ZAINAL ARIFFIN MOHDISHAK DILANTIK SEBAGAI PENGARAH

KAMPUS

6 Disember 2012- Kampus Kejuruteraanmulai 1 Januari 2013 akan diterajui olehProfesor Zainal Ariffin Mohd Ishak bagi meng-gantikan Profesor Abd Aziz Tajuddinberdasarkan surat edaran yang dikeluarkanoleh Pejabat Naib Canselor bertarikh 30November 2012.

Beliau juga kekal sebagai Pengarah, PusatPenyelidikan Sains & Kejuruteraan selamasetahun mulai 1 Januari 2013 hingga 31Disember 2013.

Informasi oleh: Mokhtar Alfakari Anurbek

Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013 5

International Night 2012 at PUMA

Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013 6

List of SMMRE Postgraduate Students Viva from July-Dis 2012

No. Student Nama / Date Degree Title of Thesis Name of Supervisor

1 Tan Chin Yeong

5 July 2012

M.Sc Impact Response of FML’s and Aluminium Composite Sandwich

StructuresProf. Hazizan Md Akil

2 Soo Mun Teng

18 July 2012

M.Sc Synthesis and Characterization of Sol-Gel Derived CrO2 and Thermally

Oxidized Zr Thin FilmsProf. Madya Ir. Cheong Kuan Yew

3 Khor Peng Seong

25 July 2012

Ph.D Integrated Appraisal Methodology and Suitability Analysis of Malaysian

Clays for Ceramic IndustryProf. Dato’ Ir. Eric Goh Kok Hoe

4 Phua Yi Jing

8 August 2012

Ph.D Mechanical, Thermal, Degradation and Morphological Behaviors of

Organo-Montmorillonite Filled Poly(Butylene Succinate) NanocompositesProf. Zainal Arifin Mohd Ishak

5 Komethi a/p Muniandy

10 August 2012

M.Sc Curing Characteristics, Mechanical Properties and Degradation Studies of

Rattan Powder-Filled Natural Rubber CompositesProf. Hanafi IsmailDr. Nadras Othman

6 Norfadhilah binti Ibrahim

28 August 2012

M.Sc Effect of Dolomite and Pure Oxides on the α-Cordierite Synthesis Prof. Madya Hasmaliza Mohamad Prof. Zainal Arifin Ahmad

7 Nor Hamidah binti Mohd Zulfli

30 August 2012

M.Sc Mechanical, Thermal and Water Absorption Properties of Epoxy/Glass

Fiber/Nanofiller Hybrid CompositesProf. Madya Chow Wen Shyan Prof. Madya Azhar Abu Bakar

8 Aminullah bin Ashari

6 September 2012

M.Sc Effect of Fiber Composition on Mechanical and Physical Properties of

High Loading Wood Fiber CompositesProf. Zainal Arifin Mohd Ishak

9 Ervina Efzan binti Mhd Noor

11 September 2012

Ph.D Characterization of In-Based Low Temperature Solder Alloys and the

Effect of Surface FinishProf. Madya Zuhailawati Hussain Prof. Madya Ahmad Badri Ismail Dr. Nurulakmal Mohd Sharif

10 Nor Fasihah binti Pipit @ Zaaba

21 September 2012

M.Sc Effect of Additives, Polyvinyl Alcohol and Silica on Properties of Sago

Starch Plastic FilmsProf. Hanafi Ismail

11 Asam M.A. Abudalazez

27 September 2012

Ph.D Electrophoretic Deposition of Ceramic Coating on Dental Implant Prof. Zainal Arifin Ahmad Prof. Azlan AriffinDr. Shah Rizal Kasim

12 Sunarso

16 Oktober 2012

M.Sc Fabrication of Porous Carbonated hydroxyapatite by Sponge Template

and Carbonation TechniqueProf. Ahmad Fauzi Mohd Noor Dr. Shah Rizal Kasim

13 Lee Liu Mei

19 Oktober 2012

M.Sc Characterization and Corrosion Behaviour of 96.5Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu Solder

on Cu Substrate at Different Reflow ReactionsProf. Madya Ahmad Azmin Mohamad

14 Law Theng Theng

22 Oktober 2012

M.Sc Mechanical, Thermal and Electrical Properties of Short Glass and Carbon

Fiber Reinforced Polycarbonate Hybrid CompositesProf. Zainal Arifin Mohd Ishak

15 Lee Jo May

22 October 2012

M.Sc Effects of Environmental Degradation and Reprocessing on Mechanical,

Thermal and Morphological Properties of Kenaf Fibre-Filled Poly(Butylene

Succinate) Composites

Prof. Zainal Arifin Mohd Ishak

16 Nurulizzati binti Mohd Shukri

23 October 2012

M.Sc Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Thermally Conductive Fillers Filled

Polypropylene CompositesProf. Ir. Mariatti Jaafar

17 Cao Xuan Viet

29 October 2012

Ph.D Characterization of Properties of Recycled High ensity

Polyethylene/Natural Rubber/ Kenaf Core Powder BiocompositesProf. Hanafi Ismail

18 Chang Lee Nah

30 October 2012

M.Sc Flextural, Thermal and Flammability Properties of Epoxy Hybrid

Composites With Flame RetardantsProf. Madya Chow Wen ShyangProf. Ir. Mariatti Jaafar

19 Thai Hong Khang

6 November 2012

M.Sc Simulation of Filling and Curing Phases in Injection Moulding Process of

Natural Rubber CompoundProf. Madya Zulkifli Mohamad Ariff

20 Vemal Raja Manikal

12 November 2012

M.Sc Fabrication and Characterization of Ag-AI Die Attach Material for SiC-

Based High TemperatureProf. Madya Ir. Cheong Kuan Yew Prof. Madya Khairunisak Abdul Razak

21 Mohd Syukri Zakaria

19 November 2012

M.Sc Effect of Zr and Heat Treatment of Super Thermal Aluminium Alloy (STAL)

for Electrical ApplicationProf. Madya Ahmad Badri Ismail

22 Chong Wee Loon

20 November 2012

M.Sc Effect of Precursor Chemicals, pH and Synthesis Temperature on

Precipitated Carbonated HydroxyapatiteProf. Ahmad Fauzi Mohd Noor Prof. Radzali Othman

23 Lee Xing Min

21 November 2012

M.Sc Effect of Different Tackifiers on Properties of Styrene-Grafted Natural

Rubber (SNR) and Deproteinized Natural Rubber (DPNR) Latex Films

Prof. Madya Azura A. Rashid

24 Nguyen Quang Duy

21 November 2012

M.Sc Effects of Filler Loading and Different Preparation Methods on the

Properties of Cassava Starch Filled Natural Rubber Composites

Prof. Madya Azura A. Rashid

Prof. Hanafi Ismail

25 Ng Kelvin

23 November 2012

M.Sc Effect of Poly(Lactic Acid) Content on Poly(Methyl

Methacrylate)/Hydroxyapatite Denture Base Composites

Prof. Madya Chow Wen Shyang

Prof. Zainal Arifin Mohd. Ishak

26 Uday Mowafak Basheer

3 December 2012

Ph.D Friction Welding of 6061 Aluminium Alloy with YSZ-Alumina Composites

for Improved Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Prof. Ahmad Fauzi Mohd Noor

Prof. Madya Ahmad Badri Ismail

Prof. Madya Zuhailawati Hussain

27 Ahmad Zahirani bin Ahmad Azhar

3 December 2012

Ph.D Synthesis and Characterization of MgO-Cr2O3-ZTA Cutting Tool Materials Prof. Zainal Arifin Ahmad

Prof. Mani Maran a/l Ratnam

Prof. Madya Hasmaliza Mohamad

28 Kong Siew Mui

4 December 2012

M.Sc Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Nanoparticles Filled Silicone

Rubber composites

Prof. Ir. Mariatti Jaafar

29 Ramarao a/l Poliah

17 December 2012

M.Sc Formation of TiO2/SiO2 Nanostructured Materials for Photocatalytic Activity Prof. Madya Srimala a/p Sreekantan

30 Mohammad Shahrulhafiz bin

Basir Ahmad

17 December 2012

M.Sc Properties of Recycled Crosslink Polyethylene Filled High Density

Polyethylene Composites

Prof. Azlan Ariffin

Prof. Madya Zulkifli Mohamad Ariff

31 Muhamad Saifuddin bin Salim

18 December 2012

M.Sc Mechanical, Physical and Thermal Properties of Kenaf Fiber Reinforced

Epoxy Composites Produced by Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM)

Prof. Zainal Arifin Mohd Ishak

32 Ashraf Rohaniza binti Asari

19 December 2012

M.Sc Preparation, Properties and Durability Studies of HDPE-Kenaf Core Filler

Composites

Prof. Madya Razaina Mat Taib

Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013 7

PELANTIKAN BARU

KENAIKAN PANGKAT

BIL NAMA JAWATAN TARIKH KUATKUASA

1 PROFESOR AZIZAN AZIZ PENSYARAH UNIVERSITI GRED KHAS C(VK7) 29.06.2012

2 PROFESOR AZLAN ARIFFIN PENSYARAH UNIVERSITI GRED KHAS C(VK7) 29.06.2012

3 PROFESOR IR MARIATTI JAAFAR PENSYARAH UNIVERSITI GRED KHAS C(VK7) 29.06.2012

No. Date Name Organization Purpose

1. 5.7.2012 Neoh Leong KeeKoh Yin HsianOoi Chin Chin

Motorola Solutions , Penang Research Collaboration

2. 5.7.2012 Ahmad Monshi Department of Materials,University of Technology, Isfahan , Iran

Research Collaboration

3. 22.7.2012 Mitsuko KumagazYuko Ogino

Research Collaboration

4. 3.8. 2012 Taras Kolodiazhnyi National Institute for Materials Science(NIMS), Tsukuba, Japan

Research Collaboration

5. 14.8.2012 Wendy Ag Techem Corporation Sdn. Bhd. Penang Research Collaboration

6. 6.9.2012 Harto TanujayaErwin SiahomAbrar Riza

Mechanical Engineering Department,Universitas Tarumanagara, Indonesia

Research Collaboration

7. 12.9 2012 Akihiko Matsumoto Department of Enviromental & Life SciencesToyohashi University of Technology

Research Collaboration

Visitors to the SMMRE (July to December 2012)

PROFESOR MIHAIL

NAZAROV

PROFESOR KUNJUNGAN

20 DISEMBER 2012

PROFESOR BRIJ KUMAR

DHINDAW

PROFESOR KUNJUNGAN

17 OGOS 2012

DR. NURAZREENA AHMAD

PENSYARAH UNIVERSITI DS51

01 OKTOBER 2012

TAMAT PERKHIDMATAN

DR. ARJULIZAN RUSLI

PENSYARAH UNIVERSITI DS45

02 OKTOBER 2012

PROFESOR ZAKARIA

MOHD AMIN

PROFESOR

31 JULAI 2012

Toughening of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites

W.S.Chow, Y.Y. Leu, and Z.A. Mohd Ishak

School of Materials and Mineral ResourcesEngineering,

Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia

ABSTRACTPoly(lactic acid) (PLA) containing organo-montmorillonite clay (OMMT) and nano-precip-itated calcium carbonate (NPCC) were pre-pared using melt compounding followed byinjection molding. Effects of maleated ethyl-ene-propylene rubber (EPR-g-MAH) on themechanical and morphological properties ofPLA/OMMT and PLA/NPCC nanocompositeswere studied. Mechanical properties of thesamples were characterized using tensile, flex-ural and impact tests, while the morphologicalproperties were studied using transmissionelectron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffrac-tion (XRD) analysis. The incorporation of EPR-g-MAH significantly improved the impactstrength of the PLA/OMMT and PLA/NPCCnanocomposites. Better exfoliation (for OMMT)and improved dispersion (for OMMT and NPCC)was successfully achieved by the addition of

EPR-g-MAH.Keywords: nanocomposites, poly(lactic acid),nanofiller, maleated rubber, properties

1. INTRODUCTIONIn recent years, the interest in renewable andbiodegradable materials has been growing rap-idly in the global community. Poly(lactic acid)(PLA) produced from renewable resources hasbecome attractive and popular in various fields,such as packaging, textile and automotivesindustries. This is owing to their sustainability,biodegradability, superior transparency, highmodulus and strength. However, the limitationof PLA is their low thermal stability and brittle-ness.To improve the properties of PLA, addition ofvarious types of fillers was explored. In recentreports, PLA-based nanocomposites, preparedby the incorporation of nanofillers such as nan-oclay, nano-calcium carbonate, titanium oxidenanoparticles, cellulose nanofiber and carbonnanotube, exhibited remarkable improvementin mechanical and thermal properties, dimen-sional stability, barrier and physicochemicalbehaviours [1-5].Though the addition of nanofillers to polymershas attracted great attention there are stillsome issues need to be solved, for instant, dis-persibility of the nanofillers, compatibilitybetween polymers and nanofillers, brittlenessand processability of the polymer nanocom-posites. The need of toughness and impact

strength improvement of PLA nanocompositeswas recognized and most of the related worksare based on chemical and physical modifica-tion.Maleated rubbers such as maleic anhydridegrafted ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR-g-MAH) has been used as polymeric compatibiliz-er, interfacial modifier and toughening agent.Recent reports have proved that the additionof EPR-g-MAH could enhance the dispersion ofthe nanoclay and improve the mechanical andthermal properties of various polymernanocomposites, including polyamide6/polypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites[6] and PLA/OMMT nanocomposites [7,8].In our recent work we have examined theimpact strength, elongation at break and ther-mal stability of PLA/OMMT and PLA/NPCCnanocomposites, and found that their proper-ties enhanced significantly by the addition ofSEBS-g-MAH [9,10]. The aim of this work is toimprove the impact strength of the PLA/OMMTand PLA/NPCC by the addition of EPR-g-MAH.

2. EXPERIMENTAL2.1 MaterialsPLA (IngeoTM 3051D, NatureWorks LLC®,USA) was selected in this study. The specificgravity and melt flow index of the PLA are 1.25and 25 g/10 min (2.16 kg load, 210°C),respectively. The OMMT (Nanomer® I.30TCN,Nanocor Inc., USA) used in this study is a com-mercially available montmorillonite-layered sili

Article 1

cate. The OMMT containing montmorillonite(70 wt%) intercalated by octadecylamine (30wt%). The cation exchange capacity (CEC) andthe aspect ratio of the OMMT were 120meq/100g and 300-500, respectively. Thestearic acid treated NPCC (code: Zancarb CC-R;particle size 40-80 nm; specific gravity 2.50g/cm3) was supplied by Zantat Sdn. Bhd,Malaysia. EPR-g-MAH was purchased fromShanghai Jianqiao Plastic Co. Ltd., China. Themelt flow index and specific gravity of the EPR-g-MAH were 0.2 g/10 min (2.16 kg loads,230°C) and 0.88 respectively. The grafting con-tent of MAH on EPR is approximately 1.0 wt%.The designation and composition forPLA/OMMT nanocomposites are shown in Table1.

2.2 Preparation of PLA NanocompositesAll the ingredients (e.g. PLA pellets, OMMTpowders, and EPR-g-MAH pellets) were dried at80oC for 15 hours in a vacuum oven (MemmertGmbH, model: VO500, Germany) prior toextrusion. Then, the ingredients were pre-mixed by tumbling process. The melt-com-pounding was performed using a co-rotatingtwin-screw extruder (Sino-Alloy Machinery,model: PSM30, Taiwan). The temperature zoneand screw speed were set in the range of160–190°C and 150 rpm, respectively. The PLAnanocomposites specimen [tensile (ASTM D638type I), flexural (ASTM D790) and impact(ASTM D4812)] was injection moulded using aninjection moulding machine (Haitian, model:HTF86X1, China). The barrel temperatureswere set at a range of 165–190°C, from thefeeding section to the nozzle, respectively. Priorto injection moulding process, the PLA extru-dates were dried in a vacuum oven at 80°C for15 hours.

2.3 Characterization of PLA NanocompositesTensile and flexural tests were performedaccording to the ASTM D638 and ASTM D790using a universal testing machine (Instron,model: Instron 3366, USA). The tensile testswere conducted at a crosshead speed of 5mm/min. While, the flexural test was per-formed using three-points bending configura-tion at crosshead speed of 1.5 mm/min andsupport span length of 56 mm. Charpy impacttests were carried out on un-notched speci-mens using an analogue Charpy pendulumimpact tester (Zwick Roell, model: Zwick,Germany) with pendulum of 7.5 J. The intercalation of OMMT in the PLAnanocomposites was characterized by an X-Ray

diffractometer (Bruker AXS Inc., model: D8Advance, USA). The samples were scanned infixed step size, 0.050° with a step-time of 0.1sin the range of 1°-10°. The interlayer spacingof the OMMT was derived from the peak posi-tion (d001-reflection) in the XRD diffrac-tograms according to the Bragg’s Equation (nλ= 2d sin θ). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) meas-urements were carried out with an energy fil-tering transmission electron microscope (CarlZeiss, model: Zeiss Libra 120 Plus, USA) oper-ating at an accelerating voltage of 120 kV. Thespecimens were prepared using an ultramicro-tome (Boeckeler Instruments, model: PT-PCPowerTome, USA). Ultra-thin sections of about50 nm in thickness of the PLA nanocomposite

specimen was cut with a diamond knife(Diatome, model: ultra 45°, Switzerland) atroom temperature.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION3.1 Mechanical properties of PLA nanocompos-itesTable 2 shows the mechanical properties ofneat PLA and its nanocomposites. Obviously,both the tensile and flexural modulus of PLAincreased significantly by the addition of OMMTand NPCC, due to the high stiffness of thenanofillers. It can be seen that the inclusion ofOMMT or NPCC does not shows significanteffect on the tensile and flexural strength ofPLA. This is probably due to the poor interfacialinteraction between the PLA and the OMMTwhich could reduce the stress transfer from thematrix to the nanoclay during the deformationprocess [11]. However, it is found that theelongation at break of the PLA increased for23.8% and 47.6% by the addition of OMMTand NPCC, respectively, implying some degreeof improvement in ductility of PLA.

As expected, the modulus of PLA/OMMT andPLA/NPCC nanocomposites reduced with theincorporation of EPR-g-MAH (c.f. Table 2). Notethat the tensile and flexural strengths of thePLA nanocomposites were decreased in thepresence of EPR-g-MAH. This is associated tothe lower modulus and elastomeric nature ofthe EPR-g-MAH. On the contrary, the elonga-tion at break of the PLA nanocompositesincreased profoundly by the addition of EPR-g-MAH. The improvement in ductility of the PLAnanocomposites can be attributed to the elas-tomeric behaviour of the EPR-g-MAH. Upon theapplication of tensile stress, the EPR-g-MAHcould form micro-voids that trigger the energy

dissipation mechanisms and lead to an increaseof ductility in the nanocomposites. Table 2 displays that the impact strength of thePLA nanocomposites increased significantly bythe addition of EPR-g-MAH. The addition of 20phr of EPR-g-MAH into PLA/OMMT nanocom-posite has increased the impact strength of theun-notched samples for 88%. In the case ofPLA/NPCC nanocomposite, the un-notchedimpact strength of PLA has increased for 10%.The impact strength enhancement of the PLAnanocomposites with the addition of EPR-g-MAH can be related to the elastomeric charac-teristic of the EPR-g-MAH. The EPR-g-MAH caninduce energy dissipation mechanisms in thePLA which could retard the crack initiation andpropagation process, and subsequently con-tribute to higher toughness properties.

3.2 Morphological properties of PLA nanocom-positesXRD diffractorgrams of OMMT, neat PLA andPLA/OMMT nanocomposites are displayed inFigure 1. OMMT showed a characteristic peakat 2θ=3.93° which corresponding to a basalspacing of 2.25 nm. In the PLA/OMMTnanocomposites 2θ of the (001) diffraction wasshifted to lower angle (i.e.≈2.63°) with the cor-responding gallery spacing expanded to 3.36nm. This result indicates that the stacked lay-ers of OMMT intercalated by PLA chains. On theother hand, the preservation of the diffractionpeak in the PLA/OMMT/EPR-g-MAH20 as shownin Figure 1, indicating a mixture of intercalatedand exfoliated nanostructures was formed inthe nanocomposites. It is noted that the inten-sity of the diffraction peak of PLA/OMMTnanocomposite decreased in the presence ofEPR-g-MAH. The broadening of peak and lossin intensity indicates a decrease in the degreeof coherent layer stacking (i.e. a more disor-dered system) [12]. Accordingly, the additionof EPR-g-MAH promotes exfoliation of OMMT inPLA matrix.

TEM images taken from the PLA/OMMT andPLA/NPCC nanocomposites containing EPR-g-MAH are shown in Figure 2. The darker regionwith dimension of approximately 2 μm could be ascribed to the EPR-g-MAH. When treated withosmium tetroxide (OsO4), the EPR-g-MAH willreact preferentially and absorbed the oxide,and subsequently, stained in darker colour.From the TEM micrographs, intercalated andexfoliated OMMT silicate layers can beobserved in the PLA/OMMT nanocomposites. Itis interesting to note that some of the OMMTlayered silicate and NPCC nanoparticles wereencapsulated by the EPR-g-MAH. This is attrib-uted to the affinity of the maleic anhydridegroups in the EPR-g-MAH with the nanofillers.4. CONCLUSIONSAddition of EPR-g-MAH enhanced elongation atbreak and impact strength but at the cost ofmodulus and strength for the PLA/OMMT andPLA/NPCC nanocomposites. EPR-g-MAH

8Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013

Table 1: Material designation and composition for PLA nanocomposites

Table 2: Mechanical properties of PLA and its nanocomposites

Figure 1: XRD diffractograms of PLA, OMMT,

EPR-g-MAH and PLA nanocomposites.

induces and promotes higherintercalation/exfoliation of OMMT nanoclay.Thus, it can be concluded that EPR-g-MAH is apotential toughening agent for PLA nanocom-posites.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThis study was funded by Universiti SainsMalaysia Research University (RU) Grant (con-tract grant number: 814070), USM IncentiveGrant (contract grant number: 8021013) andUSM Postgraduate Research Grant Scheme(contract grant number: USM-RU-PGRS8033002).

REFERENCES

[1] Q. Zhou and M. Xanthos: Polymer Degradationand Stability Vol. 93 (2008), p. 1450-9.[2] J. Long, J. W. Zhang, and M. P. Wolcott: PolymerVol. 48 (2007), p. 7632-7644.[3] C. C. Chen., L. V. Gang, C. Pan, M. Song,; C. H.Wu, D. D. Guo, X. M. Wang, B. A. Chen and Z. Z. Gu:Biomedical Materials Vol. 2 (2007), p. L1-L4.[4] A. Iwatake, M. Nogi, and H. Yano: CompositesScience and Technology Vol. 68 (2008), pp. 2103-2106.[5] T. D. Hapuarachchi and T. Peijs: Composites PartA: Applied Science and Manufacturing, Vol. 41 (2010),p. 954-963.[6] W.S. Chow, A. Abu Bakar, Z.A. Mohd Ishak, J.Karger-Kocsis, and U.S. Ishiaku: European PolymerJournal Vol. 41 (2005), p. 687-696.[7] W. S. Chow and S. K. Lok: Journal ofThermoplastic Composite Materials Vol. 21 (2008), p.265-277.[8] W. S. Chow and S. K. Lok: Journal of ThermalAnalysis and Calorimetry Vol. 95 (2009), p. 627-632.[9] Y. Y. Leu, Z. A. Mohd Ishak, and W. S. Chow:Journal of Applied Polymer Science Vol. 124 (2012), p.1200-1207.[10] W. S. Chow, Y. Y. Leu, and Z. A. Mohd Ishak:Express Polymer Letters Vol. 6 (2012), p. 503–510.[11] Z. Dominkovics, J. Moczo, and B. Pukanszky:Polymer Nanocomposite Research Advances (NovaScience Publishers, Inc., New York, 2008).[12] S. Pavlidou and C.D. Papaspyrides: Progress inPolymer Science Vol. 33 (2008), p. 1119-1198.[13] M. L. Di Lorenzo: Journal of Applied PolymerScience Vol. 100 (2006), p. 3145-3151.

Effect of precursor’s solubility on the properties of hydroxyapatite formed

based on dissolution-precipitation reac-tion of tricalcium phosphate in NH3 solu-

tion

Nurazreena Ahmad* and Kunio Ishikawa**

*School of Materials and Mineral ResourcesEngineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia ** Department of Biomaterials, Faculty ofDental Science, Kyushu University

1.0 IntroductionHydroxyapatite (HAp; Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) havebeen used clinically to reconstruct bone defectssince it shows excellent tissue compatibility and

osteoconductivity [1]. Sintering is the mostcommon method in fabricating HAp bone sub-stitute. However, crystallinity of sintered HAp isextremely high [1]. HAp in bone shows lowcrystallinity. Furthermore, it is known that HApwith lower crystallinity shows better osteocon-ductivity [2]. HAp block with low crystallinitycan be fabricated through phase transforma-tion using thermodynamically unstable precur-sor based on dissolution-precipitation reactionby hydrothermal treatment [3].For the dissolu-tion-precipitation reaction, one requirement forthe precursor is to have a moderate solubilitywhen compared to the final block product. Dueto the instability of the precursor, it is dissolvedin aqueous solution and supply ions that arerequired for the precipitation of the final prod-uct [3]. Precursors with high solubility will dis-solve faster while precursor with low solubilitywill dissolve slower. High solubility of precursorwill cause rapid precipitation of crystals andmay result in a mismatch crystal arrangementand/or more porosity. In contrast, precursorwith low solubility will dissolve slower and thusthe precipitated crystals may be arrangedclosely with less porosity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate theeffect of precursor’s solubility on the mechani-cal property of the HAp block through dissolu-tion-precipitation reaction and its initial cellevaluation using osteoblast-like cell (MC3T3-E1). For the precursor selection, alpha-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP;-Ca3(PO4)2) andbeta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP;α-Ca3(PO4)2)were employed as the precursors due to thesame chemical composition but of differentsolubility. α-TCP has been reported to havehigher solubility in aqueous solution whencompared to β-TCP [4].2.0 Experimental

2.1 Preparation of α-TCP and β-TCP blocksCommercially obtained calcium hydrogen phos-phate dihydrate (DCPD; CaHPO4•2H2O, Wako,Osaka, Japan) and calcium carbonate (Calcite;CaCO3, Wako) were mixed with 100 ml of dis-tilled water in 2:1 molar ratio. The mixing wasdone using rotary pestle and mortar for 24hours. After that, the mixture was dried in a60°C oven (DO-450FA, As One Corp., Osaka,Japan) for 24 hours and then crushed intopowder form. The powder was then presseduniaxially with an oil press machine (RikenPower, Riken Seiki, Tokyo, Japan) at 5 MPapressure. The blocks were then sintered at800°C in a furnace (SBV-1515D, Motoyama,Osaka, Japan) for 12 hours to allow homoge-nous composition of calcium and phosphateons. The sintered blocks were then againcrushed into powder form followed by grindingin a planetary micro mill (Fritsch, Idar-Oberstein, W. Germany). After grinding, thepowder was pressed again with an oil pressmachine at 5 MPa pressure to obtain a block-type specimen 6 mm in diameter and 3 mm inthickness. To obtain α-TCP block, the blockswere sintered at 1250°C in a furnace and keptfor 4 hours then quenched to roomtemperature. To obtain β-TCP block, the blockswere sintered at 1100°C and kept 4 for hoursfollowed by quenching to room temperature.The heating rate used was 10°C/min.2.2 Hydrothermal TreatmentThe α-TCP and β-TCP blocks were subjected tohydrothermal treatment with 1 mol/L of ammo-nia (NH3; Kanto Chemical Co., INC., Tokyo,Japan) solution. One α-TCP or β-TCP blockwere immersed in 30 ml of NH3 solutions andplaced in hydrothermal vessel (Shikoku Rika

Co. Ltd, Kochi, Japan) which consisted of aTeflon® inner vessels with stainless steel jack-et. The hydrothermal vessels were kept at200°C in a drying oven for various durations.After the hydrothermal reaction, the blockswere removed from the solution, washed 20times with distilled water to remove NH3 solu-tion and dried at 60°C for 24 hours.2.3 X-Ray Diffraction Analysis For compositional analysis, the specimens werecharacterized by powder X-ray diffraction, XRD(D8 Advance A25 Bruker AXS GmbH, Karlsruhe,Germany) using counter-monochromaticCuK radiation generated at 40 kV and 40 mA. 2.4 Mechanical Strength MeasurementMechanical strength of the specimens wasevaluated in terms of diametral tensile strength(DTS). The specimens were tested using a uni-versal testing machine (AGS-J, ShimadzuCorporation, Kyoto, Japan) by crushing it at acrosshead speed of 1 mm/min. The DTS valuesused were average of at least 8 specimens. Forstatistical analysis, one-way factorial ANOVAand Fisher’s PLSD method as a post-hoc testwere performed using KaleidaGraph 4.0.2.5 Scanning Electron MicroscopeMorphology of the fractured surface wasobserved using scanning electron microscope,SEM (S-3400N, Hitachi High Technologies Co.,Tokyo, Japan) at an accelerating voltage of 10kV. The fractured surface was coated with goldprior to SEM observation. 2.6 Cell cultureOsteoblastic-cell line MC3T3-E1 (RIKENBioResource Centre, Tsukuba, Japan) weresub-cultured in modified essential medium(αMEM, Gibco, Life Technologies Corp., USA)supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum(FBS, Gibco,) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin(Gibco) antibiotics in a humidified incubator at37ºC supplied with 5% CO2. After 3 days ofculture period, the cells were washed withphosphate buffered saline (PBS, SIGMAALDRICH Inc., MO, USA) solution to removeany non-adherent cells and debris. 3 mL of0.25% trypsin EDTA (Gibco) solution wasadded into the cell culture dish and kept insidethe incubator for 5 minutes to allow detach -ment of the adherent osteoblastic cells fromthe floor of the culture dish. 7 mL of fresh cul-ture medium was added into the culture dish tostop the action of the trypsin EDTA. The culturemedia with detached cells were then trans-ferred into a 50 mL conical tube and cen-trifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 min. After centrifu-gation, the culture medium was suctioned andthe cells left at the bottom of the conical tubewere suspended in 1 mL of fresh culture medi-um. Finally, the cells were counted usinghemocytometer and the cell suspension wasdiluted with fresh culture medium according tothe specified cell density to be used for eachsamples.2.7Initial cell attachment and proliferationassayFor initial cell attachment after 6 hours incuba-tion period, the culture medium was removedand 100 µL of 0.25% trypsin EDTA was addedto detach the cells from the specimens. Thedetached cells were then counted using hemo-cytometer. The same procedure was repeatedafter 3 and 5 days for cell proliferation assay.2.8Cell morphology observation by SEMSpecimens with attached cells were washedwith PBS to remove any debris. 2% of glu-taraldehyde (WAKO, Tokyo, Japan) in PBS wasadded to the specimens and kept overnight at4ºC for cell fixation. Then, dehydration of thespecimens to remove water was accomplished

Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013 9

Figure 2: TEM images taken from (a)

PLA/OMMT/EPR-g-MAH20, and (b)

PLA/NPCC/EPR-g-MAH20.

Article 2

by immersing the specimens in ascendingseries of ethanol concentrations (70%, 80%,90%, 99.5% and 100%) for 30 minutes each.Finally, the specimens were dried chemicallyusing 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane(HMDS, Wako). For SEM observation, the spec-imens were sputter-coated with gold andobserved with SEM at an accelerating voltageof 5kV.

3.0 Results and DiscussionFigure 1 summarizes the X-ray diffractionpattern of α- and β-TCP block before and afterdissolution-precipitation reaction at 200°C in 1mol/L NH3. No other phase was detectedbefore dissolution-precipitation reaction indi-cating that the precursor was pure α- or β-TCPblock. Composition of both α- and β-TCP blocktransformed to HAp after dissolution-precipita-tion reaction. Transformation was much fasterin the case of α-TCP block when compared toβ-TCP block. In other words, transformation ofα-TCP block to HAp block was completed with-in 3 hours whereas transformation of β-TCPblock to HAp block took 240 hours.The highsolubility of α-TCP resulted in a fast dissolution-precipitation reaction and therefore, the forma-tion of HAp was rapid when compared to β-TCP.

Table 1 summarizes the crystallite size, a- andc-axis of apatite, and the Ca/P molar ratio ofthe sintered HAp and HAp formed by dissolu-tion-precipitation reaction of TCP blocks.Fromthe Ca/P ratio value, it is observed that the HApformed from phase transformation of α-TCPand β-TCP were calcium deficient hydroxyap-atite (cdHAp) whereby the Ca/P ratio value islower than 1.67 for stoichiometric HAp.Measuring the crystallite size of the HApobtained by sintering method and by phasetransformation of α-TCP and β-TCP, it isobserved that the crystallite size of HAp(α-TCP)block and HAp(β-TCP) block is smaller whencompared to the sintered HAp. In other word,this shows that the HAp(α-TCP) block andHAp(β-TCP) block are of low crystalline whencompared to the sintered HAp. With respect tocrystallinity, lower crystallinity is preferable forhigher solubility. Also it has been reported thathydrothermally synthesis HAp showed osteo-clastic resorption when compared to sinteredHAp [5-6]. Figure 2 summarizes the DTS value of HAp(α-TCP) block and HAp(β-TCP) block. From thisfigure it is observed that the DTS value ofHAp(β-TCP) block was significantly higher(p<0.05) than the DTS value of HAp(α-TCP)block.DTS value of HAp(β-TCP) block was 1.4times higher when compared to the DTS valueof HAp(α-TCP) block.SEM images revealed that although both wereof HAp but the crystal morphology were differ-ent. The difference in crystal morphologywould be due to the effect of precursorsolubility. When α-TCP is used as the precursor,

the high solubility of α-TCP gives shorter timefor the solution to reach critical supersatura-tions with respect to HAp when compared to β-TCP. This shorter time to critical supersatura-tions encourages many nuclei site formationand inhibits crystal growth as shown in figure3(a) whereby, the crystals that were formed inHAp(α-TCP) block consist of many small andlarge needle-like crystals. On contrary, figure3(b) show that the crystals in HAp(β-TCP) blockwere bigger and arranged closely as a result oflonger time required to reach critical supersat-uration which favors crystal growth and crystalarrangement as a result of low solubility of β-TCP [7-8]. Observation on the fracturedsurface of HAp(α-TCP) block and HAp(β-TCP)block as shown in figure 3(c) and (d) showsthat the arrangement of crystals in HAp(α-TCP)block creates pores in between the crystalswhile in HAp(β-TCP) block has no obviousporosity was observed. In dissolution-precipita-tion reaction, the precipitated crystals wereinterlocked together to form micrometer-sizedpores [9]. Therefore, the interlocking of theprecipitated crystals also affects the mechani-cal strength of the resultant HAp block.

Figure 4 shows the result of initial cellattachment on sintered HAp, HAp (α-TCP) andHAp(β-TCP). Approximately 60% of the cellattached to the specimen and there was no sig-

nificant difference among all specimens.Figure5 shows the cell proliferation on sintered HAp,HAp(α-TCP) and HAp(β-TCP) after 3 and 5days. The osteoblastic cell proliferated gradual-ly on all specimens. The cell number on allspecimens increased significantly after 5 daysculture. However, there was no significant dif-ference in the number of cells on all specimenscultured for 3 and 5 days. It has been reportedthat cell attachment on HAp specimen is affect-ed by its crystallinity. Although HAp(β-TCP)showed higher crystallinity that HAp(α-TCP)but both were obtain by treating the precursorβ-TCP and α-TCP at lower temperature in dis-solution-precipitation reaction when comparedto sintered HAp, this may explain for the goodcell attachment and proliferation of these spec-imens as the sintered HAp.

Figure 6 shows the SEM images of the cell cul-tured on specimens after 5 days culture. Thecells were well attached and spread on allspecimens showing favorable morphology. Cellattachment is affected by not only the crys-tallinity and chemical composition but also themorphology of the specimens [10].Themorphology of HAp(β-TCP) are more uniformand regular when compared to HAp(α-TCP)which has irregular or random needle-like crys-tals arrangement. Regular and uniform surfacemorphology of HAp are also an important fac-tor that affects cell proliferation. In a studydone by Rosa et. al[11], it was reported thatthe cell proliferation, total protein content, ALPand bone-like nodule formation were all signif-icantly decreased by the irregular surface ofHAp obtained by different sintering condition.Therefore, although HAp(β-TCP) has highercrystallinity than HAp(α-TCP) but the uniformityof HAp(β-TCP) morphology might enhancedthe intermediary and final events for cells.

Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013 10

Figure 1. Powder XRD patterns of (a) transformation

of α-TCP to HAp (b) transformation of β-TCP to HAp

Table 1. Crystallinity and Ca/P ratio of HAp

Figure 2.Diametral tensile strength of HAp(α-

TCP) and HAp(β-TCP) after dissolution-pre-

cipitation reaction in NH3 solution at 200°C

for 3 hours and 240 hours respectively (*p<

0.05, n=8)

Figure 3. SEM on the surface of (a) HApα-TCP) (b) HAp(β-TCP) and on the fractured

surface of (c) HApα-TCP) and (d) HAp(β-TCP)

Figure 4. Percentage of attached cells on

specimens after 6 hours incubation

Figure 5. Cell proliferation of sintered HAp,

HAp(α-TCP) and HAp(β-TCP)

Figure 6. Cell morphology on (a) sintered

HAp (b) HAp(α-TCP) and (c) HAp(β-TCP)

4.0 ConclusionsIn this study, it was found that low crystallinityHAp block was formed using α-TCP and β-TCPblock as precursor. Due to the low solubility ofβ-TCP when compared to α-TCP, HAp(β-TCP)block showed larger crystallite size and largercrystal as well as higher mechanical strengththan HAp(α-TCP) block. HAp(β-TCP) thathas higher mechanical strength and low crys-tallinity also shows good cell response.obtainHAp with higher mechanical strength.Therefore it is conlcuded that HAp block withhigher mechanical strength, low crystallinityand good cell response for bone substitutescould be fabricated using β-TCP block as pre-cursor based on dissolution-precipitation reac-tion.

5.0 References[1] W. Suchanek and M. Yoshimura, Processing and

Properties of Hydroxyapatite Based Biomaterials foruse as Hard Tissue Replacement Implants, J. Mater.Res., 13, 94-117 (1998).[2] H. Oonishi, L. L. Hench, J. Wilson, F. Sugihara, E.Tsuji, S. Kushitani, and H. Iwaki, Comparative BoneIngrowth Behavior in Granules of Bioceramic Materialsof Various Sizes, J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 44, 31-43(1999). [3] K. Ishikawa, Bone Substitute Based onDissolution-Precipitation Reactions, Materials, 3,1138-55 (2010).[4] P. Ducheyne, S. Radin and L. King, The Effect ofCalcium Phosphate Ceramic Compositin and Structureon In Vitro Behaviour I: Dissolution, J. Biomed. Mater.Res., 27, 25-34 (1993).[5] Oonishi H, Hench LL, Wilson J, Sugihara F, Tsuji E,Kushitani S, Iwaki H. Comparative bone growthbehavior in granules of bioceramic materials in varioussizes. J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 44,31-43 (1999).[6] Okuda T, Ioku K, Yonezawa I, Minagi H, Gonda Y,Kawachi G, Kamitakahara M, Shibata Y, Murayama H,Kurosawa H, Ikeda T. The slow-resorption withreplacement by bone of a hydrothermally synthesizedpure calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite. Biomaterials,29, 2719-2728 (2008).

[7] Ginebra MP, Driessens FCM, Planell JA. Effect ofthe particle size on the micro and nanostructural fea-tures of calcium phosphate cement: Akinetic analysis.Biomaterials, 25, 3453-3462 (2004).[8] Parthiban SP, Ill YK, Kukita K, Ohtsuki C. Effect ofammonium carbonate on formation of calcium-defi-cient hydroxyapatite through double-step hydrother-mal processing. J. Mater. Sci., 22, 209-216 (2011).[9] Ioku K, Kawachi G, Sasaki S. Hydrothermal prepa-ration of tailored hydroxyapatite. J. Mater Sci.,41,1341-1344A (2006).[10] Deligianni DD, Katsala ND, Koutsoukos PG,Missirlis YF. Effect of surface roughness of hydroxyap-atite on human bone marrow cell adhesion, prolifera-tion, differentiation and detachment strength.Biomaterials, 22, 87-96 (2001).[11] Rosa AL, Beloti MM, Noort R. Osteoblastic differ-entiation of cultured rat bone marrow cells o hydrox-yapatite with different surface topography. Dent.Mater., 19, 768-772 (2003).

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135 Y. Munusamy, H. Ismail, and C.T. Ratnam, Effect of organoclay loading on the crosslinking and degradation of irradiated ethyl-ene(vinyl acetate) copolymer/natural rubber nanocomposites. Journal of Reinforced Plastics & Composites, (2012), Volume31(4): 946-958.

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136 Y.L. Chiew and K.Y. Cheong, ‘Synthesis of SiC Nanostructures Through Chemical Vapor Growth Route,” International JournalMaterialwissenschaft Und Werkstofftechnik (Materials Science and Engineering Technology) (Wiley-VCH in Germany). (2012),Volume 43, No. 5, pp. 412 – 415.

0.491 Q2

137 Umar Al-Amani, S. Sreekantan, M.N. Ahmad Fauzi, A.R. Khairunisak, K. Warapong, Soft Combustion Technique: SolutionCombustion Synthesis and Low-Temperature Combustion Synthesis; to prepare Bi4Ti3O12 Powders and Bulk Ceramics. ScienceOf Sintering, (2012), Volume 44, pp 211-221.

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138 Sharmiwati Mohammed Sharif, Zainal Arifin Ahmad, Mohd Roslee Othman, Preparation and characterization of tubular ceramicsupport for use in transesterification process. Science of Sintering, Volume 44 (2012), pp 187-195.

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139 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Photoelectrochemical performance of smooth TiO2 nanotube arrays: Effect of anodizationtemperature and cleaning methods, International Journal Of Photoenergy, (2012), Article ID 356943.

1.7690 Q3

140 Mohd Hasmizam Razali, M.N. Ahmad-Fauzi, Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Srimala Srikantan, Morphogical and structural studies oftitanate and titania nanostructured materials obtained after heat treatments of hydrothermally produced layered titanate,Journal of Nanomaterials, (2012), DOI:10.1155/2012/962073.

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141 S.G.Tan, W.S. Chow, "Effect of 2-Ethyl-4-Methylimidazole and Tetraethylammonium Bromide on the Fractured Properties ofEpoxidized Soybean Oil Based Thermoset ", Iranian Polymer Journal, (2012), Volume 21, pp 353-363.

0.9360 Q3

142 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Visible light photoelectrochemical response of copper deposited titanium dioxide nanotubes,The European Physical Journal- Applied Physic, (2012), Volume 59(2), pp. 20402.

0.7710 Q3

143 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Higher water splitting hydrogen generation rate for single crystalline anatase phase of TiO2

nanotube arrays, The European Physical Journal- Applied Physic, (2012), Volume 59, pp. 20403, 0.7710 Q3

144 P. Pasbakhsh, H. Ismail, A. F. Mohd Nor and A. Abu Bakar, Electron beam irradiation of sulphur vulcanised ethylene propylenediene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites reinforced by halloysite nanotubes, Plastics, Rubber and Composites, (2012), Volume41, Number 10, pp. 430-440.

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145 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, TiO2 Nanotubes Arrays: Improved photoelectrochemical response by adding optimumamount of ethylene glycol in KOH electrolyte, Nanoscience And Nanotechnology Letters, (2012), Volume 4(8), pp. 1-6.

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146 Y.L. Chiew and K.Y. Cheong, The effect of amount of activated carbon powder on the synthesis of SiC/SiOx nanostructures viaa chemical vapor growth Method, Journal of Ceramic Processing Research (Hanyang University Press, Korea), (2012), Vol. 13,No. 6.

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147 Bun Kim Ngun, Hasmaliza Mohamad, Shamsul Kamal Sulaiman, Meor Yusoff Meor Sulaiman, Toshihiro Isobe, Kiyoshi Okada

and Zainal Arifin Ahmad, Changes in physical, chemical, and microstructures and strength relationships of some Cambodian

clays, Journal of Ceramic Processing Research, (2012), Volume 13(4), pp 547-555.

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148 C.S. Sipaut, R.F. Mansa, A.R. Yugis, M.N. Mohamad Ibrahim, Z.M. Ariff, A.A. Abdullah, The Effect of Different Peroxide on

LDPE Foam Properties in The Presence of Polyfunctional Monomers, Cellular Polymers, (2012), Volume 31(3), pp 145-164.

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149 L. Yusriah, S. M. Sapuan, E. S. Zainudin and M. Mariatti, Underutilized Malaysian Agro-wastes Fiber as Reinforcement in

Polymer Composites:Potential and Challenges, Journal of Polymer Materials, (2012) Volume 29, No. 2 , pp. 21-36.

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150 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Comparison of photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical behavior of TiO2 nanotubes pre-

pared by different organic electrolyte, Optoelectronics And Advanced Materials – Rapid Communications, (2012), Volume 6(1-

2), pp 82-86

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151 A.S. Siti Nuraya, A. Baharin, A.R. Azura, M.H. Mas Rosemal Hakim, I. Mazlan, M. Adnan, A.A. Nooraziah, Reinforcement of

prevulcanized natural rubber latex films by banana stem powder and comparison with silica and calcium carbonate. Journal of

Rubber Research, (2012), Volume 15(2), pp 124-140.

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152 S.D. Hutagalung, K.C. Lew, Effect of TMAH etching duration on the formation of silicon nanowire transistor patterned by AFM

nanolithography, Sains Malaysiana (UKM), (2012), Volume 41, pp 1023-1028.

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153 Sheikh A. Rezan, G. Zhang, and O. Ostrovski, Phase Development in Carbothermal Reduction and Nitridation of Ilmenite

Concentrates. High Temperature Materials and Processes 2012. 31.4-5 (Special issue: Thermodynamics and Kinetics of

Materials Processing): (2012), Volume 31, Issue 4-5, pp 381–388.

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154 F.H. Wee, F. Malek, S. Sreekantan, U. Al-Amani, High gain and high direction of antena arrays utilizing dielectric layer on bis-

muth titanate ceramics, International Journal of Antennas and Propagation, (2012) doi:10.1155/2012/375751.

0.4680 Q4

Daripada m/s 15...

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26 Warapong Krengvirat, Srimala Sreekantan, Ahmad-Fauzi M.N., Atsunori Matsuda, Charoen Chinwanitcharoen, Structural, mor-phological and dielectric properties of praseodymium-substituted bismuth titanate ceramics prepared by a low-temperatureself-combustion synthesis without an additional fuel agent, Journal Of Materials Science, (2012), Volume 47(9), pp. 4019-4027.

2.0150 Q1

27 Voo, T.V., Mariatti, M., Sim, L.C., Thermal properties and moisture absorption of nanofillers-filled epoxy composite thin film forelectronic application, Polymers for Advanced Technology, (2012), Volume 23(12), pp 1620-1627.

2.0070 Q1

28 C.Y. Khor, M.Z. Abdullah, Z.M. Ariff, W.C. Leong, Effect of stacking chips and inlet positions on void formation in the encapsu-lation of 3D stacked flip-chip package, International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, (2012), Volume 39(5), pp670–680.

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29 Y.H. Wong and K.Y. Cheong, “Formation of Zr-Oxynitride Thin Films on 4H-SiC Substrate”, Thin Solids Film, (2012), Volume520, pp 6822 – 6829.

2.014 Q1

30 S.D. Hutagalung, N.H. Sahrol, Z.A. Ahmad, M.F. Ain, M. Othman, Effect of MnO2 additive on the dielectric and electromagneticinterference shielding properties of sintered cement-based ceramics, Ceramics International, (2012), Volume 38, pp 671-678.

1.8960 Q1

31 Warapong Krengvirat, Srimala Sreekantan, Ahmad-Fauzi M.N., Charoen Chinwanitcharoen, Hiroyuki Muto, Atsunori Matsuda,Influences of PH on the structure, morphology and dielectric properties of bismuth titanate ceramics produced by alow-tem-perature self-combustion synthesis without an additional fuel agent, Ceramics International, (2012), Volume 38(4), pp. 3001-3009.

1.8960 Q1

32 M.S. Boon,W.P.SerenaSaw,M.Mariatti, Magnetic, dielectric and thermal stability of Ni–Zn ferrite-epoxy composite thin films forelectronic applications, Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, (2012), Volume 324, pp 755–760.

1.7800 Q1

33 W.S.Chow, Y.Y.Leu, Z.A. Mohd Ishak, "Effects of SEBS-g-MAH oh the Properties of Injection Moulded Poly(Lactic Acid)/NanoCalcium Carbonate Composites" eXPress Polymer Letters, (2012), Volume 6, pp 503-510.

1.7690 Q1

34 M.H. Izmar, M.M. Afiq, A.R. Azura,Effects of different additions of sago starch filler on physical and biodegradation propertiesof pre-vulcanized NR latex composites Composites: Part B (2012),, Volume 43, pp 2746-2750.

1.7310 Q1

35 W.K. Patrick Lim, M. Mariatti, W.S. Chow, K.T. Mar, "Effect of Intumescent Ammonium PolyPhosphate (APP) and MelamineCyanurate (MC) on the Properties of Epoxy/Glass Fiber Composites" Composites: Part B (2012), Volume 43, pp 124-128.

1.7310 Q1

36 C.Y. Tan and Hazizan Md. Akil, Impact Response of Fiber Metal Laminate Sandwich Composite Structure with PolypropyleneHoneycomb Core, Composites Part B: Engineering (2012), Volume 43(3), pp 1433-1438.

1.7310 Q1

37 P. M. Chou, M. Mariatti, A. Zulkifli, S. Sreekantan, Evaluation of the flexural properties and bioactivity of bioresorbablePLLA/PBSL/CNT and PLLA/PBSL/TiO 2 nanocomposites , Composites: Part B, (2012), Volume 43(3), pp 1374-1381.

1.7310 Q1

38 Voo, T.V., Mariatti, M., Sim, L.C.Flexibility improvement of epoxy nanocomposites thin films using various flexibilizing additives,Composite Part B, (2012), Volume 43, pp 3037–3043.

1.7310 Q1

39 L.N. Saw, M. Mariatti, A.R. Azura, A. Azizan, J.K. Kim, Transparent, electrically conductive, and flexible films made from multi-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy composites, Composites Part B: Engineering, (2012),Volume 43(8), pp 2973-2979.

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40 J. Rouhi, S. Mahmud, S.D. Hutagalung, N. Naderi, S. Kakooei, M.J. Abdullah, Controlling the shape and gap width of siliconelectrodes using local anodic oxidation and anisotropic TMAH wet etching, Semiconductor Science and Technology (IOP),(2012), Volume 27, pp 065001.

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41 R. Othman, D.N. Binh, A.B. Ismail, B.D. Long, T. Ariga, Effects of current density on the formation and microstructure of Zn-9Zn, Sn-8Zn-3Bi and Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu solder joints, Intermetallics, (2012), Volume 22, pp 1-6.

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42 A. L. Tan, L. J. Khoo, S. S. Alias, A. A. Mohamad. ZnO nanoparticles and poly(acrylic) acid-based polymer gel electrolyte forphoto electrochemical cell. Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, (2012), Volume 64, pp 184-192.

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43 Wan Fahmin Faiz, Nik Akmar Rejab, Mohamadariff Othman, Mohd Fadzil Ain, Zainal Arifin Ahmad, An investigation of dielectricresonator antenna produced from silicon (100) enhanced by strontium doped-barium zirconate films, Journal of Sol-GelScience and Technology, (2012), Volume 61, pp 411-420.

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44 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Visible Light Photoelectrochemical Performance of W-loaded TiO2 Nanotube Arrays:Structural Properties, Journal Of Nanoscience And Nanotechnology, (2012), Volume 12, pp 3170-3174.

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45 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Zainovia Lockman, Photoelectrochemical behaviour of uniform growth TiO2 nanotubes viabubble blowing synthesised in ethylene glycol with hydrogen peroxide, Journal Of Nanoscience And Nanotechnology, (2012),Volume 12, pp 4057-4066.

1.5600 Q1

46 M. C. Liew, I. Ahmad, L. M. Lee, M. F. M. Nazeri, H. Haliman, A. A. Mohamad, Corrosion Behavior of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu Lead-Free Solder in Potassium Hydroxide Electrolyte, Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, (2012), Volume (43)9, pp 3742-3747.

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47 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Pei San E, Effect of radio frequency sputtering power on W-TiO2 nanotubes to improve pho-toelectrochemical performance, Journal Of Material Research, (2012), Volume 27(13), pp. 1695-1704.

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48 W.K. Patrick Lim, M. Mariatti, W.S. Chow, K.T. Mar (2012), Thermal and flame properties of calcium borate and intumescentammonium polyphosphate in epoxy/glass fiber composites, Journal of Fire Sciences, (2012), Volume 30(5), pp 428-436.

0.9800 Q1

49 Y.H. Wong and K.Y. Cheong, Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Characteristics of Zr-Oxynitride Thin Film on 4H-SiC Substrate,Journal of the Electrochemical Society, (2012), Volume 159(3), pp. H293 – 299.

2.5900 Q2

50 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Optimized sputtering power to incorporate WO3 into C-TiO2 nanotubes for highly visible

photoresponse performance, NANO, (2012), Volume 7(6), 1250051 (8 pages).

2.1930 Q2

51 M.B. Uday, M.N. Ahmad Fauzi, H. Zuhailawati, A.B. Ismail, Thermal analysis of friction welding process in relation to the weld-

ing of YSZ-alumina composite and 6061 aluminum alloy, Applied Surface Science, (2012), Volume 258, pp 8264-8272.

2.1030 Q2

52 M. T. Soo, N. Prastomo, A. Matsuda, G. Kawamura, H. Muto, A. F. Mohd Noor, Z. Lockman and K. Y. Cheong, “Elaboration andcharacterization of sol-gel derived ZrO2 thin films treated with hot water,” Applied Surface Science (2012), Volume 258, pp.5250 – 5258.

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53 M.G. Brik, M. Nazarov, M.N. Ahmad-Fauzi, L. Kulyuk, S. Anghel, K. Sushkevich, G. Boulon, Comparative first-principleanalysis of un-doped and V3+-doped α-ZnAl2S4 spinel, Journal of Luminescence, (2012), Volume 132, pp 2489-2494.

2.1020 Q2

54 D. Spassky, V. Mikhailin, M. Nazarov, M.N. Ahmad Fauzi, A. Zhbanov, Luminescence and energy transfer mechanisms inCaWO4 single crystals, Journal of Luminescence, (2012), Volume 132, pp 2753-2762.

2.1020 Q2

55 I.D. Arellano, M.V. Nazarov, J.A. Cortes, M.N. Ahmad Fauzi, Luminescence of yttrium niobium tantalate doubly activated byeuropium and/or terium under X-ray and electron beam excitation, Journal of Luminescence, (2012), Volume 132, pp 2479-2483.

2.1020 Q2

56 K.S. Lew, R. Othman, K. Ishikawa, F.Y. Yeoh, Macroporous bioceramics: A remarkable materials for bone regeneration,Journal of Biomaterials Applications, (2012), Volume 27, pp 345-348.

2.0820 Q2

57 Y.H. Wong and K.Y. Cheong, “Effects of Oxidation and Nitridation Temperatures on Electrical Properties of Sputtered Zr ThinFilm Based on Si in N2O Ambient,” Electronic Materials Letters (Korea Institute of Material), (2012), Volume 8(1), pp. 47 –51.

1.8190 Q2

58 M.R. Selamat, A.S. Abu-Rizaiza, H.A. Aziz, M.N. Mohd Nordin, M.S. Yusoff, I. Abustan, K.S. Ariffin, R. Saad, M.J.K. Bashir,Study on the Adequancy of Landfill Cover at Muassim Landfill, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Environmetal Progress & SustainableEnergy, (2012), DOI: 10.1002/ep.11664.

1.6490 Q2

59 W. F. Lim, Z. Lockman, and K. Y. Cheong, Metal-oxide-semiconductor characteristics of lanthanum cerium oxide film on Si,Applied Physics A: Materials Science and Processing, (2012), Volume 107, pp 459 – 467.

1.6300 Q2

60 H. Ismail, and M. Mathialagan, Comparative study on the effect of partial replacement of silica or calcium carbonate by ben-tonite on the properties of EPDM composites. Polymer Testing, (2012), Volume 31, pp 199-208.

1.6080 Q2

61 W.G.I.U. Rathnayake, H. Ismail, A. Baharin, A.G.N.D. Darsanasiri and S. Rajapakse, Synthesis and characterization of nanosilver based natural rubber latex foam for imparting antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Polymer Testing, (2012),Volume 31, pp 586-592.

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62 Du Ngoc Uy Lan, A. Abu Bakar, Baharin Azahari, Z.M. Ariff, Yoshiki Chujo, Effect of interlocking between porous epoxymicroparticles and elastomer on mechanical properties and deformation modes, Polymer Testing, (2012), Volume 31(7), pp931–937.

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63 NM Julkapli, HM Akil, Z Ahmad, Thermal properties of 4, 4-oxydiphathalic anhydride chitosan filled chitosan bio-compositesJournal Of Thermal Analysis And Calorimetry (2012), Volume 107(1), pp 365-376.

1.6040 Q2

64 MBH Othman, R Ramli, Z Mohamad Ariff, H Md Akil, Z Ahmad, Thermal properties of polyimide system containing siliconesegments, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2012), Volume 109(3), pp 1515-1523.

1.6040 Q2

65 T.H. Khang and Z.M. Ariff, “Vulcanization kinetics study of natural rubber compounds having different formulation vari-ables”, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, (2012), Volume 109(3), pp 1545-1553.

1.6040 Q2

66 P. M. Chou, M. Mariatti, A. Zulkifli & M. Todo, Effect of secondary forces in the compatibility of two incompatible biodegrad-able polymers , Polymer Bulletin, (2012), Volume 69(4), pp 455-469.

1.5320 Q2

67 KTS Kong, M.Mariatti, AA Rashid, JJC Busfield, Effect of processing methods and functional groups on the properties ofmulti-walled carbon nanotubes filled poly(dimethy siloxane) composites, Polymer Bulletin. (2012), Volume 69(8), pp 937-953.

1.5320 Q2

68 Mustafa Al-Tayeb, Badorul Hisham Abu Bakar, Hazizan Md Akil, Hanafi Ismail, Performance of rubberized and hybrid rubber-ized concrete structure under static and impact load condition, Experimental Mechanical, (2012), DOI: 10.1007/s11340-012-9651-z.

1.5220 Q2

69 Lee JM; Mohd Ishak ZA; Mat Taib R; Law TT; Ahmad Thirmizir MZ.. Mechanical, thermal and water absorption of kenaffiber-based polypropylene and poly(butylene succinate) composites. Journal Of Polymer Environment. (2012), DOI:

1.3490 Q2

70 K. Muniady, H. Ismail, and N. Othman, Biodegradation, morphological, and FTIR study of rattan powder-filled natural rubbercomposites as a function of filler loading and a silane coupling agent. Bioresources, (2012), Volume 7, pp 957-971.

1.3280 Q2

71 H. Ismail, K. Muniady and N. Othman, Fatigue life, morphological studies, and thermal aging of rattan powder-filled naturalrubber composites as a function of filler loading and a silane coupling agent, Bioresources, (2012), Volume 7, pp 841-858.

1.3280 Q2

72 S.Y. Chang, H. Ismail, and Q. Ahsan, Effect of maleic anhydride on kenaf dust filled polycaprolactone/thermoplastic sagostarch composites, Bioresources, (2012), Volume 7, pp 1594-1616.

1.3280 Q2

73 N. Sarifuddin, H. Ismail, and Z. Ahmad, Effect of fiber loading on properties of thermoplastic sago starch/kenaf core fiberbiocomposites. Bioresources, (2012), Volume 7(3), pp 4294-4306.

1.3280 Q2

74 K. Muniady, H. Ismail, and N. Othman, Studies on natural weathering of rattan powder-filled natural rubber composites.Bioresources, (2012), Volume 7, pp 3999-4011.

1.3280 Q2

75 Komethi, M., Hanafi Ismail, Nadras Othman, Effects of partial replacement of rattan powder by commercial fillers on theproperties of natural rubber composites, Bioresources, (2012), Volume 7, pp 4640-4657.

1.3280 Q2

76 P. L. Ng, A. Jamaludin, Y. Alias, W. J. Basirun, Z. A. Ahmad, A. A. Mohamad. Effect of KOH concentration in the gel polymerelectrolyte for direct borohydride fuel cell. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, (2012), Volume 123, pp 2662-2666.

1.2890 Q2

77 Y.Y. Leu, Z.A. Mohd Ishak, W.S. Chow, Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of Injection Molded Poly(lactid

acid)/SEBS-g-MAH/Organo-Montmorillonite Nanocomposites, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, (2012), Volume 124, pp

1200-1207.

1.2890 Q2

78 S.R.Lim, W.S. Chow, Impact, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of Functionalized Rubber Toughened-Poly(ethylene

tereohthalate) Nanocomposites, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, (2012), Volume 123, pp 3173-3181.

1.2890 Q2

79 S.T. Sam, H. Ismail, Z. Ahmad, C.T. Ratnam, Effect of the electron beam Irradiation on the properties of epoxidized naturalrubber (ENR 50) compatibilized linear low-density polyethylene/soya powder blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science,(2012), Volume 124, pp 5220-5228.

1.2890 Q2

80 Z.X. Ooi, H. Ismail, A. Abu Bakar and N.A. Abdul Aziz, Properties of the Crosslinked Plasticized Biodegradable Poly(vinyl

alcohol)/rambutan skin waste flour blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, (2012), Volume 125, pp 1127-1135.

1.2890 Q2

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81 H. Ismail, N. Othman, M. Komethi, Curing characteristics and mechanical properties of rattan powder filled natural rubbercomposites as a function of filler loading and silane coupling agent. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, (2012), Volume123, pp 2805-2811.

1.2890 Q2

82 A.W.M. Kahar, H. Ismail, N. Othman, Morphology and tensile properties of high-density polyethylene/natural rubber/thermo-plastic tapioca starch blends: The effect of citric acid modified tapioca starch. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, (2012),Volume 125, pp 768-775.

1.2890 Q2

83 N.Z. Noriman, H. Ismail, Effect of epoxidized natural rubber on thermal properties, fatigue life, and natural weathering testof styrene butadiene rubber/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (SBR/NBRr) blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science,(2012), Volume 123, pp 779-787.

1.2890 Q2

84 Noriman, N.Z., Ismail, H. Properties of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)blends: the effects of carbon black/silica (CB/Sil) hybrid filler and silane coupling agent, Si69, Journal of Applied PolymerScience, (2012), Volume 124, pp 19-27.

1.2890 Q2

85 N.Z. Noriman, H. Ismail, A.A. Rashid, Properties of styrene butadiene rubber/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber(SBR/NBRr) blends: effect of the addition of trans polyoctylene rubber, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, (2012), Volume126, pp E56-E63.

1.2890 Q2

86 Komethi, M, Othman N, Ismail H, Sasidhran S. Comparative study on natural antioxidant as an aging retardant for naturalrubber vulcanizates, Journal of Applied Polymer Scince, (2012), Volume 124, pp 1490-1500.

1.2890 Q2

87 Hamizah Abd Samad, Mariatti jaafar, Radzali othman, Masakazu Kawashita, Noor Hayati Abdul Razak, Mechanical and ther-mal properties of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement composites incorporated with Hydroxyapatite and glass-ceramic fillers, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, (2012), Volume 125, pp 661-669.

1.2890 Q2

88 Mat Taib, R; Ghaleb, ZA; Mohd Ishak, ZA. 2012. Thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of polylactic acid tough-ened with an impact modifier. Journal Of Applied Polymer Science, (2012), Volume 123, pp 2715-2725.

1.2890 Q2

89 Aiza Jaafar, Azmi Rahmat, Ismail Zainol and Zuhailawati Hussain, Effects of Composition on the Mechanical Properties andMicrostructural Development of Dilute 6000 Series Alloys, Journal of Applied Sciences, (2012), Volume 12(8), pp 775-780.

1.2890 Q2

90 J.C.H. Koh, Z.A. Ahmad, A.A. Mohamad, Bacto agar-based gel polymer electrolyte, Ionics, (2012), Volume 18, pp 359-364. 1.2880 Q2

91 Nguyen Quang Duy, Azura A. Rashid, H. Ismail, Effects of filler loading and different preparation methods on properties ofcassava starch/natural rubber composites. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, (2012) Volume 51(9), pp 940-944.

1.2790 Q2

92 Cao, X.V. Ismail, H. Rashid A.A., Takeichi T. Vo-Huu T. Maleated natural rubber as a a coupling agent for recycled high den-sity polyethylene/natural rubber/kenaf powder biocomposites, Polymer Plastics Technology and Engineering, (2012), Volume51, pp 902-908.

1.2790 Q2

93 M K.A. Wahab , H. Ismail and N.Othman, Compatibilization Effects of PE-g-MA on Mechanical, Thermal and SwellingProperties of High Density Polyethylene/Natural Rubber/Thermoplastic Tapioca Starch Blends. Polymer-Plastic Technologyand Engineering, (2012), Volume 51, pp 298-303.

1.2790 Q2

94 N. N. Zulkepli and H. Ismail, A Study of FTIR, Thermal Properties and Natural Weathering Test on NBRVirgin/Recycled withSBR Blends. Polymer-Plastic Technology and Engineering, (2012), Volume 51, pp 350-357.

1.2790 Q2

95 Z.X. Ooi, H. Ismail, A. Abu Bakar and N.A. Abdul Aziz, The Comparison Effect of Sorbitol and Glycerol as Plasticizing Agentson the Properties of Biodegradable Polyvinyl Alcohol/Rambutan Skin Waste Flour Blends. Polymer-Plastic Technology andEngineering, (2012), Volume 51, pp 432-437.

1.2790 Q2

96 S. Attharangsan, H. Ismail, M. Abu Bakar and J. Ismail, The Effect of Rice Husk Powder on Standard Malaysian NaturalRubber Grade L (SMR L) and Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR 50) Composites. Polymer-Plastic Technology and Engineering,(2012), Volume 51, pp 231-237.

1.2790 Q2

97 S. Abdul Ghani, Y.Z. Feng and H. Ismail, Properties of Tyre Dust-Filled Low Density Polyethylene Composites: The Effect ofPhthalic Anhydride. Polymer-Plastic Technology and Engineering, 2012, 51: 358-363

1.2790 Q2

98 A. G. Supri and H. Ismail, Effect of Vinyl Alcohol-Phthalic Anhydride on Properties of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)/TyreDust (TD) Composites, Polymer-Plastic Technology and Engineering, (2012), Volume 51, pp 549-555.

1.2790 Q2

99 S. Attharangsan, H. Ismail, M. Abu Bakar and J. Ismail, Carbon black (CB)/Rice husk powder (RHP) hybrid filler-filled naturalrubber composites: Effect of CB/RHP ratio on property of the composites. Polymer-Plastic Technology and Engineering,(2012), Volume 51, pp 655-662.

1.2790 Q2

100 I. Rathnayake, H. Ismail, B. Azahari, N.D. Darsanasiri and S. Rajapakse, Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-SilverIncorporated Natural Rubber Latex Foam. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, (2012), Volume 51, pp 605-611.

1.2790 Q2

101 Mustafa Al-Tayeb, Badorul Hisham Abu Bakar, Hazizan Md Akil, Hanafi Ismail, "Effect of Partial Replacements of Sand andCement by Waste Rubber on the Fracture Characteristics of Concrete", Polymer - Plastics Technology and Engineering,(2012), Volume 51(6), pp 583-589.

1.2790 Q2

102 Julkapli, N.M., Akil, H.M., Ahmad, Z. Evaluation of Cross-Linked Chitosan as Filler on Mechanical Properties of Chitosan-Based Bio-Composites, Polymer - Plastics Technology and Engineering, (2012), Volume 51(4), pp. 333-339.

1.2790 Q2

103 Impact Resistance of Concrete with Partial Replacements of Sand and Cement by Waste Rubber, MM Al-Tayeb, BHA Bakar, HIsmail, HM Akil,Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, (2012), Volume 51(12), pp 1230-1236.

1.2790 Q2

104 Razali, M.A.A., Sanusi, N. H. Ismail, N. Othman, A. Ariffin, Application of response surface methodology (RSM) for optimiza-tion of cassava starch grafted polyDADMAC synthesis for cationic properties. Starch/Staerke, (2012), Volume 64, pp 935-943.

1.2430 Q2

105 Low Lay Foon and A Abu Bakar, Preparation, Characterization, and Improvement of Hollow epoxy particle-toughened vinyl

ester composites for high end applications, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, (2012), Volume 123, pp 3064–3071.

1.2400 Q2

106 Mathialagan, M., Ismail, H. Optimization and effect of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane content on the properties of bentonite-

filled ethylene propylene diene monomer composites, Polymer Composites, (2012), Volume 33, pp 1993-2000.

1.2310 Q2

107 Osman H. Ismail H, Mariatti M. Polypropylene/natural rubber composites filled with recycled newspaper: effect of chemicaltreatment using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, Polymer Composites, (2012),Volume 33, pp 609-618.

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108 Omar, M.F., Akil, H.Md, Ahmad, Z.A., Mahmud, S. The effect of loading rates and particle geometry on compressive proper-ties of polypropylene/zinc oxide nanocomposites: Experimental and numerical prediction. Polymer Composites, (2012),Volume 33(1), pp 99-108.

1.2310 Q2

109 N.A. Azahari, N. Othman, H. Ismail, Effect of Attapulgite Clay on Biodegradability and Tensile Properties of PolyvinylAlcohol/Corn Starch Blend Film, International Journal of Polymeric Materials, (2012), Volume 61(14), pp 1065-1078.

1.2040 Q2

110 J. Rouhi, S. Mahmud, S.D. Hutagalung, S. Kakooei, Optimization of nano-oxide mask fabricated by atomic force microscopynanolithography: A response surface methodology application, Micro & Nano Letters (IET), (2012), Volume 7, pp 325-328.

1.1670 Q2

111 A. Dehzangi, F. Larki, S.D. Hutagalung, E.B. Saion, A.M. Abdullah, M.N. Hamidon, B.Y. Majlis, S. Kakooei, M. Navaseri, A.Kharazmi, Numerical investigation and comparison with experimental characterization of side gate p-type junctionless silicontransistor in pinchoff state, Micro & Nano Letters (IET), (2012), Volume 7, pp 981-985.

1.1670 Q2

112 W.F. Lim, K.Y. Cheong, and Z. Lockman, “Influence of Post-Deposition Annealing in Oxygen Ambient on Metal-OrganicDecomposed Cerium Dioxide Film Spin Coated on 4H-Silicon Carbide,” Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics(Springer), (2012), Volume 23(1), pp. 266 – 275.

1.0760 Q2

113 W. P. Serena Saw & M. Mariatti, Properties of synthetic diamond and graphene nanoplatelet-filled epoxy thin film compositesfor electronic applications, Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, (2012), Volume 23, pp 817–824.

1.0760 Q2

114 H. Fallahi, M.S. Nurulakmal, A. Fallahi, Jamaluddin Abdullah. Modifying the Mechanical Properties of lead-free solder byadding Iron and Indium and Using a Lap Joint Test. Journal of Materials Science : Material Electronic (2012), Volume 23, pp1739-1749.

1.0760 Q2

115 S. Muhammad Firdaus, M. Mariatti , Fabrication and characterization of nano filler-filled epoxy composites for underfill appli-cation, Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics (2012), Volume 23, pp 1293–1299.

1.0760 Q2

116 Norkhairunnisa, M., Azizan, A., Mariatti M., Ismail H., Sim L.C., Thermal stability and electron behavior of polydimethylsilox-ane nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and carbon black fillers, Journal of Composite Materials, (2012), Volume 46, pp903-910.

1.0680 Q2

117 Zamri, M.H., Akil, H.M., Bakar, A.A., Ishak, Z.A.M., Cheng, L.W.Effect of water absorption on pultruded jute/glass fiber-rein-forced unsaturated polyester hybrid composites Journal of Composite Materials, (2012), Volume 46(1), pp. 51-61.

1.0680 Q2

118 Nurashikin, S., Hazizan, M.A. Preparation and properties of thermoplastic honeycomb core sandwich structure with alu-minum skin, Journal of Composite Materials, (2012), Volume 46(2), pp 183-191.

1.0680 Q2

119 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 nanotube arrays: Effect of electrolyte pH andannealing temperature, Journal Of Experimental Nanoscience, (2012), DOI:10.1080/17458080.2011.654276.

1.0110 Q2

120 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Photoelectrochemical response studies of W deposited TiO2 nanotubes via thermal evap-oration technique, Journal Of Experimental Nanoscience, (2012) DOI:10.1080/17458080.2012.705439.

1.0110 Q2

121 J. Rouhi, S. Mahmud, S.D. Hutagalung, N. Naderi, Field emission in lateral silicon diode fabricated by atomic forcemicroscopy lithography, Electronics Letters (IET), (2012), Volume 48, pp 712-714.

0.9650 Q2

122 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Dimensional control of TiO2 nanotube arrays with H2O2 content for high photoelectro-chemical water splitting performance, Micro & Nano Letters, (2012), Volume 7(5), pp 443-447.

0.9440 Q2

123 Sheikh A. Rezan, G. Z. and O. Ostrovski (2011). "Carbothermal Reduction and Nitridation of Ilmenite Concentrates."International Steel Institute of Japan (ISIJ), 2012. Volume 52(3), pp 363-368.

0.8950 Q2

124 N.D. Zaharri, N. Othman, Z.A. Mohd Ishak, Effects of Peroxide Crosslinking on the Mechanical and Morphological Propertiesof Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/Zeolite Composites, Journal of Vinyl and Additives Technology, (2012), Volume 18, Issue2, pp 129–138, June.

0.8800 Q2

125 Adul Wahab, M.K., Ismail, H. Othman N. Effects of dynamic vucanization on the physical, mechanical and morphologicalproperties of high density polyethylene/natural rubber/thermoplastic tapioca starch blends, Journal of Vinyl and AdditiveTechnology, (2012), Volume 18, pp 192-197.

0.8880 Q2

126 Sam, S.T., Ismail., Ahmad, Z. Study on electron-beam-irradiated (linear low density polyethylene)/(soya powder) Blendsunder outdoor exposure, Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology, (2012) Volume 18, pp 241-249.

0.8880 Q2

127 H. Ismail, Zaaba, N.F, Tensile properties, degradation behavior and water absorption of sago starch plastic film, Journal ofVinyl and Additive Technology, (2012), Volume 18, pp 235-240.

0.8880 Q2

128 A.W.M. Kahar, H. Ismail, N. Othman, Effects of Polyethylene-Grafted Maleic Anhydride as a Compatibilizer on theMorphology and Tensile Properties of (Thermoplastic Tapioca Starch)/(High-Density Polyethylene)/(Natural Rubber) Blends.Journal of Vinyl and Additives Technology, (2012), Volume 18, pp 65-70.

0.8880 Q2

129 S.S. Ting, H. Ismail, Z. Ahmad, Environmental Weathering of (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene)/(Soya Powder) BlendsCompatibilized with Polyethylene-Grafted Maleic Anhydride. Journal of Vinyl and Additives Technology, (2012), Volume 18,pp 57-64.

0.8880 Q2

130 R. Nordin, H. Ismail, Z. Ahmad, and A. Rashid, Performance improvement of (Linear low-density polyethylene)/poly(vinylalcohol) blends by in situ silane crosslinking. Journal of Vinyl and Additives Technology, (2012), Volume 18, pp 120-128.

0.8880 Q2

131 H. Nabil, H. Ismail, A.A. Rashid, Effects of partial replacement of commercial fillers by recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)powder on the properties of natural rubber composites. Journal of Vinyl and Additives Technology, (2012), Volume 18, pp139-146.

0.8880 Q2

132 N.Z. Noriman, H. Ismail, A.A. Rashid, The effects of trans-polyoctylene rubber on thermal analysis and fatigue properties of

styrene butadiene rubber/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. Advances in Polymer Technology, (2012), Volume 31, pp

100-108.

0.8750 Q2

133 I. Nurul Hidayah and M. Mariatti, Properties of Single and Hybrid Aluminum and Silver Fillers Filled High-Density

Polyethylene Composites , Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials,(2012), Volume 25 Issue 2, pp 209-221.

0.8100 Q2

134 Warapong Krengvirat, Srimala Sreekantan, Ahmad-Fauzi M.N., Charoen Chinwanitcharoen, Atsunori Matsuda, Fuel-free low-temperature self-combustion synthesis and characterization of praseodymium-substituted bismuth titanate ceramics, JournalOf The Ceramic Society Of Japan, (2012), Volume 120, pp. 58-63.

0.7360 Q2

Bersambung ke m/s 11

Buletin Enjinier, Jan 2013 16

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1 Nur Syafinaz Ridhuan, Khairunisak Abdul Razak, Zainovia Lockman, Azlan Abdul Aziz, Structural and morphology of ZnOnanorods synthesized using ZnO seeded growth hydrothermal method and its properties as UV sensing, Plos One, (2012),Volume 7(11), e50405.

4.0920 Q1

2 Warapong Krengvirat, Srimala Sreekantan, Ahmad-Fauzi M.N., Nobuaki Negishi, Song Yul Oh, Go Kawamura, Hiroyuki Mutoand Atsunori Matsuda, Carbon-incorporated TiO2 photoelectrodes prepared via rapid-anodic oxidation for efficient visible-light hydrogen generation, International Journal Of Hydrogen Energy, (2012), Volume 37(13), pp 10046-10056.

4.0540 Q1

3 Siti Rabizah Makhsin, Khairunisak Abdul Razak, Rahmah Noordin, Nor Dyana Zakaria, Tan Soo Chun, The effects of size andsynthesis methods of gold nanoparticle-conjugated MαHIgG4 for use in immunochromatographic strip test to detect brugianfilariasis, Nanotechnology, (2012), Volume 23, 495719.

3.9790 Q1

4 Chin Wei Lai, Srimala Sreekantan, Pei San E, Warapong Krengvirat, Preparation and Photoelectrochemical Characterizationof WO3-loaded TiO2 Nanotube Arrays via Radio Frequency Sputtering, Electrochimica Acta, (2012), Volume 77, pp. 128-136.

3.8320 Q1

5 M. F. M. Nazeri, M. G. Affendy, A. A. Mohamad. Corrosion study of Sn-9Zn lead-free solder in alkaline solution. InternationalJournal of Electrochemical Sciences, (2012), Volume 7, pp 4182-4191.

3.7290 Q1

6 M. F. M. Nazeri, M. S. M.Suan, M. N. Masri, N. Alias, M. W. A.Rashid, Y. Alias, A. A. Mohamad. Corrosion and heat treatmentof paint coating containing battery cathode waste material-epoxy resin in 3.5 wt% sodium chloride solution. InternationalJournal of Electrochemical Sciences, (2012), Volume 7, pp 9633-9642.

3.7290 Q1

7 M. F. M. Nazeri, M. S. M. Suan, M. N. Masri, N. Alias, A. A. Mohamad. Corrosion studies of conductive paint coating usingbattery cathode waste material in sodium chloride solution. International Journal of Electrochemical Sciences, (2012),Volume 7, pp 6976-6987.

3.7290 Q1

8 M. G. Affendy, A. A. Mohamad. Effects of corrosion on the shear strength of Cu/Sn-9Zn/Cu lap joints in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solu-tion. International Journal of Electrochemical Sciences, (2012), Volume 7, pp 4951-4958.

3.7290 Q1

9 Y. M. B. Ismail, H. Haliman, A. A. Mohamad. Hydroponics polymer gels for Zn-MnO2 alkaline batteries. International Journalof Electrochemical Sciences, (2012), Volume 7, pp 3555-3566.

3.7290 Q1

10 Tuan Noraihan Azila Tuan Rahima, Dasmawati Mohamad , Hazizan Md Akil, Ismail Ab Rahman"Water sorption characteris-tics of restorative dental composites immersed in acidic drinks", Dental Materials, (2012), Volume 28(6), pp. e63-e70.

3.1350 Q1

11 Y.J.Phua, N.S.Lau, K.Sudesh, W.S.Chow, Z.A.Mohd Ishak, Biodegradability Studies of Poly(butylene succinate)/Organo-Montmorillonite Nanocomposites Under Controlled Compost Soil Condition: Effects of Clay Loading and Compatibilizer,Polymer Degradation and Stability, (2012), Volume 97, pp 1345-1354.

2.7690 Q1

12 A. Dehzangi, A.M. Abdullah, F. Larki, S.D. Hutagalung, E.B. Saion, M.N. Hamidon, J. Hassan, Y. Gharayebi, Electrical proper-ty comparison and charge transmission in p-type double gate and single gate junctionless accumulation transistor fabricatedby AFM nanolithography, Nanoscale Research Letters (2012), Volume 7 (2012) pp 381.

2.7300 Q1

13 H.J. Quah and K.Y. Cheong, “Study on gallium nitride-based metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors with RF magnetron sput-tered Y2O3 gate,” IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, (2012), Volume 59(11), pp 3009–3016.

2.3180 Q1

14 Muhamad Helmi Kudus, Hazizan Md Akil, Fadli Ahmad Rasyid, "Muscovite-MWCNT hybrid as potential filler for layered sili-cate nanocomposite", Materials Letters, (2012), Volume 79, pp. 92-95.

2.3070 Q1

15 H. J. Quah and K. Y. Cheong, “Effects of post-deposition annealing ambient on Y2O3 gate deposited on silicon by RF mag-netron sputtering,” Journal of Alloys and Compounds, (2012) Volume 529, pp. 73 – 83.

2.2890 Q1

16 Ahmad Zahirani Ahmad Azhar, Lee Chun Choong, Hasmaliza Mohamad, Mani Maran Ratnam and Zainal Arifin Ahmad, Effectsof Cr2O3 addition on the mechanical properties, microstructure and wear performance of zirconia-toughened-alumina (ZTA)cutting inserts, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, (2012), Volume 513, pp 91– 96.

2.2890 Q1

17 Y.H. Wong and K.Y. Cheong, “Properties of Thermally Oxidized and Nitrided Zr-Oxynitride Thin Film on 4H-SiC in DilutedN2O Ambient,” Materials Chemistry and Physics, (2012), Volume 136, pp. 624 -637.

2.2340 Q1

18 Mohd Firdaus Omar, Hazizan Md Akil, Zainal Arifin Ahmad, Effect of molecular structures on dynamic compression propertiesof polyetylene, Materials Science and Engineering A, (2012), Volume 538, pp. 125-134.

2.2260 Q1

19 H. Fallahi, M.S. Nurulakmal, A. Fallahi Arezodar, Jamaluddin Abdullah, 2012. Effect of Iron and Indium on IMC Formationand Mechanical Properties of lead-free Solder. Materials Science and Engineering A, (2012), Volume 553, pp 22-31.

2.2260 Q1

20 S Kakooei, HM Akil, A Dolati, J Rouhi, The corrosion investigation of rebar embedded in the fibers reinforced concrete.Construction and Building Materials, (2012), Volume 35, pp 564-570.

2.1340 Q1

21 Kakooei, S., Akil, H.M., Jamshidi, M., Rouhi, J. The effects of polypropylene fibers on the properties of reinforced concretestructures, Construction and Building Materials, (2012), Volume 27(1), pp. 73-77.

2.1340 Q1

22 M.A. Megat Johari, A.M.Zeyad, N. Muhamad Bunnori, K.S. Ariffin, Engineering and Transport Properties of High StrengthGreen Concrete Containing High Volume of Ultrafine Plam Oil Fuel Ash, Construction and Building Materials, (2012), Volume30, pp 281-288.

2.1340 Q1

23 Chea Chandara, Khairun Azizi Mohd Azizli, Zainal Arifin Ahmad, Syed Fuad Saiyid Hashim, Etsuo Sakai , Heat of hydration ofBlended Cement Containing Treated Ground Palm Oil Fuel Ash, Construction and Building Materials, (2012), Volume 27, pp78–81.

2.1340 Q1

24 W.C., Tan, S.S., Alias, A.B., Ismail, A.A. Mohamad. Effect of styrene–acrylonitrile content on 0.5 M NaI/0.05 M I2 liquid elec-trolyte encapsulation for dye-sensitized solar cells. Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry, (2012), Volume 16, pp 2103-2112.

2.1310 Q1

25 Y.L. Chiew and K.Y. Cheong, Growth of SiC nanowires and nanocones using mixture of oil palm fibres and rice husk ash,Journal of Materials Science, (2012), Volume 47, pp. 5477 – 5487.

2.0150 Q1

Publication In International Refereed Journal (Citation Indexed 2012)

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