Scientific Research Journal

Spatial Distribution of Microplastics Abundance Along Selected Beaches in Kelantan, Malaysia

Muhammad Zakwan Anas Abd Wahid — 2025-02-27

The issue of microplastics is far from being in its infancy. This study investigates the spatial distribution of microplastics along selected beaches in Kelantan, Malaysia, addressing a critical environmental issue. It highlights the environmental and health threats posed by microplastics, especially in the coastal regions of Kelantan, and identifies the significant challenge of microplastic pollution exacerbated by natural coastal phenomena and human activities. The objective is to quantify the abundance and distribution of microplastics using advanced analytical and geospatial techniques. Methodologically, samples were collected from ten locations, each comprising 30 subsampling areas. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy was employed to identify predominant contaminants, including Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polypropylene (PP), and Polystyrene (PS). Spatial distribution was analyzed using ArcGIS 10.8.0 with Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) Interpolation to model the microplastics' distribution patterns. A total of 1,607 microplastics were found, with an average of 5.3567 pieces per gram. Fragment-type microplastics dominated, with black and blue being the most common colours identified. The findings also revealed that the intertidal zones were the most heavily impacted areas along the coast. In conclusion, this research provides crucial insights into the prevalence and spatial distribution of microplastic pollution in the coastal environments of Kelantan, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and the development of targeted mitigation strategies to address this growing environmental concern.

Antioxidant Potential of Curcuma xanthorrhiza -based Serum Stick

Mumtazatul Mahfuzah Mahadzir — 2025-02-27

Solid skincare products are sustainable and convenient alternatives to traditional liquid or semi-solid formulations. Incorporation of natural active ingredients like Curcuma xanthorrhiza (C. xanthorrhiza) extract into solid skincare products can offer potential benefits for skin health. This study investigated the Soxhlet extraction of C. xanthorrhiza using ethanol solvents. The mean total yield was 8.16%. Then, the extract exhibited a promising IC50 value of 20.86 ppm, indicating significant antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 45.71 ± 0.36 mg GAE/g, and the total flavonoid content (TFC) was 30.06 ± 0.41 mg QE/g thus suggesting the presence of potentially beneficial bioactive compounds. This study was to formulate a novel serum stick formulation that incorporated C. xanthorrhiza extract. The sticks developed have maintained a slightly acidic pH of 5.018 which aligns with healthy skin's natural pH and remains stable. These findings showed that C. xanthorrhiza extract could potentially be developed as a solid skin care product. This research lays the groundwork for further development of C. xanthorrhiza extract-based topical products with potential antioxidant properties. Future studies could explore the efficacy and safety of the formulated serum stick in clinical trials.

Development of Serum Stick from Medusomyces gisevii (kombucha) to Restore Facial Skin Assets

Nur Afiqah Yusri — 2025-02-27

Kombucha, a fermented tea drink, is praised for its potential health benefits and antioxidant properties. Although studies suggest that kombucha has antioxidant properties, this trend is somehow inconsistent (some journals show that the antioxidant content is lower during fermentation while others show the opposite). This inconsistent research creates a gap in knowledge about the effectiveness of kombucha for topical applications such as wrinkle reduction and increased elasticity. Additionally, traditional liquid serums present challenges in travel and use. This research study investigated the potential of kombucha as an anti-aging agent in skin care, specifically in the form of a serum stick, and found that the antioxidant content in kombucha filtrate increased with fermentation time (comparison between day 7 and day 17), with the highest Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) values observed on day 17, specifically 2411.7647 mg GAE/L and 600 mg QE/L, respectively. The DPPH test confirmed this finding, showing a stronger antioxidant effect on day 17 (lower IC₅₀ value) of 28.0178 mg/L. The antioxidant properties of kombucha are attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, and flavonoids, which have been shown to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and promote collagen synthesis, ultimately leading to better skin elasticity and reduce lines and wrinkles. The serum stick formulation incorporating kombucha filtration has been developed. Patch testing showed good tolerance across different testers. Users experience testing (organoleptic testing) identified areas for improvement regarding product smoothness and ease of use, with formulation 2 found to be superior to formulation 3.

Elucidating the Effects of Stirring Time on Chemical and Electrochemical Properties of Polyaniline Salt Dispersion in Tetrahydrofuran

Helyati Abu Hassan Shaari — 2025-02-27

Polyaniline (PANi) salt was synthesized using the oxidative polymerization method with ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The dispersibility of the prepared samples in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at different stirring durations (30 minutes, 8 hours, and 24 hours) was studied by elucidating their chemical and electrical properties. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to determine the composition of PANi salt, while electrical properties were studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy to calculate the absorbance and optical band-gap energy of the PANi salt dispersion. The results show that the best dispersibility of PANi salts occurs at 8 hours, as indicated by FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy investigations that detect the highest absorption peaks characteristic of quinoid and benzenoid units, respectively. It was observed that dispersing PES in THF for 8 hours improves the bandgap of PANi from 3.10 eV to 2.41 eV. Thus, this study underlines the critical significance of stirring time in increasing PANi dispersibility and understanding its spectroscopic properties, providing insights for its practical use in various applications, including organic electronics, sensors, and actuators.

Tensile and Thermal Properties of Natural Rubber/Ethylene Propylene Rubber Waste/Linear Low-density Polyethylene Blends

Nor Mazlina Abdul Wahab — 2025-02-27

Natural rubber (NR) is an isoprene polymer and non-polar rubber obtained from Hevea brasiliensis tree. NR has superior mechanical properties but poor resistance to heat and ozone due to its unsaturation in backbone chain. Ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) is non-polar rubber which is highly in demand especially in automotive industries because it has high oxidation and ozone cracking resistance since the double bond does not exist in the main backbone chain, leading to high amount of scrap or waste accumulated by time. Thus, this research embarks to use the blend of NR/EPDM in addressing green environment. However, the blend of this material leads to phase separation and poor interfacial adhesion, resulting in a heterogeneous blend that possesses poor compatibility. Hence, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is used as a compatibilizer and additive in this blend. The ternary blends NR/EPDMw/LLDPE blend were prepared in an internal mixer at approximately 160 °C. The amount of EPDMw was fixed at 60 phr, but NR and LLDPE were manipulated. The blend compositions of the ternary blend were 40/60/0, 35/60/5, 30/60/10, 25/60/15, and 20/60/20 (phr) of NR/EPDMw/LLDPE, respectively. The effects of the partial replacement of NR by LLDPE on compatibility, tensile and thermal properties were studied using tensile testing, DSC and TGA. The results showed that the ternary blend was partially miscible, and the 30/60/10 blend composition had better compatibility compared to other compositions, which was indicated by an increment of tensile strength and elongation at break, with 11.33 MPa and 270.66%, respectively than that of the control sample. Adding LLDPE to an NR/EPDMw blend increased the Tm, but further increasing LLDPE from 10 to 20 phr and it did not significantly affect the Tm, which remained unchanged. It also showed that the crystallinity and thermal stability of the blend increased as LLDPE content in the blends increased. This was because the presence of LLDPE improved the melting enthalpy and crystallinity of the blend. As the LLDPE content increased, it restricted the mobility of polymer chains and lowered thermal vibrations in C-C bonds, enhancing thermal stability. Overall, the addition of LLDPE content improved the compatibility and thermal stability of NR/EPDMw blends.

Characterization, Physicomechanical and Corrosion Properties of Reinforced Microcrystalline Cellulose Treated Silane Unsaturated Polyester Primer Coatings.

Adzrie Baharudin — 2025-02-27

Corrosion has been a major universal issue due to failure of building structures and high maintenance. The utilization of unsaturated polyester (UPE) as primer coating is insufficient to inhibit the corrosion. Hence, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) had been incorporated into UPE as a reinforcement filler for the production of primer coatings, due to its high crystalline region in the structure. The objectives of this study were to investigate the physical, mechanical, and corrosive properties of various MCC loadings (0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 wt%) reinforced UPE applied on metal substrates and determine the effect of silane treatment (MCC-APTES) on MCC reinforcement used in UPE-MCC coating for primer application. The coating properties were studied for adhesion, mechanical and corrosive properties using pencil hardness, adhesion tape and immersion tests. At 6% MCC-APTES loading showed improvement in mechanical and adhesion properties at 6H grade and less than 5 % pull out test for pencil hardness and adhesion tests respectively. Whilst the immersion test demonstrated that at 6% MCC-APTES of loading gives optimum corrosion resistant where no corrosion found as compared to the control sample as supported by the improved interaction shown in FTIR spectrum. Therefore, it was evidenced that at 6% of MCC-APTES has significant potential as a reinforcement filler and promotes enhanced mechanical, adhesion, and corrosion properties as compared to other formulations.

Performance of Spent Iron-Based Catalyst in the Photo Assisted Electrochemical System for the Removal of Methylene Blue (MB) Dye

Nurul Athikah Azizan — 2025-02-27

This study explores the efficacy of a spent iron-based (Fe.S) catalyst for the photo-assisted electrochemical for removal of Methylene Blue (MB) dye. The catalyst performance was assessed under various operational parameters, including catalyst loading, initial solution pH, current density, and initial dye concentration. The commercial iron oxide (Fe3O4) performance was benchmarked against spent iron-based catalyst under similar operational conditions. The results revealed that the best catalyst dosage was found at 0.02 g and 0.06 g for Fe.S and Fe3O4, respectively. Interestingly, the Fe.S achieved complete MB decolorization, surpassing Fe3O4 which only reached 75% under similar conditions. To support these comparative performances, the catalysts were characterized using SEM-EDX, XRD, FTIR, and BET analyses. After five cycles of reusability, the Fe.S maintained complete removal of MB, whereas the Fe3O4 reusability maintained 45% after three cycles. However, Fe.S experienced leaching of metal ions concentration range 0.1 – 0.5 mgL-1, which is exceed the allowable regulatory limits. Overall, the study highlights the potential of Fe.S for efficient MB dye removal. Nonetheless, the metal leaching concern must be resolved prior to practical application.

Properties of Magnesium-Zinc Graphene Composites

Nur Maizatul Shima Adzali — 2025-02-27

Magnesium (Mg) is a metal that is light in weight and well known for its high strength to various role in several biological processes, automotive components, alloys, and aerospace applications. The purpose of this study is to fabricate and determine the physical and mechanical properties of Mg Zn reinforced with graphene composites, with concern for enhancement of super strong material made of carbon atoms. The focus is on figuring out the effect of different percentages of graphene on the physical and mechanical properties of the composite. The aim of this research is to identify the best ratio that gives the hard and most durable Mg-Zn composite by using hardness test, Archimedes test, and XRD analysis. Five sample of Mg- Zn were fabricated with different percentages of graphene which were 0 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 7 wt.%. All 5 samples were mixed in mixing drum for 30 minutes with speed of 200 revolutions per minute then the mixture is then placed in mold and compressed for 2 minutes under 8 tons of hydraulic pressure. Then the sample undergo sintering process where it was sintered for 2 hours in 350 °C. Then the sample were ground and polished before undergo hardness, Archimedes, and XRD test. Hardness result for Mg-Zn reinforced with graphene shows that the highest hardness value is with addition 3 wt.% of graphene (53.93 HRF), while the lowest reading is for 0 wt.% of graphene (26.67 HRF). For density result, maximum relative density (91.08%), was obtained from graphene percentage at 3 wt.%, while the lowest relative density (82.37%), was obtained from graphene percentage at 0 wt.%. From this research, sample with 3 wt.% of graphene shows better properties in term of hardness, porosity and XRD analysis. To conclude, the present work showed a successful fabrication of Mg-Zn composite added with graphene for application in biomedical sector and other sector.

Effects of Zn addition on the Intermetallic Formation and Joint Strength of Sn-3.5Ag-1.0Cu Solders

Ramani Mayappan — 2025-02-27

The need to replace lead-based solders has received considerable attention among researchers because of their toxicity. The Sn-Ag-Cu family is the most promising candidate. However, these solder systems require some improvement in terms of their performances in terms of mechanical properties. In this study, Sn-3.5Ag-1.0Cu solder was investigated with the addition of 0.1, 0.4 and 0.7 wt.% Zn. The solder was prepared using a powder metallurgy method to form the discs. An intermetallic compound study was conducted by melting a solder disc on a Cu substrate at 250 ^oC for 1 min. For the shear strength study, the solder was melted at 250 ^oC on two pieces of the Cu substrate. Aging process was conducted in an oven at 150 ^oC for 1000 h under an air atmosphere. For the intermetallic study, the aged solder joint was cross-sectioned, mounted in epoxy resin, and observed under a Scanning Electron Microscope. The solder joint specimens were tested using an Instron machine and the fracture surfaces were examined under a Scanning Electron Microscope. The Cu₆Sn₅ intermetallic compound was initially formed with scalloped morphology. This intermetallic structure transformed into a flat structure at higher aging temperatures and durations. As aging progressed, another thin and flat intermetallic layer was formed near the Cu interface. The intermetallic compound was identified to be Cu₃Sn. The solder joint strength degraded at a later stage of aging owing to the excessive growth of intermetallics with the 0.7 wt.% exhibit higher values. The fracture mode displays ductile failure at lower aging temperatures and times, but shows brittle failure at higher aging temperatures and longer times.

Elucidation Study of Bioavailable Potential Among Plant-based Silver Nanoparticles Fabricated from Several Local Fruit Peels

Zainab Razali — 2025-02-27

Plant-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from biological waste (fruits) have piqued researchers' interest due to their remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics, as well as toxicity studies. This study aimed to elucidate the bioavailable potential of AgNPs from silver nitrate fabricated from A. comosus, G. mangostana, and M. indica peel extracts as green reducing agents. UV-Vis and FTIR analysis corroborated the presence of AgNPs. Antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli was evaluated using the disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) techniques. Interestingly, all peel extracts successfully produced AgNPs, resulting in reddish-dark brown alterations with a peak absorbance at 432-440 nm and the presence of the most important functional groups, including O-H, C-H, and C=O, which correspond to the most bioactive compounds in peel extracts used as reducing agents detected using FTIR. The antibacterial activity of produced AgNPs against S. aureus and E. coli was observed to vary with nanoparticle concentration. Higher doses of AgNPs resulted in bigger inhibition zones, with AC-AgNPs exhibiting the highest antibacterial activity compared to the other samples. The MIC values for AC-AgNPs antagonistic towards S. aureus and E. coli were 2.5 and 5 mg/mL, respectively, surpassing GM-AgNPs and MI-AgNPs. This study emphasizes a sustainable approach to nanoparticles synthesis using local fruit peels of pineapple, mangosteen, and mango, as well as the prospect of creating AgNP-based antimicrobial and increase the value of local fruit waste.

Preparation and Characterization of Pectin-Starch Hydrogel Modified with Urea and Lactic Acid-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent for Soil Water Retention

Rizana Yusof — 2025-02-27

Hydrogels are 3D polymeric networks that can absorb and retain large amounts of water and benefit many industries, including agriculture. However, most hydrogels nowadays are synthetic, negatively affecting the environment and human health. In this study, two biodegradable hydrogels were prepared using natural polymers of pectin and starch with the addition of deep eutectic solvent (DES) of choline chloride: urea (ChCl: urea) and choline chloride: lactic acid (ChCl: LA) to increase the water absorption through the casting method. The hydrogel has been optimized using different concentrations of crosslinking agent and different concentrations of DES to obtain their highest water sorption. The properties of hydrogels, such as swelling ratio, water retention, mechanical strength, biodegradability, and seed germination, have been investigated using standard methods. The results showed that the optimized and pectin-starch-ChCl: urea, and pectin-starch-ChCl: LA successfully absorbed water up to 108.70% and 120.80% within one hour, respectively, compared to the control, pectinstarch hydrogel without DES (97.86%). The hydrogels were found to be biodegradable with a rate of degradation of 100% for pectin-starch-ChCl: urea and 95.75% for pectin-starch-ChCl: LA, which was better than the control of 90.25% after 20 days in soil. The germination seed testing showed that hydrogel with ChCl: LA significantly promoted the growth of bean seeds and could maintain soil moisture for 20 days. In conclusion, it is proven that hydrogel with DES is better than hydrogel without DES, considering the higher water sorption of hydrogel and the ability to release water in dry areas. Hence, the hydrogel developed with DES showed high potential for agriculture by maintaining soil moisture, reducing irrigation water consumption, and increasing seed germination.

Recent Malaysian Food Waste Generation Trends, Enacted Policies and Challenges in Food Waste Management

Hasyireen Abdul Halim — 2025-02-27

Food waste (FW) presents a significant global challenge, particularly in Malaysia, where guidance on waste composition and management issues remains limited. This review examines current trends, policies, and obstacles in managing FW in Malaysia by systematically analyzing a range of publications and conference proceedings from the last 15 years (2008-2023). The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review, focusing on studies that address FW management practices and its challenges, technological advancements, and policy frameworks. Key challenges identified include incomplete data, low public awareness, underdeveloped digestion technologies, and insufficient knowledge of FW treatment methods. Effective FW management is contingent upon enhancing public awareness, improving waste segregation, and upgrading infrastructure. In light of current practices and policies, this review proposes an integrated management framework that combines wet anaerobic digestion with aerobic windrow composting, leading to the conversion of FW into biogas and final landfilling. This approach aims to minimize landfill dependency and promote a circular economy by transforming FW into renewable energy sources.

Effect of Impregnation Temperature on Monoethanolamine-Kenaf Biosorbent for CO2 Adsorption from Gas Mixture

Norsuhadat Nordin — 2025-02-27

Capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial resources to mitigate the global increase in carbon emissions is a challenging and expensive process, especially when utilizing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies. The energy cost of CO2 capture in post-combustion CCS, employing the absorption method with monoethanolamine (MEA) as the commonly used liquid amine. This study focusing on the adsorption method, which is more energy saving and less corrosive for CO2 captured, by using modified kenaf biosorbent. Its low density, highly porous and permeability is well matched to be used as adsorbent. This study specifically investigated the influence of impregnation temperature of kenaf modified with a constant concentration of MEA towards the CO2 adsorption capability at different gas flowrates and pressure bed. From the surface morphology of modified kenaf sorbent, MEA-kenaf impregnated at 55 °C exhibited large pore openings and more structured walls compared to the other temperatures. The kenaf samples were then utilized in IsoSORP gas analyzer for CO2 adsorption with a mixture of CO2 - Nitrogen (N2) at two different flow rates and various pressure beds. The highest CO2 adsorption was achieved by the modified kenaf at impregnation temperature of 55 °C (gas flowrate 150 cm3/min) and 65 °C (gas flowrate 250 cm3/min). Apart from that, the adsorption ability shows a proportional increment when the gas pressure flow increased from 10 up to 30 bar. The research findings indicated that increasing the impregnation temperature enhanced the sorbent's pore size and nitrogen content impregnated on the kenaf surface (increase basicity), resulting in a significant improvement in CO2 adsorption capacity.