Environmental degradation of polymer nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites have become essential in various industries due to their impressive mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical properties. These materials, which integrate nanoscale fillers into polymer matrices, offer enhanced properties like reduced weight and increased durability, surpassing traditional composites. However, the high performance observed in controlled environments does not always translate to real-world conditions, where a variety of environmental factors can lead to degradation. Understanding how these factors—such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thermal cycling, humidity, chemical exposure, and biological activity—affect polymer nanocomposites is crucial for their reliable use in practical applications. This chapter focuses on the combined effects of environmental factors on polymer nanocomposites, exploring both synergistic interactions that intensify degradation and antagonistic interactions that may mitigate these effects. By analyzing case studies, characterization techniques, and strategies for enhancing environmental stability, this chapter aims to equip researchers and engineers with the knowledge needed to improve the durability and performance of these advanced materials in various applications

Evaluation of aggregate-cement paste Interface: Effects of aggregate characteristics on acid attack and permeability of concrete

This investigation systematically evaluates the influence of aggregate type (basalt, white limestone, and brown limestone) and nominal size (10, 14, and 20 mm) on the characteristics of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and the durability of plain concrete, specifically its acid resistance and water permeability. The experimental program involved a comprehensive characterization approach. Aggregate surface roughness was quantified using a surface profilometer. The ITZ's microstructural and mechanical properties were analyzed via SEM, XRD, and direct tensile testing. Durability was assessed by evaluating acid resistance—determined by mass and compressive strength loss after 30-day immersion in 5 % H2SO4—and water permeability, measured in accordance with BS EN 12390–8:2019. The findings revealed that fractured aggregate surfaces significantly enhanced bond strength over sawn counterparts. A key mechanistic insight is that the nature of roughness, not just its magnitude, governs performance: naturally fractured aggregates are significantly rougher, with basalt's texture defined by high peaks (promoting mechanical interlocking) and limestone's by deep valleys. Basalt's chemical reactivity further improved the ITZ by consuming portlandite to create a denser, stronger interface, whereas limestone produced a more porous ITZ with unhydrated phases. Consequently, concrete incorporating basalt demonstrated superior acid resistance, with the least strength degradation and lowest permeability. White limestone performed moderately, while brown limestone showed the poorest resistance. Water penetration results aligned with these observations, confirming basalt concrete as the least permeable. For all aggregate types, using smaller sizes effectively mitigated acid damage and reduced permeability. The study underscores basalt's suitability for acidic environments due to its reactivity and ITZ refinement, stressing that aggregate selection and size are critical for designing durable concrete in corrosive conditions

Research trend on technology applications in social funding activities: A bibliometric analysis

This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the evolving landscape of technology applications in social funding activities. It examined the interconnection of worldwide research activities using data obtained using VOSviewer software, which emphasizes the important role of technology in promoting social financing projects. The study was based on a network of bibliographic couplings with nodes indicating countries contributing to the subject and edges and the degree of research linkages between these countries. The results reflect a vibrant and dynamic research community with the United States, United Kingdom, China, and Canada emerging as important sites of innovation and cooperation. These nations have considerable bibliographic coupling, which suggests many related references and research interests. The network depicts the amount of research output and the complex patterns of international cooperation, with the United States being positioned as a prominent influencer owing to its wide connections and a central node in the network. The trend of technology applications in social financing is defined by various digital platforms, crowdfunding techniques, and financial technologies that redefine how social initiatives are financed and handled. The bibliometric map emphasizes the crucial role of technology in increasing the efficiency, reach, and effect of social financing across sectors and countries. Finally, this study offers a detailed review of the present status and development in technology applications within social financing and insights into the main actors and collaborative networks moving this sector ahead. It lays the groundwork for future research and development initiatives targeted at utilizing technology for social benefit

Hydrogen production from wastewater: technology readiness, economic and environmental assessment, and scale-up challenges with mitigation strategies

Hydrogen production from wastewater can help meet the increasing demand for clean energy. This review shows that the amount of hydrogen produced varies depending on the kind of wastewater. It also points out that industrial streams have a higher potential than municipal or home sources. Studies show that producing hydrogen from wastewater can cost at least three times more than conventional methods. Electricity emissions significantly impact life cycle assessment (LCA) results, whereas stack cost and degradation prevail in techno-economic analysis (TEA) analysis. Wastewater-based hydrogen production technologies range from proof-of-concept to near-industrial readiness, with Aqueous Phase Reforming (APR) and Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) being the most advanced but still facing scale-up challenges. Finally, we offer policy suggestions and outlooks for integrating wastewater into hydrogen energy systems

Investigation of stud bolts with incorporated fiber bragg grating sensors for real-time flange bolt integrity monitoring

This paper introduces an innovative method that uses a stud bolt in conjunction with a Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor. The current layout makes it easier to measure strain caused by bolt tightening and helps find possible damage caused by too much pressure or load on the flange. This project aims at measuring the axial strain and deflection of M18 stud bolts on a typical flange for pipe connections. This will be accomplished by utilising multiplexed Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors embedded into the bolts. The flange was subsequently exposed to several point loadings, applied directly in a vertical orientation. The results indicate that an increase in the magnitude of the point load on the flange structure, coupled with a higher tightening torque, results in reduced stress fluctuations on the bolt. The flange structure will be stiff enough to keep stress levels stable at each bolt when the torque is high. This will eliminate the chance of damage during repeated loading conditions

Reformasi MADANI tuntut pentadbir berani, berilmu dan berintegriti

Pengumuman Perdana Menteri, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim pada 23 Julai 2025 yang lalu, yang memperincikan inisiatif segera seperti bantuan tunai SARA RM100, penurunan harga RON95, dan pengekalan kadar tol, bukan sekadar langkah jangka pendek untuk meringankan beban rakyat. Ia juga merupakan isyarat jelas bahawa kerajaan sedang memperhebatkan usaha reformasi menyeluruh berdasarkan Pelan Induk Ekonomi dan Pembangunan Malaysia, RMK-13, yang menekankan pembangunan inovatif, tadbir urus baik, dan keberanian dalam melaksanakan perubahan besar. RMK-13 yang diumumkan oleh YAB Perdana Menteri pula menegaskan komitmen kerajaan untuk memperkasakan sistem ekonomi dan tadbir urus melalui pelaksanaan reformasi menyeluruh dan berani. Ia adalah selari dengan aspirasi MADANI yang menuntut penjawat awam, terutamanya dalam sektor pendidikan tinggi dan pentadbiran universiti, untuk tampil sebagai agen perubahan yang berilmu, berani dan berintegriti tinggi. Amanat Ketua Pengarah Perkhidmatan Awam (KPPA), YBhg. Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Haji Abdul Aziz juga menegaskan bahawa penjawat awam perlu menjadi pemimpin perubahan yang mampu menongkah arus dan bukan sekadar pelaksana tugas biasa

UMPSA jalin kerjasama dengan Konsortium Padi dan Beras Rakyat (KPBR) hasil beras prebiotik pertama negara

TEMERLOH, 16 Ogos 2025 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) jalin kerjasama dengan Konsortium Padi dan Beras Rakyat (KPBR) dalam pembangunan penyelidikan beras prebiotik pertama negara. Turut hadir Menteri Besar Pahang, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. Majlis juga menyaksikan Timbalan Naib Canselor (Penyelidikan dan Inovasi), Profesor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha menandatangani perjanjian bersama Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif KPBR, Dato Fairuz Haji Hassan. Beliau hadir mewakili Naib Canselor UMPSA, Profesor Dr. Yatimah Alias. Turut hadir, Exco Pertanian, Industri Asas Tani, Bioteknologi dan Pendidikan, Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi Abd Razak dan Pengerusi Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang (LPP), Datuk Mahfuz Omar

The catalytic effects of UiO-66 on enhancing hydrogen storage performance of MgH2

This study demonstrates the improved hydrogen storage performance of magnesium hydride (MgH2) through the incorporation of a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF), UiO-66. The addition of UiO-66 significantly enhances the sorption kinetics and reduces the decomposition temperature to below 400 °C. Synthesized via a solvothermal route and stabilized by post-calcination at 300 °C, UiO-66 exhibits excellent thermal and chemical stability, making it a promising additive for hydrogen storage systems. The MgH2/UiO-66 composite shows an initial dehydrogenation temperature of 262 °C, which is 80 °C lower than that of milled MgH2. The apparent activation energy is reduced to 85.5 ± 5.5 kJ/mol, approximately 45 % of the pristine MgH2, indicating a significantly enhanced reaction pathway. At 250 °C, the composite achieves a hydrogen capacity of approximately 6.8 wt% within 3600 s and maintains stable performance over ten consecutive cycles. Particle size analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals finer dispersion and reduced agglomeration in the composite compared to milled MgH2 alone. The MgH2/UiO-66 system effectively functions as a “hydrogen pump,” facilitating faster hydrogenation/dehydrogenation kinetics and improved cycling stability. Hence, this study offers fresh insights to expand research and accelerate the advancement of hydrogen energy

Basic study on operation control systems of internal combustion engines in hybrid small race cars to improve dynamic performance

Hybrid vehicles utilize multiple power sources, making them energy-efficient and enhancing both fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. As a result, hybrid vehicles have recently been adopted as race cars, which demand high powertrain performance. The hybrid vehicle system comprises two power sources: an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor, both of which require precise control. Controlling the output of the internal combustion engine is particularly challenging. This study investigated the dynamic response of an actuator in an electronic throttle system. The experimental results demonstrated that optimized parameters significantly improved the dynamic response. As a result, we propose a mechanism for hybrid vehicle performance and report the characteristics of an electronic throttle. The improvement in throttle opening can be verified by adjusting the P term

Penyelidik UMPSA Prof. Madya Ir. Dr. Chin Siew Choo UMPSA hasilkan Brewcrete Simen Lestari Mesra Alam daripada sisa kopi

Pekan, 18 Ogos 2025 – Melihat kepada sisa buangan kopi iaitu hasil sampingan daripada proses membancuh semakin banyak dihasilkan oleh rakyat Malaysia yang minum purata 2.38 cawan kopi sehari (berjumlah kira-kira 3 bilion cawan harian) dan menghasilkan sekitar 100 tan sisa kopi sehari, sepasukan penyelidik Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) yang diketuai oleh pensyarah Fakulti Teknologi Kejuruteraan Awam (FTKA), Profesor Madya Ir. Dr. Chin Siew Choo telah menghasilkan Brewcrete. Projek penyelidikan ini mengkaji penggunaan sisa buangan kopi sebagai bahan tambahan dalam simen konkrit. Penyelidikan yang telah bermula pada tahun 2020 itu merupakan projek tahun akhir dua orang pelajar FTKA iaitu Khong Sheh Ching dan Yee Jia Jun, yang kini merupakan pelajar pascasiswazah