Microwave Reflection Based Dielectric Spectroscopy for Moisture Content in Melele Mango Fruit (Mangifera Indica L.)

The Melele mango is one of the special local fruit Malaysia and it has high commercial value. However, the current methods are not efficient in determining optimum period to harvest. The optimum harvest time has close relationship with moisture content in fruit. The reflection based dielectric spectroscopic technique is conducted to measure moisture in Melele mango fruits. Dielectric and reflection measurements were conducted over a frequency range from 200 MHz to 8 GHz on clone Melele mango. Dielectric constant, loss factor and complex reflection coefficient of Melele mango with different moisture content were measured using an Agilent E8362B PNA Network Analyzer in conjunction with an Agilent 85070E High Temperature Probe over a frequency range from 200 MHz to 8 GHz. The measured reflection coefficient is presented in magnitude and phase. Dielectric constant and loss factor decreases when the moisture content in mango fruit decreases. The magnitude of the reflection coefficient descends due to increment of the dielectric constant. The results show that the measured dielectric properties and complex reflection coefficient provides the ability to predict fruit moisture content

Improving design of piezoelectric braille cell for braille display devices

The braille system is one of the most recognizable language systems for those with visual disabilities. With the advance of technology, the use of braille system is not only limited to physical books with raised dots, but it is also has been implemented in mechanical devices. This allows digital information to also be displayed to be read by the visually impaired, using the devices called braille displays. However, one of the key components in braille displays are braille cells, which shows the desired braille characters. This technology is yet to be available in many countries especially in Malaysia, whereas the purchase of one set of the braille cells is often very expensive. More ever, the commercial braille cell has a cap breaking loose issue where it is easily being detached, disassembled and broken. Thus, this research aims to improve and resolve this issue by designing and fabricating a braille cell that consists of lock mechanisms. The result shows that by having this lock mechanics, it can resolve the cap breaking loose issues that happened in a commercial braille cell. On the other hand, this study also aims to evaluate the quality and feasibility of using 3D printing technology in fabricating braille cells to mimic the commercial ones. This can be done by analyzing the performance in term of dots stroke between the fabricated and commercial braille cell. The result shows that fabricated braille cell obtains a larger stroke length compare to the commercial braille cell at 0.75 mm against 0.7 mm respectively. This indicates that the fabricated braille cell dots would be more distinguishable for the blind people fingertips when they are reading the braille alphabets or characters. The greater increase in stroke length will result in clearer reading to the user and thus desirable

An overview of the Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) potential as reinforcing fibre in polymer composite for energy absorption applications

The oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) natural fibres were comprehensively reviewed to assess their potential as reinforcing materials in polymer composites for energy absorption during low-velocity impact. The typical oil palm wastes include trunks, fronds, kernel shells, and empty fruit bunches. This has a tendency to burden the industry players with disposal difficulties and escalates the operating cost. Thus, there are several initiatives have been employed to convert these wastes into value added products. The objective of this study is to review the potential of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) as natural fibre polymer composite reinforcement to absorb the energy during low-velocity impact as another option for value added products. Initially, this paper reviewed the local oil palm waste issues. Previous research works on OPEFB polymer composite, and their mechanical characterization is appraised. Their potential for energy absorption in low-velocity impact application was also elaborated. The review suggests high potential applications of OPEFB as reinforcing materials in composite structures. Furthermore, it is wisely to utilize the oil palm biomass waste into a beneficial composite, hence, promotes the green environment

An overview of the Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) potential as reinforcing fibre in polymer composite for energy absorption applications

The oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) natural fibres were comprehensively reviewed to assess their potential as reinforcing materials in polymer composites for energy absorption during low-velocity impact. The typical oil palm wastes include trunks, fronds, kernel shells, and empty fruit bunches. This has a tendency to burden the industry players with disposal difficulties and escalates the operating cost. Thus, there are several initiatives have been employed to convert these wastes into value added products. The objective of this study is to review the potential of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) as natural fibre polymer composite reinforcement to absorb the energy during low-velocity impact as another option for value added products. Initially, this paper reviewed the local oil palm waste issues. Previous research works on OPEFB polymer composite, and their mechanical characterization is appraised. Their potential for energy absorption in low-velocity impact application was also elaborated. The review suggests high potential applications of OPEFB as reinforcing materials in composite structures. Furthermore, it is wisely to utilize the oil palm biomass waste into a beneficial composite, hence, promotes the green environment