Current Science and Technology
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description: Current Science and Technology (CST) is an open access, peer-reviewed journal, published by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Press. The journal publishes reviews, critical insight, features, commentary, communications and original research articles with the theme to promote science and technology.
publisher: UMPSA Press
language: en
publication name: Current Science and Technology
issn: 2785-8804
items: Synthesis and characterization of bauxite-derived alum and banana peel composite coagulant for water treatment
items: GIS-based mapping of air pollution exposure and health effects in industrial area of Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia: A pilot study
items: Isolation and screening of pectinase producers from fruit wastes
items: Lemongrass oil-infused biodegradable film: Natural antioxidant for food packaging enhancement
items: Studies on the effect of COVID-19 on the construction industry in the Kuantan district
items: Binding studies of ruthenium (II) complexes with DNA isolated from pea (Pisumsativum) extract
items: A comparative study on the degradation of organic pollutants using green-synthesised CuO nanoparticles from clove extract and investigation of antimicrobial properties
items: Prevalence of Heavy Metals and Antibiotic Resistance of Solid Waste in a Landfill
items: Core Gut Microbiome in Patients with Staghorn Calculi in Malaysia
items: Whole Genome Sequencing of Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Stool Sample of a Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer Patient in Malaysia
items: Whole-Genome Sequencing of Penicillium georgiense, a Member of the Family Trichocomaceae Isolated from Harumanis Mango (Mangifera Indica L.)
items: Modified Biochar from Waste Biomass for the Efficient Removal of Heavy Metals in Industrial Wastewater: A Review
items: Feasibility of Biodiesel Production from Patty Oil Waste via the Transesterification
items: Catalyst Effect on Steryl Glucosides Concentration in Palm-Based Biodiesel During Transesterification Process
items: Development of Cylindrical Cavity Resonator Technique for Magnetic Loss Measurement in Yttrium Iron Garnet
items: From Preparation to Product: Factors Influencing Probiotic Viability in Spray Drying
items: Prediction of Smoke Temperature in a Warehouse Using Fire Dynamic Simulator
items: The Effect of Diesel/Biodiesel Blend Ratio on Physical-Chemical Properties of Biodiesel
items: Impact of Storage Temperature and Duration on Ethanol Content in Juice and Soft Drinks
items: The Prevalence of Work-Related Respiratory Disease among Dairy Farmers
items: Fire Loads Calculation in The School Library: A Case Study
items: Building Occupant Satisfaction Towards Indoor Environmental Quality of Library
items: Current State of Safety Climate among Food Delivery Service in Kuantan
items: Evolution of Graphene, Graphene Oxide, Reduced Graphene Oxide: An Exploratory Study Using Citation Network Analysis
items: Influence of Dopant Concentrations on Morphological and Optical Characteristics of Silver Doped Zinc Oxide Thin Films
items: Enhanced photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide nanostructures grown by the hot-tube thermal evaporation method
items: The Effects of Indoor Air Quality on Health and Productivity of Workers in a Manufacturing Industry in Malaysia
items: Formulation of Feed Pellet with MD2 Pineapple Peel Inclusion as Potential Prebiotic for Local Red Hybrid Tilapia Fish, Oreochromis Niloticus
items: Effect of Free Fatty Acid on Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil
items: Study on the Relations of Ionic Conductivity and Transport Properties of Alginate-PVA Based Bio-Polymer Blend Electrolytes System

Synthesis and characterization of bauxite-derived alum and banana peel composite coagulant for water treatment
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description: Aluminium sulphate (alum) is an inorganic coagulant widely used in wastewater treatment due to its good performance and broad availability. However, the use of alum at high dosages can negatively impact human health and aquatic organisms, in addition to generating large quantities of sludge. Therefore, an alternative approach was explored to reduce alum usage by combining it with a natural coagulant derived from banana peel. This study aims to synthesise an inorganic–organic composite coagulant from bauxite-derived alum and banana peel for wastewater treatment, and to evaluate its physicochemical properties and treatment performance under optimum conditions. Alum, banana peel, and alum–banana peel composites at ratios of 10:90, 50:50, and 90:10 (banana peel: alum) were tested using a jar test containing 500 mL of wastewater. Final turbidity and pH values were measured for performance evaluation. Samples were characterised using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction. The results show that the 50:50 banana peel to alum composite achieved the best performance, with a turbidity of 12.20 NTU, a pH of 6.13, and a total turbidity removal efficiency of 82.82%.
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creator: Mohd Hanafi Effandy Ahmad Bihauddin
creator: Ahmad Zaman Ab Halim
creator: Anis Nabilah Shamsul Bahrin
creator: Mohd Hasbi Ab Rahim
creator: Norshahidatul Akmar Mohd Shohaimi
creator: Nurasmat Mohd Shukri
creator: Nor Hakimin Abdullah
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 61
ending page: 68
doi: 10.15282/cst.v5i1.13621

GIS-based mapping of air pollution exposure and health effects in industrial area of Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia: A pilot study
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description: Serious health concerns in developing regions are largely driven by air pollution. The Malaysian Department of Environment has measured that air pollution in industrial areas is much greater than in other areas of the country. This pilot study intends to evaluate outdoor air quality and human health effects in the industrial area of Kuantan. Two Continuous Air Quality Monitoring Stations situated in Balok and Indera Mahkota were chosen to explore how air quality varies across different areas of Kuantan. A structured questionnaire was distributed to residents living nearby, aiming to collect information on any health issues they may be experiencing. The spatial distribution of air pollution was mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS), allowing for a clearer understanding of how these pollutants relate to the health symptoms reported by the local population. The findings revealed that concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, and SO₂ were significantly higher in Balok compared to Indera Mahkota, while NO₂ levels were an exception to this trend. These differences are likely tied to variations in land use between the two areas, which appear to have a strong influence on local air pollution levels. The findings support targeted health actions and better urban planning to protect public well-being.
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creator: Lavender Miriam Lee
creator: Norsaffarina Aziz
creator: Syarifuddin Misbari
creator: Ahmad Rizal Alias
creator: Mohammad Adam Adman
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-10-30
publication date: 2025-10-30
starting page: 26
ending page: 33
doi: 10.15282/cst.v5i1.13255

Isolation and screening of pectinase producers from fruit wastes
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description: This study aimed to identify, screen and characterize pectinase-producing bacteria from fruit waste for potential use in the biotechnology sector. Three isolated bacterial strains were tested for their pectinase production using both commercial pectin and fruit waste substrates, specifically pineapple and banana peels, alongside an assessment of their growth characteristics. Among the three isolates, strain M1 exhibited the best performance in terms of growth and enzyme activity. When commercial citrus pectin was used as the substrate, M1 achieved the highest pectinase activity (8.15 U/mL), followed by B1 (7.423 U/mL) and P2 (7.035 U/mL). When fruit waste was used as the substrate, M1 again produced the highest amount of pectinase. Notably, pineapple peel yielded slightly higher pectinase activity for M1 (7.38 U/mL) compared to banana peel (7.032 U/mL), indicating that pineapple peel is a better inducer of pectinase enzyme production. In terms of growth dynamics, M1 also recorded the highest specific growth rate and the shortest doubling time across all substrates, reinforcing its potential as the most efficient pectinase producer. These findings suggest that strain M1, especially when cultivated on pineapple peel waste, holds significant promise for cost-effective and sustainable industrial pectinase production, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly bioprocesses.
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creator: Xin Yi Liew
creator: Shoriya Aruni Abdul Manaf
creator: Mohd Azwan Jenol
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 34
ending page: 41
doi: 10.15282/cst.v5i1.13087

Lemongrass oil-infused biodegradable film: Natural antioxidant for food packaging enhancement
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description: The growing environmental impact of plastic packaging has accelerated interest in biodegradable alternatives such as edible films. This study investigates the incorporation of lemongrass essential oil into chitosan–alginate films to enhance their antioxidant properties. Lemongrass, widely available in Malaysia, contains bioactive compounds including citral, geraniol, and phenolics with strong radical-scavenging activity. Essential oil was extracted using hydrodistillation and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation, with the latter yielding a higher recovery (0.04%). Structural characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated hydrogen bonding and possible Schiff base formation between the oil and film matrix. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH assay, showing strong radical scavenging capacity (108.06%), suggesting retention of active compounds and improved stability. The findings demonstrate that lemongrass essential oil effectively enhances the functional properties of chitosan–alginate films, providing an eco-friendly packaging solution that may reduce reliance on synthetic preservatives while extending food shelf life.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Ang Zewei
creator: Aishah Mohd Marsin
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 42
ending page: 47
doi: 10.15282/cst.v5i1.12811

Studies on the effect of COVID-19 on the construction industry in the Kuantan district
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description: The whole world is plagued with infectious diseases that are more dangerous than the common fever that can cause death if not treated early. Therefore, many countries have implemented movement control orders that are just sitting at home. It indirectly has a devastating impact on employment sectors, especially construction companies around the world. Construction delays are one of the biggest problems faced by the construction industry; they will directly affect the parties involved in the contract, contribute to costs and overtime, litigation, and late transfer of projects to owners. Therefore, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to study the main cause of the project timeline disruption, which led to the Extension of Time (EOT) requirement in ongoing construction projects and the financial loss of the construction industry due to COVID-19 in Kuantan District. Survey questionnaires were distributed to Consultants, Contractors and Public Authorities in the Kuantan District. The main objectives of this research have been achieved. In this research, the data analysis shows the main cause of the project timeline is the Movement Control Order (MCO) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPEOT) set by the government. The factor for the shortage of labour is the closure of the national border. The company manages the delayed project by complying with SOPs that have been set in the workplace. The cause of material shortage delays in terms of delivery of materials. Much of the financial loss is more than RM 100 001. Therefore, rising building material prices impact financial losses, and using credit loans is the best way to manage financial problems.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Azhani Zukri
creator: Razali Kassim
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 18
ending page: 25
doi: 10.15282/cst.v5i1.12282

Binding studies of ruthenium (II) complexes with DNA isolated from pea (Pisumsativum) extract
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description: The increasing impact of group 8–10 metal organometallic complexes academically and industrially over the years demonstrates remarkable progress in harvesting useful reagents, catalysts, and chemotherapeutic agents. Recently, these complexes have been widely analyzed for their photophysical properties and medical applications as they efficiently treat different types of cancer through photodynamic therapy (PDT). Understanding the interaction of bipyridyl complexes with specific pea(Pisumsativum)genes could show how these metal complexes influence plant traits. Peas, mainly through their genetic modifications, show promise in cancer treatment by serving as bioreactors for producing therapeutic antibodies. The pea genome contains a large number of genes involved in various biological processes, including those responsible for plant growth, development, and stress responses. Ru (II) polypyridyl complexes have shown excellent DNA binding results. These complexes bind to DNA through the intercalative mode. The binding of Ru(II) polypyridyl complex [RuL3]2+ (where L= bpy, dmbpy) with DNA of pea extracts has been studied in an aqueous medium through absorption and emission spectral techniques. The binding constant (Kb) for these reactions is determined from the Benesi-Hildebrand equation using both the absorption intensity data and emission studies.
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creator: Thangadurai Sumitha Celin
creator: L. A. Gaflin Shelty
creator: George Allen Gnana Raj
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 11
ending page: 17
doi: 10.15282/cst.v5i1.12229

A comparative study on the degradation of organic pollutants using green-synthesised CuO nanoparticles from clove extract and investigation of antimicrobial properties
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description: Nanoparticles exhibit distinct properties than their bulk materials and they find many uses in diverse sectors of science. The use of green synthetic nanoparticles has gained a lot of interest. The current study uses green generated copper oxide nanoparticles from clove extract to photocatalytically degrade organic dyes, specifically Congo Red Dye and Amido Black 10B dye. Techniques such as FT-IR, UV-visible spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray (EDAX), SEM, and XRD were used to characterize the produced nanoparticles. The formula developed by Debye Scherer was used to determine the crystallite size. EDAX was used to confirm the presence of metal. SEM analysis was used for morphological investigations. A number of factors, including catalyst dosage, dye concentration, and pH, were thoroughly examined for their effects on dye degradation. Studies on antifungal and antibacterial agents were conducted. The results revealed that metal oxide nanocatalyst is an efficient catalyst to carry out the degradation of organic dyes. Amido Black 10B dye degrades effectively in presence of cupric oxide nanoparticle synthesized from clove extract.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Deva Angel
creator: Thangadurai Sumitha Celin
creator: George Allen Gnana Raj
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 1
ending page: 10
doi: 10.15282/cst.v5i1.12152

Prevalence of Heavy Metals and Antibiotic Resistance of Solid Waste in a Landfill
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description: Antibiotics, heavy metals, and related antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills have aroused more attention due to their potential risk to the ecosystems and public healthcare. However, their contents and relationships have yet to be systematically understood in a landfill setting in Malaysia. Therefore, the prevalence of heavy metals and antibiotic resistance were observed in this study. This study selected solid waste samples of fresh or aged MSW from two representative garbage hills from Jabor-Jerangau landfills, Kuantan, Pahang. The samples were tested for ICP-MS for the concentration of heavy metals and diffusion discs for antibiotic resistance. The total content of measured heavy metals between new and aged garbage hills ranged from 0.2 mg/kg (Ni) to 108.19 mg/kg (Fe) and 0.01 mg/kg (Cu) to 31.92 mg/kg (Fe), respectively. No significant difference (p>0.05) between the new and aged MSW indicated time, and any treatments available for MSW did not affect its concentration. Fe was observed as the most concentrated heavy metal in these landfills. All isolates (100%) in fresh MSW were resistant to erythromycin, penicillins G, tetracyclines and sulfamethoxazole. However, 50% of the isolates in aged MSW were resistant to the tested antibiotics, whereas all isolates in aged MSW have susceptibility to sulfamethoxazole p<0.05. The data gained from this study can be used to plan appropriate treatment for both contaminants. This baseline information is critical for guiding future research, waste management policies, and public health interventions to address the growing concern of antibiotic resistance.
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creator: N. N. A. Manaf
creator: N. Mahmud
creator: H. F. Ahmad
creator: M. F. F. Asrar
creator: N. F. H. Nordin
creator: N. S. Khalid
creator: Nurul Azyyati Sabri
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-12-24
publication date: 2024-12-24
starting page: 26
ending page: 36
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i2.11964

Core Gut Microbiome in Patients with Staghorn Calculi in Malaysia
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description: Globally, staghorn calculi stone prevalence is 3–5% annually, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 25%. Recurrence rates are 10% within the first year, 50% within 5–10 years, and 75% over 20 years, despite improvements in treatment. This study aimed to profile the gut microbiota in 77 participants, including 37 staghorn calculi patients and 40 healthy individuals, to identify biomarkers linked to staghorn calculi formation. At the phylum level, Firmicutes A and Proteobacteria were more abundant in the staghorn group, comprising 52.86% and 13.65%, respectively. At the species level, staghorn patients had lower levels of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and higher Escherichia and Megamonas funifomis abundances compared to controls. Core microbiome analysis identified Blautia A as the most abundant species in healthy individuals, whereas Megamonas funiformis was exclusive to staghorn patients, suggesting its potential as a disease biomarker. LEfSe analysis confirmed Megamonas funiformis as significantly enriched in staghorn patients (LDA score: -4.46). These findings highlight critical gut microbiome differences that may contribute to staghorn calculi development.
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creator: Chung Hui Yin
creator: Hajar Fauzan Ahmad
creator: Mohd Nazli Kamarulzaman
creator: Suet Lai Liew
creator: Martín Sebastián Marcial Coba
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-12-24
publication date: 2024-12-24
starting page: 19
ending page: 25
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i2.11909

Whole Genome Sequencing of Enterococcus faecalis Isolated from Stool Sample of a Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer Patient in Malaysia
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description: Breast cancer stands as a formidable and prevalent cause of mortality among women in Malaysia, prompting rigorous research into potential contributors to its development. Given the well-established association between gut microbiota and various forms of cancer, a particular focus has been placed on exploring the role of Enterococcus in breast cancer pathogenesis. Several studies have identified Enterococcus as a significant component of the estrobolome, the collection of gut microbiota involved in the metabolism of estrogens. This association has garnered attention due to its potential link to breast cancer. The estrobolome's role in modulating estrogen levels in the body suggests that Enterococcus could influence breast cancer risk by affecting estrogen homeostasis. Thus, this study endeavours to unravel the potential implications of Enterococcus faecalis in breast cancer by delving into its genome and decoding gene functions through bioinformatics analysis. Whole genome sequencing emerged as the methodological linchpin, revealing a distinctive gene expression profile within Enterococcus faecalis. The size of draft genome sequenced was found to be 2.8Mb, with a GC content of 37.7%, and 4430 protein coding sequences were detected within the genome. Notably, the bacterium sequence subjected to gene annotation exhibited an expression of β-glucosidase, an enzyme intricately involved in the deconjugation of estrogen. While these findings underscore the plausible contribution of Enterococcus faecalis to breast cancer, a considerable knowledge gap persists regarding the genetic variations within specific strains of this bacterium. As such, a more nuanced and comprehensive exploration is warranted to bridge this existing gap in our understanding.
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creator: Jasmine Teoh Wen Yi
creator: Li Tong Lim
creator: Noor Ezmas Mahno
creator: Darren Dean Tay
creator: Martín Sebastián Marcial-Coba
creator: Hajar Fauzan Ahmad
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-12-24
publication date: 2024-12-24
starting page: 11
ending page: 18
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i2.11856

Whole-Genome Sequencing of Penicillium georgiense, a Member of the Family Trichocomaceae Isolated from Harumanis Mango (Mangifera Indica L.)
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description: Microbial communities are present in various environments, influencing their hosts through both advantageous and pathogenic interactions. The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has enabled more comprehensive exploration of these complex communities. Penicillium georgiense (P. georgiense), a known pathogenic fungus, has been shown to cause significant spoilage through rapid colonization enabled by spore production, particularly affecting long-term storage. Contamination by Penicillium species poses risks to crops health, emphasizing the need for effective post-harvest management. In this study, Harumanis mango, widely consumed in Asia, especially in Malaysia, was selected as the model host. A single colony of P. georgiense was isolated, and their genomic DNA was extracted. The genome of the P. georgiense H_A strain was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform with short-read technology, revealing a genome size of 18,324,307 base pairs and a GC content of 46.2%. BUSCO analysis indicated 98% genome completeness, with high similarity to the P. georgiense SRG7 isolate. The annotated genome has been deposited in the NCBI GenBank database for accessibility. This study provides important genomic insights into P. georgiense, advancing our understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms and offering valuable data for improved post-harvest management of Harumanis mango.
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creator: Hajar Fauzan Ahmad
creator: M. S. I. Sahran
creator: Jasmine Teoh Wen Yi
creator: Siti Khadijah Kiram
creator: Jeyakirtana Jayabalan
creator: Muhammad Ikhmal Rosali
creator: Siti Munirah Musa
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2023-12-29
publication date: 2023-12-29
starting page: 36
ending page: 41
doi: 10.15282/cst.v3i2.11741

Modified Biochar from Waste Biomass for the Efficient Removal of Heavy Metals in Industrial Wastewater: A Review
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description: Due to advancements in society and industry, the problem of heavy metal contamination in water is becoming increasingly severe. Despite being a cost-effective and eco-friendly adsorbent for heavy metal ions, biochar's efficiency in adsorption and immobilisation needs further enhancement. Modified biochar, an enhanced iteration of biochar, has garnered significant interest among the scientific community. This article provides a concise overview of the latest advancements in treating heavy metal pollution in water through the utilisation of biochar. The discussion focused on the features and benefits of various biochar modification processes, including physical modification and chemical modification of biochar. A summary was made of the process by which modified biochar is used to eliminate heavy metals from water. The study revealed that biochar exhibited enhanced performance following modification, resulting in increased surface areas and a greater number of functional groups. Additionally, it demonstrated sufficient binding sites to effectively bind heavy metal ions. Biochar has great potential as a viable solution for the remediation of heavy metals in the environment. Nonetheless, the emphasis continues to be on the advancement of modified biochar that demonstrates high efficiency and cost-effectiveness, featuring a significant sorption capacity, outstanding photocatalytic performance, and environmentally acceptable characteristics that prevent secondary pollution.
subject: Review Articles
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creator: Wan Noni Afida Ab Manan
creator: Ahmad Zamani Ab Halim
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-06-21
publication date: 2024-06-21
starting page: 55
ending page: 66
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i1.11674

Feasibility of Biodiesel Production from Patty Oil Waste via the Transesterification
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description: Patty oil waste poses significant environmental risks, including land contamination, water pollution, and detrimental effects on plant and animal life if not managed appropriately. To address this issue, the transesterification process offers a sustainable solution for converting patty oil waste into biodiesel, an eco-friendly alternative fuel. This study aims to optimize biodiesel production from patty oil waste using a two-step transesterification process, evaluating its physical and chemical properties. The solid-phase patty oil waste was pretreated and processed using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a homogeneous catalyst. The initial free fatty acid (FFA) content of the patty oil waste was 6.175%, exceeding the acceptable 5% threshold for direct transesterification. After esterification, the FFA content was reduced to 1.238%, meeting the required specifications. Biodiesel properties were characterized using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), confirming high methyl ester conversion. The optimal reaction conditions were determined as a KOH concentration of 1.5 wt%, a reaction time of 90 minutes, and a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 6:1, yielding a maximum methyl ester conversion of 88.47%. The produced biodiesel exhibited properties in compliance with ASTM D6571 standards, including a density of 854 kg/m³, iodine value of 81.24 g/100 g, and acid value of 0.0314 mg KOH/g. This study highlights the potential of patty oil waste as a feedstock for biodiesel production and underscores the efficacy of RSM in optimizing the transesterification process for high-quality biodiesel yield.
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creator: Nur Syahirah Salehhuddin
creator: Muhammad Nor Fazli Abd Malek
creator: Gaanty Pragas Maniam
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-06-21
publication date: 2024-06-21
starting page: 51
ending page: 54
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i1.11561

Catalyst Effect on Steryl Glucosides Concentration in Palm-Based Biodiesel During Transesterification Process
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description: In this study, biodiesel was synthesized from crude palm oil through a double-step transesterification process using a CaO-SiO₂ bi-catalyst. The catalyst was designed to serve dual purposes: facilitating the transesterification reaction and removing steryl glucosides (SGs), a critical impurity in biodiesel. The process optimization was carried out using Central Composite Design to achieve maximum fatty acid methyl ester conversion. The synthesized biodiesel was characterized for density (0.863 g/cm³), viscosity (5 mPa·s), iodine value (19.572 g/100g), acid value (0.437 mg KOH/g), and conversion efficiency (81.71%), confirming its compliance with biodiesel standards. Catalyst characterization through SEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR analyses revealed an amorphous structure, high surface area (86.81 m²/g), and functional groups suitable for SG removal and catalytic activity. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed an SG removal efficiency of 79.15 %. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the CaO-SiO₂ bi-catalyst in integrating biodiesel synthesis and impurity removal in a single reaction, offering a simplified and efficient approach to biodiesel production.
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creator: Muhammad Nor Fazli Abd Malek
creator: Gaanty Pragas Maniam
creator: F. K. Azmi
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-06-21
publication date: 2024-06-21
starting page: 45
ending page: 50
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i1.11560

Development of Cylindrical Cavity Resonator Technique for Magnetic Loss Measurement in Yttrium Iron Garnet
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description: Cavity resonators are essential as high-sensitivity sensors, capable of detecting small changes in electromagnetic fields or material properties, owing to their ability to generate strong fields at resonance. However, due to budget constraints limiting access to advanced technology, developing a custom-built cavity resonator can be a more cost-effective alternative to purchasing commercially available resonators. Building on this motivation, a cylindrical cavity resonator was designed and fabricated specifically for microwave loss measurement, focusing on C-band frequencies. The performance of the fabricated resonator was assessed through COMSOL simulations and experimentally validated by measuring transmission loss with a vector network analyzer connected to the resonator, where a spherical yttrium iron garnet (YIG) sample was employed as a tested material. The simulation result of the magnetic field radiation pattern validates the performance and efficacy of the fabricated cavity resonator. The S21 parameter measurements revealed a transmission loss of -62.2 dB for the empty resonator, while the YIG-filled resonator exhibited a transmission loss of -57.87 dB under 0 kOe and increased to -23.13 dB when a magnetic field of 0.5 kOe was applied. The increase in transmission loss can be attributed to the changes in the magnetic properties of YIG under the influence of the external magnetic field. This resulted in enhanced resonance conditions where coupling between EM waves and the samples leads to improved resonance conditions and reduced losses, as the alignment of magnetic moments improves the coupling between electromagnetic waves and the materials, which is associated with the ferromagnetic resonance of YIG.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Rodziah Nazlan
creator: Farah Nabilah Shafiee
creator: Idza Riati Ibrahim
creator: Mohamad Ahsry Jusoh
creator: Ros Azlinawati Ramli
creator: F. Esa
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-06-21
publication date: 2024-06-21
starting page: 36
ending page: 44
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i1.11557

From Preparation to Product: Factors Influencing Probiotic Viability in Spray Drying
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description: With growing health awareness, particularly amid the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, consumers increasingly value nutrition, diet, and food safety. Probiotic-based foods and beverages are widely recognized for their health benefits, including improved gut health and immune function. Spray drying is a scalable and efficient method for encapsulating, enhancing the stability and shelf life of probiotics. This review explores strategies to optimize the spray drying process, with a particular focus on factors influencing probiotic viability during and after drying. Key considerations included strain-specific thermal tolerance, feed composition, and critical process parameters such as drying temperature and feed rate. Notably, encapsulating agents play a vital role in maintaining the physicochemical quality of the final product while protecting probiotics from environmental stress. Recent advancements in encapsulation technologies, including biopolymers, hybrid materials, and emerging nanotechnology-based solutions have shown significant potential for enhancing probiotic survival under harsh processing conditions. Future research should integrate molecular-level insights, such as omics-based approaches, to better understand stress responses and optimize encapsulation strategies. Genome-editing tools and high-throughput screening techniques could accelerate the creation of thermotolerant probiotic strains, enabling more robust formulations. In parallel, the development of environmentally sustainable encapsulating agents with superior protective properties is essential to advance both efficiency and scalability. By addressing these challenges, spray drying can be further refined to produce durable, high-quality probiotic formulations that meet the growing demand for functional foods and beverages, while aligning with evolving consumer health priorities.
subject: Review Articles
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creator: Phin Yin Sin
creator: Suat Hian Tan
creator: Mohd Fazli Farida Asras
creator: L. U. Karmawan
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-06-21
publication date: 2024-06-21
starting page: 22
ending page: 35
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i1.11125

Prediction of Smoke Temperature in a Warehouse Using Fire Dynamic Simulator
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description: The purpose of this study is to use computational fluid dynamics software, specifically the Fire Dynamics Simulator, to analyze the spread of smoke in high-rack warehouses. The significance of this research is risk that posed to human lives by smoke during fire incidents. High-rack warehouses were chosen as the focus due to their widespread construction globally, particularly in Malaysia where over 200 such warehouses exist. The developed model was modified multiple times to account for different parameter combinations, allowing for the simulation of numerous scenarios. The aim is to propose improvement that can assist designers and engineers in creating safer designs. The research objectives are to examine the relationship between smoke temperature and type of fire source in warehouse fires where the developed model was undergoing a few modifications on parameters and fire scenarios. The findings demonstrate that smoke temperature decreases with increasing building height and the presence of natural ventilation. Type of fire source also influence the smoke temperature. As a result, three recommendations have been derived from the results, intended for utilization by engineers and architects in the design of safer atriums in the future.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Nurud Suria Suhaimi
creator: Mohd Fadzil Mohd Idris
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-12-24
publication date: 2024-12-24
starting page: 5
ending page: 10
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i2.11101

The Effect of Diesel/Biodiesel Blend Ratio on Physical-Chemical Properties of Biodiesel
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description: Biodiesel is a highly sustainable alternative to alleviate fossil fuel shortages and environmental concerns. Many countries have adopted the practice of blending biodiesel into diesel at specific ratios. This study focused on the effect of different biodiesel-diesel blend ratio in terms of acid value, saponification value, peroxide value, and iodine value, and analysed by using Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. A series of diesel-biodiesel blends of B20, B40, B60, and B80 were prepared by mixing the biodiesel produced by refined, bleached, and deodorized palm oil through transesterification reaction with pure diesel. Based on the result, the FTIR spectrum showed a slight change in intensity and wavenumber for some possible functional groups but retained the same main characteristic peaks such as C=O, C-O, and OCH3. Predominant compound in biodiesel is oleic acid. Furthermore, acid value, saponification value, iodine value, and peroxide value increased from Euro 5 (B7) to B80 with linear regression (R2) of 0.9817, 0.9971, 0.7521, and 0.9911, respectively. The absence of aromatic compounds in biodiesel causes a decrease in the absorbance of UV light from Euro 5 to B80. Yet, tested parameters were positively accepted according to ASTM - D6751 standard method. Hence, determining the physicochemical properties of blend ratio is vital for industries to counter false claims economically and effectively.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: C. Z. Ying
creator: G. P. Maniam
creator: N. M. Hussin
creator: Siti Norhafiza Mohd Khazaai
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2023-12-29
publication date: 2023-12-29
starting page: 30
ending page: 35
doi: 10.15282/cst.v3i2.10710

Impact of Storage Temperature and Duration on Ethanol Content in Juice and Soft Drinks
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description: The ethanol content in beverages can be impacted by storage conditions, presenting potential implications for product quality and consumer safety. The study examined the impact of storage temperature and duration on ethanol levels in various beverages, including sugarcane juice, grape juice, and soft drinks. The findings suggest that storage conditions significantly influence ethanol production, particularly in sugarcane juice. Storing sugarcane juice at 28°C for 14 days resulted in a substantial increase in ethanol content, from 2.11% to 7.32% alcohol by volume (ABV). In contrast, grape juice exhibited moderate ethanol increases, and soft drinks showed minimal changes, with ethanol peaking at 0.95% ABV. These results highlight the accelerated fermentation process in sugarcane juice under higher temperatures and underline the importance of maintaining strict storage conditions to preserve beverage quality. Comparative analysis indicates that sugarcane juice is highly susceptible to ethanol generation when stored at room temperature, emphasizing the necessity of refrigeration to maintain its safety and flavor profile.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Sharinazainor Sharina Mohamed Shariff
creator: Nur Hajarrul Atika Adnan
creator: Nazikussabah Zaharudin
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2023-12-29
publication date: 2023-12-29
starting page: 7
ending page: 12
doi: 10.15282/cst.v3i2.10285

The Prevalence of Work-Related Respiratory Disease among Dairy Farmers
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description: Work-related respiratory disease is very common among dairy farming sectors. The respiratory problems and symptoms have been assessed using a validated respiratory health status questionnaire in 85 dairy farmers. This study involves a cross-sectional study design where descriptive analysis is being used to determine the prevalence of respiratory disease using frequency and the chi square test of independence was performed to determine the relationship between respiratory disease and work practices. Respiratory diseases with the highest prevalence include tuberculosis (31.8%) and asthma (8.2%). The most common respiratory disease symptoms among dairy farmers are productive cough (40.0%) and wheeze (21.2%). There is no correlation between the length of time dairy farmers worked and the feeding approach they employed and work-related respiratory disease. A significant frequency of respiratory difficulties is still experienced by dairy farmers. Although the precise cause is still unidentified but, it may be connected to extended exposure to dust during work.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: N. A. Athirah
creator: Afiza Abdullah Suhaimi
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-06-21
publication date: 2024-06-21
starting page: 12
ending page: 21
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i1.10390

Fire Loads Calculation in The School Library: A Case Study
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description: A combustible material is one of fire hazard where the number of combustible materials or fire load could affect the heat release and fire severity in enclosure. A library is a facility where books and information sources are kept. People can reach them more easily for a variety of reasons such as knowledge. As the library is full of combustible materials such as books, the probability of fires happening there is high. The awareness of the danger of fire caused by fire load is low because most people think that the occurrence of fire in the school library is low. Therefore, this research objectives aim to identify the types of fire loads that are present in the library and to determine what type of fire load has the highest contribution to fire hazard. The determinations of fire load were conducted by using combination of fire load survey method, weighing and inventory method. In this study, the paper is higher than other combustible material that is 27705.6 MJ and the total of fire load density of the library is 234211.9 MJ/m2 that is fall under high class of fire. Result from fire load survey can help to determine the sufficient requirements of fire suppression in school library as well as fire fighters’ intervention strategy. Furthermore, this study contributes to fire risk assessment towards life safety, property, and environmental damage thus improving the fire safety measures and preparedness in educational settings.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Nurul Izzah Ab Razak
creator: Nurud Suria Suhaimi
creator: Wan Zaiton Wan Sulaiman
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-12-24
publication date: 2024-12-24
starting page: 1
ending page: 4
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i2.10849

Building Occupant Satisfaction Towards Indoor Environmental Quality of Library
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description: Indoor environment is an important factor to be considered while designing a building. The quality of the indoor environment for buildings that are not in the “non -profit” category is rarely given attention. The quality of a library’s indoor environment is crucial to be highlighted as modern people are spending 90% of their time in enclosed spaces. Disruption of the indoor environment can reduce the efficiency and satisfaction of the occupants. Occupants are going to feel insecure making their job in an unhealthful environment. The purpose of this study is to assess the building occupant satisfaction in library regarding indoor environment. A total of 85 questionnaires were distributed to the users of the Kemaman District Library in Terengganu. To investigate occupants’ satisfaction, quantitative approaches were applied and evaluated by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The results of a self-assessed occupant satisfaction survey revealed that the indoor environment quality, as well as the interior design, had a positive correlation and significant effect on occupant satisfaction. Interior design accounted for 39% of occupant satisfaction since the p-value is lower than significant value (β=0.390, p-value=0.000<0.05), whereas the indoor environment quality accounted with the largest beta coefficient (β=0.497, p-value=0.000<0.05) which has explained 49.7% of the variation in occupant satisfaction. When compared to the indoor environment quality, respondents were found to be less satisfied with the interior design. This study contributes to the proposal of interior design solutions to improve and maintain occupant satisfaction in the library.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Tuan Nurul Asmaq Tuan Kamaruddin
creator: Norhidayah Abdull
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2023-12-29
publication date: 2023-12-29
starting page: 1
ending page: 6
doi: 10.15282/cst.v3i2.10282

Current State of Safety Climate among Food Delivery Service in Kuantan
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description: The gig economy has developed as a transformational force in modern labor markets, typified by short-term, freelancer, or independent employment arrangements. It includes a wide range of on-demand labor where individuals work as independent contractors, offering services or performing tasks via digital platforms or applications. The expansion of this industry has provided workers with unprecedented freedom and opportunity, but it has also presented new concerns, notably in terms of occupational safety. The most popular gig works prior Covid-19 pandemic include food delivery riders. This study aims to investigate the safety climate among food delivery services in Kuantan. This current study was focusing on the safety views of Grab’s delivery service workers in Kuantan. About 100 respondents participated in this study through convenience sampling. The safety climate assessment was conducted using the NORDIC safety climate questionnaire. From the result, the highest mean value of the seven safety domains was in the Safety procedures and rules domain (2.78), and the lowest mean value belonged to the safety climate domain (2.41).
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Nurliyana Moh Hussin
creator: Nur Wahida Athi’roh Mohd Yusoff
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-06-21
publication date: 2024-06-21
starting page: 7
ending page: 11
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i1.10362

Evolution of Graphene, Graphene Oxide, Reduced Graphene Oxide: An Exploratory Study Using Citation Network Analysis
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description: Graphene and its synthesis, along with its derivatives, have been at the forefront of materials’ research since its discovery in 2004. An analysis done during Dec 2023 using the keywords “graphene” and “synthesis” revealed nearly 40,000 research papers including journal articles, conference proceedings, reviews, books and book chapters; analysis of this vast data is beyond human abilities and requires computational intelligence. One of the research methodologies employed in analysing such vast data is Citation Network Analysis (CNA). Choosing the threshold citation to be two, the CNA constituted a cluster containing 294,680 papers. Using CNA, this study categorises this extensive literature into 12 clusters, unveiling their main paths of evolution. Notably, the most active research area focuses on the development of electrode materials for electrochemical applications. Additional focal points include advanced photocatalysts, electrocatalytic nitrogen fixation, wideband electromagnetic wave absorption materials, catalysts for formic acid oxidation, and flame retardancy in epoxy resin. The preference for the modified Hummers' method for synthesising graphene oxide emerges prominently due to its scalability. The implications of these findings are profound, paving the way for advancements in graphene synthesis with widespread impacts in industrial applications. By examining the historical trajectory of graphene research, this study offers critical insights, guiding future research endeavours in advanced materials science
subject: Review Articles
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creator: Aman Sheji
creator: Dawn Sivan
creator: Rajan Jose
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2024-06-21
publication date: 2024-06-21
starting page: 1
ending page: 6
doi: 10.15282/cst.v4i1.10294

Influence of Dopant Concentrations on Morphological and Optical Characteristics of Silver Doped Zinc Oxide Thin Films
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description: Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films are widely used in critical applications such as solar cells, sensors, photodetectors, and conductive layers. Many efforts have been made to modify the properties of ZnO through doping so that it can be used more widely in research fields. In this work, we report silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) thin films by varying the Ag concentrations between 0.05 and 0.25 wt.%. The samples were prepared through the sol-gel method, followed by the spin-coating technique onto glass substrates. The work aims to investigate how different Ag concentrations affect the morphological characteristics and optical properties of the prepared Ag-ZnO thin films. The spin-coated Ag-ZnO thin film thickness was controlled at three layers to ensure the adhesion of the nanoparticles. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) analysis showed that as the Ag concentration increased, the particles transitioned from spherical to flake-like morphologies with smaller grain sizes. The optical energy band gap was decreased to 3.17 eV from 3.28 eV (undoped ZnO) when the concentration of Ag was the highest at 0.25 wt.%. The findings reveal that Ag doping can tailor ZnO thin films morphology and energy band gap, expanding their potential use in optoelectronic and energy devices through enhanced surface area, catalytic activity, and light absorption capabilities.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Nur Rasyidah Rusli
creator: Nur Aimi Syaqilah Aziz
creator: Nurul Fatihah Norapandi
creator: Nurjannah Salim
creator: Nurul Huda Abu Bakar
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2023-12-29
publication date: 2023-12-29
starting page: 24
ending page: 29
doi: 10.15282/cst.v3i2.10483

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of zinc oxide nanostructures grown by the hot-tube thermal evaporation method
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description: As photocatalysis has become a promising solution for water treatment to remove toxic substances caused by the textile industry, many researchers are finding ways to improve the photocatalysis process. Over time, zinc oxide (ZnO) which has many attractive properties despite being low-cost, has attracted researchers. However, ZnO also has room for improvement and there are many other ways to enhance ZnO as a photocatalyst to be more efficient in water treatment. In this study, nanostructure ZnO is proposed to be used instead of bulk ZnO. Among the several ways available to synthesise ZnO nanowires, this research advocated employing the hot-tube thermal evaporation approach. Instead of the normal thermal evaporation method, other problems might occur to grow well-aligned ZnO nanowires which can be overcome by using a tube. In this study, the influence of oxygen gas flow rates at 5%, 10%, and 25% is also examined. The Energy-Dispersive X-ray analysis indicated that the sample contains a high proportion of zinc and oxygen, suggesting a high-purity ZnO composition. The highest strong diffraction peak for X-ray Diffraction of ZnO was found at (101), which showed a single crystalline hexagonal structure with an optimal growth direction in the c-axis. As from the photocatalytic activity, all three samples are observed from the photodegradation efficiency. In summary, the sample with a 25% oxygen gas flow rate was selected as the optimal condition for synthesising a homogeneous ZnO surface with high crystallinity via a hot-tube thermal evaporation process, yielding the best photodegradation efficiency in the photocatalysis process.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Ummu Humairah Hashim
creator: Nur Najiha Abd Hamid
creator: Syahida Suhaimi
creator: Nur Athirah Mohd Taib
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2025-06-30
publication date: 2025-06-30
starting page: 48
ending page: 60
doi: 10.15282/cst.v5i1.10632

The Effects of Indoor Air Quality on Health and Productivity of Workers in a Manufacturing Industry in Malaysia
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description: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has a significant impact on health and quality of life in general. IAQ can be affected by various chemicals, including gases (i.e., carbon monoxide, ozone, radon), volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and fibres, organic and inorganic contaminants, and biological particles such as bacteria, fungi, and pollen. Studies of buildings have indicated that poor IAQ can cause health problems, affect occupants’ productivity. This research analyses how the indoor air quality can affect the health and productivity of workers in a manufacturing industry in Malaysia. As for the health effects, poor indoor air quality can give short-term effects as well as to a long-term risk. To complete this study, a set of questionnaires were distributed to 50 workers in the manufacturing industry in Malaysia. The findings indicated a modest positive correlation between IAQ and worker health, while significant correlation was observed between IAQ and productivity. In conclusion, there are many actions and recommendations that can be contemplated in protract the best and excellent reputation and performance of the company moreover by considering improving the indoor air quality, health and productivity of workers.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Khairul Iman S.
creator: Nurud Suria Suhaimi
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2023-12-29
publication date: 2023-12-29
starting page: 19
ending page: 23
doi: 10.15282/cst.v3i2.10391

Formulation of Feed Pellet with MD2 Pineapple Peel Inclusion as Potential Prebiotic for Local Red Hybrid Tilapia Fish, Oreochromis Niloticus
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description: Fruit waste such as pineapple peel is cost-effective, halal and can be applied as feed additives for the value-added feed. Unrestrained use of antibiotics to maintain the health of aquaculture has implicated resistance to pathogenic aquaculture bacteria towards the antibiotics and somehow leaking into the food chain. Therefore, incorporating prebiotics in aquaculture as feed additives could be a harmless and better option to promote aquaculture well-being. The aim of this study is to formulate fish feed for Red Hybrid tilapia, with the inclusion of 5% MD2 pineapple peel (PAP) as a prebiotic supplement and to evaluate the nutritional diet and physical characteristics of the pellet. The tilapia fish diet contains soybean meal, fish meal, corn, corn gluten meal, casava tuber meal, palm oil, mineral premix, vitamins, and MD2 pineapple peel. The formulation comprises calculated values of digestible energy;14MJ/kg and 32%digestible protein. The results for moisture content, bulk density, floatability, expansion ratio and hardness were 25.06%, 385.28kg/m3, 97%, 1.09 and 3.65 respectively. It can be concluded that the formulated pellet was comparable to the commercial feed, Starfeed brand.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Sukirah Abdul Rahman
creator: M.Y.A. Shukor
creator: S. Mustafa
creator: M.S. Kamaruddin
creator: Y.S. Ting
creator: F.I. Jamaludin
creator: N. Samad
creator: S.P. Koh
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2023-06-15
publication date: 2023-06-15
starting page: 1
ending page: 8
doi: 10.15282/cst.v3i1.10410

Effect of Free Fatty Acid on Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil
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description: The presence of high free fatty acids (FFA) in the feedstock is a primary concern in biodiesel production. Waste cooking oil (WCO) is a potential environmentally friendly source, but further research is needed to fully characterize its properties. This study successfully explored the effect of FFA on the transesterification reaction and achieved the conversion of triglycerides in WCO to biodiesel under optimal conditions (molar ratio of oil to methanol 1:9, 2 hours, 65°C, catalyst loading 2.0 wt.% of WCO). The results show that for feedstocks with 0-3% FFA content, methyl ester conversion exceeds 90%, while for feedstocks containing 4-6% FFA, the conversion rate is less than 50%. Biodiesel containing 4–6% FFA undergoes saponification reaction during washing, highlighting the need for pretreatment prior to transesterification. In contrast, 0-3% FFA showed no saponification effect. The physicochemical properties of biodiesel from each FFA% feedstock, including acid value, degree of saponification, viscosity, density, and moisture content, were observed and compared with the ASTM D6751 standard. The results show that the acid value is directly proportional to FFA%, while the saponification value is inversely proportional. This study found that other properties such as viscosity, density, and moisture content were not related to biodiesel quality. In contrast, saponification value testing and GC analysis highlighted the impact of FFA percentage in the feedstock on biodiesel production.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Gaanty Pragas Maniam
creator: Hui Shan Lim
creator: Noraini Mat Hussin
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2023-05-15
publication date: 2023-05-15
starting page: 57
ending page: 63
doi: 10.15282/cst.v3i1.10290

Study on the Relations of Ionic Conductivity and Transport Properties of Alginate-PVA Based Bio-Polymer Blend Electrolytes System
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description: The growing interest in green energy storage materials has led to a renewed focus on creating biopolymer materials as electrolytes for electrochemical devices. In addition to being environmentally benign, it may result in lower costs and many financial prospects. This study sheds light on the protonation process of bio-polymer blend electrolytes based on alginate-poly (vinyl alcohol) (Alg-PVA) synthesized using the solution cast method and doped with varying concentrations of ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4. The impedance spectroscopy obtained the Cole-Cole plot, and the bulk resistance value decreased when (NH4)2SO4 was added. The calculated ionic conductivity showed the optimum value at 1.26 × 10-4 S cm-1 for a sample containing 15 wt.% of (NH4)2SO4. The dielectric responses were used to assess the transport parameters of ion conduction, and it was shown that the principal causes of the increase in ionic conductivity are increased ion mobility and diffusion coefficient caused by the addition of (NH4)2SO4.
subject: Research Articles
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creator: Ahmad Salihin Samsudin
creator: S. N. A. Azahar
creator: N. M. Ghazali
creator: M. Diantoro
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
date: 2023-12-29
publication date: 2023-12-29
starting page: 13
ending page: 18
doi: 10.15282/cst.v3i2.10370