Journal of Technomaterial Physics

Enhancement of the Sensing Properties of Chitosan Films as an Acetone Gas Sensor with the Addition of Tin Oxide (SnO2)

Tulus Ikhsan Nasution, Novia Syafriani Lubis — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In this study, the sensing properties of the chitosan film sensor were successfully improved by adding tin oxide (SnO₂). The addition of SnO₂concentration to the chitosan solution was 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.5% (w/v). The sensor is fabricated as a film using the electrodeposition method. The sensing properties of chitosan and chitosan-SnO₂ film sensors were exposed to acetone gas with concentrations of 0.5; 1; 1.5; 2; 2.5; and 3 ppm. The testing results show that chitosan film's response and repeatability properties produced the highest output voltage of 514 mV at 1.5 ppm, while the lowest output voltage value was 499.72 at 0.5 ppm. The addition of SnO₂with the highest concentration of 0.5% increased the response and repeatability properties in the form of the highest output voltage to 569.34 mV at 3 ppm, while the SnO₂ concentration of 0.01% resulted in the lowest sensor output voltage of 504.84 mV at 0.5 ppm. The reproducibility of chitosan film became better due to the addition of SnO_2, which resulted in a low STDEV value of 0.005 compared to that of chitosan film without the addition of SnO₂, namely 0.156. The sensitivity of the chitosan film added by SnO₂increased, indicated by the increase in the slope value of 17.142 compared to the chitosan film without the addition of SnO₂, which was 1.82. The SEM characterization showed that adding SnO₂ increased the number of pores formed on the film, which strengthened the ability to absorb acetone. This is also evidenced by the FTIR results, which show the presence of SnO₂ in the peak range of the wavenumbers from 677-717 cm^-1. Therefore, the chitosan film sensor with the addition of SnO₂concentration showed better-sensing properties than chitosan film, which could be applied as an acetone gas sensor.

Linearity Test of CT Number and Spatial Resolution Using ACR 464 Phantom for Image Quality Assessment on a 16-Slice CT Scanner

Awan Maghfirah, Abdul Rahim, Amira Fadhlin — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study was conducted to test the linearity of CT Numbers and spatial resolution in CT scan images using the American College of Radiology (ACR) 464 Phantom. The objectives of this study are to determine the correlation coefficient of the linear relationship between CT Numbers and electron density, as well as to determine the spatial resolution and the effect of slice thickness on CT scan image quality. The slice thickness variations used were 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm, and 4.0 mm. CT Numbers were obtained by placing a circular ROI with a diameter of 20 mm, using a tube voltage of 120 kV and a tube current of 300 mA. The measurement results showed that the linearity correlation coefficients between CT Numbers and electron density were 0.9997 for a slice thickness of 1.0 mm, 0.9996 for 2.0 mm, and 0.9995 for 4.0 mm, with all values passing the test requirement of R² ≥ 0.99. The spatial resolution measurements resulted in values of 0.5 lp/mm, 0.6 lp/mm, and 0.7 lp/mm for each slice thickness, all of which met the minimum requirement of 0.5 lp/mm according to the BAPETEN Regulation No. 2 of 2018 regarding the acceptance criteria for X-ray CT scanner conformity tests.

Effect of Activated Carbon on Cellulose Nanofiber Aerogels for Enhanced Solar Steam Generation

Diana Alemin Barus, Kevin Nainggolan — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The development of efficient and environmentally friendly clean water production systems is becoming increasingly important. This study focuses on an innovative evaporator for a Solar Steam Generator (SSG) system designed to produce clean water using accessible materials. The SSG evaporator is constructed from cellulose bonded with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and incorporates a freeze-drying method to enhance porosity, which improves water delivery within the SSG system. To further boost the efficiency of the evaporator, activated carbon (AC) is added due to its effective absorption of visible to infrared radiation. Evaporation rate testing demonstrates that the addition of 3 wt% AC yields an evaporation rate of 1.39 kg/m²/h and an efficiency of 58.56%. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to analyze changes in the sample after AC addition and to examine infrared absorption characteristics.

Manufacture and Characterization of Polymer Concrete Using Duck Egg Shell Powder, Areca Nut Fiber, and Epoxy Resin

Fauzi Fauzi, Ramayana Sitorus Pane — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research investigates the optimal composition of polymer concrete and its effects on physical and mechanical properties. Variations in composition were tested using a mixture of sand and eggshell powder in a 2:1 ratio, combined with areca nut fiber at concentrations of 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16%, and epoxy resin at levels of 20%, 25%, and 30%. Polymer concrete specimens were molded using a hot press at 90°C for 20 minutes. The study found that the optimal physical properties were achieved with a density of 1.61 g/cm³, porosity of 7.55%, and water absorption of 6.75%. The minimum physical properties recorded were a density of 1.11 g/cm³, porosity of 0.95%, and water absorption of 0.62%. The highest values observed for mechanical properties were a flexural strength of 54.13 MPa, compressive strength of 29.20 MPa, and tensile strength of 13.92 MPa. Conversely, the lowest mechanical properties were a flexural strength of 32.95 MPa, compressive strength of 8.65 MPa, and tensile strength of 2.94 MPa. SEM-EDX analysis revealed the presence of cavities within the samples and uneven distribution of epoxy resin, indicating areas where the resin clumped. The physical and mechanical properties of the polymer concrete in this study conform to the SNI 03-0691-1996 standards.

Viscosity Characteristics of Renewable Energy Fuels from PP and HDPE Plastic Waste Conversion

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the viscosity characteristics of Renewable Energy Fuel derived from plastic waste, specifically Polypropylene (PP) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The plastics were subjected to pyrolysis using a plastic waste conversion technology machine at temperatures of 250°C to 400°C. Compared to diesel, the average viscosity of pyrolyzed PP oil is approximately 4.25 cSt, while for pyrolyzed HDPE oil, it is about 3.3725 cSt. Compared to gasoline, the average viscosity values for the oils are 0.603 cSt for PP and 0.5965 cSt for HDPE. These results indicate that both oils have viscosities similar to petrol, suggesting that PP and HDPE plastics can produce fuels with comparable fluid properties. However, further evaluation of other factors like yield, chemical composition, and combustion performance is necessary to determine which plastic provides the overall best characteristics for renewable energy fuel.

Distance Measurement of Low Reflectance Objects Using Indirect Time of Flight LiDAR

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Remote sensing is a system that enables data collection without physical contact with the object or its environment. Light detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is increasingly important in various industries, particularly developing autonomous vehicles. In autonomous vehicle applications, LiDAR is expected to detect multiple objects from high and low reflectance to make it easy to recognize its surrounding area. We have designed a biaxial LiDAR range finder system based on indirect time of flight technology, which has been tested to measure the distance of an object with high reflectance. In this work, we employ the system to measure the distance of an object with low reflectance from High Impact PolySterene (HIPS). The results show that the systems can measure objects from HIPS up to 33 m, which is lower than when the system measures an object with high reflectance.

Characterization of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Thermoplastics with Rice Husk Ash Nanosilica Filler Synthesized Using the Coprecipitation Method

Erna Frida Sahrinah, Sahrinah — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

LDPE thermoplastics have been made with rice husk ash nanosilica filler, which is synthesized using the coprecipitation method. The nanosynthesis of rice husk ash silica was carried out with HCl 2M and NaOH 2.5M solvents with a ratio of 1:3. The synthesized nanosilica was then characterized using XRD and obtained an average size of 23.09 nm. Based on the results of XRF characterization, it is known that there is 92.99% SiO2 and the most abundant element, namely Si, 43.47%. The composition of each LDPE/nanosilica rice husk silica was varied (100/0, 98/2, 96/4, 94/6, and 92/8 % by weight), and mechanical properties in the form of tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of elasticity were tested using ASTM D638 standard. The results of the mechanical test were obtained with the optimum tensile strength value in the composition (96/4% by weight) of 10.53 MPa, the optimal elongation value at the break in the composition (100/0% by weight) of 201.5%, and the optimum elastic modulus value in the composition (96/4% by weight) of 226.57 MPa. The addition of RICE HUSK SILICA nanosilica as a filler is proven to improve the mechanical properties of LDPE thermoplastic in terms of tensile strength and modulus of elasticity compared to LDPE without filler material (100/0% by weight).

Utilization of Bluetooth Module As An Additional Security of Arduino-Based Motorized Vehicles

Kurnia Brahmana, Theresia Megarani — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The escalation in motorcycle ownership has paralleled a rise in theft incidents, challenging the efficacy of existing security measures. Despite the integration of standard security systems on motorcycles, the persistence of thefts underscores the need for innovative solutions. This study introduces a novel security device that leverages Bluetooth HC-05 technology and an ATmega328 microcontroller to address this issue. The proposed system transcends conventional security protocols by establishing a dynamic link between the motorcycle and its owner. An alarm is triggered when the distance between the paired Bluetooth devices exceeds a predefined threshold, signaling potential unauthorized movement. Moreover, the system is engineered to deactivate the motorcycle's ignition upon Bluetooth connectivity loss, immobilizing the engine and thwarting theft attempts. This advanced security mechanism enhances the protection of motorcycles by incorporating proximity-based alerts and automated engine shutdown features, offering a formidable deterrent against theft. The article delineates this security system's design, implementation, and potential impact, positioning it as a critical advancement in motorcycle anti-theft technology.

Comparative Analysis of Gasoline and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) on Motorcycle Engine Performance

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to determine the efficiency of LPG fuel performance compared to gasoline in motorcycle engines. The research method involves a brake dynamometer test with engine speed variations of 2000 rpm, 2200 rpm, and 2500 rpm. Based on the results obtained, the exhaust gas temperature (°C) at an engine speed of 2000 rpm with gasoline is 148°C and 146°C, while with LPG, it is 107°C and 108°C. The fuel consumption rate (cc/min) at 2000 rpm is 15.8 cc/min, 16.2 cc/min with gasoline, and 9.36 cc/min with LPG. At 2200 rpm, the fuel consumption is 16.2 cc/min, 22.8 cc/min with gasoline, and 10.48 cc/min with LPG. At 2500 rpm, it is 20.2 cc/min, 19.4 cc/min with gasoline, and 14.40 cc/min with LPG. In terms of fuel consumption savings, using LPG as a fuel can significantly reduce fuel usage.

Utilization of PT INALUM Baking Filter Dust Waste and Coconut Shell Charcoal in Making Hybrid Briquettes

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The global energy crisis and dependence on fossil fuels require the search for renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources. The smelter industry of PT INALUM produces Baking Filter Dust (BFD) as waste, which can pollute theenvironment if not properly managed. Meanwhile, coconut shells, an abundant agricultural waste, hold potential as an alternative fuel. This research aims to develop hybrid briquettes from BFD and coconut shell charcoal, according to SNINo.01-6235-2000 standards. The study involved collecting and preparing BFD from PT INALUM and coconut shell charcoal, producing briquettes with varying ratios from 20% BFD: 80% charcoal to 80% BFD: 20% charcoal. The quality of the briquettes was tested through proximate and ultimate analyses, with characterization using XRF, FTIR, SEM-EDS, and TGA to determine elemental content, functional groups, structure, chemical composition, and thermal stability. The results indicated that briquettes with 60% BFD and 40% coconut shell charcoal exhibited the highest quality, with a calorific value of 6557.3 cal/g, fixed carbon content of 86.2%, ash content of 3.38%, moisture content of 3.22%, volatile matter content of 7.2%, and sulfur content of 0.47%. These briquettes meet SNI No.01-6235-2000 standards and provide a viable solution for managing industrial waste and supplying sustainable alternative fuel.