CENTRES

RESEARCH CENTRESCCSPCFMNCAAR

RESEARCH CENTRES

Centre for Chemical Synthesis & Polymer Technology (CCSPT)

(1) Synthesis and Chemical Biology Group

Synthesis and Chemical Biology group concentrates on creating and understanding new molecules, which will lead to the discovery of new or refined drugs as well as novel and advanced materials for industrial applications. The group is also involved in the development of innovative tools to investigate biological assays such as antibacterial, antiviral, neuro-toxicity and neuro-protection. The group focuses in the research area of organic chemistry namely development of synthetic methodology and structural exploration/ synthetic studies of some nitrogen heterocycles with a pyrrolidine ring system towards bioactive natural compounds. The tissue culture laboratory is equipped with a bioanalyzer for DNA, RNA and proteins analyses, and GloMax®-Multi+ Detection System for determining cell viability, cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Currently, the centre has more than 15 postgraduate students conducting research in various synthesis and biological research areas.

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(2) Polymer Composites Technology Group

Polymer Composites Research and Technology group is established to be a base for researches that will have an impact on the academic and industrial practices and productivity through the understanding and application of fundamental and advanced polymer composites technology. Supported by a comprehensive research laboratory (Polymer Characterization Research Lab and Polymer Fabrication Research Lab), researches under this group are focusing on the development of innovative polymer composites materials (thermosets, thermoplastics and rubber) which include the usage of functional fillers (bio-based and synthetic), advanced mechanical and physical testing and analysis, thermal and dynamic studies, and the studies on the innovative polymer composites fabrications and testing. The members and associate members of this group are from various research backgrounds such as applied sciences and engineering. As to maintain the standard of researches to be accepted by the industries, few associate members were appointed from various private sectors. The center has dedicated external professors as academic advisors for the academic courses run by the center. Until today, this group has produced many postgraduate students by research at MSc. and PhD. levels. On top of that, this group has many collaborative works and provides continuous testing services to researchers from within the university and also to the outsiders. With proper planning and support, the center aims to be one of the leading reference centers in the field of polymer composites in this country.

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Research Topics

Organic Synthesis

The research group focuses in the research area of organic chemistry namely development of synthetic methodology, in addition to structural exploration and synthetic studies of some nitrogen heterocycles with a pyrrolidine ring system such as proteasome inhibitor lactacystin, hypotensive drug codonopsinine, lipophilic neurotoxin janolusimide and angiogenesis inhibitor streptopyrrolidine.

Bacteriophages as Bio-controls Agents

Bacterial viruses are the natural predators of bacteria and thus are promising candidates as bio-control agents for infectious diseases. The research in this area focuses on bacteriophages as bio-controls for plant pathogens and antibiotic resistant bacteria’.

Molecular Typing

Molecular typing of plant pathogens and extensively drug resistance bacteria are being carried out to study variations in the pathogenicity, virulence, clonality of individual strains within a species and to and to monitor the reservoirs of epidemic organisms.

Drug Discovery

New antimicrobials are prospected in endophytic, epiphytic and marine bacteria. This also includes investigating the presence of quorum sensing inhibitors from the above mentioned organisms and in medicinal plants. Drugs with neuroprotection activities are also being prospected from marine organisms and natural products.

Polymer Matrix Improvements and Modifications

The commercial polymer matrix has some setback such as rigid and brittle, low toughness, low thermal and environmental stability resulting to limitation in the applications. Our aim is to physically and/ or chemically modified the commercial polymer matrix to improve the properties in which will result to the increase the number of applications of the polymer matrix system. In making those modifications, the cost factors will be taken into consideration where the modification made shall have no severe effect on the polymer matrix prices hoping to give a competitive alternative material.

Polymer Composite as Implant Materials

The human implant, especially at the lower limb, mostly made of titanium and only a small part that is made from polymers. Looking at some disadvantages of the titanium, our research group is trying to find the most suitable (physical, mechanical & physiological compatible) polymer composites material with the possibility acting as an alternative materials to be considered since the polymer composite can be tailored to almost replicate the mechanical properties of the bones. The design and the materials can further simulate using FEA as to obtain the combination of best design and the type of polymer composites.

Hybrid Reinforced Polymer Composite System

Hybridization of the fillers or fibres in a polymer matrix to form polymer composite are the most common recipe in order to obtain a well balanced of the polymer composites properties and are being applied in most of the polymer composite research nowadays. It seems simple, nevertheless, the challenge of understanding the interaction and the behaviour of these fillers and/ or fibres as they are being put together is not that easy. New knowledge and understanding are expected to be shared among fellow researchers around the world in the effect of hybridization of nano-fillers, nano-/ micron fillers, particulate fillers (nano-/ micron fillers) with fibre system and hybrid fibre composite system.

Bio-based Filled Polymer Composites

When talking about a reduction of carbon footprint, one of the considerations is the usage of the bio-based material. For composite system, we use bio-base materials as fillers either in fibrous form or in particulate form. The study will be concentrated on the effect of incorporating these fillers into the polymer matrix and matching it to the possible product to be fabricated. Having said that, the research does not stop there, where we expend our observation into the fracture behaviour of the natural based fibre polymer composite system by identifying the individual type of fibre failure that might happen. With this information we hoped that the usage of bio-based filler system can further be enhanced - reducing cost and save our mother nature.

Centre for Functional Materials & Nanotechnology (CFMN)

(1) Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Group

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology group is a multi-disciplinary “Research and Development Centre for Nano-Science and Nano-Technology”. NANO-SciTech group focuses on the synthesis, fabrication, characterization, measurement, evaluation and analysis of Nano-Structured Materials, Nano-Structured Thin Films, Nano-Composited Materials, Nano-Composited Thin Films, Nano-Electronic Devices, and Nano-Ionic Devices. NANO-SciTech group has a mission to foster research and education to outreach towards establishing Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) as one of the leading Research University in Nano-Science and Nano-Technology. NANO-SciTech group aims to become one of the world leaders in Nano-Science and Nano-Technology research. NANO-SciTech group explores the inventions and innovations the current trends in research and academic opportunities as a magical new world full of potential.

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(2) Energy & Catalysis Group

Energy & Catalysis Group under the Centre for Functional Materials and Nanotechnology (CFMN) focusing on the research works involving synthesis and characterization of various types of nanomaterials with some modification and functionalization that can be used in many applications such as biofuel and renewable energy, batteries, super and semiconductors, solar cells, environment remediation and others.

The research group concentrates on fundamental studies involving thermal, structural, morphological, optical, electrical, electrochemical, conductivity and etc. Our laboratory is equipped with a vast of equipment such as TGA, DSC, DTG, XRD, BET, FESEM, EDX, UV-Vis, FTIR, EIS, particle sizer, HRTEM, XPS and battery tester. We are welcome for national and international collaborations. At the moment, we also signed MoU with Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and Samsung SDI Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. Our researchers also did short research attachments at Melbourne Synchrotron, Synchrotron Light Research Institute (SLRI Thailand), Hiroshima University, and others. The research group intends to be a reference group for nanomaterials research in Malaysia. This centre intends to be a reference group for nanomaterials research in Malaysia.

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(3) Advanced Materials Group

Advanced Materials group is established as one of the research group under the patronage of Institute of Science. With its focuses on solid state science and technology which include ionic materials and devices, organic-electronic materials, coating materials as well as theoretical and computational studies of smart materials, the Advanced Materials group is unique in its field of research. The group especially places great emphasis on the development and application of new methodological approaches. Beginning with their creative design, the composition of the materials, their characterization up to the processing of materials, the group interdisciplinary mode of operation of ties all necessary specific disciplines ant thus offers the ideal basis for excellent research. The group is also actively engaged in the research collaboration with a few international and national research institutions. The group is equipped with a number of service groups for sample preparation, characterization and fabrication, each of which are coordinated by a head of research group but can also be accessed by all employees.

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Research Topics

The Amelioration of Highly Conductive ZAO Nanorod Arrays

An eco-friendly, highly conductive and vertically aligned ZAO nanorod arrays (NRAS) has been successfully prepared by novel dual sonication process. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that the NRAS exhibited a hexagonal structure with a flat-end facet. The NRAS displayed similar surface morphologies and grew uniformly on Al:ZnO-coated substrate, with the average diameter range between 47.6 and 63.5 nm. In addition, the x-ray diffraction spectra indicated that the prepared nras were grew preferentially along the c-axis orientation with a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The nras have been used in the fabrication of sensors and several types of solar cells such as dye sensitised solar cell, hybrid solar cell, organic solar cell and perovskite solar cell. The utilisation of the nras will enhance the electron transport in vertical direction and also for light harvesting applications for high performance devices.

Palm Oil as Green Carbon Source for Graphene Growth

Monolayer graphene as a transferrable material was first found in 2004. Considerable research has been conducted on obtaining large sheets of single layer or double-layer graphene by developing new and various processes. Graphene shows potential in a plethora of applications with its extraordinary electronic properties. In this study, palm oil is chosen as a starting material that supplies carbon atom during the synthesis process. Many renewable resources, such as camphor oil and corn oil, have already been investigated to deposit graphene on the substrate. This study is the first to focus on the possibility of utilizing palm oil as carbon precursor to graphene production. Palm oil is enriched with a long chain carbon atom. This property is an important factor in supplying carbon atom during the synthesis of graphene. The graphene layers were synthesized via thermal chemical vapor deposition. The graphene growth exhibits high capability of palm oil as new green carbon precursor.

Natural, Commercial and Synthesized Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant naturally occurring element exists in the world. It is widely applied in many aspects of life including as fillers in manufacturing industries, in oil and gas refineries, in biomedical and drug delivery applications and many more. Hence this work studied calcium to offer more informations on its optical, particle size and UV absorbance from natural, commercial and synthesized calcium. Natural calcium sample was expressed human milk, fresh cow milk, limestone paste, and calcium supplement. Commercial calcium samples were CaCO3 purchased from Sigma Aldrich and is os of industrial grade. Synthesis of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) is by precipitation method at 0.1 M concentration by using Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) and Ammonium Carbonate (NH4CO3) as precursors. FTIR spectra of the samples showed highest absorbance was by formula milk and the lowest is by expressed human milk.

High-Efficiency Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Highly Ordered Anodized Nb2O5

In order to develop high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), Nb2O5 can be one of the suitable candidates due to its wide bandgap, and good chemical stability. Nb2O5 nanoparticle, nanobelt, and nanofiber networks have been studied for the development of DSSC. However, their photocurrents and photoconversion efficiencies have not reached those of tio2 based DSSC due to the reduction in their dye loading sites. The previous discovery of vertically-position anodized Nb2O5 nanoporous layer gave hope for solving this problem, but the limited thickness of the layer which is below than 500 nm made it unrealistic as a candidate for DSSC. Here, we successfully synthesis highly ordered Nb2O5 nanochannel with thicknesses of 5 to 25 um by anodizing niobium foil in an organic based electrolyte at elevated temperatures. This kind of nanostructure is potentially employed as a photoanode for DSSC in which high dye absorption is expected due to a very large surface area.

Lithium-ion Battery

Nanomaterial Research group focuses more on the cathode from layered and spinel compounds. Some of the cathode materials that were synthesized are compounds with novel chemistries such as LiNixCoyO2, LiNixCoyMnzO2, LiMn2O4, LiMnxTiyO4, etc. There are several synthesis methods that are used at the Centre to synthesize the cathode materials. They are the self-propagating combustion, the sol-gel and solid-state reaction methods. The characterizations of the cathode materials are extensively done using Simultaneous Thermogravimetric Analysis (STA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The cells are tested in terms of their charge-discharge profiles, cycling behaviour, rate-capability, etc.

Energy Storage and Energy Conversion Devices

Energy storage and conversion become increasingly important due to the increasing energy demand. With the increasing need for more efficient and less costly technologies for energy storage (batteries, supercapacitor) and energy conversion (solar cells, fuel cells), the new design and development of materials for cathode, anode and electrolyte play key roles for the sustainable development of the human society. Hence, our group have developed and improved the system and components in energy conversion and energy storage devices through past 13 years.

Computational Materials Science

We use advanced computational methods to predict and calculate the property relationships for materials, enabling the identification and design of promising materials for new technologies. Materials hold the key too many advanced energy technologies including solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, sensors, piezoelectric and catalysis. With the increasing need for cost-efficient methods for energy storage and conversion, it has become imperative to accelerate the rate at which energy-related materials are developed. We use fast, scalable computational methods to identify and design new materials. Computational materials science is a relatively new discipline, and there is currently no consensus on a precise definition of what computational science actually is. In broad terms, computational science involves using computers to study scientific problems and complements the areas of theory and experimentation in traditional scientific investigation.

Coatings and Material Sciences

A new approach has been developed where by application of new technology or devising ways to add unusual properties to readily existing materials resulting in new products. This can be achieved through surface treatment or coating. Coatings, normally known as decorative and aesthetic functional besides having several purposes such as prevention of corrosion, slip resistance, impact and abrasion resistance, contamination resistance and hygienic properties resistance. Several interesting studies on thin-film approach coated on a series of metal substrate are conducted. Every advantages and limitations are depending on the selection of coating material, specified film properties and method of application of the coating. The use of natural resin as additional materials to produce new formulation of natural and synthetic binder are becoming more popular. With this area, our group actively studies on natural or bio-coating which can provide good performance and more environmentally.

Electroactive Material

Electroactive material also known as electroactive polymer EAP’s are polymer that demonstrate change in size or shape when stimulated by an electric filed. The most common application of this martial is sensor and actuators. Ceramic piezoelectric material made up majority of actuator application. These materials are able to withstand larger force and commonly deform a fraction of a percent. Common application of EAPS is in robotics that develops artificial muscles thus this polymer often referred as artificial muscle.

Centre for Astrophysics & Applied Radiation (CAAR)

Centre of Astrophysics and Applied Radiation (CAAR) inaugurated in April 2008 was previously known as the Centre for Research in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technology established in the Institute of Science in 2002. The research conducted in Environmental Radiation & X-ray (ERaX) Laboratory and field study. The centre focuses areas of research are on environmental nuclear radiation and the fundamental solar energy studies, development and applications of renewable energy in buildings, passive solar architecture, energy efficiency in buildings and environmental air quality. Recently it expended into research related to indoor and outdoor low-level environmental radiation. Many of the research projects are funded by the Government as well as private sectors, such as Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Sime Darby Research Sdn Bhd, and TNB Research. With regards to the centre output, it has actively produced numerous publications in respected journals; many of the projects have won awards at national as well as international fairs and exhibitions that attest the commercial viability of some of the innovation produced by the centre.

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Research Topics

Solar Astrophysics

Our research focuses on solar astrophysics in the multi wavelength region to study the behavior of the Sun and the impact of the climate change and environments. Our work spans fundamental theory, observation and the analysis of experimental data, combined with high performance computing.

Islamic Astronomy and Radiation

Among our Islamic astronomy research are re-evaluation of Isha' & Subh prayer times, optimizing sky limiting magnitude for Islamic new moon visibility, light pollution monitoring and scholars & manuscripts of falak. We already established a light pollution monitoring station with Hong Kong University.

Centre for Chemical Synthesis & Polymer Technology

(1) Synthesis and Chemical Biology Group

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(2) Polymer Composites Technology Group

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Centre for Functional Materials & Nanotechnology

(1) Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Group

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(2) Nanomaterials Research Group

Nanomaterials Research group under the Centre for Functional Materials and Nanotechnology (CFMN) focusing on the research works involving synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials such as lithium manganese spinels/layered compounds, zinc oxide nano rods, lithium tantalate nanomaterials, nano additives in polymers and other types of nano compounds. The group concentrates on fundamental studies involving structural characterization, morphology, electrical, electrochemical and optical characteristics of nano materials. The group is equipped with equipment such as a 200kV HRTEM, FESEM, XRD, XPS particle sizer, electrical measuring instruments, etc. The group encourages participation of experienced as well as beginners in the nanomaterial field of research. Some of the activities involve research performed at international research centres. The group has done experiments at ANSTO (Menai) at the Australian Synchrotron facility in Melbourne and SLRI (Thailand). This centre intends to be a reference group for nanomaterials research in Malaysia. Recently, Oxford EDX has appointed us as the reference for SEM and TEM EDX.

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(3) Advanced Materials Group

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Centre for Astrophysics & Applied Radiation

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