Ming Meng Pang
@taylors.edu.my
Taylor's University, Lakeside campus, Malaysia
EDUCATION
PhD in Polymer Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
MSc. in Chemical Instrumentation, Universiti Sains Malaysia
B. Eng in Chemical Engineering (Polymer)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Polymer composites, biopolymers, additive manufacturing
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Qi Yuan Ng, Jiun Hor Low, Ming Meng Pang, and Christopher Igwe Idumah
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Lim Kar Yap, Koay Seong Chun, Chan Ming Yeng, Ong Thai Kiat, Ho Shuh Huey, Ting Chen Hunt, and Pang Ming Meng
Wiley
AbstractFused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most popular 3D printing approaches among end‐users due to its lower cost, ease of operation, and wide range of material choices. However, the use of composite filament produced from recycled plastic and agriculture waste is still relatively uncommon. This research focuses on developing composite filament from corn husk fiber (CHF) and recycled single‐use polypropylene for FFF. In this work, neat recycled polypropylene (rPP) and rPP/CHF composites were extruded into filament for FFF printing. It was observed that increasing the CHF content would reduce the print quality of the parts, as visible air gaps and voids were found on the printed surface and within the layers. Nevertheless, these issues were able to be overcome by adjusting the printing temperature and increasing the extrusion percentage during the printing process. The melt flow index results indicate that a higher CHF content would reduce the melt flow of the extruded rPP/CHF composite during printing, potentially affecting the quality of the printed parts. On the other hand, increasing the temperature enhanced the melt flow of the composite, which was beneficial for the printing process. When a small amount of CHF was added to the rPP, the printed part exhibited the highest tensile strength due to the reinforcing effect of the fibers. However, the tensile strength of printed parts using rPP/CHF composite filament decreased with higher CHF content. Additionally, higher CHF content resulted in printed composite parts that were more rigid and stiffer. It also reduced warpage on the printed specimens made with this composite, but it is important to note that warpage of the printed specimen is not directly correlated to crystallinity caused by nucleating effect of CHF. The rPP/CHF composite filament did exhibit earlier thermal degradation due to the addition of more CHF. However, this should not affect the printing process when temperature not beyond 230°C. This study highlights the potential of utilizing single‐use PP and fibers extracted from corn husk as feedstock for 3D printing. The findings expand the possibilities for recycling and employing agricultural waste in sustainable additive manufacturing processes.Highlights Utilizes single‐use PP and CHF in developing composite filaments, contributing to sustainability and reducing plastic waste. This research offers a sustainable approach by utilizing waste materials as feedstock for FFF‐based 3D printing, which able to reduce the environmental pollution caused by disposal of single‐use plastic and promotes recycling practices.
Jaya Prasanth Rajakal, Raymond R. Tan, Viknesh Andiappan, Yoke Kin Wan, and Ming Meng Pang
Elsevier BV
Raja Rafidah Raja Sulaiman, Rashmi Walvekar, Wai Yin Wong, Mohammad Khalid, and Ming Meng Pang
MDPI AG
Graphene oxide (GO) and its acid-functionalized form are known to be effective in enhancing the proton transport properties of phosphoric-acid doped polybenzimidazole (PA-doped PBI) membranes utilized in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HTPEMFC) owing to the presence of proton-conducting functional groups. This work aims to provide a comparison between the different effects of GO with the sulfonated GO (SGO) and phosphonated GO (PGO) on the properties of PA-doped PBI, with emphasis given on proton conductivity to understand which functional groups are suitable for proton transfer under high temperature and anhydrous conditions. Each filler was synthesized following existing methods and introduced into PBI at loadings of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 wt.%. Characterizations were carried out on the overall thermal stability, acid doping level (ADL), dimensional swelling, and proton conductivity. SGO and PGO-containing PBI exhibit better conductivity than those with GO at 180 °C under anhydrous conditions, despite a slight reduction in ADL. PBI with 0.5 wt.% SGO exhibits the highest conductivity at 23.8 mS/cm, followed by PBI with 0.5 wt.% PGO at 19.6 mS/cm. However, the membrane with PGO required a smaller activation energy for proton conduction, thus less energy was needed to initiate fast proton transfer. Additionally, the PGO-containing membrane also displayed an advantage in its thermal stability aspect. Therefore, considering these properties, it is shown that PGO is a potential filler for improving PBI properties for HTPEMFC applications.
M Zulkeply, M M Pang, C A Vaithilingam, and R Sivasubramanian
IOP Publishing
Abstract This research presents the reaction kinetics of thermal decomposition of vetiver filled Polylactic Acid (PLA) bio-composite based backsheet in Photovoltaic (PV) panel via the Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The conventional PV backsheet called TEDLAR (Polyvinyl Fluoride, PVF) is made from petroleum, a non-biodegradable material which will impose serious problems to the environment at the end-of-life of the PV modules. Therefore, it is important to identify the suitability of PLA/vetiver to replace TEDLAR. The best composition of PLA/vetiver producing the lowest thermal degradation is discussed by analysing the activation energy of the bio-composites with different weight percent (wt. %) of PLA/vetiver. The result showed the wt. % of PLA/vetiver with lower content of the natural fibre has a lower thermal degradation temperature which indicates the rapid start of the degradation process. However, TEDLAR degrades at an average temperature of 400°C proving the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, thus it does not degrade easily. The results showed the higher the content of the vetiver, the lower the degradation temperature. The activation energy of the bio-composites was calculated using the Kissinger method and the estimation values of the different doses of PLA/vetiver range between 28 to 77 kJ/mol.
Ming M. Pang, Hui L. Choo, and Yose F. Buys
Elsevier
L J W William, S C Koay, M Y Chan, M M Pang, T K Ong, and K Y Tshai
IOP Publishing
Abstract Fuse deposition modelling (FDM) has become a revolutionary manufacturing technology as it offers numerous advantages, including freedom of fabrication, mass customisation, fast prototyping, and cost-effectiveness. Thermoplastic material is commonly used as feedstock for FDM process. The current state of material development, the recycled plastic material also can be used as printing material for FDM machine. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has been extensively used as packaging materials for many industries but rarely be recycled, as its relatively large volume with minimal weight is unconducive for transportation. This research aimed to utilize EPS waste and turn it into FDM feedstock. This research also aims to enhance the properties of recycled polystyrene (rPS) made from EPS waste by blending it with polypropylene (PP). Different ratios of rPS/PP blends were prepared and extruded into FDM filament using filament extruder. The formulated filaments were printed into specimen using FDM machine. This research found the filament made from rPS/PP blends can be printed into specimen with good printing quality if the nozzle temperature controlled at 240° C with 120 % extrusion rate. With this printing parameter, the specimen printed with rPS/PP blend filament exhibit the greatest adhesion between the deposited layers without any visible voids or gaps. Besides, the printed specimen with rPS/PP blends possess lower tensile strength, but higher tensile modulus as compared to the printed specimen with neat rPS. The addition of more PP decreased both tensile strength and modulus of rPS/PP blends. On the other hand, the rPS/PP blends have higher thermal stability as the PP content increased. Overall, the rPS/PP blends filament shows a great potential as a feedstock material for FDM fabrication.
Jaya Prasanth Rajakal, Raymond R. Tan, Viknesh Andiappan, Yoke Kin Wan, and Ming Meng Pang
Elsevier BV
Man Chee Lee, Seong Chun Koay, Ming Yeng Chan, Hui Leng Choo, Ming Meng Pang, Pui May Chou, and Kim Yeow Tshai
SAGE Publications
Biocomposites are sustainable composite materials that, owing to their many benefits, have attracted interest of industry. In the present research, the durian husk fiber (DHF) was used as natural fiber in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites. This study focused on the effects of fiber and processing aid content on the processing torque, tensile, thermal, and morphological properties of PLA/DHF biocomposites. The biocomposites with high fiber content have strength and modulus that are suitable for nonstructural application. The processing aid used was Ultra-Plast XP519. The addition of Ultra-Plast XP519 significantly improved the processing by lowering the torque, but it brought negative effect on mechanical properties.
Yan Ding Lee, Ming Meng Pang, Seong Chun Koay, Thai Kiat Ong, and Kim Yeow Tshai
AIP Publishing
Polylactic acid (PLA) is an environmentally friendly bioplastic that is derived from renewable resources; however, the inherent brittleness, poor mechanical properties and high material cost limited its usage in current market. Hence, the addition of plasticiser and natural fibre can reduce the cost and improve the properties of the PLA biocomposite. In this research, the alkaline treated and untreated empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre at different loading, i.e., 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt. % were added into coconut oil (CO) plasticised PLA to produce biocomposites. The sample preparation was performed via melt blending method followed by compression molding to produce thin sheet for characterisation. The results showed treated fibre samples have better enhancement in terms of tensile properties, particularly in tensile modulus as compared to untreated fibre. The optimum loading of the fibre was identified as 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% depending on the focus of tensile strength or longer elongation. The 5 wt.% treated fibre biocomposite has a better elongation at break (>8%) while 10 wt.% treated fibre biocomposite has the highest tensile strength (23.8 MPa) as compared to other fibre content. It is observed that high fibre loading can result in deterioration of the tensile properties. The density of biocomposites decreased significantly with the addition of CO but increased with the addition of EFB fibre. The SEM images of the untreated fibre biocomposites showed more fibres pull out, empty cavities and voids, this explained the poor performance in the tensile properties of the untreated fibre biocomposites.
Wei Hao Aaron Chin, Seong Chun Koay, Ming Yeng Chan, Tshai Kim Yeow, and Ming Meng Pang
AIP Publishing
This research focused on utilizing the natural fibres extracted from chrysanthemum waste in producing composite material using resin infusion processing method. The chrysanthemum waste fibres were extracted using water retting method then the fibres were further treated with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Acrodur binder. This research investigated the effects of these treatment methods on the tensile and morphological properties of the composite. Prior to the infusion process, the CW fibres were made into fibre mat using water laid method. Then, these fibre mats were infused with epoxy resin and made into composite. This research found the CW fibre mat with NaOH and Acrudor binder treatments were able to produce a composite with tensile strength and modulus of 23.6 MPa and 4612.8 MPa, respectively. In short, the CW fibre have potential in being used to produce composite material that can be used for non-load bearing application.
Carmen Lee, Ming Meng Pang, Seong Chun Koay, Hui Leng Choo, and Kim Yeow Tshai
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Global warming due to human activities (i.e., burning fossil fuels) has led to many issues, such as extreme weather (storm or drought) and rise in sea level making low land uninhabitable. One of the solutions to mitigate the global warming is to promote the use of biobased material. In this work, various dosage of talc powder ranged from 5, 10, 30 and 40 wt% were added into polylactic acid (PLA) to form biobased polymer composites. The biobased polymer composite has the potential to replace fossil-based polymer for sustainable packaging application. The PLA/talc composites were prepared by using melt blending method and compressed into thin sheet for characterisation test. The effect of talc content on the thermal properties and tensile performance of the PLA composites were investigated. Scanning electron microscope was used to study the fracture surface of the composites and the dispersion of talc powder in the matrix. Results showed that the addition of talc ranged from 5 to 30 wt% can enhance the Young’s modulus and thermal stability of the composites but there is no improvement in tensile strength and elongation at break due to poor interfacial adhesion. The addition of talc beyond 30 wt% (i.e., 40 wt%) did not show improvement in thermal stability because at high talc content, the formation of agglomerate and voids allows the oxygen to diffuse into the matrix which lead to decomposition process.
Thai Kiat Ong, Hui Leng Choo, Wei Jean Choo, Seong Chun Koay, and Ming Meng Pang
Springer Singapore
Sing Li Ling, Seong Chun Koay, Ming Yeng Chan, Kim Yeow Tshai, Thevy Ratnam Chantara, and Ming Meng Pang
Wiley
Sing Li Ling, Seong Chun Koay , Ming Yeng Chan , Kim Yeow Tshai , Thevy Ratnam Chantara, Ming Meng Pang School of Engineering, Faculty of Innovation and Technology, Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, No. 1, Jalan Taylor’s, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Centre of Engineering Programmes, HELP College of Arts and Technology, 6.01, Level 1-7, Kompleks Metro Pudu, 1 Jalan Metro Pudu 2, Fraser Business Park, 55200, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Faculty of Engineering, The University of Nottingham, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia Radiation Processing Technology, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Jiun Hor Low, Lee Zheng Xun, Li Wan Yoon, Ming Meng Pang, and Syieluing Wong
AIP Publishing
The present study was conducted to explore the potential use of tree pruning waste as replacement material in papermaking. The investigation shows that the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the fabricated tree pruning waste papers are increased with the elevation of sodium hydroxide concentration, up to 20 % and 15 %, respectively. The morphological analysis confirms the performance improvement of tree pruning waste papers is achieved through the removal of lignin on the fibre surface. The sodium hydroxide concentration must be properly regulated to prevent the tree pruning waste fibres from degradation. The present study confirms the tree pruning waste holds immense potential to be used as the replacement material in papermaking, which, in turns, serve as a guideline to further diversify the use of tree pruning waste.The present study was conducted to explore the potential use of tree pruning waste as replacement material in papermaking. The investigation shows that the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the fabricated tree pruning waste papers are increased with the elevation of sodium hydroxide concentration, up to 20 % and 15 %, respectively. The morphological analysis confirms the performance improvement of tree pruning waste papers is achieved through the removal of lignin on the fibre surface. The sodium hydroxide concentration must be properly regulated to prevent the tree pruning waste fibres from degradation. The present study confirms the tree pruning waste holds immense potential to be used as the replacement material in papermaking, which, in turns, serve as a guideline to further diversify the use of tree pruning waste.
N.M. Nordin, Y.F. Buys, H. Anuar, M.H. Ani, and M.M. Pang
Elsevier BV
Abstract Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) owns some good properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and high strength however it brittleness became the drawback for this polymer to be utilised in a broader fields. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has high strength and toughness with good biocompatibility which can improve the drawback owned by PLA. In this work, PLA/TPU blend were prepared by melt mixing process with the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GnP). GnP were used as filler for PLA/TPU to tailor the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the composites. These properties can be affected by the dispersion state of GnP in the composite, GnP composition and PLA/TPU ratio, which are the main factors to be considered to determine the optimum composition that possess the best performance. The electrical conductivity was tested using resistance meter and showing that the resistivity of the composite started to percolate in the presence of GnP and the percolation threshold change when blend composition change, by showing that at PLA90/TPU10 show the lowest percolation threshold. The localization of GnP in PLA/TPU blend was predicted by calculation of wetting coefficient along with Owen and Wendt equation and it is predicted that GnP preferentially in TPU phase. Elongation at break of the composite increased as the TPU content increased and when GnP were added in PLA50/TPU50 blend, the elongation at break of the blend rise up significantly, hence affect the mechanical properties of PLA/TPU blends.
Lithnes Kalaivani Palniandy, Li Wan Yoon, Wai Yin Wong, Siek-Ting Yong, and Ming Meng Pang
MDPI AG
The direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) is an emerging technology for energy production. The application of biomass in DCFCs will be a major transition from the use of coal to generate energy. However, the relationship between biomass or biochar composition and the electrochemical performance of a DCFC is yet to be studied. The performance of a DCFC using fuel sources derived from woody and non-woody biomass were compared in this study. The effect of pyrolysis temperature ranges from 550 °C to 850 °C on the preparation of biochar from rubber wood (RW) and rice husk (RH) were evaluated for power generation from DCFCs. In addition, the effect of applying chemical pre-treatment and post-treatment on biochar were further investigated for DCFC performance. In general, the power density derived from rubber wood biochar is significantly higher (2.21 mW cm−2) compared to rice husk biochar (0.07 mW cm−2). This might be due to the presence of an oxygen functional group, higher fixed carbon content, and lower ash content in rubber wood biochar. The acid and alkaline pre-treatment and post-treatment have altered the composition with a lower ash content in rubber wood biochar. The structural and compositional alterations in alkaline pre-treatment bring a positive effect in enhancing the power density from DCFCs. This study concludes that woody biochar is more suitable for DCFC application, and alkaline pre-treatment in the preparation of biochar enhances the electrochemical activity of DCFC. Further investigation on the optimization of DCFC operating conditions could be performed.
M M Pang, S C Koay, J H Low, Y F Buys, and K Y Tshai
IOP Publishing
The aim of this work was to study the effect of different type of plasticisers, i.e.,
polyethylene glycol (PEG) and coconut oil (CO), on the properties of microcrystalline
cellulose (MCC) filled polylactic acid (PLA) composite. The sample compounding was carried
out via melt blending method. The properties of the plasticised MCC filled PLA composites
were characterized by tensile, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). It was found that CO showed a better plasticising effect, with improvement
in elongation at break by 12% as compared to neat PLA and higher decomposition temperature
at 302°C.
Seong Chun Koay, Ming Yeng Chan, Ming Meng Pang, and Kim Yeow Tshai
Wiley
This research examined the torque rheological properties of cocoa pod husk (CPH)-filled polypropylene (PP) composites. Composites with varying filler loading ranging from 10 to 40 phr and formulation with or without palm oil-based green coupling agent (GCA-P) were analyzed using a Brabender Plastrograph torque rheometer. The GCA-P synthesized from fatty acid of palm oil was used to enhance adhesion at the filler–matrix surface interfaces. The results reveal that PP/CPH composites containing 40 phr filler loading and GCA-P exhibited higher processing torque and power law index (n). Higher melt viscosity was recorded at higher filler loading, owning to filler agglomeration and more effective filler-matrix adhesion in the presence of GCA-P. As a result, higher energy was required to compound PP/CPH composites, which could be attributed to the increase in activation energy (Ea) at higher melt viscosity.
Seong Chun Koay, Varnesh Subramanian, Ming Yeng Chan, Ming Meng Pang, Kim Yeow Tsai, and Kean How Cheah
EDP Sciences
Polystyrene foam is one of the major plastic waste that hardly to recycle. The present research is aims to recycle polystyrene foam as raw material to produce wood plastic composites (WPC). The WPC was produced from recycled polystyrene (rPS) and durian husk fiber (DHF) using melt compound and compression moulding processes. This paper is focus on effect of fiber content on tensile and thermal properties of rPS/DHF composite. The results found the tensile strength modulus of this WPC increased at higher fiber content, but elongation at break was reduced. However, this composites exhibited an early thermal degradation when subjected to high temperature and this was commonly found among WPC. The thermal degradation of rPS/DHF composites yielded high percentage of char residue due to char formation of DHF. Overall, the rPS/DHF composites with 60 phr fiber content able to achieved strength slight above 16 MPa without any chemical treatment additives. This indicates the rPS/DHF composites can be a potential WPC if further modify with to improve its strength.
Man Chee Lee, Seong Chun Koay, Ming Yeng Chan, Ming Meng Pang, Pui May Chou, and Kim Yeow Tsai
EDP Sciences
Polylactic acid (PLA) is biodegradable thermoplastic that made from renewable raw material, but its high cost limited the application. Thus, addition of natural fiber can be effectively reduced the cost of PLA. This research is utilised natural fiber extracted from durian husk to made PLA biocomposites. This paper is focus on the effect of fiber content on tensile and thermal properties of PLA/durian husk fiber (DHF) biocomposites. The results found that the tensile strength and modulus of this biocomposites increased with increase of fiber content, but the strength still lower compared to neat PLA. Then, the elongation at break of biocomposites was expected decreased at higher fiber content. The PLA/DHF biocomposites with 60 phr fiber content exhibited tensile strength of 11 MPa, but it is too brittle yet for any application. The addition of DHF caused an early thermal degradation on PLA biocomposites. Then, the thermal stability of PLA biocomposites was decreased with more fiber content.
Ming-Meng Pang, Meng-Yan Pun, Wen-Shyang Chow, and Zainal Arifin Mohd. Ishak
Elsevier BV
Abstract Thermoformed trays made from biobased materials were prepared from agricultural waste (seeds or tubers), plasticizer and polypropylene (PP). A talc-filled PP thermoformed tray was used for comparison. The carbon footprint of the thermoformed trays was calculated according to PAS 2050. System boundaries were established according to a business-to-business approach, based on data collected regarding the raw material production, transportation and processing. Biobased trays yield a lower carbon footprint than talc-filled polypropylene trays as a result of renewable resource input, a lower processing temperature and shorter thermoforming cycle. The carbon footprint reduction could be achieved through optimization of the thermoforming process and the use of low-footprint raw materials.