Browsing by Author "Adibah Amir"

Wear has deleterious impact on technological use of material and its economy. It was estimated that the direct cost of friction and wear can account nearly 10% of the gross national product (GNP) in many industrial countries, thus research on wear is inevitably vital for developing country like Malaysia. Aluminium-silicon eutectic alloy has been undertaken as a wear testing material in this study due to its best overall balance of properties that are well suited for wear resistance components in the automotive industry. Its low expansion, low density and high resistance to corrosion at ambient temperature characteristics made this alloy an excellent candidate for automotive pistons. Moreover, the addition of small amounts of strontium to the molten aluminium-silicon alloy could produce complete modification of the solidification process. The modification treatment produces remarkable refinement of the eutectic silicon phase and improves the mechanical properties of the alloy. Wear testing has been conducted with a pin-on-disc type wear testing apparatus under lubricant sliding. The test variables were rotational speed, load and sliding distance. In addition to that, attention has been paid to the effects of heat treatment on the strontium modified alloy. The extent of wear damage has been estimated by means of weight loss technique. Possible wear mechanisms of the damaged samples have been investigated with the aid of scanning electron microscope (SEM). From the present investigation, it was found that a considerable improvement in mechanical properties such as an increase in hardness and strength was associated with the resulting structural changes. This lead to an improved tribological performance compared to its unmodified counterparts. Transitional behaviour between fatigue surface, adhesive, abrasive and corrosive wear were exhibited from the worn surfaces. Overall, modified heat treated samples had shown better performance in both mechanical and wear properties.

Kelulut honey, a highly valued product in Malaysia’s agricultural sector, is prized for its unique nutritional properties and increasing consumer demand. However, its high moisture content makes it susceptible to fermentation and microbial growth if not stored and processed correctly. Local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in managing these risks, particularly often lack of the dehumidifier equipment needed to meet the Malaysian Standard MS2683:2017. This gap impacts the quality, taste, texture, and shelf life of kelulut honey. The financial constraints faced by many SMEs, particularly in procuring proper dehumidification and storage equipment, further exacerbate these challenges, especially since kelulut honey production tends to be lower during the final quarter of the year due to seasonal weather patterns, such as frequent rain. As a result, the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s kelulut honey industry is at risk. This study addresses a critical gap in research related to the challenges SMEs faced in terms of the supply chain constraints, which impact production efficiency, product quality, and market competitiveness. Through a mixed-method approach, including in-depth interviews, physical site observations, focus group discussions (FGDs), and literature analysis, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by local SMEs and compare these challenges with those encountered by their counterparts in other countries. Three primary challenges were identified: inadequate storage conditions, processing limitations, and inefficient inventory management. Many SMEs are unable to maintain proper storage conditions, which leads to premature spoilage and fermentation,reducing honey’s commercial viability. The inventory management system is largely manual, with no effective tracking mechanisms, leading to difficulties in maintaining stock and product movement. To mitigate these issues, this study proposes a cost-effective, easy to-implement strategy by adopting the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory management approach. FIFO ensures older stock is used or sold first, minimizing spoilage and preserving product freshness. The FIFO method not only improves storage layout and addresses processing limitations but also enhances inventory management, reducing spoilage and ensuring consistent product quality. Importantly, the solution does not require monetary investment, making it accessible for SMEs operating under financial constraints. Rather than costly equipment or infrastructure, FIFO leverages existing resources and operational adjustments that can be implemented without additional financial burden. Furthermore, this research highlights the importance of aligning FIFO practices with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. By doing so, SMEs can improve operational efficiency, enhance product quality, and increase market competitiveness while promoting responsible business practices. Incorporating SDG and ESG frameworks also contributes to the long-term resilience of the kelulut honey industry, ensuring that it remains sustainable in the face of both local and global challenges. In conclusion, the study provides practical recommendations for SMEs to overcome their supply chain challenges. By adopting cost-effective strategies like FIFO, which require no monetary investment, and aligning with SDG and ESG principles, SMEs can improve their operational efficiency, reduce waste, enhance product quality, and contribute to the sustainable growth of Malaysia’s kelulut honey industry.