Nanocellulose, a refined form of cellulose, can be further functionalized on surface-active sites, with a catalyst as a regenerative agent. Newly developed adsorbents are expected to have the characteristics of good and rapid adsorption performance and regeneration properties with flexible structure using 3D printing technology. In this work, the adsorption performance of 3D printed functionalized nanocellulose was investigated using batch and fixed-bed column adsorption. Kinetics adsorption studies were divided into different adsorption models, with the pseudo-second order model showing a better correlation coefficient than the pseudo-first order and intraparticle diffusion models. The Langmuir and Thomas models were used to calculate the adsorption performance of batch and fixed-bed columns. Given the catalytic activity of Fenton oxidation, the fixed-bed column was regenerated up to five adsorption-desorption cycles, suggesting satisfactory performance of the column, with a slightly reduced adsorption capacity.

Worldwide, visual impairment and blindness stand as prevalent health challenges, exerting substantial effects on individuals and the communities they belong to. These conditions pose significant disabilities for visually impaired individuals and their immediate surroundings. Children with visual impairments encounter numerous challenges in their daily lives and learning, unlike their sighted counterparts. Nevertheless, despite these obstacles, they depend significantly on their tactile and auditory senses to glean information from their surroundings. Meanwhile, mathematics poses a unique challenge for students, as its abstract concepts can be difficult to visualize, potentially diminishing interest in the subject. Recognizing the potential of 3D printing technology to enhance visualization and interaction with three-dimensional models, this study aims to develop a module that combines mathematics in Braille with 3D printed models. The goal is to facilitate a more accessible and engaging learning experience for visually impaired children, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. The module incorporates tactile games designed to improve focus and study habits, thereby addressing the specific needs of visually impaired learners. The module comprises 3 games as 3in1 Geoboard: Numerical Jumble, Pinpoint Placer and Geo Art. The game tools employed in this module underwent 3D design through computer-aided design (CAD) software, integrating Braille code within mathematical constructs tailored to the requirements of visually impaired children and their mathematics curriculum. Subsequently, the 3D model was transformed into a tangible object using a 3D printer. These printed objects served as educational tools within the development of an integrated module encompassing both 4IR elements and Braille components. Instructions for the game were seamlessly integrated to facilitate straightforward delivery of module content by educators. Therefore, adopting a game-based learning module approach not only proves effective for individuals who are blind but also provides visually impaired children with a practical avenue to learn Braille and enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts. This educational approach holds particular significance for visually impaired children in their daily lives while greatly revolutionize educator-coordinated learning of mathematics through engaging education for the framework of 10-10 MySTIE Socio-economic drivers.

Additive manufacturing sector is an exponentially growing industry which contributing high usage of plastic which has also seen an increase of waste generation throughout the world. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is one of the widely used polymer as 3D printing filament materials. The time taken for the polymer to degrades naturally could not catch up with the number of plastics productions annually. Thus, experts emphasize that there should be other alternative methods to degrade polymers. This study aims to investigate the degradation rate of PET via kinetic study of thermal hydrolytic and alkaline hydrolysis treatment. 3D printed waste from PET were crushed into fragment size and undergone thermal hydrolytic and alkaline hydrolysis at different reaction time and PET content. The degradation rate for both thermal and alkaline hydrolysis showed increment as prolong reaction time. TPA yield follow the same trend of PET degradation. Meanwhile, higher PET content has reduced the degradation rate of PET. FTIR analysis proved the formation of TPA after the hydrolysis process has took placed with the formation of O-H and C-H which corresponding to the formation of carboxylic acid and ethylene glycol in the TPA. The results indicate that PET degradation can occur at low cost and on this basis, it is recommended that environmental organizations attempt other methods to degrade polymers.

The breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass into fine chemicals is an essential subsequence process of bioconversion technology. However, the manner of decomposition can contribute significantly to inefficiency of the overall conversion. Certain low molecular weight byproducts of the lignin and hemicellulose within lignocellulosic hydrolysate are toxic, making it necessary to carry out a complicated detoxification process. In this study, detoxification of hydrolysate was performed by the adsorption and catalytic oxidation, as well as the integration of both techniques on the targeted compounds of acid-soluble lignin (ASL) and synthetic furfural. In spite of the high selectivity of its adsorption and catalytic oxidation, by relying on just these techniques, the hydrolysate was unable to completely remove ASL and furfural. However, by depositing Fe(0) nanoparticles on the surface active sites of the adsorbent, the integration of the adsorption-oxidation technique provided sufficient performance in the removal of ASL and furfural.

As the holy book for Muslims, Al-Quran is revealed and never changed in the form of a structure where Muslim learn and memorise the content. Understanding and remembering the Quran, however, is difficult for visually handicapped Muslims due to their restricted vision. The Braille Quran imprinted paper encompasses massive characters and codes, resulting in a massive book produced in many volumes. A board game, in the meantime, is a 3D board game employing scores, requiring exceptional word recognition skills. This gamification technique enables visually challenged individuals to learn the braille Quran letters (Hijaiyyah) in an entertaining manner. This study intends to apply the notion of a word board game with Hijaiyyah imprinted tiles by means of a defined module including braille lesson, word structure, game activity, and evaluation for studying the Quran. 3D printed braille Hijaiyyah letters were produced, and a teaching module was developed based on word game. Eventually, braille Quran class was conducted by applying the word game module to the beginners in braille character. Accordingly, a vocabulary-enhancing word game was included in the 3D printing of a reel-to-reel tape. The results showed that 3D printed word game tiles imprinted Hijiayyah braille has been developed and applied in a teaching module. It was found that the program was successfully coordinated by 87.5% of participants showed interest in the module implementation. The participant as beginners also showed improvement in learning skills to recognise and memorize the Hijaiyyah letters. In addition, word gamification activity portrayed that the participants able to constructed up to seven letters Conclusively, this engaging word board game is ideal for blind and sighted players to enjoy together for developing vocabulary and Quran recitation. The addition of a 3D printed reel-to-reel cassette for Braille Quran was designed for easy touch and memorisation at an affordable price.

Visual impairment and blindness are significant global health issues that severely impact the lives of affected individuals and those around them. These individuals encounter unique challenges in their daily routines and learning processes, which sighted people do not experience. Despite these obstacles, visually impaired individuals rely heavily on their tactile and auditory senses to perceive and understand their surroundings. Tactile sensory input is especially beneficial in conveying environmental and visual information to those who are visually impaired or blind. Therefore, a sensory-based activity module was developed to improve tactile sensitivity in learning Braille. This module consisted of four game stations: rice play, sand play, playdough, and finger paint. The participants’ tactile sensitivity was tested on their index and middle fingers, which are primarily used in reading Braille, both before and after engaging with the games. Specifically, the right middle finger exhibited an enhancement of up to 83%, the right index finger showed a 60% improvement, the left middle finger demonstrated a 71% increase, and the left index finger displayed a remarkable improvement of 298%. During the analysis of the module's effectiveness, it was discovered that an overwhelming 94% of the participants expressed great interest and found it highly impactful and over 70% of the participants successfully followed the game instructions and indirectly developed soft skills at each station. Additionally, there was a notable improvement in finger sensitivity, as measured by the two-point discriminator test. This interactive and enjoyable game-based learning approach is ideal for both blind and sighted players. It offers visually impaired individuals a practical method for learning Braille, enhancing their tactile sensitivity, and making the learning process more engaging and effective. The sensory play module not only supports the educational needs of visually impaired learners but also fosters an inclusive environment for all players.

This study explores the potential of using nanocellulose extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) as a biomaterial ink for 3D printing. The research focuses on using nanocellulose hydrogels for the controlled uptake and release of proteins, with the specific protein solution being Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). To provide a suitable material for the bioprinting process, the study examines the characteristics and properties of the printed hydrogels through various analyses, such as morphology, functional group, crystallinity, and compression test. Several parameters, such as initial concentration, temperature, and the presence of calcium chloride as an additional crosslinker, affect the protein uptake and release capabilities of the hydrogel. The study is important for biomedicine as it explores the behavior of protein uptake and release using nanocellulose and 3D printing and can serve as a preliminary study for using hydrogels in biological materials or living cells.

Cellulose is a promising biomaterial ink for various applications, such as tissue engineering and soft robotics. Different cellulose derivatives have different advantages, depending on their surface area, fiber structures and rheological properties. In this work, the swelling capacity of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was integrated with the stiffness of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) to create multifunctional cellulose-based composites for additive manufacturing. CNF, CMC, and their composites show a higher storage modulus (G’) than loss modulus (G") in the rheological study. This is indicative of the materials’ ability to retain their printed structure post direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing, thereby avoiding any structural collapse. Notably, the CNF at a concentration of 4.5 wt% demonstrates a higher storage and loss modulus, suggesting that CNF imparts the necessary rigidity to the CNF/CMC composite. Concurrently, CMC plays a pivotal role in water retention, which is a critical factor for the success of 4D printing processes. The CNF/CMC composite hydrogel can respond to stimuli and swell, which makes it suitable for biocompatible actuators. We demonstrated this by printing a prototype valve that can be reversibly closed and opened by dehydration/hydration cycles. The printed CNF/CMC composite structure has excellent mechanical properties, with tensile strength ranging from 55 MPa to 80 MPa, comparable with commercial PLA filament used in fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing.

The expenditure on water remediation is the constant main rationalization. However, the adoption of our lignocellulosic biomass at the highest level might provide a solution. Therefore, our main objective is to enhance the surface area of cellulose on the surface of empty oil palm fruit bunch fibers via a functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) and lamination of GO on the surface of EFB cellulose (EFBC) occurred by the intermolecular hydrogen bonding through a thermal treatment of reduced-graphene oxide. The hydrophobicity of the functionalized cellulose (EFBC_rGO) was improvised by a single layer grafting of graphene in the selectively separate oil for water remediation. The optimization of EFBC_rGO on the selectivity of oil uptake was carried out in different temperature and oil, kinetic sorption and chemical analysis. The modified EFBC_rGO showed distinct morphological and chemical characteristic changes as the surface of cellulose had been coated with rGO. This was supported by the FTIR analysis that showed a diminishing peak of hydroxyl group region of EFBC and that chemical modification has improved the hydrophobicityof the EFBC_rGO. In the contact angle measurement, the EFBC_rGO showed better hydrophobicity compared to EFBC. In the oil uptake study, increasing the temperature up to 80oC has increased the oil uptake up to 94% by EFBC_rGO at 9:1 water-oil ratio. Meanwhile, the kinetic sorption revealed that 60 min treatment was the maximum time for oil sorption

Cellulose-based biodegradable hydrogel proves to be excellently suitable for the medical and water treatment industry based on the expressed properties such as its flexible structure and broad compatibility. Moreover, their potential to provide excellent waste management from the unutilized plant has triggered further study on the advanced biomaterial applications. To extend the use of cellulose-based hydrogel, additive manufacturing is a suitable technique for hydrogel fabrication in complex designs. Cellulose-based biomaterial ink used in 3D bioprinting can be further used for tissue engineering, drug delivery, protein study, microalgae, bacteria, and cell immobilization. This review includes a discussion on the techniques available for additive manufacturing, bio-based material, and the formation of a cellulose-based hydrogel.

Currently, additive manufacturing become an expanding industry which committing high demand of plastic. Consequently, plastic waste generated will be increased exponentially. Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are extensively used polymer as the filament for 3D printing. Therefore, the reprocessing of the fragments is necessary to reduce the plastic pollution. This study the aims to investigate the conversion of PET to terephthalic acid (TPA) and its conversion breakthrough via caustic soda hydrolysis. Meanwhile, the effect of PLA dissolution and its integration with glycerol to produced bioplastic was investigated. Fragment of PET was undergone hydrolysis process at different time and the conversion rate showed increment as prolong reaction time. TPA yield produced follow the same trend of PET conversion. FTIR analysis proved the formation of TPA after the hydrolysis process due to the formation of O–H and C–H which corresponding to the formation of carboxylic acid and ethylene glycol of TPA. Concurrently, PLA was dissolved in chloroform at different time and mixed with glycerol which acts as plasticizer to form PLA/glycerol plastic. It was found that the longer dissolution time, the higher the percentage of PLA dissolved. From FTIR analysis, the functional group of PLA has changed indicated that the reaction between dissolved PLA and glycerol has been taken placed. The results indicate that PET degradation can occur at low cost and on this basis. Ergo, this formation of valuable products from waste polymers can be an alternative method in promoting reduced waste generation.

Al-Quran is the holy book for Muslims consists of wonderful word of Allah. It is learned and memorized by Muslims including visually impaired persons. Therefore, to recite the braille Quran, learning braille code using their finger is a must where each person has their own sensitivity during touching the braille dots. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of age, sex and test side of fingers using two-point discrimination (TPD) test. TPD test was conducted towards test subjects at different age. Each test subject was tested on their different fingers with initial test point of 10 mm. The points applied randomly using different test points to study each test subject’s most sensitive test point. Subsequently, age, gender and test points effects of an individual test subject was investigated to obtain individual most sensitive finger. At the end, the results obtained were used to develop a 3D printed tape-like Braille dots casing which was used as a teaching aids specifically for visually impaired children. The distance between the Braille dots were varied based on finger sensitivity. Eventually, this engaging teaching aids is a wonderful tool for visually impaired children learning Quran in a practical way.

A green regenerated superabsorbent hydrogel was fabricated with mixtures of dissolved oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) cellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) in NaOH/urea system. The formation of hydrogel was aided with epichlorohydrin (ECH) as a crosslinker. The resultant regenerated hydrogel was able to swell >80,000% depending on the NaCMC concentrations. The hydrogel absorbed water rapidly upon exposure to water up to 48 h and gradually declined after 72 h. The crosslinked of covalent bond of Csingle bondOsingle bondC between dissolved EFB cellulose (EFBC) with NaCMC was confirmed with Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy. Crystallinity and thermal stability of the hydrogel samples were depended on the concentrations of NaCMC, crosslinking, and swelling process. The strength and stability of crosslinked network was studied by examining the gel fraction of hydrogel. This study explored the swelling ability and probable influenced factors towards physical and chemical properties of hydrogel.

Nowadays, people always use plastics in daily life as their needs to facilitate the carrying of large quantities of goods. As the population of people in the world increase, it has resulted in the number of plastics used constantly increasing as well. Moreover, the number of plastic wastes is also increasing as it takes a very long time to be degraded. Therefore, the process of making biodegradable plastics is necessary to reduce the number of plastic wastes. The aims of this study was to investigate the synthesis of regenerated cellulose and glycerol at different reaction times for bioplastic composite production. The EFB cellulose nanofibers were blended into the frozen solid of green solvent and stirred with glycerol at different times. A bioplastic membrane was formed after the solutions were cast, coagulated, and dried. FTIR analysis proved that the spectra of the plasticization cellulose display significant peaks in the range of 3000-3600 cm-1 and the intensity increases with increasing reaction time between cellulose and glycerol. The morphology of cellulose has changed after regeneration process. The results indicate this production of bioplastic composite had saved the earth from being littered with plastic wastes as it is more eco-friendly for the environment and users.

Physics is a branch of science that often difficult for students to visualize the concepts hence deteriorate their interest in learning science. Adopting 3D printing technology in providing better visualization and interaction with three‐ dimensional models can ease the learning experience. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop 3D printed models as tool to help students understand the physics concepts through trendsetter-student approach and consequently the impact was investigated. The results showed that this approach demonstrated significant positive impact on the student’s critical thinking and learning gain through visualizing the abstract concepts and enhanced their understanding. Ergo, the project is expected to greatly revolutionize educator-coordinated learning of physics through engaging education for the framework of 10-10 MySTIE Socio-economic drivers.