Structure of Coal-Derived Metal-Supported Few-Layer Graphene Composite Materials Synthesized Using a Microwave-Assisted Catalytic Graphitization Process

Metal-supported few-layer graphene (FLG) was synthesized via microwave-assisted catalytic graphitization owing to the increasing demand for it and its wide applications. In this study, we quickly converted earth-abundant and low-cost bituminous coal to FLG over Fe catalysts at a temperature of 1300 °C. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption experiments were performed to analyze the fabricated metal-supported FLG. The results indicated that the microwave-irradiation temperature at a set holding-time played a critical role in the synthesis of metal-supported FLG. The highest degree of graphitization and a well-developed pore structure were fabricated at 1300 °C using a S10% Fe catalyst for 20 min. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed that the metal-supported FLG fabricated via microwave-assisted catalytic graphitization consisted of 3–6 layers of graphene nanosheets. In addition, the 2D band at 2700 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum of the fabricated metal-supported FLG samples were observed, which indicated the presence of few-layer graphene structure. Furthermore, a mechanism was proposed for the microwave-assisted catalytic graphitization of bituminous coal. Here, we developed a cost-effective and environmental friendly metal-supported FLG method using a coal-based carbonaceous material.

Factors Affecting the Revenue of MTE Mechanical Private Limited Company

MTE Mechanical Private Limited Company is a manufacturing company located at Batu Maung, Malaysia producing fabricated metal products. During 2020, the company’s revenue has significantly decreased compared to the previous year. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify the factors which affect the revenue of the company. Online interviews were used to collect information from the company’s owner and three of their customers. The present study found that the delivery service and product’s quality of the company are the major issues having effects upon the company’s revenue. Moreover, the findings of the present study would benefit the company.

Heat balance, haematology and serum chemistry of layers under varying stocking density reared in locally fabricated metal-type cage system

One hundred and thirty five 18weeks old Bovans Nera Black strain pullets were used in a 10week study to determine their heat balance and blood profile under varying stocking density in locally fabricated metal-type cage system. The cages were stocked 2, 3 and 4birds/cell. Daily ambient temperature and relative humidity of the cage and rectal temperature of the birds were taken and heat balance calculated. Record of Packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC), White blood count (WBC) and differential of the birds were taken at beginning and end of the study for the haematological indices while blood glucose, total protein, Albumin and blood urea were taken for the bio-chemical measurements. Ambient temperature, relative humidity, and heat balance showed no significant (P>0.05) difference with cage stocking density. Cage stocking density had significant (P<0.05) effect on rectal temperature of layers. Bird stocked 3/cell recorded the least (41.14oC) rectal temperature while those stocked 4/cell recorded the highest (41.27oC). All the haematological parameters of the birds were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by stocking density of the cage type. Bio-chemical measurements were not significantly (P>0.05) different among layers under varying stocking density of the cage except total protein (P<0.05). Layers stocked 4/cell recorded highest (5.22g/dl) total protein while those stocked 3/cell had the least value (4.37g/dl). However, the values were within the normal range recommended for healthy chicken. The study concluded that locally fabricated metal-type battery cage could be used to rear layers and stocking density of 3birds/cell is ideal without compromising the welfare of the birds.