Engineering Design and Technical Applications of Physical Science: An Integrated Approach for Sustainable Development

In this era of rapidly advancing technology and global challenges, it has become crucial to adopt an integrated approach that bridges the gap between scientific principles and their practical applications. The chapters compiled in this book reflect this need for synergy and presents an eclectic selection of studies that address sustainable composite materials technology, emerging materials for sustainable energy, and environment, health, and sustainable development.

The book explores innovative methods and advancements in composite materials and their applications, highlights the development of materials that contribute to sustainable energy solutions, and considers the crucial interconnections between the environment, human health, and sustainable development. A selection of case studies presents real-world examples and in-depth analyses of various sustainable development initiatives.

Chin Hua Chia, PhD, is a full Professor at the Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia), Malaysia. A recipient of the Young Scientist Award from the National University of Malaysia and the Malaysian Solid State Science and Technology (MASS) in 2012 and 2014, respectively. He also received the Distinguished Lectureship Award by the Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ) in 2017. He is a member of several professional organizations and has published several book and book chapters, as well as more than 230 articles in professional journals. His core research focuses on nanomaterials and polymer nanocomposite syntheses, with a particular emphasis on the structure control to tailor the properties of the materials in determining their performances for environmental remediation applications, such as wastewater treatment, supercapacitor, and hydrogen production.

Sarani Zakaria, PhD, is a Professor at the Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) (also known as The National University of Malaysia). She started her career as Research Assistant at the Chemistry Department, Chemistry Universiti Putra Malaysia and Research Officer at Drug Centre, University of Science Malaysia (USM). She was also a Lecturer at the School of Industrial Technology before working in UKM. Professor Zakaria is an expert in utilizing bioresources such as lignocellulosic materials, especially from plant biomass and converting them into various high value-added products. Her research expertise focuses on the area of pulp and paper technology, wood plastic composites, bio-resin, cellulose derivatives, and regenerated cellulose with the combination of nano functional materials (organic and inorganis materials).

Ruey Shan Chen, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia). She is a member of the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) and has authored several books, book chapters, and over 70 articles in professional journals. Her primary research focus is on polymer matrix biocomposites and nanocomposites, with specific emphasis on enhancing the strength and performance of recycled polymers and biopolymers through the incorporation of agricultural fibers and nanoparticles. She also investigates the foaming process to customize their density and properties, aiming to develop potential applications in fields such as automotive, building materials, and insulation materials.

Md. Shahariar Chowdhury, PhD, has a full-time position as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Environmental Management at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. Concurrently, he also extends his expertise as a part-time research fellow at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at INTI International University in Malaysia. In 2017, he was the recipient of a full scholarship from the Thailand Education Hub (THE-AC). His contributions to the scholarly community have been significant, including roles as a reviewer for ISI-indexed journals and a guest editor at an ISI journal. Dr. Chowdhury has published more than 60 research articles, two review articles, and two chapters in academic books. His areas of research interest are multifaceted, covering nanomaterials, semiconductor materials, solar cells, thin films, PV recycling, e-waste recycling, and the recycling of materials more broadly.