Characterisation on a series of bulk Al65Cu20Fe15 quasicrystal alloy synthesised via in-situ induction casting under argon (Ar) enriched atmosphere and standard room ambient is the focal point of this research. The significance of atmospheric inertness in the course of induction casting process as well as the impacts of subsequent heat treatment at 650 °C under 5 hours dwelling duration on the metallography of Al65Cu20Fe15 quasicrystal alloy were investigated through VPSEM coupled with EDX as well as XRD. The Al65Cu20Fe15 quasicrystal alloy specimens produced by induction casting under critically controlled inert environment and standard room ambient as well as subjected to posterior heat treatment process were inspected via vickers hardness test in accordance to ISO 6507-1:1997. Research findings inferred that inert atmospheric condition during induction casting is critical for the formation of icosahedral, i phase and served as oxidation retardant to the Al-Cu-Fe ternary system alloy, while the subsequent heat treatment at 650 °C promoted the grain growth of Al65Cu20Fe15 icosahedral quasicrystalline compound.

Spinel structured lithium cobalt manganese tetroxide (LiCoMnO4) which exhibit unrivalled reduction potential of 5.3V (vs. Li0 | Li+) was identified to be one of the potential cathode candidates for next generation lithium-ion batteries offering high voltage output and energy density. The focal point of this article is to holistically review relevant techniques established for the synthesis of LiCoMnO4 compound, particularly solid-state reaction, sol-gel synthesis, flux method and hydrothermal technology. Electrochemical performances of lithium cobalt manganese tetroxide (LiCoMnO4) synthesised via the four distinctive approaches as well as the critical process parameters will be compared and scrutinised. Adversities associated with deoxygenation in the course of synthesis process at high temperature and proposed countermeasure via fluorine-substitution will also be discussed.

Conventional approach of energy derivation is causing anthropogenic pollution and climate change. Various sustainable alternatives of renewable energy particularly solar energy have been developed and implemented as a part of the global effort to gradually decommission usage of fossil fuel and in turn, reduce carbon footprint to overcome adverse environmental impacts. Nevertheless, it was reported that in 2019, only 0.85% of total energy used globally is powered by solar energy. Photovoltaic by itself is not feasible enough due to magnified requirement of land for its installation. Therefore, one of the solutions is floating photovoltaic. However, floating photovoltaic is also restraint by the impact of tidal wave. Characterisation of relationship between stability of large floating structures corresponding to volumetric displacement of the buoyancy control device is the focal point of this paper. Significance of tidal wave impact is empirically assessed based on a scaled-down model of buoyancy control device integrated large floating structure by manipulating the buoyancy of buoyancy control device assisted structure to structure without buoyancy control device under a controlled environment. Fluctuation of the buoyancy control device can be reduced by up to 99.65% when tested against highest configuration of wave transducer by displacing only 50% of air with water. Meanwhile, neutral buoyancy is achieved up to almost 100% when the buoyancy control device is completely filled with water and total submergence has been achieved.