Hairi Hussain

Synthesis and self-assembly of brush-type poly[poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate]-block-poly(pentafluorostyrene) amphiphilic diblock copolymers in aqueous solution.

Well-defined fluorinated brush-like amphiphilic diblock copolymers of poly[poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate] (P(PEGMA)) and poly(pentafluorostyrene) (PPFS) have been successfully synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The self-assembly behavior of these polymers in aqueous solutions was studied using (1)H NMR, fluorescence spectrometry, static and dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The micellar structure comprised of PPFS as the core and brush-like (hydrophobic main chain and hydrophilic branches) polymers as the coronas. The hydrodynamic radius (R(h)) of the micelles in aqueous solution was in the nanometer range, independent of the polymer concentration, consistent with a closed association model. Diblock copolymers with a longer P(PEGMA) block formed micelles with smaller R(h) and lower aggregation numbers consistent with an improved solubilization of the core. The micelles possessed a thick hydration layer as verified by the ratio of the radius of gyration, R(g) to the hydrodynamic radius, R(h). The aggregation number and ratio of R(g) to R(h) were observed to increase with temperature (20-50 degrees C), while the R(h) of the micelle decreased slightly over the same temperature range. An increase in temperature induced the brush-like PEG segments in the corona to dehydrate and shrink while forming micelles with larger aggregation numbers.

Photoactive perylenediimide-bridged silsesquioxane functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica thin films (PMO-SBA15): synthesis, self-assembly, and photoluminescent and enhanced mechanical properties.

Well-organized periodic mesoporous organosilica thin films (designated as PMO-SBA15), having covalently bonded perylene-bridged silesquioxane (PTCDBS) inside their pore channels, are successfully synthesized via sol-gel self-assembly of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane and perylene-bridged silsesquioxane, using micelles of pluronic surfactant (P123) as a template for the first time. The surfactant is successfully removed from the pore channels of PMO-SBA15 by an acidic solvent extraction procedure. The final PMO-SBA15 thin films are characterized by high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD), transmission electron microcopy (TEM), solid-state 29Si and 13C NMR CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and nanoindentation. HRXRD data reveal the formation of well-organized hexagonal channels in the pure PMO-SBA15 films. The intensity of the diffracted X-ray, however, systematically attenuates after incorporation of the perylene functionality inside the hexagonal channels. This is attributed to the low X-ray scattering contrast between the mesostructured organosilica walls and organic moieties (perylene) inside the channels, suggesting the successful incorporation of the photoactive perylene molecules inside the nanochannels. This was further confirmed by photoluminescence spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements. Additionally, the mechanical hardness of the functionalized PMO-SBA15 thin films, measured by nanoindentation, is significantly enhanced as compared with that of the pure PMO film. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis suggested the functionalized PMO-SBA15 materials with PTCDBS.

Perceived service quality of zakat institution among Muslim businessmen in Malaysia

A mail survey was conducted to examine perceived service quality towards zakat institution among 227 Muslim businessmen in one of the states in Malaysia. The research data was analyzed using descriptive statistic. The findings indicated that the majority of respondents rated three aspects of the quality, namely, tangibles, reliability and courtesy as “Good”. Meanwhile, credibility, competence, responsiveness, access, understanding and communication were aspects that rated as “Bad”. Based on the findings, zakat institution needs to develop and implement appropriate strategies to improve its service quality in many aspects. The research implications and suggestions for future research were also discussed.A mail survey was conducted to examine perceived service quality towards zakat institution among 227 Muslim businessmen in one of the states in Malaysia. The research data was analyzed using descriptive statistic. The findings indicated that the majority of respondents rated three aspects of the quality, namely, tangibles, reliability and courtesy as “Good”. Meanwhile, credibility, competence, responsiveness, access, understanding and communication were aspects that rated as “Bad”. Based on the findings, zakat institution needs to develop and implement appropriate strategies to improve its service quality in many aspects. The research implications and suggestions for future research were also discussed.