Engineering Materials & Structures (eMast)

iKohza Name: Engineering Materials & Structures (eMast)
Leader's Name and Title: Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Saiful Amri Mazlan
Deputy Leader (if any): Ts. Dr. Nur Azmah Nordin
Main Contact Email: amri.kl@utm.my
Location/Office: Level 8, Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Website or Social Media (if available): NA

Main Research Themes/Keywords:

Smart Materials; Magnetorheological (MR) Materials; Rheology; Morphology; Durability; Mechanical Properties; Physicochemical; Vibrations Control; Additive Manufacturing; 3D and 4D Printing

Description of Research Focus Areas:

The eMast iKohza conducts cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in engineering materials and structural systems, integrating advanced material science, mechanics, and intelligent technologies. A key research focus is the development of high-performance materials such as polymers, composites, metals, and smart materials, particularly magnetorheological (MR) materials, which respond to magnetic fields for use in adaptive and responsive structures. The group emphasizes rheological studies to analyze the flow and deformation behavior of these materials under various stress, temperature, and magnetic field conditions. Morphological analysis, using techniques like advanced microscopy, helps uncover the microstructural features that influence material properties, while magnetic characterization supports the development of materials for sensing, actuation, and control applications. Another major focus is on additive manufacturing, including both 3D and 4D printing, to create complex, customizable, and stimuli-responsive components with enhanced functionality and adaptability. This enables the fabrication of next-generation smart structures with property-changing capabilities over time. The iKohza also conducts structural analysis and simulation to evaluate behavior under different loading conditions, and performs durability and failure studies on long-term performance. eMast bridges theoretical research and industrial application while supporting postgraduate training and innovation.

Laboratories Used:

i. Advanced Materials Laboratory – For synthesis, processing, and fabrication of advanced and smart materials.
ii. Structures and Mechanics Laboratory – For mechanical testing, structural analysis, and dynamic analysis
iii. Magnetorheological (MR) Materials Laboratory – Specializes in the rheological characterization and testing of MR materials
iv. Additive Manufacturing Lab – Equipped for 3D and 4D printing of metals, polymers, and MR materials.
v. Characterization Laboratory – For detailed microstructural and surface analysis of materials.

Key Equipment/Technology Available:

i. Microscopy – Used for imaging and morphological analysis of material surfaces.
ii. Universal Testing Machine (UTM) – Performs tensile tests to evaluate mechanical properties.
iii. Rheometer – Measures rheological properties such as viscosity, shear stress, and flow behavior, crucial for characterizing MR fluids and polymer-based materials. Embedded with magnetic stimulation to evaluate the responsiveness of magnetorheological materials and their property changes under magnetic fields.
iv. Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) – Measures viscoelastic properties (storage modulus, loss modulus, damping factor) of materials over a range of temperatures and frequencies to assess stiffness and damping behavior.
v. 3D and 4D Printers – Fabricate functional prototypes and smart structures capable of shape transformation under stimuli.

List of Ongoing/Recent Projects or Grants:

i. Adaptive Magnetorheological Elastomer (MRE) for Hydrogen-Diesel Engine Mount.
ii. Development of Adaptive Magnetorheological Elastomer Filament for Engine Mounts in Future Hydrogen-Diesel Compression Ignition Automotive Vehicles using 4D Printing.
iii. Electroconductive Magnetorheological Plastomer Doped with Discrete Graphite Flakes for Flexible Electronic Sensors Application.
iv. Magnetostriction Enhancement of Magnetoactive Foam Under the Influence of Different Temperatures with Incorporation of Silica Nano-Additive for Tactile Sensor.
v. Degradation of Magnetic Rubber Containing Spherical and Flaky Shape of Particles Under Natural Weathering Conditions for Outdoor Engineering Applications.

Selected Publications (Last 3 Years):

i. 4D-Printed TPU-Based Magnetorheological Elastomer using Simplified Feedstock Preparation (Polymer Engineering and Science)
ii. Morphological Features of Magnetorheological Elastomer Degradation Under A Natural Weathering Environment (Scientific Reports)
iii. Role of Micro- and Nano-Cobalt Ferrite as an Additive in Enhancing the Viscous Behaviour of Magnetorheological Grease (Journal of Materials Research and Technology-JMR&T)
iv. Deterioration Behavior of Aged Magnetorheological Elastomer Under Harsh Marine Environment (Express Polymer Letters)
v. Molecular Dynamics and Experimental Analysis of Energy Behavior During Stress Relaxation in Magnetorheological Elastomers (Scientific Reports)

Patents:

i. A Magnetorheological Damper (MY-189462-A)
ii. A Method of Detection and Warning System for Motorcycle Vehicular Collision Avoidance (PI 2017 001216)
iii. Magnetorheological Elastomer Based Different Types of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (PI 2017 000844)
iv. A Turbocharger (MY-181678-A)
v. A Magnetoheological Isolator (MY-173554-A)
vi. Multistage Modular Magnetorheological Control Valve (MY-176753-A)

Current National and International Collaborations:

i. Tomas Bata University in Zlin (TBU), Czech Republic. Project: Anisotropic Magnetorheological Elastomer for energy application. MOU International 10/01/2024 to 09/01/2029
ii. Charotar University of Science and Technology. (CHARUSAT), Gujerat State, India, Research Collaboration and Promotion of Academic in the area of Science and Technology. LOC International 14/07/2022 to 13/07/2025
iii. CK Materials Lab Co., Ltd, Republic of Korea. Project: Development of New Product based on Magnetorheological Plastomer. MOU International 25/05/2021 to 24/05/2026
iv. Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Indonesia. On the development and characterization of magnetorheological materials for smart and adaptive engineering applications.
v. Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic. On the application of magnetorheological (MR) materials, focusing on their integration into smart systems for vibration control, damping, and adaptive structural technologies.
vi. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Jengka. On magnetorheological (MR) materials research, focusing on morphological studies, material characterization, and chemical analysis to enhance performance and application potential.
vii. Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP). On magnetorheological (MR) materials research, emphasizing rheological behavior, microstructure analysis, and magnetic property evaluation to develop advanced smart materials for adaptive engineering applications.

Joint Programs/Student Exchanges/Industrial Engagements:

i. Research Internship on Magnetorheological Foam Research. Kyushu University, Japan.
ii. Research Internship on Magnetorheological Elastomer Research. Charotar University of Science & Technology, India.
iii. Research Internship on Magnetorheological Materials Research and Additive Manufacturing. Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic.
iv. Research Internship on Magnetorheological Materials, Application and Publications. Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia.
v. Research Internship on Magnetorheological Materials Research and Additive Manufacturing. Udayana University, Indonesia.
vi. Industrial Engagement on Cement Hose Characterization. Titron Rubber Industries Sd. Bhd., Malaysia.
vii. Industrial Engagement on Engine Mountings Characterization. GAIA Sciences (M) Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia.

Community Engagement:

i. Tun Razak Rehabilitation Centre, Melaka, Malaysia. Innovation for Rehabilitation Exercise Kit.

Academic Staff (Name, Position, Area of Expertise):

i. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Saiful Amri Mazlan, Head of Research Group – (Smart Materials – Magnetorheology (MR), MR Devices, Materials Characterizations)
ii. Ts. Dr. Nur Azmah Nordin – (Smart Materials – Magnetorheology (MR), Microstructures, Materials Characterizations)
iii. Dr. Shahir Yasin Mohd Yusuf – (Additive manufacturing, Metals and Alloys, Process-Structure Relationship, Materials Post-processing)
iv. Dr. Hafizal Yahaya – (Semiconductor nano structure, Thin film, Nano materials, Materials characterization)
v. Ir. Ts. Dr. Norhasnidawani Johari – (Nano Coating, Durability, Corrosion, Nano Materials)

Postdocs/Researchers:

i. Ts. Dr. Mohd Aidy Faizal Johari – (Advanced Composites, Smart Materials, Magnetorheology, Durability, Fracture Mechanics, Morphological Analysis)
ii. Dr. Nurul Hakimah Mohd Lazim – (Natural rubber, Smart Materials Magnetorheology (MR), Polymer Blend, Molecular Dynamics Simulation)
iii. Dr. Mona Ebadi – (Biopolymer synthesis, Biocompatibility testing, Advanced Materials Characterization)

Postgraduate Students:

i. Khairul Anwar Abdul Kadir (PHD)
ii. Nursyafiqah Zaini (PHD)
iii. Nur Amirah Farhana Rahimin (PHD)
iv. Dewi Utami (PHD)
v. Ahmad Fitri Sukarman (PHD)
vi. Nor Amira Izzati Ayob (PHD)
vii. Rehnupreya Hentry Viension (PHD)
viii. Suziyani Md Zin (Master)