Research

We develop solutions for the study of complex scientific and engineering problems. Research areas in our lab are in: surface chemistry and nano-based delivery system applied to areas of Pharmaceutical, Personal Care, Nanotechnology and their interfaces. We emphasize the parallel development of tools, method, hardware and applications while we consider indispensable the interactions with our collaborators.

Mineral Processing

Mineral Processing Research Group is focused on the development of fabrication of the derivative material from local mineral resources through mechanochemical and wet chemistry methods. This includes the development of scalable and green processing routes for processing mineral resources that can be commercialized. We are currently using hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods to synthesis oxide nanomaterials. Moreover, we also fabricate high resistance materials by the mechanical alloying and solid-solid reaction in low temperatures reaction. Recent highlights include the synthesis of manganese ferrite for a high resistance pigment and the development of the leaching routes to produce zirconium oxide from zircon sand by mechanochemical. Read more

Advanced Ceramic

The Advanced Ceramics Research Group focuses on the processing and characterization of the bulk engineering ceramic materials for the properties with high functionality and reliability. We are currently doing extensive research on the sintering process of Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Boron Carbide (B₄C) ceramics by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique. SiC and B₄C represent a family of covalent ceramics with a unique combination of properties promising for a wide range of technical applications. Due to extremely low self-diffusion coefficient, the densification of SiC and B₄C alone is possible only at extremely high pressure and/or temperatures. Accordingly, we are applying the densification method of SiC and B₄C by means of liquid phase sintering with the addition of effective sintering additives, which is of an undoubtful interest. Such an approach enables to sufficiently lower the sintering temperature and still achieve complete densification.

In view of considerable interest in the development of liquid phase sintered SiC and B₄C ceramics, a comprehensive theoretical aspect on the thermodynamic calculation of the reactivity sintering additives with SiC or B₄C are evaluated here, such as metal oxide, rare-earth oxide, and rare-earth nitrate additives. Based on the theoretical result, the experiments are designed to find an optimized SPS processing window for tailoring the desirable microstructure and mechanical properties of SiC or B₄C. Overall, the recent findings indicate that a good basis for further systematic research of SiC or B₄C –based materials has been made, and these ceramics materials will be a next candidate for profound research.

In addition to those researches, we also interest with bioceramic materials, i.e., hydroxyapatite (HAp) and calcium titanate (CaTiO₃). The objective of this project is to develop those bioceramics from waste materials and low-temperature sintering using SPS to obtain dense ceramic. Read more

Materials for Sustainable Environment

Materials for Sustainable Environment Research Group focused on developing materials, methods, or systems to overcome environmental issues. Mainly, we develop biodegradable plastic based on polylactic acid (PLA). In this research, we used organic waste to synthesize PLA and utilized a new catalyst from local resources. We also develop a new system for wastewater treatment using the Advanced Oxidation Process combined with Bubble Mill Generator (AOP-BMG). We successfully treat wastewater using AOP-BMG for less than 30 minutes. These projects funded by the Ministry of Research and Technology, Republic of Indonesia.Read more

Food, Health and Pharmaceutical

At the Food, Health and Pharmaceutical Research Group, we aim to elucidate how nanotechnology contributes to human health development. In particular, we establish a new therapeutic herbal-based agent by conducting cutting-edge research on nanomaterial and immune function. Our team is made up a mix of pharmacist, biologist, chemist and industrial engineer. We work together to promote state-of-the-art research. We apply multiomics analyses across each hierarchy of genome, proteins, cells, and tissues. We utilize the computational method that allows us to comprehend preliminary study and apply them to human immunology research, and to elucidate mechanisms of human metabolism using experimental systems such as cells and animal models. Read more