Optical microscopy is one of the techniques which involve the use of polarized light to detect liquid crystalline structure (Figure 1). A polarizing microscope equipped with a heating stage permits visual observation of the phase transformations, from micelles phase through liquid crystal phase (Figure 2). The transformation could be as a result of the change of temperature […]

Most of the products which we encountered daily are homogeneous mixtures of chemical species dispersed at a molecular level. Some of these particles are so small that they are invisible to our naked eyes. For example, a microemulsion solution appears to be clear and colourless. Some of the examples of dispersion of particles, which we […]

Pantha rei” as the Greek philosopher said everything flows. We live in a world whereby everything flows in a matter of time. To describe these flows, we have come up with a variety of terms such as flowing, gushing slipping, dripping, running, squirting, oozing, seeping, etc. and we can immediately associate each word with the motion […]

Thermal analysis is defined as the measurement of changes in chemical or physical properties of a sample as a function of temperature or time in a controlled atmosphere. A special instrument called the TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) which consists of a furnace, weight balance and photodiode sensors is designed to make such measurements (Figure 1). TGA measures […]

The levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, copper, tin, zinc, mercury and cadmium in edible oils and fats have been monitored because of their toxicity. The maximum permissible limit of these metals in edible oils and fats are stated in the Malaysian Food Regulations and Codex. Main Research: Dr. Mohtar Yusof