Dr Mohamad Zaki Bin Hassan
Dr Mohamad Zaki Bin Hassan began his career as a lecturer in the L& G Twintech in 1999 after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). After spending almost a year there, in February 2000, he started his academic career as a tutor in UTM, Kuala Lumpur. From then, his journey into the scholarly world continued whereby he successfully completed his Masters in Mechanical Engineering at the UTM in 2003. In 2012, he went on to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of Liverpool.
His PhD thesis was on “Low Velocity Impact Response of Sandwich Structures”, where he modelled the polymeric sandwich structures using finite element analysis and mathematical approaches following quasi-static and dynamic loadings. This began of his journey as an academician, whereby he started publishing and establishing his expertise in polymer and sandwich structures. His expertise in polymer and composite structures has transcended from the industry to the academy and has proven to be extremely beneficial particularly in exploring new research opportunities in this field. He has an added advantage, as his research is focusing on an advanced material towards sustainability and green technology.
In 2017, he was fortunate to study of recycling polymer that combining with low cost material in order for fabrication of the product. One of his research in this composite material focused on optimizing the amount of volume fraction between polymer and secondary material. Here, study also focused on the durability, life cycle and strength of the material due to humidity, UV and extreme weather conditions. This material has been employed as a breakwater structure that can be utilized to reduce wave strength in muddy and salty water condition along the coastline. This structure has installed at Pantai Haji Dorani. At the meantime, he also explored the possibility of recycle PET as a flood stick gauge. In addition, further study has also been conducting in use of this recycle polymer as a construction material including floor tile, roof tile, beam structure and brick.
Since 2015, Dr Mohamad Zaki with his research students have been working to enhance the capabilities of selective laser melting (SLM) technique in order to manufacture a lightweight composite aerospace structure. This includes on the improvement of the fabrication time of the lattice structure in order to offer a higher strength to weight ratio of structural material. These sandwich structures have been verified using FEM and mathematical model.
He also has been worked in enhancing the treatment parameter of natural fibres due to incompatibility with the matrixes. A major drawback from using natural fibre in polymeric composites is the incompatibility between natural fibre and polymer matrix due to hydrophilic and hydrophobic interaction. The high moisture content in natural fibre makes them difficult to bond properly with the polymer matrix and finally, degrading the mechanical properties of the structure laminate. Kenaf, jute, hemp and bamboo are mainly natural fibre that was obeyed in this work.
The candidate has been involved by the university on numerous occasions for his knowledge and expertise in assisting UTM to move to a higher plane of excellence. His involvement in the College of Science & Technology from 2000 to 2007 in developing a curriculum for instituting collaboration academic programme where the academic programme was conducted as a joint programme. This was the first stage in offering a Vocational Diploma in a public university in Malaysia. The academic programme is recognized as Diploma of Technology. The collaborating institutions are MARA, IKTBN and Ministry of Defence Malaysia. At this time, he was also appointed as a coordinator of the Diploma of Technology (Tool and Die) specially offered by IKTBN, Sepang. With regards to curriculum development, he has committee in the development of Diploma of Technology (Tool and Die) (1999), Diploma of Technology (Automotive) (1999), Diploma of Technology (Military Vehicles) (2004), Diploma of Technology (Weaponry) (2004). He was appointed in various administrative posts in UTM including as the Head of Mechanical Engineering Panel, Fellow of Keloj Siswa Jaya, Head of Solid and Materials Lab, Fellow of PHB, Coordinator for Industrial Training (Industrial Design) and Head of Journal Club RSEAT.
Dr Mohamad Zaki has been invited to lecture for short courses such as Life Cycle of Preventive Maintenance Using Weibull analysis conducted by SILK Hiway Sdn Bhd. He is also recognized by his peers abroad in his area of expertise where he was invited to become journals editor and reviewer for journal articles and research grant. He is also involved in consultation with government agency including Nahrim and Ministry of Defence Malaysia. In addition, he also have a contributed to consult with industry such as Intel, Petron Sdn Bhd, Voith Paper Fabrics Ipoh Sdn Bhd, Micromechanic Sdn Bhd, Bandus Jaya Enterprise and Babas Product (M) Sdn. Bhd.
He has taught courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels including subjects such as Solid Mechanics, Fluid Power, Manufacturing Processes, Production and Planning Control, Dynamic, Product Design, Mechanical Design, Static, Industrial Engineering, Machine Design, Engineering Economic. He also taught a subject for Masters and Doctoral Programmes including Research Methodology, Technology Management and Economic Analysis for Technology. Throughout his career as an academician, he has been instrumental in developing various curriculums and their content with input from various parties including industries.
At the national level, he is a graduate member of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM). He also assisted in the preparation of MOU with Nahrim. He was honoured an Award of Excellence for Research Methodology and Technology Management taught classes. In March 2017, Mohamad Zaki was awarded the Gold (Masters) for the invention of the ultrasonic horn for metal tube compression. He was also received bronze medal for invention of low cost micro hydro power generation: a cross –flow turbine conferred by Agensi Nuklear Malaysia.
