EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM OXIDE (MgO) AS AN ANTIFUNGAL AGENT ON SINGGORA ROOF TILE

Muhammad Azwadi Sulaiman; Wan Hazwani  Wan Mohd Fakri; Syifa’  Muhamad Sharifuddin; Norfadhilah  Ibrahim; Julie Juliewatty  Mohamed

Muhammad Azwadi Sulaiman Intelligent Manufacturing Technology, Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
Wan Hazwani Wan Mohd Fakri Intelligent Manufacturing Technology, Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
Syifa’ Muhamad Sharifuddin Intelligent Manufacturing Technology, Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
Norfadhilah Ibrahim Intelligent Manufacturing Technology, Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
Julie Juliewatty Mohamed Intelligent Manufacturing Technology, Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia

Keywords: Singgora roof, antifungal agent, MgO, roof tile, Stachybotrys

Abstract

Singgora roofs, a traditional type found in Malay houses, are made of moulded clay but have declined in popularity due to concerns about their durability and reliability. These roofs also absorb moisture, which can lead to fungal growth and affect their aesthetic value. To solve this problem, the Singgora clay materials can be mixed with stable inorganic and antifungal additives such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium oxide (MgO). In this research, MgO was selected because the thermal stability is higher than ZnO or other organic antifungal agents. The effectiveness of MgO in preventing fungal growth of Singgora roof was studied at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 wt.%) of MgO. Fungi from the genus Stachybotrys were isolated from field Singgora tiles and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) for 14 days. The obtained colonies were assessed using the zone of inhibition (ZOI) method to measure antifungal efficacy by observing the clear zones. Results showed that 10 wt.% of MgO produced a clear zone with a diameter of up to 60 mm. To investigate the microstructural and mechanical properties, the clay samples were moulded and fired at 800 °C for 12 hours. Analysis under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that samples with 20 wt.% and 30 wt.% MgO had the highest crack formation. Strength tests conducted through three-point bending revealed that 0 wt.% MgO had the highest strength (9.394 MPa), which decreased with the addition of MgO. However, the sample with 10 wt.% MgO demonstrated the al composition with the highest strength (1.372 MPa) among those with added MgO and superior to prevent the growth fungi and offering low porosity and minimal crack formation.