Observation on the Electrical Conductivity of Agarwood Inoculant Using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy Measurement for Pulsed Eddy Current Technology Application

Eza Elhanis Anuwar; Nurmiza Othman; Balkis A. Talip; Fahmiruddin Esa; Mohamad Sidiq Mohd Basir; Nurul A’in Ahmad Latif; Ilham Mukriz Zainal Abidin

Authors

Eza Elhanis Anuwar Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Nurmiza Othman Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Balkis A. Talip Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Higher Education Hub, 86400 Panchor, Johor, Malaysia
Fahmiruddin Esa Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Higher Education Hub, 86400 Panchor, Johor, Malaysia
Mohamad Sidiq Mohd Basir Pejabat Pengurusan Makmal, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Higher Education Hub, 86400 Panchor, Johor, Malaysia
Nurul A’in Ahmad Latif Leading Edge NDT Technology (LENDT) Group Industrial Technology Division, Malaysia Nuclear Agency, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Ilham Mukriz Zainal Abidin Leading Edge NDT Technology (LENDT) Group Industrial Technology Division, Malaysia Nuclear Agency, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

Keywords:

Agarwood inducer, electrochemical analysis, Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy, Pulsed Eddy Current

Abstract

Using agarwood inducer involves applying a substance to Aquilaria trees to stimulate agarwood formation by replicating natural triggers that activate the tree’s defensive response and resin production. Traditionally, the distribution of the inducer has been assessed through a time-consuming and destructive holing process. However, this technique can negatively impact the quality of agarwood formation. To address this issue, agarwood plantation workers must consider the correct injection dose to achieve optimal induction strength while controlling inducer usage to prevent wastage. Understanding the spread and distribution of the injected inducer within the Aquilaria tree is essential during the injection process. This study focuses on fundamental research on the electrical properties of the agarwood inducer towards applying a non-destructive detection method based on Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) technology to enhance efficiency and economise the use of the inducer. The electrical properties of the inoculant weremeasured using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Subsequently, the electrical properties obtained from the Nyquist plots were furtheranalysed concerning the conductivity behaviour of the microbes in the inducer solution. A correlation between the electrical properties from the EIS measurement and the conductivity state of samples is crucial for future application of the PEC system to detect the inducer distribution. Implementing this detection method would reduce the injection process, enable more economical use of the inducer, and maintain the quality of agarwood formation.