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New biocomposite films from Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Palm kernel shell powder (PKSP) were prepared by solution casting method. The effect of PKSP addition on the film was studied based on the tensile properties, physical properties and biodegradability. From tensile test, it was found that the tensile properties decreased with the increasing PKSP loading in the composition.

The effects of different particle sizes of recycled nitrile glove (rNBRg) on curing characteristics and physical properties of natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber/recycled nitrile glove (NR/SBR/rNBRg) blends were investigated. The particle sizes of rNBRg were differentiated by the method of sizing. S1 was obtained by cutting the rNBRg into smaller sheets; S2 was obtained by passing rNBRg through 2 rolls mill for 10 times; and S3 was obtained by passing rNBRg through 2 rolls mill for 10 times and then mechanically grinded. NR/SBR/rNBRg blends were prepared at 50/30/20 composition using two roll mill at room temperature, with different particle sizes, rNBRg (S1), rNBRg (S2) and rNBRg (S3). Curing characteristics (scorch time, cure time, minimum torque and maximum torque), tensile properties and physical properties (crosslink density, resilience and hardness) of the blends were investigated. Results indicated that scorch time, cure time and minimum torque decreased as the rNBRg particle size decreased, while maximum torque and crosslink density increased. Tensile strength of the blends decreased as the rNBRg particle size reduced, which explained the formation of holes on the surfaces of tensile fracture, observed by scanning electron microscope. The rigidity of NR/SBR/rNBRg blends increased when smaller rNBRg particles were used, which explained the increased in hardness and decreased in resilience of the blends.

Recently, there has been an interest in potential of antioxidant film incorporated with natural extract. The film was produced by using chitosan in the presence of pomelo (Citrus grandis) peel extract. In this study, there were 3 different effects of parameter that had been screened by using 2-Level Factorial which were concentrations of chitosan, pomelo peel extract and glycerol. Meanwhile, the response that had been investigated which was Total Phenolic Content (TPC). The data were analyzed by using ANOVA to screen the parameters affecting the antioxidant activity of films. Factor B (concentration of pomelo peel extract) and AC (interaction between the concentration of chiotosan and glycerol) were significant parameters in this studied. Meanwhile, FTIR spectra of antioxidant film revealed that there were interaction between functional groups of chitosan with pomelo peel extract with presence of aromatic ring C=C stretch at wavelength of 1555.3 cm-1 and 1410.7 cm-1. These results suggested that chitosan films containing pomelo peel extract have potential as the antioxidant thin film, which can be used for development of antioxidant food packaging materials.

DDR3 zeolite has been attracted by the researchers for its characteristics which are potential in various applications including CO2 adsorption. Thus, in the current work, DDR3 zeolite synthesized via ultrasonic irradiation method reported in our previous work [14] are characterized by BET surface area and tested for CO2 adsorption at room temperature. DDR3 sample synthesized in 10 days via hydrothermal heating and ultrasonic pre-treatment of 3 h showed the BET surface area of 297 m2/g with CO2 adsorbed amount of 1.86 mmol/g (28 cm3/g STP). Subsequently, samples synthesized in 1 day and 0.5 day with ultrasonic pre-treatment of 1 h showed the BET surface area of 201 m2/g and 2.0 m2/g, respectively, with CO2 adsorbed amount of 1.61 mmol/g (14 cm3/g STP) and 0.3 mmol/g (2 cm3/g STP), respectively. Subsequently, reference DDR3 sample which was synthesized in 25 days as reported in literature showed the BET surface area of 323 m2/g with CO2 adsorbed amount of 1.91 mmol/g (31 cm3/g STP). Consequently, in the present work, it was observed that BET surface area and CO2 adsorption decreases with decrease in synthesis duration. This result was mainly because of the effect of growth duration and ultrasonic pre-treatment. Overall, it was concluded that DDR3 zeolite synthesized in 1 day via ultrasonic irradiation coupled with hydrothermal heating method showed comparable CO2 adsorption results with the DDR3 reference sample obtained in the present work as well as the DDR3 samples reported in the literature.

Paddy Straw Powder (PSP) show potential as a new reinforcement based-natural fibre. A Haake internal mixer was used to incorporated paddy straw powder (PSP) into polylactic acid (PLA). Polylactic acid (PLA)/paddy straw powder biocomposite was prepared using constant rotor speed (60 rpm) for 14 minutes at 180∘C. The effects of paddy straw powder content (5-20 wt %) on mechanical and thermal properties of the biocomposites were investigated. The tensile strength of the biocomposites was above 30 MPa up to 15 wt.% of PSP whereas the elongation at break was ranged between 2-3% with the incorporation of PSP up to 15 wt.%. Modulus elasticity was increased by increasing the paddy straw powder content. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results have demonstrated a minor effect of the rice straw on thermal behavior of PLA resin Thermogravimetry, analysis (TGA) demonstrated that thermal stability of PLA/PSP biocomposites is reduced by the incorporation of PSP.

Polypropylene (PP)/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ banana skin powder (BSP) composites with different BSP filler loading (5,10,15,20,25,30wt. %) were studied. Composites were prepared by using heated two roll mill at 180 °C. The effect of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) as coupling agent were evaluated. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young’s Modulus and Elongation at Break (Eb) of the different composites were investigated. Tensile strength and Elongation at break of the composites were found to be decreasing with increasing BSP filler loading. The Young’s Modulus was found to be increasing with BSP filler loading due increment of composite rigidity. At similar BSP filler loadings, γ-APS treated BSP composites shows higher tensile strength and Young’s Modulus. This may due to strong bonding between BSP filler and PP/NBRr matrices in the presence of APS silane coupling agent. The morphological studies strongly support this findings whereby good interaction and less pull outs of BSP filler was noticed in the presence of APS silane.

Polypropylene (PP)/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ banana skin powder (BSP) composites were studied. Different BSP filer loading (5, 10, 15,20,25,30 wt. %) were prepared by using heated two roll mill at 180 °C. Then, the composites were tested for functional group using FTIR model Perkin Elmer Series 2. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (VPFESEM) model Zeiss SUPRA 35VP also were using for morphological study. The effect of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) as coupling agent were evaluated.The FTIR test shows different bands around 3200-3500 and 1740 cm-1 which represent the stretching of OH and C=O groups respectively. As for BSP which composed mostly of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, the cellulose backbone C-OH is represent by the peaks of 1050 and 1048 cm-1 respectively. The γ-APS intense band around 1167 cm-1 and 1098 cm-1 in treated composite was assigned to the stretching of the-Si-O-Cellulose and –Si-O-Si-bond respectively. The large band around 1050 cm-1 found on BSP filler was attribute to the –Si-OH group which later this band will disappear after the surface modification. This evidenced that bonding between γ-APS treated BSP with PP/NBRr matrices. Morphological study supported this finding which BSP filler treated with γ-APS has improved the adhesion between BSP filler and PP/NBRr matrices.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of treated Cyperus Odoratus (CY) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on the properties of biodegradable plastics made from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/CY blends. Alkali treatments for natural fibers can increased adhesion between the hydrophilic fibers and hydrophobic matric. After CY was treated with 5% NaOH solution, it can be seen that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the LLDPE/CY blends significantly increased. Therefore, alkali treatments can be considered in modifying the properties of natural fibers.

The thermal degradation of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ rice husk powder (RHP) composites with and without epoxidized nature rubber (ENR-50) were studied. The thermal degradation of this composite was evaluated for 30 days using oven ageing. The NBRr content was manipulated in this work and the particle size for the rice husk powder was 150-300 μm. The composites were prepared by using two-roll mills at 180 °C and then were compressed at 180 °C to produce a 1 mm thin sheets. The dumbbell samples then were analysed by using universal testing machine and field emission screening electron microscopy for tensile and morphological properties. The results obtained showed that tensile strength was decreased with the increasing of NBRr content for both oven ageing and control composites. However the oven ageing composites recorded much lower tensile properties. This may possibly due to the chain session of LDPPE matrix at longer heat exposure duration. This finding is supported by the morphological micrograph with less ductile features of the respective specimens.

The compatibilizer effect of ENR-50 on the tensile properties and morphology of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ rice husk powder (RHP) composites has been studied. The RHP size utilize in this work is 150 – 300 μm. LLDPE/NBRr/RHP composites were prepared by melt mixing technique at 180 °C for 9 minutes at 50 rpm rotor speed using heated two roll mill. The series of composites investigated were 100/0/5, 80/20/5, 70/30/5, 60/40/5, 50/50/5, and 40/60/5. The composites were analysed by using tensile test and morphology examination. The result showed that the tensile strength of composite was decreased with the increasing of recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr) content while elongation at break (Eb) were increased. However, the tensile strength and elongation at break result for composites with ENR-50 as compatibilizer showed higher values. The morphological finding supports the tensile properties which indicate better interaction between the RHP filler and LLDPE/NBRr matrix in the presence of ENR-50 compatibilizer.

The compatibilizer effect of ENR-50 on the tensile properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/banana skin powder (BSP)/ composites has been studies. HDPE/NBRr/BSP composites were prepared by melt mixing technique using twin-screw at 180 °C for 9 minutes at rotor speed 50 rpm. The six different composites studied were 100/0/5, 80/20/5, 70/30/5, 60/40/5, 50/50/5, and 40/60/5. As for compatibilized composite a fix 5 wt% of ENR-50 was evaluated. The specimens were analysed for tensile strength and elongation at break (Eb). The results showed that tensile strength and the elongation at break were decreases with the increasing of NBRr loading. However for ENR-50 compatibilized composites, higher tensile strength and elongation at break was recorded. The ENR-50 was found to be an excellent compatibilizer for HDPE/NBRr/BSP composites.

The thermal degradation of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr)/ banana skin powder (BSP) composites with and without ENR-50 are fabricated and studied. The thermal degradation of this composite was evaluated for 30 days oven ageing. The BSP with size of 150 – 300 μm was utilized in this work. All compounds were mixed using heated two roll mill at 180 °C. The compounds were molded in a hot press machine at 180 °C for 11 minutes to produce 1 mm thin sheet. Then the sheet were cut into dumbbell shape for the mechanical testing using universal testing machine. The tensile strength of high density polyethylene/ recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/ banana skin powder composites showed the decreasing trend with the increasing NBRr loading for the composites with and without ENR-50. However, the result for the oven ageing showed lower tensile strength. This may due to the chain session of PP matrix at heat exposure duration of 30 days.

Glutaraldehyde (GLA) was used as cross-linking agent in chitosan (CS)/corn cob (CC) biocomposite films. The effect of GLA content on tensile properties of CS/CC biocomposite films was studied. The CS/CC biocomposite films were produced through solvent casting method. The tensile strength of modified CS/CC biocomposite films were increased with GLA content and the optimum increment at 1% of GLA content. Similar, modulus of elasticity of biocomposite films increased with GLA content. In contrast, the elongation at break of modified CS/CC biocomposite films reduced as increasing of GLA content. The modified CS/CC biocomposite films with 1% of GLA exhibited the highest elongation at break. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results showed the presence of imine bonds (C=N) and ethylenic groups (C=C) due to the cross-linking reaction occurred between CS and GLA. Furthermore, GLA was enhanced the wettability and interfacial interaction between CS matrix and CC filler, as proven by a morphology study.

This study investigates the properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with different soya spent powder (SSP) blend contents upon oven aging. The aged properties of the HDPE/SSP blends were studied by using tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The tensile strength and elongation at break (E b) decreased inversely proportional to SSP content and aging period. The thermal stability of the blends was significantly reduced after 21 days of aging. After aging, the melting temperature and crystallinity of the blends decreased with increasing aging period. These results revealed that samples with higher SSP content are more brittle upon oven aging.

The present work was investigated the effect of filler content and chemical modification on mechanical, thermal properties and morphology study of CS/CC biocomposite films. The acrylic acid was used as chemical modification of corn cob. The increasing of CC content has decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break, but increased the modulus of elasticity of CS/CC biocomposite films. The modified corn cob with acrylic acid (AA) has enhanced the tensile properties and thermal properties of CS/CC biocomposite films by improving the interfacial interaction. The chemical reaction between acrylic acid and corn cob was confirmed by Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) and the improvement of interfacial bonding was proven by scanning electron microscopy.

The poor management and underutilization of agricultural wastes had proliferated interest of researchers around the world to find alternatives to utilize them as potential value-added products. One of the green alternatives is by extracting cellulose from these waste materials and incorporating them in polymer as reinforcement fillers. The surging amount of plastic waste also posed major issues to the environment due to its recalcitrance to degrade. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC-RS) was extracted from rice straw through cyclic alkaline and bleaching treatment to remove hemicellulose and lignin respectively. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) was chosen as the matrix and different ratios of PVOH / MCC-RS films were prepared (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0wt% of MCC) through solution casting method and its tensile, thermal and morphological properties were studied. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) results showed increased crystallinity of MCC-RS after chemical treatment (from 44.5% to 60.8%) due to the successful removal of lignin and hemicellulose, which was then confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results. For the biocomposites, both tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the films increased with increasing MCC-RS content up until 7.5wt%, supported with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results which depicted improvement in the interfacial adhesion between MCC-RS and PVOH. From the overall results, the improvement in properties of biocomposite from cellulose-based microfiller had shown promising future in application of the water soluble plastic packaging industry.

The sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used as chemical modifier to improve the properties of paddy straw powder (PSP) filled Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biocomposites. The effects of filler content and NaOH on tensile properties and morphology of PHBV/PSP biocomposites were investigated. It was found that the addition of PSP to PHBV biocomposites have decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break, however the modulus of elasticity increased. The treated PHBV/PSP biocomposites with NaOH have higher tensile strength and modulus of elasticity but lower elongation at break. Surface treatment using NaOH has enhanced filler–matrix interaction. The better interfacial interaction between PSP and PHBV matrix was confirmed through scanning electron microscope study.

Blends containing various percentages of linear low-density polyethylene and soya powder were prepared. The effects of polyethylene-graft-(maleic anhydride) (PE-g-MA) as a compatibilizer and soya powder content on the natural weathering were investigated. Blends without PE-g-MA were used as controls. The soya powder was varied from 5 to 40 wt% of the blends, and PE-g-MA was used at 50 wt% based on soya powder content. The samples were exposed to natural weathering in the northern part of Malaysia for 1 year. Higher decreases in tensile strength and elongation at break of the controls were observed as compared to those of the PE-g-MA compatibilized blends after the natural weathering. The Young's modulus of both controls and compatibilized blends increased over the environmental exposure period. A control sample lost 8.8% of its original weight after 1 year of weathering, whereas a compatibilized blend lost 7.5 wt% during the same period. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers

The performance of sugarcane baggase (SCB) treated with γ-APS filled polypropylene (PP)/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBRr) biocomposites were investigated. The composites with different filler loading ranging from 5 to 30 wt % were prepared using heated two roll mill by melt mixing at temperature of 180 °C. Tensile properties of the PP/NBRr/SCB composites which is tensile strength, Young Modulus and elongation at break were investigated. Increasing of treated SCB filler loading in PP/NBRr/SCB composites have increased the Young modulus however decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break of the PP/NBRr/SCB composites. From the results, γ-APS treated SCB composites shown higher tensile strength and Young Modulus but lower elongation at break when compared to the untreated SCB composites. This is due to the stronger bonding between γ-APS treated SCB with PP/NBRr matrices. These findings was supported by micrograph pictures from morphological study. SCB filler treated with γ-APS has imp...