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Waste paper from newsprint, a key feedstock for molded pulp trays, is globally deficient due to digital shifts. Hence, the alternative fiber source needs to be explored. The potential use of fiber ...

Poly(l-lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lactic acid) triblock copolymer (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) prepared by simple esterification of l-lactic acid (l-LA) and diol-polyethylene glycol (diol-PEG) is proposed as an effective plasticizer for poly(lactide) film (PLA). Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analyses reveal improvement in PLA/PLLA-PEG-PLLA blend miscibility without PEG segment recrystallization in the PLA matrix. A comparative study on the performance of PLLA-PEG-PLLA with two different PLLA chain lengths clarifies that long PLLA-PEG-PLLA with balanced block lengths of PLLA and PEG segments performs a semicrystalline structure of PLA crystal without PEG-crystal formation, resulting in blend miscibility. This microstructure clearly induces the perfect α-form of the PLA crystal with increased degree of crystallinity to 50%. Additionally, the sufficiently long PLLA segment in triblock copolymer can get entangled with PLA chains, allowing to enhance melt strength of the PLA/long PLLA-PEG-PLLA blend. In contrast, short PLLA-PEG-PLLA is amorphous, obstructing the formation of the highly ordered PLA packing structure in the blend, and contributing to poor melt strength and mechanical weakness. Furthermore, the PLA/long PLLA-PEG-PLLA blend improves toughness with increased elongation at break to 80% while maintaining the relatively high tensile strength, as compared to that of PLA/PEG or PLA/short PLLA-PEG-PLLA films at the same blending weight ratio.

A biocomposite prepared from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and oil palm fiber (OPF) is proposed with clarification of intermolecular interactions, physical properties, and biodegradability behavior. OPF in this study was converted from oil palm frond, which can be counted as value-added agricultural waste. The OPF content in the biocomposite is varied from 5 to 25 phr and glycerol is used as plasticizer. Scanning electron micrograph presents the good dispersion of OPF in hydrophilic PVA matrix, even at high OPF content of 25 phr. This result provides the improved compressive strength and modulus for 2 and 2.5 times, respectively, as compared to plasticized PVA. The successfully induced rigidity structure of OPF to biocomposite system is also confirmed by increasing of glass transition and melting temperatures, but decreased degree of crystallinity at high contents of OPF (20 and 25 phr). Moreover, the biocomposite with 25 phr OPF exhibits the increase of water resistance at 60% relative humidity obviously. In this study, biodegradability behavior is also traced by Fourier transform infrared spectra which suggests the fast degradation of highly moisture-sensitive PVA as compared with the highly crystalline fibrous structure of OPF.

The seal strength of flexible packaging indicates both functional performance and the ease of opening. This research aims to compare the seal peeling mechanisms evaluated by human participants and standard machine tests. The tests were conducted on flexible films used for typical packaging applications, including low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and nylon/LLDPE. Human peeling was simulated through the use of novel force measurement equipment. The results showed that the maximum machine peel force set by standard test methods was generally lower than the human peel force for most sealing temperatures. In all film types no significant difference was shown between genders, although for people over 65 years of age, peel force was generally lower than for the younger cohort. The results also indicated that peeling speed of human participants was normally higher than the peeling speed set according to the machine test standard.

Nano-silica from rice husk (nano-RHS) was synthesized and used in a coating agent to enhance the flexographic print quality of bleached kraft liner. The rice husk was refluxed with a 2 M HCl solution and calcined in a muffle furnace at 650 °C for 4 h. The particle size of the resultant rice husk ash was reduced to a very fine nano-RHS by hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide. The synthesized nano-RHS in different proportions – 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% (w/w resin ) – was added to a water-based coating agent consisting of acrylic resin. The coating agent with nano-RHS additive was applied by gravure rolling onto the surface of a 170 g/m 2 bleached kraft liner 3–4 μm in thickness. The flexographic print quality was determined with printing details of 31.5 lpc using water-based process colors. The results indicated that the coating agent with 1% nano-RHS was the most promising for improving the flexographic print quality on the bleached kraft liner. At this fraction, the best print quality in terms of high sharpness of fonts and texts, line art, realistic image, and TVI curve (under the requirements of ISO 12647-6) were achieved. In addition, low tone-value and Δ E * ab with a large, three-dimensional color profile and the widest color gamut were obtained.

Effects on characteristics and mechanical properties of oil palm frond fiber (OPFF) as a reinforced element in poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) were investigated in this study. Series of different loading of OPFF were prepared by the following compositions: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 part per resin (phr). Glycerol at 35 phr was also compounded using twin-screw extruder to decrease degree of crystallinity and to reduce shear force of PVA to improve the processability. Injection molding was used to produce specimen for testing. The results indicated that the OPFF has an impact on mechanical properties of the composite material. Different scanning calorimeter (DSC) showed that the melting temperature (Tm) of OPFF reinforced PVA blended with glycerol was shifted to having decrease when compared to the pure PVA. Different loading contents of OPFF indicated that the compressive strength and morphological properties performed by a similar fashion. A highest compressive strength and the modulus of OPFF-reinforced PVA at 25 phr were achieved. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that OPFF-reinforced PVA at 25 phr yielded no accumulation of OPFF fibers but showed the dispersion in the matrix phase. In conclusion, the OPFF derived from oil palm industry can be used as reinforcement for manufacturing of plant pot in the future stage

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nano-particle is widely used in composite materials to its improved mechanical properties. TiO 2 nano-particle was used in the composite material that consists of palm oil sludge from the palm oil production and activated sludge cake from a papermaking process. TiO 2 was synthesized by a hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide. The parameter was investigated by the mole ratio of reactant to different solvents (isopropanol and isobutanol). The solution was prepared by adjusting pH to acid solution, resulting in different sizes and distributions of precipitate which was heated at different temperatures. The obtained samples were then morphologically and structurally characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle size distribution (PSD). The experimental results show that the TiO 2 sample from isopropanol solvent with heated temperature of 600 °C exhibits the best results. Consequently, different mass fractions of TiO 2 (0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 4.0% and 8.0%) were used for specimens that were made from palm oil sludge mixed with activated sludge cake. All samples were later characterized by 3-point bending test and compression test. The results indicate that the adding 0.5% and 1.0% TiO 2 particles to the composite material outperforms the other fractions in terms of enhancing mechanical properties. Nonetheless, mechanical properties tends to decrease when adding 2.0% TiO 2 .

Cellulose was derived from cotton fabric waste. Composites of microcellulose fibers (MC) and isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) was prepared by melting and mixing, and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) was used as compatibilizer. The MC was blended in different ratios up to 20 phr with i-PP using corotating twin-screw compounder and then a forming of trays was done by injection molding. Effects of MC on mechanical properties of i-PP were investigated. Changes in mechanical and morphological properties with different MC loading were discussed. The composite of i-PP/MA-g-PP/MC rendered better results in comparison with the i-PP/MC composite. The compressive strength and modulus of i-PP/MC composites increased with the addition of 20 phr MC. The i-PP/MA-g-PP/MC-20phr composites showed higher compressive strength and modulus than the i-PP/MC-20 phr without MA-g-PP due to increased interfacial interaction between MC and i-PP matrix. Thermal properties of i-PP/MC composites with and without MA-g-PP were not significantly different from pure i-PP. In conclusion, MC derived from cotton fabric waste could be used as a reinforcing agent for manufacturing thermoplastic.

To enhance printing qualities, this study used refluxed silica (SiO2) from rice husk by hydrochloric acid (HCl) at different molarities and reaction times as coating agent for printed paper. Characterization of the refluxed silica from 2M HCl 120 min elucidated the purity of 98.7% and amorphous structure. Particle size of the silica exhibited uniform size of 3 μm and the color measurement (CIE L*a*b*) indicated 94.79+0.48+1.24, whiteness and color difference (E) were 84.85, 3.28, respectively. The coating agent was prepared by water-based varnish of acrylic resin mixed with the synthesized silica at different proportions: 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 (%wt), and later was applied on 170 g/m2-white kraft papers. The results showed that the water-based coating varnish with silica exhibited an increase of viscosity as increasing the amount of the silica. Printing qualities indicated that the vanished printed paper with 1.0% silica elucidated the highest details in shadow tone and text (font) sharpness. The color gamut yielded a wider scope than the printed papers which were varnished with the silica at 0.0%, 0.5% and 1.5%. Nonetheless, the color density showed insignificant difference to 1.5% silica varnished paper.

Alkyd resins were cheap and can perform good properties depend on the modification. In this study, commercial alkyd resins were blended with various proportions of phthalic anhydride and oil on solid. The solvent system showed a clear single phase solution and a clear coat of binder. All the blends were applied on duplex paperboards. The evaluation of coat ability in terms of drying time, adhesion, glossiness, rub resistance, and physical appearance were investigated.

Rice husk is a form of agricultural biomass that provides an abundant silicon dioxides source. This study use rice husk ash as a material to prepare silica. Silica powder has been synthesized by the refluxing of rice husk ash with HCl 1,2 and 3 M at different time (60 and 120 min.) and subsequently adjusting the pH using 1 M. NaOH. The silicon dioxide extraction yield reached 85% and was effect by concentration of HCl solution and reaction time. The structure of the obtained silica powder were characterized by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), CIE L*a*b* (Visible spectrophotometer) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The highest purity of silica sample were 98.7% SiO2, CIE L*a*b* = 94.79 +0.48 +1.24, ∆E ≈ 3.28 (white power) and 2Ɵ = 22o (silica). Particle had a uniform size less than 3 μm. The objective of the next study will applied synthesized silica that enhances the print quality of the printing substrates.

Oil palm frond pulp (OPF) was blended with activated carbon for the purpose of active packaging in this preliminary study. It was aimed to investigate the effect of in-situ activated carbon on physical and mechanical properties of the pulp handsheets made from OPF. Testing of property performances of the resulted handsheets included density, moisture content, thickness swelling, folding, tensile strength, %elongation, stiffness, and modulus of rupture. Ultimately, the intention is to use for prospected active packaging for fresh produce. OPF pulp was prepared by the kraft process. The pulp stock was mixed with different proportions of activated carbon (0, 10, 20, and 30% w/w). The results showed that an increased proportion of activated carbon decreased density and thickness selling, but had no effect on moisture content.

The surface of low density polyethylene (LDPE) film was modified by coating with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nano-particles in epoxy resin in order to increase the surface energy. Epoxy/TiO2 yielded a bridging effect between TiO2 particles and polymer matrix, while epoxide group played a role as dispersant. The surface energy of coated film and uncoated film were compared. The modification of LDPE surface used different two TiO2 nano-particles in size (100 and 150 nm) and weight loadings (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 %wt/wt). The results showed that the surface energy of LDPE films were raised up after the coating but it was still lower than the commercial film. Changes in colors and the agglomeration of TiO2 particles caused by non-homogeneity to the epoxy resin were detected on the film surface. To this end, it can be concluded that the TiO2 coating improves the printability on LDPE film.

SUMMARY This study examined different managerial scenarios for the cost reduction of transport pallets rented by a pet food manufacturer that produces pet food sold in local and international markets. A computer simulation model was developed on the basis of the empirical case to analyse the flow of pallets from the factory, the subcontractors and the distribution centre and to determine the system performance measures in terms of the average waiting times and the number of pallets in queues. The analysis showed that problems occurred when slow-moving products occupied the rental pallets for a long time and because too much inventory was kept at the distribution centre. Two managerial scenarios were then proposed to alleviate these problems, involving pallet movement decisions by internal management. The results suggested a choice of decision supports to determine which managerial scenario was suitable for the business. The proposed implications may be beneficial to similar industries where a supply system of rental pallet service is applied. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Packaging material selection (PMS) problems have always been important to packaging designers and engineers. Not only does the selection of packaging material determine the costs and the environmental impacts of packaging, but also influences packaging physical characteristics and associated manufacturing methods. In order to reduce economic and environmental impacts, one has to take a holistic approach to packaging material selection by considering material effects throughout the packaging life cycle. To evaluate economic costs and environmental impacts both quantitative factors and subjective criteria play an important role in the packaging design. In the present work, fuzzy set theory is used for representing and manipulating the vague and subjective descriptions of packaging performance and design attributes. Further a genetic algorithm based approach is used for addressing the packaging material selection problem through multiple criteria decision-making. The overall approach comprises of two phases. In the first phase, fuzzy set theory is used for the linguistic transformation of performance attributes into numerical values. It results in a decision matrix that contains crisp scores. Also in this phase, a weight is assigned to each sub-criterion to show its importance compared to others. In the second phase, a GA is used to globally search for near-optimal or optimal design solutions. The implementation of the proposed methodology is illustrated through a numerical example.

Returnable transport packaging plays an important role in facilitating the transfer of a large volume of products in a close-loop distribution network. To make effective use of returnable transport packaging, vehicle dispatching strategies are crucial. With an appropriate vehicle dispatching strategy, for example, a fast turnover time and a short waiting time for packaging dispatch can be achieved. However, there are some factors that directly influence vehicle dispatching strategies. These factors include the arrival demand fluctuations, the availability of serving vehicles, and the geographic proximity of the facility to the customer’s locations. In this study, authors investigate the effect of these factors on vehicle dispatching strategies for transport packaging by using a simulation modeling approach. This paper reports different performance outcomes obtained through various test cases.

The main thrust of returnable packaging these days is to provide logistical services through transportation and distribution of products and be environmentally friendly. Returnable packaging and reverse logistics concepts have converged to mitigate the adverse effect of packaging materials entering the solid waste stream. Returnable packaging must be designed by considering the trade-offs between costs and environmental impact to satisfy manufacturers and environmentalists alike. The cost of returnable packaging entails such items as materials, manufacturing, collection, storage and disposal. Environmental impacts are explicitly linked with solid waste, air pollution, and water pollution. This paper presents a multi-criteria evaluation technique to assist decision-makers for evaluating the trade-offs in costs and environmental impact during the returnable packaging design process. The proposed evaluation technique involves a combination of multiple objective integer linear programming and analytic hierarchy process. A numerical example is used to illustrate the methodology.

A number of ozone technology systems have been claimed to remove the ethylene gas released from horticultural produce and airborne pathogens in storage environment. However, contradictory results were reported in the literature. This study was aimed to determine the effect of ozone technology system in removing the ethylene gas in the storage atmosphere for extending shelf life of mango and broccoli. The experiment was carried out in two similar cold rooms (10.68 m3) with and without (control) the ozone technology system. The experiments were conducted separately for mango and broccoli, which are a medium producing and sensitive and a very low producing but high sensitive to ethylene commodities, respectively. Mixed loads of fruits and vegetables were also tested representing the common practice during storage and distribution. Regular slotted containers and reusable plastic containers were compared. Ethylene gases (15 ppm) were introduced in the cold rooms. Samples were kept at their optimum temperatures. Changes in respiration and ethylene production rates, total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), firmness, L*, a*, b* color and weight loss were determined during storage. In mango, TSS/TA in the control group showed a slight increase after 7 days. In broccoli, yellowing after 7 days was apparent to the samples stored in both cold rooms (with or without ozone). No significant (p > 0.05) differences in weight loss, respiration rate and ethylene production rate were observed for both mango and broccoli. Similar trends were shown for mixed loads. Corrugated and reusable containers showed no significant (p > 0.05) differences in terms of produce quality. In our cases, ozone technology system did not seem to effectively eliminate the ethylene in a cold room nor prolong the shelf life of mango, broccoli and mixed loads.