Nanocellulose
It is undeniable that nanocellulose is one of the most abundant natural polymers in the world. Nanocellulose has been known as a superior material because of many outstanding properties such as large surface area, biocompatibility, hydroxyl group for activation, low toxicity, and high mechanic strength. Therefore, it is the best candidate for designing and developing functional nanomaterials for medicine, science, engineering, and biology applications.
To contribute to sustainable development by limiting environmental pollution and producing added-value products, we focus on utilizing available agricultural wastes/by-products for nanocellulose production. We have succeeded in producing nanocellulose from coir fibers, waste paper sources such as cardboard, office paper, and newspaper. The topics focus on surveying and evaluating raw materials, isolating nanocellulose and under-going fabricating membrane reinforced by nanocellulose.
Recycling Polyethylene Teraphthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the best thermoplastic polymer resins of the polyester family, biodegradable and semi-crystalline. The PET exhibits various intrinsic properties such as transparency, good barrier properties to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water better than other materials. Moreover, it also shows solvency and eases to process on industrial equipment. Therefore, the use of PET has risen dramatically with the most notable application on packaging technology, food, and drink containers.
The recent technology aiming to reduce PET waste in the environment is the chemical recycling of PET by glycolysis reaction. The PET can be recycled to initial raw materials where the polymer structure is eradicated or can be recycled back into its process intermediates like bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). Ongoing studies are focused on examining the factors affecting the reaction efficiency and crystallinity of BHET products, along with using heterogeneous catalysts in glycolysis in order to get high yield products and environmental friendliness.
Material Composite
Composite material is a combination of two or more materials with different physical and chemical properties. When they are combined they create a material have a good physical and chemical properties. They are applied to agriculture and construction,…
The Research of the recent composite group: we have made composite material base on matrix material is the thermoplastics such as PVC, ABS,… and combined with the reinforcement material is natural fiber such as: pineapple, coconut coir, rice straw,… Another study made Growing media from coffee grounds combined with Coco peat using adhesives modification starch. The use of recycled thermoplastic materials and natural composition contribute to environmental protection, waste utilization.