Nor Fasihah Zaaba

The mechanical properties, water resistance and degradation behaviour of silica-filled sago starch/PVA plastic films

Biodegradable sago starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were developed using various percentage of silica. The effect of silica as filler on the mechanical properties, water resistance and degradation behaviour were investigated. Results showed that the 2.0 wt% of silica content in sago starch/PVA films exhibit higher tensile strength but lower elongation at break than films without additional silica. Water absorption and water vapour transmission were decreased with the addition of silica content. Biodegradability test revealed that the increment of silica content reduces the degradation process of sago starch/PVA films.

A Review on Peanut Shell Powder Reinforced Polymer Composites

ABSTRACT Recently, the critical discussion about the innovation of superior properties of engineering products that produced from natural resources has led to the renewed interest worldwide, concerning renewable and environmental issues. Rigorous study has been conducted on the natural fillers by both academicians and industrial researchers. Amongst the various sorts of natural resources, peanut shell powder has been considerably utilized over the past few years. Therefore, this study raises an overview with a specific focus on the improvements made in the scope of peanut shell powder reinforced polymer composites in various type of polymer matrices (i.e. thermoplastic, thermoset and natural rubber). GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT