R Hamzah

Characterization and properties of low-linear-density polyethylene/Typha latifolia composites

ABSTRACT The characterization of the effects of different sizes and loadings of Typha latifolia on the tensile, thermal, and morphological properties of linear-low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/T. latifolia composites were evaluated using tensile test, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Results indicated the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased as T. latifolia loading increased. However, T. latifolia fine size (fs) exhibited better tensile properties than coarse size at the same loading in the composite. T. latifolia (15%, fs) recorded higher thermal stability than LLDPE control and other T. latifolia loadings and sizes due to the strong interaction of T. latifolia (15%, fs) in LLDPE matrix as shown in morphology.

Slow Release Material from Epoxidized Natural Rubber and Rice Husk Composites for Agriculture Applications

This synthesis and characterization of slow release material from epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and rice husks (RH) composites was conducted. The alkali modification of rice husks was carried using different NaOH concentration. ENR-50 and RH composites were analyzed by FTIR. Furthermore, the release behavior of the composites was invistigated using UV-visible spectroscopy. From the purified ENR-50, it can be characterized the peak epoxide group identified at 875 cm-1 and for the isoprene at 835 cm-1. For RH/urea beads, the CH2 peak of cellulose was obtained at 1457 cm-1. However, the CH2 is overlapped with cellulose at 1741 cm-1 and 1726 cm-1 that resulted for the partial opening of epoxide ring from carbonyl peak for hemi-cellulose and lignin, there are C=C stretching from aromatic group can be obtained at 1512 cm-1 and 1595 cm-1. The release of the composite at 7% NaOH concentration was higher than the composite at 1% NaOH concentration.

The Effects of Different Rice Husk Loading and Size on The Properties of Standard Malaysian Rubber / Rice Husk Composites

This research is focused on the rice husk (RH) that acts as natural filler in Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR L). Two ranges of RH size were prepared, coarser size at 10-20 mm and fine size at 150-300 μm. While the RH loading was (10,20,30,40 and 50 Phr). The effects of RH on the tensile properties, physical properties and cure characteristics of the compounds were examined. The results shown that the increasing of rice husk loading in SMR L/RH composites led to decrease in the cure (t90) and scorch time (t2) and increase in the minimum torque (ML) and maximum torque (MH). Despite the values of tensile strength decreased as RH content increase, the physical properties, such as hardness and crosslink density of the composites, particularly the composite with fine size filler were improved due to good filler-rubber interaction than coarser size filler.

Recycled Natural Rubber Latex Gloves Filled Chloroprene Rubber: Effects of Compatibilizers

In this study, the effects of the compatibilizers; trans-polyoctylene (TOR) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50), on the cure characteristics and tensile properties of recycled natural rubber latex gloves (rNR-G) filled chloroprene rubber (CR) were investigated. Blends consisting of rNR-G in a weight ratio 20 phr in CR and The compatibilizers TOR and ENR-50 at different concentrations, i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 phr, were prepared using a two roll mill. Incorporation of TOR resulted in a reducing of the cure characteristics, meanwhile ENR-50 increased them. On the other hand, both of TOR and ENR-50 were improved tensile properties. These effects are attributed to the enhanced interfacial adhesion between rNR-G and phases through the compatibilizing effect induced by TOR and ENR-50, and the good dispersion of the rNR-G phase in the CR matrix. The results confirmed that TOR and ENR-50 could potentially be used as compatibilizers for the recycled natural rubber latex gloves filled chloroprene rubber.

The Effect of Cyperus Odoratus Size and Loading on the Properties of Polypropylene/Cyperus Odoratus (PP/CY) Composites

In this research, a new bio-plastic composite was developed using Cyperus Odoratus (CY) as natural filler along with Polypropylene (PP) matrix. PP/CY composites were prepared using different CY size, fine size at (0-63) and coarse size at (150-250 ) and using different PP/CY ratio at (100/0, 95/5, 90/10 and 85/15). The extrusion process followed by injection molding process was conducted for PP/CY composites fabrication. The tensile and morphological characteristics of PP/CY samples were evaluated. The results suggest that the addition of CY content (fine size) up to 95/5 PP/CY ratio gave highest tensile strength (TS) value. The increasing of CY content, particularly CY coarse size into PP/CY composites has decreased the TS. By contrast, the high CY content, particularly CY coarse size shows highest Modulus indicating that the sample became stiffer and more rigid. The increasing of stiffness and rigidity of PP/CY composites as CY content increased has reduced the flexibility. Therefore, the elongation at break of the composites decreased. The tensile fractured surface of composites was evaluated using SEM analysis. SEM micrographs show that the low CY content, particularly CY fine size was well bonded in PP matrix in contrast to high CY content, particularly CY coarse size.