Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sukanya Wongwat, Rangrong Yoksan, Mikael S. Hedenqvist
Summary: Bio-based thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) has attracted much attention due to its sustainability. In this study, TPNR was fabricated using natural rubber (NR), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), thermoplastic starch (TPS), and nano-precipitated calcium carbonate (NPCC). The effects of NPCC and mixing sequence on the properties of NR/PLA/TPS/NPCC nanocomposites were investigated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rangrong Yoksan, Apinya Boontanimitr, Natthawarin Klompong, Thapakmanee Phothongsurakun
Summary: This study analyzed the effect of duckweed biomass on the characteristics and properties of a poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic cassava starch blend. The results showed that the incorporation of low concentrations of duckweed increased the strength and hardness of the blend. Additionally, duckweed had an impact on the melt flow ability and hydrophilicity of the blend, and the moisture and glycerol from duckweed and cassava starch played a role in changing the properties of the blend.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Theeraphol Phromsopha, Yodthong Baimark
Summary: This study demonstrates that coating TPS foams with PLLA-PEG-PLLA can improve water resistance, flexibility, and phase compatibility between foam surfaces and coated films. This indicates the potential of using PLLA-PEG-PLLA coated TPS foams as starch-based foams with enhanced properties.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaosong Zhai, Rui Zhang, Wentao Wang, Hanxue Hou
Summary: Biodegradable films with different weight proportions of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were prepared. The relationship between the phase morphologies and mechanical properties of TPS/PBAT composite films was investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties were correlated with the continuity indices of the two phases, with a positive correlation with the continuity index of PBAT and a negative correlation with that of TPS.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yaowalak Srisuwan, Yodthong Baimark
Summary: This paper reports a study on flexible polymer blends made from PLLA-PEG-PLLA and TPS. The addition of TPS suppressed crystallizability of PLLA and PLLA-PEG-PLLA matrices, while greatly increasing the thermal stability of PLLA-PEG-PLLA. The PEG middle-blocks enhanced phase compatibility between PLLA-PEG-PLLA and TPS, resulting in ductile and flexible blend films.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Prasong Srihanam, Yaowalak Srisuwan, Theeraphol Phromsopha, Apirada Manphae, Yodthong Baimark
Summary: In this study, the phase compatibility and mechanical properties of flexible poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends were improved by adding citric acid (CA) as a compatibilizer. The crystallinity of PLLA-PEG-PLLA matrix was suppressed and the thermal stability was enhanced by CA modification of TPS. The compatibility between TPS and PLLA-PEG-PLLA phases was improved, and the blends exhibited increased tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus with higher CA content.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Uday Vaidya, Haibin Ning, Mark Janney, Mark Mauhar, Keith Graham, Martin Streckel
Summary: Engineered carbon fiber thermoplastics were used to develop a composite connecting rod with a design requirement of 14,000 N load and 1 mm maximum deflection. The optimization process included the use of carbon fiber poly ether ether ketone (C-PEEK) long fiber thermoplastics (LFT) injection over molded with carbon/polyphenylene sulfide (CPPS) and carbon/poly ether imide (C-PEI) tapes. The design was progressively optimized by increasing the wall thickness of the small end and width of the center section.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhibing Ni, Jianan Shi, Mengya Li, Wen Lei, Wangwang Yu
Summary: Astragalus residue powder (ARP)/thermoplastic starch (TPS)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites were prepared using fused-deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printing technology. The physico-mechanical properties and soil degradation behavior of the biocomposites were investigated. The results showed that increasing the dosage of ARP decreased the sample's tensile and flexural strengths, elongation at break, and thermal stability, while increasing the dosage of TPS decreased all of these properties. The study concluded that the FDM 3D-printed ARP/TPS/PLA biocomposites are easily degradable in soil conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Zehao Li, Hui Li, Muxi Wang, Zhongyan Zhang, Liting Yang, Lijun Ma, Hong Liu
Summary: By adding nano-silica, the tensile strength of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/thermoplastic hydroxypropyl starch (PBAT/TPHSg-SiO2) composite films is significantly improved, with a 35% increase in horizontal tensile strength and a 21% increase in vertical tensile strength after adding 4 phr of nano-silica. When the content of TPHSg-4SiO2 is 40%, the composite films have horizontal and vertical tensile strengths of 9.82 and 12.09 MPa, respectively, and the elongation at break exceeds 500%. Electron micrographs show that TPHSg-4SiO2 is well dispersed in PBAT and exhibits a bi-continuous phase structure at a TPHSg-4SiO2 content of 40%. The blowing PBAT/TPHSg-4SiO2 composite films effectively reduce the cost and still show better mechanical properties, suitable for packaging applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Asmawi Nazrin, Salit Mohd Sapuan, Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Zuhri, Intan Syafinaz Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas
Summary: The study developed novel materials that have the potential to substitute traditional plastics, thus offering important implications for improving plastic waste disposal.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Asmawi Nazrin, Salit Mohd Sapuan, Mohamed Yusoff Mohd Zuhri, Intan Syafinaz Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas
Summary: In this study, sugar palm crystalline nanocellulose (SPCNC)-reinforced thermoplastic sugar palm starch (TPS) was blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to balance the individual polymer limitations and prioritize biodegradation feature. The results showed that incorporating SPCNC into TPS led to a significant reduction in water uptake of the blend in all mediums and a slight increase in soil degradation rate. However, PLA40TPS60 and PLA60TPS40 exhibited flammable properties.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jiao Li, Yingxiao Wang, Jun Lin, Ya Liu, Guilong Wang, Dong Quan, Yanjin Guan, Guoqun Zhao, Shengcheng Ji
Summary: In this study, a green ramie fiber reinforced Poly (lactic acid) composite foam was prepared using environmentally friendly CO2 as the foaming agent. The biodegradable ramie fiber not only retained the green nature of Poly (lactic acid), but also enhanced the foaming performance. The unique cavity structure of the plant fiber absorbed a large amount of CO2, promoting the solubility of CO2 in the composite and improving the crystallinity. The use of ramie fiber and CO2 resulted in the formation of regular and refined micropores in the foam structure.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Carolina Caicedo, Heidy Lorena Calambas Pulgarin
Summary: In this study, a functionalization strategy using organic acids was applied to starch-poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends to improve hydrophobicity and wettability. Organic acids facilitated interactions between the components, leading to enhanced mechanical properties of the blends. These findings are particularly relevant for the packaging industry.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jianxiu Hao, Xin Yi, Guanggong Zong, Yongming Song, Weihong Wang, Haitao Cheng, Ge Wang
Summary: The study proposed a new method of wrapping bamboo fibers with polypropylene film, which resulted in improved tensile strength and modulus when the LBF content was at 40%. This approach shows potential for applications in thermoplastic prepreg composites.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Binh M. Trinh, Christina C. Chang, Tizazu H. Mekonnen
Summary: Multilayer films consisting of thermoplastic starch and polylactic acid were prepared with maleic anhydride-modified TPS to improve adhesion between layers. Nanoclays were added to enhance physical and mechanical properties, resulting in optimized films with good transparency, tensile strength, and moisture/oxygen barrier properties.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Budsaraphorn Moonlek, Ekachai Wimolmala, Teerasak Markpin, Narongrit Sombatsompop, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pinyapach Tiamduangtawan, Ekachai Wimolmala, Ridthee Meesat, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Paveena Tangudom, Ignacio Martin-Fabiani, Benjaphorn Prapagdee, Ekachai Wimolmala, Teerasak Markpin, Narongrit Sombatsompop
Summary: The study focused on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of acrylic rubber/poly(methyl methacrylate) blend with different treated and non-treated titanium dioxide and 2-Hydroxypropyl-3-piperazinyl-quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate. The results showed that a certain composition of treated mixtures improved both mechanical strength and antibacterial performance, with the recommended ratios being 10-30 wt% acrylic rubber content. UV radiation further enhanced the antibacterial properties of the blends.
JOURNAL OF REINFORCED PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pinyapach Tiamduangtawan, Chattanachporn Kamkaew, Saranya Kuntonwatchara, Ekachai Wimolmala, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Phakamat Limarun, Teerasak Markpin, Narongrit Sombatsompop, Ekachai Wimolmala, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a radiation-protective filler and blowing agents on the properties of cellular natural rubber composites, finding that the addition of bismuth oxide enhanced gamma-shielding ability but lowered tensile properties, while blowing agents reduced density and linear attenuation coefficient but increased mass attenuation coefficient. The developed composites not only showed efficient gamma-shielding and mechanical properties but also offered comfort and light-weight to users, potentially reducing discomforts caused by heavier conventional radiation-protective equipment.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PLASTICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Panupong Srimalanon, Ignacio Martin-Fabiani, Benjaphorn Prapagdee, Teerasak Markpin, Ekachai Wimolmala, Narongrit Sombatsompop
Summary: The research investigated the impact of reprocessing on the properties of PBS/PLA blends with the addition of DCP and HPQM, finding that toughness increased with the number of processing cycles. Furthermore, the study showed that increasing the processing cycles did not have a significant negative impact on tensile modulus and strength, but reduced the antibacterial efficacy against E. coli.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arkarapol Thumwong, Ekachai Wimolmala, Teerasak Markpin, Narongrit Sombatsompop, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
Summary: This study found that the addition of nano-Bi2O3 fillers can enhance the X-ray shielding ability and density of the composites, while slightly affecting the mechanical properties. By using varying amounts of nano-Bi2O3, latex gloves with good X-ray shielding and mechanical properties that meet commercial standards can be produced.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Worawat Poltabtim, Ekachai Wimolmala, Teerasak Markpin, Narongrit Sombatsompop, Vichai Rosarpitak, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
Summary: The study investigated the potential use of wood/PVC composites as X-ray shielding materials, with bismuth oxide as a filler. It was found that increasing bismuth oxide content improved the X-ray shielding properties, while increasing wood content had mixed effects on the overall properties of the composites. The results suggest that the developed composites have great potential for use in effective X-ray shielding, with bismuth oxide acting as a suitable protective filler.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Supachok Tanpichai, Ekachai Wimolmala
Summary: The study showed that water hyacinth treated with TEMPO oxidation process can successfully extract cellulose nanofibers, which exhibit improved crystallinity and reduced thermal properties. TEMPO-oxidized CNFs can be used in EVA nanocomposites to significantly enhance tensile modulus, maintain light transmittance and thermal properties, and can replace wood-derived CNFs for specific applications.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Donruedee Toyen, Yupadee Paopun, Dararat Changjan, Ekachai Wimolmala, Sithipong Mahathanabodee, Theerasarn Pianpanit, Thitisorn Anekratmontree, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
Summary: The study showed that adding Sm2O3 significantly enhanced the abilities of UHMWPE composites to attenuate thermal neutrons and gamma rays, while treating Sm2O3 particles with 5-10 pph KBE903 resulted in greater wear resistance and mechanical properties improvements.
Article
Forestry
Jariyaporn Rakkaew, Narongrit Sombatsompop, Teerasak Markpin, Ekachai Wimolmala, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
Summary: This study focused on enhancing the gamma shielding properties of WPVC composites by incorporating bismuth-embedded wood particles, and found that BiCl3 loading increased density and hardness while decreasing impact strength and water absorption.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Suphitcha Songprasob, Ekachai Wimolmala, Kulnida Taptim, Narongrit Sombatsompop
Summary: The effect of adding HPQM to Neusilin(R) on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of PP/EPDM TPV was studied. The results showed that increasing HPQM content led to increased inhibition of E. coli, while the rubber ingredients in EPDM affected the release of antibacterial agents.
JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Donruedee Toyen, Ekachai Wimolmala, Teerasak Markpin, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of two different processes on the neutron-shielding properties of UHMWPE sheets with the addition of B2O3, showing a significant enhancement in neutron-shielding properties with the addition of B2O3, particularly in samples processed using the two-step method. The improvement in neutron-shielding properties was attributed to better dispersion of B2O3 particles and less agglomeration in the composites processed with the two-step method.
SURANAREE JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)