bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Food & Fitness Community Partnerships Successfully Engaged Youth
Authors: Hinkle Arnell J. , Sands Catherine , Duran Neftali , Houser Lynette , Liechty Laura , Hartmann-Russell Julian
Published: September 2018

Authentic youth engagement was a central component of the Food & Fitness (F&F) Initiative, a 9-year community-based intervention, whose goal was to ensure that all children have equitable access to healthy food and built environments that promote safe physical activity. The youth engagement component focused on strategies and structures that would support a model framework for youth involved in F&F community partnerships. These strategies empowered youth by providing the leadership and technical skills needed in collaborative efforts to sustain change in communities with inequities, where structural racism and inequities result in poor health outcomes for children. This article describes the models that the diverse urban and rural communities across the United States employed to successfully engage youth in the vision and work of F&F and discusses overall lessons learned, challenges, and best practices/recommendations for effectively engaging youth in community-determined change.
Transmutation and Community | Social | Systems Change in Boston
Authors: Senxian Jhana , Otuyelu Mobolaji O. Z.
Published: September 2018

The impact of transparent leadership and a deliberate focus on the work through a community-determined lens is discussed in the Boston Collaborative for Food & Fitness (BCFF) case study. Restructuring of BCFF focused on housing the work in the community and providing leadership opportunities to community members. The birth, growth, collapse, and rebirth of BCFF, is outlined, and the reimagining of BCFF’s vision and action are described as a “healing and connection-centered approach to community resilience and systems change that centers community leadership and voice and challenges prevailing models of how change happens, particularly in communities of color.”
Phoenix Rising: The Evolution of Holyoke’s Collaborative Organizing for Healthy Food Resilience
Authors: Sands Catherine , Duran Neftali , Christoph Laura , Stewart Carol
Published: September 2018

In the Holyoke Food & Fitness Policy Council (HFFPC) case study, the challenges of providing equitable multistakeholder organizing are examined. The importance of housing the work in the community, power sharing, and having community representation in the leadership is made clear. The HFFPC partnership began with vigor, encountered challenges of trust, transparency, aligned goals and values; it dissolved, and reformed. Because it began with shared values of strong communities and healthy people, the partnership continues to evolve, build local leadership, change narratives, and articulate the need for racial equity in their food system, while shifting local systems and policies that frame who has access to healthy food and safe spaces to exercise in a low-income Latino community.
The Food & Fitness Community Partnerships: Results From 9 Years of Local Systems and Policy Changes to Increase Equitable Opportunities for Health
Authors: Lachance Laurie , Quinn Martha , Kowalski-Dobson Theresa
Published: September 2018

The Food & Fitness (F&F) community partnerships, funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation from 2007 to 2016, were established to create community-determined change in the conditions that affect health and health equity in neighborhoods. The focus of the work has been to increase access to locally grown good food (food that is healthy, sustainable, fair, and affordable), and safe places for physical activity for children and families in communities with inequities across the United States through changes in policies, community infrastructure, and systems at the local level. This article describes the outcomes related to systems and policy change over 9 years of community change efforts in the F&F partnerships. Characteristics of the F&F communities where the work took place; the change model that emerged from the work; efforts and changes achieved related to community food, school food, and active living/built environment; overall factors in the community that helped or hindered the work of the partnerships; and a depiction of the community-determined process for change employed by the partnerships are described. Local systems and policy change is a long-term process. Community-determined efforts that build capacity for systems change, commitment to long-term funding, and provision of technical assistance tailored to community needs were elements that contributed to success in the F&F work. Achieving intermediate outcomes on the road to policy and systems change created a way to monitor success and make midcourse corrections when needed.
Developing Attitude Measures Based on Respondents’ Representations of Unfamiliar Objects: An Application to Attitudes toward Biodiversity
Authors: Eisner Léïla , Clémence Alain , Roberts Caroline , Joost Stéphane , Theler Jean-Marc
Published: September 2018

A key challenge in the design of effective survey questionnaires is to write questions that respondents can understand consistently. Recommendations in the questionnaire design literature propose the use of respondents’ own terminology to facilitate comprehension and the response process. In this article, we propose an innovative questionnaire development method to construct items using respondents’ own terminology. On the basis of statistical analyses of answers to an open-ended question asked in a survey measuring attitudes to biodiversity, we first identified the words that respondents associate most frequently with the concept of biodiversity. We then designed new attitude measures composed of the words identified as being central to representations about biodiversity. These items were tested in another survey using a different sample. The results show that the attitude items designed on the basis of a social representation method satisfied validity and reliability quality criteria.
Considering the Mediating Effects of Drug and Alcohol Use, Mental Health, and Their Co-Occurrence on the Adverse Childhood Experiences–Recidivism Relationship
Authors: Craig Jessica M. , Zettler Haley R. , Wolff Kevin T. , Baglivio Michael T.
Published: September 2018

Prior research has demonstrated a relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and recidivism among justice-involved youth. It has also been found that drug and alcohol use, mental health, and their co-occurrence increase recidivism. As there is evidence that ACEs increase the likelihood of both drug and alcohol use and mental health problems, it is surprising that prior research has yet to examine whether these factors mediate the ACE-recidivism relationship. Using data from a large sample of adjudicated juveniles in Florida, the current study examines the mediating effects of drug and alcohol use, mental health problems, and their co-occurrence on the ACEs-recidivism relationship. For the entire sample, the results found that current drug use, current mental health problems, and their co-occurrence served as partial mediators of the ACEs-recidivism relationship. Further, important gender and racial differences in these mediating effects were revealed. Implications for these findings within justice-involved youth are discussed.
Focus of attention in trained distance runners
Authors: Raisbeck Louisa , Yamada Masa , Diekfuss Jed A
Published: September 2018

The superiority of using an external focus of attention for learning and performance benefits has been documented in distance running. However, there is limited research examining the actual attentional focus strategies adopted by distance runners. The purpose of this study was to describe the focus of attention used by distance runners in practice and competition and to better understand where these athletes seek information about improving performance. Sixteen distance runners (32.1 ± 10.0 yr) who run at least 20 mile/week (37.7 ± 10.8 mile/week) completed a questionnaire examining information related to attentional focus during training and competition and where athletes go for educational resources. Results indicate that distance runners do not solely adhere to external focus of attention, rather utilize multiple forms of attentional focus strategies that are not examined in laboratory research. Further, it seems that most training advice is received from coaches or training partners and not scientific literature.
Photo- and Thermo-Oxidation of Polypropylene, Recycled Polypropylene and Polylactide Biocomposites in a Microenvironment Chamber
Authors: Strömberg Emma , Karlsson Sigbritt
Published: September 2018

This work presents and discusses the photo- and thermo-oxidation of some sustainable biocomposites based on biodegradable materials from renewable resources and virgin and recycled petroleum-based polymeric materials as matrix and reinforced with natural fibres. PP/wood flour, recycled PP/cellulose and PLA/wood flour composites were degraded by photo-oxidation in a microenvironment chamber, in parallel thermo-oxidation was performed in a forced-ventilation oven. Physical and chemical property changes were monitored by tensile testing, DSC, FTIR and SEM. Both PPW and recPPcell composites showed deterioration of the mechanical properties after 15 days of thermo-oxidation, indicating that the incorporated natural fibres influenced the thermal stability of the whole composite. PLAW showed a smaller increase in crystallinity (13%) and a decrease in melt temperature than the corresponding neat PLA. The advantages of reinforcement of PLA by natural fibres are shown by the dramatically improved thermal properties of PLAW compared to the neat polymer.
Microstructural Characterization and Evaluation of Thermal, Mechanical and Wear Properties of Pupunha (Bactris Gasipaes) Pseudostem
Authors: Bacellar R.S. , d'Almeida J.R.M.
Published: September 2018

The mechanical and thermal properties of the pseudostem of Pupunha (Bactris gasipaes) palm were evaluated in order to identify possible engineering applications for this material. The microstructure of the material was analyzed by digital optical microscopy, and microstructural features were quantified. Also, the wear behavior and the shear bond strength of adhesively bonded pupunha planks were analyzed. The results show that the material obtained from the pseudostem of this palm tree has superior mechanical properties, comparable or higher than those of several commonly used hardwoods.
Extruded High Quality Materials from Wheat Gluten
Authors: Ullsten N. Henrik , Gällstedt Mikael , Spencer Gwen M. , Johansson Eva , Marttila Salla , Ignell Rickard , Hedenqvist Mikael S.
Published: September 2018

In this study, we report that the addition of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) significantly enhance the properties of extruded WG-based materials. The grainy structure disappeared and the extrudate became more uniform and glossy. The barrier properties improved and the oxygen permeability at dry conditions was as low as that for a number of petroleum-based plastics (poly(ethylene terephthalate and polyamide 66). The protein structure in this material was extensively aggregated, which improved the strength and stiffness; there was a ca 4-fold increase in maximum stress compared to that of the NH4OH-free samples. The protein solubility decreased to almost zero. Even a severe sonication treatment in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) did not increase the solubility. The only type of protein that it was possible to extract was the 'thermo-resistant' ω-gliadins lacking disulfide-bonds. Our result provides new opportunities to develop a WG-based film extrudate for potential use as e.g. a renewable barrier layer in food and non-food laminate packagings.
Thermo-Chemical Evaluation of the Roselle Graft Copolymers
Authors: Chauhan Ashish , Kaith Balbir
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the morphological transformations in Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) stem fiber on graft copolymerization with Butyl acrylate (BA) and its binary mixture with Acrylic acid (AA) and Acrylamide (Aam), using ceric ammonium nitrate – nitric acid initiator system was reported. Different reaction parameters such as temperature, time, initiator concentration, monomer concentration and pH were optimized. The graft copolymers were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA and DTA techniques. The percentage crystallinity and crystallinity index were found to decrease with the increase in percentage grafting. The swelling behavior of graft copolymers in methanol, n-butanol, water and dimethyl formamide was studied and screened for dye uptake behavior in 0.1% gentian violet dye for seven hours. The graft copolymers were found to be moisture, chemical and thermal resistant. These graft copolymers could be utilized for various advanced applications.
Self-Healing in Plants as a Model for Self-Repairing Elastomer Materials
Authors: Nellesen A , von Tapavicza M. , Bertling J. , Schmidt A.M. , Bauer G. , Speck T.
Published: September 2018

Polymer based elements are frequently subject to high mechanical load. It is well known, that such components can spontaneously break although the mechanical stress has not reached the average maximum load. These fatigue fractures are caused by micro-cracks. A smart approach would be to implement a self-healing function that is able to heal a crack in an early stage and thus avoid crack propagation. Fraunhofer UMSICHT and the Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg together with co-operation partners develop biomimetic self-healing elastomers having the capability to repair micro-cracks automatically without any intervention from outside.
Effect of Castor Oil Impregnation on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Karina Myrtha , Indrarti Lucia , Yudianti Rike , Indriyati
Published: September 2018

The effect of castor oil on the physical and mechanical properties of bacterial cellulose is described. Bacterial cellulose (BC) was impregnated with 0.5–2% (w/v) castor oil (CO) in acetone–water, providing BCCO films. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the castor oil penetrated the pores of the bacterial cellulose, resulting in a smoother morphology and enhanced hydrophilicity. Castor oil caused a slight change in crystallinity indices and resulted in reduced tensile strength and Young's modulus but increased elongation at break. A significant reduction in tensile strength and Young's modulus was achieved in BCCO films with 2% castor oil, and there was an improvement in elongation at break and hydrophilicity. Impregnation with castor oil, a biodegradable and safe plasticiser, resulted in less rigid and more ductile composites.
Evaluation of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polylactide/Rice Hull Filled Composite Plates
Authors: Ndazi Bwire S.
Published: September 2018

The influences of rice hull modification and content on the physical and mechanical properties of the polylactide (PLA) composite plates have been investigated in this paper. The rice hull was prepared by soda cooking at 170°C for 60 min and by crushing with a hammer miller. The mixture of the PLA and the rice hull was compounded in the extruder in the presence of fixed amounts of maleic anhydride and dicumyl peroxide. This was followed by compression moulding of the mixture under vacuum for 5 minutes in the Fortune Press to produce approximately 2 mm thick composite plates. The composite plates produced were subjected to flexural and tensile tests using the Instron while the morphology of the fractured surfaces was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that crushed and soda cooked rice hulls both acted predominantly as rigid fillers in the PLA matrix. Their presence did not impart any improvement of the strength of the composite plates. However, the tensile and flexural moduli of the composite plates were found to improve up to 0.46 and 1.1 GPa, respectively, due to addition of the rice hull fillers. The composite plates made of the rice hull pulps generally exhibited higher flexural properties than those produced from ground rice hulls as demonstrated by statistical analysis. This was due to enhancement of chemical interaction between the chemically modified rice hulls and the PLA matrix as also revealed on the nature of the fractured surfaces by SEM. The tendency of the composite plates to exhibit brittle failures was demonstrated by abrupt tensile fractures at lower strains.
In Vacuo Synthesis of Xanthan-gum-based Hydrogels with Different Vinyl Monomer Mixtures and their Swelling Behaviour in Response to External Environmental Conditions
Authors: Mittal Hemant , Jindal Rajeev , Kaith Balbir Singh , Berry Shivani
Published: September 2018

This research paper deals with the in vacuo synthesis of pH- and temperature-sensitive hydrogels of xanthan gum with different vinyl monomer mixtures such as acrylamide-co-acrylic acid (AAm-co-AA), acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile (AAm-co-AN), and acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid (AAm-co-MAA), keeping acrylamide as the principal monomer. Different optimised reaction parameters for the graft copolymerisation of xanthan gum (Gx) with AAm were as follows: reaction time = 240 min; temperature = 60°C; amount of water = 25 mL; vacuum = 450 mmHg; pH = 7.0; [KPS] = 0.0068 mol L-1; [AAm] = 0.071 mol L-1; [MBA] = 0.138 mol L-1. Thereafter, the optimised molar ratio of AAm AA, AAm AN, and AAm MAA, keeping AAm as the principal monomer, were (0.071+0.037) mol L-1, (0.071+ 0.040) mol L-1, and (0.071+0.051) mol L-1 respectively. Synthesised hydrogels were characterised by FT-IR, SEM, XRD, and TGA/DTA/DTG. The swelling capacity of hydrogels was investigated in deionised water. Moreover, the effect of the ionic strength of various cations (Na+, Ba+2, Fe+3, and Sn+4) and cationic charge on the swelling capacity of the hydrogels in different salt solutions was also studied, and the percentage swelling was found to decrease with increased ionic strength and cationic charge.
The Study of Hibiscus sabdariffa-reinforced-cellulose Fibre Composite
Authors: Chauhan Ashish , Kaith Balbir
Published: September 2018

Waste biomass, in the form of Hibiscus sabdariffa stem fibre (1cm length), was used as reinforcement in a phenoplast polymer matrix to form a composite. The ratio of phenol in the phenoplast resin was varied whereas formaldehyde was kept constant; a phenol formaldehyde ratio of 0.75:1.0 and fibre:resin ratio of 12.7:87.3 were found to exhibit maximum mechanical strength. The comparative mechanical evaluation of the phenoplast and fibre-reinforced composite was performed by assessment of the hardness, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), stress at the limit of proportionality (SP), tensile strength, compressive strength and wear resistance. The composites were characterized using advanced techniques. It was observed that fibre-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde (PF) composites exhibited physico-chemical resistance and improved mechanical behaviour compared with the phenoplast composite.
Synthesis, Characterization and Degradation Properties of Poly(α-angelica lactone-co-∊-caprolactone) Copolymers
Authors: Xi Xiaoguang , Jiang Guohua , Wang Xiaohong , Hu Ruanbing , Wang Rijing
Published: September 2018

Degradable materials based on poly(α-angelica lactone-co-∊-caprolactone) (PAL-co-PCL) copolymers were successfully synthesized via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of α-angelica lactone (AL) and ∊-caprolactone (CL). The chemical structures of the PAL-co-PCL were confirmed by 1H NMR and FT-IR measurements. The crystallization behaviour of copolymers was analyzed by XRD patterns, the thermal properties were investigated by DSC and TGA curves. The degradation rate of PAL-co-PCL could be controlled through adjusting the ratio of PAL to PCL in the copolymer as well as the pH values of media.
Influence of Banana Fibre Chemical Modification on the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Woven Banana Fabric/Unsaturated Polyester Resin Composites
Authors: Shah Hetal , Srinivasulu B. , Shit Subhas C.
Published: September 2018

Natural fibres used as reinforcing materials in polymer matrix composites provide positive environmental benefits with respect to ultimate disposability and best utilization of raw materials. Banana fibre is waste from banana trunks or stems which are abundant in many places in the world. To benefit the environment, agricultural industry as well as other industries, there is a need for development of new usage of agricultural waste. Natural fabric based green composites were prepared by hand lay-up technique with natural woven banana fabric (WBF) and Isophthalic acid based unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) as matrix. The mechanical, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and morphological properties of these green composites were investigated. The WBF were treated with 6% aqueous solution of NaOH. Untreated and NaOH treated fabric surfaces were analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies was carried out to evaluate fabric/matrix interactions. Thermogravimetric analysis of the samples indicated better thermal properties of the alkali treated fibres. The improved fabric–matrix interaction is evident from the enhanced tensile and flexural properties. Reduction in water absorption of alkali treated WBF/UPR composite was observed. The results proved that appropriate alkali treatment of banana fabric improved interfacial adhesion, and in turn mechanical and water absorption properties of the green composite made in this study.
Preparation and Properties of Fluorinated Acrylic Latex Modified with Rosin
Authors: Chen Lijun , Jiang Wei
Published: September 2018

The fluorinated acrylic latex modified by rosin was prepared successfully via semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) and rosin in water phase initiated with potassium persulfate (KPS) and emulsified with the aid of mixed surfactants of SDBS and OP-10. The structure of the resultant latex is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum. The influences of the amount of rosin on the properties of the resultant latex and its film were investigated in detail. Results show that the conversion and gel percentage is decreased with an increase amount of rosin. However, the particle size and glass transition temperature are increased with the increase amount of rosin.
Antimicrobial Protection of Pre-irradiated Cotton and Cotton/Polyester Fabrics Printed with Pigment Colours
Authors: Ibrahim M.A. , Zohdy M.H. , Salem A.A. , Hassan M.S. , El Badawy L.El Saed
Published: September 2018

The paper deals with the improvement of the antimicrobial properties of gamma pre-irradiated cotton and cotton/PET blend fabrics, by using of different metal oxides (ZnO and Al2O3) as antimicrobial agents, through the printing process. The antimicrobial properties of the fabrics were evaluated, in terms of the mechanical properties after burying in a soil reach with microorganisms. Moreover, the effect of antimicrobial finishing on the printing properties, in terms of colour strength was investigated. It was found that the antimicrobial properties were enhanced by addition of the metal oxides up to 1% to the pigment printing paste, under pre-irradiation of fabrics up to 5 (kGy) for cotton and blend fabrics. The colour strength (K/S) of printed fabrics was increased by addition of 0.5% of metal oxides and pre-irradiation dose up to 5 (kGy) for cotton fabric and up to (10 (kGy) for blend fabrics. The thermal stability of the printed fabrics was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique, which it showed a decreasing in the thermal stability by addition of the metal oxides, varying according to the types of fabrics and metal oxides used.
Tensile, Thermal, Morphological and Structural Characteristics of Abaca (Musa Textiles) Fibers
Authors: de Souza N.C.R. , d'Almeida J.R.M.
Published: September 2018

This work presents tensile mechanical properties, thermal properties, and morphological and structural characteristics of Abaca (Musa textiles) fibers. The results show that the fiber is thermally stable up to 250°C, with a crystalline index higher than 65%. The digital image analysis of the fiber's cross-section revealed that the fibers present a high variability of their average cross-section dimension and shape. The tensile mechanical properties place abaca as high strength – medium modulus fiber, with tensile strength values varying between 511-1051 MPa, and Young's modulus varying between 13.5–29.8 GPa.
Studies on the Properties of Photo/Bio-Degradable Ldpe with Benzophenone and Hydrolysed Starch
Authors: Arul Kumar K.P. , Soundararajan S.
Published: September 2018

Maize starch was acid hydrolyzed at 50–60°C for 6 hours. Reduced viscosity for raw starch, hydrolyzed starch (HS) and glucose were determined. DSC tests were done to determine the melting point of the modified starch. LDPE of MFI 2 g/10 min was blended with this hydrolyzed starch at various proportions of 3–20% (wt%), photo-degradable additive – benzophenone (3%) and glycerol (3%) as compatibilizer using a twin screw extruder. The formulations made using HS were easy for processing and since the MFI was increased, the starch added, proved to be hydrolyzed,

Tubular blown film was extruded using blown film extruder. LDPE with hydrolysed starch are processable into thin films (< 250 microns). The films obtained were tested for various mechanical tests like tensile strength, elongation at break, etc. The mechanical properties like tensile strength and elongation at break were lowered. Tear strength and dart impact strength were lowered. Also accelerated UV weathering and compost biodegradation tests were done on all the samples. Scanning Electron Microscope images were taken before and after UV weathering and also after biodegradation to determine the morphological changes on the samples. The samples were highly photo/biodegradable and hence will not pollute the environment.
Modification of Polyester and Polyamide Fabrics by Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge Plasma
Authors: Salem Asmaa A , Morgan Nasser N
Published: September 2018

In this study, the surface of polyester and polyamide fabric were modified by atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma (APGD) under different operating conditions to improve the hydrophilicity and printability of the fabric. Different plasma treatment gases i.e., air, oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar), and water vapor was investigated. The treatments of PET and PA fabrics by aspartic (Asp.) and sulfamic (Sulf.) acid were done after plasma treatment in order to improve their printability for basic and acid dyes. The plasma exposure time has been changed to control the extent of plasma surface modification. The efficiency of the plasma treatment was assessed through wettability, K/S, and fastness properties measurements. Surface characterization was performed through FTIR and SEM detection. It was observed that wettability, and the color strength of printed PET and PA fabrics were significantly improved by all plasma treatments.
Chitosan Nanoparticles: A Systematic Study Based on Degree of De-Acetylation and Molecular Weight
Authors: Sunilkumar M. , Habeeba A. A. Ummu , Prejina P.P. , Sujith A.
Published: September 2018

A systematic study based on the size reduction of chitosan particles has been conducted by de-acetylation by using various concentrations of NaOH solutions at different reaction temperature and time. The degree of de-acetylation (DD) of the isolated chitosan particles has been correlated with their molecular weight and ash content. It was found that degree of de-acetylation of the samples increased with increase in concentration of alkali and reaction temperature. The scanning electron micrographs showed that the particle size of chitosan decreases with a reduction in molecular weight. The observed size of particles with lowest molecular weight was in the range of 200–450 nm. The crystallinity and thermal stability of the particles were studied by using XRD and TGA respectively. The results showed that crystalline properties of the de-acetylated chitosan particles were increased with increase in concentration of NaOH and degree of de-acetylation. The particles prepared at 170°C have been found maximum thermal stability. The antimicrobial activity of the chitosan particles has been also studied with Escherichia coli, and the inhibitory zone diameters against the bacteria were found to increase with the degree of de-acetylation.
Development and Characterization of Agglomerated Panels Using Residues from the Sustainable Production of Heart of Palm from Pejibaye (Bactris Gasipaes) Palms
Authors: Temer B.C. , d'Almeida J.R.M.
Published: September 2018

Currently, there is a growing demand of the adequacy of modern consumer society to a life with less impact on the environment. Therefore, the search for materials coming from renewable and biodegradable resources is continuously growing. However, to the transition from an unrestricted consumption to a conscious one to occur, it is necessary to change not only the materials that are being produced but also the production logistics and manufacturing processes used. With this regard, in this work agglomerated panels using residues from the sustainable production of heart of palm obtained from pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) palms were developed and their flexural mechanical properties were characterized. The results show that although the panels were produced using manufacturing processes with low technological complexities, and with low implementation costs and reduced environmental impact, they have suitable mechanical properties.
Production and Characterization of Gelatin-Starch Polymer Matrix Reinforced with Cellulose Fibers
Authors: Rodríguez-Castellanos W. , Rodrigue D. , Martínez-Bustos F. , Jiménez-Arévalo O. , Stevanovic T.
Published: September 2018

In order to produce gelatin-starch polymer matrix reinforced with cellulose using twin-screw extrusion and compression molding, gelatin-potato starch and gelatin-corn starch formulations were plasticized with glycerol (25% w/w) and reinforced with cellulose (0.34% w/w and 0.68% w/w dry basis) to produce flat sheets. According to the analysis of variance performed, adding TEMPO-cellulose in the formulations decreased tensile strain at yield, but increased Young's modulus depending on the type of starch used in the formulation. Scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses showed that the formation of a polymer matrix from gelatin/potato starch/TEMPO-cellulose and gelatin/corn starch/TEMPO-cellulose was successfully achieved.
Modifying the Properties of Polypropylene-Wood Composite by Natural Polymers and Eggshell Nano-Particles
Authors: Mousavi S.M. , Arjmand O. , Talaghat M.R. , Azizi M. , Shooli H.
Published: September 2018

In this research, physical, thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene composites modified with natural polymers such as starch and corn are studied. Also, the effect of adding eggshell nano-particles as fillers is investigated. 4 weight percentage of maleic anhydride as a compatibilizer of polypropylene was used in order to improve mechanical properties. Polypropylene-wood composites have been introduced as new sources of raw materials in various industries and have found their way through many applications such as automotive, building and furniture's industries. This polymer by itself or in combination with various resistant has good heat resistance, great flexibility at low temperatures and resistance against oxidation and ultraviolet radiation In the current research, bending and tensile tests were utilized for physical and mechanical examinations and also in order to evaluate surface morphology, SEM test was used. Results show that adding maleic anhydride and eggshell nanoparticles instigates improvement in mechanical properties as well as better adhesion between polymer, starch and corn particles.
A Review of the Application of Renewable Resources in Preparing Acrylic Polymer Latex
Authors: Bao Zhongbin , Li Wen , Fu Zhengrong , Chen Lijun
Published: September 2018

Acrylic polymer latex plays an important role in many industrial processes, such as the production of synthetic rubber, surface coatings, adhesives, additives in paper and textiles and many other products. Presently, the raw materials for preparing the acrylic polymer latex mainly originate from fossil resources. The progressive decline of fossil resources, together with the ongoing increases in oil prices, has initiated an increase in the search for alternatives, based on renewable resources for the production of acrylic polymer latex. In this paper, the application of renewable resources in preparing acrylic polymer latex is reviewed and summarized. The aim of the review is that provides the reference for application of the renewable resources in preparing the acrylic polymer latex.
Synthesis of Epoxy Resin from Waste Ricebran Oil
Authors: Gupta Nikhil Kumar , Yadav P.K.S. , Eadara Rajan , Singh R.P.
Published: September 2018

Vegetable oil is triglyceride of higher molecular weight fatty acids and most of the vegetable oils have high content of unsaturated fatty acids, which can be converted into epoxy fatty acids. Epoxidized vegetable oils (EVO) are nowadays gaining importance because of their sustainable, renewable and environment friendly nature. EVOs are widely used as feedstock for the synthesis of plasticizers, lubricants, coating formulations, polyols etc. Due to the unsaturation present in Ricebran oil, it can be epoxidized to produce an eco-friendly and consumer-friendly product which can replace products produced from petroleum origin. In this study waste ricebran oil was successfully used to produce economically efficient epoxy resin. The waste ricebran oil (WRBO) used was obtained from refined ricebran oil, which was used as frying medium for 16 hours.

50 g waste ricebran oil (0.177 moles) having an iodine value 92 and acid value 1.2 was reacted with performic acid at 60°C for 7 hours. An excess of 30% hydrogen per oxide (60 ml, 1.76 moles) was taken for higher conversion in the reaction. This reaction was completed with formic acid (11.2 g, 0.243 moles) as oxygen carrier in presence of H2SO4 as catalyst in situ. The product was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-NMR).
A Review - Future Aspect of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composite
Authors: Rohit Kiran , Dixit Savita
Published: September 2018

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials are rapidly growing both in terms of their industrial applications and fundamental research as they are renewable, low, completely or partially recyclable and biodegradable. In order to produce cost effective polymer reinforced composites and to reduce the destruction of ecosystem, researchers have come up with new manufacturing trends for composite using natural fibers which are partially biodegradable, for which plants such as flax, cotton, hemp, jute, sisal, kenaf, pineapple, banana, wood etc., used from time immemorial as a rich source of lignocellulosic fibers are more often applied as the reinforcement of composites. Their abundant availability, low cost and density as well as satisfactory mechanical properties make them an attractive ecological alternative for the manufacturing of composites. The natural fiber based composites is more environmentally friendly and has variety of applications in the field of transportation (automobiles, railway coaches, aerospace) building and construction industries (ceiling paneling, partition boards), packaging, consumer products, etc. The demand for wood products is continuously rising in spite of rapid depletion of forest around the world. Research in the area of green technology is being done to provide wood substitutes which make use of wood materials mixed with a polymer to provide a cost effective, improved performance and termite resistant material. The use of wood flour filled polymer composites has been considerably studied from the scientific and commercial point of view over the last decades. Wood flour is an attractive filler for polymer due to their reduced environmental impact and globally pleasant aesthetical properties. They are also low cost and low density material and high specific, biodegradable and non abrasive during processing. This article is a critical review of the most recent development natural fiber composite and the summary of the result presented in literature.
Pejibaye Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Matrix Composites
Authors: de Tatagiba M.K.V. , d'Almeida J.R.M.
Published: September 2018

The use of chopped pejibaye fibers obtained from the residues of pejibaye plantations is presented. These fibers are obtained from the leftover residues after the collection of heart of palm from pejibaye palms. PP-pejibaye composites were manufactured and the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were compared to the properties of the unreinforced PP matrix. The results obtained show that untreated pejibaye fibers act as filler, not as reinforcement, but do not reduce the mechanical properties of the untreated polymeric matrix. The tensile properties of the composites were suitably modeled using the Turcsányi equation. Also, the incorporation of the fibers does not alter the thermal properties of the untreated matrix. Therefore, the use of this agribusiness residue can present economic advantages since the cost of composite parts can be reduced and their life cycle assessment increased by the use of this lignocellulosic residue, without altering the basic thermal and mechanical properties of the polymeric matrix.
Modification of the Epoxy Resin Mechanical and Thermal Properties with Silicon Acrylate and Montmorillonite Nanoparticles
Authors: Mousavi S.M. , Arjmand O. , Hashemi S.A. , Banaei N.
Published: September 2018

In this study we have investigated the effect of montmorillonite with alkyl quaternary ammonium salt that had been doped into the silicon acrylate (AC-Si)/ Epoxy Cresol Novolac (ECN)/ montmorillonite nano composites on structural, mechanical and thermal properties of composite samples. Moreover the effect of increase in weight percentages of fillers at 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04 wt% on the amount of Impact and flexural strength had been investigated. Also impact and flexural strength were performed on two different systems namely (a) ECN filled nanoclay and (b) AC-Si ECN filled with nano montmorillonite as a function of clay respectively. By increase in the weight percentage of filler in the context of matrix up to the 0.03 wt%, the amount of flexural and impact strength were increased but by adding filler more that 0.03 wt%, the amount of flexural and impact strength will decrease. The resulting nanocomposites have optimal mechanical properties at 0.03 wt% montmorillonite content. Addition of The AC-Si will increase the interlamellar distance due to better dispersion of the clay within the matrix. Cross section of fracture surfaces that had been shown by SEM micrographs, specifies that, increase in viscosity had caused due to aggregation that is the main cause of fluctuation in samples properties. In addition the produced samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) differential scanning calorimetry, Thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing (impact and flexural).
Novel Improvements in Thermal and Hydrophobic Properties of Chitosan Reinforced by Rice Husk Ash
Authors: Nazarpour-Fard Hamed , Rad-Moghadam Kurosh , Shirini Farhad , Beheshty Mohammad Hosain
Published: September 2018

Several bio-composites of chitosan (CS), as the hydrophilic natural polymer, were prepared by composition with 2, 5, 10 and 15 wt% of rice husk ash (RiHA), as the bio-based filler, via solution casting. These composites were obtained with the aim to improve the hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and degradation mechanism of pure chitosan. The resulting bio-composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and FT-IR spectroscopy as well as XRD analysis. The SEM images showed amorphous morphology, irregular shape, and the number averaged size of 32 μm for the RiHA particles dispersed in the composites. Investigation of thermal properties of the RiHA-reinforced chitosan composites by TGA/DTG and DSC measurements has revealed some improvements in the thermal behavior of chitosan by the RiHA filler. For instance, the composite made of 15 wt% filler was found to be thermally more stable as it degrades at significantly higher temperatures than the composites containing other portions of the filler. Unlike the other samples that are degraded in three-steps, the weight loss of the composite having 15 wt% of RiHA occurs in two steps. Additional experiments showed that the composites are more hydrophobic than virgin chitosan and the hydrophobicity of the samples is increased by increasing their RiHA component.
Chitosan Immobilized Cotton Fibres for Antibacterial Textile Materials
Authors: Habeeba A.A. Ummu , Reshmi C.R. , Sujith A.
Published: September 2018

This paper reports the fabrication of natural, biodegradable, disposable and low cost clothing with antibacterial activity. Chitosan has been successfully immobilized on woven cotton with the help of natural rubber latex. The water contact angle studies reveal increased hydrophilicity of the samples with increase in chitosan concentration. The as prepared materials exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Due to the electrostatic interaction between chitosan and bacterial surface, the chitosan immobilized samples exhibited clear inhibition zones. This study invokes the possibility of fabrication of medical textiles with antibacterial properties by simple processing of woven cotton materials.
Production of Starch Nanocrystals from Agricultural Materials Using Mild Acid Hydrolysis Method: Optimization and Characterization
Authors: Saeng-on J. , Aht-Ong D.
Published: September 2018

Due to an insufficiency of fossil fuels and environmental pollution, sustainable and efficient material utilization has become the greatest importance. This work aimed to produce nanosized filler for biobased materials from renewable resource by an efficient production. Banana and tapioca starch nanocrystals (SNCs) were prepared from mild acid hydrolysis method. The effects of acid type, acid concentration, reaction time, and temperature on percent yield and degree of crystallinity were investigated in order to find the suitable condition for SNCs preparation. The chemical structure, degree of crystallinity, and morphology of the obtained SNCs were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Thermal properties were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results revealed that the suitable conditions for preparing SNCs were by using 3.5 M H2SO4 at 40°C for 7 hrs or 10 hrs depending on starch type, which leading to high degree of crystallinity as 47.13% and 60.06% for banana and tapioca SNCs, respectively. The particle size of both SNCs was less than 200 nm, approximately 30–70 nm. The banana SNC displayed parallelepiped nanoplatelets with C-type crystallinity, while the tapioca SNC showed spherical nanoplatelets with A-type crystallinity. The degradation temperature of banana and tapioca SNCs occurred in ranging between 280 and 310°C, which was lower than their native starches due to the disintegration of the SNC molecular chain during acid hydrolysis reaction. Nevertheless, melting enthalpy (ΔH) of SNC fillers enhanced after hydrolysis indicating that there was an increment of degree of crystallinity owing to the chain rearrangement of starch molecules.
Modification of Phenol Novolac Epoxy Resin and Unsaturated Polyester Using Sasobit and Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Jahandideh Sara , Baseri Sadegh , Zarei Maryam , Azadi Sara
Published: September 2018

Nanocomposites containing phenol novolac epoxy resin (PNER) were modified by unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and then reinforced using sasobit and silica nanoparticles at different filler loadings via a multi-step manufacturing procedure. Afterward, effect of sasobit and silica loadings either on mechanical and thermal properties or on morphology of nanocomposites were examined. Results showed that increase in silica nanoparticles loading can improve both thermal and mechanical properties, but increase in silica loading more than 3 wt% can lead to decrease in the mechanical properties. In this case, addition of sasobit along with silica not only can improve the mechanical and thermal properties but also it can lead to improve in dispersion quality and morphology of nanocomposites. Eventually, with affordable and environmentally friendly materials such as sasobit, either production procedure or the overall quality and properties of nanocomposites can be improved.
Bioactive Compounds Incorporation into the Production of Functional Biodegradable Films - A Review
Authors: Luchese Cláudia Leites , Brum Luis Fernando Wentz , Piovesana Alessandra , Caetano Karine , Flôres Simone Hickmann
Published: September 2018

The bioactive compounds incorporation for the production of biodegradable food packagings comes as a viable and environmentally friendly substitute in order to improve the nutritional value as well as extend the shelf life of highly perishable food products. Moreover, the use of bioactive compounds has been directly associated with the promotion of health aspects; the ingestion of bioactive compounds is related with minimizing risks of some diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart diseases. Therefore, the present study carried out a review of the current scenario in the film's production with natural antioxidants addition. The prebiotics and probiotics compound addition in films properties produced were also discussed in this work. Additionally, the film biodegradation properties should also be taken into account for their right disposal in the environment. Some factors that can to affect the biodegradation process are the nature of the polymer, the interactions among the blend components, its crystallinity, and the environmental conditions (light, temperature, O2 concentrations; and humidity). Therefore, the evaluation of relationships between structure and the polymers biodegradability is the extreme importance.
Enhanced Thermal Stability of Esterified Lignin in Different Solvent Mediums
Authors: Hashim Sharifah Nurul Ain Syed , Zakaria Sarani , Chia Chin Hua , Jaafar Sharifah Nabihah Syed
Published: September 2018

In this study, soda alkali lignin from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB-AL) and kenaf core (KC-AL) are esterified with maleic anhydride under two different conditions, namely i) pyridine at temperature of 120°C for 3h and ii) aqueous alkaline solution at room temperature for 4h. As a result, the weight percentage gain (WPG) of the esterified EFB-AL (EFB-EL) and esterified KC-AL (KC-EL) in pyridine demonstrated a higher compared to aqueous alkaline solution. The FT-IR results of EFB-EL and KC-EL in both solvents exhibited some changes at the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. Furthermore, the esterification process induced the carboxylic peak to appear in both alkali lignin samples. The outcome is confirmed by conducting H-NMR analysis, which demonstrated ester and carboxylic acid peaks within the spectral analysis. Finally, the TGA results showed both EFB-EL and KC-EL that are exposed to aqueous alkaline actually possessed better thermal stability and higher activation energy (Ea) compared to the esterified samples in pyridine.