The main focus of this study was to obtain the optimum alkaline treatment for banana fibre and the its effect on the mechanical and chemical properties of banana fibre, its surface topography, its heat resistivity, as well as its interfacial bonding with epoxy matrix. Banana fibre was treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) under various treatment conditions. The treated fibres were characterised using FTIR spectroscopy. The morphology of a single fibre observed under a Digital Image Analyser indicated slight reduction in fibre diameter with increasing NaOH concentration. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results showed the deteriorating effect of alkali, which can be seen from the removal of impurities and increment in surface roughness. The mechanical analysis indicates that 6% NaOH treatment with a two-hour immersion time gave the highest tensile strength. The adhesion between single fibre and epoxy resin was analysed through the micro-droplet test. It was found that 6% NaOH treatment with a two-hour immersion yielded the highest interfacial shear stress of 3.96 MPa. The TGA analysis implies that alkaline treatment improved the thermal and heat resistivity of the fibre.
Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50) has been used as a compatibilizer for natural rubber-recycled acrylonitrile-butadiene
rubber (NR/NBRr) blends, vulcanized by sulfur. NBR gloves have excellent resistance to punctures, tear and many types
of chemicals, while NR has good physical and mechanical properties. Incorporation of ENR-50 into the rubber blends
has improved processability, stiffness, resilience and excellent oil resistance. NR/NBRr blends were prepared by two-roll
mill with five different compositions with the ENR-50 content fixed at 10 phr. Cure characteristics, mechanical properties
and morphology (SEM) studies were performed to determine the compatibility of NR/NBRr blends in the presence of ENR-
50. The cure characteristics showed that NR/NBRr blends with the presence of ENR-50 have lower scorch time (ts2) and
cure time (t90) than NR/NBRr blends without ENR-50. However, the NR/NBRr blends with ENR-50 exhibited higher minimum
torque (ML
) and maximum torque (MH) which indicated difficult processability of the blends after compatibilization.
Incorporation of ENR-50 into NR/NBRr blends improved all the tensile properties (tensile strength, tensile modulus and
elongation at break) compared with NR/NBRr blends without ENR-50. The improvement in hardness upon compatibilization
is due to an increase in crosslink density. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM images) of the fracture surfaces indicates
that, with the addition of ENR-50 in NR/NBRr blends, better adhesion between NR and NBRr was obtained, thus improving
the compatibility of NR/NBRr blends.
Introduction: In the past, patients with previous abdominal surgery were discouraged from laparoscopic surgery because of perceived increased risk of bowel injury caused by needle and trocar insertion. However, data on the feasibility and safety of surgery of this nature is increasing. We aim to evaluate the surgical outcome of laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy/oophorectomy in previous abdominal surgery. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with descriptive analysis of retrospective data collection from the electronic medical records of women with laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy/ oophorectomy from January 2000 until Dec 2008. Results from patients with previous abdominal surgery were compared with those of women without prior abdominal surgery. Results: Three hundred and seventeen (317) laparoscopic cystectomies/ oophorectomies were performed during the study period. 71 patients (22.5%) had previous history of abdominal surgery. Adhesions were found in 72% of patients versus 40% (p=0.001) who had previous abdominal surgery but the conversion to open surgery rate was similar (3%, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in blood loss (134.1 ml ±18.6 vs 119.0 ml ± 9.5), operating time (107 min ± 42.0 versus 102.6 min ± 42.6) and postoperative hospital stay (1.92 days ± 1.0 vs 1.91 days ± 0.7 ). The incidence of peri-operative and post-operative complication showed no significant difference in those who had undergone previous abdominal surgery than those without prior abdominal surgery (p=0.7). The overall complication rate in this series was 0.32 %. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cystectomy/ oophorectomy in the previous abdominal surgery is safe with no increase in morbidity.
To investigate the suitability of chitosan films prepared using two different solvents, acetic acid (Chitosan-AA) and lactic acid (Chitosan-LA), for wound dressing, in comparison with a commercial preparation, Omiderm.
Although bleeding into the intestinal lumen may occur in strangulating intestinal obstruction, haematemesis is infrequently encountered. We report on a patient who presented with haematemesis and who had, in addition, clinical and radiological features of small bowel obstruction. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy did not locate the source of bleeding. At laparotomy, which was performed because of clinical deterioration, gangrenous strangulated small bowel secondary to adhesive obstruction was found. In a patient with non-resolving intestinal obstruction, a deterioration in the condition is a clear indication for exploration. Haematemesis occurring concurrently may be a marker of intestinal strangulation, adds strength to the indication and highlights the urgency of the need for exploration.
Vasomotor rhinitis is a common condition in Malaysia. Patients' dissatisfaction with medical treatment of this recurring condition leads them to seek other forms of traditional cures. This paper highlights the complications in such patients who seek traditional cures for their chronic condition.