The development on a class of technologically advanced materials like superabsorbent polymer composites (SAPC) involved multidisciplinary research started when its potential is recognized. Oil palm empty fruit bunch-graft-poly (acrylamide) (OPEFB-g-PAAm) SAPC was synthesized via simultaneous crosslinking and graft copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) monomer onto OPEFB backbone with N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and ammonium persulphate (APS) acts as crosslinker and initiator, respectively, along with neutralization using solution polymerization method. Systematically, variables that affect the swelling behaviors of OPEFB-g-PAAm SAPC were optimized. The effects of initiator, crosslinker and filler concentration as well as solvent quantity and the degree of neutralization on water absorbency of OPEFB-g-PAAm SAPC were studied. Maximum absorbency of OPEFB-g-PAAm SAPC was achieved at 589.06 g/g when the amount of APS and MBA were 1.5 wt.% and 0.15 wt.%, respectively, and the OPEFB loading was at 10 wt.%. The optimum amount of solvent used was 15 mL and the degree of neutralization was 20%. The chemical structure of the OPEFB-g-PAAm SAPC was characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A mechanism pathway in synthesizing OPEFB-g-PAAm SAPC was suggested.
Polyaniline (PANI) and polyaniline composites with aluminium oxide (Al2O3) were prepared using the in situ polymerization method. The composites were then blended with acrylic paint and applied to carbon steel panels. The coated steel panels were evaluated for corrosion using the immersion test technique. The results revealed that the steel panels coated with polyaniline composites and with Al2O3 containing coatings had small corrosion as compared to the bare sample and the samples coated with polyaniline and paint alone. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction(XRD). In addition, the morphology of the finished samples was observed using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This novel composite was used as a paint pigment for enhancing the barrier properties and the paint protectable against aggressive ions. Meanwhile, corrosion was evaluated through visual monitoring using a digital camera after 60 days of fully immersion test in 5% NaCl. The weight loss method was also used to evaluate corrosion.
Oil palm empty fruit bunch graft poly (acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) superabsorbent composite (OPEFB-g-(PAA-co-PAM) SAPC) was synthesized by graft copolymerization of the acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AM) comonomer onto OPEFB fibre using ammonium persulfate (APS) and N,N-methylene bisacarylamide (MBA) as an initiator and crosslinker, respectively. The absorbency in various chloride salt solutions indicated that the absorbency decreased with increasing ionic strength of the salt solutions. Moreover, the absorbency under load (AUL) of SAPC was investigated at various applied loading and results show that, AUL decreased with increasing applied loading. Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were carried out to confirm the chemical structure and thermal properties of the synthesized superabsorbent, respectively.
Two inorganic pigments (TiO2 and SiO2) were used to prepare composites with polyaniline (PANI) by situ polymerization method. PANI and PANI composites with SiO2 and TiO2 were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The morphology of the synthesized pigments (PANI , PANI-SiO2 and PANI-TiO2) was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Samples were then used as pigments through blending them with acrylic paint and applied on the surface of carbon steel panels. Corrosion was evaluated for coating of carbon steel panels through full immersion test up to standard ASTMG 31. Mass loss was calculated after they have been exposed in acidic media. A digital camera was also used for monitoring corrosion visually on the surface of carbon steel specimens. The results revealed that acrylic paint pigmented by PANI-SiO2 composite was more efficient in corrosion protection for carbon steel compared with the other synthesized pigments.
Interest in the use of intelligent packaging systems for food products has increased in recent years. Intelligent packaging
systems are those that monitor the condition of packaged foods to give information regarding the quality of the packaged
food during transport and storage. The potential of HEC/PANI film as pH indicator and pH sensor were evaluated. HEC/
PANI film was prepared by solution blending and casting method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed
that there was no chemical interaction between HEC and PANI. The film properties were retained chemically. The electrical
conductivity increment from 1.14×105 to 2.2 ×105
S/cm was observed when PANI was incorporated into the HEC film matrix.
Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the electrical conductance network of PANI was formed
in HEC/PANI film. The electrical sensitivity of the film has been studied with I-V characterization. The changes in color and
current of HEC/PANI film on interaction to pH buffer 1-14 shows its suitability as pH indicator and pH sensor for food.