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NANOCLAY >>>> Nanoclay is one of the most affordable materials that have shown promising results in polymers. Nanoclay is made from montmorillonite mineral deposits known to have platelet structure with average dimension of 1 nm thick and 70 to 150nm wide. Nanoclays are nanoparticles of layered mineral silicates. Depending on chemical composition and nanoparticle morphology, nanoclays are organized into several classes such as montmorillonite, bentonite, kaolinite, hectorite, and halloysite. Organically-modified nanoclays (organoclays) are an attractive class of hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterials with potential uses in polymer nanocomposites, as rheological modifiers, gas absorbents and drug delivery carriers. Nanoclays are clay minerals optimized for use in clay nanocomposites multi-functional material systems with several property enhancements targeted for a particular application. Polymer-clay nanocomposites are an especially well-researched class of such materials. Nanoclays are a broad class of naturally occurring inorganic minerals, of which plate-like montmorillonite is the most commonly used in materials applications. Montmorillonite consists of ~ 1 nm thick aluminosilicate layers surface-substituted with metal cations and stacked in ~ 10 m-sized multilayer stacks (Figure 1a). The stacks can be dispersed in a polymer matrix to form polymer-clay nanocomposite (Figure 1b). Within the nanocomposite, individual nm-thick clay layers are fully separated to form plate-like nanoparticles with very high (nm m) aspect ratio. Even at low nanoclay loading (a few weight %), the entire nanocomposite consists of interfacial polymer, with majority of polymer chains residing in close contact with the clay surface. This can dramatically alter properties of a nanocomposite compared to the pure polymer (Table 1). Potential benefits include increased mechanical strength, decreased gas permeability, superior flameresistance, and even enhanced transparency when dispersed nanoclay plates suppress polymer crystallization.

\ Figure 1: (a) Schematic of nm-thick montmorillonite clay aluminosilicate layers. (b) TEM micrograph of 2% Nanoclay, Nanomer I.34TCN Nylon 6 nanocomposite showing complete dispersion of clay layers into distinct plate-like nanoparticles. Montmorillonite Nanoclays Plate-like montmorillonite is the most common nanoclay used in materials applications. Montmorillonite consists of ~ 1 nm thick aluminosilicate layers surface-substituted with metal cations and stacked in ~ 10 m-sized multilayer stacks. Depending on surface modification of the clay layers, montmorillonite can be dispersed in a polymer matrix to form polymer-clay nanocomposite. Within the nanocomposite individual nm-thick clay layers become fully separated to form plate-like nanoparticles with very high (nm m) aspect ratio. Sigma-Aldrich, in collaboration with the Nanocor Corporation, offers a range of montmorillonite nanoclay products with different organic modifications optimized to be compatible with various polymer systems.

Halloysite Nanoclay Halloysite is a naturally occurring aluminosilicate nanotube . The two-layer halloysite tubes are chemically similar to kaoline and have average dimensions of 15 1000 nm comparable to carbon nanotubes. Halloysite tubes are hollow and can be used for controlled delivery and release of drugs as well as nanocomposite and rheology modification applications. Qualities Montmorillonite clays possess several qualities that make them an excellent base for manipulation through nanotechnology. These qualities include stability, an interlayer space, high hydration and swelling capacity and a high chemical reactivity. Clay characterization Clays and their modified organic derivatives can be characterized using simple as well as modern tools which include determination of chemical compositions by gravimetric analysis, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) or XRF, cation exchange capacity (CEC) using standard ammonium acetate method, surface area measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and others.The clays are also characterized by their cation exchange capacities, which can vary widely and depends on source and type of clay. The purity of the clay can affect the final nanocomposite properties; due to this it is very important to have montmorillonite with minimum impurities of crystalline silica (quartz), amorphous silica, calcite, kaolin etc. The technique mainly used for purification of clays includes hydrocyclone, centrifugation, sedimentation method and chemical treatment. Nanoclay uses Clays are inexpensive materials, which can be modified by ion exchange, metal/metal complex impregnation, pillaring and acid treatment to develop catalysts with desired functionality. Nanoclays are known to enhance properties of many polymers such as nylon 6, EVA, epoxy, PET, PE and PP leading to better clarity, stiffness, thermal stability, barrier properties to moisture, solvents, vapors, gases and flavors; reduced static cling and UV transmission in film and bottles; improved chemical, flame, scratch resistance, and dimensional stability in injection molded products. Plastic molded parts exhibit higher heat distortion temperatures, and better appearance when painted. Nanomer and Cloisite are the popular nanoclays available in the market. Nanomer is a nanoclay product developed by Nanocor/AMCOL International Corporation, and Cloisite nanoclays are produced by Southern Clay Products, Inc., of Texas, USA.According to a US Patent by Nanocor, the know-how of uniform dispersion of nanoclay (0.5 to 10% level) in polyolefins to produce concentrates that can be used in nanocomposites is claimed. The nanoclay dispersion is used to improve modulus and tensile strength, barrier properties, flame resistance, and thermal and structural properties of many plastics to extend their reach into areas dominated by metal, glass and wood.

Mycotoxin binder

Researchers at Olmix in France have developed a technique where the ulvans (a polysaccharide) contained in seaweed are used as pillars to increase the interlayer space of the montmorillonite clay by 10 times. This increase in the interlayer space allows even the larger-sized mycotoxins to enter, providing protection to the animal. This new product is called Amadite and has been patented worldwide.Research trials performed by the independent laboratory TNO in the Netherlands have shown the efficacy of nanoclay as a wide-spectrum mycotoxin binder. The binding ability of the nanoclay to the mycotoxins was maintained as the product passed through the stomach and small intestine. Studies showed that the new product reduced the level of DON (1 part per million) by 40% compared to control and of fumonisin B1 (2 ppm) by 50-60% when compared to control. Low inclusion rates of 1 kg per ton were used to obtain these adsorption levels, which add to the practical and economic usefulness of the product. In

addition, the trials showed the inability of the nanoclay to adsorb carbohydrates, proteins and water-soluble vitamins, a concern with the use of other clay products. Rheological modifier Nanoclays made of synthetic layered silicates such as laponite, hectorite and saponite have been used as rheological modifiers in paints, inks, greases and cosmetics. Organoclays obtained by interaction of these layered silicates with ammonium or phosphonium salts act as thixotropic agent in the above applications. A small addition of nanoclays can greatly enhance the rheological properties of the paint system. These properties prevent pigment settling and sagging on vertical surfaces and gloss is minimally affected due to the low levels of addition. Thermal stability of grease is greatly enhanced by the addition of small amount of organoclays. Nanoclays provide colour retention as well as good coverage in cosmetics and inks. The organic binds to the ionic surfaces of layered silicates and converts it from a hydrophilic form to an oil wet, a hydrocarbon adsorbent material, ideal for water treatment applications. Adsorption applications When used for water treatment, organoclays are commonly utilized in the upstream sector of the petroleum industry for removing hydrocarbons from refinery process water, but it has seen little use in petroleum production. Organoclays have also been tested for treating ground and surface water and for other toxic organic chemicals from pharmaceuticals and pesticides industries. Organoclays can offer dramatic performance improvements in many other adsorption applications, including removing oil, grease, heavy metals, and polychlorinated biphenyl; organic matter, such as humic and fulvic acids; polynuclear and polycyclic aromatics; and sparingly soluble hydrophobic, chlorinated organics. Removing radionuclides, including pertechnetate, from water is another application with tremendous potential. Drug vehicle Nanoclays are potentially useful materials in the field of controlled release of therapeutic agent to patients, where it acts as a drug vehicle. MMT could adsorb dietary toxins, bacterial toxins associated with gastrointestinal disturbance, hydrogen ions in acidosis, and metabolic toxins such as steroidal metabolites associated with pregnancy. All these conditions result in a host of common symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, most of which are typical symptoms of the side effects caused by anticancer drugs.

POLYPROPYLENE Polypropylene is a plastic polymer with the chemical formula C3H6. PP , also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications includingpackaging and labeling, textiles (e.g., ropes, thermal underwear and carpets), stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components, and polymer banknotes. An addition polymer made from the monomer propylene, it is rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical solvents, bases and acids.It is used in many different settings, both in industry and in consumer goods, and it can be used both as a structural plastic and as a fiber. This plastic is often used for food containers, particularly those that need to be dishwasher safe. Most commercial polypropylene is isotactic and has an intermediate level of crystallinity between that of lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Polypropylene is normally tough and flexible, especially when copolymerized with ethylene. This allows polypropylene to be used as an engineering plastic, competing with materials such as ABS. Polypropylene is reasonably economical, and can be made translucent when uncolored but is not as readily made transparent as polystyrene, acrylic, or certain other plastics. It is often opaque or colored using pigments. Polypropylene has good resistance to fatigue. The melting point of polypropylene is very high compared to many other plastics, at 320F (160C), which means that the hot water used when washing dishes will not cause dishware made from this plastic to warp. This contrasts with polyethylene, another popular plastic for containers, which has a much lower melting point. Polypropylene is also very easy to add dyes to, and it is often used as a fiber in carpeting that needs to be rugged and durable, such as that for use around swimming pools or on miniature golf courses. Unlike nylon, which is also often used as a fiber for rugged carpeting, it doesn't soak up water, making it ideal for uses where it will be constantly subject to moisture. Research is ongoing with polypropylene, as makers experiment with different methods for synthesizing it. Some of these experiments yield the promise of exciting new types of plastic, with new consistencies and a different feel from the fairly rigid version that most people are used to. These new elastic versions are very rubbery, making them even more resistant to shattering and opening up many different uses for an already pervasive plastic. Polypropylene is not as sturdy as polyethylene, but it has benefits that make it the better choice in some situations. One of these situations is creating hinges from a plastic, such as a plastic lid on a travel mug. Over time, plastics wear out from the repetitive stress of being opened and shut, and eventually will break. Polypropylene is very resistant to this sort of stress, and it is the plastic most often used for lids and caps that require a hinging mechanism. Like many plastics, polypropylene has virtually endless uses, and its development has not slowed since its discovery. Whether used for industrial molds, rugged currency, car parts, or storage containers, it is one of a handful of materials the world is literally built around.

It is a linear structure based on the monomer CnH2n. It is manufactured from propylene gas in presence of a catalyst such as titanium chloride. Beside PP is a by-product of oil refining processes. Most polypropylene used is highly crystalline and geometrically regular (i.e. isotactic) opposite to amorphous thermoplastics, such as polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, etc., which radicals are placed radomly (i.e. atactic). It is said that PP has an intermediate level of crystallinity between low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE); On the other hand PP has higher working temperatures and tensile strength than polyethylene. The first polypropylene resin was produced by Giulio Natta in Spain, although commercial production began in 1957.

Properties of polypropylene Listed below you will find the reasons why polypropylene is commonly used in our daily life: - Light in weight For example, PP has the lowest density (i.e 0.90-0.92 g/cm3) of the resins used in packaging. Polymer Melt Index LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) Polypropylene 0.2 - 20.0 0.2 - 25.0 2.0 - 50.0 Density (gr/ml) 0.916 - 0.930 0.950 - 0.960 0.910 - 0.928

- Excellent resistance to stress and high resistant to cracking (i.e. it has high tensile and compressive strength) - High operational temperatures with a melting point of 160C - Excellent dielectric properties - It is highly resistant to most alkalis and acid, organic solvents, degreasing agents and electrolytic attack. On the contrary is less resistance to aromatic, aliphatic and chlorinated solvents and UV. - Non-toxic - Non-staining - Easy to produce, assembly and an economic material In order to improve some properties PP formulas may include additives such as pigments, carbon black, rubbers, antioxidants, and UV stabilizer. PP is available as molding powder, extruded sheet, cast film, textile staple, and continuous filament yarn. Application In general homopolymers (i.e. with only one type of monomer) can be used for housing, housewares, packaging, cassette holders and fibers, monofilaments and film tapes; copolymers (i.e. different monomers are involved) are prefered for all applications exposed to cold and they are widely used for pipes, containers, boat hulls, seat shells and automotive parts e.g. battery cases and bumpers. Polypropylene can be manufactured to a high degree of purity to be used for the semiconductor industry. Its resistance to bacterial growth makes it suitable to be used in medical equipment. Polypropylene is used in most of our nonwoven fabrics such as rope used in a variety of industries, including fishing and agriculture. PP can be used for flexible packaging applications (e.g. yogurt containers, syrup bottles, straws, etc.), construction sector (e.g. drainage pipes, pumps, etc.), automotive sector, etc. Environmental issues and occupational health and safety issues Plastics represents a 14 to 22% in volume of solid waste. It can be melted and recycled, making it a thermoplastic elastomer but the recycling degrade the properties. Another difficulty is the management of plastics that are difficult to separate from other materials for its recycling. On the other hand recycling can be a cost-effective possibility if we take into account the social cost of landfills as well as fees. The use of PP does not have any remarkable effect from an occupational health and safety point of view, in terms of chemical toxicity. The manufacture of the polymer at high temperature can released irritating vapors to respiratory system and eyes. There is no known effect from chronic exposure to this product.

Characteristics & Benefits of Polypropylene During the past thirty years polypropylene has gained wide acceptance for use in corrosive applications where previously steel vessels with a rubber & brick lined interior and coated exterior were used. Polypropylene has also

been the material of choice to replace tanks and other vessels fabricated from specialty metals such as stainless steel because of reduced original cost and long term cost savings benefits over the life of the equipment. Characteristics Polypropylene has the following advantages over conventional materials previously used. High chemical and corrosion resistance Easily machined and cut Light weight and rigid Easy to maintain and clean High tensile strength Excellent thermal insulating properties Excellent abrasion resistance Excellent dielectric properties Low moisture absorption Long life span Benefits Polypropylene provides superior qualities and is the most versatile and cost effective plastic in comparison to other thermo-forming and polyolefin materials. It has good impact strength, surface hardness, dimensional stability and excellent abrasion resistance. Polypropylene is resistant to a wide variety of acids, alkalis and solvent solutions with a temperature range up to 200F. Polypropylene is available in Homopolymer for general use and Copolymer, where higher impact qualities are required. The most commonly used colors include natural, black and grey. The black and grey pigments have better UV qualities and an additional UV package can be added for outdoor use. Polypropylene is also available in a flame retardant grade. It is USDA approved and meets FDA requirements for food contact. Polypropylene is a homogeneous material that has the same corrosion resistant properties throughout which eliminate the need for additional maintenance such as re-coating the inside or outside to guard against corrosion. Carbon steel tanks, however, require a two step process during fabrication to get the necessary protection required for the application. Handling, installation and relocation of polypropylene equipment is easier because polypropylene is lighter than most other materials used in fabrication. The light weight allows for less expensive structural supports and concrete floors to be required. Modifications and repairs are easily made with no advanced preparation needed on the material with little down time and usually no need to remove the equipment from service. Our customers have reported that the polypropylene equipment we have supplied has reduced maintenance cost and provided less disruption in production time.

KENAF Kenaf or its scientific name Hibiscus cannabinus L is a warm season annual fiber crop closely related to cotton and jute. Historically, kenaf has been used as a cordage crop to produce twine, rope and sackcloth. Nowadays, there are various new applications for kenaf including paper products, building materials, absorbents and animal feeds. In Malaysia, realizing the diverse possibilities of commercially exploitable derived products from kenaf, the National Kenaf Research and Development Program has been formed in an effort to develop kenaf as a possible new industrial crop for Malaysia. The government has allocated RM12 million for research and further development of the kenaf-based industry under the 9th Malaysia Plan (20062010) in recognition of kenaf as a commercially viable crop. Kenaf has a single, straight and branchless stalk. Kenaf stalk is made up of an inner woody core and an outer fibrous bark surrounding the core. The fiber derived from the outer fibrous bark is also known as bast fiber. Kenaf bast fiber has superior flexural trength combined with its excellent tensile strength that makes it the material of choice for a wide range of extruded, molded and non-woven products. Kenaf fiber could be utilized as reinforcement material for polymeric composites as an alternative to glass fiber. Natural fibers such as kenaf have some advantages over traditional reinforcement materials such as glass fiber in terms of cost, density, renewability, recyclability, abrasiveness and biodegradability. The efficiency of the fiberreinforced composites depends on the fiber matrix interface and the ability to transfer stress from the matrix to the fiber. The main obstacles in the use of natural fibers in plastics have been the poor compatibility between the fibers and the matrix and the inherent high moisture absorption which could result in dimensional changes of the fibers that may lead to micro cracking of the composite and degradation of mechanical properties. Various chemical treatments have been used to improve the mechanical performance of the natural fiber including jute and hemp by many researchers in the past.
Uses of kenaf and kenaf products

1.0 Pulp, paper and cardboard (from wet way process). 1.1 1.2 1.3 Standard newsprint containing between 90% and 100% chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp. Standard newsprint from mixes of KCTMP pulp and de-inked pulp from retted paper. Newsprint from mixes of kenaf thermo-mechanical pulp (KTMP) and wood pulp from Southern Pine.

1.4 Super-calendered writing and printing paper from mixtures containing KTMP pulp. 1.5 Various types of writing and printing paper containing KTMP. 1.6 Fine coated paper from mixtures containing KTMP. 1.7 Various types of tissue paper containing KTMP pulp. 1.8 Sulphate pulp (Kraft) from the whole kenaf stem and from separated fibres. 1.9 1.10 Chemical pulp from the whole kenaf stem or from separated fibres obtained using processes other than Kraft. Linerboard, corrugated board made from kenaf pulp (from mechanical or chemical processes using both the whole kenaf stem or separated fibres).

1.11 Lining for roofs in feltpaper.

1.12 Hardboard panels made from whole stems or separated fibres. 1.13 Cellulose for chemical uses. 1.14 Handmade art paper from whole kenaf stems or just from separated fibres. 2.0 Panels (dry processes using moldable fibre mattresses). 2.1 Moldable fibre mattresses for industrial uses from Kenaf bast fibre. 2.2 Natural molded fibres for interior panels for cars and planes. 2.3 2.4 Rigid molded products: boxes, trays, drums, pallets etc. for the packing, stowage and shipment of industrial products. Pressed board and other materials for use in the furniture and construction industries.

2.5 Compressed insulating panels. 2.6 Decorative wall panels. 2.7 Linings in compressed fibre for doors and other decorative applications (architectural).

3.0 Traditional cordage uses 3.1 Padding material (to substitute jute and kenaf imported from Asia). 3.2 String, rope and cord to substitute imported cordage. 3.3 Material for mattresses and furniture. 3.4 3.5 Bast fibre mattresses impregnated with grass seeds and absorbent agents for "instant lawns". Bast fibre mattresses combined with spray mulching products to control terrain erosion.

4.0 Mass uses as absorbent agent. 4.1 Animal litter. 4.2 Horticulture and flower-growing products. 4.3 Cleaning up of liquid leakages from plants in industrial areas. 4.4 Cleaning of industrial flooring. 4.5 Additive for drilling muds in oil wells. 4.6 Filtering products. 4.7 Compost from sullage. 5.0 Packing materials. 5.1 Inert, natural and biodegradable filler, used instead of polystyrene foam. 5.2 Wrapping for gifts and handicraft products. 6.0 Natural fuels. 6.1 Biomass for burning in various forms (powder, core fibre and waste in general). 6.2 6.3 Production of ethyl alcohol and other chemical products using ligno-cellulose conversion technologies. Production of ethyl alcohol from animal litter using ligno-cellulose conversion technologies.

7.0 Cellulose products. 7.1 Natural core and bast filters. 7.2 Kenaf powders (in the specific field of application of wood powders). 8.0 Animal fodder and feed. 8.1 Green plant used as fodder.

8.2

By-products from the lingo-cellulose conversion process of animal litter for the production of alcohol.

8.3 Biomass for the production of feed by means of wood fungus inoculation. 8.4 By-product of inoculated biomass (exhausted subsoil) for the production of edible mushrooms.

9.0 Use of the seeds. 9.1 Production of selected seeds for kenaf cultivators. 9.2 Production of oil and extraction panels. 9.3 Middlings for birdfeed (kenaf seeds with poor germination). 10.0 Use of the biomass. 10.1 Biomass for the production of edible mushrooms.