Polylactide/Biopolyethylene bioblends
In this work, Polylactide/Biopolyethylene blends were developed. Although some studies have been carried out on polylactide/polyethylene blends, none of them has used polyethylene synthesized with raw material obtained from natural sources. Due to the incompatibility between polylactide and polyethylene, E-GMA and EMA-GMA compatibilizers were used. These compatibilizers present glycidyl methacrylate groups in their structure, which may react with the functional end-groups of polylactide. To evaluate the properties, the blends were characterized by mechanical tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and melt flow index (MFI). The results indicated that the compatibilizers played an important role in the blends, interacting with the blends components, modifying the morphology and improving the mechanical properties.
The use of biotechnology for green composites
Nowadays, constantly growing worldwide waste problem has increased environmental awareness among manufacturers, consumers, and governments. Moreover, some countries create incentives to increase the usage of “green” products. Due to the growing global, social, and environmental concern, scientists have encouraged to search new materials, products, and processes that are environmentally friendly. Usage of green composites that consist of biobased or biodegradable natural polymer allows to minimize the generation of waste problem. This chapter gives brief information on life-cycle assessment and their usage for composite materials. This chapter also illustrates the most used natural polymers that are utilized as a matrix material to produce green composites. Furthermore, their applications, importance, and trends are also discussed in-depth.
Effects of Equipment Dimensions on Liquid Mixing Time of Bubble Column with Draft Tube
The liquid mixing time of a bubble column with a draft tube is experimentally studied. The diameter and height of the column, the diameter and length of the draft tube, and the mode of sparging gas were changed and the liquid mixing time was measured.The lengths of bottom and top clearances have significant effects on the liquid mixing time. The liquid mixing time increases with increasing column aspect ratio of height to diameter. The liquid mixing time of the bubble column with a draft tube is longer than that of a standard bubble column when the column aspect ratio is relatively high. The liquid mixing time has a minimum when the diameter ratio of draft tube to column is 0.5 to 0.6. These effects of equipment dimensions are expressed by an equation. In the experiment using different solutions, the liquid mixing time becomes shorter with increasing liquid surface tension, or with increasing liquid viscosity.