Chapters authored
Dynamic Mechanical Behaviour of Coir and Coconut Husk Particulate Reinforced Polymer Composites: The Effect of Exposure to Acidic Environment
This chapter describes an experimental investigation into the dynamic mechanical properties of coir and coconut husk particulate reinforced polymer composites which were prepared by the hot press method. The composite was immersed in a strongly acidic environment of pH 2.2 for a period of 14 and 28 days (14P and 28P). Values of storage modulus at different vibrational frequencies recorded for the polymers at low temperatures where the molecules are still tightly compressed and the region of first solid state transitions are: Control sample (CS)—913.18, 984.18 and 979.94 MPa; 14P—505.54, 492.47 and 473.60 MPa and 28P—282.25, 298.70 and 285.36 MPa at 2, 5 and 10 Hz, respectively. While values of loss modulus at different vibrational frequencies are: CS—113.32, 109.43 and 107.62 MPa, 14P—92.92, 92.92 and 101.93 MPa and 28P—46.08, 45.61 and 45.18 MPa at 2, 5 and 10 Hz, respectively. Degradation of the mechanical properties was ascribed to the penetration and absorption that occurred between the acid solution and the composite constituents (matrix, filler, and fiber). It was found that frequency variation influenced the dynamic mechanical properties of the polymer composite at the points of measurement.
Part of the book: Fillers
Conventional and Unconventional Transformation of Cocoa Pod Husks into Value-Added Products
The drive for a sustainable society and a circular economy has motivated researchers around the globe to turn to the transformation of renewable raw materials like biomass into value-added products that are akin or superior to their fossil counterparts. Among these biomass raw materials, cocoa pod husks (CPH) which is the non-edible portion of cocoa (ca. 70–75% weight of the while cocoa fruit) remains a promising bio-resource raw material for the production high-value added chemicals but yet largely underexploited. Currently, the most popular applications of CPH involves its use as low-value application products such as animal feed, raw material for soap making, and activated carbon. However, the rich source of lignocellulosic content, pectin, and phenolic compounds of CPH means it could be used as raw materials for the production industrially relevant platform chemicals with high potential in the agrochemicals, pharmaceutical, and food industries, if efficient transformations routes are developed by scientists. In this chapter, we will shed light on some of the works related to the transformation of CPH into various value-added products. An economic evaluation of the transformation of cocoa pod husk into relevant chemicals and products is also discussed.
Part of the book: Biomass, Biorefineries and Bioeconomy