In recent years, the increased demand of biodegradable polymers has sparked the research interest in the development of alternatives to conventional polymers. As such, starch considerably one of the best substitutes to the non-degradable polymers owing to its advantages. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanical, physical and environmental characterization of bio-composites, which is in this case the thermoplastic corn starch (TPCS) reinforced with a 2 mm length of pineapple leaf fibre (PALF). The selection of different weight percentages in the range of 20 to 60 weight percentage (wt.%) of PALF contents were applied in this work. The mixtures of TPCS with different wt.% of PALF were made by using a hot compression moulding at 165 °C for 15 minutes. Several testing has been performed to determine the bio-composites characteristics. The results show that by incorporating 40 wt.% loading of PALF, the tensile and modulus strength has increased to the maximum. It is also seen that there is an inverse relationship between the moisture content and the wt.% loading of PALF. However, the water and moisture absorption show a direct relationship with wt.% loading of PALF. Meanwhile, the soil burial decreases when the wt.% loadings of PALF increase while the results for water solubility suggest vice versa. It is also found that the TPCS with 40 wt.% of PALF have a good miscibility between matrix/fibre in the bio-composites.

No abstract

Abstract. Fluid-Structure Interaction engages with complex geometry especially in biomechanical problem. In order to solve critical case studies such as cardiovascular diseases, we need the structure to be flexible and interact with the surrounding fluids. Thus, to simulate such systems, we have to consider both fluid and structure two-way interactions. An extra attention is needed to develop FSI algorithm in biomechanic problem, namely the algorithm to solve the governing equations, the coupling between the fluid and structural parameter and finally the algorithm for solving the grid connectivity. In this article, we will review essential works that have been done in FSI for biomechanic. Works on Navier-Stokes equations as the basis of the fluid solver and the equation of motion together with the finite element methods for the structure solver are thoroughly discussed. Important issues on the interface between structure and fluid solvers, discretised via Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian grid are also pointed out. The aim is to provide a crystal clear understanding on how to develop an efficient algorithm to solve biomechanical Fluid-Structure Interaction problems in a matrix based programming platform.

Sustainable preservation of pipeline system that deal with particle transportation is more appealing these days. In petroleum industries for instance, sand transported through the pipelines pose serious problems ranging from blockage, corrosion, abrasion and reduction in pipe efficiency to loss of pipe integrity. Accurate four-dimensional simulation that caters the transient effect of the phenomena is used to promote sustainability in design, evaluation and maintenance procedures. This is employed to minimize conventional practices which are costly and inefficient. This work demonstrates the advantages of applying four-dimensional Splitting Fluid-Particle Solver to simulate particle transportation within a simplified pipeline system. Single-phase fluid with solid sphere particles are the assumptions while drift and gravitational forces are taken into account. Effect of fluid flow rate and particle weight alterations are observed within vertical curled and 2-1-2 segmental pipeline. Flow rate variation on multiple inputs shows that proper simulation is essential in order to predict fluid flow behavior prior to pipeline construction. Particle weight variation shows that simulation can lead to better prediction of potential areas of blockage, corrosion, abrasion and other piping system issues. This work proves that four-dimensional simulation can promote sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency of pipeline system management.

In recent, the efforts to reduce environmental pollution by developing biodegradable material has received wide interest. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of durian skin fiber (DSF) on the properties of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) matrix as the biodegradable material. The composites were prepared by using hot press technique to convert the starch into thermoplastic starch polymer. The effects of incorporating different amount of DSF (0-50 wt.%) on the matrix was evaluated using several testings, i.e., water absorptions, water solubility, thickness swelling, moisture content, biodegradation analysis and density measurement. The results show that incorporation of DSF has reduce the water absorption characteristic of the material. Thickness swelling of the sample were increase following the addition of DSF into the TPCS matrix, indicating improve environmentally friendly properties. Water solubility of the composites showed a decreasing trend with increasing DSF content. The morphology of the samples shows adhesion of fiber and matrix which indicates good compatibility between this component. Meanwhile, there is no apparent changes on the density of the composites following the incorporation of fiber. Overall, this finding shows that DSF has potential to improve the functional characteristics of TPCS matrix as alternative green material.