• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.3-9
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• 2006

Optimal conditions for preparation of starch/PVA blends were investigated with the consideration of factors that may influence mechanical properties of the blends. Multiplex mixture optimal method as a statistical method were performed and then tensile strength, strain at break, Young's modulus and tear strength of films of the blends were measured to determine the optimal conditions for preparation. The mechanical properties needed for the degradable agricultural mulch were the target of this experiment. Results showed that although the strain at break was a little insufficient, the other properties were very close to the target. This means that the mechanical properties of the film from this blend as a whole are very compatible with those of the reference mulch.

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 2018

Maillard reaction products like melanoidins present in industrial fermentation wastewaters are complex compounds with various functional properties. In this work, novel ultrafiltration (UF) mixed matrix membrane (MMM) composed of polysulfone (PSF) and nanocomposites was prepared through a phase inversion process for the recovery of melanoidins. Nanocomposites were prepared with acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the reinforcing filler for chitosan-thermoplastic starch blend. Higher nanocomposites content in the PSF matrix reduced the membrane permeability and melanoidins retention indicating tighter membrane with surface defects. The membrane surface defects could be sealed with dilute polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution. The best performing membrane (1% nanocomposites in 18% PSF membrane sealed with 0.25% PVA coating) resulted in uniform melanoidins retention of 98% and permeability of 3.6 L/m2 h bar over a period of 8h. This demonstrates a low fouling PSF membrane for high melanoidins recovery.