International Journal of Plastics Technology 

About: International Journal of Plastics Technology is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Epoxy & Ultimate tensile strength. It has an ISSN identifier of 0972-656X. Over the lifetime, 273 publications have been published receiving 2186 citations.

Development and characterization of pectin/gelatin hydrogel membranes for wound dressing

Abstract: The present work deals with the development of pectin-gelatin (PEGE) hydrogel membranes for wound dressing applications. The prepared hydrogels were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, XRD spectroscopy, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) test and tensile strength test. Morphology and thermal stability of the membranes were analyzed by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling studies of the hydrogels were conducted in different pH buffer solutions (pH 1.4, 5.4, 7.4 and 9.4). FTIR spectra of the hydrogels indicated considerable lowering in usual –OH stretching vibration peak of pectin and gelatin, which suggests the development of probable intermolecular interactions between the two natural polymers. XRD study revealed the decrease in crystallinity of hydrogels as compared to parent pectin. The morphological analysis of the hydrogel revealed highly interconnected honeycomb type architecture with pore size ranging from 10 to 40 μm. It was found that increase in gelatin ratio significantly improves the porous nature of the membranes. TGA study showed the enhanced thermal stability of PEGE hydrogel as compared to reference pectin. Tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) was found to increase with gelatin content in the hydrogel membranes but further increase leads to decrease in TS and EB. The WVTR analysis of the membranes showed the moisture retentive properties indicating its possible use in moist wound care. The PEGE hydrogels were found to be cytocompatible with B16 melanoma cells.

An overview on PET waste recycling for application in packaging

Abstract: The most important thermoplastic is one of the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) individuals from the polyester group. Owing to its excellent physical and chemical properties, it has enormous applications in food and beverage packaging. One of the most effective ways to reduce the quantity of PET wastes is the route of recycling the wastes. Incessant hard work of researchers across the world has acquired incredible upgrades in the techniques involved in PET recycling. This paper reviews (a) the most viable methods that have emerged over the years for concoction reusing of PET with extraordinary accentuation on glycolytic depolymerization of PET with ethylene glycol; (b) the different process and late improvements towards expanding the monomer yield; and (d) effect of new innovations, for example, nanotechnology, on future improvements of compound reusing of PET and utilization of recycled PET in the packaging sector.

Process parameter optimization of plastic injection molding: a review

Abstract: Over the years, injection molding has been a premier manufacturing technique in the production of intricate polymer components. Its molding efficiency rests on the shoulders of multiple process and machine parameters, which dictate the final product quality in terms of multiple output responses. It is imperative to state that a precise optimization of various input parameters is paramount for achieving the desired quality indices. In this article, a review of different techniques employed till date for optimizing various injection molding parameters is presented along with their advantages and limitations. It is found in the review that a complete intelligent technique operable without human interference is yet to be developed.

Mechanical and fracture behavior of banana fiber reinforced Polylactic acid biocomposites

Abstract: Polylactic acid (PLA)/banana fiber (BF) biocomposites were fabricated using melt compounding technique. The effect of variable fiber composition, mercerization of fiber as well as incorporation of Maleic anhydride (MA) as compatibilizer and Glycerol triacetate ester (GTA) on the properties of PLA/BF composites was studied. MA compatibilized biocomposites exhibited improved tensile modulus to the tune of 62% whereas GTA plasticized composites showed improvement in impact strength by 143%. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed an increase in the stability of MA incorporated systems and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed increase in Tc with the incorporation of BF and compatibilizer. Increase in storage modulus of the composites as determined from Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) also confirmed effective stress transfer from the matrix to banana fiber. The morphological investigations using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated improved interfacial adhesion in compatibilized and plasticized systems.

Mechanical properties of natural fibers reinforced polyester hybrid composite

Abstract: In this investigation, the mechanical properties of natural fibers reinforced polyester hybrid fiber reinforced polyester composite were analysed based on the wt % and length of the fibers. The glass fiber polyester composites were also prepared to compare the properties. The fractured surfaces of the composite specimens were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The tensile and the flexural strength increases with the fiber length and content. On the other hand, the impact strength decreases with the fiber length and content. The experimental results were compared with predicted results using regression model.