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Nanocomposites, consisting of a polymeric matrix and nanosized elements as reinforcement, have attracted significant scientific attention because of their high mechanical performance. A large variety of nanocomposites have been prepared using bio-based materials as a matrix and nanoreinforcement, so that it can reduce the dependence on nondegradable products and move to a sustainable materials basis. The objective of this study was to isolate nanocellulose from empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber and their reinforcing effect on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch blend films. A series of PVA/starch films with different content of nanocellulose were prepared by solution casting method. Nanocellulose fiber with diameters ranging from 4 to 15 nm has been successfully prepared. On the other hand, PVA/starch films reinforced with nanocellulose fiber possess significantly improved properties compared to unreinforced film. From the results, PVA/starch films with the addition of 5% (v/v) of nanocellulose exhibited best combination of properties. This nanocomposite was found to have tensile strength at about 5.694 MPa and elongation at break was 481.85%. In addition to good mechanical properties, this nanocomposite has good water resistance and biodegradability.

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Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) issues have become talk of the day worldwide because of the current and the future threats it has to both life and the environment. Malaysia, like other developing nations, has been facing serious problems in recent years in terms of MSW and its management due to the nation's rapid economic growth. The objective of this paper is to review and present the current state of MSW and its management in Malaysia and to estimate the economic potentials of some recyclables as well. MSW generation in Malaysia has increased significantly in recent years, ranging between 0.5 -2.5kg per capita per day (or a total of 25000 -30000 tons per day). Generally, the waste contains high amount of organics, moisture content and bulk density. More than 70% of the generated wastes are collected using both curbside and communal centers with a collection frequency varying from daily to every two days. In addition, both compactor trucks and open lorry trucks are used. Landfilling is the main disposal method practiced; about 90 -95% of the collected wastes is still disposed in landfills, with a recycling rate of 5 -10% despite the fact that 70 -80% of the waste is recyclable. Estimation of the amount of recyclables and their revenue generation potential shows an impressive result. Recycling and composting of the municipal solid waste is therefore recommended.

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The thermochemical properties of biomass are largely influenced by the nature, yield and composition of the feedstock. In addition, the low moisture content, energy density and solid uniform structure of briquettes have been reported to improve heat and mass transfer during thermochemical conversion. Hence, this study is aimed at investigating the thermochemical properties of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) briquettes using Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The heating value (HHV), ultimate and proximate analysis was determined using standard ASTM techniques. Consequently, the thermal decomposition behavior of the fuel was determined by heating the sample from 50°C to 900°C in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) at 10°C per min heating rate. The ultimate and proximate analysis revealed that EFB briquette contains low moisture content, ash content and high fixed carbon, volatile matter content while the HHV was 17.57 MJ/kg. In addition, TGA results indicated thermal decomposition of the fuel occurs in four stages. Devolatization commenced at 206°C with a peak devolatization temperature (Tmax) of 325°C resulting in 70% weight loss.

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