The effects of local materials as fillers incorporated into the flexible polyether foam recipes were investigated. The fillers; coconut husk and corn cob of mesh sizes of 150 µm respectively were mixed in the ratio of 50:50. Varying percentages of the mixed fillers, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% were mixed with polyether foam recipes in the appropriate formulations and physico-mechanical tests were carried out on the samples. Density and compression set showed an increasing trend with increase in the filler. Elongation at break and tensile strength showed a decrease in the value as the filler load was increasing. Hardness showed a slight random variation in the value as the filler load increased. Thermal conductivity also showed a decrease in its value as the filler load increased that means it can serve as a fire retardant. All these properties were compared to a controlled sample (sample without filler). These fillers can be used in the production of polyurethane foams since they are organic materials, thus they can enhance the biodegradability of polyurethane products and be use also as flame retardants.
The effects of some animal materials, viz feather, hide and hoof, as fillers incorporated into propylene matrix were investigated. Composites of two varying weight percentages of fillers in fixed weight of the polymer resins were produced for each filler type by the injection moulding technique. The physicomechanical properties of the composites prepared showed positive effects in the properties such as, tensile strength, elongation at break, compressive strength, flexural strength and surface hardness. Polypropylene hide composite increased the tensile strength from 18MPa to 21MPa at 1% filler loading. The decrease in elongation at break was experienced for the three fillers incorporated into the propylene polymer matrix. The compressive and flexural strengths were seen to be enhanced by these fillers. These animal fillers gave polypropylene composites great strength by enhancing its mechanical properties with the hide filler showing the best reinforcing qualities. These materials of animal origin can be used as fillers and also as biodegradable fillers for polymer resins and mimic bio-plastics.
Malnutrition is a major health problem for children in developing countries. This study examines the use of fonio and soya bean flours as locally and readily available raw materials for production and formulation of weaning foods. Weaning food was produced from fonio and soya bean flour in varying proportions. Four blends A, B, C and D were formulated respectively. Proximate, vitamin and mineral contents were determined using standard methods. The chemical compositions of the formulations were as follows, for samples A, B, C and D respectively. Moisture contents = 3.20%, 3.00%, 2.50% and 2.00%. Ash contents = 3.30%, 3.20%, 3.00% and 2.80%. Protein = 29.00%, 25.00%, 20.00% and 17.50%. Fibre contents = 3.50%, 3.30%, 3.00% and 2.70%. Fat contents = 11.00%, 10.00%, 10.00% and 8.00%. Carbohydrate contents = 50.00%, 55.50%, 61.50% and 67.00%. Energy contents (Kcal/100g) = 415.00, 412.00, 416.00 and 410.00 Kcal/100grespectively. The mineral content of the formulated weaning food were determined which confirmed the presence of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, iron and phosphorus. Vitamin A, B 1 , B 2 and C were also determined. These values fall within the Food and Agriculture Organization (1966) recommended values of food for infants. The complementary diet prepared from fonio and soya bean flour was also compared with Cerelac and Nutrend a commercial weaning food. Sample C was compared favourably with those of the commercial weaning foods. It is also complied with infant food specification established by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) which had agreeable appearance, light yellow colour, good flavour and taste and readily dispersed in hot water. Sample C is recommended as the best formulated weaning foods which can therefore used as alternatives to the weaning foods in the Nigerian market as well as other countries in the world to improve nutritional status of children and also help to curb protein-energy malnutrition.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.