Materials based on highly porous fibers are now becoming increasingly popular as thermal insulators to fight severely increasing temperatures due to climate change (Khedari, et al., 2004). In this study, fibers from solid waste materials like coconut husk and absorbent pads of used disposable diapers were evaluated for their synergistic effect as thermal insulating material. Dried coconut husk fibers and cleaned used disposable diapers were heated at 1500C-3000C for 2 hours and then molded to make pads. Scanning Electron Microscopy and HD digital microscope were used in the analytical imaging of the fibers. Fiber pads from coconut husk fibers, used disposable diapers and their combination, and polyethylene foam (+control) were evaluated for their burning rate based on ASTM D 1992 while thermal conductivity, and thermal resistance were obtained using the testing hot box (Frawley & Kennedy, 2007). The morphology of the coconut husk fibers with used disposable diapers showed thicker and rougher surface with foamy coatings which confirmed porous fiber structure. One-Factor ANOVA showed significant difference among the different set-ups for burning rate (F=926.506; p=0.000), thermal conductivity (F=203.993; p=0.000), and thermal resistance (F=197.820; p=0.000) wherein the set-up for the combination of the coconut husk fibers and used disposable diapers exhibits satisfactory burning rate (M=3.268), lowest thermal conductivity (M=0.037) and highest thermal resistance (M=0.273).The results affirm that the natural coconut husk fibers and used disposable diapers have synergistic effect for better thermal properties, thus, producing a more effective and safer thermal insulating material.
Abstract. Pathological aging due to harmful free radicals and oxidative stress has been a serious threat to human health. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity, antioxidants, essential vitamins, and physicochemical properties of Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. (Pennywort) which could serve as basis in developing a biocosmetic antidote for pathological aging. H. vulgaris L. plant was harvested, air dried and then extracted via soxhlet. UV-vis spectroscopy was used for scavenging activity and antioxidants of the plant while High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was applied for the identification of essential vitamins. Phytochemicals, pH and spreadability values of the plant were also tested. Results revealed that H. vulgaris L. has an abundant presence of flavonoid and alkaloid while traced presence of tannin. Good trend for scavenging activity was also observed exhibiting low absorbance of possible free radicals with IC 50 of 29.75 and antioxidant activity of 158.13 (Total Phenolics as gallic acid in %w/w). Meanwhile, β-carotene (10.4 mg/kg), Riboflavin (4.08mg/kg), and Vitamins C (70.2mg/kg) and E (26.9mg/kg) were also found in the plant. Non-irritating pH levels of 5.7 and 7.14 for 50% and 75% concentrations of the extracts with good spreadability value of 17.51 g•cm/sec (for 75% concentration) were also obtained. Based on the findings of the study, Pennywort has a very promising therapeutic characteristics with its good scavenging activity and antioxidants. Thus, the development of a biocosmetic product that could serve as an antidote for pathological aging from Pennywort appeared to be very apparent.
Materials based on highly porous fibers are now becoming increasingly popular as thermal insulators to fight severely increasing temperatures due to climate change (Khedari, et al., 2004). In this study, fibers from solid waste materials like coconut husk and absorbent pads of used disposable diapers were evaluated for their synergistic effect as thermal insulating material. Dried coconut husk fibers and cleaned used disposable diapers were heated at 1500C-3000C for 2 hours and then molded to make pads. Scanning Electron Microscopy and HD digital microscope were used in the analytical imaging of the fibers. Fiber pads from coconut husk fibers, used disposable diapers and their combination, and polyethylene foam (+control) were evaluated for their burning rate based on ASTM D 1992 while thermal conductivity, and thermal resistance were obtained using the testing hot box (Frawley & Kennedy, 2007). The morphology of the coconut husk fibers with used disposable diapers showed thicker and rougher surface with foamy coatings which confirmed porous fiber structure. One-Factor ANOVA showed significant difference among the different set-ups for burning rate (F=926.506; p=0.000), thermal conductivity (F=203.993; p=0.000), and thermal resistance (F=197.820; p=0.000) wherein the set-up for the combination of the coconut husk fibers and used disposable diapers exhibits satisfactory burning rate (M=3.268), lowest thermal conductivity (M=0.037) and highest thermal resistance (M=0.273).The results affirm that the natural coconut husk fibers and used disposable diapers have synergistic effect for better thermal properties, thus, producing a more effective and safer thermal insulating material.
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