Polymer Chemistry
Objectives of the Projects
• To remove heavy metal in waste water as well as photodegrade the toxic dyes (SDG6)
• To develop conductive material that can apply in electrical industries (SDG9)
• To develop biodegrable polymer composites or nanocomposites for future application (SDG6 & SDG9)
To produce bioplastic from the food waste that can be used to replace the petroleum-based plastic product. (SDG12)
Polymer synthesis and their application
This research project covers three main category of polymer including conducting polymer, polyurethane and bioplastic. For conducting polymer part, different types of novel conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, polythiophene and etc. will be synthesized by using different synthesis parameter in order to manipulate desired conductive, thermal, optical as well as magnetic properties that could potentially applied in solar cell, heavy metal removal, chemical sensor, optical sensor, photodegradation as well as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding industries.
For polyurethane part, polyurethane will be synthesized based on different types of raw materials including renewable resources such as starch, glycerol, castor oil and etc. The purpose of this project is to replace part of the petroleum based polyol which is non-biodegrable with those novel as well as renewable polyurethane. The addition of additives into the polyurethane matrix may create some potential composites that can be broaden application in in textile, coating and insulation industries.
For bioplastic part, different types of food waste will be used to synthesize the bioplastic film. The purpose of synthesizing the food waste-based bioplastic is to create a sustainable and renewable material that can reduce the environmental impact of plastic pollution and food waste. Food waste is a major global problem that causes the loss of natural resources, greenhouse gas emissions and economic loses. Plastic pollution is another serious issue that affects the health of wildlife, ecosystems and humans. By converting food waste into bioplastics, both of these challenges can be addressed. The food waste-based bioplastics have the potential to be used for packaging, disposal utensils, agricultural films, papers, wound dressing and etc.
Team Members
Prof. Dr. Phang Sook Wai
Dr Sin Sau Leng
Ms. Wong Pei Yin
Questions:
Contact : phangsw@tarc.edu.my (Prof. Dr. Phang Sook Wai)
For more information and Potential Collaboration