Materials Engineering Symposium on Innovation for Industry

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Browsing Materials Engineering Symposium on Innovation for Industry by Author "Amarasinghe, D. A. S."

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    item: Conference-Abstract
    Synthesis and characterization of Aegle marmelos gum based antimicrobial coating/film for food
    (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Madhushani, S. L. I..; Manohari, W. S.; Samarasekara, A. M. P. B.; Amarasinghe, D. A. S.; Sivahar, V.
    This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of Aegle marmelos gum (Bael fruit gum) for the development of antimicrobial coatings and films for food products. The precipitation method was identified as the most efficient technique for extracting bael gum (BG). A range of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), were employed to assess the morphology, composition, and thermal behavior of the extracted pure BG. FTIR and XRD results confirm the polysaccharide nature of BG. A specific formulation for both coating and film was developed, consisting of purified BG, citric acid, starch, and glycerol. This formulation was evaluated using an aging test on ripe lady finger bananas and veralu (Ceylon olive-Elaeocarpus serratus) fruits, with results demonstrating its effectiveness. The antimicrobial properties of bael gum and the finalized formula at three different concentrations were tested using the disk diffusion method. Bael gum offers several advantages for food packaging, including strong adhesiveness, biodegradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity, and non-toxicity. The primary aim of this research is to develop a non-toxic antimicrobial coating/film for food packaging. This innovative approach not only enhances food safety by extending shelf life but also promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on synthetic packaging materials. The promising results from this study open new possibilities for utilizing natural resins in various industrial applications.
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    Unlocking the differential scanning calorimetry heat signature
    (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2024) Dharmasena, E. M. T. C.; Perera, G. N. D. M.; Amarasinghe, D. A. S.; Sivahar, V.
    This research delves into the realm of simulating reaction kinetics of materials using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). A mathematical model and a computational model have been developed to predict and analyze thermal characteristics on DSC curves, aiming to optimize machine-learning algorithms for kinetic parameter prediction. The study focuses on deriving theoretical models to generate simulated data due to the challenges of acquiring extensive real DSC data. By exploring various mathematical approaches, the research aims to characterize different reaction models through intricate analysis of the heat flow rate, reaction rate, and heat capacity variations in the sample. Emphasis is placed on formulating kinetic parameters, such as rate constants and activation energies, to model the degree of conversion during thermal events. Furthermore, the project introduces methodologies to preprocess DSC signals, including denoising techniques for signal accuracy. The investigation also includes fitting heat capacity variations of individual thermal events with the Shomate equation, enhancing the analytical capabilities of the software. Overall, this work lays the foundation for future advancements in predictive modeling and data analysis of DSC curves, paving the way for enhanced insights into material thermal behaviors and reaction dynamics.