Browsing by Author "Udayakumara, SV"

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item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Chemical recycling of PET from waste soft drinks bottles to recover Terephthalic Acid
(2009) Udayakumara, SV; Gunapala, PY; Gunapala, O
This project aims to develop an efficient and low cost chemical recycling method to extract valuable terephthalic acid (TPA) from post consumer Poly (ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) in Sri Lanka. PET waste from soft drink bottles was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis using NaOH to produce sodium terephthalate. Reaction was carried out under different hydrolysis conditions including varying Ethylene glycol to PET ratios, reaction temperature and time. After completing the reaction, mixture was diluted with sulfuric acid to precipitate TPA that was separated by filtration. Characterization and identification of purified TPA were performed using Fourier Transformation Infrared techniques.
item: Conference-Abstract
Design of natural fiber and wastepaper composite using numerical analysis method
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa., 2021-12) Madushani, RK; Dilhari, BA; Udayakumara, SV; Abeygunawardana, AAGA
The consumption of papers in various applications has been increased rapidly during the past decades. To produce one ton of paper; 12 trees, 540 000 liters of water, fuel consumption for transporting the trees are used whereas 10 liters of water is needed to make one A4 paper. Thus, during paper production natural resources are enormously utilized as well as many chemicals are involved in the process. Therefore, this study was conducted to design a wastepaper-based composite with natural fiber as reinforcement. Jute, coir, silk, and wool fibers selected as reinforcement and the study was carried out using simulation in SOLIDWORKS software. Among the selected fibers jute fibers showed better properties and therefore it was selected for composites simulations. Firstly, volume fraction was calculated, and the critical volume fraction was determined. Critical fiber volume fraction was nearly 0.23. Then the fiber volume fraction was optimized using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The periodicity boundary condition and rule of mixture techniques were used to compare and obtained the most suitable fiber volume fraction. The optimized fiber volume fraction was 0.4. Thereafter the micromechanics analysis of a unit cell was carried out with the most suitable fiber volume fraction. The elasticity matrix was obtained for the material. Finally, the stress analysis of the composite was done by applying a 100N load on the composite, which was fixed from four edges. The longitudinal elastic modulus obtained was 8.0726GPa with a thickness of 0.4mm and a Grammage of 488.92 gm-2. Thus, a natural fiber composite with wastepaper can be produced with most suitable fiber volume fraction of 0.4 with numerical analysis methods.
item: Conference-Abstract
Development of a low-cost ceiling material based on local rice husks and waste plastics
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 2020-02) Lakmal, TCT; Chathurika, KPI; Udayakumara, SV; Abeygunawardane, AAGA
In the modern world, plastics play a dominant role among all other types of materials. However, not like other materials, plastics take long time to degrade in normal environmental conditions. Plastics used in packaging industry are often discarded to the environment and generates many environmental issues. Due to these issues, past few years many researches focused on recycling and reusing waste plastics. One of the main methods of recycling plastic is making composites. This study was focused to develop a composite material for ceiling sheets using virgin and waste low-density polyethylene and local rice husk. The rice husk- LDPE composite samples were made by using compression moulding techniques after mixing different proportions of rice husk with LDPE. Tensile strength, Flexural strength, swelling, water absorption, Impact strength, hardness and thermal conductivity were checked for all the samples. Results show increasing of hardness, swelling, water absorption and thermal conductivity and reduction of tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength with increasing percentage of rice husk. According to the test results, Sample with 20:80 rice husk to LDPE ratio shows better results to use as ceiling materials based on the test results.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of a new bio-based adhesive for cardboard using latex of pterocarpus indicus
(Engineering Research Unit, 2023-12) Dileepa, KDR; Uresh, KA; Udayakumara, SV
Bio-based adhesives are derived from renewable resources such as plant-based materials, animal by-products, and microbial sources. Latex-based bio adhesives, specifically those made from natural latex derived from plant sources, have garnered significant research interest. While natural rubber remains the most commonly used bio source for latex adhesives, this study explores the potential of Pterocarpus indicus wild (PIW) latex as an alternative and discusses modifications that can be made to enhance its adhesive properties. Additionally, this research examines the effect of additives such as Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) on the adhesive properties of natural latex while evaluating their capacity for adhesive performance. The major challenges faced by existing bio-based adhesives, including low bonding strength and water resistance are acknowledged. Consequently, this study offers guidance on advancing new plant sources for bio-based adhesives, addressing the limitations of current adhesive products. Adhesives are social substances and can be defined as a mixture in a liquid or semi-liquid state, capable of joining permanently to surfaces, by an adhesive process [1]. Bio- based adhesives are a type of adhesive that is made from natural and renewable resources, such as plant-based materials [2]. These adhesives are becoming increasingly popular due to their sustainability and environmentally friendly nature, as they have a reduced carbon footprint and are biodegradable. The disadvantages of the current bio sealants can restrict their use in some circumstances. Their lower strength and longevity compared to conventional adhesives are significant drawbacks. Some bio-based adhesives are also moisture-sensitive and may lose their adhesion when exposed to moisture or high humidity [3]. Due to the higher expense of obtaining and processing natural materials, bio- based adhesive production has another disadvantage. Additionally, bio-based adhesives' scalability and broad use may be constrained by the lack of readily available natural materials. Additionally restricting their use in some applications, some bio-based adhesives have a lower shelf life than conventional adhesives.
item: Conference-Abstract
Development of cement, sand and sawdust based composite material to use as plaster for walls
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 2019-01) Ekanayaka, EMCHB; Fernando, KKA; Udayakumara, SV; Sivahar, V; Sitinamaluwa, HS
With the arisen development around the world, the demand for natural construction materials has been increased. Increasing consumption levels decrease the amount of available natural resources. The importance of material efficiency and the need to improve it can be studied from several perspectives. Limited availability or scarcity of materials may lead to threats to the economy, and the production processes of materials can have significant environmental impacts. This study was concentrated on the use of sawdust as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in cement-based wall plaster material. Mahogany sawdust produced in local timber mills was selected for the study. Sawdust was incorporated into the plaster mixture in the raw form as well as in burnt form (saw dust ash). Composites were prepared by incorporating 5% and 10% saw dust by weight and sawdust ash by weight. Prepared composites were tested for flexural strength and tensile strength according to BS EN 1015 standard. Lee's disc method was used to compare the thermal properties of the composites. Composite with 5% saw dust ash showed better properties compared to the composites with other sawdust combinations.
item: Conference-Abstract
Development of cement, waste paper, and natural fiber based composite for ceiling sheet
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa., 2022-11) Kumarasinghe, PDRS; Sachintha, KKN; Udayakumara, SV; Abeygunawardana, AAGA
This study was focused on developing material for ceiling sheets using waste paper and cement. Every day, a large amount of paper waste is discarded into the environment. The new ceiling composite is produced, which is low-cost, lightweight, and non-hazardous while contributing to waste management. Coir fiber is used as reinforcement in the composite. Samples were prepared by adding 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% of coir fibers to the total weight of the samples. The ratio between waste paper pulp and cement was kept at 1:1. Flexural strength, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and density of the samples were measured after 28 days of hardening. The optimum fiber percentage was identified by analyzing the results. After identifying the optimum fiber percentage, the percentage variation of flexural strength was studied with the fiber length. Variation was studied for the 1, 1.5, 2, 2.25, 3, and 3.5-inch fiber lengths. A cost analysis and comparison of the properties with the commercially available ceiling sheets were done.
item: Conference-Abstract
Development of composite material based on waste paper and waste LDPE for ceiling sheets.
(Society of Materials Engineering Students, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2017-03) Pathirage, TG; Munasinghe, DKR; Udayakumara, SV; Sivahar, V
In Sri Lanka used papers are re-utilized only for paper and board industry. However ,collecting used papers and recycling them are still highly inhomogeneous. Therefore major part of used papers become garbage. Used plastics are another agent that produce many environmental issues. Major part of waste plastics consist low density polyethylene (LDPE) which is mostly used for packaging items. This study was aimed to develop light weight composite material based on waste paper and waste LDPE specially for ceiling sheets. Use of waste as a starting materials for composite will contributes to savings of natural materials, reduction of energy and chemicals consumption, reduction of the impact on fresh water and improvement of waste management strategies. The composites with various compositions were prepared by hot compression moulding by varying weight percentage of paper and LDPE. . Tensile strength, modulus of rupture, hardness, thickness swelling, linear swelling , water absorption and thermal conductivity were determined for all compositions according to the ASTM standards. According to the test results water absorption and swelling gradually increased. However all the composite samples showed less thermal conductivity , less density and better mechanical properties than asbestos which is the mostly used material for ceiling sheets. Therefore in future paper based composites will become a cheaper replacement for ceiling materials.
item: Conference-Abstract
Development of natural fiber-plastic composite using jute fiber and epoxy resin
(Society of Materials Engineering Students, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2017-03) Kumara, PKSP; Dharshana, WMTS; Udayakumara, SV; Sivahar, V
In modern world, fiber reinforced plastics play a dominant role. The fiber which serves as a reinforcement in composite may be synthetic or natural. Although synthetic fibers (ex. Glass, carbon, etc..) posses higher mechanical properties, their applications are limited due to high cost and health issues . Natural fibers are generally cheaper than the synthetic fibers. The present study describes the development of a natural fiber - plastic composite consisting of jute fiber as reinforcement in epoxy resin. Experiments are carried out to study the effect of fiber volume and length on mechanical behavior of these epoxy based composites. Composites prepared with random fiber orientation and average fiber length varied from 1cm to 6cm.Variation of modulus of rupture (MOR), tensile strength and Impact strength were studied with varying fiber length. Also studied the effect of fiber volume on MOR, tensile strength, impact strength and hardness of composite by varying fiber volume fraction from 4% to 12 % for fibers with 5cm average length. Composite with 10% jute fibers showed highest values of MOR 5.1 MPa, tensile strength 567.1 MPa and Impact strength 7.2 kgcm
item: Conference-Abstract
Development of new bio-based adhesive for paper/cardboard
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa., 2023-07-28) Dileepa, KDR; Uresh, KA; Udayakumara, SV; Sivahar, V
Bio-based adhesives are derived from renewable resources such as plant-based materials, animal by-products, and microbial sources. Latex-based bioadhesives, specifically those made from natural latex derived from plant sources, have garnered significant research interest. While natural rubber remains the most commonly used biosource for latex adhesives, this study explores the potential of alternative plant sources that produce latex. In particular, it provides a review of Pterocarpus indicus latex and discusses modifications made to enhance its adhesive properties. Additionally, this research examines the effect of additives such as Polyvinyl Alcohol on the adhesive properties of natural latex while evaluating their capacity for adhesive performance. The major challenges faced by existing bio-based adhesives, including low bonding strength and water resistance are acknowledged. Consequently, this study offers guidance on advancing new plant sources for bio-based adhesives, addressing the limitations of current adhesive products.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Dyeing of cotton fabric with a natural dye extracted from Areca Concinna Peel
(2021) Ranthunga, RGSM; Wanigasekara, KV; Udayakumara, SV
In modern world, most of the countries tend to use the eco-friendly concept in many industries to minimize environmental pollution [1]. Synthetic dyes that are used in the textile industry offer more unfavourable and harmful effect to human beings such as carcinogenic, health-hazardous like skin allergies, toxic etc. And also, there is no systematic way to dispose of synthetic waste in the environment. So that it can be harmful to the ecosystem [2]. Therefore, the world tends to use natural dyes instead of synthetic dyes. Natural dyes have many advantages than synthetic dyes such as non-carcinogenic, eco-friendly, non-allergic, non-hazardous to human beings, etc. Natural dyes are mainly extracted from three different sources such as minerals, plants, and insects. Among these, plants are the most abundantly used natural dye source to extract dyes [3]. The main objective of this study was to extract natural dye from areca concinna peels and use extracted dye to dyeing the cotton fabrics.
item: Conference-Abstract
Dyeing of cotton fabric with a natural dye extracted from floral part of acalypha hispida plant
Yasassri, MAH; Weerasinghe, WDC; Udayakumara, SV
Monkey tail (Acalypha hispida) is an ornamental plant rapidly growing in the most parts of the Sri Lanka. In the present study, a natural dye was extracted from flowers of the monkey tail plant under acidic conditions. The intention of the project is to minimize the cost of dyeing by utilizing natural waste material in an efficient manner. Five different mordants and three different mordanting techniques were used to set extracted dye on the tannic acid treated cotton fabrics. Pre-mordanting technique performs better compared to the simultaneous and post mordanting methods. Dyed cotton samples displayed good washing fastness, perspiration fastness and rubbing fastness properties. Color intensity values were measured in terms of color strength values and color coordinate values. Thus, the dye extracted from monkey tail flower can be used for coloration of cotton fabrics.
item: Conference-Abstract
Dying of cotton fabric with a natural dye extracted from Areca concinna peel
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa., 2021-12) Ranathunga, RGSM; Wanigasekara, KV; Udayakumara, SV; Abeygunawardana, AAGA
In modern world, most of the countries tend to use the eco-friendly concept in many industries to minimize environmental pollution. Synthetic dyes that are used in the textile industry offer more unfavorable and harmful effect to human beings such as carcinogenic, health-hazardous like skin allergies, etc. Also, there is no systematic way to dispose of synthetic waste to the environment. So that it can be harmful to the ecosystem. Therefore, the world tends to use natural dyes instead of synthetic dyes. Natural dyes have many advantages than synthetic dyes such as noncarcinogenic, eco-friendly, non-allergic, non-hazardous to human beings, etc. Natural dyes are mainly extracted from three different sources such as minerals, plants, and insects. Among these, plants are the most abundantly used natural dye source to extract dyes. The main objective of this study was to extract natural dye from For Lane areca peel (Areca concinna) peels and use extracted dye to dyeing the cotton fabrics. This is not a common natural dyestuff. It was an effort to utilize the waste material in an efficient manner which could minimize the cost of dyeing. The natural dyestuff solution obtained was applied to cotton fibers treated with 4% tannic acid. Dye absorption for fibers accompanied by a pre, simultaneous and post mordanting methods with the chemical mordants as chrome, copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate, and stannous chloride. Fastness properties of the dyed fabric were investigated including wash fastness test, perspiration test and crock fastness. These tests were helped to confirm whether the extracted dye can be used for commercial purposes. Various hues of colors were obtained from mordanted cotton and wool make significant changes in K/S values, changes in L*, a*, b* values, and brightness index value. The color strength of dyed fabric can be assessed by using a UV-visible spectrophotometer.
item: Conference-Abstract
Extraction of natural dye from flowers of chenille plant (Acalypha hispida) for fabrics
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 2019-01) Yasassri, MAH; Weerasinghe, WDC; Udayakumara, SV; Sivahar, V; Sitinamaluwa, HS
Today many countries use the eco-friendly concept and various steps are being taken to preserve the environment and to reduce pollution. As the textile industry is becoming one of the main industries in the world, it emits various kinds of pollutants to the environment that can cause serious damages to the bio-system. Thus, industries tend to use non-toxic and eco-friendly natural dyes instead of hazardous synthetic dyes on textiles to minimize the pollution. Natural dyes can be obtained from various parts of plants including roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits. These sources are freely available, and their dyes do not harm the environment. The aim of this research is to extract dyes form the flowers of Chenille Plant {Acalypha hispida), under aqueous, acidic, alkaline and alcoholic conditions. Aqueous extraction method showed best results among all extraction methods. The extraction parameters used for aqueous method i.e. temperature, time and mass to liquid ratio were 100 °C, 2hr and 1:5 respectively. Stability of dyestuff was increased by adding known amount of acetic acid. Cotton fibers were treated with 4% tannic acid before application of dyestuff. Adhesion of dye to cotton fabric accompanied by a pre-mordanting method with the mordants such as alum, chrome, copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate and stannous chloride. Light fastness, wash fastness, variations of surface colour strength (K/S) values, L*, a*, b* color coordinates, and brightness index were obtained from mordanted cotton fabrics with different mordants. Potassium dichromate showed the highest colour value (K/S =60.366) while aluminium sulphate gave the lowest value (K/S = 17.535).
item: Conference-Abstract
Extraction of natural dyes from leaves of coffea arabica and its application in cotton fabrics
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa., 2023-07-28) Rajakaruna, RMMS; Rathnayaka, RMJCB; Udayakumara, SV; Sivahar, V
This study explores the extraction of natural dyes from the leaves of Coffea arabica trees (coffee leaves) to investigate their application on cotton fabrics. The objective is to evaluate the viability of using these natural dyes as a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry. Three different mordanting techniques and different mordents were employed to dye treated and untreated cotton fabrics. The results indicate that the pre-mordanting technique yielded the best dye adhesion to the cotton fabrics. Moreover, the cotton samples treated with tannic acid displayed improved washing and perspiration-fastness properties compared to the untreated fabrics. Colour coordinate values were measured using a data colour spectrometer, and a preliminary comparison was conducted to assess the dye's anticipated colours and colour intensities. Overall, this study sheds light on the potential of natural dyes derived from Coffea arabica leaves as a sustainable substitute for synthetic dyes in the textile industry. The findings contribute to advancing eco-friendly practices and promoting environmentally conscious choices in textile manufacturing.
item: Conference-Full-text
Extraction of Natural Dyes from Leaves of Coffea arabica and Its Application in Cotton Fabrics
(IEEE, 2023-12-09) Rajakaruna, RMMS; Rathnayaka, RMJCB; Udayakumara, SV; Abeysooriya, R; Adikariwattage, V; Hemachandra, K
This study explores the extraction of natural dyes from the leaves of Coffea arabica trees (coffee leaves) and investigates their application on cotton fabrics. The objective is to evaluate the viability of using these natural dyes as a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry. Three different mordanting techniques were employed to dye treated and untreated cotton fabrics. The results indicate that the pre-mordanting technique yielded the best dye adhesion to the cotton fabrics. Moreover, the cotton samples treated with tannic acid displayed improved washing and perspiration-fastness properties compared to the untreated fabrics. Colour coordinate values were measured using a data colour spectrometer, and a preliminary comparison was conducted to assess the dye's anticipated colours and colour intensities. Overall, this study sheds light on the potential of natural dyes derived from Coffea arabica leaves as a sustainable substitute for synthetic dyes in the textile industry. The findings contribute to advancing eco-friendly practices and promoting environmentally conscious choices in textile manufacturing.
item: Conference-Abstract
Phosphoric acid treated rice husk as a low cost biosorbent for cadmium removal from wastewater
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 2020-02) Ranaweera, PB; Madushanka, HM; Udayakumara, SV; Abeygunawardane, AAGA
Heavy metals, a contaminant present in polluted water pose a major threat to humans due to its ability to cause various health risks such as cancers, defective bone mineralization and chronic kidney disease. The most affected areas are developing nations: mainly Asia and South America. Since most of these countries do not have the ability to use expensive water filtration techniques like saltwater desalination or using graphene-based water purifiers, it's essential to come up with a water purifier/filter made of affordable materials. Adsorption behavior of Cadmium ions to phosphoric acid treated rice husk has been studied in this project. Rice husk samples obtained from a local rice mill was cleaned and heat treated initially. Chemical treatment for the rice husk was done by treating with phosphoric acid under uniform conditions. SEM images of the rice husk after treating with phosphoric acid showed significant increase in pores proving the higher efficiency of adsorption due to increased surface area. Artificially contaminated water samples were prepared by diluting a stock solution of Cd2+ ions. Contaminant concentrations in the ppm and ppb range was then filtered by the treated rice husk. Experimental results proved favorable adsorption of Cadmium into phosphoric acid treated rice husk. Ppm range Cd2+ samples had an average adsorption rate of ~30% and the data fitted well for Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The highest adsorption percentage was observed in the 100-ppb region with an adsorption rate of ~90%.
item: Conference-Abstract
Preparation and characterization of HDPE–wood composite
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa., 2023-07-28) Piyankara, WKP; Udayakumara, SV; Sivahar, V
The objective of this research is to prepare a wood plastic composite (WPC) material for partition boards using saw dust and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). WPCs have gained popularity as a low cost, ecofriendly material. In this study, Wood-Plastic Composites were fabricated using HDPE and sawdust from Jack wood using the hot-pressing method. Six different HDPE: sawdust compositions, ranging from 0% to 50% sawdust, were prepared, and their mechanical and physical properties were evaluated according to the ASTM D1037 standard. Flexural strength was determined using a universal testing machine, while hardness was assessed using a Shore hardness tester. Water absorption percentage was measured to evaluate the physical properties of the samples. Results showed that the highest flexural strength was achieved at 40% and 50% sawdust content, while the highest modulus of elasticity was observed at 50% sawdust content. Hardness increased with increasing sawdust percentage, whereas impact strength decreased. Water absorption also increased with increasing sawdust content. The results of this study indicate that HDPE-based wood-plastic composites exhibit favorable properties, making them a viable, low-cost, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative for partition board materials.
item: Conference-Abstract
Preparation and characterization of LDPE based wood-plastic composites
(Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2023-07-28) Samarakkody, GDVM; Udayakumara, SV; Sivahar, V
This research focuses on the preparation and characterization of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) based wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable materials has risen due to the global energy crisis and environmental concerns. In response, natural fiber reinforced composites have gained significant interest. This study aims to find a cost effective, durable, and environmentally friendly alternative to current partition board materials. Wood polymer composites made from sawdust and thermoplastics have shown potential as an excellent alternative to existing market offerings. The research involved the preparation of WPC samples using LDPE and sawdust from jack wood. Various mechanical and physical properties of the WPCs were evaluated based on the ASTM D1037 standard. The results indicated that samples with 40% to 60% sawdust content exhibited sufficient flexural strength to be utilized as partition boards. The highest level of flexural strength was observed at 40% sawdust. The modulus of elasticity and the hardness increased with the sawdust percentage, while the impact strength decreased. Overall, the LDPE-based wood plastic composites demonstrated promising properties, offering a potential low cost, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative for partition board materials in various applications. The research contributes to the development of environmentally conscious materials with potential applications in the construction industry and beyond.
item: Conference-Abstract
Preparation of wood-plastic composite using teak saw dust and high density polyethylene
(Society of Materials Engineering Students, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2017-03) Wimalaratne, BAPM; Madushan, WKR; Udayakumara, SV; Sivahar, V
Wood-Plastic composites are materials made out of wood (Fibers, particles. dust, etc..) and thermoplastic materials (PP, LDPE, HDPE, etc...). From Recent history wood-plastic composites have an increase in popularity due to their better properties than conventional wood based materials like hard board, plywood, etc... These wood-plastic composites have various applications including particle boards and ceiling sheets however cost of these composites are generally high. Therefore this study was aimed to develop an affordable composite material using locally available saw dust and waste high density polyethylene as thermoplastic material which is one of the main plastic waste Sri Lanka. Teak saw dust was selected as a type of saw dust due to its higher availability in Sri Lanka. The composites with various compositions were prepared by hot compression moulding at 150 °C by increasing the percentage of saw dust from 30% to 70% by weight. Tensile strength, modulus of rupture, hardness, thickness swelling and water absorption were determined for all compositions according to the ASTM standards. The results showed highest tensile strength at 70/30 weight % HDPE/Saw dust content and highest modulus of rupture at 40/60 weight %. Also results showed that hardness of the composites increased with increasing saw dust percentage while water absorption and thickness swelling decreasing. But water absorption and thickness swelling of all compositions were much better than the Plywood and hard boards.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Simulation of natural fibers/waste paper composites to use as kraft papers
(2021-09-06) Madhushani, RK; Udayakumara, SV; Dilhari, BA
The consumption of papers in various applications has been increased rapidly during the past decades. To produce one ton of paper; 12 trees, 540 000 liters of water, fuel consumption for transporting the trees are used whereas 10 liters of water is needed to make one A4 paper [1]. Thus during paper production natural resources are enormously utilized as well as many chemicals are involved in the process.