The feasibility of developing kenaf fiber (KF) reinforced recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and recycled polypropylene (rPP) with comparison to two different reinforcing fillers, KF and montmorillonite (MMT) reinforced rPET\/rPP was studied. In addition, the compatibilizer of ethylene vinyl acetate grafted maleic anhydride (EVA-g-MA) at composition 5 phr was used. Composites were prepared using twin-screw extruder and followed by injection molding. The optimum blend ratio of rPET\/rPP was observed at 90 wt% rPET and 10 wt% rPP. The incorporation of 5 phr EVA-g-MA improved tensile and impact strength of the blends. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed that by adding EVA-g-MA, homogeneous dispersion of rPP was observed. The addition of KF into compatibilized blend decreased mechanical properties of tensile and impact strength of the blends while adding MMT improved significantly the mechanical properties. The addition of MMT into rPET\/EVA-g-MA\/rPP\/KF blends increases mechanical properties of the blends. This improvement is believed due to the main constituent in the layered structured of MMT. It is worthy to note that MMT consists of two silica (Si=O) sheets with the presence of alumina (Al-OH) sheet in between those silica sheets. Hence, in general, all clays have hydroxyl groups on their surface which appears to improve interfacial interaction and bonding between each material in the blends. It is believed that hydrogen from Al-OH clay can forms hydrogen bond with lone pair electron of carbonyl oxygen in MA from EVA-g-MA, and\/or carbonyl oxygen in rPET chain. Meanwhile, lone pair electron of oxygen from Si=O clay can forms hydrogen bond with hydrogen from hydroxyl group of cellulose, and\/or hydrogen from hydroxyl end group of rPET.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Figure 1:\u00a0 Proposed chemical interaction between rPET, rPP, EVA-g MA, KF, and MMT\u00a0” image=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/matuzir\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/966\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-12-160244.png” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#777777″ header_font_size=”16px” hover_enabled=”0″ header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”12px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” locked=”off” title_text=”Screenshot 2025-12-12 160244″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat||||” text_text_color=”#747d88″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” header_4_font_size=”22px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||4px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” animation_style=”fade” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”12px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2. ENHANCED DUCTILITY AND STRENGTH OF MICRON SILK FIBROIN FIBERS REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Natural fiber reinforced composites have recently been investigated with considerable interest in research, due to their advantages such as high specific strength, low density, promising biodegradability and environmental friendliness. Generally, plant fibres (e.g. flax, hemp and jute, kenaf, oil palm) has been used to reinforced composites and have been the focus of natural fibres composites. However,animal-sourced fibres (such as silkworm and spider silk ) have seldom found to be utilised as composite reinforcements. Silk from domestic silkworm, Bombyx mori is highly crystalline in the molecular structure and stands as the only continuous filament of natural fibrous fibre. Silk has attracted attention of researcher nowadays as new filler\/reinforcer in polymer matrix. Few studies has been focused on woven and non woven silk fibroin (SF) fiber\/epoxy composites however the general effect of short silk fiber as reinforcements to improve the mechanical properties of polymer and composites has not been studied extensively. SF fibers with various lengths (1mm, 500 micrometer, 1 micrometer) will be prepared by hydrolyzing degummed in alkali solution. SF fibers\/epoxy composites will be prepared by vacuum infusion technique. The mechanical behavior of the composites will be studied specifically on tensile, flexural, Izod impact and dynamic mechanical analysis. The thermal properties of the composites will be based on differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. From this study, it is expected that the SF\/epoxy composites enhance the mechanical performance by incorporating the natural silk fibroin fibers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Figure 1: Fabrication of silk fibre reinforced epoxy composite using the hand lay-up technique.” image=”https:\/\/people.utm.my\/matuzir\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/966\/2020\/02\/Silk-Fibre.png” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#777777″ header_font_size=”16px” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”12px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat||||” text_text_color=”#747d88″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” header_4_font_size=”22px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||4px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” animation_style=”fade” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”12px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n 3. DEVELOPMENT OF CROSSLINK POLYETHYLENE (XLPE) NANOCOMPOSITES: MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES CHARACTERIZATION AND ANALYSIS<\/strong><\/p>\n This project focuses on the development of crosslink polyethylene (XLPE)\/aluminium oxide (Al2O3) nanocomposites as a function of filler concentration by direct melt compounding using a conventional twin screw extruder and injection molded into the standardized specimens. The filler concentration will be varied from 0-10 wt%. The and nanocomposites of XLPE as a function of filler type such as silica dioxide (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2),zinc oxide (ZnO) and clay will also be developed with same filler concentration of 5 wt%. The investigation will also be conducted on XLPE\/Al2O3\/clay ternary hybrid systems of Al2O3 and clay in 1:1and 2:1 ratios.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Figure 2: Example of XLPE cable.” image=”https:\/\/people.utm.my\/matuzir\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/966\/2020\/02\/XLPE-Cable.png” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#777777″ header_font_size=”16px” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”12px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat||||” text_text_color=”#747d88″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” header_4_font_size=”22px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||4px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” animation_style=”fade” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”12px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>4. ALIGNED HIGH PERFORMANCE SILK FIBRE, KEVLAR-49 FIBRE AND E-GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITES: SYNTHESIS AND COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE CHARACTERISTIC OF COMPOSITES<\/strong><\/p>\n Natural fibre reinforced composites have recently been investigated with considerable interest in research, due to their advantages such as high specific strength, low density, promising biodegradability, and environmental friendliness. Generally, plant fibres have been used to reinforced composites and have been the focus of natural fibres composites. However, animal-sourced fibres (such as silkworm and spider silk) have seldom found to be utilised as composite reinforcements. Silk from domestic silkworm Bombyx mori (B. mori) is highly crystalline in the molecular structure and stands as the only continuous filament of natural fibrous fibre. Silk has attracted attention of researcher nowadays as new reinforce in polymer matrix. Here, a high performance silk fibre (HPSF) will be produced from a new bioinspired approach called straining flow spinning (SFS). This new approach is inspired in the flow focusing technology that controls the flow of a fluid. SFS is shown to be a robust and versatile spinning technology found in natural spinning glands. This HPSF fibre which is expected comparable with synthetic fibres such as Kevlar-49 and E-glass fibre. The mechanical properties of the single strand fibre of HPSF are similar to the Kevlar-49 and E-glass. However, there is no study specifically on HPSF reinforced epoxy composite and also study on comparative properties between HPSF, Kevlar-49 and E-glass fibres reinforced epoxy composites. These composites will be prepared by vacuum infusion technique. This study will be an interesting study since it will discover what influence these high performance fibres as reinforcement into epoxy composites. Fibres with different loading and different orientation (0 deg; and 90 deg;) will be used into epoxy composites. The mechanical and thermal behaviour of the composites will be explored and studied. From this study, it is expected that the HPSF reinforced epoxy composites has comparable mechanical performance with Kevlar-49 and E-glass fibre.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Figure 3: Scheme of the straining flow spinning process and fibres spun with this technique. (a) Schematic representation of the straining flow spinning technique including its main elements. The inset shows the detail of the capillary-nozzle system. (b) Image of the dope jet exiting the capillary. The outlet of the nozzle would be located on the right out of the field of the micrograph. (c) Representative SEM images of the fracture of SFS spun fibres. Scale bar = 2 \u00b5m.” image=”https:\/\/people.utm.my\/matuzir\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/966\/2020\/02\/Straining-flow-spinning-process.png” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#777777″ header_font_size=”16px” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”12px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat||||” text_text_color=”#747d88″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” header_4_font_size=”22px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||4px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” animation_style=”fade” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”12px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n 5. INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL USED OF TIN SLAG POLYMER CONCRETE FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATION<\/strong><\/p>\n Polymer concrete (PC), also known as synthetic resin concrete and plastic resin concrete, posed high structural engineering properties. PC is valued for its high compressive strength, chemical resistance, short curing time and impact resistance. Tin slag considered a potential material that can be proposed in the civil construction field as an aggregate for PC production to reduce the consumption of natural resources. Further research is highly encouraged to investigate the potential research area between the concrete structure and properties changes in relation to particle and surface characteristics. The previous study reported has focused on the shape, size, physical and mechanical properties of tin slag to assess its suitability for road pavements. However, the structural performance of the PC due to the effect of particle sizes and long-term durability needs to be investigated. Therefore the aim of this study is to determine the potential of using tin slag PC (TSPC) structure in relation to long-term tropical weathering exposure. A novel way is to incorporate tin slag in polyester to prepare PC by adopting a range of aggregate grading i.e. gap-graded, open graded, well graded and uniformly graded to identify the impact on mechanical properties. The depth of range of studies which required to be made in respect of aggregate to understand their widely varying effect and influence on properties of concrete such as compressive strength and durability. A field experiment will be carried out to investigate the effect features such as mechanical behavior, moisture ingression, creep, acidic and UV degradation due to laboratory and outdoor and aggressive environment exposure conditions. The expected finding could provide feasibility on sustainability and performance scale for it to be accepted as structural grade material for PC.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Figure 4: Potential application of tin slag polymer concrete outdoor application (eg: column, beam, bunker and etc).” image=”https:\/\/people.utm.my\/matuzir\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/966\/2020\/02\/Potential-application-of-tin-slag-polymer-concrete-.png” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#777777″ header_font_size=”16px” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”12px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Montserrat||||” text_text_color=”#747d88″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” header_4_font_size=”22px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||4px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” animation_style=”fade” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”12px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 6. A STRATEGY AND MECHANISM OF FABRICATING RAMIE FIBER REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITE WITH IMPROVING THERMAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES<\/strong><\/p>\n Natural fiber reinforced composites have recently been investigated with considerable interest in research, due to their advantages such as high specific strength, low density, promising biodegradability and environmental friendliness. Generally, plant fibres (e.g. flax, hemp and jute, kenaf, oil palm) has been used to reinforced composites and have been the focus of natural fibres composites. In this study, ramie fiber (RF) will be used as reinforcement in composite polymers and showed to have good mechanical properties compared to other types of natural fiber. A strategy method need to be emphasized to optimize of composite manufacturing process which is an important means for improving mechanical properties and thermal properties of natural fiber composites. In this project, short ramie fiber (RF) was respectively, modified by alkaline and silane treatment and then composite will be prepared using vacuum infusion process technique Few studies have been focused on long ramie and ramie yarn fiber \/epoxy composites however; general effect of short silk fiber as reinforcements to improve the mechanical properties of composites has not been studied extensively. RF fibers with various lengths (5mm, 1mm, & 500micron) and different ramie fiber content of RF fibers\/epoxy composites will be prepared by vacuum infusion technique. The mechanical behavior of the composites will be studied specifically on tensile, flexural, Izod impact and dynamic mechanical analysis. The thermal properties of the composites will be based on differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The comparison with the ramie fiber without treatment was also done. It is expected that treated ramie fiber has better mechanical and thermal properties than the untreated one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Figure 5: Image of untreated and treated ramie fiber.” image=”https:\/\/people.utm.my\/matuzir\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/966\/2020\/02\/Image-of-untreated-and-treated-ramie-fiber.png” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#777777″ header_font_size=”16px” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”12px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PROF. DR. MAT UZIR WAHITRESEARCH PROJECTSMy research projects have been focused on the natural fibre composite materials, rubber-toughened polymer, polymer nanocomposites, cellulose nanocomposites, biomaterials \u2013 including biodegradable polymers and shape memory polymer. List of Current Projects: 1. MECHANICAL, THERMAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE\/RECYCLED POLYPROPYLENE REINFORCED HYBRID KENAF FIBER\/MONTMORILLONITE COMPOSITES The feasibility […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":249,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"My research projects have been focused on the natural fibre composite materials, rubber-toughened polymer, polymer nanocomposites, cellulose nanocomposites, biomaterials \u2013 including biodegradable polymers and shape memory polymer\r\n\r\nCharacterization And Properties Of Graphene Oxide Reinforced Collagen\/Silk Fibroin Prepared By Electrospinning For Potential Used In Tissue Engineering<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe study aims at investigating the properties of different series of graphene oxide reinforced collagen\/silk fibroin by electrospinning for the application of tissue engineering. The fabrication of collagen type 1 solution from bovine skin with silk fibroin solution (Bombyx mori) will be conducted by electrospinning. The synthesis of the hybrid composite will be produced via hybrid electrospinning and graphene oxide will be introduced into the solution to improve the properties of the hybrid composite sample. Graphene oxide will be produced according to the Hummer\u2019s method. The existence and the changes in functional group of collagen, silk fibroin after the addition of graphene oxide will be characterized and identify using Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR). The tensile test for the collagen\/silk fibroin composite and hybrid composite will be studied to identify any improvement of the mechanical properties. Differences in surface morphology, fiber orientation and fiber diameters between the blend and hybrid electrospinning composites will be observed. The thermal properties of the composites will be investigated by using thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to study the thermal stability and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) test will be performed to analyze the compound content on the blend composite and hybrid composites.\u00a0 The in-vitro study will be conducted to identify the biocompatibility of the graphene oxide reinforced collagen\/silk fibroin composite.\r\n POGDA synthesized by the polymerization method with different molar ratio of monomers<\/p>\r\nRegenerated Cellulose\/Nanofillers\/Natural Rubber Nanocomposites Film Via Ionic Liquids<\/strong>\r\n\r\nCurrently, a new \u201cgreen solvent\u201d which is known as ionic liquid (ILs) has gain a lot of interest due to its substantial advantages in dissolving cellulose and unique environmentally friendly properties such as low volatility, non-flammability, chemical and thermal stability and high solvent recovery. Cellulose has high flammability and low thermal stability. Thus, the dispersion of nanofillers (VMT, mica and HNT) remarkably enhanced the mechanical properties, thermal behaviour and decreased the flammability of the cellulose nanocomposites. Another shortcoming of the cellulose nanocomposites is their brittleness, less elasticity and high gas permeability rate, thus limited the application of cellulose in packaging industry. To overcome this problem, DPNR was added to the cellulose\/nanofillers nanocomposites using ILs as the solvent. DPNR rubber with low protein content is believed capable in enhancing the elasticity, thus the elongation at break of the fabricated nanocomposites was improved. The combination of those three materials, regenerated cellulose\/nanofillers\/rubber increased the elasticity of the nancomposites, hence improved the gas barrier properties. Overall, the attempt of incorporation cellulose\/nanofillers\/rubber using ILs is exceptionally enhanced the properties in particular part such as tensile strength, high elasticity, increased the thermal stability and improved the gas permeability properties.\r\n\r\n Process steps for solution casting method<\/p>\r\n Regenerated cellulose thin film samples (a) RC and (b) RC\/DPNR.<\/p>\r\n Transmission electron micrographs of halloysite nanocomposites (a) RC, (b) RC1 (c) RC3, and (d) RC5 (magnification: 25Kx).<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nPreparation and characterization of regenerated cellulose nanocomposites films based on montmorillonite, halloysite nanotube and\u00a0 graphene nanoplates <\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of three types of nanoparticles, montmorillonite (MMT), halloysite nanotube (HNT) and\u00a0 graphene nanoplates (GNPs), on the structural, thermal, mechanical the thermal, mechanical, gas permeability and water absorption properties of regenerated cellulose (RC) nanocomposites films using an environmentally friendly ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) through a simple green method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a cellulose II crystalline structure and well dispersed nanoparticles in regenerated cellulose nanocomposites films. Presence of nanofillers enhanced the thermal and thermal-oxidative stability and char yield of RC. A general increase in the Young\u2019s modulus and tensile strength was observed. However, for RC\/HNT nanocomposites, this enhancement was without loss of ductility. TEM results showed an intercalation and partially exfoliated structure for RC\/HNT and RC\/GNPs nanocomposites and a good dispersion of them inside the matrix. The nanocomposites films exhibited improved oxygen barrier properties and water absorption resistance compared to regenerated cellulose.\r\n\r\n General synthesis scheme of poly(sorbitol sebacate malate)<\/p>\r\n<\/h4>\n
![\"Izyan_Figure1\"](\"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/matuzir\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/966\/files\/2015\/04\/Izyan_Figure11.jpg\")
<\/a>Schematic diagram of the single and hybrid electrospinning apparatus<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\nSynthesis, Characterization and Surface Modification of Poly(1,8-Octanediol-glycerol-dodecanedioate) for Tissue Engineering Application<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA biodegradable cross-linked polyester elastomer, poly(1, 8-octanediol-glycerol-dodecanedioate) (POGDA) will be prepared by react 1, 8-octanediol (OCT) and glycerol (GLY) with dodecanedioic acid (DA) for tissue engineering application. One of the factors, molar ratio of monomers which will greatly affect the material properties of POGDA is identified and the effects of this factor will be evaluated. The obtained POGDA samples will be analysed for physical, structural, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties. In additional, the wettability and the in vitro biodegradable rate of POGDA will be determined prior to the in vitro biocompatibility test. Cell adhesion and proliferation will be conducted to evaluate the potential of POGDA to apply in tissue engineering field. Besides, a simple surface modification method will be utilised to improve the cell adhesion and proliferation on the surface POGDA samples. In the end of the study, it is expected that the effects of the monomers molar ratio on the properties of POGDA will be determined and thus the properties of POGDA can be manipulated without scarify the biocompatibility of POGDA. The cell adhesion and proliferation on the surface of POGDA can be improved and the effect of the surface modification method on the properties of the POGDA will be identified. Bilayer scaffold will be fabricated in present research for tissue engineering application. The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the bilayer scaffold will be evaluated.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/a>\r\n\r\nThe photographs of (a) RC and (b) RC nanocomposites with 8 wt.% HNT content (Soheilmoghaddam<\/i>, M. and M. U. <\/i>Wahit<\/i> (2013). International Journal of Biological Macromolecules <\/i>58<\/i><\/b>(0): 133-139<\/i>)<\/i>\r\n\r\nSynthesis And Characterization Of Biodegradable Poly(Sorbitol Sebacate Malate) And Its Composites With Hydroxyapatite For Tissue Engineering Applications<\/strong>\r\n\r\nA group of novel biodegradable polyesters, poly(sorbitol sebacate malate) (PSSM) and its composites with hydroxyapatite (HA) were developed for potential biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and orthopedic devices. PSSM polyesters were synthesized by reacting sorbitol, sebacic acid and malic acid via catalyst-free polycondensation reaction. The effects of different malic acid content and various post-polymerization durations on the properties and degradation rates of PSSM were investigated. Also, PSSM\/HA biocomposites were prepared by introducing 0-20 weight percent of HA into PSSM during polycondensation reaction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was conducted to analyze the chemical bonding and structure for both polyesters and composites. The crosslinking density of the polyesters increased with increasing malic acid content and prolonged post-polymerization time. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed that all the polyesters and composites were amorphous and the glass transition temperature range from 0 \u00b0C to 30 \u00b0C. The mechanical properties of PSSM increased significantly with increasing malic acid content. In vitro<\/em> degradation in phosphate buffer solution found that most of the PSSM degraded completely within one month. Addition of HA successfully improved the mechanical properties and decreased the degradation rate of the composites. Surface hydrophilicity studies confirmed that all the polyesters and composites were hydrophilic. Cytotoxicity test was conducted using human skin fibroblast (HSF 1184) to evaluate the biocompatibility for both polyesters and composites. Indirect cytotoxicity test results showed that a high concentration of acidic degradation products in the medium was unable to provide physiological condition for cell proliferation. However, cell growth was observed in diluted extract medium which indicated that the degradation products of PSSM polyesters and PSSM\/HA composites were non toxic.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/a>\r\n