The use of microwave irradiation in chemicals preparation was first introduced in late 1980s. It has advantages over conventional methods of preparing chemicals as it reduces the preparation time from hours to minutes; thus, it is more cost-effective. In the aspect of environment, this technology is greener as the energy loss in the process of heating […]

High saturation of palm oil and palm oil products has restricted their use in a number of applications, both in food and non-food uses. In the non-edible areas, the use of methyl esters as alternative fuel for diesel could only be used during cooler seasons if their unfavourable low temperature properties could be improved. Normally, palm […]

Recently, AOTD has found a new type of polyol named PolyMO and with a joint research with WKI, the PolyMO has been tested for 2K-PU coating system. Palm oil has carbon double bonds and can be subjected to some processes such as epoxidation, alcoholysis and esterification to give the desired reactivity in the final resin […]

There are several types of polyols that can be produced by the MPOB pilot plant (capacity 800 kg per batch). The polyols are obtained by reacting epoxidized palm oil with a short-chain alcohols such as glycerol orethylene glycol. These polyols can then be reacted with suitable isocyanates to give a variety of polyurethane (PU) products. […]

Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most energetic solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface. UV radiation can be divided into three primary regions UVC (<290 nm), UVB (290-320 nm) and UVA (320-400 nm). Over exposure to sunlight leads to sunburn, premature ageing and wrinkling of the skin. These are effects, which are well known and thoroughly investigated. […]