Water-cast gels are used as facial masks with the potentials to adhere to the keratinous surface, hydrate and deliver the enriched supplements across the skin epidermis. The term hydrogel describes three-dimensional network structures obtained from a class of synthetic and/or natural polymers which can absorb and retain significant amount of water. The hydrogel structure is created by the hydrophilic groups or domains present in a […]

Shower gel, also known as bodywash, is the general term for liquid soap. It is available either in emulsion or clear types of products and used as a skin cleansing agent during showering or bathing. Shower gels are a combination of surfactants, water, skin conditioning agents and fragrances. It has chemical advantages over soap because it is milder at cleansing and less irritating to […]

Unlike conventional flexible polyurethane (PU) foams, memory foams are characterised by their slow recovery after compression. For example, when the human hand is positioned (Figure 1) on the memory foam, the foam progressively conforms to the shape of the hand, and after the hand is removed, the foam slowly resumes to its initial shape. In general, memory foams are used in pillows, upholstered furniture, […]

Termites are known to impact negatively on agriculture and construction industry imposing great damage to plantations and buildings. Financial loss due to termites infestations in Malaysia was estimated at RM 8- RM 10 million annually (Lee, 2002). The common method in termites control is by the use of emulsifiable concentrate termiticides. Such emulsifiable concentrates (EC) are petrochemicals-based and may pose risks to humans, animals, plants […]

Medium density fibreboard (MDF) is a bio-composite widely used particularly in furniture and building products. In Malaysia, most MDF plants use rubberwood (RW) as raw material, and of late the industry is facing a problem with the inconsistency in supply and the price hike of RW. Other materials such as mixed tropical hardwood (MTH) are used as part of raw materials to substitute RW […]