(MPOB Transfer of Technology)
Methyl esters are prepared via two routes, i.e. transesterification of vegetable oils with methanol or esterification of fatty acids with methanol. The former is the more common method, but the reaction may be incomplete leaving some residual oil with the methyl esters. This oil, or oil residue, should be monitored and preferably removed to produce high … Read more
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become the sine qua non of many molecular biology laboratories. It basically uses enzymes to mass replicate a portion of a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strand for easier analysis, such as in searching for genes of interest. Like the nuclear chain reaction, PCR is an exponential process that continues as long … Read more
MPOB has purchased a FACS Calibur Flow Cytometer (Becton Dickinson, USA) in 2003 (Figure 1). It is equipped with an argon ion laser for analysis of the fluorescent intensity of nuclei using the CellQuest software. Flow cytometry (FCM) is a rapid and convenient technique that allows accurate determination of (1) nuclear DNA content or genome … Read more
Polyurethanes, or PU, constitute a group of polymers with highly versatile properties anda wide range of commercial applications. The material is used in almost every aspect of human life, in a multitude of applications in industries such as construction, automobile, refrigeration, furniture including mattresses, adhesives and sealants, footwear, ship building, transport, packaging, coating and paints. PU … Read more
Several types of polyols can be produced by MPOB’s pilot plant (800 kg capacity per batch). The polyols are obtained by reacting epoxidized palm oil with a short-chain alcohol, such as glycerol or ethylene glycol. These polyols can then be reacted with suitable isocyanates to give a variety of polyurethane (PU) products. The PU products can … Read more
Palm methyl esters have been found suitable as a green alternative to petroleum-based solvents. Palm methyl esters, in combination with surfactants, have good cleaning properties. The surfactants remove dirtfrom a soiledsurface while themethyl estershelptodissolve the polar deposits so that they remain suspended in the solution rather than being re-deposited on clean surfaces. The detergencies of … Read more
Palm methyl esters have been found suitable as a green alternative to petroleum-based solvents. Palm methyl esters, in combination with surfactants, have good cleaning properties. The surfactants remove dirtfrom a soiledsurface while themethyl estershelptodissolve the polar deposits so that they remain suspended in the solution rather than being re-deposited on clean surfaces. The detergencies of … Read more
Palm methyl esters have been found suitable as a green alternative to petroleum-based solvents. Palm methyl esters, in combination with surfactants, have good cleaning properties. The surfactants remove dirtfrom a soiledsurface while themethyl estershelptodissolve the polar deposits so that they remain suspended in the solution rather than being re-deposited on clean surfaces. The detergencies of … Read more
There is high demand for tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols) as standard reference materials in scientific analyses as well as medical research. In addition, many other industries use them, such as cosmetics and nutraceuticals. The high demand for tocols has boosted its price. While tocopherols are readily available from both natural and synthetic sources, the supply … Read more
Filtration is used to dewater effluent, slurry and sludge. Sludge dewatering reduces its water content to be disposed of in landfills and reduces the volume of the residue for more stable and economical operation of the effluent plant. The major sludge dewatering processes include rotary drum vacuum filter, belt filter press and filter press. They … Read more