SU Chemistry Dept develops new cardo groups for surface coating

Rajkot, Apr 26 (UNI) Dr P H Parsania and his team, under the polymer group of Department of Chemistry of Saurashtra University, has developed new cardo groups containing phenolic, epoxy, polyurethane, polyester, polymer resins for surface coating application on glass, wood, steel, aluminium, tin, copper etc and claimed to obtain promising results in humid, acidic and saline environments.

These resins are also found to be good for water proofing, Dr Parsania said in a release here today.

These resins are used in combination with glass and jute fibers and also with agricultural wastes such as wheat, rice, wood, bamboo and sugarcane husks for the development of biocomposites, the release said.

These composites possess good mechanical and electrical properties indicating their usefulness in low-cost housing units, furniture, marine and electrical industries.

In polymer era, where new materials are constantly replacing older ones with the advent of new technologies, natural fibers have assumed great importance. The potential and future benefits of polymers to mankind are unlimited.

In India natural fibers such as jute, coir, 'sisal', pineapple, 'ramie', bamboo and banana are available in abundance, the release said.

Natural fiber's base composites are well-suited as wood substitutes for housing and construction applications. They prevent depletion of forest resources and ensure good returns to cultivators.

During natural calamities such as earthquakes, floods and cyclones, light-weight building materials are very important in saving life and household commodities, the release added.

UNI