Glass coating natural fibres by diatomisation: A bright future for biofouling technology
A1 Journal article (refereed)
Internal Authors/Editors
Publication Details
List of Authors: Muhammad Zusron, Immanuel Sanka, Matin Nuhamunada, Yudithia Damayanti, Sri Nopitasari, Afina Dina Kamila, Alfian Bani Kusuma, Eka Fitriana Chandra Ningrum, Annisa Resa Rahmawati, Nibras Zakiyah, Dinda Ayu Islami, Cakra Buwana Prabaswara, Mukunda Adhikari, Eko Agus Suyono, Parvez Alam
Publication year: 2016
Journal: Materials Today Communications
Volume number: 7
Start page: 81
End page: 88
eISSN: 2352-4928
Abstract
This article concerns a biotechnological method by which natural bioglass diatoms can be attached to natural fibre surfaces. We consider the attachment energetics of diatom extracellular polymers to the main constituents of flax fibre surfaces (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and find that after attachment, certain diatom frustule geometries are more or less effective in improving fibre bending and tensile resistance. We postulate mechanisms by which different bioglass diatom frustule geometries are able to reinforce natural fibres. Our research opens new channels by which means natural fibres can have their properties improved through diatomisation biofouling technologies.