Various commodity plastics used today are based on fossil fuels. Most of these plastics are non-biodegradable and will persist in the environment over a long time. The bioplastics from renewable resources have the potential to support a greener economy. The two of such renewably resourced bioplastics are poly (hydroxyl butyrate-co-valerate), PHBV and poly (butylene succinate), PBS. We have used petro-based PBS in our study, but renewable resource based PBS is expected to be available on a commercial scale in a very near future. These two bioplastics are both biodegradable. These two bioplastics are both biodegradable. In our study we have used PBS from petroleum resource but PHBV is a brittle bioplastic with a high modulus value and a low elongation at break while PBS is a low modulus bioplastic with a high elongation at break. Complementary properties can be obtained by blending PHBV and PBS. The direct melt blends showed poor mechanical properties due to limited interaction between PHBV and PBS phases. This research focuses on increasing the interaction between PHBV and PBS blends by using compatibilizers. The compatibilizers used in this thesis were dicumyl peroxide, DCP and trimethylolpropane triacrylate, TMPTA. Use of an in situ compatibilization method was done for the melt mixing of PHBV and PBS yielding blends with improved characteristics. The investigations were performed at three different ratios of PHBV and PBS blends. The increase in the compatibility between the two phases was demonstrated through various thermal, thermo-mechanical, rheological and morphological means. The increase in elongation at break was used as a primary marker for compatibilization. The optimization of DCP and TMPTA was carried out, which showed the enhanced interaction between PHBV and PBS phases, with the successful stress transfer from PHBV phase to the PBS phase resulting in increase in elongation at break. Inward shifts in tan delta peak on addition of DCP and TMPTA to the blends also showed increase in compatibility between the two phases. The interfacial adhesion between a brittle and ductile polymer, PHBV and PBS respectively was increased by using DCP and TMPTA. This opened gateways to various novel applications of PHBV and PBS blends via in situ reactive extrusion process. / The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) for their financial support via New directions research program (SR9235). We would also like to thank Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) for their equipment supports.

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Whole ground white, high tannin and black sorghum with and without additional high tannin sorghum bran were used in different proportions to develop ready to eat breakfast cereals and snacks. The effect of extrusion on the phenolic compounds and on in vitro starch digestibility of sorghum based cereals and snacks were observed. Gluten free and gluten containing breakfast cereal and snacks were developed with different physical, chemical and sensory characteristic. By increasing the sorghum and bran level in the formulations, the bulk density of extrudates was increased while expansion ratio was decreased. Bowl life of extrudates was increased up to 18 min. when 60% whole ground white sorghum was used with additional 10% high tannin sorghum bran. Water soluble index was significantly higher for the extrudates without additional bran and decreased as bran was added. A positive correlation between water soluble index and expansion ratio (R^2=0.89) indicated that the more expansion ratio provided a large surface area for water to interact with starch and other soluble components. The retention of total phenols in these extrudates varied from 13-41% and it was found that extrudates with additional high tannin sorghum bran had more total phenols than extrudates without it. Sorghum extrudates showed a significant reduction in antioxidant activity varied from 21-83%. Similarly, the effect of extrusion on condensed tannins was detrimental, and their retention was ranged from 12-28%. The smaller particle size of ground sorghum increased the surface area of contact between composite flour components and extruder barrel which promoted interactions during extrusion, lowering condensed tannins and antioxidant activity. All sorghum based extrudates had significantly (P<0.05) lower starch digestibility than that of corn flour extrudates. All types of sorghum had non-significant difference in starch digestibility from 0.5-2hrs. After 16 hrs., high tannin sorghum extrudates had the lowest starch digestibility (79%), which was significantly different from other sorghum types. There was a negative correlation between the rapid digestible starch and tannin contents (R^2=0.62). Breakfast cereals made from different types of sorghum and bran levels were statistically equally rated in taste and overall acceptability.

Clad metals are extensively used for their multi-functionality and their optimal combination of quality and cost. Roll bonding is an effective and economic processing approach to making clad metals. This dissertation presents an experimental investigation of the roll cladding process as well as thermo-mechanical modeling of mechanism for roll bonding of clad metals. The objectives of this research are to investigate the bonding mechanism of dissimilar metals in a warm rolling process and to advance the knowledge of the roll cladding process. To accomplish the objectives, aluminum 1100 sheet (Al 1100) and stainless steel 304 sheet (SST 304) are bonded by warm rolling under controlled conditions. The 180 degrees peel test is used to determine the bonding property of those clad metals. The experimental results show that the rolling thickness reduction and the entry temperature are two major factors of bonding strength. Minimum thickness reduction at a particular entry temperature is required to bond Al 1100 and SST 304. Increasing of either thickness reduction or entry temperature significantly improves the bonding strength between the two metals. X-ray microanalysis is also performed to characterize the diffusion state at the bonding interface. The diffusion coefficients of aluminum and iron are estimated through experimental method. A thermo-mechanical model was developed to describe the rolling plastic deformation of component metal sheets and the diffusion evolution during a roll bonding process of dissimilar metals. The effect of various rolling conditions on the contact area ratio was quantitatively discussed. Finite element simulation of 2-D diffusion under the rolling created boundary conditions was performed. The peel strength during the diffusion evolution was predicted by the integrated roll bonding model. The modeling predictions correspond to the experimental results well. The correspondence validates the effectiveness of the thermo-mechanical roll bonding model. Based on experimental observation, this research presents a bonding mechanism for the roll cladding process of dissimilar metals. The roll bonding model can help optimize rolling parameters for varying bonding strength depending on the demands of the application. It can also provide insights into design and analysis of rolling bonding process of other groups of dissimilar metal sheets.

The structure and geomorphology of active orogens evolves on time scales ranging from a single earthquake to millions of years of tectonic deformation. Analysis of crustal deformation using new and established remote sensing techniques, and integration of these data with field mapping, geochronology and the sedimentary record, create new opportunities to understand orogenic evolution over these timescales. Timor Leste (East Timor) lies on the northern collisional boundary between continental crust from the Australian Plate and the Banda volcanic arc. GPS studies have indicated that the island of Timor is actively shortening. Field mapping and fault kinematic analysis of an emergent Pliocene marine sequence identifies gentle folding, overprinted by a predominance of NW-SE oriented dextral-normal faults and NE-SW oriented sinistral-normal faults that collectively bound large (5-20km2) bedrock massifs throughout the island. These fault systems intersect at non-Andersonian conjugate angles of approximately 120° and accommodate an estimated 20 km of orogen-parallel extension. Folding of Pliocene rocks in Timor may represent an early episode of contraction but the overall pattern of deformation is one of lateral crustal extrusion sub-parallel to the Banda Arc. Stratigraphic relationships suggest that extrusion began prior to 5.5 Ma, during and after initial uplift of the orogen. Sedimentological, geochemical and Nd isotope data indicate that the island of Timor was emergent and shedding terrigenous sediment into carbonate basins prior to 4.5 Ma. Synorogenic tectonic and sedimentary phases initiated almost synchronously across much of Timor Leste and <2 Myr before similar events in West Timor. An increase in plate coupling along this obliquely converging boundary, due to subduction of an outlying continental plateau at the Banda Trench, is proposed as a mechanism for uplift that accounts for orogen-parallel extension and early uplift of Timor Leste. Rapid bathymetric changes around Timor are likely to have played an important role in evolution of the Indonesian Seaway. The 2010 Mw 7.1 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake in New Zealand was complex, involving multiple faults with strike-slip, reverse and normal displacements. Multi-temporal cadastral surveying and airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) surveys allowed surface deformation at the junction of three faults to be analyzed in this study in unprecedented detail. A nested, localized restraining stepover with contractional bulging was identified in an area with the overall fault structure of a releasing bend, highlighting the surface complexities that may develop in fault interaction zones during a single earthquake sequence. The earthquake also caused river avulsion and flooding in this area. Geomorphic investigations of these rivers prior to the earthquake identify plausible precursory patterns, including channel migration and narrowing. Comparison of the pre and post-earthquake geomorphology of the fault rupture also suggests that a subtle scarp or groove was present along much of the trace prior to the Darfield earthquake. Hydrogeology and well logs support a hypothesis of extended slip history and suggests that that the Selwyn River fan may be infilling a graben that has accumulated late Quaternary vertical slip of <30 m. Investigating fault behavior, geomorphic and sedimentary responses over a multitude of time-scales and at different study sites provides insights into fault interactions and orogenesis during single earthquakes and over millions of years of plate boundary deformation.

Emphasis on using the glycaemic index (GI) in addition to carbohydrate exchange lists has led to a greater variety of foods from which to choose for the diabetic population. Breakfast is regarded as the most important meal of the day and the glycaemic response to lunch can be improved by decreasing the GI of breakfast. However, most conventional breakfast cereals and bread exhibit a high GI. Dried beans have a low GI and various processes such as cooking and canning increase GI values, but still in the low GI range. In recent years, extrusion cooking has become one of the popular new processes developed by the food industry. Extrusion provides a convenient alternative for the ingestion of dry beans in the diet. Muffins are eaten by many South Africans and may be an ideal alternative for breakfast cereals and bread, especially if the GI of the muffins is low. The aim of this study was to determine the GI of a muffin baked with extruded bean flour and compare it to the GI of a muffin baked with whole wheat flour. Subjects and methodology: The study cohort consisted of ten healthy males and ten healthy females. Subjects randomly consumed test meals of glucose (the reference), bean muffins and whole wheat muffins on different days. Each test meal provided 509 available carbohydrate as analysed by the Englyst method. Results: The GI of the muffin baked with extruded bean flour (mean 53.0%, Confidence intervals (CI): 41.7; 64.2) was not significantly different from that of the whole wheat muffin (mean 55.5%, CI: 41.8; 69.2) but still in the low to intermediate GI category. Conclusion: Extrusion of dried beans results in a fine flour with relatively no intact starch which may explain the very low resistant starch content (1.6I100g) of the muffins. The small particle size of the fine flour could further have contributed to the higher than expected GI of the bean muffin because the size of the particle is inversely related to glycaemic response. Muffins baked with extruded dried bean meal are nevertheless regarded as an excellent choice for breakfast and as part of the prudent diet. Beans have additional health benefits and are included in the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Dietetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Traditional routes to the manufacture of timber based composite materials such as particleboard rely on platen pressing a premix of carefully chosen and prepared timber particles and an adhesive to produce flat sheets. Historically such routes have made very inefficient use of forest resources, and because of the planar nature of the composite produced, the finished articles have enjoyed a reputation of being of poor quality and "cheap". The work documented in this thesis sought to examine alternatives to the traditional manufacturing methods in terms of both raw materials and processing route, and to establish technical, economic, and environmental boundaries for the use of the alternatives. Having settled upon extrusion as the most likely technique with which to proceed, the investigation was carried forward by the construction of a series of experimental instruments with the joint aims of refining the technique to a realistic working level and investigating the underlying mechanical principles behind the process. Recourse to the literature of polymer rheology, fluid mechanics, and soil mechanics gave the basis for a crude mechanism hypothesis, and iterative improvements in the instrumental techniques yielded data with which this could be refined. Although some correlation between the extrusion behaviour of this system with other more easily quantifiable systems was found, there is still considerable work required in defining the dynamic changes in the material properties as the raw material is extruded. Small scale production experiments proved successful, however, and an elementary financial model of a suitable production facility indicated that the techniques developed could be used as the basis of an environmentally acceptable, economically viable, low technology industry.

Extrusion is a continuous solid state deformation process which is widely used in the aluminium industry. The demand for aluminium extrudates are growing and extruders are pressurized to extrude products as fast as possible without lowering the quality of the product. Important extrusion parameters and conditions are exit temperature, extrusion speed and alloy composition. It is widely accepted in extrusion industry that extrusion surface defects increase when the extrusion speed and exit temperature are increased for a constant alloy. One of the major surface defects is the so-called die pick-up and it is presently uncertain if increase with extrusion speed (from a low 25m/min) would result in an increase of the number of die pick-up defect.Die pick-up appears like a scratch mark or comet on the surface of the extrudate which damages the appearance. Previous research suggests that second phase particles, eutectic reactions (555°C - 600°C), extrusion process conditions and die conditions may influence the cause of die pick-up. However the influencing factors for die pick-up are not well established.The research started by determining the lowest melting temperature for AA6060 alloy as this temperature limit the highest temperature above which incipient melting starts. This temperature corresponds to the eutectic melting temperature for AA6060 alloy. Eutectic melting was only detected above 610°C and therefore the exit temperature could be increased to a maximum of 610°C. For an AA6xxx alloy system the lowest melting temperature is 555°C if Mg2Si and excess silicon were present. However as Mg2Si may have fully dissolved into the solid solution, no reaction can take place.A preliminary investigation was conducted to study the characteristics of the newly installed extrusion control and monitoring system. Through this study the relationship between the set extrusion speed and the actual extrusion speed was established. It was found that the actual extrusion speed was lower than the set extrusion speed and was further complicated by the capacity limit of the extrusion pressure. Exit temperature measurements were accurate, however it was measured about 1m away from the die exit. Experiments were carried out to estimate the exit temperature drop and hence the exit temperature measurements were corrected accordingly.Thus, the aim of the present research was to establish the relationship between die pick-up and extrusion conditions (extrusion speed, exit temperature and die condition) and to propose the likely formation mechanism for die pick-up.In this research AA6060 alloy was used and was extruded at 25m/min, 30m/min, 35m/min, 40m/min and 45m/min. The exit temperature was found to increases from 542°C to 567°C. Three types of die pick-up was identified which were named as normal pick-up, die line pick-up and lump pick-up. Normal pick-up occurred regardless of the extrusion speed and exit temperature; however the amount of normal pick-up did not increase when the extrusion speed was increased. Die line pick-up occurred when the extrusion speed was 45m/min and appeared only on the die lines. Lump pick-up is not significant since it was very rare.AA6060 (0.4%Mg and 0.5%Si) alloy has about 0.27% excess silicon and therefore at 555°C, Mg2Si particles react with aluminium and excess silicon to form liquid. However normal pick-up and die line pick-up still occurred at temperatures lower and higher than 555°C and therefore it confirms that eutectic reactions do not influence formation of pick-up. Therefore die pick-up is most likely to be caused due to a mechanical process rather than a metallurgical process.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on January 16, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.