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B. Srinivasulu ¹, K. V. Krishna Kumar ¹, K. Aruna ¹, J. Krisha Prasadji ², D. V. R. Rao ¹

Affiliations
1 Agricultural Research Station Acharya N. G Ranga Agricultural University, Ambajipeta, 533 214, Andhra Pradesh, IN
2 (Pl. Pathology), ARS (ANGRAU), Korvuru, 534350, West Godavari, IN

Abstract

The present investigation focuses on the screening of potential biocontrol agents against the collar-rot pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. on elephant foot yam, an intercrop of coconut in Andhra Pradesh. Among the three antagonists screened, Trichoderma viride Pers. Fr., T. harzianum Rifai and T. hamatum (Bon.) Bain, isolated and screened, T. hamatum inhibited the radial growth of S. rolfsii to an extent of 52.22 per cent followed by T. viride (44.11%) and T. harzianum (38.87%). All the three Trichoderma spp. were very effective in producing volatile and non-volatile metabolites that were suppressive to 5. rolfsii. Viability tests on sclerotia of S. rolfsii parasitized by Trichoderma spp. revealed complete colonization and replacement of sclerotial contents by 7^th day of parasitisation in case of T. hamatum and by 10^th day in case the of T. viride and T. harzianum.

Keywords

Antagonism, Elephant Foot Yam, Sclerotium rolfsii, Trichoderma.

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Nidhi Thaker ¹, B. Srinivasulu ¹, Subhas C. Shit ¹

Affiliations
1 Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology, Ahmedabad-382445, IN

Abstract

Natural Lignocellulosics material like coconut shell has an outstanding potential as reinforcement in thermoset matrix. In this study, Composites were prepared by incorporating treated and untreated coconut shell powder at different filler contents (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 php) into Unsaturated Polyester matrix. An alkali treatment was used to enhance both the matrix filler wetting and the chemical surface modification in order to improve the physicochemical interactions at the filler– matrix interphase. A catalyst, Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP) was used to initiate the polymerization reaction. The results from Universal testing machine revealed that increased in coconut shell content have increased the tensile & flexural strength. Treated coconut shell filled composite showed slightly higher mechanical properties and lower water absorption than the untreated one. The chemical bonding between the filler and polymer matrix were characterized by using the Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Result from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that increased in filler content have increased the tendency of filler-matrix interaction.

Keywords

Universal Testing Machine, Unsaturated Polyester Resin, Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide, Alkaline Treatment, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).

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Hetal Shah ¹, B. Srinivasulu ¹, Subhas Shit ¹

Affiliations
1 Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology, Plot No 630, Phase IV, GIDC, Vatva, Ahmedabad-382445, IN

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of silane treatment on woven banana fabric based unsaturated polyester resin composites. The fabric was treated with vinyl triethoxysilane. Woven banana fabric (WBF) reinforced unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) composites were fabricated by hand lay-up technique. The fabric content in the composite was kept constant to 35 %. The variation in the mechanical properties (Tensile and Flexural strength) and water absorption were studied. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was utilized to characterize the chemically modified fibers. Reduction in water absorption of silane treated WBF/UPR composite was observed. The improved fiber–matrix interaction after silane treatment is evident from the enhanced tensile and flexural properties.

Keywords

Woven Banana Fabric, Silane, Unsaturated Polyester Resin, Mechanical Properties, Water Absorption, Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy.

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