Product Testing and Analytical Laboratories (MPOB-UKM)

 

The raw materials as well as the finished products can be analyzed and tested in the material testing and analytical laboratories, shown the following below:

a) a fibre analysis laboratory

b) a material testing laboratory

c) an analytical laboratory.

 

The material testing laboratory (or quality control section) carries out evaluation of mechanical and physical strengths of the finished bio-composite products, and also conducts Non-Destructive Tests (NDT). After conditioning in the cycle humidity chamber, the samples are tested using the Zwick-10KN and Lloyd-20KN for mechanical properties, internal bonding and thickness swelling. Another important piece of equipment is the formaldehyde emission WKI-1 m3 chamber.

 

The analytical laboratory provides analytical support for R&D on the utilization of oil palm biomass for the production of bio-composites, pulp and polymeric composites, and also for the extraction of chemicals. Instrumentations such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), a Thermo-Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA), a Fourier Transmission Infra-red Spectrometer (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) as well as a densitometer are provided.