Publications by authors named "Melakuu Tesfaye"

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) has distinctive characteristics, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, thermal process ability, high transparency and good film-forming ability. However, PLA has some poor properties that limit its wide applicability. These properties include a low crystallization rate, poor thermal stability, and high brittleness.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study presents a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaf extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents.
  • M/DW binary solvent was found to be the most effective for extracting the necessary compounds from leaves compared to other solvents.
  • The characterization and antimicrobial properties of the synthesized AgNPs were confirmed through techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, and FT-IR, showing effective antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
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This article reports a novel fabrication of branched cum cross-linked poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with nanosilk fibroin with graft chain topology by reactive extrusion process. It could be possible by the addition of a small amount of radical initiator (dicumyl peroxide (DCP)). Grafting of silk nanocrystals (SNCs) on PLA macromolecules that provides remarkable improvement in the rheological and thermal properties of the latter are confirmed by H NMR and Fourier transform infrared investigation.

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In this study, the effect of silk nanocrystals (SNCs) on the thermal and rheological properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) under repetitive extrusion process is investigated. The presence of SNCs facilitates the crystallization process and delaying the thermal degradation of PLA matrix. This leads to the reduction in cold crystallization peak temperature with lower crystallization half-time and higher growth rate.

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