[7th November 2022] The Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) IPB University again presented physics experts in the 39th edition of the “IPB Physics Talk”, some time ago. This edition of Physics Talk presents one of the speakers who is experienced in the world of materials and metallurgy, namely Dr. Mochamad Chalid.

He is a lecturer and researcher who is currently active in the polymer research group, Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Indonesia. In his presentation, Dr Chalid presented material entitled “Roles of Polymers Engineering in Material Sustainability”.

He opened his presentation by explaining polymers and their characteristics compared to two other types of materials, namely metals and ceramics. Polymers are macromolecular materials consisting of small, repetitive units that are assembled together, called “mers”.

“Polymers have characteristics, namely low density, easy to modify, easy to manufacture and a lower price than metals and ceramics,” he explained.
Based on the source, he added, there are natural and synthetic polymers. Some synthetic materials, namely petroleum or petroleum, and bio-polymers, namely artificial polymers derived from living things.

“One of the important characteristics of a polymer when it is related to sustainability is its biodegradability (can be decomposed). Biodegradability has nothing to do with the origin or material of the polymer. This means that not all polymers derived from living things can be degraded naturally, and not all polymers derived from petroleum cannot be degraded,” he explained.

In addition to the general characteristics of polymers, applications, life cycles, and aspects to be considered in polymers in achieving sustainability are also explained. Starting from raw materials, manufacturing, product design, and waste management. For example, structure is important when designing a polymer because it influences mechanical and thermal properties. At the end, Dr. Chalid discussed various biomass-based polymers, namely levulinic acid, starch, lignin, cellulose, and algae.

In the question and answer session, Dr. Setyanto asked about the application of a biomass-based material, namely algae as a drug delivery system that can target drug delivery to cancer cells. The question from Dr. Siti Nikmatin, is how to change the hydrophilic to hydrophobic properties of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB). To obtain properties similar to polymers and hydrophobic properties, plasma treatment can be carried out.
The physics talk activity was closed by the Head of the Applied Physics Division, Dr. Irmansyah with the hope that there will be more collaboration between the Physics Department of IPB University and the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, University of Indonesia. (rfa/Zul) (IAAS/STR)

This news was originally published in IPB Today:

IPB University Physics Department Held Physics Talk, Presents Metallurgical Experts | IPB University