WIRASAK SMITTHIPONG
Nanomaterials for natural rubber applications: Figure 1
Natural rubber (NR) is an interested material which generates revenue for Thailand more than several hundred million baht per year. However, NR has been sold almost 90% just in the form of raw materials. When we transform NR raw materials into NR products, we can normally increase in value from 10 times to more than 100 times depending on type of NR product. NR is a valuable resource for the country and can be internationally competitive. So, we need to do more research on the NR for the benefit of Thailand and for the benefit of the entire world. Since Thailand is a manufacturer and exporter of natural rubber in the world for over 20 years, and there is no any type of materials to replace NR. The objectives of this research work are to employ science, technology and innovation to create the added value in NR products, especially in using the nanomaterials for NR applications.
Bionano-inspired materials (bionanotechnology, supramolecular materials): Figure 2
The reversible and noncovalent interactions among molecular building blocks are the basis for the development of functional biological structures in nature. These interactions create the supramolecular structure of many molecules. Normally, supramolecular materials’ primary duties are self-assembly, molecular recognition process and noncovalent interaction. Noncovalent interactions can be reversible. Examples of noncovalent interactions are H-bonding, electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic interaction, and the coordination of metal-ligand interaction. Such interactions are important to the fields of the materials that can imply molecular recognition, directionality, addressability and programmability of the supramolecular character. This means that we can apply the noncovalent interactions in the design of new materials.
Selected Patents
1. W. Smitthipong and K. Sriroth “Processing of latex glue from natural latex and hybrid resins” Dec 2014, Thai patent no 1403001698.
2. S. Wittayakan, R. Chollakup, M. Haluetaitanasan, W. Smitthipong and D. Rungsuengkitkai “Composites from natural fibers and their process for reinforcement materials” 2014, Thai patent no. 1403000174.
3. R. Chollakup, W. Smitthipong and R. Tantaterdtam “Processing of complex and supramolecular film on sericin from silk waste with polycationic and their applications” Feb 2012, Thai patent no. 1201000510.
Selected Book
1. W. Smitthipong, R. Chollakup and M. Nardin (Editors) “Bio-Based Composites for High-Performance Materials: From Strategy to Industrial Application” CRC Press, Florida, USA, 2015, 336 pages, ISBN 9781482214482.
Selected Articles
1. P. Suwanruji, T. Tuechart, W. Smitthipong and R. Chollakup “Modification of pineapple leaf fiber surfaces with silane and isocyanate for reinforcing thermoplastic” J. Thermoplast. Comp. Mater. 2016, 1-17, DOI: 10.1177/0892705716632860. (JIF = 1.134)
2. L. Li, W. Smitthipong* and H. Zeng “Mussel-inspired Hydrogels for Biomedical and Environmental Applications” Polym. Chem. 2015, 6, 353-358. (JIF = 5.368)
3. R. Chollakup, W. Smitthipong* and A. Chworos “DNA-functionalized polystyrene particles and their controlled self-assembly” RSC Adv., 2014, 4 (58), 30648-30653. (JIF = 3.708)
4. W. Smitthipong, R. Tantatherdtam, K. Rungsanthien, P. Suwanruji, K. Sriroth, S. Radabutra, S. Thanawat, M.-F. Vallat, M. Nardin, K. Mougin and R. Chollakup “Effect of non-rubber components on properties of sulphur crosslinked natural rubbers” Adv. Mat. Res. 2014, 844, 345-348. (JIF = 0.089)