Note: This research product won a silver medal at the International Trade Fair (Ideas-Inventions-New Products) held at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center, Germany from 3 to 6 November 2005.
Researcher: Mr Shamsu Mohamad
(Contact details available only to registered journalists)
The abundance of biomass from oil palm industries in Malaysia has inspired me to carry out research that will be beneficial for Malaysian ceramics industries. More than 30 million tons of oil palm biomass is produced in Malaysia annually. However, this substance has not been fully exploited by other industries, in particular by those working with ceramics. This study has shown that the oil palm biomass can make significant contribution to local industries which utilize ceramics, such as, tiles, roofing tiles, tableware, sanitary ware, handicrafts and various artistic products. This is the first research in Malaysia and in the world that uses oil palm biomass as an ash glaze.
Most of the ceramics industries use imported materials and commercial glazes from Japan, China, USA and UK. The prices of these imported glazes are higher than my product, the Eco Oil Pam Ash Glaze. The term "Eco" is drawn from the idea that the glaze is both economical as well as ecological. It is economical because I use 70 - 80% of biomass as a main ingredient in the formula.
Aside from being cost efficient, this glaze is also aesthetically pleasing compared to the usual commercial glazes. The experiment combining oil palm biomass with other raw materials and oxides proves that biomass is capable of producing an attractive glaze with perfect characteristics. "Eco Oil Palm Ash Glaze" is dinnerware safe and is in compliance with the Malaysian Food Act 1983, as well as SIRIM's food regulation.
Advantages
Biomass of oil palm is abundant and can be obtained without incurring any costs. The process of making "Eco Oil Palm Ash Glaze" is simple. The equipment used to produce "Eco Oil Palm Ash Glaze" is simple and cheap. The usage of 70-80% of biomass as the main ingredient may reduce the costs of glaze production. Oil palm biomass, due to its chemical characteristics, can be used as a good and aesthetically pleasing glaze composition.