UBC researchers turn black bitumen into green carbon fibres

Bitumen, the sticky product from Alberta’s oil sands, is normally burned as fuel or gets a second life as asphalt pavement. But what if it could be turned into something more valuable, like the carbon fibres that make aircraft and hockey sticks light and durable, and electric cars safer and more efficient?

Cheaper fibres:

UBC materials engineer Dr. Yasmine Abdin and her colleagues, Dr. Frank Ko in the faculty of applied science and Dr. Scott Renneckar in the faculty of forestry, have developed a way to convert bitumen into commercial-grade carbon fibres.

Their solution, described recently in the journal Advances in Natural Sciences: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, uses melt spinning to produce two sizes of fibres cleanly and economically. Projected cost is $12 per kilo, compared to commercial carbon fibres that normally cost $33 per kilo.

The solution won the first two phases of the Carbon Fibre Grand Challenge, a competition launched by Alberta Innovates to recover valuable products from oil sands, and the team plans to apply for the third phase of the challenge.

Electric dreams

The team expects to start commercial production in 2024, and sees wide applications for their carbon fibres in electric cars, improving vehicle performance and ultimately helping to boost EV adoption rates.

“Carbon-fibre bodies can compensate for the weight of the typical EV battery pack. Using carbon fibres in the chassis helps the battery stay cool, improving safety and extending the driving range,” says Dr. Abdin.

With around one million cars and other light vehicles being manufactured in Canada annually, she adds, using local carbon fibres can give automakers a competitive edge, while supporting Canada’s goals for reducing emissions.

Photo: Dr. Yasmine Abdin (right) and her collaborators are transforming bitumen from Alberta’s oilsands into carbon fibre – at much less cost than what is currently available.

Photo credit: UBC Applied Science/Paul Joseph

Source:www.ubc.ca/jeccomposites

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#composites #carbonfiber #bitumen #nanomaterials #aircraft #hockeysticks

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share: Rolls-Royce

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:

Rolls-Royce has entered the final build phase for the world's largest aero-engine technology demonstrator, UltraFan, which provides a suite of technologies to support sustainable air travel. The demonstrator engine, with a fan diameter of 140 inches, is being completed at the company's facility in Derby, UK, prior to its first run on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) later this year. It offers a 25% fuel efficiency improvement compared with the first generation of Trent engines!

Chris Cholerton, President — Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, said, "Our UltraFan engine technology demonstrator is arriving just as the world is seeking transformative technology to deliver sustainability. We are now in the final build phase and we will perform the first test run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel later this year. The suite of technologies we are testing on the demonstrator will create opportunities to make improvements to our current fleet and provide a new capability for future propulsion systems.

Key engineering features of the engine include:

- Carbon titanium fan blades and a composite casing.

- A new, proven, Advance3 core architecture, combined with our ALECSys lean burn combustion system, to deliver maximum fuel burn efficiency and low emissions.

- Advanced ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components that operate more effectively at high pressures and temperatures.

- A geared design that delivers efficient power for the high-thrust, high bypass ratio engines of the future. The power gearbox has run at 64MW, an aerospace record.

Source: Airways Magazine

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#composites #compositematerials #cfrp #gfrp #fan  #fibers #lightweight #reinforcedplastics #gearbox

My Linkedin Group "Polymer Experts" has crossed 50,000 members today

Dear Valued Member,

I am happy to share with you all that our "Polymer Experts" Linkedin Group has reached the 50,000 members mark today. Without your support,we would have reached this heights in Linkedin platform.I would proudly say it has been a splendid journey of 15 years on Linkedin from its inception in 2008.

I must thank you all for your valuable contribution by sharing the latest technical information,polymeric materials, types of machinery,market research info,new product launch,breakthrough technology,latest scientific research article in the polymer world, etc. on this group through this platform.I have witnessed the activiness of the members in group have  increased many folds which is highly impressive in the past couple of years.

Without your support, we would not have reached this milestone in 2023.
 It is my pleasure to share our Today's KNOWLEDGE Share column daily (except weekends) in our Polymer Experts group which has gained and lauded by the pioneers in the Polymer industry.We will continue to cover up more sustainable materials information in the future.

I thank you all for your support and request you to share any valuable  suggestions to enhance the standard of the Polymer Experts Linkedin Group with more actions towards inspiring many minds in the coming days.

Muthuramalingam Krishnan
Group Owner
Polymer Experts Linkedin Group

Anti-biofilm Polymer to Prevent Bacterial Biofilm Formation in Water Systems

The University of Nottingham has collaborated with water management company Angel Guard for the first time to create a polymer that could save thousands of lives.

Together, they have developed a world-first anti-biofilm polymer called Bactigon®️/KELT-7, which prevents bacterial biofilm formation, reducing the risk of deadly infections that cause many thousands of deaths each year.

It achieves this without the need for antibiotics or other toxic diffusible agents, meaning it will not contribute to the build-up of anti-bacterial resistance, which is one of the key future healthcare issues identified by the World Health Organization.

Can be Applied as Spray Coating, Dipping Process or by 3D Printing:

The brand-new anti-biofilm polymer is a vital tool to not only protect water systems, where it will be initially utilized, but also to protect public health at large. It has also been created to extremely unique specifications that allow it to be used as a plastic construction material. Its design is very versatile, allowing it to be applied as a spray coating, dipping process or by utilizing 3D printing techniques – further expanding the range of possible applications it can be applied to.

The development of the Bactigon®️/KELT-7 polymer will enable manufacturers to build-in anti-biofilm properties into their existing product line, ensuring that water systems remain biofilm free and prevent infections to end-users.

Unlike silver and zinc additive solutions that often lose their benefits when immersed in water, this world-first polymer prevents bacterial pathogen biofilm growth even when submerged in water, making it a very attractive option for use in water, sanitary fixtures, fittings, and plumbing systems among many other applications.

“Working with Angel Guard has, and continues to be, an extremely rewarding experience. It is allowing us to develop some of our paradigm changing fundamental research into real world impact,” Derek Irvine, professor of Materials Chemistry in the Faculty of Engineering.

Professor Irvine continued, "This allows us to deliver societal benefits from the investment made into Nottingham’s research by the EPSRC, Wellcome Trust and Angel Guard. It is a very strong example of how knowledge transfer and exchange with industry can have benefits for people all over the world.”

A key challenge in the development of the material was finding an anti-biofilm polymer that could withstand high temperatures in-line with current hot cleaning procedures. The new polymer, with both anti-biofilm and durable properties, was designed and shown to be able to coat o-rings used in potable water systems using a simple dip-coating procedure.

Source: University of Nottingham

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#bacterialresistance #biofilm #polymers #bactigon

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share: POM (part2)

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share:

POM (part2)

Copolymer and homopolymer acetal plastic differences:

One of the most important differences between homopolymer acetal (POM-H) and copolymer acetal (POM-C) is porosity. Acetal homopolymer may contain a lower-density or porous center. Porosity in a plastic means it may contain small bubbles or voids. These allow gases and liquids to seep into the plastic. Copolymer acetals have little or no porosity at their centers. This makes them the preferred acetal type for food contact or medical applications.

Homopolymer vs copolymer

Copolymers have less outgassing

Homopolymers have better creep resistance

Copolymers have better dimensional stability

Copolymers are less porous in extruded shapes

Homopolymers have higher Rockwell hardness ratings

Copolymers have slightly better overall chemical resistance

Homopolymers have about 10% to 15% higher tensile strength

Homopolymers have slightly higher operating temperature limits

Homopolymers are stiffer at room temperature and high temperatures

Homopolymers have higher impact strength at room temperature and low temperatures

Food grade acetal plastics

Acetal (POM) copolymers and homopolymers are available in formulations suitable for contact with food. These include compliance with FDA, USDA, NSF, Canada AG and 3-A Dairy material standards. While most acetals used for these applications are natural (white) color, there are compliant colorant additives available that can provide color options.

There are also acetal plastics with metal detectable additives. These are made for the food processing and food packaging industries. Metal detectable additives makes it easier to spot plastic particle contamination using conventional metal detection systems.

Glass-filled and glassreinforced acetal plastics:

One other type of acetal plastic that is sometimes used to make flow control parts is glass filled or glass reinforced acetal. The glass used in glass filled and glass reinforced acetal plastics is actually chopped glass fibers. While the terms glass filled and glass reinforced are often used in the same way, there are actually some significant differences between the two.

For glass filled acetals, the glass fibers act as a filler and make the parts stiffer but not necessarily stronger. Fiber reinforced acetals use glass fibers that have been sized and chemically treated to help them stick to acetal plastic. Glass reinforcement provides both stiffness and strength.

Glass filled acetals:

Glass filler adds stiffness but not strength

Intended for general industrial applications

No chemical bonding of the glass fibers with the acetal plastic

Glass reinforced acetals:

Glass fibers provide high stiffness and strength

For parts requiring high or very high stiffness and strength

Glass reinforced acetal is always stronger than glass filled acetal

Requires chemical bonding or coupling of the glass fibers with the acetal plastic

Source:industrialspec.com

#engineeringplastics #pom #acetal

SeaBubbles taxi

Back in 2019, SeaBubbles debuted a foiling electric water taxi in Miami. Following successful certification, the company has now announced the first commercial service of the Bubble in France in collaboration with the Grand Annecy.

The commercial operation is part of a sustainable transport project operating near the picturesque Lake Annecy in the south east of France. This includes an electric shuttle service, free seasonal buses and self-service bicycles, with the SeaBubble now joining the mix for the next couple of months.

The 5 x 2.5-m (16.4 x 8.2-ft) battery-electric water taxi can carry up to four passengers per trip, who sit face to face inside the automotive-inspired Bubble. The cabin can remain closed, or the mid-roof lifts up in two sections and the side windows open to soak in the surroundings.

Initially, the hull cuts through the water like a normal boat, but once it passes 7 knots (8 mph) it rises out of the water on hydrofoils in just a few seconds and motors towards a cruising speed of 13 knots (15 mph) for the promise of “an exhilarating journey as they glide smoothly across the water.” An onboard computer receives data from various sensors and instructs actuators to automatically adjust for roll, pitch and yaw.

“We are proud of the trust placed in us by the Grand Annecy urban community to set up the pilot line,” said Virginie Seurat, SeaBubbles CEO. “With this new eco-friendly, zero-carbon shuttle service, we intend to offer users of the line and residents of the conurbation not only a different relationship with the privileged natural setting of Lake Annecy, but also future options for easing traffic congestion on the shores of the lake.”

The company also offers its foiling water taxi in hydrogen fuel cell configurations, as well as a model that can accommodate between eight and 12 passengers.

Source:seabubbles/jeccomposites

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#composites #boats #electric #hydrogenfuelcell #seabubbles #zerocarbon #shuttleservice