Waste Plastics as Carbon Sources for Wearable Sensors
Abstract
Approved for Public Release.Title: Waste Plastics as Carbon Sources for Wearable SensorsPI: Kenan Song, Arizona State UniversitySponsor: Office of Naval ResearchAward: Naval Enterprise Partnership Teaming with Universities for National Excellence (NEPTUNE)Fundingopportunity number: N00014-23-S-B001Applicant name: AZ Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University Abstract: This proposed research aims to form partnerships between Waste Management Division, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS), and Arizona State University (ASU) via a #waste plastics converting to carbon sources# concept. The upcycling of solid waste, especially plastic waste, has recently drawn dramatic attention due to the lack of efficient technologies to process them with acceptable cost-efficiency. Even worse, the conversion of waste plastics into highly-valued products, such as wearable electronics, has been rare. Some conventional methods rely on molecular design and chemical synthesis of catalysts, such as enzymes. However, these methods have not provided economically viable products and can pose environmental damage during production. Therefore, this project focuses on simple textile engineering and additive manufacturing for recycling solid wastes from MCAS, which show high potential to form high carbon yield forenergy and electronic applications. The in-house spinning setup will use waste plastics for fibers with three-phase compositions. The unique layered structure will facilitate carbonization during high-temperature heat treatment. These fibers will be subsequently embedded in 3D-printed composites with programmable compositions, materials, and multiple functions. The tuned material structures and rapidly prototyped sensors will be tested with ASU facilities. Evaluation methods include mechanical, thermal, and other functional testers. Besides, the manufacturing platform will be examined for its suitability to be scaled up at navy bases. As a result, thefast and scalable deployment design will be verified via the data collected from the manufacturing procedures and analysis of the minimum viable product (MVP). The research team comprises material scientists, manufacturing experts, energy researchers, sustainability development staff, and environmental scholars. Beyond applications to the DOD and Navy sectors as wearable sensors, the recyclable plastics demonstrated in this project are general and can be extended to other solid wastes, such as structural supports, building insulators, microelectronics, energy devices, natural materials (e.g., wood and plants), and soft robotics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 12, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312382
Entities
People
- Kenan Song
Organizations
- Arizona State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy