Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Advancements In Bio-Based Novel (Co)Monomers For Polymeric Materials, Khristal Anne Monroe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Most current research in the area of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials relate to the use of renewable sources for the fabrication of bio-based polymers and composites. Using plant-based derivatives is a common strategy. Pine sap can be distilled into turpentines (light fraction) and pine rosin (heavy fraction). Pine rosin is obtained as a brittle solid and its major component is abietic acid. This project aims at investigating a synthetic approach for the synthesis of a pine rosin-based polymer that can be potentially used for manufacturing a collection device for pine sap. The synthetic strategy consisted in the preparation of …

Plant Stimuli-Responsive Biodegradable Polymers For The Use In Timed Release Fertilizer Coatings, Spencer Heuchan

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The use of nitrogen-based fertilizers continues to accelerate with human population growth and increases in global food requirements. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) have been developed to improve the synchronization between nutrient supply and crop nutrient demand. However, many of the current controlled release fertilizers are coated with non-degradable polymers that contribute to accumulation of microplastics within ecosystems. This thesis describes research towards the development of a new class of fertilizer coatings using a self-immolative polymer known as poly (ethyl glyoxylate) (PEtG). PEtG itself does not have suitable properties to produce a viable coating but once blended with another degradable polyester …

Development Of High Performance Gas Separation Membranes Through Intelligent Catalyst And Monomer Design, Kevin Richard Gmernicki

Doctoral Dissertations

Polymer membranes are a valuable tool for separating components of liquid and gas mixtures. Heavily inspired by biological systems, the idea of using the intrinsic properties of polymers to perform otherwise energy-intensive tasks is attractive for applications such as water desalination, natural gas sweetening, and post-combustion carbon capture. Of particular interest to our research group, post-combustion carbon capture is a promising potential solution aimed at reducing the carbon footprint involved with production, transportation, and storage of electrical energy generation.

Every year, the United States produces close to seven billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, of which a significant portion is …

Conversion Of Cafo Manure Into A Slow-Release Fertilizer, Richard Allan Williams Iii

Honors Projects

Alginate polymer is known to form gel through the process of Ionotropic gelation. By use of extrusion and diffusion setting manure was encapsulated into gel beads. These beads were then tested to determine their potential for further testing as a manure treatment process. From the limited data in this preliminary study, it appears as though there is potential for further testing of alginate beads as a treatment process for manure. The treatment is potentially valuable because of the ease of filtration of the alginate beads, the low cost of transportation of the dehydrated beads, and because the limited data suggests …

Degradation Of Protective Glove Materials Exposed To Commercial Products: A Comparative Study Of Tensile Strength And Gravimetric Analyses, Todd B. Pelham

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Current glove guides attempt to assist in recommending which type of glove is appropriate for handling chemicals; however, they include information on less than 1% of the 89 million chemical products available today.

This study offers a solution by testing five durable polymer materials against 50 chemicals, using two rapid chemical degradation assessment techniques. The first technique involves gravimetric analysis of the weight change following constant immersion against the chemical mixture. The second method uses tensile strength to assess molecular changes in the polymer structure.

This study is focused on addressing three issues of concern. First, this study examines …