Search Results - Environment

24 Results Sort By:

Process for Recycling Mixed Polyurethanes

­Executive Summary Polyurethane ridged and flexible foams are used in a wide variety of applications in the automotive, industrial and consumer sectors. Since these polymers are crosslinked networks, recycling them for further use remains a challenge. MSU researchers have developed a novel, non solvent based process for processing mixed polyurethanes....
Published: 10/18/2021   |   Inventor(s): Muhammad Rabnawaz, Ajmir Khan
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Materials, Environment

Novel Chain Extenders for Recycling Polyesters

­Executive Summary Polyesters comprise a significant portion of plastics entering landfills. One issue that limits their recycling is natural degradation during melt processing which lowers their molecular weight and melt viscosity. Reactive chain extenders are often used to build back the molecular weight of the polyester, however, their use can...
Published: 10/18/2021   |   Inventor(s): Muhammad Rabnawaz
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Advanced Materials, Environment, Packaging

Polyazacrown-based Materials for Mercury Capture

Executive Summary Coal burning plants emit significant amounts of mercury to the environment, which is harmful to humans. A variety of processes are currently used to mitigate mercury emissions, but there is a need for more effective approaches. MSU researchers have developed a new polymer and method of synthesis for binding to mercury ions and removing...
Published: 10/21/2020   |   Inventor(s): Mikhail Redko, James Jackson, Volodymyr Tarabara, Julian Taurozzi
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Environment, Materials, Energy

Mesoporous MFI-Zeolite Catalysts for Aromatics Production

Executive SummaryThere is a need for a green, renewable, and sustainable route to produce chemicals currently made from petrochemical feedstocks. MSU researchers have developed a new catalyst system for converting biomass to aromatics. The aromatics can be further transformed into downstream chemicals such as terephthalic acid, which can be used in...
Published: 10/16/2020   |   Inventor(s): Shantanu Kelkar, Christopher Saffron, Thomas Pinnavaia, Robert Kriegel
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Chemicals, Environment, Agricultural

Chemical Recycling of Polylactic Acid

Executive SummaryA new environmentally friendly process developed at Michigan State University derives clean-use plastics from contaminated Polylactic Acid (PLA). This new method of recycling PLA yields clean-use plastics using inexpensive green solvents and lower temperatures.Description of TechnologyCurrent chemical recycling of PLA uses toxic solvents...
Published: 8/30/2017   |   Inventor(s): Rafael Auras, Fabiola Iniguez-Franco, Maria Rubino, Herlinda Soto-Valdez, Daniel Holmes, Susan Selke, Xiaoyi Fang
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Chemicals, Environment

Efficient Hydrocyclone for Liquid-Liquid Separation

Executive SummaryDue to environmental concerns, discharge of water from oil and gas industries is required to maintain oil levels between 10 – 30 ppm. Complying with these standards leads to significant expenses for the industry. A new hydrocyclone design developed at MSU makes it possible to exceed these requirements while being much more cost-effective...
Published: 3/14/2017   |   Inventor(s): Abdul Motin, Andre Benard, Volodymyr Tarabara
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Environment

Real-Time 3D Modeling Of Watersheds

Executive SummaryGroundwater is the most extracted raw material in the world. As such, it is crucial that companies and governments are able to understand exactly how their use of groundwater affects the immediate area. Visualizing where groundwater is located, how chemical contaminants affect groundwater over time, and predicting how weather will affect...
Published: 1/30/2017   |   Inventor(s): Shu-Guang Li, Huasheng Liao
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Agriculture, Environment, Biotechnology, Analytical Instruments, Computer Software, Data Processing/Analysis

Uranium Removal with Protein Nanowires

Executive SummarySoil and groundwater contamination with uranium and radioactively contaminated waste pose serious environmental problems for human and animal consumption. Researchers at MSU have discovered that protein nanowire-expressing microorganisms are highly effective at precipitating and immobilizing heavy metal elements, including uranium,...
Published: 11/9/2016   |   Inventor(s): Gemma Reguera, Dena Cologgi, Robert Worden, Angelines Castro-Forero, Rebecca Steidl
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Biotechnology, Environment

Method for the Removal of Fluoride From Water

Executive SummaryToxic levels of fluorine in drinking water arise from two different sources, naturally from the rock bed and artificially from commercial processing and waste. Fluoride removal processes are too costly and labor intensive for many developing countries. MSU researchers have discovered a new material that allows for efficient fluoride...
Published: 6/23/2016   |   Inventor(s): Daniel Henton
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Environment

Chemical Efficacy, Environmental Safety, and Operational Design Improvements for the SandSprayer "Spreader Apparatus for Sand Based Formulations" (Patent No. 8,028,928)

Executive SummaryCurrently, as a part of turfgrass installation and maintenance, topdressing sand and active ingredients (fungicide/growth regulators) are applied sequentially, requiring two passes over the turf. Carrying out these processes separately requires additional time to make two identical passes, leads to spray drift when spraying chemicals,...
Published: 6/16/2016   |   Inventor(s): A. Ronald Detweiler, Joseph Vargas, Gary Zehr
Keywords(s):   Category(s): Agriculture, Environment, Mechanical
1 2 3