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Solar Eclipse at Pittsburg State University April 2024
No full textThis is an infrared photo from the Solar Eclipse from the vantage point of Pittsburg, Kansas on Monday, April 8th, 2024. The red tint is from the IR filter used.
Equipment:
Cannon RP
Cannon 300mm F4
77mm IR 760 Filter
Settings:
F/16 2” ISO100 RAWhttps://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/eclipse/1004/thumbnail.jp
Chicken Fat-Based Polyurethanes: Effect of Flame Retardants on the Thermomechanical Properties of Polyurethane Foams
Get PDFPolyurethane (PU) is one the most used polymers across the globe with a huge variety of applications which include but are not limited to foams, coatings, adhesives, and elastomers. Among all these applications, PU foam is the most dominant in the global market in terms of applications. Rigid and flexible foams are the two types of foams. As thermal insulators, rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) find extensive application in buildings, refrigerators, automobiles, and freezers, in addition to furniture and other domestic items. In this research, chicken fat oil was used as an alternative to polyols for the preparation of polyurethane foams. Chicken fat oil was converted into a polyol by epoxidation and ring-opening reactions. The results of FT-IR, GPC, and hydroxyl value confirmed the formation of polyol. Three different flame retardants such as diethyl phosphate (DEP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), and dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP) were introduced to reduce the flammability of PU foams. The closed cell content of all the foams was more than 85% which suggests their suitability to use as thermal barrier applications. The density of these foams was within the industrial standards. The burning test showed a reduction in the foam\u27s flammability after the addition of flame retardants. Thermogravimetric analyses indicated improved thermal stability after the addition of flame retardants. Our research suggests that chicken fat can be used as an alternative to vegetable oil or petrochemical-based chemicals for the preparation of polyurethane foams
Impact of Coding Proficiency on Starting Annual Salaries After Graduation
Get PDFAs many companies are going digital in their operations and many startups are driven by software solutions instead of focusing on physical infrastructure, the demand for coding jobs has increased across the globe as it is the programming that drives computer systems. From transport and food to healthcare everything became Information Technology dependent. We can also observe that there is a wide popularity for programming courses, as the coding skills from those courses might fetch high paying jobs. Students who are pursuing their masters in information technology must be good in coding as it will get them a high paying job after graduation. Nowadays many graduate international IT major students are looking for a job in the software industry, which would bring them a high salaried job. Whereas the jobs in the software industries require a candidate with good programming skills, who will play a major role in the growth and development of their company. This study will determine the impact of coding proficiency of IT major international graduate students at Pittsburg State University, as measured by students Grade in GRT-713 (Computer Programming Languages) on their starting annual salaries after their graduation when they enter the job market. Graduate International Information Technology major students who studied at PSU and have recently entered the job market are included in this study with a sample size of 100 students. In this study, a correlational design is used to establish the relationship between grades in GRT-713 and starting annual salaries
Cobalt Oxide as Photocatalyst for Water Splitting: Temperature-Dependent Phase Structures
Get PDFThis study investigated the best phases of cobalt oxide for the photochemical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting reaction. Cobalt oxide was produced via a hydrothermal process of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate and then annealed at different temperatures from 450 oC to 950 oC. The Co3O4 phase was produced during pre-annealing and annealing at 450 oC. The mixed phase of Co3O4 and CoO was produced during annealing at 550 oC and 650 oC, and pure CoO was produced during annealing from 750 oC to 950 oC. The Co3O4 phase produced the highest photocurrent density with a value of 1.15 mA cm-2 at a -0.4 V potential bias vs. Ag/AgCl. This value two times higher than that reported by other researchers at the same potential bias. Furthermore, the highest rate of hydrogen collected by Co3O4 was ~272.6 mmol h-1 g-1 after 8 h photocatalytic process. The amount of collected hydrogen was stable until 12 h of the process. paraphrase this paragraph. In terms of electrochemical performance, the Co3O4 phase exhibited the highest photocurrent density, registering at 1.15 mA cm-2 when assessed at a potential bias of 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl. This measurement notably surpassed values previously documented by other researchers operating under identical bias conditions, constituting a twofold enhancement. Additionally, the Co3O4 phase demonstrated remarkable efficiency in hydrogen production, with a peak rate recorded at approximately 272.6 mmol h-1 g-1 following an 8-hour photocatalytic process. Impressively, this rate of hydrogen collection remained stable throughout the duration of the 12-hour process, indicating the sustained efficacy of the Co3O4 phase in promoting the desired catalytic reactions. Through a systematic exploration of cobalt oxide phases generated at varying annealing temperatures, this study elucidated the superior electrochemical properties of the Co3O4 phase, particularly in terms of photocurrent density and hydrogen generation rates. These findings not only contribute to advancing the understanding of cobalt oxide\u27s role in PEC water-splitting but also underscore the significance of phase control in optimizing catalytic performance for renewable energy applications
Improved Nickel Hydroxide Efficiency for Overall Water Splitting via Unique Synthesis Methodology
Get PDFWater splitting signifies a breakthrough in the realm of renewable energy, facilitating the production of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). In this process, the Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a vital role in the process of energy production, which exhibits higher overpotential than the Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Therefore, it necessitates the advancement of electrocatalysts that are more active, durable, and stable. Transition metal oxides and hydroxides are promising materials for water splitting, in which Nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) acts as an essential catalyst in electrochemical water splitting for both HER and OER. Herein, Ni(OH)2 samples were prepared via three different methods which are aerogel, hydrothermal, and microwave respectively, and those materials were tested by using 1M KOH as an electrolyzer in an electrode system. Where the results were evaluated for both HER and OER at the current density of 10 mA/cm2, OER overpotential for aerogel shows 266mV, which was comparatively lower than hydrothermal 311mV and microwave 321mV. Similarly, for HER, (Ni(OH)2) aerogel at the same current density shows 224 mV of overpotential, indicating superior performance compared to hydrothermal and microwave methods. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed excellent results for all samples, indicating favorable charge transfer kinetics. Additionally, analysis of the electrochemical surface area, roughness factor, and turn-on frequency showed that aerogel-synthesized nickel hydroxide exhibited superior properties, further enhancing its water-splitting performance. These findings underscore the importance of synthesis method selection in optimizing the water-splitting performance of nickel hydroxide materials for sustainable energy applications
Modified Limonene and Geraniol Via Thiolene Processes Under UV Curing to Obtain Polyurethane Films
Get PDFNatural product-derived materials have gained increasing attention as promising alternatives to petrochemically derived commodity polymers. This shift is driven by the growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for more sustainable and eco-friendly materials. The thiol−ene click reaction to prepare biobased polyols is a strategy to promote the green and environmental protection of polyurethane. Limonene is found in the essential oils of various citrus fruits, particularly in high concentrations in the peels of oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits. And geraniol is found in rose oil, citronella oil, and palmarosa oil. The excessive usage of thiol and low conversion of carbon−carbon double bonds (C=C) would severely limit the properties of polyurethane (PU). In this work, a set of limonene and geraniol-based polyols were prepared via the thiol−ene click reaction. I use mercaptoethanol and thioglycerol to produce thiols. Interestingly, the conversion of the C=C was nearly 100% at the limonene and various thiol compounds(-SH) in a stoichiometric ratio without excess of -SH. Then, the prepared polyols were reacted with Cyclohexyl isocyanate (CHDI) and Isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), Followed by films was cured at 70°C. The structural morphology will be analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), while mechanical properties will be assessed through tensile and hardness tests. Thermal characteristics will be studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The Tg’s of LM+IPDI, LM+CHDI, GM+IPDI and GM+CHDI were 34.58, 56.49, 75 and 56.49 °C, respectively. The GM+SB+IPDI demonstrated better mechanical properties (Tensile Strength of 18 MPa) than the others due to the higher cross-linking density and complete network
Phosphorus and Nitrogen-Containing Polyols: Synergistic Effect on the Thermal Property and Flame Retardancy of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Composites
Get PDFThe primary focus of this study was to explore the combined impact of phosphorus-containing polyol (BHPP) and nitrogen-containing polyol (MADP) on enhancing the flame retardancy of EG/rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF). BHPP and MADP were synthesized separately using dehydrochlorination and Mannich reaction methods, respectively. The investigation involved varying the weight ratio of BHPP to MADP and assessing its effects through thermogravimetric analysis and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests. Results indicated that the most effective weight ratio for flame retarding RPUF was found to be 1/1 for BHPP and MADP. Moreover, the study investigated the potential enhancement in flame-retardant properties by incorporating expandable graphite (EG) into the RPUF/BHPP/MADP system. It was observed that the addition of EG significantly improved the flame-retardant characteristics of RPUF composites. For instance, at an EG content of 15wt%, the LOI value of RPUF composites reached 33.5%, indicating a substantial increase in fire resistance. Additionally, the peak heat release rate decreased by 52.4% compared to pristine RPUF, further highlighting the effectiveness of EG in reducing flammability. Based on comprehensive analysis and discussion of the experimental results, the study proposed a condensed flame-retardant mechanism. This mechanism elucidated the interactions between BHPP, MADP, and EG within the RPUF matrix, resulting in improved flame-retardant properties. The proposed mechanism provides insights into the synergistic effects of the different components and their contributions to enhancing the fire resistance of RPUF composites. In summary, this study presents a systematic investigation into the synergistic effects of BHPP, MADP, and EG on improving the flame retardancy of RPUF. The findings offer valuable insights for the development of more effective flame-retardant materials with potential applications in various industries requiring fire-resistant materials
A New Life for Pittsburg State University Surplus Plastics Through Recycling
Get PDFRecycling polymeric materials has become an area of concern worldwide but may not be as economical as consumers believe. We examined the feasibility of recycling discarded soap dispensers after changes were made in PSU bathrooms campus-wide. First, soap dispensers were deconstructed, cleaned, and granulated to reduce the size of the plastic parts to processable dimensions. To achieve optimal granulation of material from the soap dispensers and aid in the processing of post-consumer regrind (PCR) for other projects, we installed a larger capacity size reduction machine. We then successfully determined the base polymer in each different part through infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. We determined that we had three different plastics in one soap dispenser: polypropylene, polyacetal, and polystyrene. After polymer identification, we injection-molded test bars to produce samples for mechanical property determination. We also performed feasibility calculations to determine if we reduced overhead by using recycled materials. In addition to material cost, we also examined the effect of man-hours and quantity of dispensers to fully determine PCR feasibility. Our calculations determined that small-scale recycling was not optimally feasible even with low-cost starting materials. However, a total of 121 soap dispensers (23.11 ft3 of waste products) were kept out of landfills, and new plastic parts were successfully made through recycling. We believe that large-scale application of PCR in new parts and improved product design with end-of-life concerns focused on sustainability can improve the feasibility of PCR for consumer products
Awareness of Phenol Amine in Chemistry using High-Performance Tannin Polyamine Adhesive
Get PDFCondensed tannin-polyethyleneimine (CT-PEI) adhesives offer a strong bonding performance, which has been demonstrated earlier in research industries. The production of unsafe monomers and the substantial costs of the main synthesis of PEI are just two hindrances, which have prevented its hiring process in the wood industries. To manufacture polyamine-tannin adhesives, this study provides another application to PEI: Melamine-based highly branched polyamine (MBHBP), and this can be produced in simple way, affordable, and sustainable conscious ways. The shear strength of three-ply plywood, as revealed by plywood bonding tests, exceeded the performance of most previously reported tannin-based adhesives, left at 1.76MPa even after immersion in boiling water for three hours. The strength remained at 1.20 MPa even after soaking for 72 hours, revealing the CT-MBHBP adhesives’ good water resistance. Through this study, the application of model reactions in combination with ESI-MS (Electrospray Ionization - Mass Spectrometry) assessments of the reaction products, this research also gives the first confirmation of the proposed mechanism methods for polyamine catechol crosslinking reactions. MHBHP- Melamine Based High Branched, has successfully synthesized to replace PEI-Polyethyleneimine. The study provides our understanding of Phenol-amine chemistry by establishing the roles that Michael Addition and Schiff Base played in the establishment of crosslinking networks