Spring 2022 Coming Soon!
Processes for Recycled Carbon Fiber using Thermoset Matrices: Project Implementation
Winter 2022
Processes for Recycled Carbon Fiber using Thermoset Matrices: Project Planning
During this quarter, our team identified a potential solution to better understand how recycled carbon fiber compares to virgin carbon fibers. This convergence was informed by the use of decision matrices and fail fast testing. To learn more click on the presentation link below.
Fall 2021
Processes & Applications for Recycled Carbon Fibers Using Thermoset Matrices - Literature Review
This quarter marked the beginning of my senior project and the next phase of this research. My project partner is Alec Newton a fellow PCE senior. Together we conducted a literature review to determine potential processes and applications for recycled carbon fibers using thermoset matrices. Our final background paper and Alec's portfolio can be found linked below.
Summer 2021
Chemical Recycling - Project Implementation
Over 11 weeks, I conducted experimentation to depolymerize the epoxy matrix in cured carbon-fiber epoxy composites (CFRPs). Three experimental phases were observed to address our three goals. The first phase explored environmentally friendly solvents and catalysts to demonstrate chemically recycling CFRPs. In the second phase, ingress and degradation rates were interpreted by monitoring the change in mass of samples over time. In the third phase, the recyclate was increased to determine the feasibility of scaling up to larger reactions. Over a quarter pound of carbon fiber was successfully reclaimed as a result. This work was sponsored by JCATI, Toray, Mr.Bill Kindler, the College of Science and Engineering, the Plastics and Composites Engineering Program at Western Washington University. A special thank you to the Primary Investigator, Dr. John Misasi, and Lab Technician Sean Ryan. Below are several photos are taken during the research. To view the final presentation and learn more, click the link below.
Carbon Fiber-Epoxy Composites Recycling
Spring 2021 - Literature Review & Project Planning
During this quarter, the focus was to perform a literature review of previous research conducted regarding the chemical recycling of cured carbon fiber-epoxy composites. Several resources provided critical information on parameters, equipment, catalysts, solvents, etc. Below are key factors with potential solutions.
Katmai National Park Expedition 2021
Week-Long Ocean Marine Debris Clean Up Event
I participated in Ocean Plastic Recovery Project's week-long beach clean-up event in Katmai Alaska. I was joined by follow PCE majors: Bradley Lamb, Derek Loen, and Brenden Clark. Together with other industry professionals, we had the most incredible experience helping clean up a National Park and mitigate the devastating pollution in Alaska. A big thank you to Island Trails Network, Ocean Plastics Recovery Project, HP, Western Washington University, and Dr. John Misasi. Below are links to learn more about the event and sponsors.
"Some Properties of 100% Recycled Ocean Plastic Polyolefins"
June - November 2020
I was the lead author of a journal article published by SPE called "Some Properties of 100% Recycled Ocean Plastic Polyolefins" which was based on the research performed by multiple students over several quarters. To read this journal article click the link below.
Winter 2021
Recycling Ocean Plastic: Trawl Net
During the Winter quarter, I teamed up with Bradley Lamb and Derek Loen to recycle trawl net recovered from the ocean. Together we processed and characterized this material to determine the properties of recycled trawl nets. To learn more, click our Final Presentation link below
Fall 2020
Recycling Ocean Plastic: Net & Lines
During the Fall quarter, I teamed up with Evan Impink to recycle nets and lines recovered from the ocean. Together we successfully processed these materials to manufacture tensile specimens and performed characterization testing. To learn more about our project and view our final presentation, click the link below.
Ocean Plastic Recycling
Spring 2020
During this quarter, I performed a literature review and reviewed PCE students' previous research documents regarding recycling ocean plastic at Western.