AIPMA AT WORK hemp, flax, kenaf and lignin – based carbon fibres may be combined with the nano – scale reinforcements.
polymer should be identified Castor – oil, which is abundantly found in India can also be utilized in synthesizing polymers
These green nanocomposites are characterized in terms of structural and surface morphology, as well as mechanical, dynamic mechanical and thermal stability. The properties shall be compared with the existing commercial natural composites.
The impact energy absorption, fatigue, joint failure, vibrational analysis and aero – dynamic aspects of the components as well as specimens Clarification in intellectual property issues during commercialization
Theme 4: Performance Evaluation, Life Cycle Analysis, Recyclability and Prototyping
Accordingly, the following activities have been carried out w.e.f January 2012 to January 2013 in the 2nd phase of the work:
The objective is to develop and manufacture vehicular full – size prototype components for robustness analysis in an automotive environment.
1. 20 Research scholars have been recruited & their PhD registration process under different Universities
Based on the aforementioned objectives the project was initiated on April 1, 2011 with a total cost of Rs. 1898 Lakhs
a. 5 Research Scholars have been identified to work under University of Toronto
The first expert committee Review meeting was held at CIPET Head Office on December 17, 2011 to review the progress of the work in the Project. Following activities were presented by the PI
b. 15 Research Scholars were selected to register under University Chennai, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi & BPUT, Rourkela
● Identification of Manpower requirement ● Interview and Selection of Research Fellows
2. The Research scholars have been allocated with different subthemes of the above mentioned four themes
● Registration of 07 students at regional universities ● Literature survey on various themes
3. Experimental Trials on the identified Themes I-IV are under progress and a part showing the progress of the work was also drawn.
● Procurement of raw materials & consumables ● Property analysis through Specific gravity, MFI of raw materials ● Surface modification of natural fibers using various chemical & physical techniques
4. As suggested by the expert Committee, Experimental Trials on the Castor Oil, Cross linked biopolymer has been included in the Research work.
● Functionalization of nanoclays through cation exchange reactions
5. Specific Automotive parts are also identified as suggested by the committee.
● Characterization employing SEM, FTIR, TEM
6. Software related to the product design & development of the Automotive parts have been purchased like POLWORKS, ABACUS
● Design of PLA/ natural fiber composites & Toughened PLA/PBAT blends
Action Plan for 3rd Phase
Based on the presentation and the activities, the Expert committee suggested the following activities to be incorporated in the project:
1. Experimentation & validation of the four themes allocated to 20 Research Scholars.
Pectin, which remains unutilized should be modified and incorporated in the studies
2. Publication of Research papers in International Journals 3. Filing of patents
Work in the area of Bio – adhesives and cross – linked bio – polymer
4. Development of identified Prototypes 5. Contact with the Industry for validation of the developed Prototype
The list of automotive parts and the designated bio –
P L A S T I C S N E W S
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F E B R U A R Y 2013