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With the growing urbanized population, vertical farming becomes indispensable in eradicating hunger and ensuring food security for the future. Food security has become a major challenge for the future owing to the scarcity of land, rising global population, urbanization, and polluted soil and water resources. In this scenario, vertical farming as an innovative food production technology caters increased productivity with limited resources and improved carbon footprint. The review begins with a brief introduction to the concept of vertical farming, its opportunities and implications on the economy, environment, and society as a whole, following with an in-depth qualitative analysis of the cutting-edge innovations/technologies are presented in detail. Contrary to the numerous research focusing on mere analysis of economic viability and statistical analysis, the aim is to introduce real cutting-edge technologies that address the challenges of vertical farms such as lack of technical skills or energy requirements. The recent advances of vertical farms includes construction of outer vertical structure and growing shelves using light weight and transparent polymer composites, engineered and tunable LEDs lightings, 3-D printed and recyclable growing substrates, AI-integrated IoTs for environment control, harvesting materials for renewable energy storage etc. Such material innovations with inclusion of AI and robotics transform automated vertical farming into ‘state of the art’ agricultural technology. Production shelf fabricated using UV cured GBOV-glass fiber composite with 60% transparency can overcome the material weight limitation, corrosion, light obstructions etc. associated with the conventional steel shelves. Replacing non-renewable fossil fuels using renewable energy harvested by carbon dots, fluorescent materials, and perovskite solar cells is recommended to minimize the high capital investments associated with energy as well as to reduce the environmental impact. Smart materials such as phase change materials and thermoresponsive windows control the amount of energy expended whereas smart substrate promotes resource management. Application of the newest technology AI in vertical farming facilitates precise control of environment, early pest detection, automation of farming processes, data-driven decision making and precision agriculture. In short, vertical farms utilizing modern innovations of science and technology caters enhanced productivity, improved quality, reduced cost, resource management and sustainability. Hence, automated and sustainable vertical farms promoting global food security and circularity have the potential to transform into burgeoning technology of future.
Efficient recycling pathway of bio-based composite polyurethane foams via sustainable diamine
(2024)
Aminolysis is widely recognized as a valuable chemical route for depolymerizing polymeric materials containing ester, amide, or urethane functional groups, including polyurethane foams. Bio-based polyurethane foams, pristine and reinforced with 40 wt% of sustainable fillers, were depolymerized in the presence of bio-derived butane-1,4-diamine, BDA. A process comparison was made using fossil-derived ethane-1,2-diamine, EDA, by varying amine/polyurethane ratio (F/A, 1:1 and 1:0.6). The obtained depolymerized systems were analyzed by FTIR and NMR characterizations to understand the effect of both diamines on the degradation pathway. The use of bio-based BDA seemed to be more effective with respect to conventional EDA, owing to its stronger basicity (and thus higher nucleophilicity), corresponding to faster depolymerization rates. BDA-based depolymerized systems were then employed to prepare second-generation bio-based composite polyurethane foams by partial replacement of isocyanate components (20 wt%). The morphological, mechanical, and thermal conductivity properties of the second-generation polyurethane foams were evaluated. The best performances (σ10 %=71 ± 9 kPa, λ = 0.042 ± 0.015 W∙ m-1 ∙K-1) were attained by employing the lowest F/A ratio (1:0.6); this demonstrates their potential application in different sectors such as packaging or construction, fulfilling the paradigm of the circular economy.
A review, with 32 refs., of various new proposals for recycling and reusing of wind turbine blades by small companies (including the Polish Anmet company). New projects on shredding blades as well as on architecture objects, road construction, geotechn. blocks, floating platforms and observation towers were presented. Prodn. of composite chipboard panels and recovery of carbon fibers by waste pyrolysis were also included.
Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components are known for their exceptional resilience and ultra-lightweight nature, making them the preferred choice for applications requiring high mechanical loads with minimal weight. However, the intricate and anisotropic structure of CFRP components poses challenges, resulting in expensive repairs and testing. This complexity also leads to increased waste generation. Yet, innovative recycling processes offer a solution by reintegrating carbon components into a closed material cycle, promoting sustainability and circular economy principles. This work focuses on recycled CFs (rCFs) obtained through a continuous recycling method for CFRP primary recyclate from composite pressure vessel. Furthermore, re-purposing of the separated matrix material for secondary energy sources makes the process, a 100% recycling route. This closed-loop approach addresses conventional pyrolysis challenges and contributes to more efficient utilization of CFRP waste components. rCF and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) polymers were compounded through an extrusion process. Test specimens were then fabricated according to standard test norms to evaluate the resulting tensile and bending properties. The tensile and flexural modulus of the rCF-rPET obtained are 6.80 and 4.99 GPa, respectively. The need for enhancing the quality of rCF is apparent. Suggestive and potential implications and the marketability of rCF-rPET compounds are also discussed.
Modern material-compatible joining methods for fiber-reinforced plastics require the heating of the materials. In order to predict the respective complex temperature fields and curves, the Fraunhofer IAP and the BTU
Cottbus-Senftenberg have developed numerical methods, which are able to simulate different radiation sources and process sequences as well.
Fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) offer great lightweight construction potential. However, the anisotropic high-performance materials can only be fully utilized through the development of material-specific joining processes. A literature study shows that conventional methods such as screwing, riveting and bolting are unsuitable, since the load-bearing fibers are severed in the joining region. This leads to high-stress concentrations. To reduce these, a method is presented in which through holes are created in thermoplastic FRP by reorienting the fibers in this area around the point of disruption in accordance with the load path. For this purpose, the polymer matrix is softened locally by applying heat and penetrated with a needle or mandrel. Based on this, a technology for material-specific joining of FRP and metals has been developed in the form of thermomechanical flow drill joining. In this process, a mandrel forms a bush from the metal component and deflects the fibers of the locally softened organic sheet to suit the material. Cold metal transfer (CMT) pin welding is presented as another fully automatable joining process. In this method, the softened plastic component is penetrated with the welding wire, displacing the fibers in the joining area and realigning them to suit the load path.
Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) owing to its excellent properties have found its extensive application in various fields ranging from medical to automobile and aerospace industries. This has thereby led to ever-increasing demand of carbon fiber production and as well as resulting in tonnes of carbon fiber wastes in the landfills [5]. Due to the high positive impacts of using carbon fibers, the energy intensive and cost intensive production of virgin fibers and the growing landfills are often overlooked. Hence, the need for recycling and repurposing of carbon fiber wastes have gained the significance at present day. Although various recycling technologies have been developed yet, various challenges are faced with processing of recycled carbon fibers (rCF). Besides, the desired application specific properties are not compromised for high cost and high-energy requirement. Therefore, an overall development of processing rCF is sought from not only
a sustainability point but also an economic point. Various efficient recycling technologies are currently operating. The challenges arises in commercializing the recycled fibers after the recycling process. The recycled fibers often require various post-processing of fibers and
undergoes fiber degradation. This induces a skeptical mindset for the buyers to introduce the recycled fibers in the material ecosystem. This paper currently discusses the processing challenges of long rCF in a compounding plant. To form a closed loop, the recycled fibers
are obtained from the novel thermocatalytic degassing process from the CFRP recycling pioneers in Germany, Global EnerTec AG, Guben. This plant in Guben not only recycles carbon fibers from automotive CFRP wastes but also repurposes the epoxy matrices into secondary energy sources. This paper focuses in investigating the processing of rCF obtained from a 100% recycling technology. The aim is to investigate the possible technical challenges so that the rCF can be repurposed to new product manufacturing. Thereby, addressing the concerns with the development of closed loop circular economy in recycling CFRP wastes.
Neuartige, werkstoffgerechte Fügeverfahren für Faserkunststoffverbunde setzen die Erwärmung der Materialien voraus. Um die damit verbundenen komplexen Temperaturfelder und -verläufe vorherzusagen, haben das Fraunhofer IAP und die BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg numerische Verfahren entwickelt. Mit diesen können auch verschiedene Strahlungsquellen und Prozessabläufe simuliert werden.
Dieser Beitrag stellt eine Entwicklung, Anpassung und Untersuchung der neuartigen Pinschweißtechnik zur Verbindung thermoplastischer Faserkunststoffverbunde mit metallischen Fügepartnern dar. Die untersuchte Fügetechnik bietet, im Vergleich zu anderen Verfahren, neben einer einseitigen Zugänglichkeit, ein hohes Leichtbaupotenzial. An Multimaterial-Einzelpinverbindungen wurden die CMT-Pinschweißbarkeit charakterisiert und unterschiedliche Fügestrategien erprobt und ausgewertet. Als Bewertungskriterien wurden das Schweißgut sowie der Faser- und Matrixerhalt in Abhängigkeit von den Schweißparametern untersucht. Die mechanische Beanspruchbarkeit der mit dem entwickelten Verfahren erstellten Verbindungen wurde in Scherzugversuchen ermittelt. An Mehrpinverbindungen wurde anschließend der Einfluss der Pinanordnung untersucht und die Auslegung der Fügezone analysiert. Der Fügeprozess wurde an Funktionsmustern und diese wiederum in 3-Punkt-Biegeversuchen validiert sowie mit dem Kleben verglichen.
Durch den strukturellen Einsatz von Faser-Kunststoff-Verbunden (FKV) lassen sich hochwertige gewichtsoptimierte Karosserien in Mischbauweise umsetzen. Die untersuchte CMT-Pin-Schweißtechnik zur Verbindung von thermoplastischen Organoblechen mit Stählen bietet, im Vergleich zu anderen Verfahren, neben einer einseitigen Zugänglichkeit, ein hohes Leichtbaupotenzial. Das Vorhaben wurde auf eine werkstoff-, prozess- und konstruktionsgerechte Umsetzung des Verfahrens ausgerichtet.
Auf Basis experimenteller und numerischer Untersuchungen wurde eine Methode zum Vorwärmen von Organoblechen mittels Infrarotstrahlung entwickelt. Die Eignung der CMT-Pin-Technologie wurde sowohl für das Fügen von karbon- als auch glasfaserverstärktem PA6 betrachtet. Als Bewertungskriterien wurden das Schweißgut sowie der Faser- und Matrixerhalt in Abhängigkeit der Schweißparameter untersucht. Das entwickelte Verfahren wurde mit herkömmlichen Fügemethoden bzgl. der in Kopf- und Scherzugversuchen ermittelten Festigkeiten verglichen. Zur Bestimmung der Beständigkeit der Verbindungen gegen unterschiedliche Witterungsbedingungen wurden Salzsprühnebel- und Wechselkorrosionstests durchgeführt. Mit dem Fügen von Hutprofilen wurde die Anwendung der entwickelte CMT-Pin-Technik am Tunnel sowie den Längs- und Querträgern der Bodenstruktur eines Kraftfahrzeugs demonstriert.
In der Automobilindustrie spielt bei der Herstellung von schalenförmigen Faserverbundkomponenten mit komplexer Geometrie das Resin-Transfer- Moulding-Verfahren (RTM) eine bedeutende Rolle. Um Verschnitt sowie Umformgrad zu reduzieren werden geometrisch komplexe, großflächige Strukturen aus einzelnen Sub-Preforms zusammengesetzt. Während der Preform-Montage entstehen im Überlappungsbereich des Bauteils Wanddickensprünge sowie lokale Abweichungen vom gestreckten Faserwinkel. Der textile Fügebereich der Sub-Preforms ist nicht nur für die mechanischen Eigenschaften eines Bauteils ausschlaggebend, sondern hat auch direkten Einfluss auf das Füllverhalten bei der Bauteilherstellung im RTM-Prozess. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Entwicklung flexibler, werkstoff- und prozessgerechter Preforms für hochbeanspruchte Faserverbund-Komponenten im Automobilbau. Textilien welche mit dem TFP-Verfahren hergestellt werden erfüllen die Anforderungen der Großserie bei Gewährleistung der Richtungsflexibilität. Diese Arbeit bietet Lösungen für eine gekoppelte Drapier- und Füllsimulation von lastpfadgerechten technischen Gesticken, sowie einen Abgleich mit experimentell gewonnenen Erkenntnissen. Prozessrelevante Parameter, wie Spaltabstände und Überlapplängen werden analysiert, bewertet und gegenübergestellt. Erkenntnisse bzgl. dem Einfluss von Drapierprozessen auf das Füllverhalten werden ermittelt und mit den Auswirkungen dieser Überlappungen auf die mechanischen Eigenschaften verknüpft.
The European Parliament and Council has defined a mandatory specific emission target of 95 g CO2/km by 2020 for passenger cars. Vehicle weight is a significant factor contributing to fuel consumption. Reducing the weight of the vehicle can be one promising option for decreasing CO2 emissions, which becomes a top priority for the automotive industry. In this research, two approaches were used to address the need. One involved developing structural parts using fibre reinforced plastics (FRP), and the other involved designing and developing FRP–metal hybrid laminates, which were constructed by reinforcing FRP locally to the metal surface. Existing joining techniques such as riveting, bolting, adhesive joining, ultrasonic welding, and flow drill joining techniques require additional processing steps to perform the joining, which could considerably increase processing time, cost, and energy expenditure. The present work describes a method to join FRP and metals using the adhesion strength of the investigated polymers. The developed FRP–metal hybrid laminates combine the advantages of metal and FRP together. Steel hot-stamping is known to yield very high strength. Fibre reinforced plastic–metal hybrid laminates were developed using hot stamped steels to transfer their superior mechanical properties to the final structure. To utilize the complete lightweight potential of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers, FRPs and FRP–metal hybrid laminates were developed using both the polymers. Along with this increased demand for FRP structures, there is growing interest in a repair technique in the automotive industry. The second objective of this thesis consists of designing and developing a new repair technique, which regains the strength and stiffness properties of the damaged part. The existing scarf repair technique is not suitable for thin laminates, which have limited access to the damaged area. Perforation damages were introduced into the FRP structures using a low-velocity impact load. A modified injection repair technique is used to repair these damaged FRP structures. Non-destructive techniques were utilized to understand the damage and the effectiveness of the repair.
Powders are typical starting materials for the production of ceramics. In this paper, a strategy is presented, that allows a quick quality control of inorganic powders. This strategy bases on dyes. Dye adsorption as well as the usage of indicators allow an easy and cheap characterisation of powders. Furthermore, the tests provide information on the chemical behaviour of the powders. It can be shown, that there is a coherence between the results of colour tests of a powder and the influence on the properties of ceramics
(prepared from this powder). Ceramic powders suffer from perpetual changes mainly by two reasons. First, due to their large surface
powders show interactions with components of the atmosphere (e.g. water, carbon dioxide, oxygen). A further problem arises, if natural sources are the origin of powders: The material can have tremendous
changes in the chemical composition causing serious problems in the production of ceramics. That’s why quality control of powders is a must. Unfortunately, the methods used are expensive and time consuming
(e.g. BET, EDX, XPS, ICP). In particular, smaller companies have only limited opportunities to control the quality of their starting powders. In this paper a simple, quick and inexpensive method is suggested, which bases on dyes and allows a control of powder quality.
Preforms with large complex geometry, for example, body parts for the automotive industry, are consisted into multiple elements – so-called sub-preforms. Hereby the sub-preforms can be adjusted to different local load cases but joining of these sub-preforms also raises challenges. The preform joints are decisive to the mechanical properties of the final component. The state-of-the-art joint, a single lap, results in a variation of wall thickness with local redirection of fibre orientation. In this paper, the influence of alternative joints of embroidered fabrics is analysed regarding the resulting mechanical properties of the part. The built test specimen contains different preform joints with different process-relevant parameters. Such as gaps between the sub-preforms, to analyse the influence on the mechanical performance. To reveal the various defects like voids, air pockets and to validate the fibre orientation, computer tomography (CT) investigation was performed on the built plates. In addition, the influence in mechanical properties was also analysed. The overlapping is analysed with tensile strength test according to DIN EN ISO 527-4.
In this paper the relationship between surface energy and flexural strength of metal laminate made by reinforcing glass fibre reinforced polymer on steel surfaces was investigated. Sand blasting was performed on 22MnB5 steel surface. This steel was stacked together with layers of unidirectional glass/polyamide-6 prepreg, followed by pressing in a hot press. Influenced parameters are pressure, temperature and time. 3D profilometer analysis was used to investigate the roughness profile on the surface of the steel generated by the sand blasting. The surface energy of the steel surface was calculated from a set of contact angles measured by three different liquids. To identify the optimal surface treatment, the variation of surface energy, flexural strength and roughness of the steel surface was determined as function of the surface treatment. Surface roughness (Ra of 1.08 μm), results indicate that increasing surface roughness leads to improvement in flexural modulus. The increase further leads to decrease in flexural modulus. In addition, the influence of surface energy and flexural strength on the impact damage behaviour was investigated too. The results showed that the sample with highest flexural modulus had the lowest impact-induced damage area.
At present plywood structures are used in the loading area of utility structures. Low velocity impact studies on these structures showed cracks on its lower surface. Hence, in the current study low-velocity impact of a lighter honeycomb sandwich structure is investigated to satisfy the needs of the utility vehicle segment. To meet this objective, facing sheets are manufactured using the polypropylene matrix and glass fibers. Polypropylene honeycombs are used in the study. Depending on the experimental boundary conditions, a cross-ply laminate set up is used for the facing sheets. An impact energy of 100 J is chosen in the study. This energy caused visible failure on the plywood sample. Hence a lighter sandwich construction which can resist 100 J impact is implemented in this study. Influence of top and bottom facing sheet thicknesses on the amount of damage inflicted on its surfaces are studied. Experimental histories of absorbed energy and contact force are recorded. A finite element analysis is performed using LS-DYNA and numerical results are compared with the experimental responses. A honeycomb sandwich panel [0/90/90/0/Core/0/90/90/0] meeting the objective of the study is seen as an optimum replacement for the existing plywood structures.