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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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In this research, we combined experimental and molecular modeling to obtain a fundamental understanding required to evaluate and predict the role of three natural iron oxides minerals (ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite) in recycling phosphorus from organic matter, particularly ribonucleotides.
The proposed resin-enhanced materials, which utilize fully recycled CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer) particles, are enabled by PARC's proprietary Chemically Linked Particles Networks (13 granted patents and patent applications). PNNL and PARC have collaborated to develop manufacturing methods, such as vacuum-assisted wet compression molding and filament winding, for fabricating fiber-reinforced composites with the PARC matrix. PNNL has conducted various mechanical, physical, and thermal characterizations to compare their differences between the composites with baseline and PARC matrices. Those characterizations include density, void volume fraction, optical micrography, uniaxial tension, four-point bending/flexure, interlaminar shear, coefficient of thermal expansion, glass transition temperature, and curing kinetics.
Water shortage is an immediate and serious threat to our world population. Inexpensive and scalable methods to clean freshwater and wastewater are in high demand. Nanofiber filtration membranes represent a next generation nonwoven filter media due to their unique properties. Polyethlyene terephthalate (PET) is often used in the packaging of water and other commonly used materials, leading to a large amount of plastic waste often with limited incentive for recycling (few value-added uses). Here, we present work in the generation of nanofiber liquid filtration membranes from PET plastic bottles and demonstrate their use in microfiltration. PET nanofiber membranes were formed via solution electrospinning with fiber diameters as low as ca. 100 nm. Filtration efficiency was tested with latex beads with sizes ranging from 30 to 2000 nm. Greater than 99% of the beads as small as 500 nm were removed using gravity filtration. To reduce biofouling, the mats were functionalized with quaternary ammonium and biguanide biocides. The biguanide functionalized mats achieved 6 log reduction for both gram negative and gram positive bacteria.
Observations of pre-transitional disks show a narrow inner dust ring and a larger outer one. They are separated by a cavity with no or only little dust. We propose an efficient recycling mechanism for the inner dust ring which keeps it in a steady state. No major particle sources are needed for replenishment. Dust particles and pebbles drift outwards by radiation pressure and photophoresis. The pebbles grow during outward drift until they reach a balanced position where residual gravity compensates photophoresis. While still growing larger they reverse their motion and drift inward. Eventually, their speed is fast enough for them to be destroyed in collisions with other pebbles and drift outward again. We quantify the force balance and drift velocities for the disks LkCa15 and HD 135344B. We simulate single-particle evolution and show that this scenario is viable. Growth and drift timescales are on the same order and a steady state can be established in the inner dust ring.
A new technology developed at JPL using low absorption color filters with polarization and color recycle system, is able to enhance efficiency of a single panel liquid crytal display (LCD) projector to the same efficiency of a 3 panel LCD projector.
A new technology, developed at JPL, using low-absorption color filters and color recycling system, is able to enhance the efficiency of current liquid crystal device up to 500 percent.
Presentation about water recycling technologies based on forward osmosis
A powder recycling study was conducted to examine the effects of powder reuse on physical and mechanical properties of SLM GRCop-42. Twelve sequential builds were conducted, each reusing powder from the previous build topped off with virgin powder to fill the powder chamber. Powder morphology, particle size distribution, flowability, and chemistry were examined for each subsequent build, along with the mechanical properties of tensile and LCF specimens built with each powder batch. It was found that only powder flowability demonstrated a trend with increasing reuse, with flowability and cohesiveness generally decreasing over the course of the 12 builds. Minor variation in powder chemistry was observed throughout the study, however, the variations did not correlate with increasing powder reuse
Methods for handling electronic waste have failed to keep pace with the world’s growing use of electronics. Recycling is not only an opportunity to reclaim valuable metals for new products, it’s also a responsible way to keep outdated electronics from ending up in unwanted places. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Institute has helped researchers at Idaho National Laboratory develop an economically and sound solution to discarding electronics.
The National Ignition Facility uses over 40,000 optics to help guide 192 laser beams onto a target the size of a pencil eraser. Check out how the optics recycle loop repairs optics, saving time and money.
This project provides a comprehensive view of global trends in supply and demand for materials critical for Li-ion batteries (LIB) and the processes needed for recycling to contribute to the circular economy of these materials.
Currently, nearly all utility-scale wind turbine blades are manufactured using traditional thermoset resin systems such as epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester. Decommissioned thermoset blades cannot easily or economically be recycled at the end of life, with the vast majority of them ending up in landfills. Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are working to change that.
A new recycling method developed by scientists at the Critical Materials Institute, a U.S. Department of Energy Innovation Hub led by the Ames Laboratory, recovers valuable rare-earth magnetic material from manufacturing waste and creates useful magnets out of it.
Fiscal year 2019 accomplishments and progress for NREL's battery recycling supply chain analysis project, presented at the 2019 Vehicle Technologies Office Annual Merit Review.
Challenges and approaches for recycling solar photovoltaic modules and other end of life management options.
This case study describes an evaluation of wastewater recycling systems for multi-load washers at a hotel. These systems can potentially save an average of 365,000 gallons/month of combined water and sewer and 1,119 therms/month in hot water heating energy.
Finding solutions to the plastic waste problem will require public-private partnerships, innovation in deconstruction and upcycling technologies, and the invention of new recyclable-by-design materials.
Learn about different types of batteries and the proper ways to dispose of them. This fact sheet from Energy Saver includes information on single-use, rechargeable, and automotive batteries, as well as tips for disposal, recycling, and safe handling.