Week 3

This week, a meeting was held with Dr. Palmese to discuss the progress and eventual outcomes of the project. Some of the topics discussed included:
- Epoxy polymerization with amine curing agents
- Free Radical Polymerization
- Use of MFAs instead of styrene
- Cashew nut shell oil derivatives such cardol and anacardic acid
- Bio-oil formation from pyrolysis
Further analysis of these topics can be found in the background information section of this blog.

In addition, it was outlined what needs to be acquired to actually conducted to project; the curing agent LITE 2562, natural fiber meshes and cashew nut shell oil derivatives. Once these products are acquired, lab times can be set up, and the procedure can be carried out.

Week 2

This week in lab, a visit was made to the Chemical Engineering Lab in Bossone 521. Graduate students who conduct research in the lab proctored a tour for the group. An introduction to the test materials, as well as the beginning chemistry was given. In addition, machines that will be used to test the polymer were introduced, including the Differential Scanning Calorimeter, the Charpy machine, and the IZOD machine.

After touring the lab, the initial design proposal was made. It was outlined that tests were to be conducted on a polymer constructed from cashew nut oil to test its qualities, such as hardness, durability, and light weightiness. It was deciding that project would be split into five distinct steps; the initial 2 weeks will be spent on Literature study and gathering background knowledge.  The next three weeks will be spent on testing the Epoxy Resin. The following three weeks will be spent on Composite setting. The final three weeks will be spent developing the final deliverable and drafting the final report.   

Week 1

This week in lab, the group was established. It was also decided that the project that would be pursued   was an analysis of polymeric materials from renewable resources. To begin, research was done on polymers in an attempt to establish background knowledge. Some of the articles that were read are included in the “Background Knowledge” section. After discussing ideas with graduate fellows, an interest in analyzing a polymer made from cashew nut shell oil was established. The initial design proposal was also made.  A lab visit was scheduled for Week 2, to talk to researchers and to investigate available lab resources.

Group 071-11

Freshman Engineering Design Lab 103

Drexel University

"Polymeric Materials from Renewable Resources"