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.