Ben Chouchaoui, ME, BSc, MASc, PhD Operations Manager Windsor Industrial Development Laboratory Rubbers are elastomers, thermosets, characterized by large deformability and the capability to recover their shapes upon removals of applied loads. Industrial rubbers divide into natural rubber (NR) and synthetic rubbers. The former derives from natural rubber latex, mainly constituted by poly(cis-1,4-isoprene), an unsaturated […]
Chemical devulcanization, applied since the 1960s, is nowadays among the most diffused. It
employs various organic and inorganic chemical compounds that selectively break carbon-
sulfur and/or sulfur-sulfur bonds. Generally, a supply of thermal and mechanical energy
accelerates the treatment. Most chemical devulcanization methods are batch processes, in
which ground waste rubber is mixed with chemical agents, at a controlled temperature and
pressure. Many types of chemical compounds can be used, such as sulfides, mercaptans,
amine-based compounds, inorganic solvents like propane thiol/piperidine,
triphenylphosphine (PPh3), trialkyl phosphites, lithium aluminum hydride, and methyl iodide,
organic solvents like alcohols and ketones, and ionic liquids (ILs). The drawback relates to
toxicity of chemicals. This problem could be partially mitigated by employing less toxic, more
environmentally friendly, non-sulfured agents.
Devulcanization aims at selectively cleavage the intermolecular sulfidic such as carbon- sulfur (C-S) and/or sulfur-sulfur (S-S) bonds, breaking down the tridimensional network without involving main chain scissions and degradation of the polymer.
The automotive industry comprises a wide range of companies and organizations involved in
the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, selling, repairing, and modification of
motor vehicles. It is one of the world's largest industries by revenue (from 16% such as in
France up to 40% in countries such as Slovakia).
Some of the discretization methods being used in Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFD)
are:
Finite volume method: The finite volume method (FVM) is a common approach used in CFD
codes, as it has an advantage in memory usage and solution speed, especially for large
problems, high Reynolds number turbulent flows, and source term dominated flows (like
combustion). In the finite volume method, the governing partial differential equations
(typically the Navier-Stokes equations, the mass and energy conservation equations, and
the turbulence equations) are recast in a conservative form, and then solved over discrete
control volumes. This discretization guarantees the conservation of fluxes through a
particular control volume. The finite volume equation yields governing equations in the form,
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical
analysis and data structures to analyze and solve problems that involve fluid flows.
Computers are used to perform the massive calculations required to simulate the free-
stream flow of the fluid, and the interaction of the fluid (liquids and gases) with surfaces
defined by boundary conditions. With high-speed supercomputers, better solutions can be
achieved, and are often required to solve the largest and most complex problems. Ongoing
research yields software that improves the accuracy and speed of complex simulation
scenarios such as transonic or turbulent flows. Initial validation of such software is typically
performed using experimental apparatus such as wind tunnels. In addition, previously
performed analytical or empirical analysis of a particular problem can be used for
comparison. A final validation is often performed using full-scale testing, such as flight tests.
The economy comprises many different types of industries that produce goods or provide
services. The essence of the industry encompasses 1. Business, 2. Cottage Industry, 3.
Heavy industry, 4. Light industry, and 5. Manufacturing.
When it comes to producing end-use parts and products, one material stands out the most:
Plastic. There are thousands of polymer options, each with specific mechanical properties.
They make almost everything and there is a variety of plastic manufacturing processes that
convert plastics into products. But manufacturing options can be very limited and should be
treated case by case. For example geometry and design require significant design for
manufacturing (DFM) optimization.
Traditionally, one of the biggest issues facing the automotive and transportation ecosystem has been what to do with scrap tires. When they are no longer suitable for use on vehicles because of wear or irreparable damage, used tires can become a huge health and environmental problem.
Traditionally, one of the biggest issues facing the automotive and transportation ecosystem
has been what to do with scrap tires. When they are no longer suitable for use on vehicles
because of wear or irreparable damage, used tires can become a huge health and
environmental problem.
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Disclaimer - Dr. Chouchaoui and WIDL do not do engineering services regulated by PEO (Professional Engineers Ontario). If you need services as such please contact PEO for referrals to an engineer who does such.
