Michigan Technological University

About: Michigan Technological University is a education organization based out in Houghton, Michigan, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Volcano. The organization has 8023 authors who have published 17422 publications receiving 481780 citations. The organization is also known as: MTU & Michigan Tech.

Accelerated ultraviolet weathering of PVC/wood‐flour composites

Abstract: Ultraviolet weathering performance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filled with different concentrations of wood flour was studied. Extruded PVC/wood-flour composite samples were subjected to cyclic ultraviolet lamps/condensation exposures and assessed over a total of 400 and 2600 hours. Each assessment consisted of DRIFT-FTIR and XPS collections, contact angle measurement, color measurement, and tensile property testing. The experimental results indicated that wood flours are effective chromophore materials since their incorporation into a rigid PVC matrix accelerated the degradation of the polymeric matrix. Photodegradation converted unfilled PVC samples to a colored material of lower extensibility. Although composite samples exhibited greater discoloration than unfilled PVC samples, they retained all their original strength and stiffness properties even after 2600 hours of cyclic UV irradiation/condensation exposures.

Studies of volcanic ash from two recent Central American eruptions

Abstract: The 1971 eruptions of Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua and Fuego volcano in Guatemala produced ash blankets with minimum volumes of 7 × 107 m3 and 6 × 107 m3, respectively. Seven new chemical analyses show that ash produced by both eruptions was basaltic and similar to previously — erupted lavas of both volcanoes. Both ash blankets were sampled areally and stratigraphically before they were affected by rain. Chemical analyses of soluble materials leached from these ashes show that near the end of both eruptions the concentrations of soluble materials increased by about an order of magnitude. These changes are believed to reflect changes in the composition of eruptive gases.

Industrial applications using BASF eco-efficiency analysis: perspectives on green engineering principles.

Abstract: Life without chemicals would be inconceivable, but the potential risks and impacts to the environment associated with chemical production and chemical products are viewed critically. Eco-efficiency analysis considers the economic and life cycle environmental effects of a product or process, giving these equal weighting. The major elements of the environmental assessment include primary energy use, raw materials utilization, emissions to all media, toxicity, safety risk, and land use. The relevance of each environmental category and also for the economic versus the environmental impacts is evaluated using national emissions and economic data. The eco-efficiency analysis method of BASF is briefly presented, and results from three applications to chemical processes and products are summarized. Through these applications, the eco-efficiency analyses mostly confirm the 12 Principles listed in Anastas and Zimmerman (Environ. Sci. Technol. 2003, 37(5), 94A), with the exception that, in one application, production systems based on bio-based feedstocks were not the most eco-efficient as compared to those based on fossil resources. Over 180 eco-efficiency analyses have been conducted at BASF, and their results have been used to support strategic decision-making, marketing, research and development, and communication with external parties. Eco-efficiency analysis, as one important strategy and success factor in sustainable development, will continue to be a very strong operational tool at BASF.

Developing 3D spatial skills for engineering students

Abstract: Researchers have found that 3D spatial skills are critical to success in a variety of careers, particularly in engineering and science. For engineering, the ability to mentally rotate objects in space has been found to be of particular importance. Unfortunately, of all areas of cognition, 3D spatial skills still exhibit some of the most robust gender differences favouring males, and the most pronounced gender differences are in the area of mental rotations. For this reason, poorly developed 3D spatial skills could be a hindrance to the success of women in engineering. University educators are quick to recognise deficiencies in math and chemistry, and many US universities have developed remediation programs for students with weaknesses in these areas. At a time when we are actively recruiting women for engineering programs, however, it is important to consider all possible barriers to their success. At Michigan Technological University (MTU), we have been offering a special course aimed at improvin...