ABSTRACT
Herein, a solvent-based green recycling procedure is reported for recycling thermoset epoxy resins (TERs) and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites (CFRECs) employing ionic liquids (ILs) and alcohols under mild conditions. With melting points less than 100 °C, ILs are defined as organic salts, typically composed of bulky cations with organic or inorganic counteranions. As a result of their unique physical properties such as low vapor pressure, relatively high thermal stability, and multifunctional tunability, these solvents are often classified as "green solvents" as compared to traditional organic solvents. In this study, swelling and dissolution of TER are evaluated in the presence of pure alkyl-methyl-imidazolium ILs, alcohols, and various mixtures of these co-solvents to determine their swelling and depolymerization capacity at mild temperatures in the absence of catalysts. In these studies, three ILs with different alkyl lengths were evaluated: 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride ([BMIm][Cl]), 1-hexyl-3-methyl imidazolium bromide ([HMIm][Br]), and 1-octyl-3-methyl imidazolium bromide ([OMIm][Br]) along with two alcohols: ethylene glycol (EG) and glycerol (Gly). The highest swelling capacity of TER at 150 °C was achieved by a combination of [BMIm][Cl] and EG. In addition, swelling and dissolution of TER were evaluated in the presence of several anion variants of 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium ILs with EG. Complete dissolution of both TERs and CFRECs was achieved in 150 min (2.5 h) at 150 °C under atmospheric pressure. Finally, recovery and reuse of the recycled monomer after dissolution were examined. Recovered epoxy monomers employed to synthesize a recycled TER exhibited similar mechanical properties to the parent TER. In addition, it was demonstrated that carbon fibers could be successfully recovered from CFREC using the recycling method detailed in this manuscript.
ABSTRACT
We describe a device engineered for realistic simulation of myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion that tracks instrument placement and objectively measures operator proficiency. A 3-dimensional computer model of the external ear and cartilaginous external auditory canal was created from a normal maxillofacial computed tomography scan, and models for the bony external auditory canal and tympanic cavity were created with computer-aided design software. Physical models were 3-dimensionally printed from the computer reconstructions. The external auditory canal and tympanic cavity surfaces were coated with conductive material and wired to a capacitive sensor interface. A programmable microcontroller with custom embedded software completed the system. Construct validation was completed by comparing the run times and total sensor contact times of otolaryngology faculty and residents.
