Grace Fantozzi
Research Mentor(s): Louise Batta
Mentor Department: Materials Science and Engineering
Authors: Louise Batta, Isaac Albuja, Grace Fantozzi
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 30
Abstract
The development of sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers is critical to reducing the carbon footprint of the automotive industry. Studies show flax fibers can be similar in mechanical performance, and sometimes even superior, to glass fiber composites – the current leading fiber composite. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of the addition of nanoparticles on flax plants strength and durability. The goal is to reduce variability in the flax plants to create more consistent fibers that perform better. To do this, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were added to the plants in varying intervals of dosages. Additionally, some of the plants are also treated with fluorescent nanoparticles called carbon dots, that will help track the location of the CNCs within the flax plants. Two experimental approaches were designed. The first experiment involves a single dose of CNCs to two groups of plants, and the second experiment involves weekly doses of CNCs for eight weeks. Each experiment was repeated simultaneously with a treatment that included carbon dots. In total, 160 flax plants were grown. 64 of the plants were used in the first experiment and given the single dosage, 64 were used in the second experiment and given weekly dosages, and 32 were used as the control. The flax plants will then be cleaned, dried and weighed to assess differences in their growth and composition, and fluorescent microscopy will be used to analyze the location of the carbon dots in the plants. It is hypothesized that the weekly dosage will result in stronger plants. The findings of this study could eventually have a part in reducing humanity’s carbon footprint, as the production of synthetic fiber composites for use in the automotive industry plays a large role in climate change.
