For the recycling of carpet and artificial turf the latex backing is often a real stumble block. Many strategies have been developed like freezing the carpet, followed by grinding and subsequent separation of the milled particles. Once it has been separated from its backing materials, PA 6 is relatively easy to depolymerise. This produces fresh caprolactam that can be used to manufacture PA 6 with no loss in quality, and is suitable for further recycling [1]. The comparable process for PA 6,6 is not as easy, but DuPont and Polyamid 2000 have developed and patented a process that depolymerises any mixture of PA 6 and 6,6 using ammonia. The result is fresh caprolactam and 1,6 diaminohexane for manufacture of PA 6 and 6,6 respectively [2]. Obviously a lot of research has been devoted to avoiding latex as a backing like e.g. polyurethane carpet backing systems based on natural oil polyols and polymer polyols [4]. Still carboxylated styrene butadiene is the leading synthetic latex polymer used in EU-27 for carpet backing, followed by styrene-acrylics and pure acrylics. This contrasts with Eastern Europe, Russia, and Turkey where styrene-acrylics dominate, followed by PVAc and redispersible powders [3]. In addition there has been a lot of research into developing alternative backing systems where the backing can easily be removed. Examples are the use of gecko technology [5] or using click chemistry (reversible Diels Alder reactions) [6]. But the best option for recycling is of course to develop carpets based completely on monomaterials. Paper for the 14th Autex World Textile Conference May 26th-28th 2014, Bursa, Turkey.
MULTIFILE
This paper analyzes connectivity and efficiency of a SME network across two industries. These characteristics are likely to be different for networks of various industries. The concept of 'small worlds' is used to judge overall network efficiency. The actual network can be classified as one in which a small world is present. Visualization of the results shows a single core group in the network. It was found that non-profit as well as science actors were overrepresented in the core of the field.
In order for techniques from Model Driven Engineering to be accepted at large by the game industry, it is critical that the effectiveness and efficiency of these techniques are proven for game development. There is no lack of game design models, but there is no model that has surfaced as an industry standard. Game designers are often reluctant to work with models: they argue these models do not help them design games and actually restrict their creativity. At the same time, the flexibility that model driven engineering allows seems a good fit for the fluidity of the game design process, while clearly defined, generic models can be used to develop automated design tools that increase the development’s efficiency.
Circularity represents an innovative approach to sustainability, aiming to transition from linear systems to cyclical ones by minimizing waste and optimizing resource utilization. Key to this concept is the repurposing of waste into valuable resources, which not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters innovation and produces further value. By utilizing their own waste, organizations can not only decrease their ecological footprint but also promote the development of materials with enhanced circularity thus mitigating environmental harm. Embracing circular practices provides a tangible pathway towards harmonizing human activities with the natural world, nurturing a regenerative global ecosystem. In a concerted effort to tackle biomass waste generated from JvEsch's operations, a strategic partnership with MNEXT is forged. This collaboration endeavours not only to replace unsustainable materials but also to enhance operational efficiency. Central to this initiative is a one-year research feasibility project which focuses on upcycling JvEsch’s biomass waste into valuable products for use in their business model. By examining JvEsch's waste streams, opportunities for the production of alternative materials were being explored. Among these materials, mycelium biocomposites (MBCs) emerge as a promising option for waste reduction and material innovation. The primary objective of this project is to explore the viability of manufacturing and utilizing MBC plant pots using JvEsch's waste. Unlike conventional pots, these innovative alternatives eliminate the need for removal before planting. Through replacing traditional plastic pots commonly used in the industry, the investigation aims to practically demonstrate the transformative potential of circularity in waste management and material production within an organization.
The postdoc candidate, Sondos Saad, will strengthen connections between research groups Asset Management(AM), Data Science(DS) and Civil Engineering bachelor programme(CE) of HZ. The proposed research aims at deepening the knowledge about the complex multidisciplinary performance deterioration prediction of turbomachinery to optimize cleaning costs, decrease failure risk and promote the efficient use of water &energy resources. It targets the key challenges faced by industries, oil &gas refineries, utility companies in the adoption of circular maintenance. The study of AM is already part of CE curriculum, but the ambition of this postdoc is that also AM principles are applied and visible. Therefore, from the first year of the programme, the postdoc will develop an AM material science line and will facilitate applied research experiences for students, in collaboration with engineering companies, operation &maintenance contractors and governmental bodies. Consequently, a new generation of efficient sustainability sensitive civil engineers could be trained, as the labour market requires. The subject is broad and relevant for the future of our built environment being more sustainable with less CO2 footprint, with possible connections with other fields of study, such as Engineering, Economics &Chemistry. The project is also strongly contributing to the goals of the National Science Agenda(NWA), in themes of “Circulaire economie en grondstoffenefficiëntie”,”Meten en detecteren: altijd, alles en overall” &”Smart Industry”. The final products will be a framework for data-driven AM to determine and quantify key parameters of degradation in performance for predictive AM strategies, for the application as a diagnostic decision-support toolbox for optimizing cleaning &maintenance; a portfolio of applications &examples; and a new continuous learning line about AM within CE curriculum. The postdoc will be mentored and supervised by the Lector of AM research group and by the study programme coordinator(SPC). The personnel policy and job function series of HZ facilitates the development opportunity.
Living walls are increasingly becoming tools for green climate adaptation in the urban context, but distribution efforts are dampened by high investment and operational costs. Those costs are derived mainly from designing and manufacturing unique equipment for such new projects. A system using wastewater could relieve some of these costs by decreasing their irrigation and fertigation needs. Muuras is developing helophyte filters integrated into living wall systems that can readily be attached to any wall surface, with the ultimate purpose of local water recycling. Additionally, based on the fact that Muuras is a pre-engineered company, their product is modular, which means that a considerable advantage is recognized regarding the decreased capital cost. To realize scalable implementation of such a system, research with regards to the purification capabilities of lightweight substrates and small wetland plant species is imperative. In SoW & FloW, the NHL Stenden Water Technology Professorship proposes a collaboration between two SME’s (Muuras, Greenwave Systems) and a company (DeSaH), to evaluate a selection of substrates and endemic plant species based on their capability to use domestic wastewater as an irrigation source.
