CELLULOSE NANOCRYSTAL (CNC) has exceptional properties, however, its strong tendency to agglomerate during the melt processing largely hindered its application as reinforcing filler for the commodity composite.

We are endeavoring to address this dispersion problem, towards which studies are conducted in the directions of:

• Rational designing the CNC-matrix interface
• Engineering CNC surface for high-performance CNC nanocomposite
• Developing industrial viable strategies for the CNC nanocomposite production;
• Unlocking CNC’s potential as a bubble nucleating agent for the microcellular injection molding technology (Mucell)

AS PART OF A SCRA GRANT for the unification of various connected systems, Clemson researchers deployed a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system program called Ignition on a Windows server hosted at a Clemson University data center. The system was connected to a MySQL database for continuous logging of all desired parameters for the various devices and machines connected to Ignition.

The program enables connections via OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus TCP, and various proprietary drivers (e.g. Siemens, Omron). A wide range of devices were connected to Ignition, including the injection molding machine (through a route ending in an OPC UA server), an in-mold sensor system, a twin screw extruder, a remote data acquisition system for downstream extrusion equipment, and multiple remote temperature and input sensors throughout the labs. Interfaces were made to visualize the data from these systems on both desktop and mobile devices and enable control where available.

IN 2016, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS began work for a $5.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to pioneer technology for fuel-savings, energy efficiency, and to meet the U.S. corporate average fuel economy standards.

Working with industry partners, the Clemson team engineered and constructed an ultra-lightweight thermoplastics composites door that enables innovation for greenhouse gas reduction, recyclability, and circular economy.

John W. Gillespie, director of the University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials (CCM), and assistant director Shridhar Yarlagadda issued a joint statement:

“Clemson and CCM are establishing a strong partnership to merge auto systems design with composites materials, design and manufacturing to lightweight composites door for high-volume production.”