|
|
Dan
D. Edie, Ph.D. --
Research Activities
Dow Chemical Professor Emeritus
Composite materials,
high-performance fibers, polymer processing and rheology are the
primary research interests of Professor Edie. In ongoing research,
he has discovered techniques that dramatically increase the physical
and thermal properties of carbon and liquid-crystalline fibers and
improve their performance in composite materials.
Professor Edie and his students have also studied the viscoelastic
behavior of liquid crystalline materials. Based on this information,
they have created visual 3D models for predicting the development of
structure during the formation of liquid-crystalline fibers and films.
The goal is to permit critical process variables to be recognized and
allow better design and control of high performance fiber processes.
Professor Edie has applied a similar approach to create activated carbon fibers
that are designed to absorb specific molecules. In a collaborative effort with Dr. Thies and his students, pitch precursors are being produced with specific molecular structures. This unprecedented control precursor chemistry, combined with careful control of process conditions, has allowed them to produce activated carbon fibers with specific pore structures. Applications for these fibers range from environmental remediation to hydrogen storage.
Professors Edie, Ogale and their students are also exploring more efficient
methods for producing less expensive carbon fibers. Currently, most
carbon fibers are produced by driving off the non-carbon elements in
polyacrylonitrile precursor fibers. Approximately one-half of the fiber
mass is lost during this conversion. The team is evaluating alternate
formulations of polyacrylonitrile and new precursor polymers with higher
carbon contents as possible approaches for reducing mass loss and,
thus, process costs.
|
