Flame Attenuation of Glass Fibers
Sponsor: |
Johns-Manville |
Faculty: |
Prof. Carlo Pantano, Director of the Materials Research Institute Prof. Karl Spear, Department of Materials Science and Engineering Prof. André Boehman, Director of the Combustion Laboratory |
Objective: |
To understand the relationship between the surface properties of flame attenuated glass fibers and the conditions the glass is experiences in the flame, e.g., temperature, stoichiometry, radical concentrations and residence time |
Approach: |
Fibers are processed by passing them through a premixed flame using a slot burner. The stoichiometry of this premixed flame and the momentum of the burner gas flow are adjusted to control residence time, temperature and stoichiometry in the flame. Surface properties of the fibers are analyzed using XPS, TOF-SIMS and XRD. The fibers are also tested for biological activity in lung fluids. The flame attenuated fibers are compared to the original fibers and other glasses. |
Results: |
The flame attenuated fibers display a depletion of Boron at the surface due to volatilization of Boron compounds. This volatilization effect correlates well with residence in the flame and flame temperature. |
Flame Synthesis of Advanced Coatings from Fly Ash
Faculty: |
Prof. John Hellmann, Program Chair, Ceramic Science and Engineering Dr. Barry Scheetz, Materials Research Laboratory Prof. André Boehman, Director of the Combustion Laboratory |
Objective: |
To determine methods for synthesis of corrosion resistant coatings from coal boiler fly ash |
Approach: |
High carbon fly ash modified in a flame or plasma environment to form silicon oxycarbide, a superior coating material for prevention of aqueous corrosion. High carbon fly ashes from various boilers in Pennsylvania are being examined using heat treatment techniques, physical and magnetic separation and exposure to premixed flames. |
Results: |
No results to report as yet. |