Coal to graphite using microwave oven, scientists show how
The team of scientists led by TeYu Chien from the University of Wyoming, Department of Physics and Astronomy, in a study published in the journal Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects, explained how they created an environment in a microwave oven to successfully convert raw coal powder into nano graphite, which is used as a lubricant and in items ranging from fire extinguishers to lithium-ion batteries.
In their view, this “one-step method with metal-assisted microwave treatment” is a new approach that could represent a simple and relatively inexpensive coal-conversion technology to make proper use of Wyoming’s Powder River Basin coal.
According to the scientists, while previous research had shown that microwaves could be used to reduce the moisture content of coal and remove sulphur and other minerals, most of the methods required a specific chemical pretreatment of the coal. However, in their experiment, the only treatment performed was to grind raw Powder River Basin coal into powder.
Then the powder was placed on a copper foil and sealed in glass containers with a gas mixture of hydrogen and argon, before being put in a microwave oven.
By cutting the copper foil into a fork shape, sparks were induced by the microwave radiation, generating extremely high temperatures, crossing 1800 degree Fahrenheit within a few seconds, as reported by sources.
The coal powder was then transformed into polycrystalline graphite by the high temperatures, with the hydrogen gas and copper foil also contributing to the process.
The group – which also has researchers from China, New York and Nepal reportedly believes that this new coal conversion process could be refined and performed at a greater scale to yield both higher quality and quantity of nano-graphite products.
Handling concrete better
Efficiently handling the transportation and placement of concrete is essential to help maintain the quality of construction, meet project timelines by minimising downtimes, and reduce costs – by 5 to 15 per cent, according to Sandeep Jain, Director, Arkade Developers. CW explores what the efficient handling of concrete entails.Select wellFirst, a word on choosing the right equipment, such as a mixer with a capacity aligned to the volume required onsite, from Vaibhav Kulkarni, Concrete Expert. “An overly large mixer will increase the idle time (and cost), while one that ..
Elevated floors!
Raised access flooring, also called false flooring, is a less common interiors feature than false ceilings, but it has as many uses – if not more.A raised floor is a modular panel installed above the structural floor. The space beneath the raised flooring is typically used to accommodate utilities such as electrical cables, plumbing and HVAC systems. And so, raised flooring is usually associated with buildings with heavy cabling and precise air distribution needs, such as data centres.That said, CW interacted with designers and architects and discovered that false flooring can come in handy ..
The Variation Challenge
A variation or change in scope clause is defined in construction contracts to take care of situations arising from change in the defined scope of work. Such changes may arise due to factors such as additions or deletions in the scope of work, modifications in the type, grade or specifications of materials, alterations in specifications or drawings, and acts or omissions of other contractors. Further, ineffective planning, inadequate investigations or surveys and requests from the employer or those within the project’s area of influence can contribute to changes in the scope of work. Ext..
Latest Updates
