All articles tagged with #sustainable manufacturing
British company Fyous has developed the PolyMorphic Mold, a reconfigurable, pin-based system that allows molds to be quickly reset into any shape, reducing time, cost, and storage needs in manufacturing processes like vacuum forming and casting. The mold can handle high pressure and is claimed to be infinitely reusable, offering a versatile solution for various molding applications.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and the University of Cape Town have found that brightly coloured plastics degrade into microplastics faster than plainer colours, with red, blue, and green plastics becoming brittle and fragmenting more quickly. The study suggests that manufacturers should avoid using these colours in products to reduce environmental pollution and improve recyclability.
Red mud, a by-product of aluminium production, is a major environmental issue due to its accumulation and disposal. A new study proposes using hydrogen plasma to directly extract iron from red mud, offering a sustainable and carbon-neutral method for steel production. The process involves exposing red mud to a lean hydrogen thermal plasma, resulting in the production of liquid iron without the need for prior treatment. This innovative approach not only extracts valuable iron but also renders the residual material into a neutral product suitable for other industries, addressing both the issue of red mud waste and the production of iron without direct CO2 emissions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the three-day Vibrant Gujarat Summit, where 136 delegates will be treated to exclusive vegetarian meals crafted by Leela Hotel, including a special 'Vibrant Bharat Thali' for golden cardholders. The Summit's theme, 'Gateway to the Future', will focus on celebrating 20 years of success and host events on topics such as sustainable manufacturing, green hydrogen, and electric mobility.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a new form of glass called LionGlass, which is 10 times more resistant to cracking than conventional glass. LionGlass also consumes 30% less energy during production and releases half the carbon pollution. The glass has a lower melting temperature, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The researchers are seeking a patent for a family of glasses with different compositions that could have various applications. However, limitations such as high-temperature sensitivity may prevent its use in smartphone screens.
Redwood Materials, a battery and e-waste recycling startup founded by former Tesla CTO JB Straubel, has raised $1 billion in a funding round led by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and other investors to expand its operations in the U.S. The company aims to domestically produce battery components using recycled materials, reducing global trade risks and environmental impact. Redwood plans to build a Battery Materials Campus in South Carolina and has secured a $2 billion loan commitment from the Department of Energy. The investment aligns with the growing demand for electric vehicles, job creation, and the transition to renewable and clean energy.