3 research outputs found
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Structure-Strength Correlations in Five Species of Seaweed
Seaweeds are plentiful and simple to cultivate in most coastal areas of the world. Current industrial uses of seaweed utilize extracted polysaccharides and hydrocolloids found in seaweeds, not entire seaweed fibers. This study investigates the structure and strength of seaweeds found in New England and CA. The samples were analyzed by microscopy, TGA, and tensile testing. Typical breaking forces were between 3N and 30N for red and brown seaweed, respectively. Strength for these samples ranged from 0.7 to 29 MPa. The properties of seaweed are determined by the fractions of polysaccharides, cellulose and inorganics. In addition, cellular orientation increases the strength. The organized structure in seaweed and its high strength may enable its use in new biopolymer products
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Energize Worcester: Smart Heating Controls in Student HMOs
This project partnered with the University of Worcester to examine the possible social implications and effects of implementing smart heating controls in student-rented houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Through the use of surveys, our team evaluated student attitudes towards sustainability as well as the potential acceptance and effectiveness that smart heating controls could have in student off-campus housing. Our survey results identified three areas that may complicate the implementation of smart heating controls: insufficient levels of student motivation to improve energy efficiency, the apparent absence of fuel poverty in the population studied, and concerns regarding privacy. We recommend that students be educated on energy expenditure and sustainable practices