Rapid non-invasive portable system for monitoring deterioration of plastics
A system comprising a portable device and image processing software for superficial non-destructive determination of plastic deterioration
Applications
- Characterization of plastics
- Predictive maintenance of plastic components
- Plastic recycling
Technology Overview
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a system comprising a portable device and image-processing software to monitor deterioration of plastics. This rapid non-invasive portable system is a potentially cost-effective, reproducible, and nondestructive approach for monitoring deterioration of polyethylene and polypropylene materials using Nile Red as a fluorescent probe. Fluorescence spectra shifts correlate with chemical and physical changes to the plastics and are dependent on polymer type but independent of the polymer film thickness. The image-processing software correlates the fluorescence spectra shifts with a carbonyl index, which is used to characterize the plastics. This technology has several applications, including predictive maintenance of plastic components and plastic sorting to improve recycling.
Phase of Development
TRL: 3-4A proof-of-concept prototype has taken preliminary images demonstrating the functionality of the system.
Desired Partnerships
This technology is now available for:- License
- Sponsored research
- Co-development
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Researchers
- Margaret Elmer-Dixon, PhD
- Brian Hinderliter, Phd Professor, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
- Melissa Maurer-Jones, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry