research about mechanical engineering

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Mechanical engineering articles from across Nature Portfolio

Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with moving machines and their components. A central principle of mechanical engineering is the control of energy: transferring it from one form to another to suit a specific demand. Car engines, for example, convert chemical energy into kinetic energy.

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Arresting failure propagation in buildings through collapse isolation

A design approach arrests collapse propagation in buildings after major initial failures by ensuring that specific elements fail before the failure of the most important components for global stability.

• Nirvan Makoond
• Andri Setiawan
• Jose M. Adam

Lissajous curves as aerial search patterns

• J. Josiah Steckenrider
• Mitchell Miller
• James Bluman

Thermal modal analysis of hypersonic composite wing on transient aerodynamic heating

• Kangjie Wang
• Wenyong Quan

Zinc–iodine redox reaction enables direct brine valorization with efficient high-water-recovery desalination

An electrodialysis desalination process based on zinc–iodine redox reactions enables brine valorization with high efficiency of water recovery.

• Junbeom Lim
• Minchan Kim
• Rhokyun Kwak

Snail-inspired water-enhanced soft sliding suction for climbing robots

By mimicking the strong adhesive locomotion ability of snails, the authors present a sliding suction method to allow robots to climb with high adhesive force and low energy consumption up walls and on ceilings.

• Hermes Bloomfield-Gadêlha
• Jonathan Rossiter

Fine-grained recognition of bitter gourd maturity based on Improved YOLOv5-seg model

• Sheng Jiang

News and Comment

Micro- and nanorobots for biofilm eradication

Micro- and nanorobots present a promising approach for navigating within the body and eliminating biofilm infections. Their motion can be remotely controlled by external fields and tracked by clinical imaging. They can mechanically disrupt the biofilm matrix and kill the dormant bacterial cells synergistically, thereby improving the effectiveness of biofilm eradication.

• Staffan Kjelleberg

Mechanism of plastic deformation in metal monochalcogenides

Metal monochalcogenides — a class of van der Waals layered semiconductors — can exhibit ultrahigh plasticity. Investigation of the deformation mechanism reveals that on mechanical loading, these materials undergo local phase transitions that, coupled with the concurrent generation of a microcrack network, give rise to the ultrahigh plasticity.

Adaptable navigation of magnetic microrobots

An article in Nature Machine Intelligence presents an adaptable method to control magnetic microrobots’ navigation using reinforcement learning.

• Charlotte Allard

Soft sensing and haptics for medical procedures

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) lacks sufficient haptic feedback to the surgeon due to the length and flexibility of surgical tools. This haptic disconnect is exacerbated in robotic-MIS, which utilizes tele-operation to control surgical tools. Tactile sensation in MIS and robotic-MIS can be restored in a safe and conformable manner through soft sensors and soft haptic feedback devices.

• Arincheyan Gerald
• Sheila Russo

Propelling the widespread adoption of large-scale 3D printing

3D printing can be used to automate the manufacturing of building elements for large-scale structures such as skyscrapers, aircraft, rockets and space bases without human intervention. However, challenges in materials, processes, printers and software control must first be overcome for large-scale 3D printing to be adopted for widespread applications.

• Wouter De Corte
• Viktor Mechtcherine

Exploration of truss metamaterials with graph based generative modeling

Optimisation tasks in the inverse design of metamaterials with machine learning were limited due to the representations of generative models. Here the author comments a recent publication in Nature Communications which generates a latent space representation that unlocks non-linear optimisations.

• Angkur Jyoti Dipanka Shaikeea

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Top 150 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics [Updated]

Mechanical engineering is an intriguing discipline that holds significant sway in shaping our world. With a focus on crafting inventive machinery and fostering sustainable energy initiatives, mechanical engineers stand as pioneers in driving technological progress. However, to make meaningful contributions to the field, researchers must carefully choose their topics of study. In this blog, we’ll delve into various mechanical engineering research topics, ranging from fundamental principles to emerging trends and interdisciplinary applications.

How to Select Mechanical Engineering Research Topics?

Table of Contents

Selecting the right mechanical engineering research topics is crucial for driving impactful innovation and addressing pressing challenges. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best research topics:

• Identify Your Interests: Start by considering your passions and areas of expertise within mechanical engineering. What topics excite you the most? Choosing a subject that aligns with your interests will keep you motivated throughout the research process.
• Assess Current Trends: Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in mechanical engineering. Look for emerging technologies, pressing industry challenges, and areas with significant research gaps. These trends can guide you towards relevant and timely research topics.
• Conduct Literature Review: Dive into existing literature and research papers within your field of interest. Identify gaps in knowledge, unanswered questions, or areas that warrant further investigation. Building upon existing research can lead to more impactful contributions to the field.
• Consider Practical Applications: Evaluate the practical implications of potential research topics. How will your research address real-world problems or benefit society? Choosing topics with tangible applications can increase the relevance and impact of your research outcomes.
• Consult with Advisors and Peers: Seek guidance from experienced mentors, advisors, or peers in the field of mechanical engineering. Discuss your research interests and potential topics with them to gain valuable insights and feedback. Their expertise can help you refine your ideas and select the most promising topics.
• Define Research Objectives: Clearly define the objectives and scope of your research. What specific questions do you aim to answer or problems do you intend to solve? Establishing clear research goals will guide your topic selection process and keep your project focused.
• Consider Resources and Constraints: Take into account the resources, expertise, and time available for your research. Choose topics that are feasible within your constraints and align with your available resources. Balancing ambition with practicality is essential for successful research endeavors.
• Brainstorm and Narrow Down Options: Generate a list of potential research topics through brainstorming and exploration. Narrow down your options based on criteria such as relevance, feasibility, and alignment with your interests and goals. Choose the most promising topics that offer ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.
• Seek Feedback and Refinement: Once you’ve identified potential research topics, seek feedback from colleagues, advisors, or experts in the field. Refine your ideas based on their input and suggestions. Iteratively refining your topic selection process will lead to a more robust and well-defined research proposal.
• Stay Flexible and Open-Minded: Remain open to new ideas and opportunities as you progress through the research process. Be willing to adjust your research topic or direction based on new insights, challenges, or discoveries. Flexibility and adaptability are key qualities for successful research endeavors in mechanical engineering.

By following these steps and considering various factors, you can effectively select mechanical engineering research topics that align with your interests, goals, and the needs of the field.

Top 50 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics For Beginners

• Analysis of the efficiency of different heat exchanger designs.
• Optimization of airfoil shapes for enhanced aerodynamic performance.
• Investigation of renewable energy harvesting using piezoelectric materials.
• Development of smart materials for adaptive structures in aerospace applications.
• Study of vibration damping techniques for improving vehicle ride comfort.
• Design and optimization of suspension systems for off-road vehicles.
• Analysis of fluid flow characteristics in microchannels for cooling electronics.
• Evaluation of the performance of different brake systems in automotive vehicles.
• Development of lightweight materials for automotive and aerospace industries.
• Investigation of the effects of friction stir welding parameters on joint properties.
• Design and testing of a small-scale wind turbine for rural electrification.
• Study of the dynamics of flexible multibody systems in robotics.
• Development of a low-cost prosthetic limb using 3D printing technology.
• Analysis of heat transfer in electronic packaging for thermal management.
• Investigation of energy harvesting from vehicle suspension systems.
• Design and optimization of heat sinks for electronic cooling applications.
• Study of material degradation in composite structures under various loading conditions.
• Development of bio-inspired robotic mechanisms for locomotion.
• Investigation of the performance of regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles.
• Design and analysis of an autonomous agricultural robot for crop monitoring.
• Optimization of gas turbine blade profiles for improved efficiency.
• Study of the aerodynamics of animal-inspired flying robots (bio-drones).
• Development of advanced control algorithms for robotic manipulators.
• Analysis of wear mechanisms in mechanical components under different operating conditions.
• Investigation of the efficiency of solar water heating systems.
• Design and optimization of microfluidic devices for biomedical applications.
• Study of the effects of additive manufacturing parameters on part quality.
• Development of assistive devices for individuals with disabilities.
• Analysis of the performance of different types of bearings in rotating machinery.
• Investigation of the feasibility of using shape memory alloys in actuator systems.
• Design and optimization of a compact heat exchanger for space applications.
• Study of the effects of surface roughness on friction and wear in sliding contacts.
• Development of energy-efficient HVAC systems for buildings.
• Analysis of the performance of different types of fuel cells for power generation.
• Investigation of the feasibility of using biofuels in internal combustion engines.
• Design and testing of a micro-scale combustion engine for portable power generation.
• Study of the mechanics of soft materials for biomedical applications.
• Development of exoskeletons for rehabilitation and assistance in mobility.
• Analysis of the effects of vehicle aerodynamics on fuel consumption.
• Investigation of the potential of ocean wave energy harvesting technologies.
• Design and optimization of energy-efficient refrigeration systems.
• Study of the dynamics of flexible structures subjected to dynamic loads.
• Development of sensors and actuators for structural health monitoring.
• Analysis of the performance of different cooling techniques in electronics.
• Investigation of the potential of hydrogen fuel cells for automotive applications.
• Design and testing of a small-scale hydroelectric power generator.
• Study of the mechanics of cellular materials for impact absorption.
• Development of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for environmental monitoring.
• Analysis of the efficiency of different propulsion systems in space exploration.
• Investigation of the potential of micro-scale energy harvesting technologies for powering wireless sensors.

Top 50 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics For Intermediate

• Optimization of heat exchanger designs for enhanced energy efficiency.
• Investigating the effects of surface roughness on fluid flow in microchannels.
• Development of lightweight materials for automotive applications.
• Modeling and simulation of combustion processes in internal combustion engines.
• Design and analysis of novel wind turbine blade configurations.
• Study of advanced control strategies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Analysis of wear and friction in mechanical components under varying operating conditions.
• Investigation of thermal management techniques for high-power electronic devices.
• Development of smart materials for shape memory alloys in actuator applications.
• Design and fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for biomedical applications.
• Optimization of additive manufacturing processes for metal 3D printing.
• Study of fluid-structure interaction in flexible marine structures.
• Analysis of fatigue behavior in composite materials for aerospace applications.
• Development of energy harvesting technologies for sustainable power generation.
• Investigation of bio-inspired robotics for locomotion in challenging environments.
• Study of human factors in the design of ergonomic workstations.
• Design and control of soft robots for delicate manipulation tasks.
• Development of advanced sensor technologies for condition monitoring in rotating machinery.
• Analysis of aerodynamic performance in hypersonic flight vehicles.
• Study of regenerative braking systems for electric vehicles.
• Optimization of cooling systems for high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
• Investigation of fluid dynamics in microfluidic devices for lab-on-a-chip applications.
• Design and optimization of passive and active vibration control systems.
• Analysis of heat transfer mechanisms in nanofluids for thermal management.
• Development of energy-efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.
• Study of biomimetic design principles for robotic grippers and manipulators.
• Investigation of hydrodynamic performance in marine propeller designs.
• Development of autonomous agricultural robots for precision farming.
• Analysis of wind-induced vibrations in tall buildings and bridges.
• Optimization of material properties for additive manufacturing of aerospace components.
• Study of renewable energy integration in smart grid systems.
• Investigation of fracture mechanics in brittle materials for structural integrity assessment.
• Development of wearable sensors for human motion tracking and biomechanical analysis.
• Analysis of combustion instability in gas turbine engines.
• Optimization of thermal insulation materials for building energy efficiency.
• Study of fluid-structure interaction in flexible wing designs for unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Investigation of heat transfer enhancement techniques in heat exchanger surfaces.
• Development of microscale actuators for micro-robotic systems.
• Analysis of energy storage technologies for grid-scale applications.
• Optimization of manufacturing processes for lightweight automotive structures.
• Study of tribological behavior in lubricated mechanical systems.
• Investigation of fault detection and diagnosis techniques for industrial machinery.
• Development of biodegradable materials for sustainable packaging applications.
• Analysis of heat transfer in porous media for thermal energy storage.
• Optimization of control strategies for robotic manipulation tasks in uncertain environments.
• Study of fluid dynamics in fuel cell systems for renewable energy conversion.
• Investigation of fatigue crack propagation in metallic alloys.
• Development of energy-efficient propulsion systems for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
• Analysis of airflow patterns in natural ventilation systems for buildings.
• Optimization of material selection for additive manufacturing of biomedical implants.

Top 50 Mechanical Engineering Research Topics For Advanced

• Development of advanced materials for high-temperature applications
• Optimization of heat exchanger design using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• Control strategies for enhancing the performance of micro-scale heat transfer devices
• Multi-physics modeling and simulation of thermoelastic damping in MEMS/NEMS devices
• Design and analysis of next-generation turbofan engines for aircraft propulsion
• Investigation of advanced cooling techniques for electronic devices in harsh environments
• Development of novel nanomaterials for efficient energy conversion and storage
• Optimization of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems for powering wireless sensor networks
• Investigation of microscale heat transfer phenomena in advanced cooling technologies
• Design and optimization of advanced composite materials for aerospace applications
• Development of bio-inspired materials for impact-resistant structures
• Exploration of advanced manufacturing techniques for producing complex geometries in aerospace components
• Integration of artificial intelligence algorithms for predictive maintenance in rotating machinery
• Design and optimization of advanced robotics systems for industrial automation
• Investigation of friction and wear behavior in advanced lubricants for high-speed applications
• Development of smart materials for adaptive structures and morphing aircraft wings
• Exploration of advanced control strategies for active vibration damping in mechanical systems
• Design and analysis of advanced wind turbine blade designs for improved energy capture
• Investigation of thermal management solutions for electric vehicle batteries
• Development of advanced sensors for real-time monitoring of structural health in civil infrastructure
• Optimization of additive manufacturing processes for producing high-performance metallic components
• Investigation of advanced corrosion-resistant coatings for marine applications
• Design and analysis of advanced hydraulic systems for heavy-duty machinery
• Exploration of advanced filtration technologies for water purification and wastewater treatment
• Development of advanced prosthetic limbs with biomimetic functionalities
• Investigation of microscale fluid flow phenomena in lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics
• Optimization of heat transfer in microscale heat exchangers for cooling electronics
• Development of advanced energy-efficient HVAC systems for buildings
• Exploration of advanced propulsion systems for space exploration missions
• Investigation of advanced control algorithms for autonomous vehicles in complex environments
• Development of advanced surgical robots for minimally invasive procedures
• Optimization of advanced suspension systems for improving vehicle ride comfort and handling
• Investigation of advanced materials for 3D printing in aerospace manufacturing
• Development of advanced thermal barrier coatings for gas turbine engines
• Exploration of advanced wear-resistant coatings for cutting tools in machining applications
• Investigation of advanced nanofluids for enhanced heat transfer in cooling applications
• Development of advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
• Exploration of advanced actuators for soft robotics applications
• Investigation of advanced energy storage systems for grid-scale applications
• Development of advanced rehabilitation devices for individuals with mobility impairments
• Exploration of advanced materials for earthquake-resistant building structures
• Investigation of advanced aerodynamic concepts for reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency in vehicles
• Development of advanced microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for biomedical applications
• Exploration of advanced control strategies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Investigation of advanced materials for lightweight armor systems
• Development of advanced prosthetic interfaces for improving user comfort and functionality
• Exploration of advanced algorithms for autonomous navigation of underwater vehicles
• Investigation of advanced sensors for detecting and monitoring air pollution
• Development of advanced energy harvesting systems for powering wireless sensor networks
• Exploration of advanced concepts for next-generation space propulsion systems.

Mechanical engineering research encompasses a wide range of topics, from fundamental principles to cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary applications. By choosing the right mechanical engineering research topics and addressing key challenges, researchers can contribute to advancements in various industries and address pressing global issues. As we look to the future, the possibilities for innovation and discovery in mechanical engineering are endless, offering exciting opportunities to shape a better world for generations to come.

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A game-changing solution to a knotty problem in computational engineering

University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers have developed a remarkably easy-to-implement solution for handling tangled computational meshes—a major computational engineering challenge that can garble an object’s shape. To predict how various structures…

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Design processes and machines to power industry and manufacture products for everyday use, including renewable fuels, aeronautics, robotics and automation, engines, nuclear and industrial power generation. The University of Idaho Department of Mechanical Engineering offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees . Experience the difference and what it means to engineer like a Vandal.

• No. 1 Best Value Public University in the West – ranked for the fourth year in a row by U.S. News and World Report . We’re also the only public university in Idaho to be ranked best value by Forbes , Money , and The Princeton Review .
• Top 7 in the Nation for “infusing real-world experiences into engineering education” through our undergraduate Senior Capstone Design Program – National Academy of Engineering
• Personalized Attention from nationally and internationally recognized faculty and staff through small class sizes, 1-on-1 interaction, mentorship, advising and research collaboration. All faculty  hold Ph.D.s in their field.
• 94% Graduate with Jobs or are enrolled in graduate education or military service – First Destination Survey
• Highest Salary Earnings for early- and mid-career undergraduate degree recipients than any other public university in Idaho – Payscale
• More Scholarships Awarded than any 4-year public engineering college in Idaho.
• Hands-On Experience, Guaranteed ALL U of I College of Engineering students participate in hands-on experiences, through our nationally recognized Senior Capstone Design Program   and Engineering Design EXPO , Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) , Idaho’s only Grand Challenge Scholars Program   and paid undergraduate assistantships.

Dean Roy announces annual engineering faculty, staff and student research awards

Brenda Ellis

May 8, 2024, 2:53 PM

Krish Roy, Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Dean of Engineering, announced the award of emeritus faculty status to Douglas Fisher, Associate Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, Richard Alan Peters II, Associate Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering, and Peter Pintauro, Eugene McBrayer in Chemical Engineering Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , at the final School of Engineering faculty meeting of the 2023-2024 academic year and presented 14 awards at a reception following the May 7 meeting.

Roy presented nine faculty awards, four staff awards and one research award based on an outstanding paper written by a graduate student.

The Edward J. White Engineering Faculty Award for Excellence in Service : Harvie Branscomb Professor and interim chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering Michael Miga and Julie Johnson , professor of the practice of computer science and associate chair of the Department of Computer Science

The Judith A. Pachtman Engineering Staff Awards

• Team Spirit and Collaboration: Senior Academic & Educational Support Program Coordinator Lana Hefner
• Innovation and Creativity: Graduate Program Coordinator Peter Nordberg , Biomedical Engineering
• Outstanding Service and Support: Sara Carroll , Senior Administrative Officer, Dean’s office
• Research Advancement: Fang Yu , lab manager, Advanced Therapeutics Laboratory

School of Engineering Faculty Research Awards

• Rising Star Research Award: Marjan Rafat , assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering
• Innovative Research Award: Justus Ndukaife , assistant professor of electrical engineering
• Interdisciplinary Research Award: Josh Caldwell , professor of mechanical engineering
• Community Impact Research Award: Hiba Baroud , James and Alice B. Clark Foundation Faculty Fellow, associate chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, CEE associate professor; and Meiyi Ma , assistant professor of computer science
• Best Paper Award: Professor of Mechanical Engineering Deyu Li , “Remarkable heat conduction mediated by non-equilibrium phonon polaritons,” Nature 623, no. 7986 (2023): 307-312.

Outstanding Graduate Student Research Paper : Mechanical engineering Ph.D. student Zhiliang Pan , first author of “Remarkable heat conduction mediated by non-equilibrium phonon polaritons,” Nature 623, no. 7986 (2023): 307-312.

Contact: [email protected]

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College of Engineering

Vitali's research could improve student career opportunities in u.s. navy .

A University of Iowa engineering professor is looking to expand Iowa’s Naval Sciences and Technology certificate to include human performance as a specialization area.   

The certificate – one of the few of its kind in academia – covers foundational principles of naval hydrodynamics including propulsion, resistance, maneuvering, and seakeeping, as well as the fundamentals of autonomous systems.  

Rachel Vitali , mechanical engineering assistant professor, has identified human performance as a new dimension of the certificate. Human variability is challenging to incorporate into the engineering design process, and it is even more difficult to evaluate how the performance of individuals changes as a consequence of , for example, different designs for personal protective equipment. However, human performance is often critical to the success of operations.  

The project could deepen the pathway for Iowa graduates pursuing careers in the U.S. Navy.   

The Navy’s Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) has sponsored the grant valued at $392,158 over three years. The grant will support Vitali in expanding and enhancing the certificate to incorporate multiple motion capture modalities to assess human performance while simultaneously engaging with the NSWC Panama City Division research community.  

Breaking barriers: Researchers anayze how a chemical process could help recycle a common plastic waste

The work suggests key areas for researchers to focus on in order to meaningfully advance PET recycling and allow new recycling technologies to be commercially feasible.

• Will Thomas

13 May 2024

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Researchers at Virginia Tech are exploring processes that might greatly increase the recycling of one of the world’s most-produced plastics.

Published in the Feb. 12 and 16 issues of the Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research , Ph.D. candidate Adam McNeeley and his advisor, Alumni Distinguished Professor Y. A. Liu, a member of the Macromolecules Innovation Institute , report their investigation of chemical recycling processes that remove additives, impurities, and colorants from polyethylene terephthalate, commonly referred to as PET. The processes can allow for a greater percentage of the plastic to be recycled than with the current mechanical recycling processes.

PET is found in many everyday use items such as textiles, packaging, and bottles. Current recycling of it is primarily done via the mechanical process, which is limited to clean recycled materials and is mostly applied to plastic bottles. Plastic bottles only make up about 30 percent of its end use, and the other 70 percent is not generally being considered for commercial recycling.

“The importance of this research is to identify and develop the cheapest and most efficient ways to recycle PET,” said McNeeley, who is studying chemical engineering, “There is a clear public desire to use products made from recycled materials, but if the recycled material costs a lot more than the virgin material, then people are less likely to buy the recycled material.”

McNeeley and Liu investigated depolymerization pathways using ethylene glycol, methanol, or water to produce monomers that can be purified of additives, impurities, and colorants in plastic waste and then converted back into recycled PET polymer. Prior to their study, most of the work related to the chemical depolymerization of PET focused only on the chemistry aspect. But this research provides a thorough assessment of thermodynamics, chemistry, purification, waste management and sustainable design of PET depolymerization processes.

The research team created a complete simulation model of four depolymerization processes that quantify the mass and energy balances together with energy demand and carbon dixoide emissions, which is a quantitative foundation for industrial practitioners interested in its depolymerization to further develop sustainable depolymerization processes.

“There are many different ways PET can be depolymerized and there are three that are being actively developed for commercial use, and we demonstrate how these different methods compare from a chemical processing standpoint,” McNeeley said.

Their work also suggests key areas for researchers to focus on in order to meaningfully advance plastic recycling and allow new recycling technologies to be commercially feasible.

“One of the greatest challenges with mechanical recycling is that certain dyes and impurities cannot be removed,” McNeely said. “A lot of effort must be made in the sorting and cleaning of waste PET that can be mechanically recycled. Converting the polymer to a monomer opens up a number of purification pathways and allows waste PET of theoretically any quality to be recycled. It also opens up the possibility to recycle other PET materials such as packaging and textiles, which actually comprise the majority of PET end use.”

There are many companies actively developing PET chemical recycling technologies, one of which is Eastman Chemical Co. Eastman has built the first large-scale depolymerization unit in the United States using methanolysis in Kingsport, Tennessee.

“It is important that traditional chemical companies such as Eastman are working on this technology. These companies have access to large amounts of capital to build large-scale processes and have the know-how and experience to develop and operate processes efficiently and reliably, which is important for emerging recycling technologies to survive especially during turbulent market conditions,” McNeeley said.

“This is a timely and significant, thought-provoking study,” said Joseph Bays, the licensing technology manager of the company. “I am a fan of the heat integration innovation to save energy consumption, and some other innovative features of the sustainable design study."

Given the global context of PET recycling, McNeeley said such efforts should carry with them a level of urgency.

“Plastics are currently derived from fossil fuel-based feedstocks. Fluctuations in plastic prices and relatively low prices of fossil fuels tend to kill plastic recycling efforts because it is hard to make money,” he said. “There is a finite amount of fossil fuels and prices will eventually rise as the resource becomes more scarce. This is where plastic recycling efforts become reliably profitable, while preventing plastics from becoming extremely expensive as we transition to using non‑fossil fuel derived feedstocks”

The published article was honored as the Editors’ Choice Article for Feb. 16 by the American Chemical Society, which publishes Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research.  The Editors' Choice initiative highlights one article each day for its timelyness, public interest, and potential impact.

Lindsey Haugh

• Chemical Engineering
• College of Engineering
• Graduate Research
• Macromolecules Innovation Institute
• Responsible Consumption and Production

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