• Why did you join this program (motivation, prior interests)? 

This past summer I had the opportunity to participate in a research group in Mountaintop working with quantum dot solar cells. It was the first time I ever heard of the topic and as time went by I became more intrigued with the renewable energy and sustainability field. I wanted to continue delving into this field, explore other sources of renewable energy, and see how I can contribute/become a part of the development. That’s when I came across the Campus Sustainable Impact Fellowship program and was instantly interested in the project working on phase change materials to increase the efficiency of a photovoltaic cell. 

 

• How do you envision this course making you a better Material Science and Engineering student and professional?

Working on this project and being a part of this program will aid my understanding of the fields for my career path while also developing soft skills such as teamwork which are essential in any engineering job. Material Science and Engineering is a fundamental aspects of the renewable energy field because increasing the efficiency of materials while also working towards the innovation of materials will require knowing processing methods and how they affect the properties of materials. Through this course, I will be able to apply the knowledge I have learned in my classes to real-world applications that will create an impact. Being able to translate the information I have learned to real projects will aid me in the near future for my summer internship in the development of plastic packaging. Also since the topic is new to me, I will learn how to formulate critical thinking questions to dive into areas that will further the research and continue to learn how to research what has already been done. These skills will be applicable in both a classroom setting when I am being introduced to a new topic such as ceramics this semester and professionally when I am working in the renewable energy field where there are millions of questions that are not answered yet. 

 

• According to the Mattress Recycling Council, more than 50,000 mattresses a day are discarded in the U.S. Through recycling, more than 75% of the components from used mattresses can be remade into new products or uses, diverting valuable material from the waste stream, but in many states and localities, such recycling programs are either non-existent or difficult to find. What solution do you propose to address this problem? Please be comprehensive and extremely specific in laying out your vision.

To address the problem, the foam and springs found in the mattress can be reused towards steel framing, insulation, and carpeting for temporary affordable housing. A focal point will be to minimize the cost of manufacturing to then be able to provide housing at little to no cost for homeless people, another rising issue in today’s world. The mattresses will have to be sent to a facility where they are then cut open to expose the foam that is found inside. Individuals will be encouraged to come to the facility by their own means to avoid the need for excess carbon monoxide pollution of trucks transporting the mattresses. Another alternative will be to have trucks similar to the garbage trucks that only drive around picking up mattresses found on the streets and of individuals who are unable to afford transportation but want to participate. Once mattresses make it to the facility, they will have to be thoroughly inspected for any major contaminants such as blood or insects. The mattress will be cut open to expose the foam and spring layer and placed into two different piles for categorization purposes. To provide security and comfort that the material will be safe for use, the mattresses along with springs will have to be thoroughly washed with water and non-harsh chemicals. It is expected that the runoff of the wash can then be used for other purposes to avoid causing more pollution. Once the components are cleaned, the foam of 20 mattresses will be compressed by a machine to then form thin rectangle foams. Foam is a good insulator that will allow for heat to remain inside the house, essential during winter months. Another group of foam and fibers from the top layer of the mattress will then be used to create a carpet for the floor of the house. It is optimal that the machine is powered by a renewable energy source to minimize the pollution contribution. With the thousands of mattresses coming in every day, there will be no shortage of foam insulators necessary for the inside of the housing. The springs will have to be melted in an electric arc furnace which is commonly used for steel scrap recycling and provide flexibility. Once melted the springs can then be reshaped to be used as steel frames for the houses that won’t be gigantic. It is important to note that steel is also a good insulator, providing a strong and durable structural system as a result of its high tensile and compressive strength. Also, steel is extremely versatile, which is essential for molding house frames. A house made out of these materials will be of an approximate size of 25 by 25 feet. To also encourage community and organization involvement, individuals with professional experience with housing, finding jobs, and state resources will be available to those who enter a temporary home for any additional help at no cost. This product would be most useful in states where the homelessness issue has yet to be answered such as in California where there are approximately 150,000 homeless people. The facility would work with the government for funding purposes and also community organizations that work in the area of providing resources to homeless people to minimize the production cost. The purpose of the house is to not provide a permanent home but instead a temporary house where individuals can be safer and regain their lives, pursue passions, and ultimately lead a life they desire.