With the fast growth in the Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMS) market, there is also growing need for miniaturized power sources. MEMS devices are beginning to make significant contributions in new subjects, including Lab-on-Chips (LOC) and other micro-fluidic devices, wireless communications, sensors, and optics. In all these technologies, electric power is a vital issue for the further […]

In this project, we will explore the capability to produce meaningful amounts of electricity by thermoelectric generation from waste heat in industrial applications.  We will derive theory to evaluate the capability of thermoelectric power generators and design and build simple thermoelectric generation devices to test the theory.  We will compare metal and semiconductor thermoelectric materials.  […]

The project’s aims are to conduct research on geological carbon storage from the perspective of dynamic analysis and process systems engineering, looking in particular at the dynamics between the wellhead and the CO2 storage reservoir. The main objective is to achieve closed loop operation and management of the reservoir with respect to CO2 sequestration and […]

Friction stir processing has been developed as a method for modifying the microstructure and properties of an alloy. However, no efforts have been made to determine how the formation of amorphous phases can be promoted during friction stir processing, or whether a composite involving an amorphous or nanocrystalline matrix and carbon nanotubes can be synthesized.  […]

Canola oil is mainly used in food industries. Besides, it has wide range of applications in biodiesel industries; however, the feasibility of biodiesel production from canola oil is still a challenge. Due to higher cost of canola feed, canola and soybeans are the two main crops widely used to produce biodiesel in Canada. Canola fibre […]

The three main components in wood chips are cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Traditionally, cellulose is the main constitute of pulp, which is the product of pulp mills and is used as the main raw material for paper production in paper mills. The lignin, however, is mainly burned to supply the heat requirement of the pulp […]

In current NOX chemistry models developed for catalytic converters, the focus is on the precious metal (Pt, Rh and Pd) component activity and chemistry over the precious metal site. Any chemistry associated with the support material is ignored. However, in modeling both literature data and results obtained from preliminary work obtained at UW, there are […]

The project will involve a partnership between the University of Western Ontario, where Yannick is enrolled in the M.E.Sc chemical engineering program, and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). The NWMO is the organization responsible for developing and implementing a plan for the disposal of nuclear waste in Canada. In 2010, the NWMO will begin […]

For the past decade, I have been researching new types of biofilters for treatment of livestock odours.  Although I anticipate the fabrication of a prototype biofilter by April 2011, I do not expect the design team to have time to evaluate the functioning of the biofilter.  It is my intention to recruit a student during […]

  This unique approach to product and process design involves 2 intimately associated activities: development of novel structured composite materials (SCM) in the form of latexes; and the related design of a coagulator to tailor the final particle size distribution of the composite latex particles. If produced correctly, SCM can provide society with useful, valuable […]

  Emerging contaminants in drinking water are coming under increasing scrutiny as hazards to human and aquatic health. These compounds include pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, Endocrine Disrupting Compounds and others. At present, the technologies for treating these compounds are costly and inefficient. Photocatalysis has been identified as a promising technique for treating these emerging contaminants in […]

  UV disinfection technology is recognized as a potent tool for the disinfection of water and wastewater. A recent study of wastewater treatment technologies concluded that UV and ozone treatment are the most advantageous advanced technologies for disinfection of pathogens. Trojan Technologies Inc. (Trojan), the industry partner, based in London, Ontario, Canada, is the world leader in the development, […]