Nanofiber Fabrication via Melt Coextrusion for Fuel Filter Membranes
A breakthrough nanofiber processing technique developed at PolymerPlus LLC in Cleveland, Ohio has enabled production toward lower cost, higher performance polymeric nanofiber filters without the need of harmful organic chemical solutions. The technology advances conventional plastic film extrusion technology to create composite nanofibers for fuel or water filtration membranes by utilizing custom design layer multiplying dies that continuously produce square meters of nanofiber bundles in a checkboard-like pattern. A subsequent processing step using only pressurized air or water exfoliates and entangles micro- or nanofiber bundles resulting in a non-woven membrane with a designable pore size for filtration. The ‘disruptive’ and novel coextrusion approach to producing fuel and water filters is a “greener” solvent-free processing technique that could utilize any commercially extrudable thermoplastic polymer material at a potential cost savings up to 60 % as compared to current multi-step composite polymer fuel filter production costs. After successful demonstration of the technology on in an NSF STTR Phase I program, PolymerPlus is looking to expand the technology to fuel and water filter relevant membrane sample areas to create a first generation fuel filter prototype in the NSF STTR Phase –II program. less A breakthrough nanofiber processing technique developed at PolymerPlus LLC in Cleveland, Ohio has enabled production toward lower cost, higher performance polymeric nanofiber filters without the need of harmful organic chemical solutions. The technology advances conventional plastic film extrusion technology to create composite nanofibers for fuel or water filtration membranes by utilizing custom design layer multiplying dies that continuously produce square meters of nanofiber bundles in a checkboard-like pattern. A su... more
A fundamental need for higher performance fuel filters has been mandated through by 2016 in EPA fuel filtration regulations that will require increased fuel/water filtration efficiency and dust retention capacity in a commercial filter products. Current solution, wet-laid and electro-spun, or melt blown fuel filter media processing techniques are limited in the fiber size, material throughput, or material processability, and will require significant technology advancement to meet these new product guidelines. Stemming from an expanded polymer material catalogue with enhanced control over micro- and nanofiber diameter during processing, the multilayered coextrusion approach to producing non-wovens has already demonstrated a 20X increase in fiber surface area, up to 2X increase in porosity, and increased mechanical toughness as compared to the current commercial fuel filters products. The near-term goal of PolymerPlus is to realize the anticipated improvements in filtration performance in scaled-up full size fuel filter prototype enabled by process technology scale-up by 2017. The multilayered fiber fuel filter prototype will be tested by commercial filtration media manufacturers involved in the development program team.
Research & Development Activities • Conduct and supervise nanofibers and membrane processing and materials research; analyze data toward project direction goals and milestones; write technical reports and create presentations • Design, supervise, and interpret separation membrane materials quality control processes and equipment, techniques, and protocols to fabricated polymer film/fibers and membrane materials. • Work with a team to conduct analysis related to the tolerancing of product fabrication processes and techniques and potential effects on market/business impact
Postdoctoral Scientist Position
Position Summary: A Research Postdoctoral Scientist directs the day-to-day project activity through interaction with technical personnel while gathering, analyzing and interpreting scientific data. Progress, goals and milestones will be communicated through verbal or written reports and presentations internally and to project sponsors. This role requires proven technical skills as a professional in the field of Polymer Science, Chemical or Materials Engineering or related fields, including consulting, leadership, and collaboration working with a team of professionals. The Postdoctoral Scientist will work closely with Senior Research Scientists and oversee day-to-day activities of laboratory technicians and report directly to the PolymerPlus Project PI.
Postdoctoral Scientist Position Leadership Expectations • Direct day-to-day research project activities and act as internal resource for technical information pertaining to polymer science, fiber processing, and membrane materials characterization and performance. • Work with PolymerPlus PI to build collaborative partnerships with potential clients to develop current and future product and service value in the core business areas of PolymerPlus • Candidate should enjoy working in a small company/entrepreneurial atmosphere
Research & Development • Conduct and supervise research; analyze data toward project direction goals and milestones; write technical reports and create presentations • Design, supervise, and interpret quality control equipment, techniques, and protocols to fabricated polymer film/fibers and membrane materials. • Work with a team to conduct analysis related to the tolerancing of product fabrication processes and techniques and potential effects on market/business impact
Knowledge and Skill Requirements • Knowledge of polymer film/extrusion processing, research literature, and processes related to polymer filtration properties and/or micro/nanofiber materials. • Knowledge of polymer analysis techniques including mechanical properties, FTIR, AFM/SEM, DSC, and Optical Spectroscopy, separations • Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and problem solving skills • Excellent oral and written communication skills required, including giving presentations to all levels clients • Self motivated and driven to exceed goals, work effectively with minimal direction or feedback and willingly make decisions independently
Education and Experience Requirements • Will consider Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Chemical or Materials Engineering or related science field • Experience in polymer film processing, polymer physics, membrane characterization, or structure property relationships preferred
Work Environment This position is based in our PolymerPlus processing & analytical facility located in the Valley View, OH.
