Current Research
My current work intersects civil engineering, materials manufacturing, energy efficiency, heat transfer, and waste management. Check out a more detailed review of my research projects below!
Previous Research
My previous work has spanned subjects including civil engineering, additive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, polymer physics, and materials management. Check out my former research projects below!
The Synthesis of a Novel Polyelectrolyte Membrane for Coal Ash Lithium Ion Extraction
Ongoing
- Researching the recycling of coal ash through the extraction of lithium ions via polyelectrolyte membranes
- Lithium is essential for sustainable next-generation technology
- Current lithium mining techniques are costly, time-and-energy consuming, and wasteful
- Hypothesize that this technology will be successful in small-scale recovery and industrial-scale generation
Cost-effective monomer, 4-vinylbenzoic acid (4-VBA) for free-radical induced grafting
Equipment
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
- Ultraviolet-visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis)
- Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX)
HVAC Ductoad Snaptics
Ongoing
- Researching the performance of plastic snap-in-place flexible HVAC duct connectors
- Evaluating laboratory capacity and equipment to perform UL and ASTM standard tests
- Working with industry startup owner to discuss establish project details, timelines, goals, and deliverables
Schematic of Ductoad Snaptics project showing plastic snap-in-place connectors
Equipment
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
- Tensile Testing (ASTM)
The Recovery of Waste Polypropylene & Synthesis of a Sustainable Extrudable Paste for Additive Manufacturing
May 2021
- Researched the recovery of waste polypropylene from COVID-19 face mask waste using selective solvent-recovery techniques
- Explored the use of recovered polypropylene for the synthesis of a more sustainable extrudable polymer filament for additive manufacturing
Schematic showing the recovery of polypropylene and synthesis of an extrudable paste
Cutting out Cobalt: Cathode Alternatives
December 2020
- Researched the removal of cobalt cathode materials in modern rechargeable lithium ion batteries
Schematic of the charging and discharging cycles of lithium cobalt oxide cathode in a rechargeable battery
Literature Review: The Impact of Limestone and Plastic Additives on Concrete
April 2020
- Researched the physical performance, material characterization, and mix design of “green” concrete
- Participated in pilot civil engineering undergraduate research course
Equipment
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer (SALD 2300)
- Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDX-7000)
- Compression & Tensile Testing (ASTM)
The Incorporation of Plastics in Asphalt: A Review
June 2019
- Researched global plastic production and evolving uses of waste stream plastic as a means of improving asphalt physical performance
- Secured grant funding to attend first international professional conference
7th International Conference on Bituminous Mixtures & Pavements
Poster Sessions
Siciliano, A.P., Das, G.P., & Jafferji, H. (2019). “The Incorporation of Plastics in Asphalt: A Review.” 7th Int. Conf. on Bituminous Mixtures and Pavements, Bituminous Mixtures & Pavements VII (Poster), Thessaloniki, Greece, 12 June – 14 June 2019. →
Siciliano, A.P., Das, G.P., & Jafferji, H. (2019). “The Incorporation of Plastics in Asphalt: A Review.” Wentworth Research & Writing Review Undergraduate Journal, 1(1), 6-12. →
The Effects of Recycled Additives in Concrete
April 2018
- Researched the benefits of using additives such as nails, rubber, PVC fibers, brush fibers in concrete mixtures as a means of improving mixture sustainability
- Presented findings at the 2018 Colleges of the Fenway Muddy River Symposium
Experimental brush fiber concrete cylinder showing crack marks after compression testing
Equipment
- Compression & Tensile Testing (ASTM)