Current Research
I work at the intersection of civil engineering, sustainable construction, materials science, ionizing radiation, polymer chemistry and waste management. Check out some of my 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)
Previous Research
Most of my previous work focused on the inclusion of waste plastics as a method for sustainable materials management. Check out some of my research projects below!
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)