Elvira de Mejia

Efficient Manufacture, Deconstruction, and Upcycling of High-Performance Thermosets and Composites

ACS Applied Engineering Materials · 2022 · 49 citations

Thermoset polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites possess the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties necessary for energy-efficient vehicles and structures, but their energy-inefficient manufacturing and the lack of end-of-life management strategies render these materials unsustainable. Here, we demonstrate end-of-life deconstruction and upcycling of high-performance poly(dicyclopentadiene) (pDCPD) thermosets with a concurrent reduction in the energy demand for curing via frontal…

Effect of Processing Techniques on the Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of High-Density Polyethylene

Polymers · 2021 · 33 citations

The versatility of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) makes it one of the most used polymers for vast applications ranging from food packaging to human implants. However, there still is confusion regarding the proper selection of processing techniques to produce HDPE specimens for high-end applications. Herein, we compare the processing of HDPE by two relevant techniques: compression and injection molding. The fabricated samples were studied using uniaxial tensile testing to determine their mechan…

Upcycling of HDPE Waste using Additive Manufacturing: Feasibility and Challenges

2022 Advances in Science and Engineering Technology International Conferences (ASET) · 2020 · 20 citations

Plastic waste has been rapidly increasing in the past decades throughout the globe which creates a raising environmental concern. To manage this issue and prevent a nearby catastrophe, there had been a surfacing trend in utilizing plastic waste in additive manufacturing (3D printing). The focus of this paper is to upcycle High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is the second most commonly used plastic in the world. Several steps were done to transform the plastic waste into a filament for 3D pri…

Legume-derived bioactive peptides: role in cardiovascular disease prevention and control

Current Opinion in Food Science · 2024-02-01 · 15 citations

The Potential of the Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis) and Its Bioactive Compounds in Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Glucose Metabolism: A Narrative Review

Nutrients · 2024-01-22 · 10 citations

), a legume, has been reported to possess antidiabetic benefits. However, the extent and specific mechanisms through which adzuki bean consumption may contribute to T2D prevention and management remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to analyze current evidence supporting the utilization of adzuki beans in the diet as a strategy for preventing and managing T2D. Animal studies have demonstrated a positive impact of adzuki beans on managing T2D. However, supporting data fro…