Click here to access the 1.25.2020 HUB Flyer USAFA Chem Dept

Chemistry of Textiles and of Fuels

Sat, Jan 25 Full Day [8:00 am – 4:00 pm] 0.5 sem hrs / 7.5 contact hours

NOTE: Time Change – Because we are now able to enter the USAFA North Gate earlier than 9 am, we have made the decision to start (and finish) the workshop one hour earlier – at 8 am.

Presenters: Dr. Gary Balaich, Dr. Ron Furstenau, Dr. Abby Jennings, USAFA Chemistry Department

Description: Looking for connections between chemistry and our world? Look no further. Join Drs. Balaich, Furstenau, and Jennings as they take you on a learning journey through the chemistry of both textiles and fuels. Learn about how textile fibers (polymers) are made, analyzed and dyed. You’ll even get to make, analyze and dye some textiles yourself! Hear about the differences between gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels. Synthesize and analyze biodiesel and some fuel blends using various lab techniques (viscosity measurements, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS), and calorimetry).   

Tentative Agenda: “Chemistry of Textiles” and “Chemistry of Fuels”

• 0800 Meet participants on the south steps of the Cadet Field House for ‘check in’
• 0815                Escort to Chemistry Conference Room (2N189)
• 0845-915       Introductions, refreshments, admin items in Chemistry Conference Room
• 915-1015       Presentation:  “Chemistry of Textiles” (Dr. Abby Jennings)
  • Dr. Jennings will talk about how major types of fabrics for textiles are made and dyed. This talk will include a discussion behind the chemistry of fiber synthesis and dye synthesis and selection.
• 1015-1030       Break, Chemistry Conference Room (2N189)
• 1030-1230       Laboratory Experiments
  • Group A:  Synthesis and Analysis of Fuels (Dr. Balaich & Dr. Furstenau)
    • “Synthesis and Analysis of Fuels”:  In this series of labs, participants will synthesize biodiesel and biodiesel petroleum diesel blends.  Different techniques will then be used to analyze the fuels, including viscosity measurements, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS), and calorimetry.
  • Group B:  Synthesis, Analysis, and Dyeing of Textiles (Dr. Jennings & Dr. Furstenau)
    • “Synthesis, Analysis, and Dyeing of Textiles”:  In this series of labs, participants will synthesize several polymers, analyze the polymers/textiles using a variety of methods, and dye some fabrics.
• 1230-1330       Working Lunch Break in Lecture Hall 
  • Presentation:  “Chemistry of Fuels” (Dr. Gary Balaich)
  • During lunch, Dr. Balaich will discuss the chemistry behind fuels, including the differences between gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels, as well as octane number.
• 1330-1530       Laboratory Experiments
  • Group A:  Synthesis, Analysis, and Dyeing of Textiles (Dr. Jennings & Dr. Furstenau)
  • Group B:  Synthesis and Analysis of Fuels (Dr. Balaich & Dr. Furstenau)
• 1530-1600       Final wrap-up of the day’s events (2N189), including door prizes and evaluations
• 1600               Depart chemistry area for Cadet Field House