Eric Eddings, Associate Dean for Research, College of Engineering, University of Utah
As U.S. coal production declines due to the rise of natural gas and alternative energies, the question remains: What will happen to those communities of coal workers?
The answer may lie in a derivative of coal called “pitch,” which can be used to produce a carbon-fiber material utilized in items from skis to automobile and aircraft parts.
Engineers from the University of Utah conducted a $1.6 million project to research cost-effective, carbon-friendly methods of turning coal-derived pitch into carbon-fiber composite material, as well as analyze its market potential and whether it can help revitalize coal communities threatened by a decline in production.
Learn more about the project and its outcomes at our next Energy Briefing on Wednesday, September 5th, 12:00 PM at the DoubleTree Hotel. Eric Eddings, Associate Dean for Research, College of Engineering, University of Utah will be our presenter. If you have our energy briefing fall series pass we would welcome confirmation of who will be attending. Call 970-242-3214 to reserve your seat!
