In partnership with SimPol Technologies, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) MASc student Hayden Mcgreal and professor Ehsan Behzadfar are developing a solution that enhances polymer’s quality without the aid of harmful and persistent chemicals for advanced barrier and anti-dripping properties. Through systematic formulation, rheological and physicochemical testing of the polymer’s composition, their research will implement technological advancements to optimize their sustainable solution for industrial settings.

The project’s initial findings, showcased at the 2023 Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference in Calgary, Alberta, highlighted the potential of this approach and opened doors for further research collaborations. Building on this momentum, Mcgreal and professor Behzadfar will delve deeper into the practical applications and scalability of their work, marking an important step forward in the advancement of sustainable polymers across different markets and applications. 

With plastic usage likely to increase in the coming decade, Ontario’s polymer manufacturing industry stands to benefit from new and innovative applications of sustainable polymers. This project is part of a broader national effort to reduce reliance on “forever chemicals” and establish a healthier environment.

Funding for this project by Mitacs. To learn more about how Mitacs supports groundbreaking research and innovation, visit the Mitacs website.

The post Safe, additive-free plastics for a healthier world appeared first on TMU Research & Innovation Blog.

To improve the versatility and quality of typical remote-system surveying data, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) engineering alumni Robel Efrem (mechanical) and Alexandre Coutu (electrical) teamed up with Sajad Saeedi from TMU’s Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. In partnership with the alumni’s company, Rosor Corp., they develop near-surface, remotely piloted aircraft systems that support multi-datatype output surveying, such as geophysical and topographic, in a single pass.

These long-range survey drones will improve geophysical data collection using custom-designed sensor suites, improved low-altitude accuracy, longer stamina and untethered, long-range communication systems. Enhanced geophysical survey data can provide mining investors greater insights into national and global mining resources, help solve demand shortages through mineral discoveries, and support environmental monitoring and developing technologies like electric vehicles.

Funding for this project by Mitacs. To learn more about how Mitacs supports groundbreaking research and innovation, visit the Mitacs website.

The post Enhancing survey data with high-tech, long-range drones appeared first on TMU Research & Innovation Blog.

To fill this industry gap and improve the lives of diabetes patients, three Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) engineering alumni connected with TMU biomedical engineering professor Naimul Khan to develop machine-learning algorithms capable of analyzing 2D food images for 3D depth in real-time. This innovation allows users to snap a photo of their meal and have the carbohydrates counted while they wait, allowing them to adjust their portions or food choices to maintain ideal glucose levels.

Alumni Liam Bell (biomedical), Osama Muhammad (mechanical) and Muhammed Ashad Khan (electrical) are using these algorithms to further develop their smartphone app and accompanying wearable device, Glucose Vision. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce future health issues and the cost burden of diabetes on the Canadian health care system.

Funding for this project provided by Mitacs. To learn more about how Mitacs supports groundbreaking research and innovation, visit the Mitacs website.

The post Counting carbs with AI for real-time glucose monitoring appeared first on TMU Research & Innovation Blog.

Self-powered CGM smart wearables could significantly improve diabetes patients’ quality of life by enabling them to regulate their overall blood sugar level and meet glucose targets consistently. In addition, CGMs could play an essential role in predicting the risk of diabetes development before onset.

Zarrin, the principal investigator at TMU-based Nanoengineering Laboratory for Energy and Environmental Technologies (NLEET) and a chemical engineering professor, collaborates with Eslami, a chemical engineering PhD candidate and his start-up, Sensofine, to make this technology widely available. They use machine learning and input from fashion designers to develop smart wearables made of high-performing materials and consider various factors in their design, including accessibility, culture, gender and age.

Funding for this project provided by Mitacs. To learn more about how Mitacs supports groundbreaking research and innovation, visit the Mitacs website.

The post Smart wearables that measure sweat provide continuous glucose monitoring appeared first on TMU Research & Innovation Blog.

To assess and identify the best retrofit practices for residential buildings regarding carbon emissions, Toronto Metropolitan Univerisity’s (TMU) Department of Architectural Science chair and professor Mark Gorgolewski and TMU graduate student ​​Fatma Osman partnered with Michael Singleton, executive director of Sustainable Buildings Canada (SBC). Their research examines commonly used retrofit strategies in Ontario using building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to identify low-carbon material selections and optimal retrofit approaches.

This research benefits the construction industry by providing designers with academic insights into low-carbon strategies to help in project planning and design. It will also allow SBC and other organizations to support the development of appropriate policies and procedures that result in low-carbon built environments.

Funding for this project by Mitacs. To learn more about how Mitacs supports groundbreaking research and innovation, visit the Mitacs website.

The post Lowering carbon emissions by optimizing energy retrofits appeared first on TMU Research & Innovation Blog.