Kumaun University's Project to synthesise Graphene from plastic waste gets nod from NMHS

The Times of India , Monday, April 18, 2016
Correspondent : ShivaniSaxena
DEHRADUN: The National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED) under the ministry of environment, forest and climate change has approved, Kumaun University's project titled, "Environmentally Sustainable Smart Synthesis of Carbon Nano material along with the production of High Value Added Fuel and Additives for the Concrete Mixture from Waste Plastic, Hazardous Waste around the Himalayan Region" under varsity's Nanoscience and Nanotechnology centre.

It is learnt that the main objectives of the project headed by Dr Nanda Gopal Sahoo in charge of the Nano science and Nanotechnology center, under Chemistry department of the varsity are to synthesize Graphene from the plastic waste for the energy and bio-medical applications and to develop new cheaper and greener techniques for the mass production of Graphene from plastic waste besides conversion and collection of the fuel from the plastic waste for the automobile and other similar industrial applications using the same, by using specially design multipurpose incinerator (furnace). The other aim will be that at the secondary stage plastic (semi liquid plastic) to be utilized for making additives for high standard concrete and to conduct the awareness programs at the various region of project site to make the community of that site aware about the hazardous effect of plastics by NGOs.

Speaking to TOI, vice-chancellor of the Kumaun University, H S Dhami said, "It is a great achievement as the varsity always aimed for contributing to the society along with research work. We got an approval letter for the project proposal for consideration under National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) on April 16 and the initial grant of Rs.1,97,88,800 for a period of three years has been approved"

Adding to which, he said, "Despite emphasis on plastic ban, we can see that plastic can be easily found in the environment especially in lakes and near riverbeds. In fact, even used wrappers and chip packets contribute to environmental hazard. Once the varsity is able to make Graphene out of the plastic waste, it can eventually also be used as an alternate source of energy.It will also motivate people to collect used plastic bottles and plastic degrading the environment and help us in putting it to good use"

Dhami also specifically stated that much of the encouragement came from Governor, K K Paul who has been motivating universities to pursue researches in nano science and nano technology for benefit of the society besides support of BJP M P Tarun Vijay from Uttarakhand who granted the initial seed money of Rs 50 lakh for establishing the Nano science and Nanotechnology center at the varsity.

It is learnt that the second installment for the project will be considered only after 100% expenditure of the first installment release.

Ministry of environment, forest and climate change had launched a Centrally funded National Mission on Himalayan Studies in 2015 to accord high priority to the protection and development of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem with an objective to restore health of Himalaya by involving community and research institutes.

 
SOURCE : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Dehradun/Kumaun-Universitys-Project-to-synthesise-Graphene-from-plastic-waste-gets-nod-from-NMHS/articleshow/51866164.cms
 


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