PNRI Radiation-Modified Abaca/Polyester Fabric Wins Outstanding Utility Model Award at 2020 NICE
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PNRI Career Scientist Dr. Lucille Abad, Dr. Jordan Madrid and Mr. Patrick Jay Cabalar (4th to 6th from left, respectively) receive the trophy and cash prize for the Outstanding Utility Model Award during the 2020 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE). They are joined by DOST Undersecretary Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara (3rd from left) DOST – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) Director Engr. Edgar Garcia (2nd from left).
Mr. Patrick Jay Cabalar and Dr. Jordan Madrid of the Chemistry Research Section with their exhibit of the utility model “Composite Nonwoven Fabric Heavy Metal Adsorbent and Method for Preparing the Same” at the 2020 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE).
PNRI Radiation-Modified Abaca/Polyester Fabric Wins Outstanding Utility Model Award at 2020 NICE
State-of-the-art radiation applications once again took the lead among the latest Filipino innovations as chemistry researchers from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) won the first place for the Outstanding Utility Model category during the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) on March 5, 2020 at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City.
The award for the radiation-grafted abaca-based nonwoven fabric which serves as an effective filter for heavy metals was received by Dr. Jordan Madrid, head of the PNRI Chemistry Research Section (CRS), Dr. Lucille Abad, Career Scientist and Chief of PNRI’s Atomic Research Division and Mr. Patrick Jay Cabalar, CRS project staff.
Radiation can modify materials and graft various polymers with advanced properties. Using radiation from the PNRI Electron Beam Irradiation Facility, researchers grafted a fabric based on the native product abaca with synthetic polymers to develop a nonwoven fabric that can filter toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, mercury and arsenic which can be harmful to human health and the environment.
Studies showed that the radiation-modified nonwoven fabric is reusable and cheaper to use than commercial resins which have the same purpose, while also being on par, if not better, in filtering the waste.
But the radiation-grafted abaca fabric’s application for wastewater treatment is just the tip of the iceberg. Researchers are also exploring other possible applications of the fabric such as for recovering precious metals and as a catalyst for producing biodiesel.
PNRI was granted a utility model for the technology in 2019. The nonwoven fabric previously won as the Regional Winner for the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) for the National Capital Region in November 2019. The product is an output of a PCAARRD-funded project in collaboration with Philippine Textile Research Institute which provided the abaca/polyester nonwoven fabric.
The 2020 NICE recognizes the efforts and hard work of Filipino inventors, researchers and students, encourages the development of inventions through competitions and highlights the role of the Filipino inventors in Philippine society and in the context of national economic development.
Nuclear and Radiation Innovations at HANDA PILIPINAS 2020
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Nuclear and Radiation Innovations at HANDA PILIPINAS 2020
Harnessing the Atom’s unique advantages during disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, nuclear and radiation applications will be showcased by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) at the HANDA PILIPINAS: Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Expo 2020 to be held on March 12 to 14 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Organized by the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) and the DOST-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), the expo will exhibit the latest DOST technologies that will support initiatives towards disaster risk reduction and management and help ensure safer and more resilient communities.
The exhibits will revolve around the theme “Science for the People: Safer, Adaptive and Prepared Filipino Communities toward Sustainable Development.”
As part of the exhibits, PNRI will feature its environmental radioactivity monitoring systems – the radionuclide monitoring station under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) and the newer System for Online Monitoring of Environmental Radiation (SOMER), which can provide valuable data for decision makers in case of nuclear and radiological incidents near the country.
Also among the technologies are the irradiated chicken breast adobo, which can serve as a ready-to-eat meal for calamity victims that can last longer through radiation processing.
For medical applications, hemostats developed by PNRI researchers can reduce or stop the bleeding in wounds or skin openings from military or civilian trauma.
PNRI researchers will also join the breakout sessions to talk about the benefits of food irradiation in prolonging the shelf-life of food and other products, as well as the Institute’s cytogenetic biodosimetry service, which involves the analysis of chromosomes to measure radiation exposure, particularly during radiation-related emergencies.
As the national regulatory body for nuclear and radioactive materials, PNRI continues to coordinate with various government agencies and scientific institutions in improving the country’s capability to respond in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency.
PNRI Hosts IAEA/RCA Regional Workshop on Radiological Dose Assessment
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PNRI Hosts IAEA/RCA Regional Workshop on Radiological Dose Assessment
Researchers representing several countries in the Asia-Pacific region meet with experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the further development of environmental radioactivity monitoring efforts in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in marine systems, during the IAEA/RCA Regional Workshop on Radiological Dose Assessment hosted by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) from February 24 to 28, 2020 at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City.
The workshop was held in collaboration with the IAEA and the Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology for Asia and the Pacific (RCA).
IAEA Project RAS7028 aims to enhance the capabilities of Member States in monitoring marine radioactivity and to assess the potential impact of radioactive releases from nuclear facilities into the marine environment, whether routine or accidental.
PNRI Receives Recognition from DOST-TAPI for Successful Commercialization of Technologies
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PNRI Receives Recognition from DOST-TAPI for Successful Commercialization of Technologies
Congratulations to DOST-PNRI for receiving recognition from the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) for its successful commercialization of DOST-funded technologies under its Technology Transfer Day Project in 2019.
The plaque was given to PNRI Technology Transfer and Business Development Officer Mr. Gregory Ciocson during DOST-TAPI's 33rd Anniversary Celebration.
According to DOST-TAPI, the Technology Transfer Day provides a venue to fast-track the commercialization of DOST technologies for entrepreneurs, investors, fabricators, and technology adaptors, contributing to DOST's efforts to make science and technology more significant and responsive to the needs of the local market.
More photos at:
https://www.facebook.com/PNRIDOST/posts/1078936185785119
