In the quest for sustainable energy sources, scientists have developed "grassoline" -a biofuel derived from grass that may one day power aircraft.
For the experiment, researchers investigated methods to disintegrate and treat grass until it could be used as a fuel.
Until now, grass has mainly served as feed for animals. But apart from that, grass can also be used as biofuel. Due to its vast abundance, grass is the perfect source of energy.
To improve its biodegradability, the grass was pretreated at first.
Then bacteria were added to convert sugars in the grass into lactic acid and its derivatives.
This lactic acid can serve as an intermediate chemical to produce other compounds such as biodegradable plastics (PLA) or fuels.
The lactic acid was then converted into caproic acid, which was further converted into decane.
Decane could be used in aviation fuel.
Scientists have developed "fuzzy fibres" that act like velcro and could stand up to the heat and pressure of rocket engines.
The fibres made of silicon carbide strengthen composites used in advanced rocket engines that have to withstand temperatures up to 1,600 degrees celsius.
Ceramic composites used in present rockets can crack or become brittle when exposed to oxygen.
