Current Research

The following grants represent the current research at the Center:

Promoting Aluminum Recycling
Project Team: Dr. Kenneth Troske, U. of KY; Dr. David Hardesty, U. of KY; Dr. Fred Morgan, U. of KY; Margaret Hughes; Brandon Koford
The goal of this project is to find the most cost effective method(s) to increase recycling of used beverage aluminum cans by households. By conducting a quasi-experimental behavioral study, the following factors will be quantified in Fayette and Warren counties, Kentucky:

- Price Elasticity - Communication Appeal Effectiveness - Frequency of Communication - Gains versus Reduced Losses - Matching Versus Mismatching Communication Appeal Effectiveness

Reducing Transportation Costs
Project Team: Dr. Richard Germain, U. of Louisville; Dr. Wayne Whitworth, U. of Louisville
The purpose of this project is to assist the aluminum industry in becoming more efficient through an examination of transportation mode usage. Process mapping, public policy issues related to security, and assessments of fuel costs on mode efficiency will be utilized to provide insight as to where inefficiencies in supply chains exist. The goal is to understand and suggest strategies for optimizing transportation mode and minimizing cost for moving aluminum scrap, finished products, and raw materials in the United States.

Implementing Six Sigma Methodologies for Understanding and Enhancing Recycling of Non-UBC Aluminum Products
Project Team: Dr. Subodh Das, U. of KY; Dr. I.S. Jawahir, U. of KY
The aim of the project is to understand, analyze and suggest implementable strategies to enhance recycling rates of non-Used Beverage Cans alloys, with special emphasis on building & construction and aerospace products, using Six Sigma methodologies.