Husk-to-Home siding is a fiber-plastic composite (FPC) material comprised of recycled high-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) and rice husk. HDPE is a low cost, recyclable, and formaldehyde-free material while the rice husk is used because of its natural resistance to moisture and termites. To ensure that the material is resistant to the elements, Husk-to-Home has conducted extensive flexural, compressive, soak, termite, and accelerated aging tests. These tests are conducted on a prototype board, and were performed to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards where applicable. Husk-To-Home plans to first sell the board in Southeastern US, targeting contracting companies. Once established as a profitable benefit corporation (b corp), Husk-To-Home will expand to create a replacement for wood composites as a multifunctional material that will be available both here in the US and internationally.
TextTrainer: a dialog system to train crisis helpline counselors
The rise of smartphone usage has changed communication patterns and paralleled an increase in individuals reporting feeling lonely and disconnected, especially amongst young adults.