Biopolymers & Biocomposites Research Team

 

Profile

 

The Biopolymers & Biocomposites Research Team strives to promote research and development of biorenewable polymers and composites from agricultural crops, encourages bioplastics in industry, and works towars new formulations and processing techniques. The team’s main objective is the development of new formulations and processing techniques for cost effective biopolymers and biocomposites that perfrom to industry standards.

Capabilities

Our team is comprised of highly skilled researchers from diverse backgrounds including chemistry, materials science, agricultural and biosystems engineering, natural resource ecology and management, and architecture and design. This diversity helps us be more innovative in the development of new products.

Facilities

Our facilities focus on product development, characterization, and scale-up. Lab space includes a full range of thermal analysis and mechanical characterization services. Pilot plant space includes 3,000 square feet for industrial products processing. The pilot plant equipment includes a plastic film and sheet extruder, compression and injection molding machines, and mechanical testing equipment.

Pilot plant

The Biopolymers & Biocomposites Reserch Team is developing new materials to address environmental concerns and add value to agricultural crops.