Biopolymers & Biocomposites Workshop
August 14, 2012
Memorial Union
Iowa State University, AMES, IOWA
About
With growing demand from consumers, government regulations to decrease pollution and the necessity to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, the need to understand biopolymers and biocomposites is critical. These materials have the potential to use a wide range of feedstocks, from corn to coconut fibers, making this emerging technology challenging.
This workshop will allow researchers and industrial partners to network with companies to design, formulate and process biopolymer and biocomposite products. The workshop will focus on:
Formulating
- Protein-based polymers
- Vegetable oil polymers
- Adhesives
- Composites
- Polyesters (fermentation processes)
Processing
- Pre-processing requirements
- Injection molding
- Extrusion
- Compression molding
- Casting
Characterization
Quantitative assessment of mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties of biopolymers and composites
Other topics will include: application studies, raw material resources, post-production concerns and economic models.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is aimed at providing technicians, engineers, designers and companies wanting to incorporate this technology with the tools required to use biopolymers and biocomposites for product design and manufacturing. Whether you already use biopolymers, biocomposites or bioadhesives, or are considering their use, this workshop will allow you to interact with experts in the field and gain critical knowledge about this growing industry.