Location: Bioproducts Research
Project Number: 2030-30600-001-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: May 7, 2025
End Date: May 6, 2030
Objective:
Objective 1: Utilize conventional and novel processing technologies to produce and characterize nanofibers from biopolymers and investigate potential applications.
Sub-objective 1.A: Identify and characterize underutilized fibers to convert to nanocelluloses, including cellulose nanocrystals (nanocrystalline cellulose) and cellulose nanofibrils (cellulose nanofibers, nanofibrillated cellulose).
Sub-objective 1.B: Produce and characterize nanofibers from starch biopolymers.
Objective 2: Enable new commercial bioproducts made from plant-based feedstocks including fibers, starches, biopolymers, and under-valued crop co-products, including straws, bagasse, and residues.
Sub-objective 2.A: Chemically and/or physically modify underutilized plant fibers and by-products for use in composites.
Sub-objective 2.B: Use phenolic compounds as natural cross-linkers for protein films to improve material properties and impart bioactivity.
Objective 3: Transform feedstocks from food wastes, sewage sludge, and municipal solid waste into biobased products.
Sub-objective 3.A: Utilize thermal and chemical conversion of agricultural and underutilized biomass sources to make new products.
Approach:
The research will employ various techniques, including solution blow spinning, chemical and physical modification of fibers, and pyrolysis. They will also conduct biodegradation measurements, life cycle assessments, and techno-economic analyses to evaluate environmental impacts.
The expected impact is the development of sustainable, biodegradable products that can replace petroleum-based plastics in various applications. This research will benefit multiple stakeholders, including:
• Agricultural industries by creating new markets for by-products
• Packaging and food service industries seeking sustainable alternatives
• Consumers looking for environmentally friendly products
• Municipalities aiming to reduce plastic waste and pollution
• The broader environment through reduced plastic pollution
This research will contribute significantly to the transition towards a more sustainable, circular economy. This project includes stakeholder involvement which is important to this research and helpful in gauging progress via informal discussions throughout the year as well as annual liaison meetings. These meetings and regular interaction with our stakeholders foster transparency, advance industry collaboration, strengthen support for extramural funding, and ensure that our research focus is aligned with industry needs and ultimately providing timely solutions.