Grantee Research Project Results
Sustainable Polymeric Nanocomposites
EPA Contract Number: EPD07088Title: Sustainable Polymeric Nanocomposites
Investigators: Hollingsworth, Laura O.
Small Business: PolyNew, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: May 1, 2007 through May 31, 2009
Project Amount: $224,988
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (2007) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Nanotechnology , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Nanotechnology
Description:
Petroleum is finite and as world economies develop it will be increasingly expensive. Consequently, crude oils containing contaminants including mercury and sulfur will be processed. The resulting extensive pollution along with concerns over climate change make it highly desirable to find alternative sources for plastics as a means of pollution prevention. Plastic water bottles in California are filling up available dumping space and when released into the ocean cause environmental problems. Finally, during the production of foamed plastic articles, significant quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are generated. The purpose of this multi-phase SBIR research project is to develop and commercialize next-generation bioplastics using nanotechnology to address these ecological concerns. We expect the resulting “green” plastics to compete on a price/performance basis.
PLA is a bioplastic made from corn but available from any fermentable biomass resource, including plentiful cellulosics. Life cycle analysis shows multiple environmental benefits over petroleum-based plastics. However, the property window of PLA is limited - the heat distortion temperature (HDT) is too low. In Phase I, University expertise developed under previous EPA STAR funding was exploited to develop nanocomposite technology that successfully overcame the HDT limitation. Presently polystyrene is largely used for these applications and foamed with 3-5 weight percent hydrocarbons. If PLA is used the additional benefit of displacing at least 1 million pounds per year of VOCs may be realized. Because of the clear commercialization potential of the nanotechnology, a commercialization agreement with the Sealed Air Corporation (SAC) - a $4 Billion/year in sales multinational - was reached and will provide rapid commercialization if the technical milestones of this Phase II project are met.
To meet the full suite of requirements on solid and foamed trays, additional material property targets have been identified in conjunction with SAC; meeting these requirements constitutes the basis of the Phase II work plan. When successfully met, a commercialization option will be exercised at the end of the first year and co-funded by a $100,000 SAC investment. This will enable an expanded work plan culminating in the production of prototypes using an industrially relevant pilot scale production line.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 2 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 2 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, EPA, volatile organic compounds, VOC, polymeric nanocomposites, plastics, bioplastics, nanomaterials, RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Air, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Chemicals, climate change, Air Pollution Effects, Technology for Sustainable Environment, pollution prevention, Chemicals Management, Atmosphere, biopolymers, polymer composite materials, environmental monitoring, cleaner production, nanocomposite, environmental sustainability, nanotechnology, alternative materials, nanomaterials, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Progress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase I:
Sustainable Polymeric Nanocomposites | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.