Grantee Research Project Results
Developing Sustainable Products Using Renewable Cellulose Fiber and Biopolymer Composites
EPA Grant Number: SU835733Title: Developing Sustainable Products Using Renewable Cellulose Fiber and Biopolymer Composites
Investigators: Lee, Young-A , Xiang, Chunhui , Madbouly, Samy , Wen, Zhiyou
Current Investigators: Lee, Young-A , Xiang, Chunhui , Madbouly, Samy , Wen, Zhiyou , Farr, Cheryl , Nam, Changhyun , Li, Rui , Ramasubramanian, Gauri , Ghalachyan, Armine
Institution: Iowa State University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 2014 through August 31, 2016 (Extended to August 31, 2017)
Project Amount: $90,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Phase 2 (2014) Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Chemical Safety , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
The aim of the Phase II is to build upon the work completed in the Phase I project and to establish the standard procedure to grow cellulose-based biocomposites and develop an optimal method for the composites have low water regains and good tensile strength for a large scale production. To accomplish this, the multi-disciplinary team project has formed strategic partnerships with experts from various disciplines. This project brings together material science, food science, chemistry, biopolymer and biocomposite research and researchers. In addition, product designers and developers having various skills such as pattern making, user wear test, and user perception test will join in the prototype development process.
Three objectives for the completion of the proposed project are: (1) Identify an optimal solution (Task 1. Further method development of cellulose-based biocomposites to have low moisture regains and good tensile strength; Task 2. Standardize cellulose fiber mat growing process through a thorough optimization of the growth and the cellulose fiber formation by the SCOPY; Task 3. Evaluate material using industry standardized testing methods); (2) Design apparel by linking with the Midwest-based apparel company (Task 4. Develop adaptable apparel products from the biocomposite materials, which are applicable for commercial use; Task 5. Build and secure industry partnership); and (3) Evaluate the product made of the biocomposite materials and impact of the product on the promotion of sustainable apparel using a survey, focus group and wear test (Task 6. Conduct focus group discussion, survey, and wear test to evaluate the product, consumer perception toward the use of the product made of cellulose-based biocomposite materials, and its impact; Task 7. Disseminate project to public through EPA Sustainable Design Expo as well as various venues.
Approach:
The materials and processes will be consistent with P3 benefits that include a cleaner community environment, reduction in energy use, reduction of fiber processing and fabric production costs, reduction of material waste, and development of a textile that has potential for larger scale production beyond an experimental prototype. The likely completion of Phase II will demonstrate how our proposed method integrates and sustains environmental protection, economic prosperity, and social benefits in rural communities as well as apparel and textiles industry. Through the demonstrated benefits to people, prosperity, and the planet, this new method will be expanded in future years across scales in larger regions.Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 9 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
science, technology, innovation, teaching resourceRelevant Websites:
Phase 1 Abstract
Phase 1 Final Report
Progress and Final Reports:
P3 Phase I:
Developing Sustainable Products Using Renewable Cellulose Fiber and Biopolymer Composites | 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.