Grantee Research Project Results
2006 Progress Report: Nanotechnology: A Novel Approach to Prevent Biocide Leaching
EPA Grant Number: GR832371Title: Nanotechnology: A Novel Approach to Prevent Biocide Leaching
Investigators: Heiden, Patricia , Dawson-Andoh, Benjamin , Matuana, Laurent
Institution: Michigan Technological University , West Virginia University , Michigan State University
Current Institution: Michigan Technological University , Michigan State University , West Virginia University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: July 1, 2008 through August 30, 2009
Project Period Covered by this Report: July 1, 2005 through August 30,2009
Project Amount: $333,130
RFA: Greater Research Opportunities: Research in Nanoscale Science Engineering and Technology (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Nanotechnology , Safer Chemicals
Objective:
The overall objective of the project was to test the hypothesis that the introduction of biocides into controlled-release nanoparticles reduces the leaching of those biocides into the environment. Reducing biocide leach would reduce the negative environmental impact of wood, increase the longevity of treated wood, and require wood to be treated with lesser amounts of biocide. The proposed approach is to produce core-shell nanoparticles that contain biocides (organic and/or inorganic). The core composition is hydrophobic, serving as a protective reservoir to prevent the loss of the bulk of the biocide to degradation or leach, and to slowly release biocide into the wood to replenish free biocide as it is lost. The shell is hydrophilic to stabilize the nanoparticles in aqueous suspension for delivery into the wood by pressure treatment. The objectives for the preceding year were to develop an efficient nanoparticle preparation method, study the effect of preparation variables on nanoparticle size and suspension stability, prepare several polymer compositions of core-shell nanoparticles to determine size and suitability for treating wood to study the release rates from the nanoparticles, and begin leaching and soil jar studies to compare susceptibility to leach with biological efficacy.
Progress Summary:
Synthesis variables were studied, and three critical factors were identified that affect nanoparticle size and stability. The effect of the ratio of gelatin shell to hydrophobic core on tebuconazole release rate was assessed. The stability of treated wood (leached and unleached) against Gloeophylum trabeum was studied using soil jar tests at target tebuconazole levels of 0.2–0.8 kg/m3 wood. Leaching studies were done and analytes sent to West Virginia University (WVU) for analysis. Method development was begun for the preparation of copper-containing nanoparticles using ammonium copper quat (ACQ), with nanoparticle specimens sent to Michigan State University (MSU) for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis.
Future Activities:
During 2008, we expect to complete work on tebuconazole-containing nanoparticle preparation methods to identify relationships between biocide release rates, leach rates, and wood stability to determine the formulation that affords adequate protection to wood with minimal leach. We will begin work on copper-containing nanoparticles to achieve a similar objective.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 5 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
leachate, pollution prevention, green chemistry, clean technologies, innovative technology, nanotechnology,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Sustainable Industry/Business, Environmental Chemistry, Sustainable Environment, Technology, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Chemicals Management, pollution prevention, Environmental Engineering, wood preservative, clean technologies, cleaner production, environmentally benign coating, nanocoatings, biocide leaching, alternative building technology, nanotechnology, alternative materials, biotechnology, coating processes, nanomaterials, biocidal nanocomposite coating, biocide coatingsProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe 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.