Nanotechnology boosts bioplastic production

Filed in archive Biotech on November 2, 2006

An Iowa State University (ISU) assistant professor is working to create biorenewable, biodegradable plastics from the proteins in crops.

His researcher team is using microcellular foaming technologies and nanoclays, pieces of clay that are just 10 to 20 billionths of a meter thick to reinforce the bioplastic and make extrusion easier.

ISU professor David Grewell said the potential applications for plastics from corn and soy proteins include disposable wraps for hay bales, pots for plants and packaging for the food industry.

Meanwhile, Researchers at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) are developing lightweight, biodegradable components by pulling cellulose nanocrystals out of natural materials and mixing them with plastics.

"By adding an ounce of crystals to a pound of plastic, you can increase the strength of the plastic by a factor of 3,000," said Dr. William T. Winter, a chemistry professor and director of the Cellulose Research Institute at ESF. "These cellulose particles have a lifetime in a landfill of less than 90 days, at which time, they go back into carbon dioxide and water," he added.

Watch the ESF video to learn more. (photo ISU)