Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference

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A Facile Method of Dispersing CNF’s via VS-I within a Polymer Matrix

Graduate #85
Discipline:
Subcategory: Materials Science

Donald White - Tuskegee University
Co-Author(s): Michael Curry, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL


It is believed that the addition of the CNF’s will allow non-biodegradable plastics to degrade in environmental settings. VS-I is a new method for the suspension and dispersion of the different polymorphs of cellulose-nanofribrils in an array of different polymer matrices. Infusing the cellulose without any modification improves the mechanical and thermo stability of the plastics. The ability to reduce the environmental impacts of plastics has been limited due to its inability to break down. However, by using a biomass we are able to have the plastics biodegrade. Various solvents were used to disperse the cellulose in different plastics (HIPS, ABS, PLA, PHA). Future works will include a biogas degradation study, and test the toxicity of the plastics.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): AGEP HRD-1433005; CHE-1503408

Faculty Advisor: Michael L. Curry, currym@mytu.tuskegee.edu

Role: All research and characterization by Donald White.

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.