Developing scalable materials to increase use of bio-based products
The Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies Group conducts research and development on high-performance bio-based composites as well as high-volume polymer and composite recycling practices. Putting materials back into use rather than discarding them helps mitigate waste from manufacturing.
Additionally, widespread implementation of bio-based materials can increase demand for local feedstocks nationwide, enabling distributed manufacturing and benefiting local and rural economies. Simultaneously developing new recycling technologies in manufacturing will reduce the current and forthcoming volume of waste, upcycle valuable materials, create a wealth of new domestic jobs, and lead the U.S. toward more efficient manufacturing practices. The group’s work has implications for mold fabrication, marine and automotive parts, building and construction, advanced recycling, packaging and transportation, and next-gen advanced manufacturing.
Sponsorship
Research is supported by the Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office.
Research Impacts
Super tough bioplastic
Developing a bioderived polymer that is 10 times tougher than polylactic acid without sacrificing strength or stiffness and with improved manufacturability
Printing with plants
Incorporating natural fibers such as wood, bamboo, and micro-cellulose into polymer composites for 3D printing
Enabling nanocellulose
Optimizing nanocellulose extraction and processing techniques for use in high performance polymer composites
Thermochemical recycling
Using pyrolysis to recover glass and/or carbon fiber at pilot scale
Mitigating waste
Developing reclaimed carbon fiber compositions and methods to produce a Class A Finish for structural automotive parts
AM waste upcycling
Downsizing and re-printing composite scrap