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A new technology that adds nanocellulose to polymers can minimize the use of solvents, thereby reducing costs for manufacturers. Researchers at Purdue University believe that this approach provides a more commercial option for using plant-based materials in automobiles, packaging, and other applications.
Researchers say that solvents and similar materials are often used to improve the dispersion of nanocellulose in polymers. Jeffrey Youngblood, a professor of materials engineering at Purdue University’s School of Engineering, explained: “These methods are very expensive for manufacturers and they must add additional processes and machinery to meet emission standards that may be affected by solvent use.”
The research team invented a method of mixing nanocellulose with additives such as plasticizers, and then compounding this mixture into polymers. News published on the university’s website stated that this technology can be applied to a variety of polymers, including nylon used in the automotive industry and polylactic acid and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers used in food packaging. According to reports, it can make nanocellulose easily extruded or injection molded into sustainable products with better performance.
Youngblood said: "We have invented a method that uses additives normally present in polymers as a'solvent' to disperse nanocellulose during the melting process. In this way, we still have increased performance, but there is no manufacturing process. The part that requires an additional reduction in emissions. This makes the process of using biodegradable nanocellulose more sustainable."
Youngblood said that the main advantages of Purdue technology for large-scale polymer production are: the solvent-free compound of nanocellulose and polymer; and the homogeneous mixture of hydrophilic nanocellulose and hydrophobic polymer.
The innovator has worked with the Purdue University Research Foundation Technology Commercialization Office to apply for a patent for the technology. They are looking for more partners and people interested in licensing the technology.