U.S.-Tanzania Cooperative Research: Study of Affordable Biocomposites for Structural Engineering Applications

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This award supports a one-year collaborative research project between Dr. Primus Mtenga, Department of Civil Engineering, Florida A&M University, and Dr. Elifasi Bisanda, Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Dar-es-Salaam, in Tanzania. The investigators will collect samples of natural fibers and polymers native to the region. The sources of these raw materials will also be studied to determine whether extraction and semi-processing techniques create any changes in these properties. By using these raw materials to develop synthetic biocomposites, the investigators hope to introduce new, more affordable, construction materials. This new, affordable technology will be environmentally sound and will create economic opportunities for both developed and developing countries.