A Novel EBM Process Utilizing Renewable Biopolymers to Manufacture Natural Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

这项研究的目标是在废水处理厂中自然生长的微生物中生产塑料，然后将这些塑料与木纤维混合，创建用于门、窗、甲板、壁板和屋顶应用的木质复合产品。这项研究的方法将在三个不同的任务中进行。任务1将从选定的WTF中确定富含PHA的生物量的特征，开发WTF中PHA的时间周期评估，并基于实验室规模的生物聚合物生产建立生物聚合物特性矩阵。任务2将评估影响用废水生物固体制造的木材复合材料产品的生产和最终使用性能的关键生物聚合物特性。任务1和任务2的结果将用于开发任务3中的虚拟制造模型。该项目将开发一种无害环境的制造工艺，利用从可再生碳源(污水)中生物衍生的热塑性塑料；否则细菌生物量将被处理，通常以产生温室气体的方式处理。这一进程将减少(1)我国对化石燃料的依赖，(2)增加全球碳预算，以及(3)石油和木材行业的资源利用。这项拟议的研究将通过积极让大学生和K-12教师参与与研究相关的活动，在促进教学、培训和学习的同时促进发现。作为该项目的一部分而产生的与教育和研究有关的重大成果将由所有参与者在同行评议的科学和教育期刊、地方、地区和国家会议、当地学区以及作为该项目一部分建立的网站上传播。

The objective of this research is to produce plastics in microorganisms that grow naturally in wastewater treatment plants and then to mix these plastics with wood fibers to create wood-composite products that are used in door, window, decking, siding, and roofing applications. The approach to this research will be undertaken in three discrete tasks. Task 1 will characterize PHA-rich biomass from selected WTFs, develop a time cycle assessment of PHA within WTFs, and establish a biopolymer properties matrix based on lab-scale biopolymer production. Task 2 will evaluate critical biopolymer properties that impact the production and end-use performance of wood-composite products manufactured with wastewater biosolids. Findings from Task 1 and 2 will be used to develop a virtual manufacturing model in Task 3. This project will develop an environmentally benign manufacturing process that utilizes thermoplastics biologically derived on renewable carbon sources (sewage); the bacterial biomass would otherwise be disposed, often in a manner that produces greenhouse gases. The process will reduce (1) our nation's reliance on fossil fuels, (2) additions to the global carbon budget, and (3) resource utilization in both the petroleum and timber industries. The proposed study will advance discovery while promoting teaching, training, and learning through actively involving college students and K-12 teachers in research related activities. Significant educational and research related findings generated as part of the project will be disseminated by all participants in peer-reviewed science and educational journals; local, regional, and national conferences; local school districts; and a website constructed as part of this project.