REU Site: Collaborative Proposal: Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites

非技术描述：这个REU现场项目的总体目标是为本科生提供实践研究机会，在生物塑料和生物复合材料中心（CB2）提供的工业相关研究环境的背景下探索生物塑料和生物复合材料的科学前沿。该项目旨在吸引和留住STEM职业的学生，并激励本国学生从事可持续技术和材料的研究生工作。这个为期9.5周的暑期项目提供了一个独特的研究经验，并为本科生在新兴的生物塑料和生物复合材料领域面临的科学和技术挑战做好准备。与会者将更加了解和赞赏可持续技术和材料在实现国家可再生目标方面的重要性，以及现有的有益的研究职业机会。该项目建立在与爱荷华州立大学和华盛顿州立大学生物塑料和生物复合材料中心的现有工业关系的基础上。技术描述：NSF I/UCR生物塑料和生物复合材料中心（CB2）的成立是为了(1)提高对生物塑料和生物复合材料的合成、加工、性能和复合的基本了解；(2)为行业合作伙伴开发可靠的材料特性数据；(3)支持可再生材料的大规模实施。该中心的总体目标是为聚合物，特别是可再生和可生物降解的植物油、碳水化合物和蛋白质，从石化原料成功过渡到国内来源提供科学基础。这一关键转变将减少塑料生产、制造和处置对环境的影响，并在美国创造新的商业和市场。这个快速发展的行业依赖于一个准备充分的劳动力，他们熟悉植物基材料的研究和开发，以及为这些材料量身定制的尖端制造技术。参与可持续技术和材料REU的学生将学习：(1)如何作为合作研究团队的一部分进行研究；（二）如何展示和发表研究成果；(3)伦理在研究中的作用；(4)可持续材料和技术领域的科学和技术挑战；(5)研究提供了有益的职业道路。致谢：本网站由国防部与NSF REU项目合作提供支持。

NON-TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION: The overall objective of this REU site project is to provide undergraduate students with hands-on research opportunities to explore the scientific frontiers of bioplastics and biocomposites within the context of the industrially relevant research environment provided by the Center of Bioplastic and Biocomposites (CB2). The project aims to attract and retain students in STEM careers and to inspire national students to pursue graduate work with a focus on sustainable technologies and materials. This 9.5 week summer project provides a unique research experience and prepares undergraduate students for the scientific and technical challenges faced in the nascent field of bioplastics and biocomposites. Participants will gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the importance of sustainable technologies and materials in meeting national renewable goals and the rewarding research career opportunities available. The program builds on existing relationships with industry already engaged in the Center of Bioplastic and Biocomposites both at Iowa State University and Washington State University.TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION: The NSF I/UCR Center of Bioplastic and Biocomposites (CB2) was established in order to (1) to improve the basic understanding of the synthesis, processing, properties, and compounding of bioplastic and biocomposite materials; (2) to develop reliable material characteristics data for industrial partners; and (3) to support large-scale implementation of renewable materials. The overall goal of the center is to provide the scientific basis for a successful transition from petrochemical raw materials to domestic sources for polymers, in particular renewable and biodegradable plant-based oils, carbohydrates, and proteins. This crucial transition will reduce the environmental impact of plastic production, manufacturing, and disposal and create new businesses and markets within the US. This fast growing industry depends on a well-prepared workforce that is familiar with research and development of plant-based materials and cutting edge manufacturing technologies tailored to these materials. Students participating in the REU focused on Sustainable Technologies and Materials will learn: (1) how to conduct research as part of a collaborative research team; (2) how to present and publish their findings; (3) the role of ethics in research; (4) the scientific and technical challenges in the area of sustainable materials and technologies; and (5) that research offers rewarding career paths.Acknowledgement: This site is supported by the Department of Defense in partnership with the NSF REU program.