REU Site: Collaborative Proposal: Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites

非技术描述：这个REU网站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（CB 2）提供的工业相关研究环境中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，并激励全国学生从事研究生工作，重点是可持续技术和材料。这个为期9.5周的暑期项目提供了独特的研究经验，并为本科生在生物塑料和生物复合材料的新兴领域所面临的科学和技术挑战做好准备。与会者将获得对可持续技术和材料在实现国家可再生目标和提供有价值的研究职业机会的重要性的更好的理解和赞赏。该计划建立在现有的关系与工业已经从事生物塑料和生物复合材料的中心都在爱荷华州州立大学和华盛顿州立大学。技术说明：NSF I/UCR生物塑料和生物复合材料中心（CB 2）的建立是为了（1）提高生物塑料和生物复合材料的合成，加工，性能和复合的基本理解;（2）为工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应用。该中心的总体目标是为从石化原料到国内聚合物资源的成功过渡提供科学依据，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。这一关键的转变将减少塑料生产、制造和处置对环境的影响，并在美国创造新的业务和市场。这个快速增长的行业依赖于一支准备充分的劳动力，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。 参加可持续技术和材料的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;（2）如何展示和发表他们的发现;（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。鸣谢：该网站由国防部与NSF REU计划合作支持。

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.