Advanced Bioplastics for Sustainable Applications

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This research partnership will investigate the fundamental properties a new type of engineered polysaccharide. It will also evaluate its application in the development of sustainable products for thermoplastic composites. This new material is renewable because it is produced by enzymatic polymerization of sucrose. Therefore it has great promise to assist in the development of new plastic products with benefits to the environment. The research problem is related to poor understanding about the behavior of the molecular structure of this novel engineered polysaccharide with respect to mixing with other polymers. The lack of knowledge about the characteristics controlling mixing prevent a proper dispersion of this renewable material inside other resins. As a consequence of poor mixing, products may exhibit brittle behavior or premature aging. This research partnership will have a positive impact by creating the next generation of biobased plastics and resins for application in packaging, construction and transportation. As result, it is expected that the new technology to be developed here will mitigate the detrimental effects of petrochemical plastics in the environment because this novel engineered polysaccharide is based on renewable feedstock. Moreover, this research partnership will support training of highly qualified personnel to join the workforce in Canada and assure that this new technology is transferred into manufacturing, thus contributing to a sustainable economy.