01.10.2021 Views

Where Engineering & Chemistry Intersect for Broader Impact

Currently, many biodegradable products in the market are bio-based, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, and are focused on conventional plastic applications. This approach to production of biodegradable plastics, however, is facing mounting challenges due to high cost, weaker performance, and environmental issues. In addition, several biodegradable plastics have proven to break down quickly under specific, simulated environmental conditions, but they may not be effectively degradable under natural conditions. As a result of these challenges and many more, there exists a gap in the market. Our Project Affiliates, Dr. Son and Dr. Krueger, aim to bridge this gap by pursuing a biodegradable plastic that better addresses the aforementioned challenges, investigating a prototype plastic with predictable degradation and mechanical properties. In the spirit of interdisciplinary innovation, they seek to develop a joint chemical and engineering approach to biodegradable plastics for broader impact.

Currently, many biodegradable products in the market are bio-based, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, and are focused on conventional plastic applications. This approach to production of biodegradable plastics, however, is facing mounting challenges due to high cost, weaker performance, and environmental issues. In addition, several biodegradable plastics have proven to break down quickly under specific, simulated environmental conditions, but they may not be effectively degradable under natural conditions. As a result of these challenges and many more, there exists a gap in the market.

Our Project Affiliates, Dr. Son and Dr. Krueger, aim to bridge this gap by pursuing a biodegradable plastic that better addresses the aforementioned challenges, investigating a prototype plastic with predictable degradation and mechanical properties. In the spirit of interdisciplinary innovation, they seek to develop a joint chemical and engineering approach to biodegradable plastics for broader impact.

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

10<br />

inadequate incineration or the incineration of unsuitable materials results in the release<br />

of pollutants into the air. [9] Specifically, contaminated syringes and needles represent a<br />

particular threat, because disposing of them incorrectly could lead to dangerous recycling<br />

and repackaging or unsafe reuse. All pose as a health threat.<br />

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “85% of all medical waste is<br />

incinerated even though only 15% of it is considered biohazardous.” [7] In fact, 25% of<br />

healthcare’s annual waste generated from U.S. facilities are clean, noninfectious plastics,<br />

amounting to approximately one million tons per year of valuable polymers that could<br />

potentially be recycled and reused.<br />

With a significant rise in the demand <strong>for</strong> eco-friendly and sustainable products from<br />

end-users in the healthcare industry, the adoption of biodegradable medical plastics is<br />

growing at a rapid pace. As covered previously, hospitals and healthcare centers usually<br />

dispose of the dangerous waste appropriately and send the rest to landfills. However,<br />

WHERE ENGINEERING & CHEMISTRY INTERSECT FOR BROADER IMPACT<br />

NGUYEN, KATIE

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!