Where Engineering & Chemistry Intersect for Broader Impact

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20 experimenting with combining thiols and alkenes to create biopolymers that undergo degradation in physiological conditions and can be precisely controlled over the degradation response time. With the ability to control the polymer during the time course, the mechanical properties can be compared in selected systems. Recently, the lab also demonstrated the creation of a new plastic that degrades on contact to moisture. The plastic is prepared from custom-made compounds and cures at moderate temperatures without the need for catalysts or other additives. Initially, this lab research found that the degradation profile of the plastic could be controlled by simple molecular modifications of the starting compounds. A large issue that today’s society faces is managing waste as a result of globalization. Particularly, a key challenge of biodegradable plastics is their need for particular waste management plans, which are not always widely available. This does not mean such methods are infeasible, but there could be an additional cost especially if they are in the waste stream at low concentrations, implying significant work in terms of infrastructure redesign. Not all bio-based polymers are deemed biodegradable and failing to manage their disposal would result in uncontrolled biodegradation, adding to existing plastic pollution. In contrast to the byproducts of many bio-based plastics in the market, the Son Lab has studied cell toxicity to indicate the degradation byproducts of their new material to be relatively harmless. With these results, the Son Lab can tailor the degradation properties of the plastic through molecular modification of the starting materials. The modifications can also enhance the mechanical properties of the material. WHERE ENGINEERING & CHEMISTRY INTERSECT FOR BROADER IMPACT NGUYEN, KATIE
21 The Dr. Paul Krueger Lab Alternatively, the Krueger lab team works with 3D printing partners to address various mechanical properties important for utilizing the materials in numerous applications. Important properties include tensile properties (stiffness and maximum elongation at break) and thermal properties (coefficient of thermal conductivity and expansion). Adhesive properties will also be analyzed to understand how well materials may be processed to achieve the desired shape. A versatile material would not only be degradable to help minimize waste, but would also have properties that allow it to be broadly adopted in order to displace other less desirable materials. Compatibility with 3D printing methods would facilitate this given its rapidly growing adoption and application for manufacturing both prototype and production components. The lab is continuing to develop a 3D printing technology (extrude and cure additive manufacturing, or ECAM) that can simultaneously print and cure thermoset polymers such as those considered in this project. Thermosets are more challenging to work with because, unlike thermoplastics that can be remelted, thermosets retain their shape once cured. Several players occupy the market share: Arkema Group and BASF SE have intensified their competition, and Corbion NV, Evonik Industries AG, and Koninklijke DSM NV are other major companies. [24] The increasing preference for sustainable products and the aging population will provide significant growth for biodegradable medical plastics manufacturers. WHERE ENGINEERING & CHEMISTRY INTERSECT FOR BROADER IMPACT NGUYEN, KATIE
Page 2 and 3: 2 “As a chemist, I have the capab
Page 4 and 5: 4 Table of Contents Table of Figure
Page 6 and 7: 6 Executive Summary In the Hunter a
Page 8 and 9: 8 Global Plastic Waste The increasi
Page 10 and 11: 10 inadequate incineration or the i
Page 12 and 13: 12 Figure 2: Environmental activist
Page 14 and 15: 14 Biodegradable Plastics Industry
Page 16 and 17: 16 the major players in the global
Page 18 and 19: 18 industry will continue to requir
Page 22 and 23: 22 Progress Summary - Fall 2020 Res
Page 24 and 25: 24 Further attention to degradation
Page 26 and 27: 26 Recommendations This analysis fi
Page 28 and 29: 28 of nurses had been forced to reu
Page 30 and 31: 30 Figure 11: PPE found on beaches
Page 32 and 33: 32 consumers are more likely to see
Page 34 and 35: 34 [9] Padmanabhan, K. & Barik, D.
Page 36 and 37: 36 from https://www.businesswire.co
Page 38 and 39: 38 from https://www.unenvironment.o

Where Engineering & Chemistry Intersect for Broader Impact

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