With the growing demand by consumers, government regulations to decrease pollution and the necessity to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, the need to understand biopolymer and biocomposites is critical. These materials have the potential to use a wide range of feedstocks, from corn to coconut fibers, making this emerging technology challenging. This workshop will allow researchers and industrial partners to network with Midwest companies to design, formulate and process biopolymer and biocomposite products. The workshop will focus on:
Formulating
Protein-based polymers
Vegetable oil polymers
Adhesives
Composites
Polyesters (fermentation processes)
Processing
Pre-processing requirements
Injection molding
Extrusion
Compression molding
Casting

Other topics will include: application studies, raw material resources, post-production concerns and economic models.