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The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the Center author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Center Overview

The Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2) develops high-value biobased products from agricultural and forestry feedstocks. CB2's vision is to develop the knowledge that will allow the production of an array of high-value materials from agricultural feedstocks that are compatible with current industrial manufacturing systems, thereby promoting rural development. Such materials include plastics, coatings, adhesives, and composites.

CB2's goals are to:

  • Improve the basic understanding of the synthesis, processing, properties, and compounding of bioplastic and biocomposite materials.
  • Develop reliable material characteristics data for industrial partners.
  • Support large-scale implementation of renewable materials.

To achieve these goals, CB2 collaborates with industry to develop fundamental knowledge of bioplastics and biocomposites; disseminates this knowledge through publications, workshops, and tradeshows; and educates future researchers, engineers, and scientists.

Universities

  • Washington State University
  • University of Georgia
  • Iowa State University
  • North Dakota State University
View Center Website

Center Personnel

Vikram Yadama
Site Director
+1 509 335 6261
vyadama@wsu.edu

David Grewell
Center Director
+1 701 231 5395
david.grewell@ndsu.edu

Jason Locklin
Site Director
+1 706 542 2359
jlocklin@uga.edu

Dean Webster
Site Director
+1 701 231 8709
dean.webster@ndsu.edu

Eric Cochran
Site Director
+1 515 294 0625
ecochran@iastate.edu

Ben Deetz
Center Staff
+1 701 231 7284
benjamin.deetz@ndsu.edu

Research Focus

CB2 focuses on the following five research areas to promote industrywide acceptance of bioplastics and increase the use of sustainable materials:

Biobased products

This research focuses on the development of bioplastic products including composting, product labeling, and economic analysis. Part of CB2's existing system is an interactive life cycle assessment web-based software that allows users to easily analyze their current and future products.

Biocomposites

This research leads to a deeper knowledge of biocomposites, including fiber synthesis, biobased resin systems, and biobased fiber systems. These areas include self-healing composites, fiber production from lignin, and nanotechnologies.

Commercialization

CB2 affiliates have a proven track record of working with member companies to successfully commercialize biobased products. Because CB2 offers member companies royalty-free access to intellectual property resulting from its projects, CB2 is well-positioned for direct technology transfer from academia to industry. CB2 supports the development of Small Business Innovation Research program proposals and business plans, facilitates networking, and identifies markets and potential market penetration. This allows member companies to leverage their resources and increase their profits.

Modeling

Modeling research studies energy and mass transfer processing techniques such as extrusion and injection molding. The long-term goal is to develop models based on fundamental principles that can be used across a wide range of sciences.

Processing

Processing research will focus on the specific requirements of biobased polymers and composites during vital processing operations. This includes melt processing, extrusion, and molding, as well as secondary operations such as cutting, welding, and coating.

Synthesis and compounding

This area will develop fundamental understanding of bioplastic synthesis and compounding, including fermentation and polymerization. This includes vegetable oil-based materials, biobased waxes, monomers, elastomers, poly(ester-amides), and other sustainable approaches to advanced functional materials and polymer additives and feedstock production.

Awards