A University of Georgia and University of Liverpool (UGA-UoL) collaborative faculty team has secured funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and UKRI Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for a project aimed at developing sustainable bioplastics. This achievement is a result of a collaborative effort with the University of Liverpool, showcasing the potential of international research partnerships in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
The project, titled Sustainable Bioplastics Prepared by Ultrasonic Treatment with Low CO2 Footprint, aims to revolutionize the production of bioplastics through advanced ultrasonic treatment methods. By significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process as well as energy consumption, the team hopes to provide a viable alternative biodegradable plastic to conventional plastic materials, contributing to global sustainability goals.
The international research team has been awarded approximately $863,000 from the EPSRC, while the NSF has committed $557,553 in support of the project, which commenced on September 1, 2024, and will conclude on August 31, 2027. This funding will enable researchers to explore cutting-edge techniques and materials in the field of sustainable technology.
Sergiy Minko (Nanostructured Materials Lab, Department of Chemistry, Franklin College and Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors, Georgia Power Professor of Polymer Science in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences) from UGA will collaborate closely with Dmitry Shchukin (School of Physical Sciences) from UoL on this pioneering project. Together, they will leverage their expertise to investigate the efficacy of ultrasonic treatment in producing high-quality bioplastics that minimize environmental impact.
“The ongoing project is using different sources of biomass waste and side products of the agricultural, pulp and paper, and biofuel industries to improve the efficiency of biomass valorization,” Dr. Minko said. “The research program will resolve the challenges of converting quite complex composition and variable properties lignocellulosic biomass into bioplastics for food packaging, construction materials, fibers, and other commodity plastic applications.”
“The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) at UGA has played a pivotal role in facilitating this collaboration, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovative research partnerships that span across borders,” said Dr. Shchukin.
The project output includes the introduction of ultrasonic technology for energy-saving manufacturing of new bioplastics from biomass feedstock and validation of up-scaling feasibility. This requires the expertise of both teams: Prof. Shchukin in formation of new materials under ultrasonic cavitation and Prof. Minko in sustainable functional polymeric materials. As the project unfolds, the research teams will engage with stakeholders from academia, industry, and policymaking to promote the adoption of sustainable bioplastics, aiming to create a positive impact on the environment and the economy.
The collaboration between the two groups started in 2015 after a successful application to the University of Georgia/University of Liverpool Pump-Priming Grant Program. This was followed by a NATO grant project which was supported by the Science for Peace and Security Program (2017). which resulted in the joint EPSRC/NSF project.
For more information on the project and ongoing updates, please see https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2422862.