ARS | Publication request: Extruded and Injection Molded Biopolymers: Properties of Polylactic Acid Pla/sugar-Beet Pulp Blends, and Whey Protein/corn Gluten Meal (Cgm)

Submitted to: UJNR Food & Agricultural Panel Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings/Symposium
Publication Acceptance Date: September 15, 2005
Publication Date: October 25, 2005
Citation: Onwulata, C.I., Liu, L.S., Finkenstadt, V.L., Willett, J.L. 2005. Extruded and injection molded biopolymers: properties of polylactic acid pla/sugar-beet pulp blends, and whey protein/corn gluten meal (cgm). UJNR Food & Agricultural Panel Proceedings. November 21-29,2005. Fuji,Japan. p.99-105.

Technical Abstract: In this study, processing techniques for extruded foods and non-foods using new and novel ingredients, to create unique bio-polymer blends, are emphasized. Our team in the Center of Excellence for Extrusion and Polymer Rheology (CEEPR) has recently used extrusion processing and injection molding (IM) to combine whey, corn gluten meal, sugar-beet pulp (SBP), a byproduct of sugar manufature, and polylactic acid (PLA), a bioplastic derived from fermentation of corn, as bases for biomaterials. This paper demonstrates that extrusion and injection molding (E-IM) processes effectively convert surplus agricultural wastes into new value-added products. Our research is designed to provide an understanding of the impact of E-IM processes on agricultural materials to create new products.