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A new discipline of engineering is emerging based on green chemistries. Plant scientists and other biologists in the Renewable Bioproducts research cluster forge intellectual partnerships with academic colleagues, industries, government agencies and international colleagues. They design, develop and implement sustainable, multifunctional biosolutions and discover how to harness the unique chemical properties of plants, bacteria and various bioagents to achieve ecologically safe, green solutions that outperform their non-renewable counterparts. Traditional "cradle-to-grave" products serve some use and then require disposal or waste-management. Newly developed bioproducts have the potential not only to be recycled for a single purpose but also to be genuinely renewed and re-used for multiple applications. Research spans development and deployment, with sustainable applications including alternative motor oils, solar cells, biodegradable consumer packaging and composite fibers used in the construction of buildings.
Click on the blue Multifunctional Bioproducts box below for more information on applications such as Building Materials, Lubricants, Adhesives, Composites, Concrete, Packaging, Textiles, Insulation, Tissue Scaffolds, and Drug Delivery.
Latest News
Team of University of North Texas researchers awarded $600,000 NSF grant to develop sustainable building materials - July 7, 2011
Researchers at the University of North Texas are on the verge of revolutionizing the construction industry by developing natural alternatives to fiberglass and other popular, non-biodegradable building materials.
Four UNT researchers recently received almost $600,000 to develop sustainable, energy-efficient and multifunctional bioproducts for construction purposes from the National Science Foundation's Partnership for Innovation program. The program connects researchers and small businesses in an effort to transform knowledge created by academic research into innovative solutions for the real world.
UNT will work with InnoVida Southeast in Miami, Fla., and Ladonia Market Center (LMC) in Ladonia, Texas, to develop composite panels that use plant fibers in the place of glass fibers. The UNT team will be led by Dr. Nandika D'Souza, professor of materials science and engineering, who will oversee the design and creation of the new materials. The composite materials could be used for construction, cars and aircraft and for a number of other uses. Currently, 3 to 5 billion pounds of fiberglass are produced annually. (Read Full Article)Expanding Research - March, 2011
With the help of its collaborative research clusters, UNT is making strides toward becoming a major research university. In 2008, the university launched the first phase of the research cluster initiative with the goals of advancing research, strengthening the state's economy and developing technology vital to addressing today’s most pressing needs. With two years' momentum behind them, these clusters have attracted top faculty and students and continued groundbreaking research. UNT expanded its commitment to the initiative in the fall by investing in four new research teams and five areas of strategic development. Learn more about the clusters' premier researchers and advancements in the Spring 2011 issue of The North Texan.