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Starch—and other inexpensive and renewable biomaterials—have great potential in both industrial and food applications. These applications include the design and processing of industrially-valuable composites (in which synthetic resins are combined with biomaterials).
Among food products, textured vegetable proteins can be conceptually regarded as a composite material in which protein properties are modified through combination with other ingredients.
Behavior and properties of both types of composites can be as significantly affected by conditions and processing as by compositional effects.
In the process of combining materials such as starch with other natural-industrial materials—including synthetic and natural polymers—numerous scientific, technical and engineering challenges arise. It is the objective of the BRDC Materials Science Programs to explore and solve these technical challenges, and to optimize and expand the business opportunities presented.
Most, if not all, of the components in these composites are complex in structure and function. It is essential to understand the relation of final-product properties to component properties, and to the actual processing details of extruding and injection molding.
Such scientific and engineering understanding is critical to the optimization of properties and minimization of costs. At the same time, it provides individual scientists with great opportunities for contributions to scientific development in these burgeoning areas.
Interested in learning more?
BRDC is continually looking for additional partners to participate in its unique approach to conducting research and development—all for the purpose of advancing the nation's agricultural economy.
We are always willing to discuss the inclusion of new private-sector partners with those willing to increase a small, annual research investment by five- to twenty-fold.
For information on how your company can become an equity partner in BRDC, contact:
J. Grant Brewen, Ph. D.
BRDC
1815 N. University Street
Peoria, IL 61604
309-688-1188 phone
309-688-1292 fax
Scientists interested in obtaining funding can use the above contact, or CLICK HERE to obtain information.
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