Sarah Gong, an assistant professor in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Engineering & Applied Science, is seeking to develop cost-effective and bio-based polymer composites.

If she did, it would help to give an alternative to fossil fuels, she said.

“We can make the world a better place for us and future generations,” Gong said.

Gong will collaborate with Lih-Sheng Turng, co-director of the Polymer Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin, on the project.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection awarded a $50,000 grant for the agricultural research project.

The project will be to further research on sustainable and biodegradable plastics made from Wisconsin agricultural and forestry products.

Rod Nilsestuen, department secretary, said the grant is “to serve as a catalyst” on the bio development track. The grant is only one part of a broader development process, he said.

“We know that there’s a need” for bio-related fuels, he said. “We can’t wait for big oil to solve the problem, nor for Washington.”

Gong said bio-based plastics are made up from materials like corn, soybeans and other products. One of the benefits of using such materials is that they are renewable, she said.

Gong and the other researchers attached to the project will look at Aspen wood fibers, Wisconsin-grown fibers, American Wood fibers, flowers and other materials. As part of the project, Gong will look at polymers made of corn and other substances and see if they are more durable in terms of bio degradability and other qualities.

“Positive impact on environment depends on nature of fibers themselves,” Gong said.

The research will “improve material properties and reduce component costs,” Gong said.

The project researchers will seek to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of plastics to see if they have more practical use in Wisconsin’s economy.

Such polymers can be used for packaging applications, vehicle interiors and other applications, Gong said. Some polymers are short-use time use and are disposable, she said.

Having polymers that are bio-degradable would be a benefit, she said.

“It makes peoples’ lives easier,” Gong said.

Gong said that with fossil fuels running out, there is a stronger need for bio-based, eco-friendly materials that can be used for practical and commercial purposes.

Wisconsin ranks high in a national assessment of the plastics industry.

Gong said she did not seek funding through the last wave of the Research Growth Initiative.

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