Polymeric Materials News
Chemistry may have solutions to our plastic trash problem
The world’s mounting plastic trash crisis is hard to solve because it has many dimensions: social, technical, and economic. But because chemistry brought the problem into the world, it doesn’t […]
Researchers develop recycling for carbon fiber composites
PULLMAN, Wash. – A WSU research team for the first time has developed a promising way to recycle the popular carbon fiber plastics that are used in everything from modern airplanes […]
Wood Takes Wing
The most complex chemistry lab on the planet is growing in your neighborhood. There might be a tree in your own backyard, cranking out chemicals as it converts sunlight to […]
Forest-powered biofuel flight heads to Washington, D.C.
SEATTLE – Washington state-based Alaska Airlines today made history by flying the first commercial flight using the world’s first renewable, alternative jet fuel made from forest residuals, the limbs, and […]
PACCAR Environmental Technology Building dedicated
Building tours, a reception, and music from the WSU Cougar Marching Band were part of the dedication of the new PACCAR Environmental Technology Building at Washington State University on Thursday, […]
WSU’s Paccar building houses 5 R&D labs
Wood-framed skyscrapers, resistant to fire and earthquakes and made from locally harvested wood, may someday dot the skylines of North American cities. A new building at Washington State University, opening […]
Super-absorbent gel could help farmers save water
A biodegradable gel that can absorb more than 250 times its weight in water could potentially help farmers retain moisture in drought-stricken fields. Read more…
$40 million grant – WSU leads effort for economical, sustainable jet biofuel
Washington State University will receive a five-year, $40 million grant to help develop alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and chemicals. The award was announced Sept. 28 by U.S. Department of Agriculture […]
WSU expertise helps green business restart
When an entrepreneur wanted to learn more about wood plastic composites (WPC), an Internet search led him to WSU. The ensuing partnership resulted in a factory opening that will employ […]
Biodegradable Food Utensils
At the Washington State University Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory, Jinwen Zhang is working hard to change the negative impact plastic food utensils and other household items have on the […]
Bacteria break down waste, build bioplastics
Bacteria break down waste, build bioplastics The same type of bacteria that help break down paper mill waste could also become an increasingly viable source of environmentally friendly biopolymers that […]
Structural Wood Plastic Composites Deployed in Missoula, MT Bridge
A structural wood plastic composite (WPC) developed with funding by the Office of Naval Research (under the direction of Ignacio Perez) was recently deployed in a pedestrian bridge accessing the Rattlesnake Wilderness […]
Rattlesnake Creek Pedestrian Bridge wins prestigious design award from American Council of Engineering Companies
By Tina Hilding, College of Engineering and Architecture Rattlesnake Creek Pedestrian Bridge wins prestigious design award from the American Council of Engineering Companies The designers of an innovative bridge that […]
INL scientists help harness bacteria power to brew eco-friendly plastic from waste
Three samples of premium wood-plastic composite lumber sit in a stack on a shelf in David Thompson’s office at Idaho National Laboratory. The dense, fine-grained boards are uniformly colored in shades […]
Polymer pallets support Washington exports
By Becky Phillips Contributing writer Polymer pallets support Washington exports In a research laboratory, a little like a giant kitchen, Jinwen Zhang is cooking up a recipe aimed at supporting […]