NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute for FY 2012 in Korea

Wheelden Barbara A, Athens OH

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds Barbara Allen Wheelden of Ohio University to conduct a research project, entitled "Altering the properties of plant-based, biodegradable plastics to make them suitable for replacement of petroleum-based food packaging," during the summer of 2012 at The Laboratory for Rheology and Processing of Microstructured Materials of Seoul National University in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The host scientist is Dr. Seung Jong Lee. The Intellectual Merit of the research is evidenced by the crossing of boundaries between polymer science, material characterization, and commercial applicability with the goal of optimizing properties of a sustainable plastic material. The brittleness of polylactide (PLA) hinders its use in packaging applications where flexibility is of particular importance. By melt blending the bio-plastic with other biodegradable materials (cellulose acetate and triethyl citrate), the flexibility of PLA is being improved without sacrificing its advantageous properties. Broader Impacts of an EAPSI fellowship include providing the Fellow a first-hand research experience outside the U.S.; an introduction to the science, science policy, and scientific infrastructure of the respective location; and an orientation to the society, culture and language. These activities meet the NSF goal to educate for international collaborations early in the career of its scientists, engineers, and educators, thus ensuring a globally aware U.S. scientific workforce.