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- Innovation from the Texas Tech Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute
- Method of making bioplastic from waste cotton cellulose
- US Patent pending 17/928,697
About
The invention utilizes cellulose from low-quality cotton fiber as the raw material in the preparation of biodegradable bioplastic products. Bioplastics, which are obtained from renewable biomass resources, serve as a safer alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Bioplastics utilize fewer fossil fuel resources, generate a smaller carbon footprint, and decompose more quickly and effectively than traditional plastics.
The inventor shows that converting low-quality cotton fiber can achieve homogenous, strong, and flexible bioplastic films while also increasing profit margins for cotton farmers in the cotton industry. The characterization process shows that compared to raw cotton cellulose, the bioplastic films, though shapeless, have greater deformation recovery capability and flexibility.
Key Benefits
• Developing bioplastics using cellulose derived from cotton is more environmentally friendly as it is renewable, compatible, and biodegradable
• Bioplastics are relatively cheap to produce
Applications
- Reduction of environmental pollution caused by the plastic production process
- May be pressed into packaging materials
- Material can be 3D printed into a variety of materials