WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded North Dakota State University a continuing grant with an initial amount of $150,000, and a total intended amount expected to be $300,000.
The grant will fund a project entitled "IUCRC Phase I at North Dakota State University: Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites [CB2]," which is under the direction of Dean Webster. The work of the Center is to improve the basic knowledge of the synthesis, processing, properties, and compounding of bioplastic and biocomposite materials, as well as to develop reliable material characteristics data for industrial partners and support large-scale industrial implementation of renewable materials.
Its research aims at developing knowledge that will facilitate the production of an array of high-value products, including plastics, coatings, adhesives, and composites, from renewable feedstocks that are compatible with current industrial manufacturing systems and thereby promoting rural development as well as national growth. NDSU's specific expertise in areas such as coatings technology and thermosetting polymers will be applied to the design of high performance biobased materials for use in coatings, composites, and adhesives.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports research, innovation, and discovery that provides the foundation for economic growth in this country. By advancing the frontiers of science and engineering, our nation can develop the knowledge and cutting edge technologies needed to address challenges faced today and in the future.
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