Tuesday, April 17 – Full Day |
|
SESSION I – Bio Polymer Synthesis and Design |
|
| 8:00am-8:30am |
Check in / Refreshments |
| 8:30am-8:45am |
Welcome by Session I Chair - Professor John C. Warner, Director, Center for Green Chemistry, Plastics Engineering Dept – UML |
8:45am-9:15am |
“Synthesis of Functional
Polymers from Bio-Based Resources”
Patrick Gruber, Outlast Technologies For bio-based polymers to become widely used, the conventional equipment must be able to process them; they must function well in their intended use; and they must be economical. They can meet these considerations through careful control of stereochemistry, backbone structure, molecular weight, branching combined with careful process design. PLA and PHA's are examples of their versatility. About the Speaker |
 Download Presentation 581K |
|
9:15am-9:45am |
“Synthesis and Derivation of Cellulosic Materials”
Derek Weightman, Technical Director, Sappi Saiccor (Pty) Ltd, RSA
Cellulose is one of the world’s most abundant polymers with proven functionality, yet it is still largely unexplored and possesses exciting potential. This presentation will cover how cellulose is extracted, purified and derived to suit the downstream applications in the wider chemicals world where it is converted into a myriad of other products. About the Speaker Derek Weightman is the Technical Director of Sappi’s Chemical Cellulose business, where he is principally responsible, amongst all things technical, for product development and application support.
|
Download Presentation 2184K |
|
9:45am-10:15am |
“Enzymatic Manipulations of Photocrosslinking Polymers” Justin Whitfield, Center for Green Chemistry A series of bioinspired photopolymers have been shown by our group to have a variety of exciting materials applications. In keeping with green chemistry, DNA photolyase has been shown to reverse the polymer photocrosslinking mechanism, allowing for potential reuse of the material on a large scale. About the Speaker Justin Whitfield is a member of UMass Lowell's Center for Green Chemistry. He is currently working towards a Green Chemistry Ph.D. at UMass Boston |
Download Presentation 2305K |
|
| 10:15am-10:30am |
Break
|
10:30am-11:00am |
“Metabolic Engineering of Knives, Forks and Spoons” Oliver Peoples, Metabolix, Inc. A review of Metabolix’s role in applying an advanced metabolic pathway engineering platform at the genome level, fully integrated with large scale industrial bioprocessing to solve the manufacturing challenges of a range of Natural Plastics (from rigid, strong and stiff to tough and highly elastomeric) by fermentation. About the Speaker Dr. Oliver Peoples is Chief Scientific Officer and a founder of Metabolix, Inc. where he leads the company’s biotechnology programs including microbial production organisms and genetically engineered crops. |
Download Presentation 3040K |
|
| 11:00am-11:45am |
Panel Discussion Q&A |
| 11:45am-1:00pm |
Lunch, Sponsored by Metabolix, Inc. |
SESSION II – Processing and Manufacturing |
|
| 1:00pm-1:15pm |
Welcome by Session II Chair - Professor Stephen P. McCarthy, Plastics Engineering Dept – UML |
1:15pm-1:45pm |
“Twin Screw Extruder System Configurations to Process Compounds Derived from Renewable Resources”
Presenter: Charlie Martin, General Manager, Leistritz
High speed, energy input (HSEI) twin screw extruders are emerging as the manufacturing methodology of choice to process products that are derived from or utilize bio-based renewable materials. Various system configurations and differences between the processing of traditional plastics versus the processing of heat-/shear-sensitive bio-based polymer compounds will be defined for a wide range of applications. About the Speaker Charlie Martin has worked in the extrusion industry for over 20 years. He is Chairman-Elect for SPE’s Extrusion Division, and he is the Technical Program Chairman for ANTEC 2008. |
Download Presentation 2981K |
|
| 1:45pm-2:15pm |
“Twin Screw Extrusion for Biopolymers and Thermoplastics” Ed Beecher, Manager, Process Laboratory, Coperion Corporation This presentation explains Twin Screw Extruder selection for low to high power applications. Basic starch cooking is covered. Some different expanded starch and starch/polymer blends applications are shown. Processing of renewable biopolymers such as PLA and PHA is shown. The similarities and differences with petroleum based polymers is covered. About the Speaker Ed Beecher has been with Coperion Corporation, originally Werner & Pfleiderer Corporation, since 1989. Much of Ed’s experience is as a process engineer specializing in food process on the TSE. |
Download Presentation 1588K |
|
2:15pm-2:45p |
“Chemistry and Degradation of Natural Plastics”
Robert S. Whitehouse, Ph.D., MRSC, C.Chem, Director of Applications Development for Metabolix, Inc. Controlling crystallinity, crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of Natural Plastics allows for a wide range of commercial applications. They are water resistant and stable during the normal product lifecycle, but rapidly degrade in a variety of environments. Unique biodegradation properties and data showing that products meet ASTM D6400 (hot composting), ASTM D7081 (marine degradation) plus cold composting and soil burial will be covered. About the Speaker Dr. Robert Whitehouse’s background is in surface chemistry and structure/property relationships. He holds over 40 patents, is the recipient of numerous awards, and is an invited lecturer at prestigious conferences worldwide. |
Download Presentation 3040K |
|
| 2:45pm-3:00pm |
Break |
3:00pm-3:30pm |
“Processing Natural Plastics for Optimum Performance”
Thomas Black, Customer Applications Technology Manager, Metabolix, Inc. PHA is a unique polymer in terms of its properties and processability. Compounds based on this natural plastic can exhibit a variety of properties and processing characteristics. This presentation will review the specific process performance related to the successful extrusion and injection molding of this natural plastic into products which meet or exceed their end-use product requirements. About the Speaker Thomas Black has many years of experience in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and injection molding plasticating screws. He also has experience improving productivity in injection molding and extrusion plants, and extensive experience as a plastics engineering educator and seminar instructor. |
Download Presentation 3040K |
|
| 3:30pm-4:15pm |
Panel Discussion Q&A |
Wednesday, April 18 – Half Day |
|
SESSION III – Environmental Footprint
|
|
| 8:00am-8:30am |
Check in / Refreshments |
| 8:30am-8:45am |
Welcome by Session III Chair - Professor Kenneth Geiser, Work Environment Dept – UML
Environmental concerns: While the possibilities that biopolymers present may be rich, researchers and manufacturers will need to proceed with thoughtfulness.
|
8:45am-9:15am |
“Defining the Environmental Challenge: Can Biopolymers be Truly Sustainable?”
Tom Lent, Technical Policy Director, Healthy Building Network Biopolymers hold great promise for helping solve a wide range of serious environmental problems – or can repeat the problems of older technologies. Tom will frame the issues and present the Sustainable Biopolymer Guidelines that have been developed to help the industry identify the challenges and attain the promise of biopolymers. About the Speaker Tom Lent has been an energy and environmental analyst for over 25 years, primarily focused on healthy and resource efficient building technologies and materials. |
Download Presentation 4120K |
|
9:15am-9:45am |
“Starting at the Source: Sustainable Agriculture within the Bioeconomy”
Jim Kleinschmit, Institute for Trade and Agricultural Policy For biopolymers to contribute to environmental, social and economic sustainability, it is critical that the feedstocks used in their production are grown and harvested in the most sustainable manner. IATP is working to assure this linkage through the development of Sustainable Biomass Standards, market mechanisms, and public policies that support sustainable crop production for the biopolymer sector. About the Speaker Jim Kleinschmit is the Director of IATP’s Rural Communities Program. He is active in the operation of his family’s organic farm in Nebraska and has worked at IATP in the promotion of sustainable agriculture. |
Download Presentation 2503K |
|
9:45am-10:15am |
“The Promise of Bioplastics in Reaching for Zero Waste”
Brenda Platt, Institute for Local Self Reliance
Bioplastics can help us reach zero waste and mitigate the impact of petro-plastics. More than two dozen bioproducts are certified as compostable, helping to displace nonrecyclable plastics such as polystyrene. Despite these exciting developments, challenges remain: use of nanoparticles to improve performance, lack of composting infrastructure, and the affect on conventional plastics recycling. About the Speaker Brenda Platt has worked 21 years on recycling issues. She is currently evaluating bioplastic products and documenting early adopters utilizing and composting bioproducts. |
Download Presentation 5994K |
|
| 10:15am-10:30am |
Break |
10:30am-11:00am |
“Environmental Benefits of Natural Plastics Through Its Lifecycle”
Johan van Walsem, VP Manufacturing, Development and Operations, Metabolix, Inc.
Natural Plastic is renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable – it can therefore be naturally recycled without creating solid waste problems. Learn more about the development of a commercial plant designed to utilize advanced fermentation technology and renewable energy to reduce fossil energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions throughout its product lifecycle. About the Speaker Mr. Johan van Walsem has extensive experience in the development, scale-up, engineering and commercialization of large scale fermentation-based production of bulk and specialty biochemical products. |
Download Presentation 3040K |
|
| 11:00am-11:45am |
Panel Discussion Q&A |
| 12:00pm-2:00pm |
Lunch |
