DESC0022736
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
Green composites fabricated from bacteria retted bast fiber and PLA for light weight vehicle components.
Awardee
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding Agency
Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Denton,
Texas
76210-5572
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
Analysis Notes
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 03/26/23 to 04/18/23.
Z&S Tech was awarded
Project Grant DESC0022736
worth $200,000
from the Office of Science in June 2022 with work to be completed primarily in Denton Texas United States.
The grant
has a duration of 10 months and
was awarded through assistance program 81.049 Office of Science Financial Assistance Program.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity FY 2022 SBIR/STTR Phase I Release 2.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
Green Composites Fabricated from Bacteria Retted Bast Fiber and PLA for light weight vehicle Components
Abstract
We propose to develop low carbon emission, biodegradable green composites from bacteria retted bast fiber and polylactic acid (PLA) (BFPC) for automotive components. PLA is a biodegradable polyester produced from renewable resource, which has become a sustainable alternative to petrochemical derived polymers. The composites fabricated from bast fiber and PLA will be 100% biodegradable. The proposed bacteria retting is a simple green process using bacteria as an agent, from which no chemical and high energy equipment are needed. From the bacteria retting process, stem length bast fibers are obtained, which can be incorporated into continuous fiber weaving process for fibric mat. In Phase I of this project, Z&S Tech will partner with UNT to optimize our innovative fast bacteria retting technique to obtain strong bast fiber from hemp, from which a 100% biodegradable composites will be fabricated with the PLA polymer. Our first target (Phase I) is to fabricate the secondary interior auto parts, such as instrumental panels, interior compartment. Through the successful completion of Phase I, we will further develop the bast fiber-PLA composites to improve its durability performance so that it can be used as exterior components, such as door and bumper panels. The specific tasks of this project are: (1) Optimization of the bacteria retting process with the Pectinolytic bacteria initiated from the pectin. (2) Composites fabrication and testing: The optimal process parameter for the bateria retted natural fiber – PLA (BFPC) will be obtained to reach the goal of > 45 GPa modulus for the retted fiber and > 6 GPa for the resulted BFPC. The composites will be tested in bending, tension, moisture absorption, dimensional stability, and durability as compared with that of the fiber glass composite materials. (3) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): The LCA will be carried out to evaluate the environmental benefits of the proposed bacteria retting technique comparing with other retting methods.
Topic Code
C54-14c
Solicitation Number
None
Status
(Complete)
Last Modified 4/3/23
Period of Performance
6/27/22
Start Date
4/18/23
End Date
Funding Split
$200.0K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$200.0K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Transaction History
Modifications to DESC0022736
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
DESC0022736
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
892430 SC CHICAGO SERVICE CENTER
Funding Office
892401 SCIENCE
Awardee UEI
N7SGKKLLXCR4
Awardee CAGE
7RTR0
Performance District
Not Applicable
Budget Funding
Federal Account | Budget Subfunction | Object Class | Total | Percentage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Science, Energy Programs, Energy (089-0222) | General science and basic research | Grants, subsidies, and contributions (41.0) | $200,000 | 100% |
Modified: 4/3/23