New Uses

Developing Technology for New Uses will help maintain and expand existing markets as well as create new markets for corn. NCGA works to maintain and expand existing markets through projects such as our livestock association relations program, research to improve ethanol producution efficiency such as the fiber fermentation program, and programs that increase the value of co-products such as DDGS workshops and fiber utilization research. The organization also works to develop new markets with technology to produce new products such as polylactide (PLA). NCGA also works to develop technology that will allow corn to be economically processed into products currently made from petroleum such as the polyols program, which will produce ethylene and propylene glycols commonly found in anti-freeze and personal care products.

New Markets

Chemicals based on glucose and other sugars derived from conrstarch, instead of petroleum, are a growing value added industry for the corn grower. This area of research not only examines enhancing value opportunities for the grower, but also environmentally friendly alternatives to petrochemicals. This research has the capability to decrease the United States dependence on fossil fuels by stimulating the renewable resources industry.

Polyols
The polyols Propylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol and Glycerol are the targets of this developing technology. Everyday uses of these substances include anti-freeze, plastics, food products, and health care products. Also see Corn Fiber Utilization for more information on chemicals from corn. More info...

Butanol
Dr. Michael Meagher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, along with his research team, has developed a pervaporation membrane, which will separate butanol from a continuous fermentation system. More info...

Polylactic Acid
PLA is a corn-derived polymer that can be used to create synthetic fibers and biodegradable plastics. The nearly 80 billion pounds of plastic produced in the United States, have traditionally relied on “hydrocarbons” or petroleum based feedstocks, however PLA offers a 100% renewable alternative made from corn. This carbohydrate feedstock has numerous applications from bedding and apparel to carpeting and foodservice utensils. More info..

Reactive Distillation: Polyols
Polyols are an important group of industrial compounds. Two examples of these chemicals are ethylene glycol, used as anti-freeze, and propylene glycol, used in plastics manufacturing. These compounds are produced from non-renewable petroleum. The fiber utilization project under development by the National Corn Growers Association and the polyols catalyst development project will allow these compounds to be made from corn. More info..

Reactive Distillation: Acid Esters
Reactive distillation is a technique in which a mixed chemical stream is treated with a reactive chemical in the presence of a catalyst. This results in a mixture of chemicals that can be easily separated, saving both energy and plant design costs. It is anticipated that this technology will allow the application of traditional catalysts to non-traditional corn-derived feed streams. More info..