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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..
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