The four-year grant will fund instrumentation, staffing of scientists and research stipends for students.
“The recently established Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences at Troy University will focus on the recycling of plastics and the development of standards for the recycled plastics,” said Dr. Govind Menon, Director of TROY’s School of Science and Technology. “It is evident from research, simple observation and the public attention drawn by the media that pollution by plastics is a major factor that will determine the eco-health of the planet. It is crucial that an unbiased academic center such as the CMMS exist to respond to this crisis.”
This grant, which follows a $3.2 million NIST grant in 2018, will fund research into recycling of waste polymers into new hybrid materials; using hemp fiber to reinforce plastics; and the characterization and testing of recycled polyethylene.
The center will serve as an integrated, multi-disciplinary research facility and will enable the University to build partnerships with the region’s polymer and plastics industry in order to increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
