Playfuls.com, Romania
09-22-06
Corn, Soy Plastics May Become Hog Feeders
A U.S. scientist who has developed a way of producing plastics from corn,
soybeans and other bio-based oils will use the method to develop hog feeders.
Iowa State University Chemistry Professor Richard Larock said one of his
products made from soybean oil reinforced with glass fibers is the kind of tough
bioplastic he and his industrial colleagues will use to develop, test and
manufacture new hog feeders.
Larock has invented and patented a process for producing various bioplastics
from inexpensive natural oils, which make up 40 percent to 80 percent of the
plastics. Larock says the plastics have excellent thermal and mechanical
properties and are very good at dampening noises and vibrations. They're also
very good at returning to their original shapes when heated.
He says the hog feeder project should help decrease the nation's dependence on
oil, strengthen Iowa's agricultural economy and provide new markets for farmers.
Larock expects a product to be ready for commercialization by the end of next
year.