Farm surpluses: sources for plastics
Starch from corn may soon replace petrochemicals in plastic films. And glycerol - a byproduct from processing of animal fats, soybeans, and other vegetable oil crops - may one day compete with petrochemicals in acrylic plastic manufacturing. These are two examples of how research may help convert the nation's surplus farm commodities into needed industrial products. Studies at the USDA Agricultural Research Service center in Peoria, IL, show that starch can be blended into plastic films that may serve as biodegradable mulches for tomatoes and other high-value crops. We are working on new formulas for mulches that micro-organisms can break down after a crop is harvested, says chemist Felix Otey. This feature preserves the environment and saves the expense of having to remove and burn or bury the mulches. Home gardeners and farmers use plastic mulches to protect crops from weeds and drought and extend the growing season by warming the soil sooner in the spring. And farmers use them to produce an earlier crop that commands a good price.
- OSTI ID:
- 6990055
- Journal Information:
- Agric. Res.; (United States), Vol. 34:9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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09 BIOMASS FUELS
GLYCEROL
USES
PLASTICS
MANUFACTURING
STARCH
BIODEGRADATION
CROPS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
MAIZE
PETROCHEMICALS
ALCOHOLS
CARBOHYDRATES
CEREALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
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GRASS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
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ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLANTS
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REAGENTS
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