05/30/2014

Researchers build biobased copolymers from sugar

Recent research from the research group of Professor

Researchers in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science (CEMS) have laid the groundwork for producing polymers from sugar-derived building blocks. This break-through research could lead to the creation of biobased block polymers that mimic the performance of petroleum-based polyester plastics.

The University of Minnesota biosynthesis and polymerization research team includes Chemistry Professor Marc Hillmyer, CEMS Professor Kechun Zhang, CEMS Post-Doctoral Associate Mingyong Xiong, CEMS Professor Frank Bates, and Chemistry Graduate Student Deborah Schneiderman.

This research is featured in a Chemical & Engineering News article written by Stephen K. Ritter.