There is currently a strong interest in using renewable raw materials for industrial applications, since they are a renewable resource. MATRIC scientists and engineers are working at a number of levels to develop technology for increased utilization of plant-derived resources. Our goals are to minimize pollution, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and find environmentally benign and more economical alternatives to some of the industrial products now in use.
Industrial Chemicals
Some chemical products can be made from biomass that would be impractical to produce from a petroleum feedstock. An example is isosorbide, a product derived from sorbitol, which is produced from sugar. MATRIC has assisted the Iowa Corn Promotion Board in developing new technology for the production of isosorbide and its derivatives. These materials have many potential applications in polymers and other industrial applications. Other MATRIC projects have helped in the production of biodegradable plastics from renewable starting materials.
Other chemical products are now made from petroleum sources, but can also be produced from renewable resources if the technology can be developed. MATRIC has a number of active projects in this area, including the production of acrylic acid (with SGA Polymers) and succinic acid (with BioAmber). Also in this category are several projects targeting a variety of chemicals that can potentially be derived from seaweed or algae.
Biorefineries
Oil refineries and chemical plants now convert petroleum and natural gas to transportation fuels and chemical products. In the future, integrated biorefineries will produce fuels, chemical intermediates, plastics, and animal feed, based on biomass starting materials. MATRIC scientists are working with companies that intend to build functioning biorefineries and produce a wide range of products in an integrated process.
Biofuels and Related Products
Biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel will reduce our dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels. Because biomass sequesters carbon in its growth process, use of biomass-derived fuels does not add to net greenhouse emissions. Ethanol is now obtained by fermentation of grain, but it and many other products can potentially be produced from currently unused byproducts of agriculture and industry. Developing improved uses for these materials reduces waste and pollution.
MATRIC has relationships with organizations involved in improved biotechnology for fermentation ethanol, processes for utilizing lignocellulosic materials for ethanol production, conversion of plant oils to biodiesel, and anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes for the production of fuel and other bioproducts. Expertise provided by MATRIC is focusing on enhancing the efficiency of these processes to promote commercialization and more profitable operation. MATRIC is also exploring new products and formulations based on the products of these technologies.
In partnership with BEST Energies, MATRIC developed novel continuous technology for production of biodiesel, and assisted in the design, construction and startup of a commercial plant in Cashton, Wisconsin. MATRIC developed the process technology for the plant. MATRIC also led the detailed engineering effort for the plant and provided engineering construction support for the project.
Wood Products
Wood products obtained from pulping processes in the paper industry have the potential for many applications beyond those currently in use. These products include resin acids, turpentine compounds, tall oil, and complex sugars. MATRIC is investigating the chemistry and potential new applications of these materials. MATRIC is also assisting in a project to significantly improve the pretreatment technology for hydrolyzing woody biomass.
Products from Waste Materials
Some agricultural products and by-products have little value and are treated as waste. Others are environmentally harmful and cannot be released. MATRIC has participated in process engineering and techno-economic studies related to the use of anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes and converting them into fuel and valuable products.
MATRIC is actively investigating some of the technologies described here. Others have been developed conceptually, and MATRIC is seeking partnerships and research funding to allow their full development and demonstration. Our results-oriented approach combines broad experience and expertise in the areas of chemical process development, catalysis, process engineering, and novel separation technologies.
