Biodegradable Polymers for Pollutant Remediation and Toxin Reduction

This innovation is the process of using poly(lactic) (PLA) particles equipped with appropriate functional groups that allow the complex to effectively sequester specific pollutants via chemical reactions. This technology’s ability to address complex mixtures of contaminants utilizing an environmentally safe method results in odor absorbing applications, including direct application on odor sources, air filtration, VOC capture, and odor absorbing coatings and paintings. Traditional odor and pollutant elimination methods use toxic material platforms for non-specific reactivity and nondisposable resources. However, Clemson University researchers developed a method to create environmentally friendly, disposable PLA particles decorated with tunable functional groups. These functional groups can be effectively varied in order to successfully allow the complex to react and degrade a variety of pollutants. This technology could benefit companies involved with but not limited to water and air treatment, protective coatings, industrial coatings, plaster and dry wall materials, paint coatings, and advanced material additives.