This project combines two major corn byproducts to create a robust, 100% biodegradable composite material. Thermoplastic corn starch serves as the flexible polymer matrix, while cellulose fibers extracted from the corn husk act as natural reinforcement. This creates a lightweight, high-tensile material that drastically reduces the manufacturing industry's reliance on petroleum-based plastics.
Corn starch is plasticized using glycerol and heat to form a thermoplastic matrix. Simultaneously, corn husks are treated with a mild alkali to remove lignin, isolating the strong cellulose fibers. The fibers and starch matrix are compounded together and processed via injection molding or melt-extrusion into finished composite parts.
Corn stalks (stover) are one of the most abundant agricultural residues globally. By mapping the nanoscale cellular architecture of the corn stalk, researchers have identified new ways to break down its recalcitrant lignin barrier. This structural insight significantly optimizes the enzymatic breakdown of cellulose, resulting in a higher yield of fermentable sugars and lowering the cost of cellulosic ethanol production.
The stalks undergo mechanical milling followed by a targeted thermo-chemical pretreatment (such as steam explosion or dilute acid). This precisely opens the cell wall matrix. Specialized enzymes are then introduced to hydrolyze the exposed cellulose into sugars, which yeast subsequently ferments into bioethanol.
Co-processing corn stover with switchgrass creates a robust, year-round feedstock supply for biorefineries. This project focuses on novel deconstruction techniques, using advanced "deep eutectic solvents" to break down the tough plant cell walls of these mixed biomasses much more efficiently and safely than traditional harsh chemical methods.
The mixed biomass is subjected to an advanced solvent pretreatment that dissolves the lignin and hemicellulose while leaving the cellulose intact. The remaining cellulose-rich pulp is then enzymatically saccharified to extract pure sugars, which are fermented in bioreactors to produce ethanol.
Combining the antioxidant properties of pitaya (dragon fruit) peels with the natural absorbent and gently abrasive qualities of corn cobs, this project creates an eco-friendly facial 'toga mask'. The corn cob matrix absorbs excess skin oils and provides structure, while the pitaya extract delivers high concentrations of vitamin C to rejuvenate the skin.
Corn cobs are thoroughly dried, pulverized, and sieved into a highly uniform, soft micro-powder. Simultaneously, pitaya peels are cold-pressed to extract their antioxidant-rich mucilage. The two components are blended with natural organic binders to form a skin-safe, bioactive cosmetic paste that can be dried into sheet masks or used as a clay-like spread.
Corn husks are naturally rich in silica and specific organic structures that can be modified to exhibit fire-resistant properties. This project extracts these structural fibers and chemically modifies them to create a bio-based flame retardant. This provides a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative to the dangerous halogenated retardants currently used in commercial plastics.
Cellulose is extracted from corn husks via alkaline treatment and then phosphorylated to enhance its char-forming ability. During a fire, this modified cellulose creates a protective carbon layer that blocks oxygen and heat. The treated fibers are blended into a bioplastic matrix (like PLA) through melt-extrusion to form the final composite.
