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Physical Sciences Inc. (PS)I has been awarded a contract from the Department of Energy to develop bio-based alternatives for fossil-fuel derived packaging foams.
Fossil-fuel derived plastic foams are commonly used as packaging materials. These materials include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyurethane. However, the production and use of these materials is associated with high greenhouse gas emissions. Regulations are emerging in the United States and Europe that necessitate sustainable replacements to commonly used materials such as foams, adhesives, resins, and others. Physical Sciences Inc. will collaborate with university partners to develop a bio-derived foam material to replace fossil-fuel derived foams using an existing low cost, non-hazardous process. This technology produces a mechanically stable foam that can withstand repeated compression-release cycles and maintain mechanical integrity, which makes them suitable for packaging foams. The biofoam offers robust mechanical, physical, and thermal properties while being lightweight, non-toxic, and renewable.
For more information contact:
Dr. David Gamliel
Group Leader, Materials Integration & Engineering
dgamliel@psicorp.com
Physical Sciences Inc.
Office: (978) 689-0003
Acknowledgement of Sponsorship: This work is supported under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.