Bacterial Poly-Hydroxy-Alkanoate (PHA) Polymer and Natural Fiber Composites for Structural Applications

A team of Stanford engineers has developed a process for making structural-grade materials with renewable, biodegradable resources. This technology uses resins of the bioplastic PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) combined with woven and other natural fibers to form strong, stiff, light-weight laminate composites. These composites can be formed into boards and sandwich panels or shapes such as tubes to form structural components using a very low cost feedstock (such as methane) to produce the bioplastic.

Stage of Research
The inventors have performed sandwich panel testing and modeling as well as accelerated weathering testing. They have also demonstrated that the materials can be easily cut with a laser cutter.

Ongoing Research
The inventors have been exploring fiber treatments to limit moisture uptake while still allowing for anaerobic biodegradation so as to make useful products that will biodegrade rapidly to be fully recyclable.