Engineering Faculty Part of Award-Winning Research Team

The research team, led by Robin Rogers, distinguished university research professor of chemistry and director of the Center for Green Manufacturing at UA, has discovered that certain chemicals, known as ionic liquids, will dissolve plant matter (cellulose). The new solvents are water soluble, nonvolatile, nonflammable and relatively nontoxic materials. Broughton and his students have been making fibers and films while developing this new technology.

Broughton explains that the process opens the door for future development of cellulose-based fibers and plastics that could be used instead of petroleum-based plastics in products ranging from automobiles to textiles. The researchers aim to develop more effective and environmentally friendly ways to convert plants into fibers and plastics — a technology they hope will provide a viable alternative to Alabama's declining fiber and paper industries, and decrease the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

The Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards Program, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is an opportunity for individuals, groups, and organizations to compete for annual awards in recognition of innovations in cleaner, cheaper, smarter chemistry. The program provides national recognition of outstanding chemical technologies that incorporate the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture, and use, and have been or can be utilized by industry in achieving pollution prevention goals.