Tensile Properties of Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications- An Abstract

Submitted by Milan T Brown on 4 August 2016 - 2:58pm

This research creates, tests, and analyzes chitosan-talc composite films for the intended development ad usage in the food science industry. Food packaging alone accounts for 570 million pounds of plastic being thrown away in the United States each day¹. Due to its inability to degrade, much of this packaging ends up in landfills and our water supply. One solution to this crisis is replacing petroleum based plastics with biopolymers with applications in food packaging. However there are disadvantages to using pure biopolymers for this purpose. Many feasible options have low tensile strength and high hydro-permeability¹.

One Month In, Halfway Through

Submitted by Milan T Brown on 28 June 2016 - 11:18am

I have been in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico for about a month now working for the National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates program. Honestly, I had no idea I would end up here but I'm glad its here instead of Minnesota. The purpose of the program is to give undergraduates research expereience at a university they would otherwise never attend, as well as preparation for graduate school. We are paired with a graduate mentor and a professor and work in the labs for about an average of 40 hours a week. After the 40 hours, we are free to explore Puerto Rico and do whatever legal activities we desire.