ISU Develops Bio-Adhesives from Glycerin

Researchers at Iowa State University are working to produce commercial bioplastic adhesives from glycerin,a by-product of biofuels production. This would be a cheaper, more environment-friendly alternative to adhesives on the market.

"We're turning waste into a co-product stream," said David Grewell, a professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering. Glycerin sells for around 17 cents a pound, much cheaper than the components of traditional acrylic adhesives. The adhesives in development will contain no volatile organic compounds and won't give off odors or have adverse environmental or human health effects.

The project recently received a grant of about $1 million from USDA to prove its feasibility. The third and final year of the grant will see the researchers begin production at a pilot plant.