Center for Sustainable Polymers soon to rise in Iligan City
Right at Iligan City’s Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) will rise the Center for Sustainable Polymers which will be funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D or NICER Program.
The NICER Program, one of the four programs under the umbrella program called Science for Change that provides grants to universities, particularly in the regions, to solve local community or industry needs through unique research.
This research center, with funding that amounts to around Php 107M, aims to generate sustainable polymers or polymers that pose no harm to the environment or human health. This is done by infusing natural polymers like plant fibers (wool, cotton) with synthetic polymers to make high-value, cost-effective and industry-ready products.
For example, natural-based polymers such as those from coconut processing by-products can be made into polymer-infused concrete and foams. Meanwhile, nutraceuticals and biomedical products can be made with polymers from fish processing by-products.
All products that can be made from this research center will have the potential to be market-ready. In addition, a number of products may be produced that are at least 50% cheaper compared to, for example, the existing petroleum-based wall panel insulation, viscoelastic foam, oil-absorbing foam, and polyurethane-modified concrete materials.
Once fully operational, about 150,000 Filipino coconut farmers will benefit in generating extra income by sending their coconut by-products to this facility.
Meanwhile, fish processing plants can possibly expect a 10% increase in profit due to value-added fisheries waste products. Fisherfolks will have additional earnings due to increased demand of fish by-products.
From the strong fibers of coconut husks can polymer-infused concrete and foams be made.
Linking wastes and innovation
Region X is faced with huge volumes of coconut and fish processing wastes.
Realizing this problem, the MSU-IIT researchers proposed putting up a research center for the region. They envision the research center not only to stimulate economic development, but also to spur innovation in the region. Also, with the center in place, these wastes that are rich in natural polymers can be turned into useful products that can generate additional income.
The center’s program leader Dr. Arnold A. Lubguban and his colleagues Dr. Arnold C. Alguno, Dr. Ronald P. Bual, and Dr. Roberto M. Malaluan who, by themselves, are recognized experts in their fields.
Partnering with these researchers are other campuses of MSU such as those in Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Marawi and General Santos, Caraga State University, Ateneo de Davao University, and private companies like Chemrez Technologies, Inc., URATEX Philippines, MERAV Bio-Nutraceuticals Corp., Nuevochem Specialties, Inc., and Phoenix Petroleum.
