Southern Wesleyan awarded AdvanceSC grant
Southern Wesleyan University has received a $46,670 grant for Chemistry Professor Pascal Binda’s research project for developing more eco-friendly packaging materials.
Binda’s project, entitled, “Designing new catalysts for the synthesis of polylactide polymers with enhanced degradation rate in composting environments for use in packaging applications,” involves designing better catalysts that allow for varying rates of decomposition according to the type of packaging. Some types of polylactide polymer, a packaging material, require longer decomposition times, while other types of packaging materials require a quicker decomposition.
The grant is awarded by AdvanceSC, a Limited Liability Company that funds advancing education projects that support industry in the Upstate.
According to Binda, the grant will provide chemicals and financing for research. He said that most undergraduate students require technical skills in conducting scientific research to be successful in manufacturing industries and graduate school projects.
The grant represents a continuation of funding for this research. In 2011, the project received $50,000 in first-year funding.
Binda said the funding benefits students who are passionate about research and development in chemistry, but don’t always have the resources and finances available to carry out the project.
The AdvanceSC grant aids in promoting and developing student proficiencies for high-tech and highly skilled manufacturing jobs. Southern Wesleyan University’s collaboration with Sealed Air Corporation for testing and evaluation of modified polylactide polymers will be an integral component of the research project.
Established by Duke Energy in 2004, AdvanceSC assists communities in Duke Energy’s South Carolina service area through grants for public assistance and economic development. The organization concentrates on advancing education to support industry, assisting other economic development organizations to attract and retain industries and enhancing the competitive position of manufacturers.
Duke Energy provides funding for AdvanceSC with 50 percent of its profits from certain wholesale or Bulk Power Marketing (BPM) sales of electricity in South Carolina. AdvanceSC is a Limited Liability Company managed by a Board of Directors independent of Duke Energy. For more information on AdvanceSC, please visit www.advancesc.org.