Undergraduate Researcher return to map return to student search
Hometown:
American Falls,
ID
US
(Power County)
School:
Idaho State University
Undergraduate student
Chemistry
Funded by EPSCoR Award:
ICREWS | OIA-2242769
Research Location(s):
Idaho State University
COUNTIES: Bannock
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT(S): District 28, District 29
Research Statement:
I have always wanted to do research. This summer I was able to do research on synthesis and degradation of condensation model compounds at Idaho State University. With this project I want to be able to gain practical experience and knowledge within the chemistry field. As well further my growing passion for research. My project entails me to further my knowledge into lab practical skills and critical thinking skills to solve problems.
Research Impact:
With the growing issue of plastic waste accumulation in our environment, it has become more necessary for plastic waste to be either recycled or upcycled. In our project we synthesis and degrade compounds similar to plastic to better understand what they degrade to. Our focus is to understand the degradation behavior of condensation polymer model compounds which represents a short segment of the respective condensation polymers. Several degradation conditions such as exposure to heat, solvents, mineral catalysts, UV and Gamma radiation can be used to simulate degradation of these model compounds. As condensation polymers are rarely recycled as current methods of plastic recycling require using heat to reshape the plastic, condensations compounds burn and release toxins. To hope that our efforts help further recycle or upcycle already commercial plastics.