9720161 SCAMEHORN This award will support continuation of a collaborative research project involving faculty at the University of Oklahoma and Tulsa University and Kimberly-Clark Corporation, an industry partner based in Addison, Wisconsin. Parallel research efforts will address means of removing printed inks from plastic films used in packaging along with development of alternative and more readily removable inks (both research thrusts relate to production of clear, recyclable plastic film). Other industries have evidenced interest in this developing technology. The Advisory Board of the University of Oklahoma s Institute for Applied Surfactant Research will be asked to provide technology transfer advice in this new area, at present, and the investigators are contemplating establishment of a new Center for Deinking Studies that would pursue both federal and industrial support to sustain research leading to commercialization of environmentally safe processes/products. Development of environmentally benign processes for reducing environmental degradation (i.e. plastics in landfills) is timely, of national and international interest, and highly relevant for the packaging industry. Prospects exist for technology transfer and contributions to economic growth and development in Oklahoma.
