TAGS: PVC, Plasticizers and Sustainability Biobased Solutions
At Ohio Wesleyan University, soybeans are helping students to learn more about bio-based chemistry through internships with Airable Research Lab, a commercial laboratory located inside OWU’s Schimmel/Conrades Science Center.
Airable - Soy-based Research and Development Lab
Airable is a business line of the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC), which has been at the forefront of soy-based research and development for more than 20 years. Historically, OSC outsourced its research, but decided to change that strategy two years ago, leading to its relationship with Ohio Wesleyan.
OSC initially rented one campus laboratory but now has signed a three-year lease for three labs, enabling Airable’s official business launch. Airable also has on-campus space inside The Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at Ohio Wesleyan University, where McGraw’s office is based.
Airable’s Labs Support Ohio Wesleyan Students
In addition to its team of chemists, Airable’s labs also support three Ohio Wesleyan student interns: two chemistry majors and one finance economics major.
Bio-based Catalyst to Convert Soy-based Fatty Acids into Chemicals
Senior Josh Queener of Cardington, Ohio, has been working with the venture since February 2019. Currently, Queener is helping to develop a bio-based catalyst that converts soy-based fatty acids into safe chemicals for use in plasticizers, coatings, and surfactants (compounds capable of acting as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, or dispersants).
“It's allowing me to gain valuable experience working in a commercial lab,” Queener said of his internship, which also supports his plan to enroll in graduate school to study inorganic chemistry.
Junior Kaytlin Ward of Delphos, Ohio, began her Airable internship in December. She is working on a soy-based, anti-static
plasticizer for use in products as diverse as
PVC pipes, blood bags, flip flops, and even vinyl siding.
The objective is to make the plastic more flexible and less likely to break. The
plasticizer would replace
phthalates. Ward’s work includes running instruments to collect data for the lab and setting up reactions.
Ward said she appreciates the experience because “the internship gives me the opportunity to gain more work experience while staying on campus.” After graduation, she plans to pursue a doctorate in chemistry.
Project Planning to Help Set Scientist Schedules
Junior Jack Funderburg of Westerville, Ohio, also began his internship in December and is helping with marketing, including Airable’s Facebook page, as well as project planning to help set scientist schedules and client deliverables.
The experience is “giving me an interesting look into the soybean industry and chemistry in general,” said Funderburg, who plans an East Coast career in asset or wealth management after he graduates in May 2021.
Airable researchers spend about half their time on internal research – including the staff’s own concepts – and the other half on projects for external clients and commercial companies. Current efforts include working with Columbus-based Battelle on surfactants to make crude oil easier to extract from rock formations and with an Australia-based company on coatings to protect concrete roofing.
Source: Airable Research Lab