Design and Processing of Materials by Biomimicking. Section 2. Publications.
Abstract
The goal of this research has been to find dispersants for ceramic processing applications. The polyelectrolytes currently in use in the industry are synthesized from toxic precursors which present health hazards to workers. We have investigated polyelectrolytes produced from natural sources such as bacteria and kelp, as well as some polymers which have been produced synthetically. The polyelectrolytes which we have investigated include polysaccharides (alginate and dextran) and polypeptides (polyglutamic acid and polyaspartic acid). Some have been obtained from cultures of bacteria grown in our laboratories, others have been obtained from chemical supply houses. In addition, we have investigated the feasibility of using an in situ process by which we incubate the polymer-producing bacteria in the presence of ceramic powders. In this system, polymer adsorbs to the powder in a high affinity state, allowing subsequest washing to remove the bacterial cells, while retaining the adsorbed polymer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA288230
Entities
People
- James T. Staley
- Mehmet Sarikaya
Organizations
- University of Washington