July 8, 2011
Dr. Pascal Binda
Southern Wesleyan awarded AdvanceSC grant
Southern Wesleyan University has received a $50,000 grant for Chemistry Professor Pascal 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.”
This project involves designing better catalysts that allow for varying rates of polylactide 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 company that funds economic development projects 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.
“Getting this funding is a huge advantage for us,” Binda said. “We can carry out projects with 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.”
In addition to providing first-year funding for the university’s scientific research 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 is also an integral component of the project.
AdvanceSC supports economic development, education, manufacturing and public assistance agencies in Duke Energy’s South Carolina service area. Established as a limited liability company by Duke Energy in 2004, AdvanceSC is funded with profits from the company’s Bulk Power Marketing program and is managed by a board of Upstate South Carolina leaders. Grant applications and information about AdvanceSC are available on its web site at www.advancesc.org.