Candelilla Compost would have commercial and social benefits.
JULY. 08/2011.-Dr. Ana Beatriz Morales Cepeda, an experienced teacher with more than 17 years experience in chemical engineering research and development, was designated as the leader of the project.
The research indicates that using elements such as Ligning and hemicelluloses, which remain after the plant has been dehydrated, may have applications to improve and enhance the properties of plastics.
Dr. Ana Beatriz Morales Cepeda said that her team has conducted tests to improve the performance of propylene by adding candelilla compost powder during the manufacturing process. However, studies have yet to determine the extent of the powder’s benefits. Nevertheless, in a second project, her team has produced a type of fiberglass by extrusion using the Candelilla compost powder.
Research also suggests that ethanol can be obtained from the residue of Candelilla, but the process continues to be very expensive.
SOCIAL IMPLEMENTATION
Dr. Morales said that, in respect to the possible social implications of the research, there is a possibility that research could be used to develop a process to produce a fiber that can be used to make furniture or build houses. European researchers have conducted similar experiments, using other plants and wood waste, to produce plastic materials that can be used to manufacture biodegradable chairs and tables.
*In addition to developing the ITCM academic work, Dr. Ana Beatriz Morales Cepeda has a Doctorate of Science in Specialty Polymers and Macromolecular Chemistry, University of Ulm, Germany. She has published over 30 scientific papers, and she has received recognition as an evaluator by CONACYT and COTACYT. She has been granted research scholarships abroad and has been involved with research projects with several universities and international companies.