The concern for the depletion of reserved fossil fuel has led scientists all over the world to look for ways to produce energy from sources other than fossil fuel. In the auto industry, car manufactures have partnered with different companies to develop alternative fuels. These partnerships have resulted to the development of bio-ethanol fuel for gasoline engines and biodiesel for diesel engines. These developments though are faced with a problem - there are limited refilling and fuel stations which offer biodiesel or bio-ethanol.
In the search for solutions to the energy dependence issue faced by the United States, a chemistry professor in New York has developed a technology that creates plastic out of biodiesel which can then be converted to biodiesel after use.
Richard Gross, a professor at the Polytechnic University in Brooklyn, has taken an atypical approach in the development of biodiesel. He has created a plastic from biodiesel which can be used like an ordinary plastic. The process is not yet as cost effective as it needs to be for it to become commercialized. The Pentagon though has expressed their interest in the technology by providing $2.34 million for further research on the process.
The technology would be of great service to the military since it can provide double duty. First, the “bioplastics” as it is called can be used in packaging goods to be shipped to military personnel and after that it can be used as a fuel for vehicles and automobiles.
The process starts with the use of biodiesel to create bioplastics. After the service of the plastic as a packaging material is over, the plastics are then shredded. The shredded plastics are then immersed in a tank of water where it is subjected to enzymes which breaks it down to its former state, that being a biodiesel. After a period of time, which could run up to five days at most, the plastic will be turned completely back to its former state. Once the enzymes are done with their job, the resulting product, the biodiesel, can then be used in diesel engines or generators that the military uses on their bases.
The enzyme cutinase used in breaking down the plastic to its original state are present in nature. These are made by parasites to breakdown shiny surfaces of tree leaves for example. The production of the said enzyme is done by taking some of the DNA present in the particular parasite which produces cutinase and then spliced it to an E. coli bacterium. E. coli bacteria are known for their rapid reproduction rate.
This means that they can produce more enzymes needed in the conversion of the bioplastics to biodiesel. One issue raised that should be focused on by researchers is to fiddle with the enzyme so that a smaller amount of enzyme will be needed to breakdown the bioplastics to usable diesel fuel. That will then translate to lowering the cost of the technology.
Currently, biodiesel can be used by diesel engines without modification. Some diesel car owners are also using Bully Dog components to get the best out of their biodiesel-powered vehicles.
Related Articles
New Technology for Hybrid Vehicles
By: Jenny Mclane | 18/03/2007 | Automotive
Car Articles, Vehicles, Auto's Articles all related to the automobile world.
Bully Dog Gives Back to Its Dealers
By: Terry Brown | 13/10/2006 | Automotive
Car Articles, Vehicles, Auto's Articles all related to the automobile world.
Volkswagen's Europe Events
By: Natalie Anderson | 10/02/2007 | Automotive
Car Articles, Vehicles, Auto's Articles all related to the automobile world.
Volkswagen Shows the Future of Clean Vehicles at Sustainability Summit
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 13/02/2007 | Automotive
Car Articles, Vehicles, Auto's Articles all related to the automobile world.
2007 Jeep Patriot Loaded With Radical Sound System Technologies
By: Glady Reign | 14/02/2007 | Automotive
Car Articles, Vehicles, Auto's Articles all related to the automobile world.
Three of Jeep’s All-new Vehicles Make an Advance Public Debut in Australia
By: Lisa Ziegler | 15/02/2007 | Automotive
Car Articles, Vehicles, Auto's Articles all related to the automobile world.
European Motorists Still Prioritize Fuel Economy
By: Lauren Woods | 16/02/2007 | Automotive
Car Articles, Vehicles, Auto's Articles all related to the automobile world.
Twelve Greenest Cars Named
By: Lauren Woods | 16/02/2007 | Automotive
Car Articles, Vehicles, Auto's Articles all related to the automobile world.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Carbon fiber question
By: seankay88 | 23-08-2008
can Carbon Fiber be painted?
How much horsepower does a 1990 acura legend v6l ...
By: datdude68pluswun | 21-08-2008
how much horsepower does a 1990 acura legend v6l has?
Can Kitt ,Craig or any of you auto smart people please help !!!!
By: T.T | 15-08-2008
Hey Kitt , I have been having a very hard time finding the orgin of a car part. I have the part &, serial # and the tracking date if you can help I would really appreciate it alot. part #15166780, serial# 407091 date 00070 I think this part is new and its not a part that was being replaced There was a sticker that fell off my frame the sticker underneath was new with this info.
How safe is a car with a sunroof? (in accident or ...
By: SAJ | 14-08-2008
how safe is a car with a sunroof? (in accident or rollover etc.)
Used Car Purchase
By: prosperity123 | 28-07-2008
Where is the best place online to purchase a used car at a very reasonable price? Or is there a good reliable online auction that I can sign up for to purchase a used car at a good price?
Needed automobile repair?
By: Mom23Kkids | 24-07-2008
what is a lower trans mount bushing?qt=q
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Automotive Articles
Best Review for the Undercover Tonneau Cover
By: Ken Bishop | 13/10/2008
If you are searching for a good truck bed cover for your truck then you need to read the best review for the Undercover Tonneau Cover. See if this truck bed cover if right for your truck.
The main advantage of this tonneau is that it gives enough protection in all...
The Truxedo Deuce Tonneau Cover Review
By: Ken Bishop | 13/10/2008
The Truxedo Deuce Tonneau is made by one of the leading manufacturers of truck bed covers. Their truck bed covers are well known for their quality and durability. They are more durable as they use the strongest fabric available in the market. In the case of certain tonneau covers, they...
Reasons Why Tires Fail and What You Should Do
By: Thomas Winn | 12/10/2008
Tires could well be the most important component on your car or truck, given that they affect the performance aspects of the car, including handling and acceleration to ride comfort and braking. Therefore, it's absolutely necessary to maintain your tires and they probably deserve more attention than any other components...
Buying a Used Car Online
By: Jay Gaulard | 11/10/2008
Whether purchasing an auto from an auction or automotive classifieds, always be careful. Buying a used car online can be tricky if you don't follow a few simple tips.
Auto Insurance Considerations When Moving House
By: Kade Phillips | 11/10/2008
Few of us live in the same location through the course of our lives. Every so often, for one reason or another, most of us have to to re locate. Discover how a house move can affect your car insurance rates and what you may be able to do to lessen the chances of a rate increase.
US Top 10 Bike Models
By: David H. Urmann | 11/10/2008
Mountain bikes, BMXs, Tandem Bikes, and Children Bikes belong to the top ten bicycle types and models sold by leading bike sellers in America.
The following is the list of bicycle types and models that are very popular among riders in United States.
Road Bikes
Road Bikes are built for...
Top Water For Fuel And HHO Kits - Water4gas Review
By: Al Draker | 10/10/2008
The internet is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of research terms. Today it is more useful than ever when one is researching options to improve their gas mileage. There are a variety of videos and manuals that aim to help the non-mechanic to convert their...
Water For Gas Hydrogen Kit For Your Car
By: Hirtan Hirtani | 10/10/2008
The price of gas is astronomical these days. People are looking to buy gas saver cars and are all over the internet doing research on gas savers. There is a simple solution to this most perplexing problem and that is buying a hydrogen kit for your present automobile.
What is a...
More from Jenny Mclane
The Vehicles Billionaires Drive
By: Jenny Mclane | 17/05/2007 | Automotive
The richest persons in the world may easily buy expensive cars but a look on their garage showed no BMW or Ferrari or Maserati. In fact, one of them owns a boxy Volvo while another one drives a Daewoo Matiz.
‘cerberus Offered Best Terms’ - Zetsche
By: Jenny Mclane | 16/05/2007 | Automotive
Dieter Zetsche, DCX CEO, said Cerberus offered the best terms. The proposal of the private equity firm covers a swift deal and the least risks to Daimler.
Ford Cars Continues Search for Second Win
By: Jenny Mclane | 16/05/2007 | Automotive
Chevrolet cars have once again showed their dominance after grabbing the win at the Dodge Avenger 500, the eleventh race of the 2007 Nextel Cup Series. Meanwhile, Ford is slowly gaining on them with a top-five finish at the recently concluded race held at the Darlington Speedway in South Carolina.
Honda to Produce Fuel Cell Vehicles for Consumers Next Year
By: Jenny Mclane | 15/05/2007 | Cars
Honda recently announced that they will be offering a limited edition of the fuel cell powered FCX in the consumer market next year. The company also announced that they will be producing a unique hybrid car which will augment the Civic hybrid.
Edmunds List Ten Most Elder-friendly Vehicles
By: Jenny Mclane | 12/05/2007 | Automotive
Older persons have special needs which are also true in the type of vehicle they drive. To help them choose the vehicle that will suit their needs, Edmunds.com listed ten vehicles equipped with senior-friendly features.
Where in the World Can you Find Volvo’s Sunken Treasure Chest?
By: Jenny Mclane | 11/05/2007 | Cars
Last year, we all had to find out where Volvo buried the pirate-themed Volvo XC90. This new Volvo treasure chest comes with gold doubloons which amount to $50,000. Linda Gangeri is the national advertising manager of Volvo Cars’ North American arm.
“increase Fuel Mileage by 4%” - Obama
By: Jenny Mclane | 11/05/2007 | Automotive
In his trip to Michigan, Barack Obama, a presidential candidate, told the leaders of the region that the Big Three should increase fuel mileage by four percent each year. This is to curb foreign oil dependence.
The Basics of a Nascar Nextel Cup Race Car
By: Jenny Mclane | 10/05/2007 | Automotive
The NASCAR Nextel Cup Series is currently going on and the American populace is behind the sport. While many understand the sport, there are those who are in the dark about this sport that is why some facts pertaining to the race cars use on the sport is offered to the public.
Automotive 
