CAREER: Advancing Recyclable Biopolymer Composite Materials and Entrepreneurial Education for Construction in Resource-Limited Environments

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $611,453 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award will advance recyclable biopolymer composite construction materials for use in resource-limited environments while educating future engineers in innovation and entrepreneurship. Many regions face challenges in building infrastructure under conditions of limited materials, water scarcity, and logistical constraints. This project addresses these challenges by developing material systems that can be produced, reused, and recycled using locally available resources. The work focuses on biopolymer materials that can harden to meet structural needs and later be reversed and reused, thereby reducing waste and enabling circular construction practices. These capabilities are particularly important for temporary or short-term structures in remote or harsh environments, where long-term durability is not required. The project also integrates research with education by training students to translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions and new ventures. Outreach activities will engage learners from secondary schools and community colleges to broaden participation in science and engineering. The project contributes to the national interest by advancing scientific knowledge, strengthening economic competitiveness, and enabling technologies relevant to national security and space exploration. The research will establish fundamental relationships among material composition, processing conditions, and the performance of reversible biopolymer construction materials. The work investigates gelatin-based binder systems that undergo hardening through desiccation and can be reprocessed under controlled moisture and temperature conditions. Experimental studies will examine gelation and hardening mechanisms, reversibility, and interactions between the binder and granular materials such as desert sand. Mechanical performance, durability under environmental fluctuations, cracking behavior, and recyclability will be evalu

Key facts

NSF award ID
2544055
Awardee
Texas State University - San Marcos (TX)
SAM.gov UEI
HS5HWWK1AAU5
PI
Xijun Shi
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
INFRASTRUCTURE MATERIALS, CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
Estimated total
$611,453
Funds obligated
$611,453
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2026 → 08/31/2031