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

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Texas State University - San Marcos (TX) · $611,453

## 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 organization:** 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

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2544055

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2544055, CAREER: Advancing Recyclable Biopolymer Composite Materials and Entrepreneurial Education for Construction in Resource-Limited Environments. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-16 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2544055. Licensed CC0.

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