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Scientist wants center for polymers available across PH

By Ma. Cristina Arayata

May 18, 2023, 8:43 pm

MANILA – A Balik Scientist on Thursday expressed his wish that the Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP) -- currently available for use in Region 10 -- be made available to other regions by making it a national center.

Balik Scientist Robert Malaluan said he is seeking the government's support on this initiative.

Located at the Mindanao State University - Iligan State of Technology, the CSP was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as a niche center for sustainable polymers across the region.

"The country has a lot of polymers, and we could make these a high-value product," Malaluan said in a public briefing.

He cited as an example the CocoFlexSorb developed at the CSP, which seeks to help contain the oil spill in Mindoro. This bio-based polyurethane foam, reportedly has superior oil absorption capacity and can absorb different types of oil from vegetable, kerosene, engine, and bunker oil.

In the same briefing, CSP program leader Arnold Lubguban said this innovation costs four to five times less than existing petroleum-based absorbents. Further, the coco foam can be reused for about 20 to 30 times.

Malaluan said they are currently developing other products at the CSP.

"We are not just studying coconut oil but also other biopolymers, sustainable polymers that we aim to convert into high-value products," he said.

Lubguban then noted that the country is rich in these natural resources, and these can be sourced from the sea, the trees as well as vegetable oils. "The country is rich in these resources. What we need are more laboratories and researchers to create more products to help our economy," he said.

He added that he is encouraging other universities to avail of the DOST's program so they could also establish small laboratories.

The CSP, according to Malaluan, is an advanced laboratory where small and medium enterprises could test their materials. The laboratory has the equipment capable of characterizing certain materials. (PNA) 

 

 

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