Many
Americans are doing their best to avoid fat by the gram. Scientist
Rusty Sutterlin embraces fat by the ton. And as a result he and his
young Columbia-based company, Renewable Alternatives, are seeing potential
for unlimited green by the bucks.
The fat comes from renewable sources in the form of vegetable oils,
such as soybean oil. Sutterlin transforms these naturally produced
oils into substances called phase change materials (PCMs). PCMs absorb
energy providing a cooling effect when melting from a solid to a liquid.
Conversely, when PCMs reverse phases from liquid to solid, they release
heat as they solidify.
PCMs potentially have a multitude of practical applications, according
to Sutterlin. Fabric can be infused with micro-encapsulated PCMs,
near-microscopic beads woven into the fabric's threads. Hazmat suits
and fantasy character costumes, such as those of university mascots,
could be insulated with large beads the size of peas or beans. Blocks
or chips of PCMs could substitute for ice, and coffee cups containing
PCMs could keep the java warm as the cup cools. All of these applications
and many others would be housed in a light, yet sturdy shells to contain
the PCMs regardless of their state.
"The applications of PCMs are unlimited," says Sutterlin.
"They perform more efficiently, cost less, protect the environment,
and conserve natural resources."
To pursue many of those limitless applications Renewable Alternatives
has engaged the business counseling services of Mike Nichols, program
director with the Missouri Federal and
State Technology Partnership (MoFAST) program in Columbia. Nichols,
whose office is affiliated with the Small Business Development Centers
(MO SBDC) at the University of Missouri, has helped Sutterlin navigate
the labyrinth of the federal government's grant application process.
Sutterlin and the owner of Renewable Alternatives, MU chemical engineering
Associate Professor Galen Suppes, are working on two grants obtained
with Nichols' support and advice.
One is a U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Small Business
Innovative Research (SBIR) grant on converting fats and oils to PCMs.
Another is a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program grant
through the National Science Foundation (NSF) for converting glycerin
to propylene glycol. Creation of propylene glycol is a byproduct of
the application of biodiesel, which substitutes used cooking oil for
diesel fuel. In turn, propylene glycol can replace ethylene glycol
in anti-freeze, making that substance non-lethal to pets and children
who might accidentally consume it.
Renewable Alternatives has also pursued other avenues of financing.
Those include SBIR and STTR grant applications through the Department
of Energy, the Department of Defense, and other NSF funding opportunities.
In addition, Sutterlin is exploring several potential commercial contracts
with domestic and foreign companies.
 |
| Rep. Judy Baker congratulations Galen Suppes,
left, owner of Renewable Alternatives, and Rusty Sutterlin, Renewable’s
CEO, on their recognition in the Business Showcase and Legislative
Breakfast Feb. 10, 2005, at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson
City. |
"Rusty is a resourceful and innovative scientist who is developing
a variety of applications for a process with unlimited potential,"
Nichols said. "I've been happy to help in the pursuit of the government
grants he and Galen can use to perfect their PCM processes."
Because of the innovative technology he is employing at Renewable
Alternatives, Sutterlin represented MoFAST at the first Client
Showcase and Legislative Breakfast Feb. 10, in the State Capitol
Rotunda in Jefferson City.
For more information on the services of MoFAST visit www.missouribusiness.net/fast.
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