Molten Materials, a leading innovator in sustainable materials technology founded by Caltech Alum Dr. Shelly Zhang, has been awarded a phase I research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). Also known as “America’s Seed Fund”, the award totaling $274,976, will support the company’s pioneering work in developing innovative solutions to the global plastic waste crisis, focusing on the transformation of non-recyclable plastics into high-performance materials for infrastructure applications.
Dr. Shelly Zhang is the visionary behind Molten Materials. Her expertise in polymer science and materials innovation has been featured in platforms like the Business for Good podcast, TEDex Boston and articles in Benzinga, Medium as well as the Caltech Techer magazine highlighting her pioneering work. Dr. Zhang believes that the solution to global environmental challenges lies in transforming waste into valuable resources. “The solution to our plastics problem could be under our feet, with state of the art technologies such as AI assisted polymer synthesis” she shared in a recent interview, as she discussed the use of recycled plastics for infrastructure materials like roads. This philosophy drives Molten Materials’ mission to create practical, high-impact solutions that contribute to the development of sustainable cities.
The NSF award (Award Number: 2430937) will fund Molten Materials’ project titled PROSPR, aiming to produce a high value added thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) from single-use packaging waste plastics. It will advance the company’s broader mission to create high-performance materials from waste materials and transform wastes into assets on a large industrial scale. Project PROSPR aims to address the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste while developing new, durable materials for use in infrastructure, such as road construction.
“This NSF award is a milestone for Molten,” said Dr. Selly Zhang, Founder and CEO of Molten Materials. “It supports our mission to create sustainable, high-performance materials from non-recyclable plastics. By tackling the plastic waste crisis and transforming it into valuable resources, we’re contributing to a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future.”
Currently, over 90% of the plastics ever produced remain in the environment, posing severe risks to ecosystems and human health. Molten Materials’ NSF-supported project seeks to transform this waste into high-performance elastomers that can be used in infrastructure applications, such as paving roads. These elastomers offer enhanced durability and longevity compared to traditional materials, while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of plastic waste.
About Molten Materials
Molten Materials is a pioneering company at the forefront of sustainable materials technology. Founded by Dr. Shelly Zhang, a Caltech alum and expert in polymer science, the company is dedicated to transforming plastic waste into high-performance materials for infrastructure applications. Molten Materials’ mission is to develop innovative, scalable solutions to global environmental challenges, creating a more sustainable future by turning waste into valuable resources. Through cutting-edge technologies, including AI-assisted polymer synthesis, the company aims to revolutionize the recycling of plastics and contribute to the development of sustainable cities.
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Company Name: Molten Materials
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Country: United States
Website: https://moltenmaterials.com/