Lamar team wins $15,000 for developing coating system from linseed oil

Through the design and development of linseed oil monomers, the team was able to create a polymerized coating.
Through the design and development of linseed oil monomers, the team was able to create a polymerized coating. | File photo
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Lamar University students with a grant for $15,000, through the P3 Program.

The P3 Program has helped to fund over 600 projects since 2004.

At Lamar, a group of chemistry majors, with the help of two assistant professors, have created an environmentally friendly coating system in an attempt to address corrosion issues.

Through the design and development of linseed oil monomers, the team was able to create a polymerized coating, capable of filling cracks, while avoiding harm to the environment, due to the non-toxic and biodegradable nature of the substance. The naturally healing nature of linseed monomers makes the system effective and ensures that it is no threat to the environment.

The Lamar grant was one of 38 awarded to groups developing sustainable products 

Following the $15,000 award, the team from Lamar is eligible to compete in the National Sustainable Design Expo, where it will vie for a $75,000 grant and the chance of promoting the innovation on a larger scale.