Pittsburg State

The National Institute for Materials Advancement (NIMA) at Pittsburg State University advances materials science through research, education, testing, and industry collaboration. Its work focuses on polymers, plastics, bio-based materials, batteries, semiconductors, and electroactive materials, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions and circular economies. NIMA develops renewable polymers and modifies feedstocks such as vegetable oils, proteins, starches, cellulose, and lignin. It also creates new polymers, plastics, and elastomers, and works to improve the performance and processing of circular-economy materials.

NIMA supports companies and entrepreneurs by helping address materials challenges, from early ideas through planning and implementation. Its contract testing and analysis services include chemical composition, formulation, failure analysis, and physical, thermal, electrical, and mechanical property testing. Researchers, students, and businesses can collaborate with NIMA, drawing on its facilities and expertise alongside support from Pittsburg State University’s plastics engineering technology and chemistry departments. Through hands-on student training and applied research, NIMA aims to strengthen regional manufacturing and prepare a skilled workforce for materials-related industries.