Degradable polymers for application in personal care

The student will be addressing the mounting pressure on single-use plastics and microplastics, consumers are becoming more aware of the polymer ingredients in their household products. Many of the synthetic polymers widely used in FMCG industry are generally poorly (bio)degradable, and the increase in negative PR towards environmentally persistent materials represents a significant challenge for Unilever. Alternative polymer technologies are needed, but much of the fundamental insight that would support their creation does not exist. This project will investigate polymer modification and its effect on properties and performance, with special interest in (bio)degradability. The aim is to generate design rules that can be applied to synthesis of new polymers for formulated products.