Materials from Nature

Lead Research Organisation: University of Leeds
Department Name: Applied Mathematics

Abstract

Processing of biopolymers with ionic liquids gives the possibility to tap into nature's most abundant molecules, unlocking their remarkable natural properties via "green" dissolution routes. For example, all cellulose composites have excellent material characteristics due to the improved binding between matrix and fibre. As these materials are formed entirely from one biopolymer, their recyclability is greatly simplified with this being an important consideration for the product lifetime. In looking to maximize the impact of a recycling strategy for waste, this project will explore the potential for all-keratin composites formed from poultry feather waste or other keratin based animal fibres from textile waste, for example cashmere, angora and wool. In the UK there is approximately 120,000 tons of waste feather produced annually and this is either landfilled or hydrolysed down to small proteins and used as animal feed. Through initial supercritical carbon dioxide extraction at 120 0C the raw feathers can be cleaned and sterilized and hence provide a substantial cheap feedstock material for producing high value materials through processing with ionic liquids.

Single component composites is a growing area of research and development in which the Leeds Soft Matter Physics group has been one of the foremost pioneers. Research to date on melt processable polymer systems has led to a number of major patents, and via a University spin-off company to commercial applications. More recent research, run in parallel to a SOFI cohort 2 student, has also led to a new patent for all-cellulose based composites.

The student will learn a wide variety of soft matter characterisation techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray scattering, tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The project is interdisciplinary so the student will learn how to work with colleagues from different backgrounds including Physicists, Chemists and Engineers. This project will work with industry, such as Futamura, and therefore will give the student a wider experience outside of academia. The theme of the research is sustainability which is naturally becoming of greater importance and so will be relevant to much future work. In addition, the student will learn about polymer physics and mechanical processing of materials. We have a team of people working in this area, some on patent pending material, giving the student team working skills and an insight into the workings of intellectually property.

Planned Impact

1. PEOPLE. The SOFI2 CDT will have varied economic and societal impacts, the greatest of which will be the students themselves. They will graduate with a broad and deep scientific education as well as an entrepreneurial mind-set combined with business awareness and communication skills. The training programme reflects the knowledge and skills identified by industry partners, the EPSRC, recent graduates and national strategies. Partners will facilitate impact through their engagement in the extensive training programme and through the co-supervision of PhD projects. Responsible Innovation is embedded throughout the training programme to instil an attitude towards research and innovation in which societal concerns and environmental impact are always to the fore. The team-working and leadership skills developed in SOFI2 (including an appreciation of the benefits that diversity brings to an organisation and how to foster an atmosphere of equality and inclusion) will enable our graduates to take on leadership roles in industry where they can, in turn, influence the thinking of their teams.

2. PROJECTS. The PhD research projects themselves are impact pathways. Approximately half the projects will be co-sponsored by external partners and will be aligned to scientific challenges faced by the partner. Even projects funded entirely by the EPSRC/Universities will have an industrial co-supervisor who can provide advice on development of impact. The impact workshops and Entrepreneur in Residence will additionally help students to develop impact from their research, while at the same time developing the mind-set that sees innovation in invention.

3. PUBLIC. The public benefits from innovation that comes from the research in the CDT. It also benefits from the training of a generation of researchers trained in RI who seek out the input of stakeholders in the development of products and processes. The public benefits from the outreach activities that enable them to understand better the science behind contemporary technological developments - and hence to make more informed decisions about how they lead their lives. The younger generations benefit from the excitement of science that might attract them to higher education and careers in STEM subjects.

4. PARTNERSHIPS. SOFI2 involves collaborative research with >25 external partners from large multinationals to small start-ups. In addition to the results of sponsored projects and the possibility of recruiting SOFI2 students, companies benefit from access to training resources, sharing of best practice in RI and EDI, access to the knowledge of the SOFI2 academics and sharing of expertise with other partners in the SOFI2 network. This networking is of particular benefit to SMEs and we have an SME strategy to facilitate engagement of SMEs with SOFI2. SME representation on the Management and Strategic Advisory Boards will support the SME strategy.

CPI/NFC is a key partner both for delivery of training and to connect SOFI2 research, students and staff to a wide network of companies in the formulated products sector.

The unusual partnership with the Leverhulme Research Centre on Forensic Science may lead to a stronger scientific underpinning of forensic evidence with positive impacts on the legal process and the pursuit of justice.

5. PRODUCTS. Partner companies identify areas of fundamental and applied science of interest to them with the knowledge that advances in these areas will help them to overcome technological challenges that will lead to better products or new markets. It is an expectation that scientific discoveries made within the CDT will drive new products, new markets and potentially new companies. SOFI2 CDT seeks also to develop innovative training materials, for example, in RI and in data analytics and AI (in collaboration with the Alan Turing Institute), from which other CDTs and training organisations can benefit.

Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
EP/S023631/1 01/10/2019 31/03/2028
2675564 Studentship EP/S023631/1 01/10/2021 30/11/2025 James King