From cellulose to cement: developing sustainable routes to bio-based construction materials

Lead Research Organisation: University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry

Abstract

We will use hemp-based plants products as a carbon source to feed to microbes. They will convert this material to lactic acid (LA). The LA will be extracted and used in polymerisation reactions using both chemical catalysts and biocatalysts. The polylactic acid (PLA) will be isolated and characterised. The PLA will be provided to our industry partner IndiNature to add to their building materials. The properties of these final products will be tested. As well as the technical side, a circular economy analysis and a life cycle analysis (LCA) of the process will also be carried out.

Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
BB/W510245/1 01/10/2021 30/09/2025
2583280 Studentship BB/W510245/1 01/09/2021 31/08/2025