ROBBINS · breaking frontiers for the utilisation of ROBust BIopolymer NanocompoSite materials through flow-induced and nanofiller-assisted tailoring of biomimetic structure and morphology

breaking frontiers for the utilisation of ROBust BIopolymer NanocompoSite materials through flow-induced and nanofiller-assisted tailoring of biomimetic structure and morphology

This MSCA Individual Fellowship aims to unlock the potential of natural biopolymers such as chitosan, cellulose, and alginate, which have been increasingly appreciated for not only their renewability (in contrast to petroleum-derived polymers), but also their chemical versatility and unique properties (e.g. biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility), which are advantageous for certain applications (e.g. biomedical, environmental, and agricultural). However, these biomass resources have long been underutilised because of the key challenges associated with processing and overall material performance. Typically, it is extremely challenging to manufacture high-performance biopolymer materials cost-effectively. The wide adoption of biopolymers as renewable resources could largely benefit the society by contributing to sustainability and bioeconomy. The research into biopolymers can deliver solutions to transform the plastic industry for a circular economy, reducing environmental pollution caused by traditional, petroleum-based synthetic polymers, and delivering new, functional materials for improving people’s health and life. This fellowship specifically focused on creating high-performance biopolymer composites via novel, cost-effective engineering processes, paving the way for their wide applications. The overall objectives were to 1) understand the physicochemical interactions between biopolymers, nanofillers and plasticisers under “melt” processing conditions and the impact of these interactions on material structures and properties, and 2) establish a cost-effective “melt” processing technology for constructing biopolymer-based materials with tailored properties and enhanced functionality. A parallel goal of this fellowship is to enable substantial transfer of knowledge and skills between the Fellow (Dr D F Xie) and the host (University of Warwick) and provide the Fellow with widened competencies for research independence and maturity. This fellowship has not only led to new and important knowledge in (bio)polymer science and engineering, but also allowed the Fellow to achieve broadened expertise, develop new collaborative links, and acquire various transferable skills, which are beneficial for his future career. On conclusion of this MSCA Individual Fellowship, Dr D F Xie secured a highly prestigious ESPRC Fellowship, which will allow him to establish his own research group and further his career at the University of Warwick.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз