Sustainability
Research expertise in Materials’ selection, replacement, processing, application or modification, is helping to solve many sustainability issues.
A wide range of projects in the Materials Department can be classed under the theme of sustainability. These cover diverse topics such as developing novel materials with a low carbon footprint, replacing toxic materials, developing materials for environmentally friendly energy generation and extending the life-time of materials.
Development of Novel Materials with a Reduced Carbon Footprint – topics include:
- Compostable Biopolymers for Sustainable Packaging
- New Rubber Compound for Green Tyre Tread
- Plasticisers from Bio-based Feedstocks
Replacement of Toxic Materials (such as Heavy Metals) – topics include:
- Electrodeposition of Cadmium Replacements from Ionic Liquids
- Electrodeposition of Lead-free solder Alloys
- Synthesis of Nano-hydrotalcite as a PVC Thermal Stabiliser
Development of New Materials for More Environmentally Friendly Ways of Generating Electricity – topics include:
- Nanozirconia Fuel Cell Components
- Polymer Packaging of Power Semi-conductors
- Novel Hafnium-containing Steels for Power Generation
Extension of the Life-time of Materials – topics include:
- Life-time Prediction and Characterisation of Adhesive Joints
- Ageing of Skinned Polyethylene Pipe by Outdoor Exposure
- Carbon Fibre Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites
Highlighted Projects
- Assessing the environmental impacts of oxo-degradable plastics across their lifecycle
- Panel Plus: From recycled plastics waste to high performance composite panels in automotive applications
- Valorape: Improving the economics of bio-diesel manufacture
- Developments in biopolymers: Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)
Academic Staff
- Dr Jane Clarke
- Professor Marianne Gilbert
- Mr Barry Haworth
- Dr Dick Heath
- Dr Noreen Thomas
- Dr Houzheng Wu