Translational Materials Innovation: From Industrial Polymers to Sustainable Energy Storage

Joint Loughborough-Leicester IAS Fellow Professor Anongnat Somwangthanaroj delivers a seminar on their research -

This talk shares a cross-sector journey in translational materials research spanning industrial epoxy materials for flip-chip electronics packaging, biodegradable plastic bags for fresh-produce preservation, health-protective innovations, and emerging zinc-based energy storage systems. Long-term collaboration with industry in advanced epoxy packaging has produced patented technologies, publications, and trained graduate researchers. At the same time, sustainability-driven polymer work led to real-world deployment and venture creation. Crisis-driven innovation during the pandemic further strengthened rapid prototyping and scale-up capabilities. Current research focuses on functional separators and iodine-host materials for zinc-based batteries to improve stability and reaction kinetics. Across these themes, the emphasis is on structure–property design, manufacturability, and impact-oriented development. The talk aims to identify shared research interests and open pathways for new academic and industry collaborations in advanced materials, sustainable technologies, and energy storage systems.

Arrivals from 11:45 am for a 12:00 noon start. For those joining in-person, lunch will be served after the seminar from 1:00pm.

This event is hybrid format, please use the required booking button at the bottom of the page to choose either in-person or online attendance.
(Please note that in-person spaces are limited and booking is required, so we can manage numbers for catering and also the space in the seminar room)

By booking a place at this event, attendees agree to behave in a respectful manner such that everyone feels comfortable contributing as they wish. The IAS reserves the right to eject anyone who does not abide by this policy.

IAS seminars are typically recorded, minus any Q&A sessions at the end, again to encourage contributions. The recordings are then uploaded to our website on a Fellows bio page and/or Programme page, along with our IAS YouTube Channel. If you are not able to attend a seminar live, please do still register as we will email everyone who registered to let them know once the recordings are made available.