The Green Materials Laboratory’s primary focus is on improving the sustainability of plastics, through research in the lab and our collaboration outside of it. The group works to create new-to-the-world polymers and materials that are economically and environmentally sustainable.
This is achieved through targeting a one-step change of either:
The research group spans both of these important targets, alongside preparing new catalysts that facilitate improved synthesis of existing polymers, with a research portfolio spanning across biodegradable polymers, recycling, biosensors, sustainable composites and functional materials, enabled by the tools of materials science, chemistry, physics and engineering.
These fundamental studies are paired with more applied projects to create materials with application in formulations, plastic packaging, medical diagnostic, glass fibre composites and fabrics. The Green Materials Laboratory’s proficiency for sustainability has also enabled thee group to lead on and enhance expertise outside of the lab – notably with the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub.
It is this ability to work on fundamental polymer science and catalysis alongside industrially driven materials science research that makes research in this field so exciting. Our group views collaboration as an integral part of our foundation, using a community approach to help deliver impact from our key discoveries, from fundamental academic pursuits to patentable impact-driven projects.
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