Deriving materials from algae: growth, extraction and conversion
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Deriving materials from algae: growth, extraction and conversion
Wed, 17/05/2017 - 14:30 to 15:30
Location:
Speaker:
Dr Stuart Coles
Affiliation:
University of Warwick
Synopsis:
The continuing development of the modern world creates an increasing demand for functional materials, whilst at the same time reserves of natural resources such as crude oil are both dwindling and becoming more expensive. In order to meet this need for materials, and to lower their impact on the environment, there has been a concerted effort over the last decade to find renewable, bio-based polymer feedstocks. Microalgae have recently emerged as a potential platform for chemicals and source of energy as they produce oil more efficiently (relative to land use) than plants like maize and soybean. Behaving almost like biological factories, algae use CO2 as a feedstock and sunlight as an energy source to proliferate at a rate that doubles their weight within 24 hours.
The aim of this work was to develop a range of materials from algae that could be suitable for industrial exploitation. This involved careful selection of strains that would produce the right composition of chemicals to be used as a feedstock alongside the development of new extraction technologies and conversion techniques. Tests were carried out on the manufacturing of products such as adhesives, coatings, food additives and surfactants. In particular, a bio-based polyurethane adhesive for flexible packaging was developed that was comparable to industrial standards when tested in industry.
Biography:
Dr Stuart Coles is Associate Professor of Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing at WMG, University of Warwick. After receiving his PhD in 2006 in Chemistry (also at Warwick), he has worked on the substitution and assessment of sustainable materials in industrial products and processes for over 10 years. The focus of his research is on bio-based polymers, composites and fuels across a variety of sectors. Current research includes the development of epoxy-based adhesive resins for composites from waste cooking oil, recycled carbon fibre composites and the obtaining energy & materials from wastewater treatment plants. He has also carried out research into the development of sustainability assessments, focusing on applications of nanoparticles. Alongside his research output, Dr Coles teaches sustainability across campus at the University of Warwick and sits on the editorial board for the Journal of Polymers and the Environment and Green Materials as well as being on the Biocomposites subgroup of Composites UK.