Advanced biopolymers

This unit will equip you with a detailed understanding of advanced biopolymers. Wood and non-wood lignocellulose fibres will be covered in detail, including the isolation and utilisation of various components. You will cover the efficient, large-scale production of cellulose nanomaterials derived from wood fibres, investigate alternative fibre sources, and learn about a variety of bio-derived polymers such as Chitosan and different protein polymers. The opportunities afforded from lignin and hemicellulose will also be discussed.

The course covers the relationship between fibre surface chemistry and functionality, biopolymer structural arrangement and functionality, biopolymers as an alternative to petroleum-derived analogues, development of packaging materials, and market opportunities for biopolymers.