Organic and Soft Matter Materials

Research into biopolymerisation and the use of bio-available molecules as monomers provides a mechanism to produce polymers which biodegrade back into natural compounds rather than producing microplastic waste associated with petroleum-chemical based polymers. This is biological process is supported through fundamental research in polymer chemistry.

Microplastic pollution is a major global issue with particles of waste plastic being found throughout the natural environment to the extent that they have been even in the deepest parts of our oceans. Legislation can only go so far in reducing the extent of polymers and plastics as they form such an integral part of modern life.

The direction of our polymer research is aimed at the use of molecules which are found in nature (e.g. gamma-glutamic acid) as the monomers from which can be made. These polymers once formed and used, decompose back to molecules rather than breaking down into small plastic fragments. Moreover to further enhance sustainability we are investigating biological processing to create and decompose these biopolymers.

Our successes in this area have led to a local cosmetic manufacturer replacing the petrochemically based polymer glitter used in some products with a biodegradable alternative.

For REF 2021 an Impact Case Study was submitted from this group focusing on how novel environmentally friendly products have been used by industrial partners in the commercial cleaning and cosmetic sectors, as well as used to inform national policy decision at UK Parliament.