Recycling and upcycling of End-of-life PHA-based 3D/4D printed materials

One of the most urgent global challenges is the need for environmentally and economically sustainable bio-derived composites and plastics within the conceptual framework of the circular economy. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) composite based 3D/4D printed materials, consisting of PHA polymer matrices and reinforcing bio-fillers, have exceptional thermomechanical properties and can be widely used across industries, such as medical applications and food packaging. A major barrier to sustainable application of these materials is their recycling. Currently, the composite industry faces a low recycling rate. Most existing recycling methods are unsustainable, focusing on energy recovery rather than material recovery. By implementing efficient recycling approaches, the3D/4D printing community can reduce waste and costs, and enhance sustainability. This PhD project aims to explore efficient and sustainable approaches for recycling or upcycling end-of-life (EoL) PHA-based 3D/4D printed products. The project will include (1). an introduction of PHA-based 3D/4D and their applications, (2). identifying the challenges of achieving a sustainable 3D/4D printing industry, (3) Comparison of the available recycling/upcycling approaches for PHA composites, (4) exploring the most effective ways of recycling/upcycling approaches adopting both modelling and experimental methods.

Experimental testing on the recycling and upcycling technologies will be carried out to explore the most suitable pathways, this will be followed by Quantum Mechanics based atomistic simulations (adopting Density Functional Theory) to explore reaction mechanisms

This innovated project is ideally suited to students with the creativity and motivation to solve engineering problems using scientific-based principles. The student may expect to build his/her career in the area of Environment, Sustainability and Green Chemistry.

This project is part of an on-going research grant that led by the supervisors on a Global Center for Sustainable Bioproducts (GCSB), one of six newly established centers dedicated to addressing the challenge of creating environmentally and economically sustainable bio-derived composites and plastics. The candidate would have opportunities to interact with GCSB’s expertise from the U.S., Canada, South Korea, and the U.K. in converting waste biomass into bioplastics. The applicant will work closely with the PDRAs, other PhD students and academics in the GCSB team. The candidate will be expected to participate in relevant national and international conferences, and develop journal papers within the research field.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.