Biomaterials Engineering

Transforming biomasses into industrial products

Scion's biomaterials vision is to transform renewable biological resources into industrial products using chemical, physical and engineering/ manufacturing technologies.

The Biomaterials Engineering team transforms biomass resources into added-value products such as specialty chemicals/intermediates and functional polymers/additives, for use in adhesives, coatings and plastics. The team develops associated formulations for end products and manufacturing processes and is also undertaking developments in  biofoam products and in the use and incorporation of natural fibres or fillers for biocomposites.

Although the global trade in specialty chemicals and polymers is currently dominated by petroleum-based products, replacement with solutions from renewable resources is increasingly desired and preferred. These solutions must perform effectively and be cost competitive with petroleum-derived products. The Biomaterials Engineering team is part of the escalating research and industrial activity worldwide, focused on creating new bio-based industries. 

The Biomaterials Engineering team transforms biomass resources into new chemicals, polymers, formulated products and composite materials.  The team works with natural fibres, primary biomass resources, biomass residues/wastes, and adapts, formulates and processes such materials into chemical/polymer intermediates or additives, plastic compounds, composites, coatings or adhesives and other polymer or fibre based products. 

Significant areas of activity, with strong synergies across each theme, include:

• Chemicals and Polymers – the team undertakes developments of biobased, sustainable, and renewable chemical intermediates or polymer additives which can be used in the global specialty chemical industry such as in adhesives, coatings, plastics, foams, or in composites and fibre based materials.  Extraction and transformation of biobased  intermediates and products are undertaken with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and clean chemical processes.
• Fibres and Composites/Biocomposites - Scion is furthering research into the characterisation and evaluation of wood and non-wood natural fibres, in combination with polymer or biopolymer matrix materials, with a view to engineering new products from such biofibres to manufacture new biocomposite products. Substantial expertise exists in the generation, utilisation, pre-treatment and processing of wood and other natural fibres in plastics and bioplastics and in thermoset resins and in the processing, formulation, performance and durability of the resulting composite materials.  New products are developed and designed to meet specific performance criteria and end-use properties.  Allied to this is expertise in MDF and wood panels which has strong synergies with biocomposite activities and a leading capability in fibre refining.
• Plastics, Bioplastics, Bioresins and Biofoams –  Bioplastic compounds or bioresin formulations are developed to meet processability and performance requirements. Polymers or biopolymers are blended or formulated with other polymers or biopolymers, and/or additives, and/or biofibres as appropriate for target end applications.  New processes and formulations for biobased foam products are also under development.
• Bioactive, Functional and Biocompatible Materials – the incorporation and  formulation of natural bioactive or other functional biobased additives into plastics, coatings, adhesives and composites together with optimisation of manufacturing processes is a key aspect of the Biomaterials Engineering research.  The use of sensitive or precious functional additives in plastics, composites or coating formulations is often a key requirement.
• Durability and Degradation Control in Biomaterials  - the interaction of biomaterials with various environments is increasingly important and the EcoSmart Technologies and Biomaterials Engineering teams are collectively developing a range of biomaterial systems which can produce programmably degradable materials, environmentally intelligent materials and durable biomaterials. The team has extensive experience in biodegradation and biodegradable plastics and composites, including applications in packaging, nursery products, horticulture, agriculture, forestry and many more.
• Bio-nanotechnology and Bio-nanomaterials – an increasingly important field of research for future new materials and products with totally new performance capabilities and functionalities. Example activities include the isolation, and use of natural fibrillar materials for biocomposites and engineering of specific targeted polymer particles and biopolymer structures.

Key research capabilities

Biomaterials Chemistry and Natural Products

• Extraction and purification of natural products/chemicals
• Characterisation of complex biomolecules or mixtures  
• Chemical and enzymatic modification and biobased chemicals
• Polymer Science and Biopolymers
• Polymer/biopolymer synthesis and modification 
• Polymer/biopolymer characterisation 
• Polymer/biopolymer blends and formulations
• Plastics/bioplastics  processing

Composite Materials Processing & Engineering 

• Natural fibre extraction, characterization and modification  
• Impregnation and interfaces in natural fibre composites 
• Biocomposite manufacturing processes 
• Properties and in - service performance of biomaterials

For more information contact: Alan Fernyhough - Unit Leader

or Jeremy Warnes - Commercial Manager