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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/V002651/1
Title: Realising Functional Cellulosic Bio-based Composites
Principal Investigator: Eichhorn, Professor S
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Aalto University FiberLean Technologies Futamura Chemical UK Ltd
National Composites Centre Renuables Texas A and M University
University of Cambridge University of Leuven (Kulak Campus)
Department: Aerospace Engineering
Organisation: University of Bristol
Scheme: EPSRC Fellowship
Starts: 01 July 2021 Ends: 30 June 2026 Value (£): 1,561,994
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Complex fluids & soft solids Materials Characterisation
Materials Synthesis & Growth
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Chemicals
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
08 Sep 2020 EPSRC Physical Sciences - September 2020 Announced
17 Nov 2020 EPSRC Physical Sciences Fellowship Interview Panel November 2020 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
The worldwide transition from the use of oil-based to more sustainable feedstocks for plastics is underway. This transition is due to dwindling oil stocks and a realisation that current levels of the use of this resource is no longer sustainable. More sustainable sources for materials use exist in the form of cellulose from plants. This material is a very versatile polymer and is in fact the most utilised material worldwide. For the last 20+ years I have been researching the structure-property relationships of cellulose and am ideally placed to play a key role in the transition to renewable materials. Nature makes use of cellulose to good effect. Being intrinsically strong and stiff means that cellulose fibres, per weight, can compete mechanically with most synthetic alternatives such as glass. In nature's most prevalent natural composite - wood - cellulose forms the basis of its outstanding structural performance. All our attempts to replicate the composite performance of wood and plants have fallen short, and this fellowship seeks to address these issues, while also using the intrinsic properties of plant fibres and wood themselves. The proposed research aims to do this in the context of both natural and synthetic materials, adding functionality to the composites, while also addressing in a cross-cutting sense the sustainability credentials of the materials and structures proposed.

Key Findings
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Summary
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Organisation Website: http://www.bris.ac.uk