Novel barrier products: synthesis design using controlled radical polymerization in dispersed systems. Personal barrier products (eg surgical and industrial rubber gloves) are currently manufactured using emulsion polymerization synthesis methods that have evolved little in 50 years. A dramatic new method for controlling polymer architecture, developed by a team led by the CI and Dulux for paints, also has the potential to tailor-make barrier products, from less hazardous raw materials. This pro ....Novel barrier products: synthesis design using controlled radical polymerization in dispersed systems. Personal barrier products (eg surgical and industrial rubber gloves) are currently manufactured using emulsion polymerization synthesis methods that have evolved little in 50 years. A dramatic new method for controlling polymer architecture, developed by a team led by the CI and Dulux for paints, also has the potential to tailor-make barrier products, from less hazardous raw materials. This project commences the fundamental research for understanding the mechanisms involved in using this method with butadiene, and the mechanical properties of the resulting novel block copolymers. This science would later be applied by the industrial partner to significantly improve their barrier products.Read moreRead less
Rechargeable lithium carbon dioxide battery - catalyst design to prototype . This project aims to develop a new concept of rechargeable lithium carbon dioxide batteries and scaled-up prototypes. Such a battery will be first of its kind to show high power comparable to gasoline and superior rechargeability over existing gas-involved batteries, ensuring realistic use for industrial purposes. Expected outcomes include 2-dimensional catalysts made from earth-abundant elements lowering large-scale pr ....Rechargeable lithium carbon dioxide battery - catalyst design to prototype . This project aims to develop a new concept of rechargeable lithium carbon dioxide batteries and scaled-up prototypes. Such a battery will be first of its kind to show high power comparable to gasoline and superior rechargeability over existing gas-involved batteries, ensuring realistic use for industrial purposes. Expected outcomes include 2-dimensional catalysts made from earth-abundant elements lowering large-scale production cost, a novel but reliable working principle based on reversible carbon dioxide/oxalate conversion, and prototypes featuring high specific capacity, large energy density and excellent durability. Via industrial pilot trials, commercial benefits will be fast tracked for energy security and carbon dioxide utilisation.Read moreRead less