Advanced Materials

Emulsions and dispersions

• We discovered a novel “all cellulose” approach to emulsification.
• Stable emulsions containing up to 10% oil have been created
• Superhydrophobic powders have been dispersed in water using a similar approach
• Oils might include: drinks, food dressings and sauces, lubricants, flavours, inks and paints and cosmetics…
• Cellulose complies to Vegan standards
• We are investigating use for controlled topical delivery of pharmaceuticals

Passive Water Absorption

Superadhesives

• We have fabricated a novel “green” superelastic adhesive which bonds to many surfaces
• It can be designed to lose adhesive power as it dries out or cools – eventually falling off the surface to which it is bonded

Micro-capsule formation

• We have developed and patented a novel approach to micro to macro capsule formation
• Uniquely capsules (and contents) can be fabricated under totally aseptic conditions
• Process can produce uniquely shaped capsules

Friction reducing

• We developed novel composites based on cellulose which are totally inert dry lubricants
• Our graphite based composite works dry, and below its loading threshold has a lower coefficient of friction compared to native graphite
• We are exploring applications in cosmetics, graphics and lubrication

Carbon

• We have developed technology for direct carbonisation of pre-formed fibre or shiv
• Carbonised fibre retains its fibrous structure and can be bonded to form specific shaped structures retain fibre morphology
• On activation, resulting carbon has high specific surface, typically _______ mirrored by a high capacitance
• On graphitisation, electrical resistivity drops close to graphite
• Resulting carbon has been incorporated into our low carbon cement structures to make shaped, electrically conductive blocks into which electrical energy can be dumped and directionally released as infrared radiation – acting like a combined thermal battery and diode
• Carbon in various forms including graphene, has been bonded using our novel binder systems to form hard to soft blocks, pens and crayons for use in graphics and electronics
• Our cellulose bonded carbon carries a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional bonded carbon products opening a door to “carbon neutral” water washable pencils and markers “Made from Hemp”
• We are investigating applications spanning electronics, environmental, graphics and food

Filter media

• Processed Hemp shiv is water-stable and readily vacuum moulded – resulting structures demonstrating low hydraulic resistance finding potential use as filtration media
• Hemp suppresses algal growth in nutrient rich environments and can be used as a passive “cleaner” in hydroponic/vertical farm systems
• Blocks can be pre-seeded for application as “water and go” grow media