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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/C509994/1
Title: Speculative Research In Engineering Initiative Cellulose Based Nanocomposite Materials
Principal Investigator: Banks, Emeritus Research Professor WM
Other Investigators:
Liggat, Professor J Pethrick, Professor RA
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Organisation: University of Strathclyde
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 27 June 2005 Ends: 26 August 2008 Value (£): 252,082
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The proposed project would investigate the possibility of creating cellulose based molecular composites which with the aid of nano particles technology could have enhanced physical property characteristics. The project relies on the ability to solubilise the cellulose feedstock and achieve solubilisation at a nao molecular level. Retention of the intrinsic crystalline structure of the cellulose will allow processing to impart physical properties which should resemble those of wood. Processing would be achieved by the use of reactive solvents; isocynantes of styrene - polyesters. The use of clay and sol-gel nano technology would allow enhnacement of the physical properties of the materials without disadvantages of macroscopic fillers. Pyrolysis of the materials would be investigated as a method of creating 'carbon fibres'. These materials have potentially the advantage of being reinforced by the clay platelets and hence achieving enhanced physical properties relative to the typical graphite fibres.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Summary
Date Materialised
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Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.strath.ac.uk