| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S76311/01 |
| Title: |
RAIS-Speciality Micro-Structured Carbons From Tailored Polymer Precursors |
| Principal Investigator: |
Hellgardt, Professor K |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Chemical Engineering |
| Organisation: |
Loughborough University |
| Scheme: |
RAIS |
| Starts: |
01 October 2003 |
Ends: |
30 September 2004 |
Value (£): |
36,158
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Medical science & disease |
Separation Processes |
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
|
High purity, medical grade, polmer-pyrolysed, activated carbons have been shown to possess superior adsorption characteristics for the removal of uraemic toxins, found in elevated concentrations in the blood of patients suffering from chronic renal failure (the research project was funded by EPSRC grant no. GR/R03204/01). This RAIS grant proposal aims at transferring the knowledge and expertise gained by the PDRA in polmer pyrolysis (at Loughborough University) to Purolite International Limited (one of the main industrial sponsors of the research) in order to further exploitation of the outcomes of the research. The PDRA in collaboration with Purolite's R&D department (at Pontyclun, Wales) will carry out developemental work aimed at determining the effect of polymer synthesis conditions on the microstructure and adsorption properies of the carbons. The goal of the work is to accurately control the microstructure of the carbons by tailoring the polmer synthesis conditions. Potential market opportunities for a range of speciality carbons, derived from Purolite's polymer precursors, will be assessed. The PDRA will engage the medical community and raise awareness among them of the potential of synthetic-adsorbent technology. Although Purolite has protection for its existing polymers, the possibility of applying for patent protection for controlled-mesoporous, novel carbons will be investigated comprehensively; if concluded to be a viable option, then patent protection will be sought. A feasibility study will be carried out for the large-scale manufacturing of the speciality carbons. The PDRA will be trained and gain experience in working full-time (for a period of one year) with the company in practical, industrial ion-exchange resins and technology.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.lboro.ac.uk |