Giulia PiciulloPhD Student

About me

I received my B.Sc. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering in 2020 and my M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering in 2023 from the University of Bologna. I carried out my thesis project at the Department of Industrial and Material Science of Chalmers University of Technology where I developed bio-based blends derived from starch. 

I am a PhD student in the Sustainable Materials Chemistry (SUSMATCHEM) research group lead by Assistant Professor Mika Sipponen. My research focuses on the development of circular lignin-based material and it is part of the CIRCULIG project.

Rising temperatures, natural disasters, extreme weather, and rising sea levels all characterize what we now call the climate crisis. Embracing a circular economy, particularly by valorizing waste, is one way to help mitigate its impacts. Lignin is naturally found in plants with the function of giving strength and rigidity but, at the industrial level, it is considered a low-value residue. My research explores the potential of lignin and lignin nanoparticles for the creation of bio-composites. By benefiting from the interactions between lignin and polysaccharides we can produce fully bio-based, recyclable materials. A high lignin content confers multiple advantages, including enhanced UV protection, antimicrobial properties, thermal stability, and water resistance. As a result, these lignin-based materials are excellent candidates for eco-friendly packaging and other applications, including coatings and films, agricultural mulch films, and food service items, all of which contribute to building a more sustainable future.