Chemistry of Renewable Materials

Nature synthesizes a plethora of substances as energy reserves, structural reinforcement, and many other essential functions. The course provides a thorough overview of the chemical structure, reactivity, processing, applications, and degradation of renewable biomass.

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• Course structure

  Here are some of the topics that will be covered during the course:

  Theoretical part (5 ECTS)

  • Introduction to renewable resources: Renewable vs. non-renewable resources, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles, dimensions of sustainability and life cycle analyses (LCA), circular economy and outlook on biomass utilization.
  • Chemistry and applications of cellulose and non-cellulosic polysaccharides as well as polyphenols, lipids, and proteins extraction, structure, morphology, reactions, materials, and applications. Case studies*.
  • Biomass conversion processes. Chemicals and polymers from biomass by chemical processes and biological conversion processes. Case studies*.
  • Polymer blends, composites, hybrid materials, and nature-inspired materials: Self-assembly, miscibility, phase separation, compatibility, interfacial attractive/repulsive forces, production methods, biomineralisation, hydrophobic surfaces, adhesives, insect sclerotization. Case studies*.
  • Bio-based material degradation, biodegradation, and environmental impacts: Weathering, biodegradation, protection against degradation, adsorption of ions and potential pollutants. Case studies*.
  • Characterization techniques for renewable materials. Mass and energy balances and common techniques to analyze conversion of raw materials into useful materials. Material characterization by thermal, mechanical, spectroscopy, spectrometry, microscopy (OM, EM, AFM, chromatography, and scattering techniques. Case studies*.
  • Student case studies and research trends in chemistry of renewable materials. Presentation of case studies in small groups: Focus on sustainability (light life cycle analysis and circular economy) as well as regulatory and toxicological issues of bio-derived nanomaterials (cell compatibility et c.). Introduction of recent research in connection to the laboratory exercises.

  *The case studies dwell deeper into the themes of sustainable chemistry in connection to the course content. In addition, you will receive assignments that are due prior to lectures.

  Laboratory exercises (2.5 ECTS)

  • Preparation of colloidal lignin particles, gravimetric analyses, mass balance calculations, measurements of particle diameter (DLS) and Zeta-potential.
  • Adsorption of polymers on lignin particles. Determination of the point of zero charge and the amount of polymer required for charge reversal.
  • Fabrication and characterization of nanocomposite hydrogels. Measurement of viscosity and enzymatic biodegradability of nanocellulose-based nanocomposite hydrogels.

  Modules

  Theoretical part, 5 ECTS

  Laboratory exercises, 2.5 ECTS

  Teaching format

  Lectures and assignments
  Most of the lectures contain case studies and discussions of assignments. In addition, you will work in a small group on a case study that the group will present to the class. You will also serve as an opponent to assess other groups' presentations.

  Laboratory
  Laboratory reports and a poster presentation (electronic and print) that are corrected until the level of reporting is acceptable.

  Assessment

  Theory - written examination (A-F grades)

  Laboratory - written reports (pass/fail grades).
  Completion of lab reports and poster presentation must be finished on time.

  Examiner

  Mika Sipponen
  mika.sipponen@mmk.su.se

• Schedule
  The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.

  • Schedule KZ8022 AU 2024

• Course literature

  Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

  • Selected reading from: Introduction to Renewable Biomaterials: First Principles and Concepts Ali S. Ayoub (Editor), Lucian A. Lucia (Editor) ISBN: 978-1-119-96229-8
    November 2017, 288 Pages, available through SU library as e-book (PDF)
  • Lecture handouts, reading materials, instructions for laboratory exercises (electronic format)

• Course reports
  • AUTUMN 2023
  • AUTUMN 2022

  Course_report_KZ8022_AU23.pdf

  Course_report_KZ8022_AU22.pdf

• Contact
  Materials and environmental chemistry

  Course coordinator and examiner

  Mika Sipponen

  Associate professor

  mika.sipponen@mmk.su.se

  08-16 12 58

  

  Chemistry Section

  Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office

  chemistry@su.se

  08-16 37 09

  

  • Visiting address

  • Arrhenius laboratory, room M345

  • Svante Arrhenius väg 16 A-D

  • Here you will find:

  • Student administrator

    International coordinator

    Study advisor

    Director of studies

  • Office hours

  • Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 09.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00

  • Phone hours

  • Wednesday 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00