Highly functional green materials platform: Starch-ionic liquid-carbon nanotube polymer melt nanocomposites (2012-2014)
Abstract
This project will develop novel, stable and high performance green thermoplastic starch polymers by tailoring the interactions between starch, ionic liquid plasticisers and carbon nanotubes. Specifically this will be done by selection of starch type and modification, design of ionic liquids to maximise plasticisation and preparation of starch polymers, design of carbon nanotubes and understanding of the melt processing of these nanocomposites. Major scientific advances in tailoring ionic liquids and nanotubes for advanced melt processible starch nanocomposites will be achieved. Potential uses for these new starch materials in higher value applications as electroactiove polymers in areas such as biosensors and biodiagnostics is foreseen.
