In this interdisciplinary project, they investigate biobased and biodegradable polymers as sustainable alternatives for the widespread and water-soluble polyacrylic acid. In this way, the amount of microplastics that enter our environment can be reduced. Only non-toxic, naturally occurring compounds are released upon degradation of these polymers.
Next to the development of these polymers,they will also be valorised in a plethora of applications, ranging from superabsorbant materials for construction and heathcare to biomedical materials (tissue regeneration, 3D-printing of patient-specific implants), cosmetics and coating applications.
Project GREENER is financed by the Interreg V program Vlaanderen-Nederland, the crossborder-cooperation with financial support of the European Fund for Regionald Development (ERDF), with co-financing of province Oost-Vlaanderen, province Noord-Brabant and the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate (The Netherlands). Industrial partners in the project are Millvision BV, Govi and Tenco DDM.
On 4 October, GREENER is organising an online workshop in which the project and its applications will be introduced. See the agenda for details.
Image: Solarseven/Shutterstock
