Functional sustainable materials

Fonctional materials / multifonctional

(i) Emulsions (including Pickering emulsions), foams: stabilising the interface with functional, chemically modified or hybrid nanoparticles, for biphasic dispersions with photo-catalytic, biocidal or pesticidal properties; modifying the nature of the dispersed or continuous phases; playing on the complexity of the interface (multilayer systems) and multi-encapsulation for programmed releases).

(ii) Hydrogels made from biopolymers or biopolymer/nanoparticle mixtures: understanding the gelling mechanisms, particularly in the case of binary or ternary mixtures including polymers and nanoparticles; aiming for adjustable mechanical properties and stimulable (heat-sensitive) properties; encapsulation of stem cells in injectable hydrogels for osteoarticular treatments.

(iii) Ultra-light porous materials (cryogels, aerogels, foams) based on nanocellulose and biopolymers with high-performance mechanical properties while preserving reversible water sorption capacities (sponge effect); understanding the interactions between biopolymers during the manufacturing process (freezing of aqueous dispersions, mobility of polymers and water).

Programmable materials

Actuators manufactured by controlled assembly are modelled in order to establish a relationship between structure and response to stimuli. The aim is to develop models that describe responses as a function of structural parameters (dimensions, composition, distribution of stimulable groups) in order to predict the behaviour of materials and define combinations of components to obtain controlled multi-responses (programming of activation/deactivation cycles).

A systems approach to the development of bio-based materials

In addition to the necessary functional performance, the design of bio-based materials must also take into account various aspects that guarantee socio-economic services, such as the harmlessness of the materials to humans and the environment (a sensitive criterion in the case of nanomaterials), the sustainability of the resources used, and end-of-life planning. We are also working on the construction of sustainability indicators to assess the use of different biomasses, processes, economic recovery and the life cycle of materials.

In each case, the core of the team's activity is centred on the elaboration of materials, the development of structuring strategies and the characterisation of architectures. Properties are assessed in collaboration with the BIBS platform (NMR, microscopy, infrared) or outside BIA.