CHE6886 · Advanced biopolymers

Overview

This unit will equip you with a detailed understanding of advanced biopolymers. Wood and non-wood lignocellulose fibres will be covered in detail, including the isolation and utilisation of various components. You will cover the efficient, large-scale production of cellulose nanomaterials derived from wood fibres, investigate alternative fibre sources, and learn about a variety of bio-derived polymers such as Chitosan and different protein polymers. The opportunities afforded from lignin and hemicellulose will also be discussed. The course covers the relationship between fibre surface chemistry and functionality, biopolymer structural arrangement and functionality, biopolymers as an alternative to petroleum-derived analogues, development of packaging materials, and market opportunities for biopolymers.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 60% Final assessment: 40% Final grades: PGO (pass grade only) or NGO (fail) This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NGO).

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Appraise the different types of naturally occurring biopolymers in terms of availability, morphology, composition and functionality to select the most appropriate manufacturing process.
2. Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different biopolymers.
3. Assess the biomass composition balance of a mill and propose opportunities for business growth and development.
4. Design a biopolymer product based on market needs and formulate the most effective composition and process to achieve the required properties.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.