7.11.2024
Doctoral thesis on the use of carbohydrates in material technology
M.Sc. (Tech) Ida Mattsson’s doctoral thesis in chemical engineering (organic chemistry) will be put forth for public defence at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Åbo Akademi University.
The thesis is entitled Smart Materials from Sweet Molecules – Exploration of Monosaccharide-Derived Polyols in Material Applications.
The public defence of the doctoral thesis takes place on 15 November 2024, at 1PM in auditorium Argentum, Aurum, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku. Professor Mahesh Mahanthappa, University of Minnesota, USA, will serve as opponent and Professor Reko Leino, Åbo Akademi University, as custos.
Summary
Carbohydrates constitute one of the most abundant groups of biomolecules on Earth. The vast abundance, in combination with low toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility make carbohydrates great candidates for utilization as renewable feedstock within a variety of fields, including material technology. The aim of the thesis was to, starting from small sugars, synthesize compounds and materials with customized, “smart” properties for material technology applications. In addition, the aim was to produce these materials with such efficient and green methods as possible. Materials synthesized in the thesis were, for example, liquid crystals and a material which selectively forms a gel with oil. Such materials can be used in microelectronics and as potential oil spill remedies. In the thesis, it was also shown that the properties of the produced materials largely depend on the original chemical structure of the starting carbohydrate. This constitutes a great opportunity when properties for different applications are to be customized.
Ida Mattsson can be reached by email ida.mattsson@abo.fi.
The doctoral thesis can be read online through the Doria publication archive.