Biodegradable polymers for environmentally-friendly fabric care formulations

This project will focus on the development of new biodegradable polymers for applications in fabric care, improving the environmental footprint of an essential human activity - the routine cleaning of clothes and other textiles. We will construct a library of alternative additives derived from biological sources.

Polymers will be assessed for their biodegradability, and their performance in formulation will be analysed using high-throughput testing facilities.

The performance of new polymers will be compared to additives currently in use, and the information obtained will be used to investigate how structural features contribute to performance for specific functions.

The structure-function relationships established will be used to inform the design of future generations of candidate polymers, enabling structural refinement for enhanced performance.