PhD Defence Jian Liu

Keywords: Lignin, Covalent Adaptable Networks, Circular Economy
 

"Lignin based materials with intrinsic recyclability"

Jian Liu studied lignin; a renewable natural polymer found in plants. Lignin is used to make environmentally friendly building blocks like covalent adaptable networks, or CANs. These CANs improve the recyclability of polymers. Self-healing and shape-memory materials are two examples of potential applications for lignin-based CANs. The development of these materials intends to replace old petroleum-based plastics, which are difficult to recycle and pollute the environment when discarded.  

Liu's research is significant because, given the crises of resource depletion and environmental degradation, the classic linear economic development model of polymers is no longer viable. In contrast, the circular economy, as an innovative and sustainable development path, is progressively becoming a fundamental driver of global green transformation. Lignin-based CANs show promise in developing the circular economy, which reuses materials while reducing waste and lowering environmental effects. 

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