EUTOPIA SIF Fellows' Monthly Presentation

13:00 – 13:05

Introduction

Cohort 2 (2022-2024)

13:05 – 13:15

Fellow Presentation

Speaker:

Irene Casademont Reig (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Project Title:

Novel Photoactive Materials Discovery by Computer Simulation

Abstract

Research on solar energy harvesting is one of the most research-active areas within chemistry. Therefore, one of the most prolific chemical research lines is the one which analyses the molecules used in solar cells. Nowadays, a big challenge is to design new photoactive molecules to enhance the efficiency and that present the strict energetic requirements needed in some of these devices. Since these processes involve the study of the molecules when they have interacted with light, experimental determination is a more complex task. Accordingly, computational chemistry tools play an ever-increasing role in the design of photoactive materials, reducing the trial-and-error approach to synthesize suitable molecules.

13:15 – 13:20

Q&A

Cohort 3 (2023-2025)

13:20 – 13:40

Speaker:

Derya Kaya Ozdemir (University of Warwick)

Project Title: 

Green Roads: Paving the Way to Sustainability with Recycled Materials

Abstract

The production of asphalt roads significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions primarily due to involving petroleum-based material, bitumen, with a limited service life of 20 years. Extending this lifetime involves different additives such as Polypropylene or a rejuvenation process that replaces evaporated particles. This project aims for fully sustainable road construction, utilizing recycled materials such as bio-oils from food waste to rejuvenate and reuse asphalt. Waste facemasks, composed of polypropylene, will be employed, aligning with EU targets for municipal waste recycling while reducing environmental impact. This approach saves billions of euros and significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

13:40 – 13:45

Q&A

13:45 – 14:05

Fellow Presentation

Speaker :

Asif ur Rehman (CY Cergy Paris University)

Project Title:

Advancements in Metal 3D Printing Technology: A Comprehensive Overview

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has emerged as a transformative technology with widespread applications across various industries. The evolution of printable materials has expanded to include biocompatible polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites, enabling the fabrication of complex and functional structures. The diverse applications of 3D printing span aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and consumer goods, showcasing its potential to revolutionize traditional manufacturing processes. As the field continues to progress, ongoing research focuses on addressing challenges related to scalability, speed, and material diversity, with the ultimate goal of advancing 3D printing towards mainstream industrial adoption.

14:05 – 14:30

Q&A