BEACON Team

Dr Rob Elias

Director, Biocomposites Centre

bcs801@bangor.ac.uk

Bangor University

Background

  • Research background in materials chemistry and industrial manufacturing experience.
  • Studied the chemical modification of plant fibres for a range of applications in construction and looked at the production of resin systems for gluing wood substrates.
  • Worked in industry as a Technical Manager for a large MDF/PB mill.
  • Experienced in product development and technical services.
  • Spent last 12 years working in Research and Development at the BioComposites Centre. Director of centre and oversee management of 20 staff members.
  • Current research is focussed on development of sustainable materials for a range of applications in construction, plastics, resins and coatings, chemicals and composites.

Research Interests

  • Interested in looking at co-products from biorefinery, developing new bioplastic products and looking for new range of biobased additives for incorporation into range of materials.
  • Interested in developing new packaging products that are smart and can be used to increase shelf life.
  • Looking at the development of products using range of fibres from agri crop or wood based materials

BEACON Activities

  • Management of Bangor University’s BEACON team
  • Participant in workpackage on looking at standard methods for biomass characterisation
  • Participant in looking at impact of future changes in legislation on product innovation
  • Developing contacts with local companies

Future Plans

  • Development of new bioplastics based on lactic acid precursors from rye grass
  • Development of construction materials based on co-product fibres generated by biorefinery
  • Interested in working on seaweed as source of chemical feedstocks for cosmetic and industrial applications
  • Interested in developing new bioresins
  • Seeking to develop EU funded projects

Publications

  • Irle and Elias. 1994. Quality MDF; An Academic Approach. Inst. of Wood Science Journal
  • Elias, R. and Irle, M. A. 1996. The acidity of stored Sitka spruce chips. Holz als Roh-und Werkstoff, vol 54. pp65-68.
  • R.-C.Sun, G. L. Jones, R. M. Elias, and J. Tomkinson. 1999. Isolation of polysaccharides and Lignin from Medium Density Fibreboard Effluent Water. Cellulose Chemistry and Technology, vol 33, pp239-250.
  • Elias, R M. 2003. Alternative uses for forage crops. Crop Quality: Its role in sustainable livestock production. Aspects of applied Biology. Vol 70. pp 45- 51
  • Elias and Earl. 1997. Technical Advantages of Utilising Recycled Wood in Particleboard Production. Proceedings of Wood, the Ecological Material, 4th Eurowood Symposium,Trätek, Sweden.
  • Elias. 1999. New Product Development Processes and Future Strategies of CSC Forest Products: A Guide for Academia.Proceedings of The Third European Panel Products Symposium. Key Note Address. Llandudno, Wales
  • Hughes and Elias 2001. Trade Information for the UK Forestry and Forest Products Industry. Proceedings of The Third European Panel Products Symposium. Llandudno, Wales.
  • Elias, Hughes and Norton 2002. Renewable Feedstock for Sustainable Materials, BioProducts, and their importance to Wales. A Scoping Study. Report for the Wales Innovation Relay Centre, Cardiff.
  • Elias 2004. Recognising de-inking waste as a raw material for construction products. Mini-Waste II- Recognising Waste as a Resource. 2nd Annual Conference, 9th/ 10th November 2004 Lakeside Conference Centre, Central Science Laboratory, York
  • Elias R.M., Lloyd Jones, G., Goroyias, G and Fan, M. 2006. Recognising De-inking Waste as a Raw Material for Construction Products. PITA Papermaking Conference 14th/15th of March 2006, Bradford.
  • Fowler, Hughes and Elias 2006. Biocomposites - technology, environmental credentials and market forces. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
  • Elias and Lloyd Jones 2006. Microrelease, a new recycling solution. National Furniture Conference 2006. FIRA International, Warwick, UK.
  • Spear, Fowler, Hill and Elias. 2006.. Hot Oil and Resin Treated Timber: Resistance To Decay By Brown Rot Fungi. ECOWOOD Conference 2006 (pending)
  • Charlton A; Elias R; Fish S, Fowler, P and Gallagher J. 2009 The biorefining opportunities in Wales: Understanding the scope for building a sustainable, biorenewable economy. Chemical engineering research and design 8 7 pp1147–1161