Can your manufacturing process go beyond zero carbon footprint? The answer is yes. Some industrial production techniques consume more carbon dioxide than they produce. A clear example of this is the use of algae. Algae are greedy for carbon dioxide and grow ten times faster than on dry land.a technology project Doctors from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) are studying the plant’s potential in combating climate change. Theoretically, the possibilities are almost endless, and it is even possible to create a new generation. Bioplastic derived from seaweed.
An innovative technology project launched by a German research institute codenamed “Green Carbon” aims to develop lightweight materials based on polymers and carbon. construction materials The main ingredient is algae. Algae capture carbon dioxide in the form of biomass, but they also contain sugars. One of the basic techniques is using yeast that can produce oil from such biomass. new plastic. Another is to use enzymes to break down the yeast oil molecules into glycerin and free fatty acids. The former is one of the materials used in the production of carbon fibres, while the latter is a precursor to products such as high-quality additives for lubricants.
At a later stage of the technical project, engineers plan to develop a combination of plastic and carbon fiber. new composite material. Therefore, researchers say algae may play an important role in the aviation, automotive and cosmetics industries.
Algae, an eco-friendly alternative to palm oil
In addition to the controversy over the adverse health effects of saturated fat, palm oil has been criticized for the vast land required for its crop and subsequent crops. deforestation. Scientists in Abu Dhabi believe a type of algae found abundantly across the UAE could offer a solution. Chloridium is a microalgae that grows in both freshwater and saltwater and naturally produces oil. Technically, this is known as reservoir properties. In this case, the substance produced is the same palmitic oil obtained from palm trees. British company Ecover, which previously relied on genetically modified varieties, has launched the first palm oil-free detergent, also based on algae.
So the use of algae in industrial processes offers a double advantage: firstly, it is an efficient capture of carbon dioxide, and secondly, it is an excellent tool to prevent deforestation. And, as we have already seen on previous occasions, its applications go far beyond these. innovative material: They can be used as food, biofuels and even bioinspired keys. Renewable energy.