• : I'mnovation
    Imnovation
      • Startups
      • esp
      • eng
    • Energy
    • Construction
    • Water
    • dt Created with Sketch. Digital Transformation
    • st Created with Sketch. Science & Technology
    • Society
    • SUSCRÍBETE A NUESTRA RSS
      • Startups
      • esp
      • eng
  • Home
  • Science & Technology
  • Airplanes Made from Algae
Previous Next
  • Airplanes Made from Algae

    Carbon fibers, plastics, lubricants... These are some of the next generation sustainable materials that use algae as their main component.

Can a manufacturing process go beyond a zero-carbon footprint? The answer is yes—there are industrial production techniques that consume more carbon dioxide than they generate. A clear instance of this would be the use of algae, which have a voracious appetite for carbon dioxide together with a rapid growth rate, ten times faster than their dry land counterparts. A technology project from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), is exploring the potential of this plant in the fight against climate change. In theory, the possibilities are almost endless, allowing even to create a new generation of seaweed-based bioplastics.

Codenamed “Green Carbon,” the innovative technology project set up by the German institute aims to develop polymers and carbon-based light-weight construction materials with algae as their primary component. Algae capture carbon dioxide in the form of biomass, while also containing sugars. One of the basic techniques is the use of yeasts able to produce oils from such biomass, which will be the base for new plastics. Another one is using enzymes to break down the yeast oil molecules into glycerin and free fatty acids. The former is one of the materials used in the manufacturing of carbon fibers, while the latter are precursors for products like high-quality additives for lubricants.  

At a later stage of the technology project, engineers intend to combine the plastics and carbon fibers to develop new composites. Thus, according to researchers, algae could play an essential role in the aviation, automotive, and cosmetic industries.

Algae, an eco-friendly substitute for palm oil

Besides the controversy around the adverse health effects of its saturated fats, palm oil has been under fire for the vast extensions of land required for its crops and the ensuing deforestation. Scientists in Abu Dhabi believe that a species of alga found abundantly across the UAE could provide a solution. Chloridium is a microalga that grows both in fresh and saltwater and produces oil naturally. Technically, this is known as an oleogenic property. In this case, the substance produced is palmitic oil, the same that is obtained from palm trees. Previously, the British company Ecover had launched the first palm oil-free washing powder, also based on algae, although resorting to genetically engineered varieties.   

In short, the use of algae for industrial processes would provide a double benefit as, firstly, they are efficient at capturing carbon dioxide, and, secondly, they are an excellent tool to prevent deforestation. And, as we have already seen on previous occasions, their applications go well beyond these innovative materials: they can be used for food, biofuel or even as the key for bioinspired renewable energy.

Source: TUM, The Guardian

  • New materials

Share on social media

{{CommentsCount}} Comments

Currently no one has commented on the news.
Be the first to leave a comment.

{{firstLevelComment.Name}}

{{firstLevelComment.DaysAgo}} days ago

{{firstLevelComment.Text}}

Answer

{{secondLevelComment.Name}}

{{secondLevelComment.DaysAgo}} days ago

{{secondLevelComment.Text}}

Write your comment

All fields are mandatory.

Name

Email address

Comments

250 max char.

Accept the information on data protection

You must accept the information on data protection

{{btnSendCommentText}}

Thank you for your comment

Information on data protection

In compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on Data Protection and with other Data Protection regulations in force, you are hereby informed that your personal data shall be processed by Acciona, S.A. (hereinafter “ACCIONA”), whose identification data are as follows: Tax ID No. (NIF): A08001851, Address: Avenida de Europa, 18, Parque Empresarial de la Moraleja, 28108 in Alcobendas, Madrid, Tel. No.: +34 91 663 28 50, email: protecciondedatos@acciona.com, in order to address and manage your queries, requests, claims and suggestions, as well as to electronically send information regarding our products and services through the contact email address.

The consent given by users when they contact us comprises the legal grounds for processing the data.

The data shall be stored as long as the relationship is maintained and the elimination thereof is not requested, and in any case, never for more than twelve months.

In the event your request is not addressed to ACCIONA but to an entity belonging to the Acciona Group, such entity shall transmit the data to the Group company that can most efficiently address your request for information or a service. Accordingly, when these data are transferred such transfer may be international due to the fact that these companies are located in countries outside the European Union, in order to address the communication needs among the individuals that comprise the Group at the global level. (You can consult a list of Group companies at www.acciona.com/shareholders-investors/financial-information/annual-accounts/. By accepting the privacy terms, you consent to your data being transferred internationally in order for your request to be properly processed. Other data transfers are not anticipated, except where required by law.

The interested party can exercise their rights of portability and to access, correct, eliminate, restrict and oppose the processing of their data before Acciona, S.A. by addressing ACCIONA in writing at the Department of Data Protection located at Avenida de Europa, 18, 28108, in Alcobendas, Madrid or by sending an email to the following address: protecciondedatos@acciona.com. In either case, the interested party must enclose or attach a copy of their National ID (DNI) or other ID. Furthermore, at any time the interested party may withdraw the granted consent by contacting the aforementioned address and file a claim before the Supervisory Authority (the Spanish Data Protection Agency www.aepd.es).

You can find more information in our Privacy Policy on our website.

Subscribe to our newsletter

... and stay informed with the latest news on innovation.

Send me the newsletter
{{ btnSendText }}

Wrong email format

Accept the information on data protection

You must accept the information on data protection

YOU'RE JUST ONE STEP AWAY!

Please, confirm your subscription on the email we have sent you and your registration will be completed.

YOU ARE ALREADY SUBSCRIBED TO THE NEWSLETTER!

If you've missed our content, try checking your junk mailbox and add us to your address book so you can enjoy them without any problem.

Information on data protection

In compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on Data Protection and with other Data Protection regulations in force, you are hereby informed that your personal data shall be processed by Acciona, S.A. (hereinafter “ACCIONA”), whose identification data are as follows: Tax ID No. (NIF): A08001851; Address: Avenida de Europa, 18, Parque Empresarial La Moraleja, 28108 in Alcobendas, Madrid; Tel. No.: +34 91 663 28 50; email: protecciondedatos@acciona.com. Your data shall be processed in order to send you information, through the subscription to our Newsletter through electronic means, regarding our latest technological innovation of ACCIONA´s initiative "I’MNOVATION #Hub", which aims to bring the general public main news, advances and curiosities of the innovation technology of all the companies that make up the ACCIONA Group.

 

The consent given by the data subject by indicating that they have read and accept this data protection information comprises the lawfulness of processing. The data provide is your email address. If you fails to provide the required data, the subscription Request cannot be satisfied. We may also process your satisfaction or preferences, if you voluntarily respond to surveys. Data shall be stored until the elimination is requested.

In order to carry out our purpose, we may give access to your data to service providers (such as technology service providers) who assist us in fulfilling this purpose. Some of its service providers, may be located outside of the European Economic Area in territories that do not offer a level of data protection that is comparable to that of the European Union. In such cases, we transfer User data with appropriate safeguards and always ensuring the security of the same.

 

The data subject can exercise their rights of portability and to access, correct, eliminate, restrict and oppose the processing of their data to Acciona, S.A. by writing the Department of Data Protection located at Avenida de Europa, 18, 28108, Parque Empresarial La Moraleja, in Alcobendas, Madrid or by sending an email to the following address: protecciondedatos@acciona.com. If we consider it necessary in order to be able to identify you, we may ask you for a copy of an identity document. Furthermore, at any time the data subject may withdraw the granted consent by contacting the aforementioned address and file a claim to the Supervisory Authority (Agencia Española de Protección de Datos www.aepd.es). You can also unsubscribe from the Newsletter communication.

 

For any further information you can visit the Privacy Police on the website https://www.acciona.com/privacy-policy/.

More about Science & Technology

  • Science & Technology

    Nanotextures solve a historic problem

    Nanotexturing that prevents scale forming on the inside of pipes can reduce plant maintenance costs significantly

  • Science & Technology

    3D printers on the march

    Liquid metal enables new 3D printers to work up to 100 times faster than earlier models

  • Science & Technology

    Futuristic adhesive imitates the gecko’s unique sticking skills

    The secret of this revolutionary new material is found at nano level, where the researchers have come up with a peculiar surface geometry to imitate the characteristics of the feet of geckos.

Featured topics

Read the most discussed articles

  • Innovation
  • Technology
  • New materials
  • Robots
  • Renewable energies
  • Sustainability
  • 3D printing
  • Graphene
  • Drones
  • Biomimicry
  • Water
  • Nature

Categories

  • Energy
  • Construction
  • Water
  • Digital Transformation
  • Science & Technology
  • Society

Featured topics

  • Innovation
  • Renewable energies
  • Sustainability
  • Technology
  • Water
  • Robots

Innovation is a change that introduces new features. The concept is generally used in the sense of inventions, new ideas, devices, methods and processes, and the application of improved solutions meeting fresh economic or societal requirements. Strictly speaking, however, ideas can only be termed “innovations” once they have imposed themselves as successful new products, services or procedures.

About us
Subscribe to our RSS
Imnovation
Acciona

An ACCIONA innovation initiative

  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Legal notice
  • Site map
  • Contact
  • ACCIONA's websites