ChemStream is an R&D provider with very extensive experience in chemical research and the development and up scaling of sustainable technologies and materials (like pigments, “nano”- dispersions, coatings, inks and functional fluids).
ChemStream is specialized in developing tailor made sustainable formulations targeted to very specific chemical/technological challenges. ChemStream has the knowledge and the experience to optimize the performance of formulations by targeted design of chemical components (and their mixtures).
Relevant for ROBOX project is ChemStream’s expertise in developing (nano) emulsions and dispersions (by milling, precipitation, solvent stripping,…) with (tailor made) dispersing agents, emulsifiers and encapsulating agents. Our unique approach is based on the chemical and physical analysis of the solid interfaces and characterization of the physicochemical properties of the liquid. Modification of the interface chemistry will provide unique properties.
Technology together with interface science can tailor the dispersed phase diameters from a coarse dispersion (suspension) over a colloidal dispersion with particle sizes well below 1 micrometer to even nanodispersions. Our “smart throughput screening” methodology ensures an optimal output/input balance.
With this project we hope to expand our portfolio of sustainable (and biodegradable) dispersing agents, emulsifiers and encapsulators. We would like to vary the “polarity” of the polyester chains over a wide area of the “Hansen solubility space”. This could be achieved by the versatile chemistries offered within ROBOX by the use of Robust Oxidative Biocatalysts for the conversion and production of alcohols. Special hydroxy-alkanoic-acids and lactones will be produced that can serve as monomers for the synthesis of versatile polymers which can be applied in inks & coatings. The synthesis of the building blocks will be performed in close collaboration with the biocatalysis labs and Maastricht University.
Also tailoring the crystal morphology and surfaces of solid particles and thus influencing their physico-chemical properties is part of the ROBOX project.
Within the ROBOX project, ChemStream is positioned at the end of the value chain. Strategic validation, together with technical partners and potential customers, should provide evidence for upscaling ROBOX molecules and creating new business opportunities.
“The research for this work has received funding from the European Union (EU) project ROBOX (grant agreement n° 635734) under EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme Research and Innovation actions H2020-LEIT BIO-2014-1”
Geert Deroover (pictured) is ChemStream’s Business Manager