Dr Paul Thornton
- Position: Associate Professor
- Areas of expertise: Sustainable polymer chemistry; textile materials; AI-guided manufacturing; polymer recycling; polymer circularity; polymers for clothing, healthcare, homecare, and agrochemical applications.
- Email: P.D.Thornton@leeds.ac.uk
- Website: Group Website | X | LinkedIn | Googlescholar | ORCID
Responsibilities
- Director of Research and Innovation
- Deputy Director: Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC)
Research interests
Our group research focusses on creating polymers in a sustaibable manner. Such polymers are biodegradable and/or produced from a bio-renewable source, with the replacement of non-biodegradable and oil-derived polymers a key research target. In particular, we have expertise in the creation and application of poly(amino acids) (polyamides), poly(hydroxy acids) (polyesters), and the modification of biopolymers. We have a strong passion for innovative and environmentally-positive polymer synthesis, in order to create interesting and useful materials. In addition, we regularly undertake projects that involve industrial partners, including the creation of polymers to prevent dye transfer in detergents, the creation of sustainable corrosion inhibitors, drug delivery vehicles, and bio-renewable coatings.
Qualifications
- PhD
Professional memberships
- RSC
- FHEA