Collaboration Between Innospec and University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham and the international specialty chemical company Innospec have formed a strategic research partnership to speed up research into specialty chemicals used in fuel, performance chemicals (personal care, home care, agrochemicals), and oilfield services.

The collaboration focuses on the development of surface-active chemicals that could be utilized in agrochemicals, construction, fuel, home and personal care products, and aims to deliver products that are safe, responsible, resource-sensitive, and environmentally friendly. It echoes the fundamental principles of research, engagement and impact, and sustainability mentioned in the 2030 Strategy Plan for the University of Birmingham.

The partnership is led by researchers from the University’s Centre for Formulation Engineering at the School of Chemical Engineering, who have substantial experience with colloids, surfaces, and interfaces, and recently met a delegation from Innospec, who came over to mark the start of the multi-year research collaboration.

Professor Mark Sterling, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of Birmingham’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, commented: “Scientists at the University of Birmingham are at the cutting edge of formulation engineering, and this type of collaboration, which focusses academic expertise on solving industrial scale problems, typically yields entirely novel technologies.”

Professor Zhenyu Jason Zhang, whose research focuses on how soft matter (surfactants, polymers, and colloids) functions at surfaces and interfaces, said: “We are very much encouraged that our research competence and scientific expertise have been recognized by Innospec.

Working closely with our industrial partners to address grand challenges such as sustainability has been the core element of Formulation Engineering at University of Birmingham, and we look forward to strengthening and expanding the portfolio of the collaboration.”

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