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Summer Student: Analytical Chemistry - Scion
Rotorua
November 4, 2024
About Scion
Scion specialises in research, science and technology development for the forestry industry, wood products and wood-derived materials. We lead new technology development for renewables, bioproducts and energy and the establishment of a broader-based circular bioeconomy.
Scion hosts a number of summer students, each with differing specialities, from tertiary institutes across New Zealand at both our Rotorua and Christchurch Campus. The programme involves a student completing a 10-week, full-time, research project under the direction of Scion supervisors (allowing time for holidays over the Christmas and New Year). Students are able to gain hands on, paid, work experience in the field of which they are studying, where they get to work shoulder to shoulder with Scion's internationally recognised staff.
We are seeking a motivated student to work on Sustainable Jewellery from Upcycled Biomass.
The primary objective of the work/project:
The project aims to develop sustainable jewellery, specifically a bracelet, utilising a biobased polymer and natural additives derived from agricultural and industrial byproducts. These pigments will be sourced from grape marc waste generated in winemaking and slash pine needles, while lanolin grease from the sheep industry will be incorporated to enhance the water stability of the product without compromising its eco-friendliness. By valorising these waste materials, the project seeks to reduce environmental impact and promote circular economy principles. The research team will develop innovative extraction methods to obtain colour pigments from these natural sources, ensuring they adhere to industry standards for colour, stability, and safety. The summer student will be involved in laboratory-scale extraction experiments to produce pigments, which will then be used to create prototypes for in-service testing.
Research Abstract
Scion is collaborating with Loopback Limited, a design-led biomaterial company that aims to eliminate the use of plastic made from fossil fuels by creating a circular, local, and compostable alternative. This project aims to develop eco-friendly jewellery, specifically a bracelet, from a biobased polymer, including additives derived from waste streams such as grape marc, lanolin grease, and slash pine needles. Laboratory-scale extraction of these pigments will be conducted to produce prototypes for in-service testing. Through a series of iterations and evaluations, we will assess whether the aesthetic and functional characteristics of these biobased materials meet industry standards. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of circular economy principles within the jewellery industry and seeks to reduce reliance on non-green and fossil fuel-based products. This initiative enhances core environmental objectives by illustrating how waste can be transformed into valuable products and promoting sustainable production practices in the market.
Grape marc is the solid waste byproduct of winemaking, consisting of the seeds and stalks of the grapes, and it accounts for approximately 20% of each harvested tonne of grapes. While New Zealand's wine industry is thriving, it faces challenges in the proper disposal of grape marc. The sheer volume generated during the winemaking process requires efficient and environmentally friendly disposal methods, which currently remain inadequate. When left outside, grape marc can accumulate rainwater, leading to leaching into waterways, which can contribute to sewage fungus contamination. Commonly seen as a waste product, organic substances in grape marc are high in value. By investing in technology and innovations aimed at repurposing grape marc, such as its use as a natural pigment, the industry can turn potential waste into valuable resources.
Other additives, such as lanolin from sheep wool and green pigment extracted from pine needles, both of which are abundant in New Zealand, also have significant potential for sustainable utilisation.
What the student will do
The student will be responsible for carrying out laboratory scale extractions to produce pigments and optimise methods to produce prototypes. The project will give the student hands-on laboratory experience in areas of Chemistry and Materials Science. It will also provide an understanding of scale up processes and more industrial/applied chemistry.
Responsibilities of this role include:
Scion specialises in research, science and technology development for the forestry industry, wood products and wood-derived materials. We lead new technology development for renewables, bioproducts and energy and the establishment of a broader-based circular bioeconomy.
Scion hosts a number of summer students, each with differing specialities, from tertiary institutes across New Zealand at both our Rotorua and Christchurch Campus. The programme involves a student completing a 10-week, full-time, research project under the direction of Scion supervisors (allowing time for holidays over the Christmas and New Year). Students are able to gain hands on, paid, work experience in the field of which they are studying, where they get to work shoulder to shoulder with Scion's internationally recognised staff.
We are seeking a motivated student to work on Sustainable Jewellery from Upcycled Biomass.
The primary objective of the work/project:
The project aims to develop sustainable jewellery, specifically a bracelet, utilising a biobased polymer and natural additives derived from agricultural and industrial byproducts. These pigments will be sourced from grape marc waste generated in winemaking and slash pine needles, while lanolin grease from the sheep industry will be incorporated to enhance the water stability of the product without compromising its eco-friendliness. By valorising these waste materials, the project seeks to reduce environmental impact and promote circular economy principles. The research team will develop innovative extraction methods to obtain colour pigments from these natural sources, ensuring they adhere to industry standards for colour, stability, and safety. The summer student will be involved in laboratory-scale extraction experiments to produce pigments, which will then be used to create prototypes for in-service testing.
Research Abstract
Scion is collaborating with Loopback Limited, a design-led biomaterial company that aims to eliminate the use of plastic made from fossil fuels by creating a circular, local, and compostable alternative. This project aims to develop eco-friendly jewellery, specifically a bracelet, from a biobased polymer, including additives derived from waste streams such as grape marc, lanolin grease, and slash pine needles. Laboratory-scale extraction of these pigments will be conducted to produce prototypes for in-service testing. Through a series of iterations and evaluations, we will assess whether the aesthetic and functional characteristics of these biobased materials meet industry standards. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of circular economy principles within the jewellery industry and seeks to reduce reliance on non-green and fossil fuel-based products. This initiative enhances core environmental objectives by illustrating how waste can be transformed into valuable products and promoting sustainable production practices in the market.
Grape marc is the solid waste byproduct of winemaking, consisting of the seeds and stalks of the grapes, and it accounts for approximately 20% of each harvested tonne of grapes. While New Zealand's wine industry is thriving, it faces challenges in the proper disposal of grape marc. The sheer volume generated during the winemaking process requires efficient and environmentally friendly disposal methods, which currently remain inadequate. When left outside, grape marc can accumulate rainwater, leading to leaching into waterways, which can contribute to sewage fungus contamination. Commonly seen as a waste product, organic substances in grape marc are high in value. By investing in technology and innovations aimed at repurposing grape marc, such as its use as a natural pigment, the industry can turn potential waste into valuable resources.
Other additives, such as lanolin from sheep wool and green pigment extracted from pine needles, both of which are abundant in New Zealand, also have significant potential for sustainable utilisation.
What the student will do
The student will be responsible for carrying out laboratory scale extractions to produce pigments and optimise methods to produce prototypes. The project will give the student hands-on laboratory experience in areas of Chemistry and Materials Science. It will also provide an understanding of scale up processes and more industrial/applied chemistry.
Responsibilities of this role include:
- Conduct laboratory research
- Perform chemical extractions, workups, and concentration of extracts to produce pigments
- Conduct chemical analyses, such as moisture and solids content
- Support in analysing data and reporting results
- Write reports and presentations
- Studying a chemistry degree (or similar), having completed at least 2 years of the degree
- Interest or experience in: organic chemistry, lab extractions, chemical analysis and applied/industrial chemistry
- Consistency and persistence in undertaking routine extraction work
- Good communication with the Task lead and larger project group
- Strong record keeping skills
Job Details
Crown research institute
Scion
Reference #
56982
Posted on
05 Nov 2024
Closes on
19 Nov 2024 17:00
Location(s)
Rotorua
Expertise
Materials Science
Job level(s)
Student
Work type(s)
Fixed Term less than 6 months
More details (document)
Technician Analytical Chemistry - Summer Student - PD.pdf
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