Bio-based materials

Dr Maya John has been devising materials and products that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly long before it became trendy. John joined the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 2006 as a postdoctoral researcher and became involved in research that makes materials from renewable resources, such as plants. Her current focus is on providing circular solutions to tackle the problem of plastic pollution, which she does by developing sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives from biomass resources to replace single-use plastics in various industrial sectors.  

“We also collaborate with industries to create opportunities for local manufacturing,” Matthew says. “The research work is unique as it contributes to reducing plastic pollution through different approaches. The development of environmentally sustainable alternatives and recycling of products or materials is to ensure resources are circulated within the economy.” 

John holds a Master of Science degree in analytical chemistry and a PhD in chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University in India. Her PhD focused on the development of plant fibre-based natural rubber composites. “This kindled an interest in different kinds of natural and synthetic polymers and their applications,” she says. Her expertise lies in chemistry, polymer composites and biopolymers and now, as a principal researcher, John applies her mastery in the field of developing bio-based and compostable materials. At the CSIR, she leads research on bioplastics and biocomposites and their applications in developing bio-based materials such as biopolymer blends, natural fibre or filler-reinforced polymer composites for various industrial applications.

Bio-based materials are developed from renewable resources and consist at least partially of biological materials, such as plant fibres and biomass waste residues like post-harvest agro and industrial wastes. Unlike plastics derived from non-renewable petroleum, bio-based materials are renewable.  

Work is currently underway on an important research project she is involved in that deals with developing compostable materials for use as single-use biomedical devices. The technical aspects of the research work deal with developing environmentally friendly materials for different application sectors. “Some of our earlier work on waste valorisation and bio-based materials is aligned with circular economy principles. Therefore, we have been implementing circular economy solutions long before it even became a trending topic.” However, the greater impact is that the research work provides solutions to plastic pollution problems, reducing greenhouse emissions for a carbon-neutral society.  

When it comes to plastics as a career, many career options are available for women who aspire to pursue research in this field. Encouraging women who aspire to follow a similar career path as her, Maya offers the following guidance: “The first thing is that there is no substitute for hard work. You need to put your blinkers on and forge your path. Try and be around positive people, male or female, who inspire and encourage you.” She acknowledges that for women to maintain both a professional and personal life efficiently, a healthy work-life balance is important, adding, “For women, it is more of a work-life juggle.”  

Through its research on plastic, the CSIR aims to have a positive effect and impact on society, and John regards the organisation as a special place where one can not only do top-notch research but also experience an enabling environment that allows for the translation of research into the marketplace and making a positive impact in our society. 

Now more than ever, the global spotlight is on renewable carbon technologies and transitioning to climate neutrality. “As material scientists, we are ideally positioned to lead and contribute to this space through multiple pathways, such as improved recycling and novel biomass-derived materials.”