Worldwide the demand for lactic acid is rapidly rising due to its applications as a biobased platform chemical to produce biopolymers through polylactic acid (PLA). Unfortunately, these more sustainable alternatives to fossil-based chemicals are still too expensive, which is a major obstacle to its adoption. Raw materials make up to a third of the total production costs of industrial lactic acid production, which currently fully dependents on the use of refined sugars as their main source of biomass feedstock.
Analytical methods
Analytical methods mainly consist of:
- HPLC
- GC-FID
- Discrete Analyzer
- Spectrophotometry
- Refractometer
The unit operation involved in this project are:
- Adsorption
- Evaporation
- Filtration
- Precipitation
If you have experience with unit operations and have an open and curious mind, you are in the right place. HBO and MBO students with suitable backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Where will you work?
You will be working for the research group Biobased Resources & Energy within the Centre of Expertise MNEXT – Material and Energy Transition. MNEXT is powered by the Avans and HZ Universities of Applied Sciences and helps businesses achieve their biobased goals by working with them to modernize higher professional education and to carry out applied research that makes a difference. The Biobased Resource & Energy research group is focused on valorizing residual streams from nature, agriculture or industrial sources, and the production and use of biobased energy.
Practical information
Compensation: the intern will be provided with a monthly payment of €350.