Oxford Chancellor tours chemistry research facilities

The Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Rt Hon Lord Hague of Richmond, visited our Polymer Characterisation Labs in the Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Building at the University of Oxford on Friday, 19 September 2025.

The Chancellor was shown around the laboratories by Dr Greg Sulley, our Industry and Partnerships Manager, and PhD in Chemistry student, SCHEMA affiliate Freya Butler.

Accompanied by Prof Jim Naismith (Head of the Division of Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences), Prof Steve Faulkner (Head of Department, Chemistry), and SCHEMA Director Prof Charlotte Williams, Lord Hague had a busy visit, performing some experiments that link to the Department’s and SCHEMA’s ongoing research in sustainable chemistry:

• Conducting an impact test experiment to determine the toughness of materials and their resistance to impact/force. In this test, a plastic sample was struck with an impact pendulum (hammer), and the amount of energy absorbed was calculated. Tough plastics are important for energy applications (e.g. wind turbine blades) as well as in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
• Performing a tensile test experiment to determine the mechanical properties of polymers. In this test, an elastic sample was stretched while measuring force and displacement to calculate key properties of the material such as tensile strength and elongation. Elastic materials are critical for various sectors, in particular for applications as tyres, cables, and in electronics.

The team also took the chance to demonstrate research that speaks to the Hub’s vision to establish the new science and engineering for the manufacture of sustainable chemicals and materials using processes that operate with sustainable raw materials from waste, air, and water.

The first demonstration was of our CO₂ factory, using a visual prompt to illustrate the significant amount of CO₂ emitted in manufacturing worldwide and how we can utilise this waste product to make useful materials. After this, the team showcased different samples of elastics, plastics, and foams that can be manufactured from carbon dioxide and other renewable feedstocks, highlighting how the amount of CO₂ in the samples can influence their material properties.

The Chancellor thanked everyone for their time and for an enjoyable visit. Dr Sulley says of the day: “It was a privilege to be able to showcase some of the research we are doing here in Oxford in utilising carbon dioxide and other renewable resources to deliver more sustainable solutions for chemical and polymer design and manufacturing.”