CANCOM honours Nigerian researcher for outstanding work in material science

A Nigerian researcher, Okezie Ohaeri has made a significant contribution to the field of materials science with his presentation at the 12th Canadian International Conference on Composites (CANCOM 2022).

Held in Fredericton and Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, the conference brought together experts from industry, academia, and government to share knowledge and innovations in composite materials.

Ohaeri’s research, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), focuses on the development of biodegradable composite materials for 3D printing applications. His work is particularly significant in the context of Canada’s plan to ban single-use plastics.

By creating a novel bio-composite material made from polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), and corncob powder, Ohaeri has demonstrated a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics.

The conference, themed “Research & Innovation in Composites,” featured keynote speakers, workshops, and presentations from leading experts in the field. Ohaeri’s presentation was notable not only for its innovative content but also for being the only presentation by a researcher of African descent at the conference.

Ohaeri’s research has shown that the addition of corncob powder to PHB-PLA composite filaments improves their mechanical properties, making them more suitable for a wider scope of 3D printing applications. The results of his study have important implications for the development of sustainable materials and the reduction of plastic waste.

The significance of Ohaeri’s work extends beyond the scientific community, as it has the potential to contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come. His research is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in driving positive change.

In a statement, Ohaeri expressed his gratitude to NSERC for funding his research and acknowledged the support of his colleagues and mentors.

He also emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the engineering and scientific communities, noting that his experience at CANCOM 2022 was a positive one.

The outcome of Ohaeri’s research is a novel bio-composite material with highly improved engineering properties adapted to 3D printing applications. His work has the potential to revolutionize the field of materials science, and additive manufacturing and also contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future.

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