Biography

Dr Cristina Peña Rodriguez holds a degree in Chemistry, specialising in Petrochemistry, and a PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of the Basque Country. She has been a member of the 'Materials+Technologies' research group since 2000. She developed her thesis under the supervision of Professor Iñaki Mondragon. She is Associate Professor in the Dept. of Chemical and Environmental Engineering and Director of the University-Business Classroom of the Engineering Faculty, Gipuzkoa.

Research

Her research interest focuses on the preparation, characterisation and optimisation of new materials based totally or partially on molecules obtained from renewable and recyclable sources. In this line, he has developed work related to the modification of phenolic resins of the novolac and resol type with condensable and hydrolysable tannins, to reduce the content of fossil-based raw materials commonly used in the synthesis of these adhesives used in the automotive and laminate manufacturing industries. He has also collaborated in various projects related to the paper industry for the manufacture of special cellulosic pulps, as well as biorefinery (lignin extraction), all using biomass from agricultural and forestry waste. Another area of special relevance in his research career is the preparation of films, composites, nanocomposites and multilayer materials using protein matrices, mainly gelatine, as well as thermoplastic polyester and carbohydrate-type macromolecules, and fibres of plant and animal origin.

It is currently developing several projects in the area of circular economy, related to the thermo-mechanical and chemical recycling of post-consumer (marine, urban, agricultural) and post-industrial polymeric materials. It also collaborates with agents and companies in the valorisation of by-products for the generation of industrial symbiosis.

It has participated in 43 regional, national and European research projects. He has also collaborated in 30 research contracts with different companies (18 as PI). The results of his research have been published in several international scientific journals (40 publications, h-index of 22) and 5 book chapters.