Monsarum Ltd

formerly DS Solutions

Research activities

Before taking early retirement, I worked as a research scientist in the BioComposites Centre, a self-financed research group attached to University of Wales Bangor.

The work was wide-ranging, encompassing general chemistry, resin formulation and testing, composite manufacture and testing, chemical modification of wood and other plant materials, forming products from wood pulp, and so on.  I particularly specialised in pilot scale chemistry and material handling.  Several of my inventions were patented, and I actually received £1 for one of them!

Since I set up as a research consultancy I have been mainly concerned with long fibres, particularly hemp, and the production of natural fibre insulation. 

Natural fibres have several advantages in home insulation.  They are safer and more pleasant to handle than mineral fibres.  They do not require large amounts of energy for their production.  They lock up carbon taken from the atmosphere.  They absorb and release water vapour, making homes more comfortable.  Surprisingly, they are good at slowing the spread of fire - a plasterboard wall filled with natural fibre insulation will resist fire for longer than one filled with rock wool.  Something that needs to be improved is that today's natural fibre insulation contains 15% polyester fibre to hold it together.  Replacing, or at least reducing, that ployester component has been a major focus of my work.

I have also done studies on the use of enzymes in the production of fibres.