ECO-Bind is a project funded by the Dutch Organisation for Applied Research (TNO). It focuses on commercialisation of a bio based product, named: ECO-Bind.
Eco-Bind, is a product developed in the TNO. ECO-Bind is a bio-polymer, Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV). PHBV is extracted from organic waste (sludge) leachate using a solvent process. Laboratory test results demonstrated that ECO-Bind is a suitable, crude oil bitumen substitute, polymer modifier and possible softener.
Amir is a Materials Engineer who holds a PhD in Civil/Mechanical Engineering from University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland. He has over 18 years’ experience in asphalt pavement research. During that time, he has been awarded two Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships: (1) the SHARP project – Self-healing Asphalt for Road Pavements (SHARP) and (2) in 2020 for the ASAP Project – Advanced Solutions for Asphalt Pavements (ASAP). He is currently PI and technical expert on two Transport Infrastructure Ireland funded projects investigating the use of bio-inspired technology (self-healing and bio-bitumen) in asphalt mix design. His research focuses on the development of bio-inspired systems for asphalt pavements. He has published widely on this subject. He also works to define and evaluate standards for evaluating self-healing asphalt internationally with the RILEM committee (the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures) and nationally with the National Standards Authority Ireland. His career goal is to introduce bio-inspired technology into asphalt pavement design and maintenance processes, with a focus on sustainability and the circular economy. He is currently seeking to commercialise two bio-inspired technologies: i) extrinsic self-healing system and ii) Eco-bind a bio-based product, for asphalt pavement construction and maintenance.
