At IRDL, Thomas Fruleux has developed hydromorphic biocomposites for marine restoration through 4D printing.
Thomas Fruleux, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences Pour l'Ingénieur (Lorient ; 2022-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Research on hydromorphic biocomposites, conducted by Thomas Fruleux at IRDL, addresses a crucial issue for marine ecosystems, a topic of paramount importance at a time when marine biodiversity is threatened by human activities. Artificial reefs, often made from unsustainable materials like concrete or plastic, are necessary to restore marine biodiversity and support local ecosystems. However, their environmental impact raises numerous ethical and ecological questions. The innovation lies in the use of 4D printing to create materials that adapt to marine conditions, thus offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.
The hydromorphic biocomposites developed in this thesis are designed to meet the specific challenges of marine environments, which are often characterized by variations in temperature, salinity, and humidity. Thanks to 4D printing, these materials can change shape or properties in response to environmental stimuli, such as humidity or temperature. For example, a biocomposite could expand or contract based on variations in water temperature, thereby improving not only their water resistance but also their mechanical properties. This makes these biocomposites suitable for various marine applications, ranging from the construction of artificial reefs to the creation of underwater structures for aquaculture.
Experimental tests conducted in Benin have shown promising results, with increased water resistance and improved mechanical performance. These results underscore the importance of developing sustainable materials for marine restoration, particularly in the coastal regions of West Africa, where marine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to pollution and overfishing. The local data collected adds value to this research by providing concrete evidence of the effectiveness of hydromorphic biocomposites. For instance, tests conducted at coastal sites in Benin demonstrated that these materials could not only withstand marine conditions but also promote colonization by marine species, thereby contributing to the restoration of biodiversity.
Strategic recommendations include the need to promote the use of these materials in public policies. Decision-makers must support research and the development of sustainable solutions for marine ecosystems. This could involve establishing grants for research projects on biocomposites or integrating these materials into marine restoration programs. By incorporating these biocomposites into marine restoration initiatives, it is possible to address environmental challenges while promoting sustainability.
Furthermore, it is essential to involve local communities in this process. In West Africa, where coastal populations often depend on marine resources for their livelihoods, it is crucial to raise awareness and educate these communities about the benefits of hydromorphic biocomposites. Workshops and training sessions could be organized to demonstrate how these materials can be used in restoration projects, while also creating local jobs and strengthening the blue economy.
In summary, this thesis is not limited to a scientific advancement but proposes concrete solutions for maritime communities in Africa, while calling for reflection on the materials used in marine restoration. It is imperative that scientific research is accompanied by concrete actions on the ground to ensure that innovations like hydromorphic biocomposites can truly benefit marine ecosystems and the populations that depend on them. By integrating these new technologies into a comprehensive approach to marine resource management, we can hope for a more sustainable future for the seas and oceans of West Africa.
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Sources et accès
Thomas Fruleux. Contribution to the development of 4D-printed Hydromorph Biocomposites for marine restoration. Materials. Université de Bretagne Sud, 2023. English. ⟨NNT : 2023LORIS670⟩. ⟨tel-04624734⟩