What does a biomaterials engineer do?
The Biomaterials Engineer specialising in the wood sector plays a key role in the research and development of new wood-based composite materials. These materials, created from renewable resources, are used in a variety of applications, including wood fibre-reinforced plastics, biofuels, construction materials, and eco-friendly packaging. This profession, situated at the crossroads of materials chemistry and engineering sciences, addresses the need to develop sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions while offering technical performance suited to modern industrial needs.
DUTIES OF A Biomaterials Engineer
Research and development of new materials: One of the primary tasks of the Biomaterials Engineer is to design and develop innovative materials from wood and its derivatives. In the lab, they work on creating composites where wood fibres are combined with other components to enhance mechanical, thermal, or acoustic properties. For example, wood fibre-reinforced plastics are used in sectors such as automotive, furniture, and packaging, thanks to their lightweight, strength, and eco-friendly characteristics.
Wood-based biofuels, such as pellets or bioethanol, are also a major focus for the Biomaterials Engineer. These renewable energy sources represent a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The engineer must then optimise production processes to maximise energy efficiency while minimising the environmental impact of their production.
Sustainable design and the circular economy: The Biomaterials Engineer is committed to sustainable design, using wood in an eco-responsible manner, notably by prioritising materials from sustainably managed forests. They also work on reducing the carbon footprint of the materials they develop, seeking alternatives to petroleum-based materials and favouring the use of local resources. This professional strives to optimise the product lifecycle, from production to the end of their lifetime, considering recycling or biodegradability possibilities for the materials designed.
The concept of the circular economy is central to the work of the Biomaterials Engineer. By reusing wood residues from industrial or forestry processing, they help minimise waste and make full use of natural resources. For example, they can transform by-products such as sawdust or wood chips into new raw materials for the creation of composites or biofuels.Interdisciplinary collaboration and industrialisation: The Biomaterials Engineer works closely with other experts, such as chemical engineers, materials physicists, and industrial players, to test and validate new materials before industrialisation. They participate in research and development projects in partnership with laboratories and universities, as well as with companies seeking innovative solutions to meet specific needs. Once the materials are developed, the engineer must ensure that production processes can be industrialised on a large scale, while meeting quality standards and economic constraints. They oversee the industrialisation process, from prototyping to mass production.
What qualities are needed to do this job?
Required skills and qualifications: The profession of Biomaterials Engineer requires a strong background in materials science, chemistry, and biotechnology. Mastery of the properties of wood, its derivatives, and their transformation is essential to developing high-performance and innovative materials. The Biomaterials Engineer must also possess a creative and meticulous mindset, capable of leading research projects while being mindful of environmental and industrial challenges. The ENSTIB engineering programme offers a specialisation in biomaterials to meet this demand.
Finally, the engineer’s ability to work in teams and communicate with professionals from different sectors is indispensable to succeed in this role, which is a major challenge for the industry of the future.