Patents

The work carried out by DEQ teachers and researchers generate innovative technological solutions in several areas. Some of the most recently patented technologies have been disseminated by U.Porto Inovação through short videos, presented below.

What if we could take a sustainable, light and natural material like cork and improve its mechanical properties? Intrigued by this possibility, two researchers from the University of Porto developed special patterns that can be printed directly on the cork and then coated with a special fluid which hardens upon impact. This solution allows for an unaltered cork finish, whilst greatly improving its rigidity.

Keeping our clothes smelling good at all times, like they just left the washing machine, is no easy task. Nowadays, some manufacturers can embed tiny aroma loaded capsules into the fibres of their textiles. However, this technique is not environmentally friendly. A team of researchers of the University of Porto came up with a solution to this problem, helping us to keep our clothes fresh and greener than ever!

Collecting water samples seems easy. When undulation increases or the terrain becomes sinuous, ensuring access to the sampling areas quickly becomes a dangerous task. This device developed by the University of Porto wants to solve this problem in a very unexpected fashion.

After being harvested, dried cereals and legumes are stored in large containers where they are exposed to insects and fungi. However, a team from the Faculty of Engineering has developed a natural pesticide that allows for long term storage.

The separation of molecules is an essential step in dozens of industrial processes and the need to decrease costs and increase efficiency is constant. A team of researchers from the University of Porto has developed a membrane which offers a higher selectivity factor whilst, simultaneously, decreasing the environmental impact.

Wood composite panels have changed the way we furnish our homes. Albeit the advantages they have, a team of researchers from the University of Porto and the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu developed a new process which solves the current limitations of these panels. With a lighter, eco-friendly and equally strong product, there’s a new wave of change about to hit the wood industry.

The mixing efficiency of solutions is a critical factor for several complex chemical processes. The currently available reactors present several challenges that affect dozens of industries. A team of researchers from the University of Porto developed a new solution that will improve the speed of these reactions up to 99%.

The amount of salt we add to our meals greatly impacts our overall health. Its excessive consumption may lead to severe medical problems and should, therefore, be monitored. This device, developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Porto, allows for a quick and efficient check of salt levels whilst still being cooked, actively contributing to healthier meals!

Spin-offs

The scientific and technological knowledge generated at DEQ has given rise to the creation of new companies in which professors and researchers from the department participate.