Oli Fryatt

Oli is a mechanical engineer working on thermal techniques to de-bond adhesives for recycling. The methods being explored include de-bonding at extreme low temperatures using liquid nitrogen, and targeted rapid heating using near-infrared. The aim of this research is to improve the recycling of electronic devices such as batteries and solar panels.

Having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Swansea University, Oli went straight into a PhD at the same university to join the TReFCo (Thermal Recovery of Functional Coatings) project led by Professor Jenny Baker.

At Swansea University, Oli won the university-wide Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in his first year with his presentation: “Cryogenic Recycling of Solar Panels in the Circular Economy”. Oli then advanced onto the national 3MT competition, making it to the semi-final and placing in the top 12 overall in the UK.

At the end of Oli’s first year of PhD study, he was given the opportunity to join the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change when his lead supervisor was offered a professorship at the University of Bath. He is delighted to have taken the opportunity and enjoys being a part of the world-leading research conducted by the institute.