RENOTECH R&D
The Team
Bob Talling M.Sc. (Chem. Eng.)
Managing Director, Owner
An entrepreneur with 40+ years of international experience in chemical engineering, construction materials, insulation and marine businesses of which 25 years as CEO and entrepreneur of Renotech Inc. He is a leading material expert in the field of cement, concrete, alkali activated materials, geopolymers, and use of side streams and waste materials in the circular economy.
Managing Director, Owner
An entrepreneur with 40+ years of international experience in chemical engineering, construction materials, insulation and marine businesses of which 25 years as CEO and entrepreneur of Renotech Inc. He is a leading material expert in the field of cement, concrete, alkali activated materials, geopolymers, and use of side streams and waste materials in the circular economy.
Valter Wigren, M.Sc. (Chem.)
R&D Director
Valter is an established expert in developing new materials. One of his responsibilities is Renotech's “Ash to Cash” concept. He is a specialist in ash chemistry and mineralogy, with an emphasis on introducing desired properties in ashes. He is an expert in cementitious systems for ash slags and other novel cements. He also develops milling technology and has a deep understanding of the Mechanochemical Activation processes related to high intensity grinding. He has five years of experience with Project management in research, development, and piloting. He has experience in leading both domestic and international development projects. He has published papers in international journals and technical patents
R&D Director
Valter is an established expert in developing new materials. One of his responsibilities is Renotech's “Ash to Cash” concept. He is a specialist in ash chemistry and mineralogy, with an emphasis on introducing desired properties in ashes. He is an expert in cementitious systems for ash slags and other novel cements. He also develops milling technology and has a deep understanding of the Mechanochemical Activation processes related to high intensity grinding. He has five years of experience with Project management in research, development, and piloting. He has experience in leading both domestic and international development projects. He has published papers in international journals and technical patents
Johnny Liewendahl, B.Eng. (Construction)
R&D Manager – Concrete Solutions
Johnny has a long history working in the field of Concrete ready-mix factory’s and concrete R&D. He has experience working in dry mix laboratory testing dry mix products in laboratory and on site in cooperation with customers. During his career in Nordkalk, Johnny has worked in several positions with research and product development related issues. Initially, being involved in the development of limestone-based products for the construction segment. Supported the commercialization of a new granular product for desulphurisation of flue gas exhaust from offshore vessels. Johnny was responsible for R&D’s development services, comprising of a pilot center, product and application development laboratories. The pilot center contains a demo scale production unit and several piloting processes. Responsible for sales of Basalt Fibers.
R&D Manager – Concrete Solutions
Johnny has a long history working in the field of Concrete ready-mix factory’s and concrete R&D. He has experience working in dry mix laboratory testing dry mix products in laboratory and on site in cooperation with customers. During his career in Nordkalk, Johnny has worked in several positions with research and product development related issues. Initially, being involved in the development of limestone-based products for the construction segment. Supported the commercialization of a new granular product for desulphurisation of flue gas exhaust from offshore vessels. Johnny was responsible for R&D’s development services, comprising of a pilot center, product and application development laboratories. The pilot center contains a demo scale production unit and several piloting processes. Responsible for sales of Basalt Fibers.
Jouni Karhu, D.Sc. (Tech.)
Project Engineer
Jouni has experience from both industrial R&D at Outotec Research and from university research at the Åbo Akademi Process Chemistry Group (Centre). His know-how covers a number of areas in analytical chemistry, metallurgy and chemical pulping. Jouni has earlier worked as Research Metallurgist in hydrometallurgical process development and in method development for experimental research. He has experience e.g. in hydrometallurgical testing and testing of waste material for environmental classification. He has also some experience in reaction calorimetry.
For his doctoral thesis Jouni made research on equilibria and balances of metal ions in kraft pulping. That included not only metal ion concentrations and flows in industrial processes, but also characterisation of acid groups in kraft pulp fibres and equilibria of ion exchange reactions. It also included research on recycling and solubility of chelating agents.
Project Engineer
Jouni has experience from both industrial R&D at Outotec Research and from university research at the Åbo Akademi Process Chemistry Group (Centre). His know-how covers a number of areas in analytical chemistry, metallurgy and chemical pulping. Jouni has earlier worked as Research Metallurgist in hydrometallurgical process development and in method development for experimental research. He has experience e.g. in hydrometallurgical testing and testing of waste material for environmental classification. He has also some experience in reaction calorimetry.
For his doctoral thesis Jouni made research on equilibria and balances of metal ions in kraft pulping. That included not only metal ion concentrations and flows in industrial processes, but also characterisation of acid groups in kraft pulp fibres and equilibria of ion exchange reactions. It also included research on recycling and solubility of chelating agents.
Gaurav Das, M.Sc. (Chem Eng.)
Manager, Technology and New Business
He is in charge of newly created Business Unit (Additive Manufacture and Advanced Materials) at Renotech. He is leading the technology development and commercialization activities.
With a background in Chemical and Materials Engineer, he is responsible for Innovation Intelligence, R&D and Market Intelligence duties. He is also responsible for “New Business Development” activities of Renotech and its customers. The focus is on 3D printing, sustainability and circular economy. He is currently developing 3D printable building materials, finished products, technical designs along with performing simulations. Formulation of business cases and innovation creation is an added responsibility.
Key thematic areas involve: Building Materials Technologies, Water Technologies, Forest Products Technologies, Carbon Capture. He is the key liaison for EU and international projects.
In the past working at Renotech he has gained extensive experience in developing pre-treatment strategies for various industrial waste materials in the power generation, steel, pulp-paper and other industries. His work also involves converting wastes and other side streams of these industries into eco-friendly multi-application oriented high value commercial products.
He also patricipated in developing green cements, concrete products, refractory materials, flame retardant materials, wastewater treatment chemicals, CO2 capture materials and highly innovative 3D printable green materials. Some of the products developed are being pilot produced in different factories in Finland and (used) globally.
He has academic qualification from Aalto University with focus on 3D Printing. He is an excellent chemical engineer with experience in Machine Learning in Materials Science, Design of Experiments (DoE) and multivariate data analysis using statistics and advanced modelling softwares. These tools are put to use during lab, pilot and production phases to get maximum results with least possible resources, time and effort.
Manager, Technology and New Business
He is in charge of newly created Business Unit (Additive Manufacture and Advanced Materials) at Renotech. He is leading the technology development and commercialization activities.
With a background in Chemical and Materials Engineer, he is responsible for Innovation Intelligence, R&D and Market Intelligence duties. He is also responsible for “New Business Development” activities of Renotech and its customers. The focus is on 3D printing, sustainability and circular economy. He is currently developing 3D printable building materials, finished products, technical designs along with performing simulations. Formulation of business cases and innovation creation is an added responsibility.
Key thematic areas involve: Building Materials Technologies, Water Technologies, Forest Products Technologies, Carbon Capture. He is the key liaison for EU and international projects.
In the past working at Renotech he has gained extensive experience in developing pre-treatment strategies for various industrial waste materials in the power generation, steel, pulp-paper and other industries. His work also involves converting wastes and other side streams of these industries into eco-friendly multi-application oriented high value commercial products.
He also patricipated in developing green cements, concrete products, refractory materials, flame retardant materials, wastewater treatment chemicals, CO2 capture materials and highly innovative 3D printable green materials. Some of the products developed are being pilot produced in different factories in Finland and (used) globally.
He has academic qualification from Aalto University with focus on 3D Printing. He is an excellent chemical engineer with experience in Machine Learning in Materials Science, Design of Experiments (DoE) and multivariate data analysis using statistics and advanced modelling softwares. These tools are put to use during lab, pilot and production phases to get maximum results with least possible resources, time and effort.
Motolani Sakeye D.Sc. (Tech)
Project Researcher
Chemical/process engineer with a passion for research, got hands-on experience both on the field and in the laboratory. Expertise on surface chemistry of materials, surface interactions, and dispersion technology in process chemistry. Most recent activities are on porous materials synthesis and characterization. Passion lies in a combination of surface chemistry of materials with energy generation and conservation. Research tasks include process intensification and innovation which entails finding new process routes in order to save energy and reduce waste within a circular economy.
Project Researcher
Chemical/process engineer with a passion for research, got hands-on experience both on the field and in the laboratory. Expertise on surface chemistry of materials, surface interactions, and dispersion technology in process chemistry. Most recent activities are on porous materials synthesis and characterization. Passion lies in a combination of surface chemistry of materials with energy generation and conservation. Research tasks include process intensification and innovation which entails finding new process routes in order to save energy and reduce waste within a circular economy.
Miia Berg, Bachelor of Health Care, Dental Technician (Licensed)
R&D Laboratory Technician, Product Development
Curious and fast learning, with a dental technician’s precision in work habits, Miia is the handy laboratory worker, who has an ability to solve all kinds of issues, both technical and practical.
Miia is currently involved in Advanced Material Research, examining the development possibilities of ceramics, cement and concrete, among others.
Previously, Miia worked with Dental Tech-teaching and in Dental Laboratories. She has studied metalworking and blacksmithing, and has worked extensively with various materials like metals, ceramics, plasters, acrylics and composite materials. Miia is an experienced user of Dental 3D planning, -milling and -printing devices. She has also done research for Turku University within Biomaterials; surface treatment of Zirconia.
R&D Laboratory Technician, Product Development
Curious and fast learning, with a dental technician’s precision in work habits, Miia is the handy laboratory worker, who has an ability to solve all kinds of issues, both technical and practical.
Miia is currently involved in Advanced Material Research, examining the development possibilities of ceramics, cement and concrete, among others.
Previously, Miia worked with Dental Tech-teaching and in Dental Laboratories. She has studied metalworking and blacksmithing, and has worked extensively with various materials like metals, ceramics, plasters, acrylics and composite materials. Miia is an experienced user of Dental 3D planning, -milling and -printing devices. She has also done research for Turku University within Biomaterials; surface treatment of Zirconia.
Advisory Board
Ville-Pekka Johansson, M. Sc. (Chem Eng.)
BBA. (Business administration), Logistics
Ville is our logistics system planning and logistics cost calculation specialist. As he has experience as an R&D engineer in the fields of resins, colorants and polymers he has a strong background in the chemical industry, including hands-on involvement with international technology transfer.
BBA. (Business administration), Logistics
Ville is our logistics system planning and logistics cost calculation specialist. As he has experience as an R&D engineer in the fields of resins, colorants and polymers he has a strong background in the chemical industry, including hands-on involvement with international technology transfer.
Pavel V. Krivenko
professor at Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA) · Scientific Research Institute for Binders and Materials
Pavel has a long history working with professor Glukhovski and in bringing their experience and know how about soil cements, alkali activated materials etc. into practice. He is world famous for his work with alternative binders based on slags, ashes, reactive minerals, chemical side streams etc. He has not only supervised hundreds of research projects but also applied result and his know how in all kinds of construction and other applications worldwide to promote the use of alternative binders.
professor at Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA) · Scientific Research Institute for Binders and Materials
Pavel has a long history working with professor Glukhovski and in bringing their experience and know how about soil cements, alkali activated materials etc. into practice. He is world famous for his work with alternative binders based on slags, ashes, reactive minerals, chemical side streams etc. He has not only supervised hundreds of research projects but also applied result and his know how in all kinds of construction and other applications worldwide to promote the use of alternative binders.
Henrik Halonen, M.Sc. (Chem. Eng.)
Specialist in building material dry mix technology, selling and commissioning of dry mix plants. Henrik has almost 40 years of experience in designing and testing dry mix products. He is highly recognized among customers for his professional and diplomatic skills.
Specialist in building material dry mix technology, selling and commissioning of dry mix plants. Henrik has almost 40 years of experience in designing and testing dry mix products. He is highly recognized among customers for his professional and diplomatic skills.
Olof Malmström, M.Sc. (Geol., Chem.), eMBA
30 + years of international experience from R&D, Project Management, Sales and Marketing of Minerals, Pigments, Chemicals and Polymers for Paper and Board, Paints and plastics.
30 + years of international experience from R&D, Project Management, Sales and Marketing of Minerals, Pigments, Chemicals and Polymers for Paper and Board, Paints and plastics.
Bjarne Holmbom Ph.D., Professor emeritus, Scientific Advisor
One of the most respected wood-chemistry scientists in the world. He is the chairman of our partner company Separation Research.
One of the most respected wood-chemistry scientists in the world. He is the chairman of our partner company Separation Research.
Erik Nordenswan M.Sc. (Chem Eng.)
Senior Researcher, Nordkalk (ret),
Scientific Advisor
With a background in different applications of cement and concrete manufacture, his main areas of knowledge are the compaction behavior of concretes and the heat generation of hydrating concrete. He has been the plant manager of a cement factory and has worked at Consolis and Nordkalk as a senior researcher.
Senior Researcher, Nordkalk (ret),
Scientific Advisor
With a background in different applications of cement and concrete manufacture, his main areas of knowledge are the compaction behavior of concretes and the heat generation of hydrating concrete. He has been the plant manager of a cement factory and has worked at Consolis and Nordkalk as a senior researcher.
Rainer Ålgars M.Sc. (Chem Eng.)
Research Manager, Weber st. Gobain (ret), Scientific Advisor
He is an authority in the field of plasters and mortars with multi-decade experience in the field.
Research Manager, Weber st. Gobain (ret), Scientific Advisor
He is an authority in the field of plasters and mortars with multi-decade experience in the field.
Kaj Bäckman M.Sc. (Chem Eng.) Scientific Advisor
Main Professional Expertise: Heat and chemicals recovery and their unit processes in chemical pulping.
Main Professional Expertise: Heat and chemicals recovery and their unit processes in chemical pulping.
Tom-Henrik Gustafson
M.Sc. (Chem Eng.) Scientific Advisor
With a long history in cement manufacture and development. He has worked at Finnsementti Oy as a manager and a director.
M.Sc. (Chem Eng.) Scientific Advisor
With a long history in cement manufacture and development. He has worked at Finnsementti Oy as a manager and a director.
Jyrki Linke
M.Sc.(Chem.), Laboratory Manger, Nordkalk, (retired). Scientific Advisor.
Over 30 years of experience in laboratory management of inorganic and analytical chemistry focusing on minerals and building materials
M.Sc.(Chem.), Laboratory Manger, Nordkalk, (retired). Scientific Advisor.
Over 30 years of experience in laboratory management of inorganic and analytical chemistry focusing on minerals and building materials
