Sustainable Polymer Synthesis

Our polymer research lab aims to develop the next generation of advanced yet sustainable polymer materials. We design polymers with precisely tunable properties for different applications, while ensuring they are recyclable and environmentally friendly. We synthesize new functional polymers from renewable, bio-based sources using cutting-edge polymerization techniques.

Research

The polymers we create include homopolymers, copolymers, and other advanced architectures produced via methods like controlled radical polymerizations, ring-opening polymerizations, and step-growth polymerizations. We thoroughly study how their molecular structures relate to thermal, mechanical, optical and other properties. Our focus includes stimuli-responsive “smart” materials, specialty coatings, high-performance fibers, and engineering plastics.

An exciting frontier for our group is harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning methods to accelerate our research efforts. We are developing AI techniques to assist in interpreting experimental data as well as making predictions about polymer properties based on molecular structure. This could allow us to more efficiently design new polymers with targeted property profiles.

Projects

A novel approach towards lignin-based non-isocyanate polyurethanes for self-healing anticorrosive coatings

The goal is to achieve solvent-free polymerization to reduce energy use. The resulting materials are expected to have excellent water resistance, antioxidant properties, and self-healing abilities, making them ideal for protecting metals from corrosion.

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VITRIPRINT

From stereolithography to extrusion-based 3D printing with renewable and recyclable network polymers

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DigiLignin

Digitization of lignin polyurethane development

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LigDYN

Lignin based dynamic and circular thermosets.

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Sustainable Production Routes for Complex Medical Hydrogels using Biomass

The scientific targets for the project are to establish sustainable conversion pathways to tailor specific functional polysaccharides, explore new post-modification techniques to introduce photo-sensitive side groups into polysaccharides, and to demonstrate biomedical applicability of these functional materials for the fabrication of complex hydrogel constructs by photocrosslinking assisted 3D lithography.

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Totally Nuts

How can we develop sustainable and economically viable biobased epoxy thermosets and composites from cashew nutshell residue?

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CUMERI

Customized membranes for green and resilient industries

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Sustainable citriculture through controlled release of antibacterial molecules from microgel-based formulations

The aim of this research project is the development of the bio-based and sustainable protection systems for citrus trees. Specifically, we will focus on the fabrication of stimuli-responsive microgels capable of strong binding to the leaves and controlled release of antibacterial molecules to combat citrus cancer.

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BioBased ValueCircle

BioBased ValueCircle offers a unique interdisciplinary research and training environment tailored for 12 early stage researchers (PhDs) excited by the development of innovative bio-based products, respecting the principles of the circular economy.

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