Projects / Programmes
Sustainable Polymer Materials and Technologies
January 1, 2020
- December 31, 2025
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.05.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Mechanics |
|
| 2.04.03 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
Polymer materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T390 |
Technological sciences |
Polymer technology, biopolymers |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.03 |
Engineering and Technology |
Mechanical engineering |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
Polymers, polymer composites, nanocomposites, multifunctional materials, additives, carbon nano-tubes, structure-property relation, time-dependency, mechanical properties, thermo-mechanical properties, rheology, durability, membranes, processing, recycling, modelling
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
December 6, 2023;
A3 for period
2017-2021
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
135 |
1,534 |
1,279 |
9.47 |
| Scopus |
147 |
1,756 |
1,482 |
10.08 |
Researchers (14)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The primary goal of Sustainable Polymer Materials and Technologies programme is to provide fundamental understanding of the behavior of polymers and composites in melt and solid for development of new knowledge, solutions, products and technologies for sustainable future.
The global trends show an increased use of engineering polymers and composites mainly due to their good strength to weight ratio and simple processing or manufacturing. We may find a typical example of increased use of polymers in automotive industry. Polymers enable lighter cars, thus reducing fuel demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Another aspect is safety, where a polymeric bumper usually weighs 50% less than one made of alternative materials, while absorbing four to five times more energy.
Although polymers are important materials in many applications, the use of plastics in load-bearing structures has been, up to date, low due to mechanical and safety related reasons. There is a need to enhance materials attributes such as, structural capabilities, durability and thermal resistance. These needs are also directly related to improvements of recycling and processing technology.
Our programme is addressing these needs by providing fundamental knowledge of the behavior of polymers and composites in melt and solid state. We are specifically focused on understanding physical properties of polymers including time-dependent properties and impact of changing the polymer structure by either exposing polymer materials to different thermo-mechanical boundary conditions during processing or by adding nano or micro fillers to polymers. To support our efforts, we are also developing new measuring techniques and new theoretical ways to analyze and understand the behavior of polymers and composites.
The research program is divided into 3 complementary research spheres:
1. Structure – property relation: The main goal of this sphere is to investigate how changes of material structure affect physical properties of materials and functionality and durability of products prepared by the use of these materials.
2. Measuring techniques and equipment for characterization: Within this sphere our efforts are directed to development of new techniques and procedures for determination of physical properties and durability of polymers and composites.
3. Theoretical and experimental analysis of polymer and composite: This sphere focuses on determination of material durability and flow properties to predict mechanical behavior of polymers based on experimental data.
The generated knowledge will contribute to understanding the effects of recycling, predicting the durability of polymers and enhancing physical properties of polymers by adding fillers or manipulating conditions during processing. Therefore, the research programme will have a significant contribution to sustainable development of polymer science and a potential to increase the competitiveness of companies using polymers and composites.
Significance for science
Although polymers represent an important presence in many applications, the use of polymers in load-bearing structures has been, up to date, low due to mechanical and safety related reasons. There is a need to enhance materials attributes such as structural capabilities, durability and thermal resistance. These needs are also directly related to improvements of recycling technology and processing technology. Our programme is directly addressing those needs by providing fundamental understanding of the behaviour of polymers and composites in melt and solid state for development of new knowledge, solutions, products and technologies for sustainable future.
The focus of our research is directed towards understanding of physical properties of polymers including time-dependent properties and the impact of changing the polymer structure by either exposing them to different thermo-mechanical boundary conditions during processing or by adding nano or micro fillers to polymers. To support our efforts, we are developing new measuring techniques and new theoretical ways to analyse and understand the behaviour of polymers and composites.
The research program is divided into 3 complementary research spheres:
1. Structure – property relation
The main goal of this sphere is to investigate the effect of changes of material structure on physical properties of materials, as well as the functionality and durability of products manufactured from these materials.
Material structure could be altered by changing thermo-mechanical boundary conditions to which material is exposed during formation. One example of this will be investigated for the case of electrospun “spider webs” membranes. Electrospun membranes are ideal for air or fluid filtration. We will attempt to relate material structure (polymer solution) with its properties (physical properties of membranes). Another case where boundary conditions define material structure and properties is recycling. We will investigate the effects of extensive recycling and mixing recycled and virgin material on mechanical, rheological and thermal properties. Understanding the processes of recycling and mixing will allow optimization of production processes and properties of products prepared from recycled materials.
An important part of investigation of structure property relation will be performed by introducing micro and nano fillers to polymers. The addition of fillers/additives to the polymer matrix may completely change the material properties and introduce new functionalities (i.e., self-healing materials, insulating, electrically or thermally conductive materials). Part of research will be focused on chromogenic materials.
The addition of nano-fillers will be studied by using carbon nanotubes (CNT) in polymers leading to the preparation of materials that are structural materials and electrically conductive and can be used for piezo-sensitive sensors. Due to their inherent structure such materials are time-dependent, meaning that beside mechanical properties also their electrical properties will change with time. The goal of the study is to evaluate the behaviour of such materials/sensors during longer periods of time (several years) under different thermal boundary conditions. From the standpoint of sensor functionality, this information is crucially needed.
We will also expand our previous work on PIM (powder injection moulding) to broader topic of highly filled composites (HF). The goal is to find and identify mechanisms governing rheological behaviour of HF composites based on the properties of individual components. The findings will enable optimization of rheological (flow) behaviour and at the same time mechanical properties of solid composites. This will have a direct impact on the feedstock formulations for additive manufacturing industry in particular for 3D printing (for example, oriented magnets) and PIM technology.
2. Measuring techniques and equipment for characterization
Within this
Significance for the country
The proposed programme Sustainable Polymer Materials and Technologies is a continuation of research activities of the previous research programme. The ultimate goal of our programme is to provide fundamental understanding of the behaviour of polymers and composites in melt and solid state for development of new knowledge, solutions, products and technologies for sustainable future. Proposed programme will generate not only several scientific findings but will bring new findings, important also for socio - economic development.
Within this programme period we will continue to support national and international industrial partners in creating new products, innovations and technological solutions through understanding the fundamental principles of mechanics of polymers and composites.
Since Slovenian industry is deeply integrated in automotive and household appliances sector, our contributions in understanding the effects of recycling, predicting the durability of polymers and enhancing the physical properties of polymers by adding fillers will contribute to sustainable products, processes and solutions. Thus, the findings of our program may significantly increase the added value and competitiveness of companies on global market.
We see another opportunity for economic progress in electroconductive polymeric materials (materials with carbon nanotube, CNT). By understanding the mechanisms of CNT network formation, we will be able to produce multifunctional materials that can be used as sensors, where there is no need for load bearing structure and separate sensing element. This opens new possibilities for incorporation of sensors in structures (for example directly in airplane wings or automotive parts).
We estimate that our programme will have direct impact on promotion of our country since we will continue to cooperate with our long-lasting partners from abroad: Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria; Saratov State University; Russia and Saitama University, Japan. Another way of putting our country on the world map will also be achieved through dissemination of our knowledge on international conferences.
By cooperation with our foreign partners we will also have direct access to foreign research equipment and knowledge. In Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria we have access to advanced experimental equipment for polymer processing materials and knowledge, as well as experience with highly filled composites. In Saratov State University; Russia equipment for production of ‘spider web’ membranes is available. With partners from Saitama University, Japan, we are sharing and upgrading knowledge on time-dependent behaviour of polymers and composites, as well as development of new experimental methods and techniques.
Furthermore, we see another important contribution of the programme to the development of courses for students. Scientific findings resulting from the programme research will be directly incorporated in the courses that are taught by the researchers of the programme group. In this way students and future engineers will be exposed to state-of-the-art knowledge giving them and companies they will work for a competitive advantage.
