Projects / Programmes
Specialty polymers and polymeric materials
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2018
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T390 |
Technological sciences |
Polymer technology, biopolymers |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
Biodegradable polymers, Synthetic polypeptides, Green polymers, Renewable resources, Biomass, Nanocellulose, Porous functional materials, Nanocomposites, Graphene, Pickering emulsions, Drug delivery, Flow process, Catalysis, Water purification, Separation processes and Energy storage
Researchers (25)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0104 |
National Institute of Chemistry |
Ljubljana |
5051592000 |
20,997 |
Abstract
The contents and goals of the program cover the newest directions in polymer science and technology. It consists of the following priority areas: health and life sciences, sustainable polymers, and new materials and nanotechnology for preparation of nanocomposites and porous materials with permanent porous structure. Common to all proposed research topics is detailed manipulation of structure, morphology and organization of polymers in solution and solid state that allows us to achieve extraordinary and controlled properties of polymers and polymeric materials, which is crucial for their use in advanced applications.
Research in the field of health and life sciences includes the synthesis of polypeptides as the new carriers of active pharmaceutical ingredients for peroral delivery in the form of nanoparticles, since polypeptides’ properties can be adapted by versatile selection of amino acids for their synthesis or targeted post-polymerization functionalization and modification. The scope of sustainable polymers focuses on synthesis of polymers based on renewable resources, i.e. cellulose and other bio-based monomers, innovative technology of nanocrystalline cellulose isolation from different sources including wastes, nanocellulose utilization as a reinforcing agent in nanocomposites, utilization of by-products formed in the process of nanocellulose isolation, and ecological aspect of plastics. The use of renewable resources for polymer production is important from the view point of polymers sustainability and overcoming the dependence on non-renewable, fossil raw materials, whereas the research on plastics in environment will enable better understanding of long-term impact of polymers on the environment and possibilities for its protection. Research efforts will be oriented also in nanocomposites based on graphene in order to prepare materials with excellent mechanical, thermal and tribological properties, which will be crucial for development of a new generation of high-tech products. Important part of research focuses on synthesis of functional porous materials with hierarchical designed structure, which are undoubtedly materials of future, opening a plethora of applications in different fields, i.e. biomedicine, pharmacy, separation and catalytic processes, waste-water treatment, energy storage etc.
Through profound understanding the relationship synthesis-structure-properties of polymers together with innovative solutions to scientific challenges, the implementation of the proposed program will provide an important contribution to the world treasure of knowledge. The outcome results of on-going program have been shown excellent qualifications of the research group members as well as the program leader for continuing the high-quality research within the program, that covers cutting-edge trends in the field of polymer science with the purpose to offer the highest level of support to the needs of Slovenian polymeric industry, the society and the sustainable development of humankind.
Significance for science
The topics of the program are among the most current areas of state-of-the-art research into the polymers and polymeric materials, and are important for the development of basic knowledge and application of polymers. Common to all proposed research topics is detailed manipulation of structure, morphology and organization of polymers in solution and solid state through polymer synthesis that allows us to achieve extraordinary and controlled properties of polymers and polymeric materials. Through profound understanding and innovative solutions to scientific challenges the proposed program provides an important contribution to the world treasure of knowledge. New discoveries will be published and presented in domestic and international scientific journals and conferences, respectively, whereas innovative solutions will be protected by patents.
A considerable amount of research efforts has been focused on overcoming the challenges to provide effective oral delivery of peptide and protein drugs. Nanoparticle drug delivery system that can shield drugs from degradation and deliver them to intended sites within the gastrointestinal tract to enable more efficient and sustained drug delivery have been a subject of numerous studies. In this regard synthetic polypeptides with tunable structure and properties show a great promise. Our expertise in this area is a guarantee for the synthesis of target polypeptide structures for selected purposes. The chemistry of renewable resources applied to the production of commercial products represents a very important and innovative topic and has captured the attention of researchers of the academic and industrial world. Thus, traditional fossil fuel based polymers, which show extremely slow degradation, are eschewed for biogenic polymers that degrade readily and benignly in the environment. In the past few years, the synthesis of monomers and polymers starting from renewable resources has been an object of significant research efforts due to the increasing prices of petro-chemical products associated with growing environmental concerns. Graphene-based nanocomposites are one of the most active areas of polymer science since they broaden the application to various fields, including electronics, chemical energy sources, solar technology, chemical catalysis and polymeric construction materials. The results of high quality and innovative studies in this area are the basis for further intensive research as indicated by the speed and number of publications and citations. Since crucial for real-life applications of materials in use are their fully controllable properties for which a fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationships is needed a special emphasis will be intended to the research in the field of very promising hierarchically porous, functional materials. New knowledge acquired within this research will be published in high IF scientific journals, patent protected, and will serve for groundbreaking ideas in the future.
Significance for the country
The contents and goals of the program taking into account the newest discoveries and directions in European and global polymer science and technology, and are closely connected to Slovenian chemical industry which creates a substantial part of the national income in the area of polymeric materials. Successful realization and generated results during program implementation will create new knowledge beneficial for further progress of Slovenian polymer industry.
The goal of research on synthetic polypeptides and their hybrid materials is to improve the efficacy and safety of medical treatment with biopharmaceuticals. This work package has high applicable potential for development of technologically promising new drug carriers, which are of significant importance for pharmaceutical industry, which is an important financial element in Slovenia already involved in the development of biopharmaceuticals and distinguished by a large number of products with high added-value. The current technological, social and economic situation, which involves issues related to the environment, waste disposal, depletion of non-renewable resources and also the unpredictable crude oil price, fluctuations or its ineluctable depletion, stimulates investigation towards the development of polymeric materials from renewable resources as alternatives to the current fossil-based polymers. The use of renewable resources can considerably contribute to the sustainable development of humankind. Therefore, the search for the concept of “acting responsibly to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” based on non-petrochemical feedstock has become one of the social paradigms of the 21st century. On the other hand, polymeric nanocomposites based on graphene will open new avenues for construction of high-tech gears and drive assemblies, whereas hierarchically structured, smart porous foams will play an important role as reactive carriers for solid phase organic synthesis, as responsive carriers in biomedical applications, in Li-ion batteries, in heterogeneous catalysts, as well as for sewage- and waste-water purification.
The knowledge generated during the program implementation will have considerable importance for the promotion of the Slovenia, access to foreign skills, participation in international division of labor and education of qualified staff. Thus, it can be reasonably expected that the anticipated results will not only contribute to the promotion of research groups and the working institution, but will have a broader impact, including the promotion of the country. In support to the societal development directives the members of program group are involved in Slovenian associations (cluster, centers of excellence), education system and international cooperation. Such combination is necessary for maintaining a dynamic globally-comparable level of knowledge and its transfer to end-users.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
2016,
2017,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
2016,
2017,
final report
