Advanced Materials and Circular Economy (CE) Research Group
The Research Group specializes in two main areas. The first involves developing technologies for the production and modification of synthetic resins (epoxy, phenolic, and polyurethane). The second focuses on the processing of thermoplastic materials (polyolefins, PVC) and bio-based materials. The work covers both synthetic biopolymers (PLA, TPS) and natural biopolymers such as chitosan and starch. The Group also conducts extensive research on plastics recycling in line with the principles of the circular economy.
The team has broad expertise in designing, synthesizing, and characterizing polymer materials with defined performance parameters. Its research activities are grounded in a comprehensive analysis of structure–property relationships across a wide range of polymeric materials, supported by extensive experimental work.
Areas of Specialization:
- Technologies for producing basic epoxy resins and glycidyl ethers from biomass and fossil-based raw materials, along with their chemical modification for various applications such as composites and prepregs based on natural feedstocks, coatings, and adhesives. The team participated in the ESTELLA project (Horizon Europe), which developed composite materials based on recyclable epoxy vitrimers,
- Synthesis of phenol–formaldehyde resins and formaldehyde‑free, lignin‑based resins for applications such as natural‑fiber‑reinforced gelcoats, particleboards, waterproof plywood, wood‑wool boards, and foams,
- Synthesis of fully biobased non‑isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU). The Group took part in the BIOMOTIVE project (Horizon 2020), focused on NIPU applications in the automotive industry,
- Synthesis of polyurethane foams and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) derived from biopolyols,
- Plasticization of starch and chitosan,
- Grafting and crosslinking of polymers,
- Development of polyolefin vitrimers – crosslinked thermoplastics with recyclability potential,
- Natural materials (sodium alginate, starch, cellulose, chitosan, etc.) for coating applications, including PFAS‑free, antibacterial, and water/oil‑resistant coatings,
- Development of new biopolymer materials (composites, films, foams, packaging materials etc.), including polysaccharides and polyesters, using fully biodegradable biomodifiers, biofillers, and flame retardants derived from renewable resources,
- Development of new types of fiber‑reinforced composites, multimaterial systems, and highly filled materials,
- Determination of mechanical and rheological properties of polymer materials,
- Mechanical and chemical recycling of polymeric and biopolymeric materials, aligned with circular Eeonomy concepts, including the use of recyclates.
Contact
Damian Kiełkiewicz, PhD – Head of Research Group
tel.: 77 487 33 61
mob.: 664 718 940
e-mail: damian.kielkiewicz@icso.lukasiewicz.gov.pl
Simona Furgoł, MSc. Eng. – Deputy Head of Research Group
tel.: 77 487 34 62
mob.: 694 465 930
e-mail: simona.furgol@icso.lukasiewicz.gov.pl