Advanced Materials Research Group

The Advanced Materials Research Group specializes in two areas of expertise. The first one involves the development of technologies for producing and modifying synthetic resins, like epoxy, phenolic or polyurethanes. The second area focuses on the modification and processing of materials based on thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefins or PVC, as well as biobased plastics like PLA or TPS. The Group also conduct research on plastic recycling. 

Our team is highly skilled in designing, synthesizing, and characterizing polymeric materials with tailored properties. Our expertise lies in analyzing the complex relationship between the structure and properties of various polymeric materials, and extensive experimental work. 

Specialization:

• synthesis of phenolic resins using petrochemical and renewable raw materials (such as lignin) for various applications like gelcoats reinforced with natural fibers, fiberboards, water-resistant plywood, wood wool boards, and foams,
• technologies for producing bio- and fossil-based basic epoxy resins and glycidyl ethers, and their chemical modification for different applications, like biobased composites and prepregs, coatings, and glues. We are partners in the HE ESTELLA Project, which is developing epoxy vitrimer composites with inherent recyclability (https://estellaproject.eu/),
• synthesis of fully-biobased non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU). We were partners in the H2020 BIOMOTIVE Project, which focused on the application of NIPU in the automotive industry (https://biomotive.info),
• plasticization of starch and chitosan,
• grafting and cross-linking of polymers,
• development of polyolefin vitrimers – recyclable crosslinked plastic,
• bio-based 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 bio-modifiers, bio-fillers and bio-flame retardants,
• development of new types of fiber-reinforced, multi-material, and high-filled composites,
• determination of the mechanical and rheological properties of polymer materials,
• material recycling solutions (mainly recycling of polymeric waste from petroleum-based polymers, but also from biopolymers) with reduced environmental impact in line with the EU's circular economy and zero pollution action plans.

Contact

Damian Kiełkiewicz, MSc - Research Group Leader

phone: +48 77 487 33 61
mobile: +48 664 718 940
e-mail: damian.kielkiewicz@icso.lukasiewicz.gov.pl

Simona Furgoł, MSc Eng. - Deputy Leader

tel.: +48 487 34 62
mob.: +48 694 465 930 
e-mail: simona.furgol@icso.lukasiewicz.gov.pl