Research Program: Sustainable Polymer Materials and Technologies (1.1.2020 – 31.12.2025), Project Head: dr. Lidija Slemenik-Perše
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.
Research Program: Sustainable Polymer Materials and Technologies (1.1.2015 – 31.12.2019), Project Head: dr. Lidija Slemenik-Perše
The “Sustainable Polymer Materials and Technologies” Programme, which is continuation of the “Intelligent Polymer materials and technologies” research programme, has the goal to provide basic knowledge and understanding of non-linear time-dependent behavior of synthetic- and bio-polymers and their composites, for innovative ideas that will represent technological potential and economic opportunities for Slovenia. The programme has been divided into 3 complementary research spheres interrelated to each other.
The 1st sphere of research deals with the study of the structure-property relationship in polymeric materials (without changing their chemical composition) and the means of controlling their inherent topological structure and consequently their physical properties to fit a particular application.
The 2nd sphere concentrates on developing experimental techniques for analyzing material time-dependent mechanical properties that will allow prediction of the durability of polymeric materials under harsh conditions, on one hand, and experimental techniques for mechanical spectroscopy of biomaterials that could be used as diagnostic method for predicting the health state of a person, on the other hand.
The 3rd sphere focuses on the development of theoretical and numerical tools that coupled with experimental data can be used to predict the desired mechanical behavior of synthetic- and bio-polymers and their nano-, micro-, and macro-composites, and to predict their long term behavior.
The knowledge generated could and will be utilized for developing better insulating/damping materials for thermal, noise, vibration and shock, to be used in household appliances, transport systems, deep-water oil excavation, and space applications (in collaboration with corporation “NPO Machinostroyeniye”, and Bauman University, Russia).
This knowledge could also be used for the development of new diagnostic tools and new medical implantable devices, such as solid drug delivery containers (in collaboration with Fresenius-Kabi).
Finally, the theoretical developments could be used to optimize processing conditions and accurately predict the durability of structural elements and products made of time-dependent materials.