Laboratory 4: Laboratory of Functional Polymers

GENERAL TOPIC: SYNTHETIC AND NATURAL IONIC POLYMERS. MULTIFUNCTIONAL COMPOSITE MATERIALS

The Laboratory aim is the scientific development in the field of multifunctional (composite) materials, through the synthesis and use of a wide range of synthetic and natural ionic polymers, with predetermined functional groups and architectures. The research focus on the fundamental understanding of the principles governing the synthesis, self-assembly and hierarchical organization of materials and the use of this knowledge to design new materials for diverse applications. 

General objectives: Deepening and expanding the knowledge in the field of synthetic and natural ionic polymers; Development of new research directions involving modern methods and technologies; Directing the activity from fundamental research to research with applicative result and establishing collaborations with the public/private business sectors.

Specific objectives:

• Obtaining (multi)functional ionic polymers: Obtaining linear, grafted and cross-linked (zwitter)ionic polymers; Modification of natural and/or synthetic polymers by polymer- analogous reactions, for the introduction of new functional groups.
• Development of complex nanostructured materials (composites): (zwitter)ionic materials in the form of (micro) particles or films; "Hard-soft" composite polymeric materials based on natural/synthetic inorganic compounds and ionic polymers, with increased selectivity for certain molecular and/or ionic species; Composites with enzymes immobilized in the "soft" part of the composite material; Porous functional materials, cryogenically structured, based on natural and/or synthetic polymers and bioactive molecules (enzymes, proteins, antioxidant agents); Development of new multifunctional supramolecular architectures obtained by physical or chemical association of self-assembled systems based on amphiphilic block-copolymers.
• Complex (composite) materials in medicine: Materials with intrinsic antimicrobial activity; Dosing and controlled drug delivery systems.
• Complex (composite) materials in environmental protection and (bio)catalysis: Specialized/specific sorbents for the removal of organic and inorganic priority pollutants from simulated and real waters; Reuse of (bio)sorbents in new high value-added applications and "waste minimization".