Main scientific interests: 2D-COS spectroscopy and chemometric methods for the evaluation of detailed structural features at molecular level of complex systems; synthesis of bio-nanocomposite materials (based on cellulose nanocrystals, nanoclay particles and biopolymer matrices); antimicrobial nano biocomposite formulations for seed treatment and packaging films; modification and degradation of wood.
Experience in analysis and experimental techniques: structural (mid- and near infrared spectroscopy; Raman imaging; X-ray diffraction; UV/Vis spectroscopy) morphological (optical microscopy, SEM, AFM and contact angle measurements) and thermal (thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry) characterization of the polymers and polymeric systems and composites, water sorption behaviours of bio-based materials and their interaction with water.
2D-COS (two dimensional correlation spectroscopy) and chemometric methods applied to different materials (like blends of polymer/liquid crystal, natural polymers or synthetic polymer/biopolymer) for elucidation of different intermolecular interactions or the order in which the materials structure is changed as a result of an external perturbation.

CV File

Main scientific interests: degradation processes affecting historic wood; effect of different degradative factors (fungi, T, RH and UV light) and degradation mechanisms; development of composite materials for structural applications (i.e. WPC); thermal and chemical modification of wood; formulations with superhydrophobic and antibacterial properties for wood/ wood-based products; multifunctional hydrogels; lignocellulosic waste extraction to high value products (i.e. cellulose, lignin, LNPs); synthesis via Pickering emulsion polymerisation; biocomposite adhesives for MDFs.
Experience in analysis and experimental techniques: optical and electronic microscopy; near (NIR) and mid (FT-IR) infrared spectroscopy; Chemometric and multivariate data analysis; two dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS); X-ray diffraction; solid state CP/MAS 13C-NMR spectroscopy; thermogravimetry and dynamic water vapour sorption.

CV File

Main scientific interests and experience: reactive processing (natural and synthetic polymers); polymers compatibilization and chemical functionalization; physico-chemical characterization of polymers and composites (rheological, mechanical, thermal, morphological, surface properties); development of multifunctional materials for food packaging (bioactive, biodegradable) and structural applications; biodegradation/durability testing of polymeric materials.

CV File

Main scientific interests: polymeric material thermal behaviour, including composition, relation between structure and thermal transitions; polymeric material morphology from macro to nano-scale; correlation with their thermal and mechanical properties.
Experience in analysis and experimental techniques: main experience in thermal analysis methods (DSC, StepScan DSC/MDSC), High Speed DSC, DTA, TG-DTG); characterisation of polymeric materials by DRS (Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy), DMA, X-Ray methods (XRD, SAXS), electronic microscopy (SEM-EDAX, TEM) POM, spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, UV-Vis).

Main scientific interests and experience: multifunctional hydrogels; antimicrobial nanocompositesfor paper based products; sustainable multifunctional packaging materials; compatibilization and plasticisation; pretreatment of cellulosic materials(plasma, ?-irradiation, enzyme, mercerization); surface modification with bioactive formulations; shelf-life validation; migration testing for food contact materials; gas permeability tests.

CV File

X-ray diffraction, AFM

Main scientific interests: synthesis of superabsorbent biopolymer hydrogels, nanostructured composites, biomass-derived carbon dots, and cellulose and lignin extraction. Experience in different analytical techniques: structural (mid- and near infrared spectroscopy), X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, morphological (SEM, TEM), swelling behavior, and kinetics, water vapour sorption.

Main scientific interests: chemical modification and functionalization of organic surfaces using advanced techniques such as sol–gel processing, surface grafting, plasma treatment, and layer-by-layer assembly, aiming to tailor surface roughness and surface energy for the development of superhydrophobic coatings with self-cleaning and anti-fouling properties.