Responsive Polymeric and Particulate Materials

 

Strategic Research & Innovation in Polymer Materials


The RPPM research group develops advanced polymer materials, processing technologies, and additive manufacturing solutions for energy, demanding industrial, environmental, biomedical, and space-related applications. Our research combines material science, engineering, and multi-scale characterization to create tailored and high-performance polymer systems.

About the Research Group:

Our Mission

To design and develop advanced polymer materials, functional systems, and manufacturing technologies with tailored properties for high-performance, energy, environmental, and advanced engineering applications.

Research Vision

We aim to bridge fundamental polymer science with industrial implementation through interdisciplinary research, scalable manufacturing approaches, and application-oriented innovation.

Impact Areas

Our activities contribute to sectors including energy storage and conversion, aerospace and space technologies, mobility, environmental and CO₂ management technologies, biomedical engineering, advanced manufacturing, and circular economy initiatives.

 

Core expertise

Research

We focus on the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials with tailored physical, chemical, and functional properties. Research activities include the development of conductive polymers for applications in electronics and energy conversion, as well as energy storage materials for next-generation batteries and supercapacitors. This research area also addresses the development of CO₂ capture materials and gas separation membranes to support energy transition and emission reduction strategies. In addition, the group investigates functional polymers with tunable properties for a wide range of high-performance applications.

We focus on the development and characterization of advanced polymers designed to operate under demanding conditions. Research activities include high-performance thermoplastics and thermosets with enhanced thermal, mechanical, and chemical resistance for applications requiring long-term durability and reliability. The group also develops materials for extreme environments, capable of withstanding severe temperatures, radiation, pressure, or aggressive chemical conditions. 

We focus on the development, optimization, and scale-up of polymer manufacturing processes and formulations. Research activities include polymer formulation, reactive processing, and compounding to tailor material properties and performance for specific applications. The group also investigates process optimization and scale-up strategies to support efficient and reliable industrial implementation. In addition, research explores process–structure–property relationships to better understand how processing conditions influence material behavior and performance. A further focus is placed on plastic waste valorisation through innovative recycling and transformation approaches aimed at promoting circular material use.

We focus on the design and fabrication of advanced polymer-based structures through additive manufacturing technologies. Research activities include 3D and 4D printing approaches for the development of responsive and high-performance materials and devices. The group also investigates multi-material additive manufacturing to integrate complementary functionalities within complex structures. 

We focus on the analysis and understanding of the relationships between material structure, interfaces, and performance across multiple length scales. Research activities include thermo-mechanical analysis to evaluate material behavior under various environmental and loading conditions, as well as the investigation of morphology and interfaces that govern functional and mechanical properties. The group also studies structure–property relationships to better understand how composition and microstructure influence material performance, durability, and reliability. In addition, research addresses lifetime and performance prediction to support the development of robust materials for demanding applications.

Our people

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