Welcome!
We are a polymer research group based at the Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology
at Lodz University of Technology.
Our team leader is Professor Joanna Pietrasik.
If you want to know more about PolyFun research, please scroll down the page.
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1. Macromolecules for biomedical applications.
Macromolecules with complex architecture such as block copolymers, star polymers and molecular brushes can be used in varied biomedical applications, e.g. in drug delivery or as lubrication agents. We synthesize them via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) or reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). Their chemical composition and molecular parameters can be precisely tailored concerning desired application.
Polymer, 2022, 253, 125001. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125001.
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2. Macromolecular functional hybrids.
Functional hybrids consist of organic (e.g. graphene oxide) or inorganic particles (e.g. silica, montmorillonite) and organic polymer chains attached to their surface. Their unique structure allows them to synergetically combine the properties of single components. Functional hybrids can be obtained by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP), which allows to control the chain length, composition, functionality and grafting density. Therefore, functional hybrids can be used in many different applications, for example: as compatibilizers in polymer blends, in electrically conductive composites or in solid state electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries.
Macromolecules, 2021, 54, 21, 10177-10188. doi: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c01668.
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3. Chemically recyclable (depolymerizable) polymers.
Depolymerizable polymers are chemically recyclable, as after their usage they can be depolymerized to return pure monomer. It can then be used to synthesize virgin grade polymer, mitigating many problems with the traditional recycling process. We are using ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) techniques to synthesize novel eco-friendly materials.
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4. Hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Compared to conventional wound healing materials such as gauze, bandage and band-aid, hydrogels can create a biocompatible platform with the wound bed and provide sufficient moisture. We focus on the development of functional biocompatible hydrogels with optimized physical properties, good stability in aqueous media, and antimicrobial properties for wound dressing applications.
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5. Nanofillers & nanocomposites for smart materials.
We work on the nanocomposites containing nanofillers such as montmorillonites, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes. Such particles are used to selectively modulate mechanical, thermal, viscoelastic and anti-ageing properties of final materials. Smart nanocomposites and multicomponent blends with shape memory properties are also of our interests.