Sustainability
Polymer modification for recycling: polymer functionalization for reversible crosslinking of elastomers and upcycling (upgrade in recycling) of thermoplastics.
Paper-based materials: paper modification to replace single-use plastic items and functional packaging while preserving recyclability

Environment
Micro- and nanoplastics in the environment: new methods for microplastics analysis, investigation of their effects on living oranisms and human health, remediation.

Smart materials
Colloidal nanocomposite particles and coating materials: controlled heterophase polymerization for multifunctional/hybrid colloidal nanoparticle precursors in smart / super-hydrophobic coatings, biomedical nanodevices, cultural heritage protection.

Health
Nanocomposite elastomeric films: silicone nanocomposite elastomers as synthetic skin substitutes with total UV-blocking action for protection against rare diseases.

GRUOP LEADER: Valter Castelvetro

TEAM MEMBERS
Technical Research Assistants (staff): Dr. Andrea Corti, MSc. Antonella Manariti
Research assistants (contract): Filippo Petri, Stefano Pezzini (microplastics)
PhD students: Matilde Benedettini (paper-based food packaging materials)
MSc candidate interns: Pier Francesco Maria Tersigni (microplastics); Hanna Pryschepa (UV blocking nanocomposites);
MSc candidates (co-tutoring): Cinzia Lazzarini (Next Technology Tecnotessile srl); Niccolò Pezzati (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology); Daniele Filidei (Spin-PET srl)

(Update 11-2022)