Polymer Performance Materials

Research at Polymer Performance Materials is organized in the following themes:

1. Novel high-performance polyurethanes

Polyurethane (PU) is one of the most versatile polymers, playing a vital role in many industries. Research is aimed at improving the performance of existing polyurethanes and developing new functional polyurethanes containing well-defined high-performance structural motifs and hydrogen-bonding groups. The self-assembly and morphology of the novel polyurethanes will be studied and their properties fully characterized.

2. Dynamic and self-healing polymers

New concepts for autonomous self-healing will be initiated, e.g. based on block-copolymers or supramolecular polymers consisting of high Tg domains (which provide good mechanical properties) and low Tg domains featuring supramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions (responsible for the healing behaviour). Research in this area will focus on understanding the scratch healing mechanism (relevant for real applications) and functionality obtained by sophisticated use of specific supramolecular interactions, in particular multiple hydrogen bonding.

3. Circular polymer materials

In polymeric materials, a fundamental transition is required towards continuous re-use of non-fossil-based polymeric products. We will focus on existing polymers as well as designing novel polymeric structures more amenable to recycling, including smart monomers that can switch between polymerized and depolymerized states, using energy-efficient processes. In addition, we will develop repurposing processes in which polymer wastes are converted to building blocks for new value-added polymeric materials.

4. High performance organic aerogels

Aerogels are low density solids with high open porosity and surface area, exceptionally low thermal conductivities, and high acoustic attenuation. They are typically prepared from suitable wet gels by turning the pore‐filling solvent into a supercritical fluid that is vented off. In this project we aim to create the next generation of organic aerogels with outstanding mechanical, chemical and thermal stability, and flame retardancy by developing novel aerogels based on high performance structural motifs. They can be envisioned as lightweight super‐insulating materials for aerospace applications, as well as for more down-to-earth uses in construction and transportation. Additionally, they will be used for energy storage and in catalytic applications.