Hans Heuts

Hans Heuts is Associate Professor in the Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry research group of Eindhoven University of Technology (department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry). He has over 25 years of experience in research and development in the polymer field, ranging from fundamental studies of polymerization mechanisms to polymer material science and process development.  His research interests include conventional and controlled radical polymerization in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, controlled polymer synthesis in general, dynamic polymer networks, materials for 3D-printing, polymer mechanochemistry, and polymer reaction engineering.

Within the Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry research group he currently leads the research efforts in dynamic polymer networks and their use in a range of large-scale applications.  Dynamic polymer networks combine the benefits of greater thermal and dimensional stability of traditional polymer networks with the better (re)processability of thermoplastics.  This opens up applications such as self-healing materials, materials with a better adhesion and improves the recyclability of the materials.  In close collaboration with other academic and industrial partners the group is currently exploring the benefits of these advanced materials in 3D-printing.

Other active research activities lie in the field of emulsion polymerization with a focus on the synthesis of functional polymer colloids and the development of sustainable polymerization processes.

My ultimate aim is the development of efficient and sustainable strategies for the synthesis of increasingly complex functional polymeric materials and to train the best possible polymer chemists.