Sustainable Polymers

Research Focus: Sustainable Polymers

Research for responsible Polymer Science

In the "Sustainable Polymers" research area, we are shaping the ecological transformation of polymer science. We do not view plastics as disposable products, but as valuable resources. Our goal: to replace fossil raw materials and drastically reduce the carbon footprint.

Our strategy rests on two pillars:

Circular Economy: We develop technologies to fully close material loops – from "Design for Recycling" to the separation of complex mixed waste.
Bio-based Materials: We make natural fibers and bio-polymers fit for high-performance industrial applications.

Interdisciplinary and in close cooperation with industry, we create solutions that are ecologically necessary and economically profitable.

Current research topics

for download

1._Innovative_epoxy_resins_based_on_renewable_materials.pdfInnovative Epoxy Resins Based on Renewable Resources Focus: Bio-based, BPA-free resin systems (e.g., from lignin) with high mechanical performance.
2._Recyclates_and_the_lifetime_of_polymer_pipes.pdfRecyclates and the Lifetime of Polymer Pipes Focus: Safety and crack resistance of pressure pipes when using recycled materials.
3._WINTRUST_Project_paves_the_way_of_wintersportsequipment.pdfWINTRUST – Circular Economy for Winter Sports Equipment Focus: Recycling concepts for skis/snowboards and the use of bio-composites.
4._Reliable_solutions_for_new_generation_household_appliances.pdfReliable Solutions for New Generation Household Appliances Focus: Durability of recycled polypropylene (rPP) in washing machines and refrigerators.
5._Effect_of_weld_lines_on_the_cyclic_service_life_of_SFRTs.pdfEffect of Weld Lines on the Service Life of Fiber Composites Focus: Fatigue strength at weld lines in short fiber-reinforced recyclates.
6._Advances_in_micro-_and_nanoparticle_detection.pdfAdvances in Micro- and Nanoparticle Detection Focus: New analytical methods for the precise detection of microplastics in the environment.
7._Sustainable_car_headlights.pdfSustainable Car Headlights Focus: Recycling of polycarbonate from headlights, including coating removal.
8._Recycling_cycle_for_flexible_polyolefin_films.pdfRecycling Cycle for Flexible Polyolefin Films Focus: Quality improvement and odor minimization in "film-to-film" recycling.
9._Mechanical_recycling_of_biobased_plastics.pdfMechanical Recycling of Bio-based Plastics Focus: Behavior of bio-plastics (e.g., PLA) in the recycling loop.
10._Bio-based_QS_components_with_recycling_and_repair_potential.pdfBio-based Components with Repair Potential Focus: Self-healing, bio-based polymers and vitrimers for extended service life.
11._Processing_of_natural_fiber_reinforced_polymer_composites.pdfProcessing of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Focus: Process optimization (filament winding, infusion) to preserve natural fibers.
12._LCA_in_the_recycling_of_fibre-reinforced_polymer_composites.pdfLife Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the Recycling of Fiber Composites Focus: Calculation of CO₂ savings through the recycling of CFRP and GFRP.
13._Compressibility_of_plant_fiber_based_wovens.pdfCompressibility of Plant Fiber-Based Wovens Focus: Material behavior of natural fiber fabrics under pressure (for infusion processes).
14._Compatibilizers_effect_on_polymer_interphase.pdfEffect of Compatibilizers on Polymer Interphase Focus: Additives for better adhesion in recyclates and natural fiber composites.
15._Innovative_recycling_of_polyolefin_waste.pdfInnovative Recycling of Polyolefin Waste Focus: Upcycling mixed waste into high-quality technical materials.
16._Bio-based_reshapable___recyclable_duromers.pdfBio-based Reshapable & Recyclable Thermosets Focus: Novel vitrimers – cross-linked plastics that are nevertheless recyclable.
17._Separation_of_small_mixed_textile-polymer_fractions.pdfSeparation of Small Mixed Textile-Polymer Fractions Focus: Sorting of textile-polymer mixes (PA6/PET) by type using centrifuges (ReFibreValue).
18._Use_of_bio-based_polymers_in_building_technology.pdfBio-based Polymers in Building Technology Focus: Weather-resistant bio-plastics for facades and construction applications.
19._Sustainability_in_injection_mould_manufacturing.pdfSustainability in Injection Mold Manufacturing Focus: LCA comparison: 3D printing vs. milling of tools.
20._Advanced_upcycling_technology_for_lightweight_structures.pdfUpcycling Technology for Lightweight Structures Focus: High-performance components made from recycled carbon fibers (rCF) for mobility.
21._Hemp_fibre-reinforced_composites_in_building_construction.pdfHemp Fiber Composites in Construction Focus: Hemp fibers as ecological reinforcement in building materials.
22._Thermo-mechanical_characterisation_of_Li-ion_batteries.pdfThermo-Mechanical Characterization of Li-ion Batteries Focus: Safety of battery cells under thermal and mechanical load.
23._Long-term_behaviour_of_short_fibre_reinforced_polymers.pdfLong-Term Behavior of Short Fiber Reinforced Polymers Focus: Service life analysis of fiber-reinforced plastics.
24._Transport_of_gaseous_hydrogen_in_polyethylene_pipes.pdfTransport of Hydrogen in PE Pipes Focus: Suitability of PE gas pipelines for hydrogen transport.
25._Long-term_performance_of_polypropylene_pipe-grade_materials.pdfLong-Term Performance of PP Pipe Materials Focus: Qualification of PP for long-lasting infrastructure.
26._Lifetime_tests_of_unpressurised_pipes_with_recycled_content.pdfLifetime Tests of Pipes with Recycled Content Focus: Maximizing recycled content in sewage pipes without loss of quality.
27._Modified_carbon_felts_for_efficient_redox_flow_batteries.pdfModified Carbon Felts for Redox Flow Batteries Focus: Optimization of electrodes for more efficient large-scale storage.

Research Focus: Sustainable Polymers

Current research topics

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Research Focus: Sustainable Polymers

Current research topics

QUICKLINKS

SERVICES FOR

TOOLS

© Montanuniversität Leoben