Domestic projects
Project/task name: 19th International Conference ELASTOMERS 2026 “Rubber-related – elastomers today and tomorrow”
Project financed from state budget funds allocated by the Minister of Science and Higher Education under the Science Vectors Program
Total project/task budget: PLN 422,411.00
Value of funding: PLN 322,264.80
(Contract/Project No.: WNK/SN/0122/2025/01)
Date of signing the co-financing agreement: 12/2025.
Project/task description:
The subject of the project is the organization of the 19th edition of the International Conference ELASTOMERY 2026, which is a cyclical scientific event recognized in Poland and abroad. The conference is planned for May 27-29, 2026 in Warsaw, and will be held under the slogan “Rubber-related – elastomers today and tomorrow”, with the possibility of participation in a stationary form. The organization of the conference is a response to the needs reported in recent years by the scientific and industrial communities related to the subject of elastomers and rubber. The ELASTOMERY conference is the only one in Poland devoted to this topic. The conference will be addressed to a wide audience: scientists, employees of scientific and research and development centers, engineers and managers from industrial enterprises, as well as students and PhD students.
The aim of the conference is to create an optimal space for presenting the latest scientific achievements and development trends in the field of polymer materials engineering, especially in the field of elastomers and rubber. The conference will be attended by representatives of science and industry from both Poland and abroad, which will be a good form of integration of the scientific community with industry representatives and exchange of experiences.
Project name: Chemical recycling of waste PET packaging – an innovative method of obtaining plastic plasticizers
Project acronym: rePET
Role in the project: Partner
Project/task co-financed from the state budget: Targeted grant from the President of the Łukasiewicz Center
Total project budget: PLN 3,947,451.19
including the Ł-IMPIB budget: 1 109 571,11 zł
Funding value: 3 552 706,06 zł
including Ł-IMPIB funding: 998 614,00 zł
Date of signing the subsidy agreement: 11.2025 r.
Project/task description:
The project focuses on increasing the TRL level of the technology for chemical depolymerization of waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) from level 5 to 7. The aim of the project is to develop a technology enabling effective chemical recycling of PET by converting waste into products with increased added value – plasticizers for plastics. These activities are consistent with the assumptions of the circular economy, in which PET waste is transformed into valuable raw materials for the chemical and plastics industries. The project includes the development of a process including the preparation of raw material with various degrees of fragmentation, optimization of depolymerization using a prototype installation and development of methods for purifying products. The technology uses a catalyst that is resistant to waste PET contamination, which allows the use of low-quality raw materials. The final products – terephthalic acid esters – will be used as plasticizers in PVC mixtures.
Project name: Disposable flexible endoscope for examinations through natural body openings
Project acronym: MED-SKOP.2
Role in the project: Leader
Project/task co-financed from the state budget: Targeted grant from the President of the Łukasiewicz Center
Total project budget: PLN 3,605,503.01
including Ł-IMPIB budget: PLN 3,277,120.20
Value of funding: PLN 3,244,952.72
including Ł-IMPIB co-financing: PLN 2,949,408.18
Date of signing the subsidy agreement: 11.2025 r.
Project/task description:
Endoscopes are equipped with a handle with a speculum probe with a tip activated by knobs. Current flexible endoscopes are subjected to washing, leak checking and high-level disinfection after each use. These activities do not eliminate the risk of infections. Mechanical elements are often damaged, covers crack, channels are damaged and, as a result, the micro camera is damaged. Current endoscopy systems are complex, expensive to purchase, and labor-intensive to operate. The planned endoscope solves the above-mentioned issues. problems by technically separating the optical function – a reusable module, from other mechanical functions – a disposable module. As part of the project, a disposable flexible endoscope will be developed for diagnostics and medical treatments through natural body openings. The technology for continuous production of the sight glass probe and the control mechanism will be developed. First, a probe for the gastrofiberoscope will be made, which is the best point for further modification.
The project is co-financed by Swiss Financial Aid supporting the reduction of economic and social differences in the EU and from the state budget through the National Center for Research and Development.
Project Title: Robotic Automated Sustainable Coating System.
Project acronym: RASCOS
Role in the project: Leader
Competition: 2nd Swiss Polish Cooperation Program CALL 2025
Source of financing: Swiss Funds and NCBR (https://www.programszwajcarski.gov.pl)
Total project budget: PLN 4,481,621.42
Value of funding: PLN 3,876,136.12
Co-financing by Łukasiewicz – IMPIB: PLN 1,454,195.00
Implementation period: 01/01/2026 – 31/12/2028
Date of signing the co-financing agreement: March 5, 2026.
Project description:
The project aims to develop an innovative, sustainable coating system for hyperloop infrastructure, using advanced robotics for precise application, inspection and autonomous maintenance. The consortium combines competences in materials science, robotics and transportation engineering, using an iterative development and testing approach, ensuring adaptability and optimal system performance. The key goal is to develop a bio-based polymer coating with high air and water tightness, chemical resistance and durability in both atmospheric and vacuum conditions.
The Automated Modular Multi-Purpose Maintenance Vehicle (AMMMV) will perform precision surface inspections, defect detection and autonomous coating repairs, using advanced odometry and energy optimization to increase efficiency and reduce human exposure to hazardous work environments. System validation includes experimental setups reflecting operational conditions, including vacuum chambers and advanced material characterization techniques. In the final stage, the system will be tested on the EuroTube DemoTube hyperloop track, in accordance with rigorously defined performance indicators (KPIs).
An important element of the project is the development of competences – providing young researchers and PhD students with interdisciplinary training at the intersection of robotics, coating technology and transport infrastructure. This is intended to support the transfer of knowledge, building scientific independence and preparing highly qualified research staff.
Apart from the hyperloop sector, the innovations developed in the project can be used in railways, road infrastructure, industrial pipelines and the aviation sector. The developed coatings and robotic systems have the potential to reduce maintenance costs, extend the life cycle of infrastructure and reduce environmental impact through the use of bio-based materials and process automation. The project aims to set new standards for sustainable, efficient and safe infrastructure maintenance, while developing scientific knowledge and industrial practice in the field of next-generation transport. The project is carried out in cooperation with SPE Labs and EuroTube.
More information on the project website: www.rascos.eu
Project co-financed/financed by the National Center for Research and Development under the CORNET 38 Initiative program
Project Title: Advanced, environmentally friendly aqueous primers with reduced zinc content and ionic liquids for long-term protection of steel.
Role in the project: Partner
Competition: Cornet 38 Initiative
Source of financing: NCBR
Total project budget: PLN 1,860,534.72
Co-financing by Łukasiewicz – IMPIB: PLN 824,413.92
Implementation period: 01.07.2025 r. – 30.06.2027 r.
Project description:
Due to the environmental impact of zinc, this project focuses on coatings with reduced zinc content. Today, conventional zinc-rich solvent-based primer systems meet the requirements for the protection of steel structures. Zinc primers based on water-based binders (WB) combine protection with lower environmental impact. The CORNET project “EcoWaterZinc” optimized such systems as a starting point for a new design. Zinc pigments are too reactive for use in water-based systems, requiring surface modification with silanes.The aim of this research project is to modify anti-corrosion protection systems of steel structures using paint products with a reduced content of surface-treated zinc and ecological ionic liquids (IL). The aim is to investigate environmentally friendly primers with a minimum amount of modified zinc but optimal corrosion protection. This is achieved by improving conductivityelectrical coatings using IL and other conductive additives. The resulting coating should be environmentally friendly and provide extended anti-corrosion protection, increasing the durability of steel structures and industrial facilities.
Project co-financed/financed by the National Center for Research and Development under the CORNET 38 Initiative program
Project title: Conservation of emulsions and paints by thermal treatment
Role in the project: Partner
Competition: Cornet 38 Initiative
Source of financing: NCBR
Total project budget: PLN 1,009,290.60
Co-financing by Łukasiewicz – IMPIB: PLN 879,726.60
Implementation period: 01.07.2025 r. – 30.06.2027 r .
Project description:
The aim of the project is to develop an effective solution for preserving emulsions and paints using thermal treatment. The submitted design application covers thermal preservation of architectural paints. Contrary to the published prior art, this is to be carried out at temperatures above 75°C (i.e. according to our preliminary tests at 100-140°C under pressure or also at 90°C as high pasteurization). Thermally treated water-based coating materials will be subjected to application, analytical and microbiological tests and compared to unpreserved counterparts. If the results of the project are positive, a technological approach will eventually be available that can produce biocide-free or low-biocide aqueous formulations. Assuming that approximately 25% of water-based products can be thermally preserved in the future, these estimates result in annual sales of around USD 16 billion worldwide or €0.4-0.5 billion in Germany.
The Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Polymer Materials has started the implementation of the project entitled “Establishment of the Jan Czochralski Kuyavian-Pomeranian Science and Technology Center: Regional Network of Laboratories INNO-NET”
Project no. FEDKP.01.01-IZ.00-0002/25 titled “Establishment of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Science and Technology Center named after Jan Czochralski: Regional Network of Laboratories INNO-NET” is co-financed by the European Funds for Kujawy and Pomerania 2021-2027 Program, Priority 1 European Funds for the increase of innovation and competitiveness of the region, Measure 01.01 Strengthening the research and innovation potential.
Lead Partner in the project
- Kuyavian-Pomeranian Science and Technology Center. prof. Jan Czochralski sp. z o. o.
Other Partners in the project
- Toruńska Agencja Rozwoju Regionalnego S.A.
- Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Polymer Materials
- Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial Institute of Automation and Measurements PIAP Measuring – Devices and drive control department OBRUSN
- University of Economics in Bydgoszcz
- Kujawsko-Pomorski Fundusz Pożyczkowy Sp. z o.o.
- Regional Center for Sustainable Development Sp. z o. o.
Project goal
creation of a network of research and development centers using the existing scientific and research potential of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship (universities, research institutes, business environment institutions and economic entities) and coordination and development of cooperation in the area of R&D+I between the scientific community and entrepreneurs in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship
Description of activities
- creation of the INNO-NET brand (network of research laboratories) based on the existing R&D potential in the region, the Leading Partner of which will be KPCNT,
- promotion of the INNO-NET brand on the regional, national and international markets;
- developing cooperation, including interregional, supra-regional and international cooperation in the area of R&D+I,
- strengthening the competences of the staff of entities participating in the project, including, among others, scientific staff in the creation and operation of spin-off and spin-out academic enterprises,
- building in-depth relationships with entrepreneurs, providing them with advisory services in the field of innovation, innovation support services in the area of R&D&I;
- improving the availability of enterprises to advanced research services resulting in an increase in the research and development activity of enterprises,
- support in knowledge transfer and commercialization of R&D&I results.
Finansowanie projektu
- Project value: PLN 19,321,597.76
- amount of contribution from European Funds: PLN 16,423,358.09
- value of the project implemented by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Polymer Materials: PLN 1,662,500.00
- value of the contribution of European Funds Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Polymer Materials: PLN 1,413,125.00 The project will be implemented in the period from December 1, 2022 to May 31, 2028.
Target groups
The project is aimed at:
- micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
- academic enterprisesbusiness environment institutions
- clusters
- research organizations
- university
- students
The task is co-financed from state budget funds allocated by the Minister of Education under the program entitled “Explorers” for 2025
Project title: Rubber, paints and varnishes are also polymers – a series of workshops popularizing science and influencing the development of students’ interests and talents, especially in the area of new technologies.
Competition: Program of the Minister of Education called “Discoverers”
Source of financing: targeted subsidy from the Minister of Education
Total budget: PLN 107,960.00
Co-financing by Łukasiewicz – IMPIB: PLN 101,260.00
Implementation period: until December 31, 2025.
Project description: The aim of the project is to organize a series of educational workshops dedicated to primary school students (grades VI-VIII) and secondary schools. The workshops will be organized at Łukasiewicz-IMPIB in two of its locations: the Polymer Plastics Processing Center in Toruń and the Elastomers and Rubber Center in Piastów, and representatives of the Paint and Plastics Center from Gliwice will also be involved in their implementation. The interdisciplinary nature of the activities conducted by Łukasiewicz-IMPIB allows for the development of students’ curiosity and motivation to learn and the dissemination of science in an attractive way. A total of 8 two-day workshops will be organized, attended by no less than 200 participants. Each meeting will be carried out in a theoretical and practical formula. During the lecture and live show, we will introduce participants to: the fascinating world of biopolymers, paints, elastomers and rubber, modern recycling processes, and the potential of environmentally friendly materials.An important element of the events will be the dissemination of knowledge about the achievements of Polish scientists and inventors, with particular emphasis on the achievements of the patron of the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Ignacy Łukasiewicz, Maria Skłodowska-Curie and Jan Czochralski. All meetings will be held at the offices of the Łukasiewicz-IMPIB Research Centers, so that participants can also experience tangibly the genius of Polish science, e.g. through the presentation of devices and technological lines for plastics processing.
Project title: In pursuit of degradation – searching for beneficial effects of thermal and thermomechanical modification of materials of plant origin used inpolymeric materials.
Competition: OPUS-27
Source of financing: National Science Center
Consortium:
Poznań University of Technology – Project leader
Łukasiewicz – IMPIB – Project partner
Total budget: PLN 2,129,880.00
Łukasiewicz co-financing – IMPIB: PLN 1,045,860.00
Implementation period: 48 months
Project description:
The aim of the project is to conduct comprehensive research on the phenomena occurring during thermal and thermomechanical modification of PBM.
Project Title: Development as a result of R&D work and implementation of an innovative production technology and product in the form of significantly improved aluminum capsPilfer Proof for bottles.
Bankruptcy: FENG.01.01-IP.01-005/23
Source of financing: NCBIR
Total project budget: PLN 17,859,985.74
Łukasiewicz co-financing – IMPIB: PLN 957,868.75
Implementation period: 33 months
Project description:
The aim of the project is to carry out industrial research and development work by the Consortium Leader – Fob-Decor and the Consortium Member – Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of EngineeringPolymer Materials and Dyes regarding the development and implementation of production technology (process innovation) and Pilfer Proof closures (product innovation) with a large aspectecological and improved quality compared to current production and competitors.The effect in the area of product innovation will be:
– increasing the strength of closures,
– reducing the thickness of the cap wall,
– reducing VOC emissions in the painting process.
Project title: Testing and assessment of efficiency of the modification process of selected biodegradable polyesters using the reactive extrusion method for the purpose of improvement of their physicochemical properties.
Contest: MINIATURE 8
Financing source: National Science Centre
Total project budget: PLN 49,280.00
Cofinancing by Łukasiewicz – IMPiB : PLN 49,280.00
Implementation period: 12 months (2024/2025)
Project description:
The objective of the project is to test the effect of an addition of a cross-linked biopolyester fraction as a modifier created in an process (using the reactive extrusion method) alternative to standard reactive extrusion. The modifier created in the cross-linking process will be the same polymer as the matrix. The research will focus on learning the mechanism of formation of the composite using this modification method.
Project title: Bio-Based UV-Curable Anti-Corrosion Coatings for Metal Substrates (Acronym: BiBACoM)
Applicant: Polish Corrosion Society
Consortium:
Forschungsgesellschaft für Pigmente und Lacke e.V. (FPL), Germany
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA), Germany
Polish Corrosion Society (PSK), Poland
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute for Engineering of Polymer Materials and Dyes (Łukasiewicz – IMPiB), Poland
Road and Bridge Research Institute (IBDiM), Poland
Implementation period:
01.07.2024–30.06.2026
Project description:
The objective of the project is to enhance the possibilities of use of UV-curable coating products on metal substrates, with improvement of their adhesion and corrosion resistance. Free of organic solvents, radically UV-cured products cross-link extremely quickly, resulting in an increased production rate. The technology is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Well-cross-linked, tight coatings seem suitable for corrosion protection; however, they do not demonstrate sufficient adhesion to metal substrates. This is caused by shrinkage during the formation of a coating as a result of radical polymerization, which may reach between 5 and 25%. Therefore, it is necessary to use acidic adhesion promoters – which are usually compounds esterified with acrylic acid or phosphoric acid. Such acidic adhesion promoters are potential corrosion stimulants, and they also have adverse interactions with ordinary (usually basic) corrosion inhibitors, making them inefficient. A comprehensive solution to this problem would require another adhesion mechanism and/or another concept for chemical anticorrosion protection which would also work in an acid environment. There was no concept of a solution so far; therefore, the project provides for development of special adhesion promoters based on bio-materials: phytic acid and glycidyl methacrylate.
Total project budget: PLN 1,973,019.34 (including cofinancing: PLN 1,938,480.07)
Łukasiewicz – IMPiB cofinancing: PLN 933,383.67
The project is financed by the National Centre for Research and Development as a part of the Cornet Initiative.
Project title: Construction panels involving secondary raw materials
Akronym: REC-WIND
Financing source: Łukasiewicz Center
Consortium:
Leader: Łukasiewicz – IMPiB
Consortium members: Łukasiewicz – WIT
Łukasiewicz – ILOT
Łukasiewicz – ICSO
Total project budget : PLN 2 500 000
(including cofinancing: PLN 1 499 961,12 zł)
Łukasiewicz – IMPiB cofinancing: PLN 1 023 889,12
Implementation period: Februery 2023 – January 2025
Project description:
The objective of the project is to develop solutions in the form of a functional additive, composite materials and/or compound mixtures involving waste materials, to develop a production technology thereof, as well as to prepare demonstration items in the form of panels suitable for modular construction. Preliminary works will concern development of assumptions for a technology of recycling process of waste from wind farms (blades of a wind farm rotor working assembly), their acquisition, crushing, grinding and fractioning, as well as characterization of the reground materials. The product of this stage will be waste raw material to be used in the following tasks. The following works will be related to development of formulas for composites containing optimal amounts of the reground material, together with a technology for production thereof. The properties of the composites will be directed at making them into panels at the following stages which include development works in the area of production of panels from the developed composites using the method of pressing and extrusion, from the laboratory scale to the technical scale. The works will result in assumptions for a production technology of composite panels, which will be used in implementation thereof in a target company upon the conclusion of the project. The final stage of the works is mainly concerned with protection of the results of the obtained research, in the form of patent applications or know-how, as well as promotion thereof and search for customers other than the declared business partner.
Project name: High fire impedance board
Project acronym: MgO
Project/task co-financed from the state budget: Targeted grant from the President of the Łukasiewicz Center
Consortium:
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Warsaw Institute of Technology (Leader)
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Renewable Raw Materials Chemistry
(formerly: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Heavy Organic Synthesis “Blachownia”)
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Polymer Materials
(formerly: Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Engineering of Polymer Materials and Dyes)
Total project budget: PLN 7,595,085.66
including Ł-IMPIB budget: PLN 365,000.00
Value of funding: PLN 5,948,876.63
including Ł-IMPIB co-financing: PLN 292,000.00
Date of signing the co-financing agreement: 03/2023.
Implementation period of the entire project: 03/2023 – 06/2026
Project description:
The project is related to development of a technology for production and manufacturing of a product in the form of the first fire-resistant magnesium board based on raw materials available in the European Union. The designed solution responds to the strong demand for fire-resistant boards for reinforced-concrete structures, for which the European market amounts to 100 million m2 of boards (until 2030). The project will ensure the continuity and reliability of supply of fire-resistant boards through using exclusively raw materials from the territory of the European Union and through reducing the final product price by reducing the transport costs. W celu oferowania na rynku kompleksowego wyrobu (wyrób + sposób montażu) w trakcie projektu zostanie opracowany klej do aplikacji płyt magnezowych do zabezpieczeń konstrukcji żelbetonowych (Ł-IMPIB) niezbędnych do końcowego zastosowania. Dodatkowo, w trakcie realizacji projektu zostaną podjęte prace nad opracowaniem emulsji do otrzymywania płyt drewnopochodnych StopFire.
Project title: Colour tuning of topcoat paints – a pigment selection method and ensuring of colour stability (ColourTune)
Applicant: Polish Corrosion Society
Consortium:
Łukasiewicz – Institute of Polymer Materials and Dyes, Poland
Road and Bridge Research Institute (IBDiM), Poland
Implementation period:
01.06.2022–31.05.2024
Project description:
The objective of the project is to verify whether, as a result of weathering tests of coatings under cyclically varying conditions encompassing changes of temperature, humidity and UV radiation effect, it could be determined with a high degree of probability in what manner topcoats should be modified in order to improve their weather resistance, with particular emphasis on their optical properties (preservation of gloss or colour). Results of tests of colorimetry, structure and topography of coatings, as well as of generation of tensions therein under the impact of different variable exposures, may be used to determine how long weathering tests should last and what cycle they should follow to obtain a sufficiently broad diversity of results, and thus, to obtain information necessary to direct the optimization of formulas, and also to determine which factor (UV, water, or temperature and humidity fluctuations) have the greatest effect on the decorative properties of the coatings. Therefore, the results of the project will serve both verification of laboratory research methods simulating weather conditions and determination of possibilities for improvement of topcoat properties in order to obtain the best paint stability possible. The results achieved during the implementation of the project will enable efficient selection of pigments and optimization of topcoat paints used in coating systems for long-term protection of steel structures.
Total project budget: PLN 1 987 129,29
(including confinancing: PLN 1 956 980,48 )
Łukasiewicz – IMPiB confinancing: PLN 879 804,24
The project is financed by the National Centre for Research and Development as a part of the Cornet Initiative.
Project title: Bioproduct accelerating the decomposition of biodegradable polymer materials in compost
Akronym: POL-KOMP
Implementation period:
April 2022 – March 2025
Project description:
The objective of the project is to develop an innovative bioproduct accelerating the decomposition of biodegradable materials in compost intended for soil remediation or for gardening purposes, for cultivation of selected plant species (including ones used for production of biomass for energy purposes). The bioproduct is dedicated to waste-processing companies as well as to owners of backyard composters. The use of the product will enable consumers to deposit such waste as single-use vessels, flower pots, packages, gardening films made of selected polymer materials.
Total project budget: PLN 1 500 000 zł,
(including confinancing: PLN 1 500 000 )
Łukasiewicz – IMPiB confinancing: 1 500 000 zł
The project is financed by the National Centre for Research and Development as a part of the LIDER XII Program
Project title: Development of functional bioactive textile protections for medical support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland as a part of precautions against SARS-CoV-2 infections
Akronym: CoVTex
Leader:
Łukasiewicz – Łódzki Instytut Technologiczny
Consortium:
Łukasiewicz – Non-ferrous Metals Institute
Łukasiewicz – IMPIB
Silesian University of Technology
SondaSys sp z o.o.
ISKIERKA Sp. z o.o
Implementation period:
January 2022 – January 2025
Project description:
The objective of the project is to develop a customized bioactive face mask with a structure enabling quick and safe replacement of innovative functional fibrous filters, to develop single-use replaceable filters as well as reusable gloves and balaclavas, and also to assess the effect of COVID-19 on the operational readiness of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. The scope of the research works includes development of fabric structures and methods of bioactive functionalization thereof, development of bioactive polymers for 3D print, design of the face mask, gloves and balaclava, development of bioactive coatings of properties [unfinished sentence].
The project is financed by the National Centre for Research and Development as a part of the programme “Development of modern, groundbreaking technologies for the state security and defence” under the code name “SZAFIR”
Total project budget: PLN 10 324 260,
(including confinancing: PLN 10 324 260 )
Łukasiewicz – IMPiB confinancing: PLN 979 000
Project/task name: Intelligent varnish coatings with reduced tendency to heat up and for fire-retardant protection of structural elements for modular construction.
Acronym: ModuoTech
Financing source: Łukasiewicz Center
Leader:
Łukasiewicz – Institute of Polymer Materials and Dyes, Poland
Consortium:
Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology
Łukasiewicz – Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals
Total project budget: PLN 1,741,028.75
including co-financing: PLN 1,566,925.88
Financing Łukasiewicz – IMPiB: PLN 1,001,025.00
Implementation period: 06/2021 – 05/2024
Project description:
The aim of the project is to develop new topcoats – components of coating systems – characterized by an increased value of the total solar radiation coefficient and/or delaying the ignition of the materials covered with them by limiting the spread of the flame. The increased solar reflectivity of polymer paint coatings applied to the external surfaces of modular buildings increases the energy efficiency of the buildings. The ability to control the process of heat accumulation caused by solar radiation will increase the energy efficiency of buildings, reducing cooling costs and indirectly reducing energy losses resulting from overload of power grids.
Project/task name: Magneto-delectical properties of hybrid organic-inorganic layers with application potential in electromagnetic smog removal.
Acronym: EM_Innovation
Financing source: Łukasiewicz Center
Leader:
Łukasiewicz – Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals
Consortium:
Łukasiewicz – Institute of Polymer Materials and Dyes, Poland
Total project budget: PLN 1,570,550.00
including co-financing: PLN 1,099,385.00
Financing Łukasiewicz – IMPiB: PLN 254,835.00
Implementation period: 09/2021 – 09/2023
Project description:
The aim of the proposed project is to create hybrid organic-inorganic layers with high absorption of electromagnetic radiation in a wide frequency range. Due to the international interest in the topic, the project is expected to develop a technology for producing innovative multiferrite materials in the form of particles. Due to differences in the magnetic and electrical properties of individual ferrites, it is expected to obtain materials with unusual magneto-dielectric properties and a high ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation.
Project title: Novel antimicrobial protection in powder coating for composite materials (Acronym MicroSafeCoatings)
Contest: CORNET/34/5/2022
Polish side:
Applicant:
Polish Corrosion Association
Consortium:
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute for Engineering of Polymer Materials and Dyes (Łukasiewicz – IMPiB), Poland
Road and Bridge Research Institute (IBDIM), Warsaw
Rzeszów University of Technology I. Łukasiewicz , Rzeszów
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial Chemistry Institute, Poland
German side:
Applicant:
Forschungsgesellschaft für Pigmente und Lacke e.V. (FPL), Stuttgart
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), Stuttgart
Total project budget: PLN 1,720,399.92
including co-financing: PLN 1,688,290.27
Łukasiewicz – IMPiB confinancing : PLN 251 240,60
Implementation period: 01/09/2023–31/08/2025
Project description:
The objective of the project is to develop environmentally-friendly powder coatings with antimicrobial properties, intended for protection of polymer composites. Currently, such coatings usually contain silver, including in the form of nanoparticles. In spite of high antimicrobial activity, the use of silver in coating products is not an optimal solution, due to such factors as high costs of the precious metal and limited resources thereof, its immunotoxic potential and bioaccumulation. The powder coatings covered by the project will employ natural and synthetic substances with biocidal properties, including chitosan derivatives, amino acids and peptides which will additionally be immobilized on layered carriers, such as montmorillonite, hydrotalcite, and modified titanium compounds. The intercalation of the biocide will contribute to increasing its antimicrobial activity and improvement of its thermal stability, and will also facilitate dispersion of the biocidal agent in a powder coating. Controlled release of the biocide from the carrier will prolong the duration of the antimicrobial effect.
The powder coating formulas will include polyester-acrylic and polyester resins cross-linking at a temperature lower than used for conventional powder coatings, in order not to damage the structure of the composite during the curing of the coating. The capacity of such resins for polymerization according to a radical mechanism (initiated using special initiators, such as dilauroyl peroxide), will enable reduction of the cross-linking temperature down to 120–150°C in comparison with classic systems which cross-link at 170–200°C as a result of reactions of functional groups (-OH, -COOH, -NCO, epoxy). In order to improve the adhesion of the powder coating to a composite, special conductive primers will be applied to the composite surface.
The developed coatings will be assessed for biocidal activity, structure, biocidal agent dispersion degree, mechanical and resistance properties, including resistance to UV radiation and water absorption.
The obtained results will enable selection of a promising concept for production of powder coatings cured at temperatures lower than conventional, characterized by good biocidal and protective properties, which might serve as an ecological alternative to solvent-based antimicrobial paints containing silver.