FOCUS AREA

SUSTAINABLE FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS

The goal of the Sustainable functional materials focus area is to develop the next generation of advanced composites and functional systems that will incorporate the building blocks of biomass waste or other waste, as well as nanoparticles (e.g. nanocellulose, inorganic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, etc.) and will enable the production of new high-performance construction and special products that are environmentally-sustainable and at the same time provide improved characteristics, long-term efficiency and better durability and value. Two focus sets have been identified in the following areas of technology: sustainable composites and advanced packaging/materials. The result will be new export-competitive products on the traditional markets of the paper and paper processing industry, textile industry, medicine, construction industry, automotive industry and the polymers, adhesives and coatings industry.

Keywords: sustainable composites, advanced packaging, biocomposites, bionanocomposites, advanced materials, bio-based polymers, functional textiles, paper, coatings.

Goals and performance indicators of the Sustainable functional materials focus area:

Goal 1: Development of export-oriented high-tech products.

Goal 2: Development of export services based on new business models.

Goal 3: Increase the number of companies involved according to the SRIP openness principle.

Goal 4: Development of common R&D projects.

Goal 5: Inclusion in international value chains.

Goal 6: Inclusion in international partnerships, projects and networks.

Goal 7: Reducing the consumption of input resources per unit of product.

Goal 8: Reducing footprints (greenhouse, water).

Goal 9: Transfer of innovation into the economy.

HEAD OF FOCUS AREA

  • dr. Mojca Škerget
  • Institution: University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
  • Contact: mojca.skerget@um.si