Polymer group

Polymer group carries out research activities in the field of macromolecular sciences. Its research deals with the synthesis and formulation of polymeric materials with different structures and properties, their characterization as well as with the recovery and recycling of polymeric materials with a view to the circular economy and the valorisation of polymeric and composite materials at the end of their life through pyrolysis and pyrogasification processes. Beside basic research activities, the group is actively cooperating with national and international companies addressing industrial research.

Synthesis of monomers and polymeric materials by several polymerization techniques and their functionalization. The obtained polymers are characterized by spectroscopic, thermal, mechanical and morphological techniques, with particular attention to the structure-properties correlations

Preparation of new polymers at high electron delocalization which are soluble in non-toxic solvents, for the building-up of green photovoltaic solar cells on a large scale. 

Study of biocompatible conducting polymers for the assembly of implantable electrodes, membranes and artificial nerves.

Production of nanofibrous membranes by electrospinning for applications in composite laminates with structural (hindering delamination and increasing damping) and functional (flame retardancy, self-sensing, acoustic barrier) purposes.

Characterization of polymeric materials and their compounds.

Production and characterization of functional polymeric compounds by extrusion, injection and thermforming technologies.

Recycling and recovery of polymeric and composite materials through pyrolysis and pyrogasification processes with the aim to add value to their end-of-life (Circular Economy).

Development of new additives and polymeric materials from renewable resources.

Development of new materials for light-weighting and energetic transition.

Upcycling of secondary raw materials for the production of sustainable items.

Additive Manufacturing (3D-Printing) for the development of thermoplastic matrix composite materials reinforced with sustainable fillers (recycled materials, production scraps or bio-fillers).

Production of polymeric materials with NLO properties.

Stabilization of metallic particles  and their use as catalysts.

Study of new packaging materials in the frame of Circular Economy.

Production of materials with controlled structure for the removal of water pollutant.

Determination of volatile and semi-volatile compound in polymeric matrices.

ERC sectors

PE4_17 Characterization methods of materials

PE5_1 Structural properties of materials

PE5_14 Macromolecular chemistry

PE5_15 Polymer chemistry

PE7_5 Micro- and nanoelectronics, optoelectronics

PE8_9 Materials engineering (biomaterials, metals, ceramics, polymers, composites…

PE8_12 Sustainable design (for recycling, for environment, eco-design)

PE8_13 Lightweight construction, textile technology

Scientific Coordinator

Prof. Loris Giorgini


Group members

Prof. Daniele Caretti , Prof. Elisabetta Salatelli , Prof. Maurizio Toselli, Prof. Tiziana Benelli, Prof. Laura Mazzocchetti , Prof. Massimiliano Lanzi; Dr. Emanuele Maccaferri


Other members

Dr. Martina Marinelli (Post-Doc), Dr.  Jacopo Ortolani (PhD), Dr. Stefano Scurti (PhD), Dr. Francesco Prandi (PhD),  Dr. Vittoria Bottau (PhD), Dr. Francesco Scorcioni (PhD), Dr.ssa Paola Natali (PhD), Dr.ssa Giulia Lucarini (PhD); Dr. Gianluca Gatti (PhD), Dr. Tommaso Amadori (PhD),  Eleonora Previati (PhD), Matteo dalle Donne (PhD), Dr. Daniele Natali (PhD), Jessica Castellucci (Post Grad).


National collaborations

University of Calabria; University of Milan, University of Trento; University of Rome La Sapienza, Politecnico di Torino, CNR, INRIM, Consorzio INSTM, University Roma 3, Politecnico di Milano, University of Genova, University of Piemonte Orientale, ICB-CNR Catania, ISOF-CNR of Bologna

International collaborations

Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ (USA); Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials (Groeningen, The Netherlands); Univeridad National del Litoral (Santa Fe, Argentina); Polymat, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian (Spain); Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (Portugal); Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires, Universitè de Strasbourg (France).

Scientific production

For the main scientific publications, please refer to the sites of the members of the research group.

Prof. Loris Giorgini

Prof. Daniele Caretti

Prof. Elisabetta Salatelli

Prof. Maurizio Toselli

Prof. Massimiliano Lanzi

Prof. Tiziana Benelli

Prof. Laura Mazzocchetti

Dr. Emanuele Maccaferri