Laboratory of radiochemistry and polymeric materials
General directions of research, development and innovation:
- Methods for obtaining and modifying of some polymeric materials in order to improve their properties: compatibilization of polymer mixtures by radio-induced interreticulation; radiochemical crosslinking of polymeric materials for the production of shape memory and high dimensional stability materials; obtaining of biodegradable polymeric composites;
- Radiation assisted synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (Ag, Cu, Au, Fe3O4, ZnO, s.a.), bimetallic alloys, core-shell structures;
- Diagnosis of polymer degradation and lifetime assessment under thermal, photo and radio-oxidative stress, natural weathering;
- Methods for recycling and recovery of polymer wastes;
- Radioprotection and dosimetry of ionizing radiation;
- Obtaining and characterization of stabilizers for polymeric materials;
- Qualifying of some materials for operation under nuclear conditions (NPP, CERN).
Materials and products:
- High performance PA/EPDM blends processed by γ irradiation (LV and MV cable insulators, consumer goods);
- Highly stabilized polymeric materials processed by g-rays used as sealing gaskets in hydraulic systems in NPP;
- Silver nanoparticles obtained by radiochemical synthesis (optoelectronics, medical devices, biosensors, antimicrobial agents, etc.);
- Natural antioxidants (polymeric materials stabilization, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals).
Services:
- Processing of polymeric materials;
- Characterization of polymeric materials and composites by various analytical methods: spectroscopy, thermal analysis;
- Testing of materials under accelerated aging: exposure to UV and climatic factors, exposure to γ-rays;
- Qualifying of some materials for operation in special environments;
- Consulting services
Product and services catalogue
Research Infrastructure
Processing of polymeric materials/testing under accelerated aging
- Laboratory extruder
- Injection molding machine
- γ irradiators (Co-60 and Cs-137)
- UV exposure and climatic factors – Xenotest
Physico-chemical characterization/methods of analysis
Spectroscopy
- Dispersive Raman
- Infrared (FTIR)
- UV-Vis
- Fluorescence
- Dielectric spectroscopy
Thermal analysis
- Differential scanning calorimetry – DSC
- Chemiluminescence – CL
- Radiothermoluminiscence – RTL
