Research lines
The main purpose of our research group is the design and development of new elastomeric materials for advanced applications.
Precisely, the central research areas that we are working on are:
Basic study of cross-linking reaction, the network formation, the effect of different vulcanizing systems to the network structure and polymer dynamics and their relationship with the physical properties of these elastomeric materials.
In this working area, elastomeric compounds and nano-composites with advanced properties are developed by i) addition of reinforcing fillers and nano-fillers to rubber matrices, ii) their surface modification and iii) the advanced characterization of (nano)filler/elastomer interface. Application of basic science to the development of tire tread compounds with enhanced properties (in rolling resistance, wet grip and wear resistance) for a greener and energetically more efficient road transport.
Synthesis and characterization of new polyurethanes with advanced applications: synthesis of biodegradable and non-toxic elastomeric polymers with tailor-made functional structure for advanced bio-medical applications, preparation of solid adhesives (solvent-free) based on polyurethane or projectable polyurethanes applied to the construction field.
Development of dynamic networks with shelf-healing, re-processing and recycling properties as a more sustainable alternative to conventional rubber for the impulse of a circular economy in this field. Development of novel smart elastomeric materials with shape-memory and temperature-memory properties. Development of novel recycling methodologies for obtaining high-quality secondary raw-materials to be applied in polymeric materials with high added value.
International reference group in the application of advanced NMR experiments in low-field NMR spectrometers to the study at molecular level of fundamental concepts in rubber science and technology: study of the network structure, phase separation, (nano)filler-rubber interface and segmental dynamics in elastomeric (nano)composites.
Active R+D projects
| Enhancing circularity by using renewable monomers and sustainable chemical strategies of polymer upcycling The next grand challenge for polymer chemistry is to develop materials and processes that can be efficiently recycled directly into their own starting materials, i.e. chemical recycling to monomers (CRM) or to products like crude oil fractions. Polymers produced from recovered monomer feedstocks have no loss of properties; moreover, the process recovers embedded value and mitigates environmental effects. Yet, CRM capability is not sufficient to establish an ideal polymer economy — polymer performance must meet the demands of diverse applications. Reference: PLEC2021-007793 PI: Juan López Valentín Link |
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| Reutilización sostenible del caucho de NFVU para la fabricación de neumáticos macizos The main objective of this business research project is to increase sustainability in the management of end-of-life tires NFVU through the incorporation of high fractions of rubber powder from these wastes both in rubber compounds and polyurethane compounds for the manufacture of a high performance and high added value product such as solid tires. Reference EC-22-2021 PI: Juan López Valentín Link |
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| Nuevas metodologías para el reciclado de plásticos y caucho para aplicaciones de alto valor añadido The main objective of this project is to increase the sustainability of polymeric materials through new methodologies for the chemical recycling of plastic materials and the devulcanization of elastomeric compounds to be incorporated as quality secondary raw materials in different high performance and high added value applications. Reference PID2020-119047RB-I00 PIs: Juan López Valentín y Ángel Marcos Fernández Link |
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| Bandas transportadoras Ignífugas, Antiestáticas, Resistentes a los aCeites y compatibles con la normativa Alimentaria (BIARCA) The main objective of the BIARCA project is the development of a new conveyor belt for food contact, based on white rubber, that can work in environments with explosive atmospheres and that shows resistance to oils. A fundamental part of the work to be carried out in this project is the research and development of a new rubber formulation that meets these specifications. Currently, there is no conveyor belt in the industry that can certify simultaneous compliance with all these properties. Reference RTC2019-007287-2 PI: Juan López Valentín Link |
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