RESEARCH PROJECTS

CURRENT PROJECTS

CONTRACTS WITH COMPANIES

CURRENT PROJECTS.

SYNTHESIS,STUDY AND APPLICATION OF NEW POLYMER MATERIALS WITH CONTOLLED STRUCTURE AND FLUORESCENT SENSORS. STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION.

In this research project three lines of investigation are proposed: (i) preparation, study and application of new polymeric materials with controlled structure; (ii) fluorescent sensors and (iii) environmental degradation.

Our proposal in the first research line is to develop and carry out research into new polymeric materials which deals with the relationship between structure-properties-application, focusing on materials with controlled structure. Therefore, we aim to study new block copolymers, obtained by ATRP, and polymeric nanocomposites prepared by photopolymerization. UV-Vis curing will also be employed to prepare new crosslinked polymeric materials using hyperbranched functionalized polymers as crosslinking agents.

Regarding to Fluorescent Sensors, the objectives to be achieved are: (a) synthesis of a family of fluorescent molecules that, when incorporated in a polymeric formulation, allow the detection of dynamic processes, and (b) to obtain polymeric film based sensors, transparent at the analysis wavelength and easy to process.

Environmental degradation of polymeric materials refers to the physical and chemical modifications due to the combined action of light, heat, oxygen and microorganisms, and their stability during different applications. In order to approach this work, it is intended that as well as the general methodology, accelerated photochemical and thermal ageing, the study of the aerobic biodegradation of materials by bacteria and fungi will be undertaken. The assessment of the biodegradation of specific formulations and highly photo-degraded polymeric fragments will be carried out using biometric methods (determination of carbon dioxide by indirect impedance measurements) and biomass production (by direct impedance determination in solution) or by the change in the properties of the polymer. Degradation or stabilisation of the materials will be correlated by the corresponding study of their chemiluminescence emission.

NANOSTRUCTURED POLYMER-COMPOSITE MATERIALS: INTERFACE PHENOMENA IN RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS PROPERTIES AND ADVANCED APPLICATIONS.

This research Project is carried out by a consortium, named INTERPHASES, formed by a 38 scientific researchers of 5 Universities and two Institutes of Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. This consortium has been constituted within the Activities Plan of R+D of the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid. Seven research groups and three companies are associated in the consortium devoted to generate scientific knowledge, both basic and applied, of nanostructured materials based on polymers. It is pointed out that interphase plays a crucial role in the development of this kind of materials and in the understanding of their properties. Moreover, the development of methods to control the properties may have a great impact in a variety of applications such as membranes for ultrafiltration or combustible cells or nanocomposites for Aeronautics or dentals, including the development of self-assembling systems of immediate application in Cosmetics. An intensive research plan is proposed to take profit of the experience of each group. Dissemination policy and perspectives of exploitation of results, together with an extensive plan of formation have been included through the participation in several doctoral programmes, the diffusion of the technological approaches from the Comunidad de Madrid and the collaboration with Institutions of excellence due to their traditional formative offer.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW METODOLOGY BASED ON CHEMILUMINISCENCE FOR CONTROLLING THE PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING THERMOPLASTICS ELASTOMERS SEBS.

The goal of the project is the development of a novel methodology based on chemiluminiscence technique for controlling the production and processing of thermoplastic elastomers SEBS. For this, the relationship between  morphology-processing-properties of materials based on hydrogenated block copolymers SEBS will be investigated. Those thermoplastic elastomers are formed by polystyrene blocks as end-chain and elastomeric segment is the mid-block. Two factors are involved in their particular morphology: incompatibility between blocks together with connectivity, giving rise to the formation of polystyrene microdomains into a elastomeric phase (as far as the composition corresponds to this block as majority component). The microphase disolution or order-disorder transition is a first order phase transition usually weak, induced by thermal fluctuations. The temperature at which the transition takes place depends on factors related to polymeric structure, together with its thermal history and processing. The kinetic study of the ordering process in these materials is of relevant technological interest; because of a partial order in the material may cause physical ageing and anomalous response against stress.

The thermal stability of these materials, together with composites based on SEBS is of enormous practical interest; mainly to predict the useful life. Therefore, the aim of the Project is to implement the processing conditions in order to optimize the quality of the final products, their thermo-mechanical properties and stability. This feature will improve competitively national products against others. The final product for Repsol will be the development of a method for determining order-disorder transition temperature of block copolymers SEBS, based on chemiluminiscence technique. Slight variations in composition or molecular weight distribution, for example, will be detected by this novel method, different from conventional ones (SEC; NMR, etc). Therefore, it will be possible to correlate conditions of production with the final properties of the materials or modify the processing conditions to avoid physical ageing or anomalous behaviour against mechanical stresses.The last aim is to contribute to the enhance of the technological level in the production of thermoplastic elastomers SEBS, through the transfer of knowledge and development of a novel method based on chemiluminiscence for determining ODT, from ICTP to Repsol-YPF. Nowadays, the control methods are based, mostly, on the determination of resistance loss and/or mechanical properties.

NOVEL FLUORESCENT SENSORS MATERIALS FOR DETECTING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION.

Environmental pollution has been a major concern of the present industrial societies. The protection from pollution, specially from chemical industries, has put the challenge to chemists and photophysicists in many countries.      
Therefore comes the growing interest in the design and development of molecular systems capable of performing such functions. A molecular device is essentially an assembly of suitably organized molecular components capable of performing some logic function characteristic of the assembly. Particular attention are gaining the fluorosensors, which are molecular devices powered by light whose response is based on changes in the fluorescence. Fluorescensors are generally multi-component systems comprising a signaling moiety (fluorophore), a guest binding site (usually termed as receptor) and a spacer group. In presence of a guest, which interacts with electron pair of the receptor, PET between the receptor and fluorophore is hampered. This “switches on” the fluorescence of the system. Thus, the presence of a guest is signaled by an enhancement in the fluorescence of the system.
The studies foreseen in this project deal with the design, synthesis and characterization of novel fluorescent sensors based on poly(propilene amine) dendrimers from different generation having derivatives of 1,8-naphthalimide functional group in the dendrimer periphery. The functional properties of the fluorophores prepared in Bulgaria will be investigated by the Spanish team. The team possesses the appropriate equipment and experience in studying the photophysical and photochemical characteristics of organic compounds. The aim of the studies planned to be performed in Spain will be the determination of  the photophysical and photochemical characteristics of the compounds prepared in Sofia, such as: 1) absorption and emission parameters in solution, and their dependence towards solvent polarity; 2) sensitivity towards heavy metals, transition cations and acids in solution, and its dependence towards solvent characteristics; 3) sensitivity towards heavy metals, transition cations and acids in polymer fims doped with the fluorescent dendrimers.

MACROPOROUS STRUCTURES BASED ON SELF-ASSEMBLED CARBON NANOTUBES FOR APPLICATION AS ELECTRODES IN MICROCBIAL BATTERIES (ISISA).

Subproject ICTP: WATER SOLUBLE POLYMER SYSTEM AS STABILIZERS OF CARBON NANOTUBES AND STUDY OF CELL GROWTH USING INDIRECT IMPEDANCE TECHNIQUE.

In this multidisciplinary Project, a microbiological battery will be constructed by the use of microorganisms having a metabolic activity that generate hydrogen and electrons.  It will be necessary to design a porous and biocompatible structured material, which can be colonized by bacteria (scaffold type) and acts as electrode. The auto-assemblage of oriented nanotubes (nano-wires) will be assessed by a cryogenic process, (ISISA, ice segregation induced self-assembly). In our Institute of Science and Technology of Polymers, some amphiphilic block copolymers will be prepared to stabilize the nanotubes in the structured matrix. Also, the evolution of the microbial growth inside the scaffold type electrodes will be studied by impedance technique.  Using the indirect impedance method, the production of carbon dioxide generated by microorganisms immobilized inside the electrode, will be evaluated.

CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF ETHYLENE-BUTYLACRYLATE COPOLYMER BASED MATERIALS (EBA). STUDY OF NEW PROPERTIES.

La modificación química de polímeros comerciales en estado fundido tiene un gran interés por las posibilidades de funcionalización o mejora de propiedades que pueden conseguirse. En el presente Contrato, se aborda la modificación en fundido y en disolución de copolímeros de etileno-acrilato de butilo suministrados por la empresa Repsol-YPF. Se pretende la funcionalización en fundido a través de reacciones de transesterificación o hidrólisis para obtener productos con propiedades mejoradas en la aplicación agrícola.

Chemical modification of commercial polymers in the melt state is an interesting field of research and development due to the possibilities of functionalization of industrial materials. In this project, the modification of ethylene- butylacrylate copolymers by transesterification or alcoholysis will be carried out in the melt and in solution. By the proposed chemical functionalizations new materials with improved properties will be obtained for the agricultural application.

STUDY OF STABILIZATION AND DEGRADATION OF AGRICULTURAL FILMS.

En el presente Proyecto se van a realizar diferentes trabajos de investigación como son, la funcionalización de copolímeros EBA con grupos fotoestabilizantes y el estudio de nuevos fotoestabilizantes. También se pretende abordar un estudio de degradación medioambiental (térmica, fotoquímica y biológica) de los nuevos materiales por técnicas novedosas como la quimioluminiscencia o la respiración microbiana.
El estudio del efecto de la degradación medioambiental sobre las propiedades superficiales de los filmes agrícolas se llevará a cabo por medio de ensayos de envejecimiento en condiciones controladas, artificiales o naturales.

The present Project is focussed on the functionalization of EBA materials by photostabilization structures and the study of the new photostabilizers. Also, the environmental biodegradation (thermal, photochemical and biological biodegradations) of the new material will be study using novel techniques, such us, chemiluminescence and microbiological biometric methods. The effects of the environmental degradation on the surface properties of agricultural films will be studied under aging controlled condition, natural and artificial weathering.  

DEVELOPMENT OF NANOCOMPOSITES WITH ADVANCED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES.

The objectives are: (i) development of nanocomposites from composites materials of thermostable matrix and carbon fiber, used by Airbus España; (ii) development  of the manufacture process of these novel nanocomposites for their future industrial application and (iii) enhancement of mechanical properties of composites materials of thermostable matrix, used Airbus España, with a possible reduction of the weight of the aeronautic components. It is also considered the enhancement of the electrical properties and fire resistence ( FST, smoke and toxicity).

Photocuring of phenolic resins coating for building materials applications

Slate tiles are often used for interior and exterior flooring, roofs or wall cladding. Tiles are installed and set on mortar and grouted along the edges. Chemical sealants are often used on tiles to improve durability and appearance, increase stain resistance, reduce efflorescence and increase or reduce surface smoothness. The aim of this Project is to study the preservation of slates against environmental agents. For this purpose we will employ photocurable coatings based on phenolic or acrylic resins. The most appropriate photoinitiator for UV-curing of the resins in the presence of a matting agent will be selected and photocuring conditions will be optimized.

 

NOVEL PHOTOSENSITIVE POLYMER MATERIALS: COMPLEX SYSTEMS AND FLUORESCENT PROBES. STABILITY STUDIES.

This Project belongs to the field of Science and Technology of Polymeric Materials and acts as background to photosensitive polymer field. The proposed work includes three lines of research: 1) Polymers with new molecular architecture and complex systems, related to the synthesis and development of new materials from photosensitive formulations such us nanocomposites and microemulsion. Also, the synthesis of new special polymer structures, amphiphilic block copolymers and luminescent dendrimers will be carried out. 2) Fluorescent Probe. This contribution will be focused to the development of new fluorescent products of low molecular weight and polymers, and to establish the correlation structure-fluorescence-properties. This research will have application in the monitoring of different industrial processes such us photopolymerisation, morphological studies and photoprocesses in films. 3) Photodegradation and stabilisation of new materials employing Chemiluminescence as a new technique added to the general methodology. The studies will be focussed on commodity polymers (polyolefins and styrene resins) and also to the new polymeric materials prepared on this Project. This study will contribute to improve their long-term applications under the environmental conditions.

NOVEL FLUORESCENT PROBES DEVELOPMENT FOR DYNAMIC PROCESSES PURSUIT: APPLICATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBES POLYMER FILMS.

This Project is directed towards the synthesis, study and insertion of new fluorescent molecules in polymeric films, to be employed as sensors of: (a) process of interest in the bulk of the polymer, and (b) the presence of analytes in their microenvironment, contaminants or hazardous chemicals. Permeation of the analytes into the film will allow their detection by the probes.
Continuing the work done by the group during the last years several aminoaromatic structures will be considered, within the fluorophores which have been previously shown to be sensitive to changes in pH, viscosity and polarity, as well as to the presence of different analytes. The selection of the chromophores has been done within the families which show an increase in their fluorescence emission and/or modification of the position of the emission band, in the presence of the target molecule or process.
In addition to the parent chromophores, several fluorescently functionalized monomers, linear and crosslinked polymers and dendrimers will be synthesized. In this way, the compatibility of the chromophores with the polymeric medium, and then concentration of the probes, will be enhanced. Undesirable processes such as migration and exudation of the probes will be then minimized.
As final objective of the work, it is aimed: (a) the obtention of a family of fluorescent molecules which, inserted into a polymeric formulation, allow the detection of different processes in the bulk, and (b) the obtention of polymeric sensor films transparent at the analysis wavelengths and of easy processing. The thickness will be varied from sheets to thin films, studying the effect of such thickness in the sensing features of the specimens.

FLUORESCENCE, FLUORESCENT PROBES AND CHEMILUMINISCENCE MONITORING OF CROSS-LINKING AND DECROSS-LINKING OF POLYMERS.
CSIC- Slovac Academy of Sciences

The aim of the collaboration Project is to develop new photodegradable materials. The polymer contains covalently attached benzil groups, which can be converted almost quantitatively by irradiation to benzoyl peroxide. An the thermal decomposition of covalently attached peroxide groups lead to crosslinking of the polymer. In this way, it is possible to crosslink polymer, which undergo main chain scissions under irradiation. These processes improve the polymer solubility of irradiated areas giving rise to materials with potential applications as negative photoresist.
The crosslinking processes and chain scissions are studied by means of fluorescent sensors included in the polymer matrix, which are sensitive to changes on microviscosity and polarity of their microenvironment. Also processes are monitored by means of chemiluminescence emission, since emission intensity is related to peroxide group concentration generated in polymer.

NANOSTRUCTURED POLYMER-COMPOSITE MATERIALS: INTERFACE PHENOMENA IN RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS PROPERTIES AND ADVANCED APPLICATIONS.
CSIC- Slovac Academy of Sciences.

This research Project is carried out by a consortium, named INTERPHASES, formed by a 38 scientific researchers of 5 Universities and two Institutes of Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. This consortium has been constituted within the Activities Plan of R+D of the Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid. Seven research groups and three companies are associated in the consortium devoted to generate scientific knowledge, both basic and applied, of nanostructured materials based on polymers. It is pointed out that interphase plays a crucial role in the development of this kind of materials and in the understanding of their properties. Moreover, the development of methods to control the properties may have a great impact in a variety of applications such as membranes for ultrafiltration or combustible cells or nanocomposites for Aeronautics or dentals, including the development of self-assembling systems of immediate application in Cosmetics. An intensive research plan is proposed to take profit of the experience of each group. Dissemination policy and perspectives of exploitation of results, together with an extensive plan of formation have been included through the participation in several doctoral programmes, the diffusion of the technological approaches from the Comunidad de Madrid and the collaboration with Institutions of excellence due to their traditional formative offer.

Keywords: Polymers, interphases, nanomaterials, surface engineering, membranes, nanocomposites, adhesives.

RESEARCH GROUP DEDICATED TO DEGRADATION AND DETERIORATION OF POLYMERS RELATED TO THE CULTURAL HERITAGE.

Inside the Thematic Network on Cultural Heritage of the CSIC (TNCH-CSIC), it has been created the research group dedicated to the Degradation and Deterioration of Polymers related to the Cultural Heritage. In this area, the purpose of the research is to contribute to the use of polymer materials in conservation of Cultural and Historic Heritage. The undertaken research lines are: 1) Degradation and deterioration of cinematographic films, 2) Environmental degradation of polymers, 3) Protective polymeric coatings and, 4) Fluorescence environmental sensors.

More Info: CSIC. Red Temática de Patrimonio Histórico y Cultural

CONTRATOS CON EMPRESAS

ESTUDIO DE LA ESTABILIDAD DE COP OLÍMEROS HIDROGENADOS SEBS MEDIANTE QUIMIOLUMINISCENCIA, DSC Y FOSFORESCENCIA, REPSOL-YPF, S.A.

Degradation processes in styrene-block copolymers (SBCs) are known to occur in both the polystyrene and elastomer phases. However, the elastomer phase is more liable to degradation because its low Tg promotes permeability toward oxygen diffusion. Hydrogenation of double bonds of rubber has improved the degradation resistance. For this reasons, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers (SEBS) have been developed by Repsol, up to now the behaviour against degradation of this copolymers has not been studied in depth. The main aim of this project is to study the degradation process in these saturated styrene block copolymers, in particular, their resistance against ozone attack.
Prediction of useful life of the materials is a major challenge for polymer industry. In this research, chemiluminiscence analysis is employed to follow the degradation processes.
It is well-know that the degradation of polymer materials produces hydroperoxide radicals which decompose into alkoxyl and hydroxyl radicals accompanied by a weak emission of chemiluminescence (CL). Several authors have found a correlation between CL signals from polymers and the kinetics of their oxidation. Although CL emission has spread out mainly for studying thermo-oxidation this technique has also been useful to reflect the extent of photo-oxidation in different applications such as automotive coatings. The high sensitivity of CL has been capitalised to evaluate polymer stability to heat, UV-light, electron beam and g-irradiation.
Moreover, this technique offers the advantage of its high sensitivity that allows to monitor degradation from the earlier stages of the process. Compared to other methods to detect free radicals such as ESR, chemiluminescence is more sensitive by at least two orders of concentration of free radicals. There are other techniques for evaluating polymer degradation from an analytical point of view, such as FTIR, iodometric titrations to determine hydroperoxide concentration, thermal analysis (TG, DSC,...) but often their lack of sensitivity is a major drawback to detect earlier degradation.

ESTUDIOS DE NUEVOS FOTOESTABILIZANTES Y SUS APLICACIONES GENERALES EN POLIMEROS. Empresa ISDIN S.A.

The protection against solar radiation is a growing motive of concern in the human community; due to both the impact in health and the deterioration of the materials that allow the technological development of the society. For these reasons, UV-absorbers have been used in several sectors to protect materials against detrimental effects of UV-radiation. This project is an approach to reach a whole solution to protect against UV-light a variety of materials with different nature such as polymeric materials and our skins (also with a different behaviour against photodegradation depending on its characteristics).

Keywords: polymer, photostabilizers, UV-radiation, photodegradation.

MODIFICACIÓN QUÍMICA DE MATERIALES BASADOS EN EL COPOLÍMERO ETILENO-ACRILATO DE BUTILO (EBA). ESTUDIO DE NUEVAS PROPIEDADES. Empresa REPSOL-YPF

Trabajos de investigación dirigidos a la modificación del copolímero de etileno – acrilato de butilo (EBA) para obtener nuevos productos con propiedades específicas.