About us
The Polymer Reaction Engineering (PolymeReEng) Group led by Professor Stamatina Vouyiouka is part of the School of Chemical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece. The group operates within the Laboratory of Polymer Technology (LPT), the first polymer laboratory established in Greece, which still maintains a leading role in Polymer Science and Technology at NTUA.
PolymeReEng is dedicated to advancing polymer engineering through the development of sustainable processes for polymerization, polymer modification, and high-quality plastics recycling. Our interdisciplinary research addresses emerging challenges in applied polymer technology, combining fundamental scientific understanding with innovative engineering solutions to support a more sustainable and circular plastics economy.
We investigate environmentally friendly polymerization routes, including enzymatic polymerization and solid state polymerization (SSP), for the synthesis and modification of polyamides and polyesters, with particular emphasis on bio-based and biodegradable polymers. Our research also encompasses encapsulation technologies based on in situ polymerization, as well as the design of polymeric micro- and nanoparticles with tailored properties for advanced applications such as controlled release systems and self-healing materials.
A major research pillar of the group is the sustainable design of polymeric materials. We explore structure–property relations and durability aspects of bio-based polymers while developing materials with enhanced recyclability, functionality, and performance. Our activities include the design of dynamic covalent polymer networks (vitrimers), the development of green additives, halogen-free flame retardants, and natural antioxidants derived from agro-food waste, contributing to safer, more sustainable, and circular polymer systems.
The group develops innovative recycling and reprocessing strategies aimed at extending material lifetime and promoting the circular use of plastics. Our work focuses on remelting–restabilization, chain extension, solid state polymerization (SSP), and chemolysis-based recycling as effective routes to prevent further degradation, restore performance, recover material value, and enable the production of high-quality recycled products.
These concepts are translated into practical solutions for a wide range of sectors, including packaging, construction, electrical and electronic applications, advanced coatings, and next-generation composite materials.
