National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry

ICECHIM

G12: Polymeric composites and nanocomposites

About us

The Research Activity of Team 12 – Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites is focused on the development of multifunctional polymer composites and nanocomposites based on synthetic and/or natural polymers and various synthetic and/or natural micro/nano fillers, with low impact on the environment or biodegradable and with improved specific properties, imposed by different applications in industry (automotive and packaging), construction, agriculture and biomedicine. Consequently, the research directions considered are focused, on the one hand, on the characterization, physical or chemical modification and processing of both the components and the resulting (nano)composites, and on the other hand, on the processes for obtaining and interaction mechanisms. The main objectives of Team 12’s research are to improve processability and replace, as far as possible, toxic additives and synthetic polymers with materials isolated from natural and renewable resources. In the last 10 years, within national and European projects (FP6, FP7 and Horizon 2020), Team 12 has gained knowledge and experience in developing technologies for obtaining (nano)composites, both based on synthetic polymers (PP, PMMA, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone rubber) with different (nano)fillers (natural nanosilicates, with lamellar or tubular morphology, silica nanowires, natural fibres, nanosilica, calcium metasilicate) as well as based on biopolymers (bio-polyamide, aliphatic polyesters, collagen and cellulose) with different reinforcing agents (graphene and non-graphene 2D structures, cellulose nanofibers), implemented and validated to TRL 5-TRL 9, for the manufacture of: • High quality automotive components (bumper, spare wheel well, B-pillar) • Food packaging • Biomedical products • Protective coatings

Team

Team leader, Senior Researcher Ist degree

Dr. eng.

Extension: 123

Vice Team Leader, Senior Researcher Ist degree

Dr. eng.

Extension: 123

Senior Researcher Ist degree

Dr. eng.

Extension: 123

Senior Researcher Ist degree

Eng.

Extension: 126

Senior Researcher IIIrd degree

Eng.

Extension: 126

Scientific Researcher

Eng.

Extension: 123

Research Assistant

Eng.

Extension: 123

Technician

Techn.

Extension: 126

Research Assistant

Eng.

Extension: 123

Research Assistant

Eng.

Extension: 123

Research Assistant

Eng.

Extension: 123

Research equipment
International projects
National projects

Nanocellulose based biocomposites with integrated antibacterial activity by submerged liquid plasma (CELLAB-SLP)

The objective of the project is to develop a new biomaterial with integrated antibacterial activity and a technology to obtain this biomaterial.

Nanocellulose 3-D structures for regenerative medicine (CELL-3D)

CELL-3D has as main objective to design new 3D nanocellulose structures for tissue engineering with chemical, mechanical and structural properties needed in regenerative medicine.

Biopolymer structures obtained by plasma treatment for wounds healing – BIOPLASM

The scope of the project is to obtain effective dressings for the treatment of infected wounds by developing antibacterial nanocellulose nanocarriers deposited on an aliphatic polyester substrate.

Design of new nanocellulose-based gas-carrier systems

The scope of the CELGAS project is to develop innovative oxygen-carrying systems capable of supplying oxygen in a controlled manner to injured tissue/implants or intravenously.

Bio-based nanocomposites from epoxy-celullose with balanced thermo-mechanical properties – EPOCEL

The proposed project aims to develop new nanocomposites, based on renewable and inexpensive biological sources, with thermo-mechanical balanced properties for applications in electronics.

New materials based on polylactic acid with controlled flexibility – FLEX4PLA

FLEX4PLA project aims the research and design of new biomaterials in which both polymers and additives are being derived from renewable resources.

Results
  • Publications
  • Books
  • Conferences
  • Patents
  • Other
Publications

Adriana N. Frone, Catalina D. Usurelu, Gabriela M. Oprica, Denis M. Panaitescu, Augusta R. Gabor, Cristian A. Nicolae, Florin Ciuprina, Celina M. Damian

Contribution of the Surface Treatment of Nanofibrillated Cellulose on the Properties of Bio-Based Epoxy Nanocomposites Intended for Flexible Electronics

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24076544

Denis M. Panaitescu, Adriana N. Frone, Cristian A. Nicolae, Augusta R. Gabor, Dana M. Miu, Mariana G. Soare, Bogdan S. Vasile, Irina Lupescu

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) nanocomposites modified with even and odd chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125324

Oprică, G.M.; Panaitescu, D.M.; Lixandru, B.E.; Uşurelu, C.D.; Gabor, A.R.; Nicolae, C.-A.; Fierascu, R.C.; Frone, A.N

Plant-Derived Nanocellulose with Antibacterial Activity for Wound Healing Dressing

Pharmaceutics

https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122672

Denis M. Panaitescu, Marius S. Popa, Florin Ciuprina, Laura Enache, Adriana N. Frone, Cristian A. Nicolae, Augusta R. Gabor, Roxana Trusca, Valentin Raditoiu, Bogdan Trica, Marius Ghiurea

Role of polyaniline coating on nanosilica particles in polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites for energy storage

Surface and Interfaces

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfin.2022.102546

Oprică, G.M.; Panaitescu, D.M.; Usurelu, C.D.; Vlăsceanu, G.M.; Stanescu, P.O.; Lixandru, B.E.; Vasile, V.; Gabor, A.R.; Nicolae, C.-A.; Ghiurea, M; Frone, A.N.

Nanocellulose Sponges Containing Antibacterial Basil Extract

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411871

Andreea Ionita (Afilipoaei), Zina Vuluga, Florin Oancea, George M. Teodorescu, Raluca A. Gabor, Cristian A. Nicolae, Malina Desliu – Avram, Jenica Puceagiu

Properties of Composites based on Recycled Polypropylene and Lignocellulosic Agricultural Waste

Revista Română de Materiale

https://solacolu.chim.upb.ro/pg94-100.pdf

George M. Teodorescu, Zina Vuluga, Florin Oancea, Andreea Ionita, Jenica Puceagiu, Marius Ghiurea, Cristian A. Nicolae, Augusta R. Gabor, Valentin Raditoiu

Properties of Composites Based on Recycled Polypropylene and Silico-Aluminous Industrial Waste

Polymers

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15112545

Elena R. Radu, Denis M. Panaitescu, Laura Andrei, Florin Ciuprina, Cristian A. Nicolae, Augusta R. Gabor, Roxana Trusca

Properties of Polysiloxane/Nanosilica Nanodielectrics for Wearable Electronic Devices

Nanomaterials

https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12010095

Iuliana Raut, Mariana Constantin, Ionela Petre, Monica Raduly, Nicoleta Radu, Ana M. Gurban, Mihaela Doni, Elvira Alexandrescu, Cristian A. Nicolae, Luiza Jecu

Highlighting Bacteria with Calcifying Abilities Suitable to Improve Mortar Properties

Materials

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207259

Marius S. Popa, Adriana N. Frone, Denis M. Panaitescu

Polyhydroxybutyrate blends: A solution for biodegradable packaging?

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.02.185

Books

Florea, D., Corobea, M.C., Vuluga, Z.

Recent Advances in Halloysite Nanotubes Applications

In: Halloysite: Structure, Occurrence and Applications, pp. 57-174, Herbert A. Eckart (Ed.), 2019, Nova Science Publishers, Inc. New York, USA

978-1-53616-813-6

Ianchis, R., Munteanu, T., Ninciuleanu, C. M., Gifu, I. C., Alexandrescu, E., Somoghi, R., Gabor, A. R., Preda, S., Nistor, C. L., Nitu, S., Petcu, C.

The Effect of Clay Type on the Physicochemical Properties of New Hydrogel Clay Nanocomposites

In: Current Topics in the Utilization of Clay in Industrial and Medical Applications, Mansoor Zoveidavianpoor, IntechOpen

978-1-83881-554-7

Corobea, M.C., Vuluga, Z., Florea, D., Miculescu, F., Voicu, S.I.

Composites and Nanocomposites Based on Polylactic Acid

Chapter 13, pp. 327-360 in: “Handbook of Composites from Renewable Materials, Nanocomposites : Advanced Applications”, Eds: Thakur V.K., Thakur M.K., Kessler M.R.,Wiley and Scrivener Publishing, 2017

978-1-11-922383-2

Panaitescu, D.M., Frone, A.N., Chiulan, I.

Green composites with cellulose nano-reinforcements

In: Handbook of Composite from Renewable Materials, Editors: V. K. Thakur, M. K. Thakur, M. R. Kessle, Wiley-Scrivener, Volume 7, 2017

978-1-11-944163-2

Donescu, D., Corobea, M.C.*, Spataru, C.I., Ghiurea, M.

Polymer carbon nanotubes composites obtained via radical polymerization in water-dispersed media

Chapter 11, pp. 281-305 in: Woodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering “Hybrid Polymer Composite Materials Processing” 2017 Elsevier Ltd.

978-0-08-100790-7

Sanporean, C.-G., Vuluga, Z., Christiansen, J.deC.

Bioactive nanocomposites with applications in biomedicine

In: Innovative Strategies in Tissue Engineering (pp. 1-24), M. Prasad, & P. Di Nardo (Eds.), River Publishers, 2015

978-8-79-323709-4

Panaitescu, D., Frone, A.

Cellulose Nanofibers: Applications

In: Encyclopedia of biomedical polymers and polymeric biomaterials, Vol. 2, pp. 1441-1452, 2015

978-1-43989-879-6

Conferences

I.A Brezeștean, D. Marconi, A. Colniță, A.Ciorîță, Z. Vuluga, I. Turcu

Morphostructural monitoring of thermal induced changes in innovative bio-based polyamides

International Conference on Pure and Applied Mathematics (ICPAM-2023), 19-26 Nov. 2023, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Z. Vuluga, F. Oancea, D.M. Panaitescu, A.N. Frone, C.A. Nicolae, A.R. Gabor, A. Ionita, G.M. Teodorescu, M. Ghiurea, V. Faraon, G. Vasilievici, G.M. Oprica

Keratin/nanoparticle hybrids for bio-PA nanocomposites

XIXth Edition of the International symposium “PRIORITIES OF CHEMISTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (PRIOCHEM XIX 2023), Bucharest, Romania, October 11-13, 2023

G.-M. Oprica, C.D. Usurelu, A.N. Frone, B.E. Lixandru, V. Vasile, M. Ghiurea, A.R. Ghiurea, C.-A. Nicolae, P.O. Stanescu, D.M. Panaitescu

Treatment of nanocellulose by antibacterial agents of natural origin

XIXth Edition of the International symposium “PRIORITIES OF CHEMISTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (PRIOCHEM XIX 2023), Bucharest, Romania, October 11-13, 2023

Ș-O. Dima, D. Constantinescu-Aruxandei, N. Tritean, M. Ghiurea, C-A. Nicolae, C. Neamtu, F. Oancea

Analytic fingerprints of Se-stimulated cabbage biofortification

XIXth Edition of the International symposium “PRIORITIES OF CHEMISTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (PRIOCHEM XIX 2023), Bucharest, Romania, October 11-13, 2023

M. Desliu-Avram, B. Trica, M.F. Raduly, C-A. Nicolae, M. Ladaniuc, D. Constantinescu-Aruxandei, D. Dimonie

The spending of wood sawdust as possibility to improve the embedding’s efficiency into renewable origin polymeric matrices

XIXth Edition of the International symposium “PRIORITIES OF CHEMISTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (PRIOCHEM XIX 2023), Bucharest, Romania, October 11-13, 2023

T. Fistos, A. Melinescu, L.M. Ditu, A. Ficai, D. Ficai, F. Marinescu, R.I. Matei (Brazdis), I. Fierascu, A.M. Baroi, C.A. Nicolae, R.C. Fierascu

Multifunctional composite materials (with consolidation, self-cleaning and antimicrobial properties) applicable for the preservation of inorganic substrates

XIXth Edition of the International symposium “PRIORITIES OF CHEMISTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (PRIOCHEM XIX 2023), Bucharest, Romania, October 11-13, 2023

R.I. Matei (Brazdis), A.M. Baroi, R.C. Fierascu, T. Fistos, I.E. Chican, G. Ivan, I.S. Hosu, C.A. Nicolae, I. Fierascu

Preliminary assessment for heavy metal removal from synthetic water matrix using an organic/inorganic composite

XIXth Edition of the International symposium “PRIORITIES OF CHEMISTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (PRIOCHEM XIX 2023), Bucharest, Romania, October 11-13, 2023

G.M. Teodorescu, Z. Vuluga, F. Oancea, A. Ionita, V. Faraon, G. Vasilievici

Mechanical, dynamic-mechanical and nanomechanical properties of biopolyamide/keratin nanocomposites

XIXth Edition of the International symposium “PRIORITIES OF CHEMISTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (PRIOCHEM XIX 2023), Bucharest, Romania, October 11-13, 2023

G.M. Teodorescu, Z. Vuluga, A.N. Frone. G.M. Oprica, C.D. Usurelu, T. Fistos, A.M. Baroi, R.I. Matei, R.A. Gabor, C.A. Nicolae

The mechanical, thermal, and nanomechanical properties of composites made of bio-based polyamide and ash powder

XIXth Edition of the International symposium “PRIORITIES OF CHEMISTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (PRIOCHEM XIX 2023), Bucharest, Romania, October 11-13, 2023

C-D. Uşurelu, G-M. Oprică, A.N. Frone, E-I. Neblea, M.F. Raduly, A.R. Gabor, C-A. Nicolae, M. Teodorescu, D.M. Panaitescu

Preparation and functionalization of nanocellulose using lactic acid: morphostructural characterization and emulsifying capacity

XIXth Edition of the International symposium “PRIORITIES OF CHEMISTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT” (PRIOCHEM XIX 2023), Bucharest, Romania, October 11-13, 2023

Patents

Z. Vuluga, F. Oancea, V.A. Faraon, M. Ghiurea, G.M. Teodorescu, A. Ionita, A.R. Gabor, C.A. Nicolae, G. Vasilievici

Concentrat pentru ȋmbunătăţirea proprietăţilor bio-poliamidei, procedeu de obţinere şi de utilizare a acestuia

A/00630/30.10.2023

O.D.A. Dimonie, I. Toma, A.R. Gabor, C.A. Nicolae, V. Rădiţoiu, F.M. Raduly, M.A. Ladaniuc

Invention Patent Request – Antimicrobial composite material with the role of strengthening wooden surfaces with cultural value and method of obtaining it

A2022-00608/05.10.2022

Z. Vuluga, J. Paceagiu, F. Oancea, G.-M. Teodorescu, A. Ioniţă, M. Deşliu-Avram, C. Munteanu, C. Stancu

Invention Patent Request – Composition based on polypropylene and a silico-aluminous waste and its production process

A2022-00609/05.10.2022

A.N. Frone, D.M. Panaitescu, C.D. Uşurelu, A.R. Gabor, C.A. Nicolae, D. Radu

Invention Patent Request – Biodegradable linear aliphatic copolyester compositions and biopolymers modified with them, production process and use process

A 2022-00494/12.08.2022

Z. Vuluga, F. Oancea, J. Peaceagiu, A. Afilipoaei, G.-M. Teodorescu, M. Deşliu-Avram

Invention Patent Request – Composition based on recycled polypropylene from used facial masks and method of obtaining it

A 2022-00449/26.07.2022

Z. Vuluga, C.A. Nicolae, A. Afilipoaiei, D. Radu, A. Fonea, E. Stan, E. Medianu

Invention Patent Request – Composition based on thermoplastic polymer and CR-39 waste resulting from the preprocessing of spectacle lenses

A 2022-00134/18.03.2022

Z. Vuluga, C. Elizetxea, M. Ordonez, M.-C. Corobea, M.D. Iorga, D. Florea

Concentrate for improving the scratch resistance of polymethyl methacrylate and method of obtaining it

RO132922B1

R.M. Grigorescu, P.N. Ghioca, L. Iancu, Z. Vuluga, M.D. Iorga, R.M. Ion, I. Nelu, M.E. Grigore, R.E. Andrei, M.I. Filipescu

Process for obtaining an anti-shock polymer composite from electrical and electronic equipment waste

RO134375B1 / 28.10.2022

A.N. Frone, M. Oprea, D.M. Panaitescu

Polymeric biocomposites with antibacterial effect for medical applications

RO135357A2/25.05.2020

D.M. Panaitescu, A.N. Frone, C.A. Nicolae, A.R. Gabor, M.S. Popa, B. Tinca, V. Melinte

Compositions with increased flexibility based on polyhydroxyalkanoates and their production process

RO135658/A2/29.04.2022

Other

Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Gabriela Madalina Oprica, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Valentin Raditoiu, Dorian Radu, George Bostan, Melu, Mona Mihailescu

Gold Medal at the 2023 Japan Design, Idea and Invention Expo

Zina Vuluga, Cristina Elizetxea, Mario Ordonez, Mihai Cosmin Corobea, Michaela Doina Iorga, Dorel Florea

Silver Medal at the INNOVERSE Innovation and Invention Expo 2023

Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Gabriela Madalina Oprica, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Valentin Raditoiu, Dorian Radu, George Bostan, Melu, Mona Mihailescu

Gold Medal at the International Exhibition INVENTCOR, 4th edition, 2023

Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Cătălina Diana Ușurelu, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Cristian – Andi Nicolae, Dorian Radu

Gold Medal at the XXVII – th International Exhibition of Inventics – INVENTICA – 2023

Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Cătălina Diana Ușurelu, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Cristian – Andi Nicolae, Dorian Radu

Gold Medal at The 27th Edition Inventions International Exhibition – 2023

Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Ioana Chiulan, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu

Gold Medal at the European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation – 2021

Zina Vuluga, Ioan Turcu

Medalia de Bronz în cadrul Salonului European al Creativității și Inovării – EUROINVENT-2023

Zina Vuluga, Ioan Turcu

Excellence Diploma at the European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation – EUROINVENT – 2023

Zina Vuluga, Cristina Elizetxea, Mario Ordonez, Mihai Cosmin Corobea, Michaela Doina Iorga, Dorel Florea

Silver Medal at the European exhibition of creativity and innovation EUROINVENT, 2018

Mihai Cosmin Corobea, Zina Vuluga, Dorel Florea, Michaela Iorga, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Madalina Georgiana Albu

Silver Medal at the European exhibition of creativity and innovation EUROINVENT, 2016

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