Research challengePlastics have their drawbacks: their production consumes energy and leads to greenhouse gas emissions; they are made from non-sustainable materials; they do not decompose; and less than 10% are recycled. Much progress has been made in making plastics more sustainable for larger applications. However, thin films, such as those used in coatings and inks, are lagging behind. The SusInkCoat project is changing that. Researchers are developing new materials, processes and applications to improve the durability, functionality and recyclability of coatings, thin films and inks. In addition, the consortium is training a new generation of chemical developers for whom sustainability and circularity are core values.
The task of Stimuli-responsive Materials and Devices (SFD) research group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) (
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/stimuli-responsive-functional-materials-devices/) is to develop innovative and sustainable surfactants that can switch surface tension by utilizing photo-responsive groups in waterborne and solvent-free UV curable coatings.
PartnershipThe PhD project will be executed within the SusInkCoat project. The following universities and companies are part of this project: NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Polymer Technology Netherlands, University of Groningen, Eindhoven University of Technology, Maastricht University, University of Twente, Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings B.V., Canon Production Printing B.V., Evonik, GFB Europe B.V., Polymer Technology Group Eindhoven - PTG/e B.V., RUG Ventures.