FUNCTIONAL POLYMER NANOSTRUCTURES

The Functional Polymer Nanostructures group aims at developing functional nanostructured materials, which possess specifically designed properties and tuning capabilities. The group focuses on understanding the relationship between microstructure-dynamics-properties of polymeric and hybrid materials, and on optimizing properties and designing novel advanced and functional materials. 

The main activities include  the investigation of: the morphology and dynamics of multi-constituent polymers (including polymer mixtures, block copolymers, homopolymer / copolymer mixtures, star and hyperbranched polymers) in bulk and in restricted geometries; the study of polymer surfaces, interfaces and thin films and the development of polymer coatings; the investigation of functional and responsive polymer materials and material surfaces; the study of polymer nanocomposites; the development of nanoparticulate catalysts for the chemical industry as well as the development of polymeric materials for applications in the field of energy. The investigation involves the design of the functional materials, the characterization of the structure, chain conformations and the dynamics in the melt, in solution and close to surfaces or under severe confinement as well as the study of the thermal, surface, mechanical, rheological, optical, optoelectronic and magnetic properties and their response to selected external stimuli.  Such systems target specific applications ranging from every day commodity products, to greenhouse films in agriculture, to coatings-paints and adhesives for the automotive and aerospace industries as well as polymer electrolytes for batteries.

 

Research Topics

The Functional Polymer Nanostructures group aims at developing functional nanostructured materials, which possess specifically designed properties and tuning capabilities. The group focuses on understanding the relationship between microstructure-dynamics-properties of polymeric and hybrid materials, and on optimizing properties and designing novel advanced and functional materials. 

The main activities include  the investigation of: the morphology and dynamics of multi-constituent polymers (including polymer mixtures, block copolymers, homopolymer / copolymer mixtures, star and hyperbranched polymers) in bulk and in restricted geometries; the study of polymer surfaces, interfaces and thin films and the development of polymer coatings; the investigation of functional and responsive polymer materials and material surfaces; the study of polymer nanocomposites; the development of nanoparticulate catalysts for the chemical industry as well as the development of polymeric materials for applications in the field of energy. The investigation involves the design of the functional materials, the characterization of the structure, chain conformations and the dynamics in the melt, in solution and close to surfaces or under severe confinement as well as the study of the thermal, surface, mechanical, rheological, optical, optoelectronic and magnetic properties and their response to selected external stimuli.  Such systems target specific applications ranging from every day commodity products, to greenhouse films in agriculture, to coatings-paints and adhesives for the automotive and aerospace industries as well as polymer electrolytes for batteries.

The Materials Synthesis Laboratory (MSL) has extensive experience on the synthesis, characterization and applications of polymeric and organic/inorganic hybrid materials, polymer colloids, “smart” stimuli-responsive materials, water-soluble/amphiphilic polymers, biologically active (co)polymers, supramolecular assemblies, micellar nanostructures, polyelectrolytes/polyampholytes, microgels/hydrogels and the modification of flat and curved surfaces. The group has extensive experience on “living” and controlled polymerization techniques such as, Group-Transfer Polymerization, Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) and Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain-Transfer (RAFT), to prepare polymers of controlled macromolecular characteristics (i.e. molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution, composition and architecture). MSL is an internationally-renowned group in the field of multi-responsive and biocompatible/biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications such as targeted and controlled drug delivery, gene therapy and tissue engineering.

Surface Transfer of Pathogens
A Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Platform for the Investigation of Soft Matter
Polymer / graphene derivative nanocomposites: Effect of interfacial interactions on polymer structure and properties.
Synthesis of waterborne polyurethane dispersions with encapsulation of micro/nano structures for ecological self-healing coatings.
Ιnnovative polymer greenhouse films via application of functional coatings.
Solid Electrolytes for Li-ion Batteries
Smart multifunctional surfaces

Heads

Prof. Anastasiadis Spiros
University Faculty Member
Prof. Vamvakaki Maria
University Faculty Member
Dr. Chrissopoulou Kiriaki
Principal Researcher

Technical Staff

Mr. Papoutsakis Lampros
Technician

Research Associates

Dr. Kaliva Maria
PostDoctoral Fellow
Prof. Stylianakis Minas
Visiting Faculty Member
Dr. Kokotidou Chrysoula
PostDoctoral Fellow
Dr. Krasanakis Fanourios
PostDoctoral Fellow
Dr. Manouras Theodore
PostDoctoral Fellow
Dr. Vasilaki Evaggelia
PostDoctoral Fellow

Students

Ms. Giannakaki Evaggelia
Ph.D. student
Ms. Gkointa Frantzeska
Ph.D. student
Mr. Karnis Ioannis
Ph.D. student
Ms. Nikolakakou Georgia
Ph.D. student
Ms. Psarou Maria
Ph.D. student
Ms. Markozanne Georgia
M.Sc. student
Ms. Athanasaki Antonia
M.Sc. student
Ms. Petsi Erta
M.Sc. student
Ms. Vlasiadi Maria
M.Sc. student

Alumni

Dr. Rissanou Anastasia
PostDoctoral Fellow
Mr. Fergadis Dimitrios
M.Sc. student
Ms. Giannadaki Georgia
Undergraduate trainee
Ms. Gaitanou Dimitra
M.Sc. student
Mr. Giannaris Kosmas
M.Sc. student
Ms. Karamitrou Ioanna
Undergraduate trainee
Ms. Kadianaki Aikaterini
M.Sc. student
Mr. Karchilakis George
M.Sc. student
Mr. Konios Nikolaos
Alumni
Mr. Kritsotakis Dimitrios
M.Sc. student
Ms. Mountaki Stella
Alumni
Ms. Papaioannou Anna
M.Sc. student
Ms. Petropoulou Aikaterini
Alumni
Dr. Kaklamani Georgina
PostDoctoral Fellow
Ms. Androulaki Krystalenia
Ph.D. student
Mr. Bollas Stavros
Ph.D. student
Ms. Frysali Melina
Ph.D. student
Mr. Thomos Alexandros
M.Sc. student
Ms. Plexousaki Kalliope
Undergraduate trainee