Multinuclear catalysts often have increased lifetime and productivity compared to standard single site catalysts. They can also produce polymers with increased incorporation of comonomers or higher molecular weights. We develop new motifs of multinuclear catalysts based on self-assembly of multifunctional ligands with metal salts, or polymeric ligands.

It is highly desirable and challenging to find catalysts that allow for the insertion copolymerisation of olefins with polar comonomers like acrylates, potentially leading to a new class of copolymers with a wide range of applications. We develop new late-transition metal catalysts with improved comonomer incorporation.

Declining fossil fuel resources and the legal requirement for processes with low carbon footprint make it necessary to find alternative sustainable and economically viable routes to polymers. We are developing new pathways to monomers based on the upgrading of lignocellulose derived precursors by catalytic hydrogenation or carbonylation.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is increasingly being produced as a sustainable, biomass-derived alternative to petroleum based polymers. For some applications however, the material properties of standard PLA are insufficient. We develop PLA copolymers and polymer blends with enhanced heat stability and toughness for a wider range of applicability.

Coatings are essential for the protection of structures and buildings from environmental impacts like weathering, erosion, corrosion or fouling. We develop special polymer coatings and formulations with tailor-made properties for a wide range of applications, ranging from marine antifouling coatings to non-streaking paints.

Additives are necessary to enhance the stability, clarity, flame retardancy or permeability of polymers. We perform development and testing of specialty additives to address these issues.

Polymer nanoparticles have the potential to improve material properties, like toughness of commodity polymers. Our methodology allows the fabrication of well defined and functionalised polymer nanoparticles in various shapes.

Our in house technology and expertise is available for the development of specialty chemicals to address the needs of industry.