Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

Polymer Technology

Professor Jukka Seppälä leads the Research Group of Polymer Technology that focuses on teaching and research related to synthesis and characterization of novel polymers.
CMET_Polymer group lab

Our research areas:

  1. Novel polymerization reactions and polymer reaction engineering

  2. Polymer materials properties and structure property correlations

  3. Sustainable biopolymers and materials for biomedical engineering

CMET_polymer research

The main focus areas include synthesis and characterization of polymers and development of new materials utilizing polymerization techniques and composite technology. This requires a sound knowledge of chemistry, chemical engineering and material science. Particular fields of interest are polymerization reaction engineering and chemical modification of polymers.

CMET_polymer lab

We aim produce, utilize and modify optimized polymers. True studying and understanding the polymer materials properties and structure property correlations, we can develop material solutions that fulfill the needs for various tasks. Examples include the use of renewable raw materials, creating controlled biodegradability and synthesis of functional polymers for use in engineering plastics or biomedical applications. Furthermore, composites enable for instance the production of strong, conductive or bioactive materials.

Professori Jukka Seppälä / Kuva: Anni Hanen

We develop polymers for a sustainable future and for the well-being of humans

Jukka Seppälä, Head of the research group
PoTe 3D printed implants for bone regeneration / Photo: Valeria Azovskaya
3D printed bone regeneration scaffolds

Current research topics include e.g.: novel biomaterials for 3D fabrication of biomedical applications as well as novel sustainable and super-strong biobased polymers based on interfacial chemical coupling in composites, i.e. compatibilization . International and national co-operation is active in an important role in the projects. Many projects also include co-operation with companies to develop novel industrial polymers with cutting-edge competitive properties. 

Current research projects:

ValueBioMat, Strategic Research Council, 2019-2025

ValueBioMat is a project funded by the Strategic Research Council (SRC) at the Academy of Finland.

For more info visit: www.valuebiomat.fi

3D-Biomat, Academy of Finland BioFuture program, 2017-2020

The 3D-Biomat project focuses on three areas:

  • Synthesis and development of polymeric biomaterials.
  • Application of the developed materials using advanced 3D production technologies.
  • Analysis of the value chain all the way to novel exploitation models in order to achieve a societal impact.

The project combines the in depth knowledge of three research groups from different fields in a complementary manner. Involved are Professor Jukka Seppäläs research group of Polymer technology, Professor Orlando Rojas BiCMat-research group and Professor Jouni Partanens Advanced Production Technologies research group. 

Cra-Max-S, Business Finland, 2017-2020

Patient specific composite scaffolds for treatment of large craniomaxillofacial defects. 

The aim of the Cra-Max-S project is to create new personalized treatments for healthcare and improve treatment results in large bone defects in the cranio-maxillofacial area by developing a functional workflow for producing custom made implants.

The Cra-Max-S project is research collaboration project combining in depth knowledge from:

  • Research Group of Polymer Technology at Aalto University
  • Advanced Production Technologies research group at Aalto University
  • Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital
  • Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, University of Twente (The Netherlands). 

Development of Anti-Viral Materials, Academy of Finland's COVID-19 special call

The aim of the project is to synthesize and develop polysaccharide materials and surface structures that have an anti-viral effect. This can improve the effectiveness of personal protective equipment such as masks and prevent the spread of viruses through contact to surfaces. Our team has previously published experimental studies showing that similarly modified nanocellulose has an anti-viral function.

Past projects:

Professor Jukka Seppälä is head of a national joint Aalto University and VTT Bioeconomy Infrastructure. Aalto and VTT are also participating in the EU funded ERIFORE (European Research Infrastructure for Circular Forest Bioeconomy) project. 

High-quality of the research is assured by a professional and efficient staff as well as first-class comprehensive research equipment.

Polymer Technology research equipment

Research group members:

CMET_polymer group

How to join the Team?
If you are interested in joining the PoTe team as Doctoral Candidate, Post Doctoral Researcher, Master Thesis worker or Summer Trainee contact Jukka Seppälä. 

Open positions:
- no open positions at the moment

Related content:

Neste and Aalto University are working together to develop cleaner traffic

Research collaboration creates, for example, new types of transportation fuels with the help of bio-based materials.

Kaksi hymyilevää miestä kuvassa.

Four corona-related projects received special funding from the Academy of Finland

The projects study the coronavirus, the pandemic and its effects on society. The total amount granted to the four Aalto projects is 730 000 euros.

Henkilön käsi asettelemassa laboratoriovälinettä.

Latest publications:

Development and characterization of polylactic acid/starch biocomposites – From melt blending to preliminary life cycle assessment

Hossein Baniasadi, Laura Äkräs, Zahra Madani, Frans Silvenius, Mahyar Fazeli, Sami Lipponen, Jaana Vapaavuori, Jukka Seppälä 2024 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Innovations in hydrogel-based manufacturing: A comprehensive review of direct ink writing technique for biomedical applications

Hossein Baniasadi, Roozbeh Abidnejad, Mahyar Fazeli, Juha Lipponen, Jukka Niskanen, Eero Kontturi, Jukka Seppälä, Orlando J. Rojas 2024 Advances in Colloid and Interface Science

Environmentally friendly polyurethanes based on non-isocyanate synthesis

Afsoon Farzan, Sedigheh Borandeh, Hossein Baniasadi, Jukka Seppälä 2024 Express Polymer Letters

Lignin beyond the status quo: Recent and emerging composite applications

Mahyar Fazeli, Sritama Mukherjee, Hossein Baniasadi, Roozbeh Abidnejad, Muhammad Mujtaba, Juha Lipponen, Jukka Seppälä, Orlando Rojas Gaona 2024 Green Chemistry

Direct ink writing of biocompatible chitosan/non-isocyanate polyurethane/cellulose nanofiber hydrogels for wound-healing applications

Isabella Laurén, Afsoon Farzan, Arun Teotia, Nina C. Lindfors, Jukka Seppälä 2024 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Injectable and printable nanocellulose-crosslinked quaternary chitosan blends for potential wound healing

Maryam Madani, Isabella Laurén, Sedigheh Borandeh, Zahra Gounani, Timo Laaksonen, Nina Lindfors, Jukka Seppälä 2024 Cellulose

Light-Driven Multidirectional Bending in Artificial Muscles

Zahra Madani, Pedro E.S. Silva, Hossein Baniasadi, Maija Vaara, Susobhan Das, Juan Camilo Arias, Jukka Seppälä, Zhipei Sun, Jaana Vapaavuori 2024 Advanced Materials

Fabrication of biocomposite materials with polycaprolactone and activated carbon extracted from agricultural waste

Mehrad Mollaei, Farnaz Karbasi , Amin Sharifi Haddad, Hossein Baniasadi 2024 Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

Elucidating the enduring transformations in cellulose-based carbon nanofibers through prolonged isothermal treatment

Tamrin Nuge, Mahyar Fazeli, Hossein Baniasadi 2024 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Strontium-Substituted Nanohydroxyapatite Containing Biodegradable 3D Printed Composite Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

Shazia Shaikh, Shreya Mehrotra, Bas van Bochove, Arun Kumar Teotia, Prerna Singh, Isabella Laurén, Nina C. Lindfors, Jukka Seppälä, Ashok Kumar 2024 ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
More information on our research in the Aalto research portal.
Research portal
  • Published:
  • Updated: