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
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:

Flexible and conductive nanofiber textiles for leakage-free electro-thermal energy conversion and storage

Hossein Baniasadi, Despoina Chatzikosmidou, Ari Kankkunen, Jukka Seppälä, Maryam R. Yazdani McCord 2023 Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

Form-stable phase change electrospun nanofibers mat with thermal regulation and biomedical multi-functionalities

Hossein Baniasadi, Maryam Madani, Jukka Seppälä, Julie B. Zimmerman, Roza Yazdani 2023 Journal of Energy Storage

High-concentration lignin biocomposites with low-melting point biopolyamide

Hossein Baniasadi, Sami Lipponen, Max Asplund, Jukka Seppälä 2023 Chemical Engineering Journal

Water-resistant gum-based phase change composite for thermo-regulating insulation packaging

Hossein Baniasadi, Jukka Seppälä, Ari Kankkunen, Ari Seppälä, Roza Yazdani 2023 Journal of Energy Storage

The effect of pine cone lignin on mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of faba bean protein films for packaging applications

Sandra Rojas-Lema, Klara Nilsson, Maud Langton, Jon Trifol, Jaume Gomez-Caturla, Rafael Balart, Daniel Garcia-Garcia, Rosana Moriana 2023 Journal of Food Engineering

Quaternized Chitosan Derivatives as Viable Antiviral Agents: Structure–Activity Correlations and Mechanisms of Action

Arun Teotia, Isabella Lauren, Sedigheh Borandeh, Jukka Seppälä 2023 ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

High-resolution 3D printing of xanthan gum/nanocellulose bio-inks

Hossein Baniasadi, Erfan Kimiaei, Roberta Teixeira Polez, Rubina Ajdary, Orlando Rojas Gaona, Monika Österberg, Jukka Seppälä 2022 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Synthesis of bio-based and CO2 capturing polymers for 3D printing

Hossein Baniasadi, Kasper Dienel, Bas van Bochove, Laura Äkräs, Jukka Seppälä 2022

Adjustable polysaccharides-proteins films made of aqueous wheat proteins and alginate solutions

Shahana Bishnoi, Jon Trifol, Rosana Moriana, Ana C. Mendes 2022 FOOD CHEMISTRY

Diels–Alder crosslinked telechelic poly(caprolactone-thiourethane)s with self-healing of macro-damages

Huan Hoang Dang, Thuy Thu Truong, Anh Duc Song Nguyen, Ly Mai Thi Nguyen, Ha Tran Nguyen, Thiet Quoc Nguyen, Tien Minh Huynh, Ngan Nguyen Le, Tin Chanh Duc Doan, Chien Mau Dang, Le Hoang Sinh, Luong Nguyen Dang, Jukka Seppälä, Le Thu T. Nguyen 2022 Journal of Materials Science
More information on our research in the Research database.
Research database
  • Published:
  • Updated: