IOS - Industrial Organic Synthesis

Vision and mission

The team’s goal is the development of new processes and technologies for a sustainable industry. In particular, the research aims to implement new innovative catalytic or organic products/processes in agreement with Green Chemistry and Circular Economy principles. In particular, the research focuses on the development of biobased polymers, recycling of agro-industrial waste and fossil-based plastics, the implementation of innovative catalytic processes and new organic compounds for the packaging, paints, tanning, and fine chemistry sectors. 

Main ongoing projects are:

  • Recovery and recycling of agro-industrial waste (beer spent grain, oil and orange pomace) for the production of packaging, active coatings and additives
  • Bioplastics production from seaweeds
  • Development of innovative photoluminescent compounds and flame retardants for the plastic industry and artistic manufacturers
  • Reduction of microplastics from industrial activities in Alpine water bodies
  • Studies on the modification of carboxymethyl cellulose for packaging production or water purification
  • Bio-based film for highly biodegradable packaging
  • Development of innovative tanning agents for the leather industry
  • Studies on the biodegradability of plastic manufacturing
  • New technologies for the valorisation of waste cooking oil
  • Valorisation of Orange waste for industrial and biomedical application
  • Development and Large-Scale Synthesis of Triazine-Derived Antimicrobials

All these arguments are the object of master's and PhD thesis works, together with research fellows dedicated to a specific topic.

Events and awards

IOS at a glance

Team’s experience
  • Production implementation from the scale of grams to 15 kg
  • Biomass recovery and recycling
  • Optimization of industrial process
  • Bio-mass modification by catalytic processes
  • Ecodesign of new high-sustainability processes
  • Characterization of biomasses and polymers
  • Reactions with gases under pressure
  • Separation of chiral compounds by GC and HPLC
Instrumentation and techniques used
  • Gas chromatography
  • GC-MS
  • HPLC
  • Mono, dimensional and solid state Nuclear magnetic resonance
  • GPC
  • DSC
  • TG
  • Mechanical characteristics of fossil-based and bio-based polymers
  • Flame retardant analysis
  • Testing of new polymers formulation by extrusion/injection moulding technique
  • Synthesis of organic and organometallic compounds
  • Glove box for sensitive compounds synthesis
Target industrial sector
  • Packaging
  • Manufacturers of plastic raw materials
  • Paints and varnishes
  • Construction industry
  • Biopolymers
  • Textiles and textile products
  • Pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical
Special Equipment Available
  • Laboratory fully equipped for polymer formulation and testing (extrusion of up to 5 kg/h, mixer for small batches, miller, injection molding, and polymer physical mechanical testing)
  • 15 kg batch synthesis reactor, with external liner, control system, 10 kg Nutsche filter, automatic funnel for solid addition