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Polymer degradation in micron-to-nano-sized confinements

Polymer degradation in micron-to-nano-sized confinements

Polymer degradation in micron-to-nano-sized confinements


Controlling the degradation, including biodegradation, of polymers is an important characteristic of polymers that is relevant to their sustainable use. Particularly at the macro- and nanometre scale, degradation, as a phenomenon, is little understood.

Hypothesis: polymer degradation at macro- and nanometre scale interfaces may proceed differently from the macro-scale interfaces.

Research questions:

  1. What is the role of interfacial adhesion in influencing degradation at the interface?
  2. How do chemical reactions or diffusion processes at the interface impact degradation?
  3. What role do additives (lignin?) play in modifying interfacial degradation?
  4. What is the spatial distribution of degradation at the interface, and how does it propagate through the material?
  5. How does interfacial degradation can be used to (de)accelerate the bulk degradation?


The primary research and analysis tool for this project will be the Atomic Force Microscope.

Contact info:

(Daily) Supervisor:
Hubert Gojzewski, h.gojzewski@utwente.nl