Department
Science and technology for modern polymer materials
The Department of Polymer Processing is one of the leading research and teaching centres of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Lublin University of Technology in the field of plastics technology and modern polymer materials.
The Department conducts advanced scientific research and educates future engineers who design and develop polymer processing technologies used in many branches of industry.
History
The history of the Department dates back to 1982, when Associate Professor Robert Sikora, DSc, Eng., together with a team of collaborators, initiated the establishment of the Division of Plastics Processing and Treatment.
In the following years, the unit developed dynamically, passing through subsequent organisational stages – from the Department of Machine Technology, through the Department of Polymer Processes, to its current form as the Department of Polymer Processing, headed since 2016 by Tomasz Klepka, DSc, Eng.
The Department conducts research in the broadly understood field of polymer processing and modern materials technologies. Its scientific activity covers both fundamental issues and application-oriented work addressing the needs of contemporary industry.
By combining expertise in materials science, processing technology and simulation tools, the Department develops solutions that increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes and enable the design of materials with new functional properties.
From fundamental research to practical applications – with a focus on modern manufacturing, recycling and sustainable development.
Laboratories
Scientific research and teaching activities are carried out in specialised laboratories equipped with modern instrumentation for the analysis of materials and processing technologies.
The Department’s laboratories conduct research in the following technologies:
The laboratories also enable studies of the physical-mechanical, structural and thermal properties of polymer materials, as well as analyses of processing and recycling technologies.
The Department develops its scientific activity in close cooperation with national and international partners, building the visibility of its research within the global academic community.
The Department’s staff actively participate in the international scientific community by publishing research results in renowned scientific journals and presenting them at international conferences.
The outcomes of this work also include patents and utility models, repeatedly awarded at international invention exhibitions.
The Department participates in numerous research projects financed from national and European funds, including programmes such as:
These projects support the development of international scientific cooperation and the transfer of modern technologies to industry.
Students
The CARBON Student Research Group in Polymer Engineering operates within the Department, bringing together students interested in modern materials and polymer processing technologies.
Members of the research group actively participate in research projects, scientific conferences, technology fairs, and social and educational initiatives. As a result, students gain practical experience, develop engineering competences and build connections with representatives of science and industry.
Insert photo: students / project / workshops
Summary
The Department of Polymer Processing combines the tradition of scientific research with modern materials technologies, creating an environment that supports innovation, cooperation with industry and the education of future specialists in polymer engineering.
Project co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund, Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development 2014–2020 "PL2022 – Integrated Development Programme of Lublin University of Technology" POWR.03.05.00-00-Z036/17