The main aim of the research activity is to investigate the structure-properties relationships in polymer, polymer blends composite and nanocomposites, with particular attention to their mechanical behaviour.
Main fields of interests are:
- Deformation, yield and fracture mechanics of polymers and composites.
- Processing and characterization of multiphase polymeric materials (micro- and nanocomposites, blends).
- Durability of polymeric and composite materials.
- Environmentally sustainable polymers and composites (biodegradable, from renewable resources, fully recyclable).
- Polymers and composites with functional properties (electrical conductivity, shape memory, strain and damage monitoring, self-healing, etc..).
- Main Research Grants
- 1999-2001 PRIN 9909198827_002 - Non linear dynamic mechanical behaviour of rubber compounds. Participant.
- 2000-2002 PRIN MM09012922_005 - Analysis of the thermomechanical behaviour of materials based on recycled PET for a usage in building constructions. Local coordinator.
- 2003-2005 PRIN 2003093440_002 – Physico-mechanical characterization of new functional hybrid materials based on carbon nanotubes and polymer matrix for photovoltaic devices. Local coordinator.
- 2006-2010 FP6 European Project Network of Excellence on Nanostructured and Functional Polymer-based Materials and Nanocomposites ( NANOFUN-POLY ) - Local coordinator.
- 2007-2009 PRIN 20075939JY_003 - Continuous fibre composites with a nanocomposite matrix: preparation, microstructure and thermo-mechanical properties (NanoCompStrut). Local coordinator.
- 2006-2008 Executive programme for scientific and technological co-operation between Italy and Argentina for the years 2006-2007 – Improvements of interfacial adhesion in multiphasic systems. Project coordinator.
- 2011-2013 Executive programme for scientific and technological co-operation between Italy and Hungary for the years 2011-2013 – On the toughness of thermoplastic nanocomposites as studied by the essential work of fracture (EWF) approach. Project coordinator.
- 2012-2014 Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Trento e Rovereto. Project "Preparation and characterization of wood-based degradable composite laminates". Project coordinator.
- 2016-2018 Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Trento e Rovereto. Project "Phase changing elastomeric compounds for thermal energy storage-release". Project coordinator.
- 2017-2018. Horizon 2020 SMEInst-09-2016-2017. Project AEROPCM “Elastomeric compound with phase change materials integrated to state of art thermal insulation panel (Aeropan) to improve energy saving and CO2 emission reduction in civil and industrial buildings. Participant.
- 2020 – 2022 Fondazione Cariverona. Project “Sviluppo di un processo per il riciclo di schiume rigide a base PVC provenienti da scarti di produzione e da manufatti (RE-FOAMS). Principal investigator.
- 2020 H2020-RUR-2018-2020 Topic: LC-RUR-11-2019-2020. Project ONEforest. A Multi-Criteria Decision Support System For A Common Forest Management to Strengthen Forest Resilience, Harmonise Stakeholder Interests and Ensure Sustainable Wood Flows. Participant.
- Main Industrial Contracts
- 2005 (Eurostandard spa) – Development of electrical conductive polyethylenes.
- 2006 (Iveco spa) – Impact properties of PP based composites.
- 2007 (Tozzi Nord srl) – Wind blades: materials selection and design.
- 2008 (Elantas Camattini spa) – Fatigue behaviour of composite adhesive joints.
- 2009 (Luxottica spa) – Static and fatigue mechanical behaviour of titanium adhesive joints.
- 2010 (UFI Filters spa) - Development of new nanocomposite polymer nets for liquids filtration.
- 2011 (IHP Composite srl) - Novel composite-reinforced gas storage tanks.
- 2014 (UFI Filters spa) - Development of electrically conductive polymer fibers for multifunctional filters.
- 2017 (Iveco Spa) – Composites for protective barriers
- 2018 (Novurania Spa) – Elastomeric composites for thermal energy storage and release
- 2020 (CMS Spa) – 3D printing with engineering plastics and composites.