Ministerstwo Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego
Polyamides made from sugar instead of oil developed at
Gdańsk University of Technology
Polyamides (a type of polymers) can be made organically, from sugars, and not only from
petroleum. These compounds could be used, for example, in the production of modern fabrics.
Chemist from Gdańsk University of Technology is working on production methods of these compounds.
Dr. Lidia Jasińska-Walc of the Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology received PLN 164 thousand
from the HOMING PLUS programme of the Foundation for Polish Science for the project "New isohexide-based
polyamides, synthesis and characteristic". The programme aims to encourage outstanding young scientists
conducting research abroad to pursue careers in Poland.
According to the message sent to PAP by Gdańsk University of Technology, Dr. Jasińska-Walc’s synthesis of
polyamides uses compounds (monomers) derived from sugars. This method for the production of these
monomers is important in the way that it eliminates the use of compounds derived from petroleum. The
mechanical properties and thermal resistance of polymers proposed by the chemist are similar to the properties
of the compounds obtained from petroleum processing.
Gdańsk University of Technology representatives noted that polyamides based on starch derivatives are a new
direction of polymer chemistry research. "This dynamically expanding field, in the near future will be one of the
main trends in the development of new polymeric materials" - noted the university representatives in the
message and added that the great interest of world scientists in this type of polymers is due to the high
potential for their use.
"I think they can be used, for example, to manufacture advanced fibres and synthetic fabrics with enhanced
absorption properties. Such fabrics are particularly suitable for the manufacture of sports clothing" - explained
Dr. Jasińska-Walc.
The researcher noted that in previous research she had noticed that certain monomers of natural origin could
also be useful in the production of biomedical materials. Examples of such materials include soft and skinfriendly dressings and strips for closing wounds and holding skin grafts.
The young scientist believes that Polish universities and industry should actively participate in the development
of this type of technology.
After obtaining a doctoral degree, Lidia Jasińska-Walc began research at Eindhoven University of Technology in
the Netherlands. She works in Prof. C. E. Koning's team in the Department of Polymer Chemistry. She
specialises in synthesis and analysis of the chemical structure of polymers derived from natural compounds.
She intends to return to Poland and work in the Department of Polymer Technology at the Faculty of Chemistry,
Gdańsk University of Technology, under the supervision of Prof. Józef Haponiuk, who was also co-promoter of
her dissertation. Dr. Jasińska-Walc assured that she would continue to work with other research centres abroad.
The researcher is looking for two students to collaborate in the project. PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland
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