LUCA LENZI
Post-doctoral Researcher
SSD ING-IND/22 – Materials Science and Technology
Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM)
Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna
Scientific and Professional Profile
BIO-BASED FUNCTIONAL ADDITIVES FOR POLYMER SYSTEMS
The research activity initially focused on the design and synthesis of fully bio-based functional additives derived from renewable platform molecules, particularly levulinic acid and glycerol. These compounds were developed as sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based plasticizers and reactive modifiers.
The work addressed both synthetic optimization and structure–property relationships, investigating the interaction mechanisms between bio-based additives and polymer matrices. Particular attention was devoted to improving processability, mechanical performance, and thermal stability while maintaining biodegradability and circularity principles.
Applications were explored in biodegradable polyesters such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polylactic acid (PLA), as well as in elastomeric systems.
DYNAMIC COVALENT NETWORKS AND RECYCLABLE ELASTOMERS
A research line concerns the development of Covalent Adaptive Networks (CANs) applied to elastomeric materials. Innovative dynamic crosslinking strategies based were designed to introduce reprocessability and recyclability into rubber systems traditionally classified as thermosets.
This work involved the formulation of bio-based crosslinking systems, the development of dedicated recycling protocols, and the study of bond exchange mechanisms governing stress relaxation and mechanical recovery.
Part of these activities was carried out at the Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros (ICTP-CSIC, Madrid).
SUSTAINABLE POLYMER COMPOSITES AND BIO-MATERIALS
The current research activity is progressively expanding toward the development of sustainable polymer composites, with particular interest in bio-based and biodegradable matrices reinforced with functional fillers and natural or modified fibers.
The objective is to design composite systems combining reduced environmental impact with enhanced structural and functional performance. Ongoing work includes the study of interfacial interactions between bio-based matrices and reinforcing phases, reactive compatibilization strategies, and the implementation of dynamic or reversible chemistries to enable recyclability in composite systems.
EDUCATION
PhD in Materials Science and Technology
Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM)
University of Bologna
Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Industrial Chemistry
University of Bologna
Specialization in Polymer Science
