Marial Helena Casimiro
Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
Title: Ionizing radiation induced functionalization of polymeric materials
Biography
Biography: Marial Helena Casimiro
Abstract
Radiation processing techniques are based on the physical interaction of radiation with matter which are capable of promoting specific chemical reactions. In particular, gamma irradiation, a clean and environmental friendly technology (as there is no need of solvents, initiators or high temperatures, leading to no residues) has been successfully applied over the years in the preparation/modification of polymers. By suiting the experimental conditions like irradiation method, dose rate, irradiation atmosphere, samples’ absorbed dose, reactants’ concentration, etc., it is possible to functionalize polymeric based materials, tailor its properties and adequate them to different applications (mainly through polymerization, crosslinking and/or grafting reactions).
In this presentation, the methodology that our team have been carrying out on the development/functionalization of chitosan based matrices and PVA based membranes respectively for biomedical applications (wound dressings) and for catalysis (polymeric catalytic membrane reactors for biodiesel production), using gamma-radiation as a modifying tool will be highlighted. Relevant results will be pressented.