BrainMap

Alexandra Mocanu

PhD

Research scientist - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD

Other affiliations

Associated Professor - UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (Romania)

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer

Alexandra Mocanu received her PhD title in Chemical Engineering in 2012 (7th November 2012) from Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Romania for her thesis entitled “Self-assembled colloidal polymer dispersions”. During the elaboration of her thesis she focused on several topics such as: synthesis and characterization of polymer photonic crystals (PPCs), self-assembling phenomena of colloidal particles, optical behaviour of PPCs in the presence of carbon nanotubes, chemo-sensing properties of PPCs. In 2011, she developed additional skills during a PhD stage at University of Patras, Greece. In 2019, she received the Prize of „L’Oreal – UNESCO for Women in Science Fellowship - Category: Physical Sciences”. Her insterests involve the applications of polymer photonic crystals, recycling of plastic materials, plastic recycling, forumlation of bio-based adhesives, development of photocatalytic, antimicrobial and biodegradable materials.

Web of Science ResearcherID: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/F-2929-2013

Curriculum Vitae (28/05/2024)

Expertise & keywords

Sustainable utilization of MARIne resources to foster GREEN plant production in Europe Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
ERANET-BLUEBIO-MARIGREEN 2021 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO); Norwegian Centre for Organic Agriculture (NO); Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR); National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DK); University of Copenhagen (DK); Norwegian Research Centre (NO); ALUMICHEM A/S (DK); Fjordlaks AS (NO); Algea AS (NO); Sigurd Folland AS (NO); Snadder & Snaskum AS (NO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRONOMICE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA (RO)

Project website: https://marigreen.chimie.upb.ro/

Abstract:

The MARIGREEN project aims at valorising residual materials from the BLUE sector, many of them being currently poorly utilised, by treating with appropriate technologies and applying in GREEN agriculture. Significant amounts of fertilisers applicable in organic growing are required to achieve 25% organic farmland in EU by 2030, as proposed in the F2F strategy. Residual materials available from fish capture, brown algae industry, mussel industry, and organic aquaculture, provided by five Scandinavian industry partners, will be studied within the project. The materials will be chemically characterised and compounds with potential biostimulant effects on crop plants will be investigated, while concurrently checking for possible biotoxicity. The effects of these materials (untreated or treated using appropriate treatments, e.g., extraction, composting) on plant growth will be assessed. The project also includes an innovative treatment of organic fish waste from aquaculture and a study on biochar impregnation technology. Biochar, which is itself useful for soil amendment, will be used, after impregnation with extracts of BLUE materials, as a carrier of nutrients and other valuable compounds in agricultural soil. The most suitable materials (selected after chemical characterization) will be tested in real growing conditions in the greenhouse and field. The logistics and related costs required to establish a relevant value chain for producing fertilisers and/or biostimulants will be assessed by interviewing collaborating industry partners and surveying potential customers. The project will mobilize human resources across national borders to promote the skills and competencies of researchers and to create coherent dissemination actions delineating the conditions, interests, and potential opportunities in the BLUE and GREEN sectors.

Polyurea nanocomposites: innovative solutions for ballistic protection systems Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2021-0514 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: EUROPLASTIC S.R.L.

Project partners: EUROPLASTIC S.R.L. (RO); Academia Tehnică Militară „FERDINAND I” (RO); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO)

Affiliation: EUROPLASTIC S.R.L. (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/nanopu-bps

Abstract:

This project has as main objective the development of an explosion protection system, made up from a series of polyurea/polyurethane-based nanocomposites coatings used in equipping military vehicles or stategic objectives that are in use by the armed forces, that aim to diminish the destructive effects generated by the initiation of improvised explosive devices (IED)/mines, as well as thermal protection against hot gasses resulting from explosions.

This innovative technology was born due to the threats and terrorist attacks that took place lately in diffrent parts of the world and they continue to endanger the defense and security of a state, and pays special attention in development of new ballistic protection materials which are meant to limit the effects of improvised explosive devices commonly used in armed attacks.

In order to reduce the effects due to these consecrated weapons or improvised explosive devices, the ballistic protection system will be based on nanocomposites coatings polyurethane-based and carbon nanotubes that are made in specialized laboratories and tested in specially designated areas.

Active gels: eco-friendly tools for immediate chemical and biological decontamination of sensitive surfaces Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-3415 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Academia Tehnică Militară „FERDINAND I”

Project partners: Academia Tehnică Militară „FERDINAND I” (RO); UNIVERSITATEA NAŢIONALĂ DE ŞTIINŢĂ ŞI TEHNOLOGIE POLITEHNICA BUCUREŞTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO); STIMPEX S.A. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/decongel-bcwa

Abstract:

This project proposes a novel approach towards obtaining innovative eco-friendly peelable gels for the removal of biological and chemical agents from the contaminated surfaces. The novelty of this project consists in the development of a new method of biological and chemical decontamination by using non-toxic water-based solutions containing hydrophilic biodegradable polymers, a crosslinking agent, reactive oxigen species generators and bentonite clay. Once they are applied on the contaminated surface, the neutralization of the contaminants occurs, followed by their entrapment in the polymer-clay system. After curing, these solutions form strippable gels that can be easily removed from the surface. The necessity of developing a new technique of neutralizing and eliminating chemical or biological contaminants has gained special attention due to the extremely important issues related to the terrorist interests / threats regarding the utilization of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents, but also environmental protection, because it is preferable to use non-toxic materials that do not affect the environment in the decontamination process and do not damage the surface on which they are applied.

Reliable roadmap for certification of bonded primary structures - CA 18120 Call name:
CA 18120 2019 - 2023

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

Project partners: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Faculty of Aerospace Engineering (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE- DEZVOLTARE PENTRU MICROTEHNOLOGIE - IMT BUCURESTI INCD (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

With the increasing pressure to meet unprecedented levels of eco-efficiency, aircraft industry aims for

superlight structures and towards this aim, composites are replacing the conventional Aluminium.The same

trend is being followed by civil, automotive, wind energy, naval and offshore industry, in which the

combination (or replacement) of steel with composites can increase the strength-to-weight ratio. However,

the joining design is not following this transition. Currently, composites are being assembled using fasteners.

This represents a huge weight penalty for composites, since holes cut through the load carrying fibres and

destroy the load path. Adhesive bonding is the most promising joining technology in terms of weight and

performance. However, its lack of acceptance is limiting its application to secondary structures, whose failure

is not detrimental for the structural safety. In primary (critical-load-bearing) structures, fasteners are always

included along bondlines, as “back-up” in case the bond fails. The main reasons for this lack of acceptance

are the limited knowledge of their key manufacturing parameters, non-destructive inspection techniques,

damage tolerance methodology and reliable diagnosis and prognosis of their structural integrity. The Action

aims to deliver a reliable roadmap for enabling certification of primary bonded composite structures. Despite

the motivation being aircraft structures, which is believed to have the most demanding certification, it will

directly involve other application fields in which similar needs are required. This Action will tackle the

scientific challenges in the different stages of the life-cycle of a bonded structure through the synergy of multidisciplinary

fields and knowledge transfer.

Smart polymers obtained obtained by novel photo-ATRP and 3D printing strategies (SmartPhoto-ATRP) Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1387 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/smartphoto-atrp

Abstract:

The scope of this project is to develop synthesis and fabrications techniques that will afford novel devices based on polymeric smart-structures involving polymers with controlled morphology, chemical functionalities and diverse responses to external stimuli. The materials will be capable to be exploited for the development of chemo-sensors, drug-delivery devices and smart actuators.

The originality of this project is represented by the synthesis procedure that involves photo-controlled or two-photon induced ATRP (atom transfer radical polymerization) reaction which are powerful emerging techniques insufficiently explored at this moment. Thus, the novelty consists, first of all, in the development of efficient photo-ATRP systems based on novel photo-initiators and their use in different reaction conditions. The 3D photo-ATRP is not present so far in the literature, this achievement opening new routes for post-functionalization of materials with 3D controlled morphology. Secondly, through the use of the materials properties for practical applications such as sensing, drug delivery and actuators, the advantages of the synthesis strategies can be better highlighted.

The challenge in designing these stimuli-responsive polymeric systems is to create networks capable of inducing small, orchestrated molecular changes that lead to significant physico-chemical responses upon external or internal stimuli. This entails clever synthesis strategies, molecular design and testing conditions. Even though significant progress has been made in the synthesis of precisely controllable polymerization methods leading to well-defined macromolecular blocks with stimuli-responsive characteristics, understanding physical–chemical aspects of these systems remain to be a challenge.

Smart scaffolds built on biocellulose 3D architecture or artificial electrospun templates for hard tissue engineering Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2016-0871 2018 - 2020

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://scabies.chimie.upb.ro

Abstract:

The aim of the present project proposal consist in the developing of new mineral scaffolds by employing two different types of templates, followed by ferromagnetic nanoparticles loading in order to improve the biological response of the final mineral material. The first template used for the fabrication of calcium phosphate based scaffolds is represented by bacterial cellulose membranes produced extracellularly by microorganisms in our laboratory, while the other one is artificially obtained by electrospinning polymeric solutions in the form of nonwoven 3D networks. The hybrid composite structures made of organic template and calcium phosphates are subjected to thermal treatments in various conditions in order to completely remove the sacrificial polymers, enhance the degree of crystallinity for the mineral phases and provide consolidated self-sustained architectures with appropriate structural and morphological characteristics for bone reconstruction. The next step focuses on the improvement of the biological properties of the resulted mineral scaffolds by loading them with ferromagnetic nanoparticles prepared by wet-chemistry methods, with important repercussions on the osteoinductive properties of the biomaterial. The biological behaviour of the obtained smart scaffolds will be assessed by in vitro tests, since this type of experiments are both ethical and economical. Thus, bioactivity will be studied by examining the response of the mineral scaffolds decorated with ferromagnetic nanoparticles after immersion in simulated body fluids, while the biocompatibility of the composite 3D architectures will be investigated by standard assays conducted on cell cultures. Not least, the project aims to develop a laboratory experimental demonstrator starting from a formulated product concept, whose functionality will be proved by preclinical in vivo evaluation.

ACTIVE CARBON FROM BIOMASS Call name:
UPB GEX 77/25.09.2017 2017 - 2018

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

All types of polyuretahanes foams recycling into rigid foams Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect de transfer la operatorul economic
PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2016-0047 2016 - 2018

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: BETA MEG INVEST SRL

Project partners: BETA MEG INVEST SRL (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http:// recyrig.simplesite.com

Abstract:

The aim of the project consists in the realization of a new eco-innovative degradation technology of the polyurethane foams in microwave field. The degradation process will take place at industrial level and the degradation products will be used to synthesize new polyurethane rigid foams with added value. One of the big advantages of the technology implementation will assess the decrease of the reaction time, respectively a lower energetic consumption and also the quantity optimization of the degradation solvents used for the glycolysis process. These advantages will be find in the final cost price of the rigid polyurethane foams compared with those present on the local market. Thus, a sustainable process will be realized from economical and technological point of view. Based on this proposal, the chemical recycling process of the polyurethane foams waste provides a solution for improvement of life quality and reduction of waste accumulation. Placing on the market of the added value products will contribute to the extension of the activity field of Beta Meg S.R.L. and the consolidation of the important aspect of the Romanian economy and productivity of polyurethane compounds.

Flexible linear shaped charge system for underwater metallic structures cutting Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-0545 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie

Project partners: Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: https://www.nbce.ro/flexmetcut.html

Abstract:

The present project focuses on research, achievement, fabrication and testing-evaluation at experimental level of a novel product for the rapid cutting of metallic structures found in water, further referred as „Flexible linear shaped charge system for underwater metallic structures cutting”.

The issue to solve in case of underwater use links to the physical and chemical conditions/parameters of use, such as pressure, temperature, environment density (salty water instead of air), rapidity and resistance of the fastening, stand-off, thickness of the metallic structure targeted, etc.

As a whole, the flexible linear shaped charge system proposed here represents an original and innovative product both at national and international level, until now, no similar solution being found neither in industry or research.

The entities participating in the project propose as final result, the achievement and homologation, in the view of transferring to industry and introduction in fabrication, of the validated experimental model of a flexible shaped charge system that assures the linear cutting of up to 20 mm thickness metallic structures, found at up to 30 m in-depth.

The project develops as a partnership between Scientific Research Center for CBRN Defense and Ecology (CCSA) – CO, and University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest (UPB) – P1.

We start from a formulated concept for the technology/product (TRL 2) of the polymer, available as laboratory technology (and makes the object of a patent request), i.e. UPB will deliver to CCSA the polyurethane filled with nano-size magnetite particles, and we develop a laboratory validated technology (TRL 4) for the final product, the flexible linear shaped charge system at experimental model level, CCSA focusing on the synthesis of the plastic explosive, the metallic liner, fabrication and validation of the entire system.

New molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) developed for the sensitive and fast analysis of nitrofuran based antibiotics Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0203 2014 - 2017

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU STIINTE BIOLOGICE (RO); COSFEL ACTUAL S.R.L. (RO); CP MED LABORATORY SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.chimie.unibuc.ro/cercetare/analitica/proiect%20197_2014%20Victor%20David.pdf

Abstract:

The objectives of this project are the synthesis of two molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and their use for the development of two analytical methods for the detection of nitrofuran based drugs/metabolites. The illegal use of nitrofuran based drugs (furazolidone, furaltadone, nitrofurantoin, nitrofurazone, etc.) by the livestock industry as growth promoters leads to the apparition of new dangerous bacteria strains that are resistant to antibiotic and produces dangerous metabolites that remain for a long time in meat. The EU regulations impose the control of biological relevant samples collected from living animals (urine, blood), meat from slaughter houses or traders and prepared foods. The current analysis techniques are long and expensive due to complexity of the sample matrix and low concentration of the analytes. The two MIPs synthesized in this project will be used in two different analytical applications: (1) the development of affinity based sensors and (2) for sample pre-treatment by solid phase extraction (SPE) before chromatographic analysis. The sensors will be used for rapid screening of biological samples and constructed by the immobilization of the MIPs on a transducer and detection using an appropriate detection technique like electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) or quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The main advantages of the sample pre-treatment with MIPs in chromatographic analysis are analyte isolation and concentration from complex matrices. Due to the high polarity and low detectability in UV-VIs absorption, the project will be focused also on derivatization of chosen analytes in order to enhance their hydrophobicity and fluorescence labeling. This procedure is carried out after extraction of analytes from samples by means of MIPs. The project is industrial driven and the consortium will take important steps in order to prepare a successful commercialization of the developed MIPs such as: (1) the MIPs development and optimization at laboratory scale will take into account not only the analytical performances, but also the requirements to adapt the synthesis to the industrial mass production, (2) the production of the developed MIPs will be tested at industrial scale level by the SME that will continue the post-project production and (3) the developed MIPs will be thoroughly tested by a laboratory specialized in analytical services in order to evaluate the fulfillment of end-user needs.

Vehicle blast protection system Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-1511 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: Academia Tehnica Militara

Project partners: Academia Tehnica Militara (RO); Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Centrul de Cercetare Stiintifica pentru Aparare CBRN si Ecologie (RO); UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); Ministerul Apararii Nationale prin Agentia de Cercetare pentru Tehnica si Tehnologii Militare (ACTTM) (RO); STIMPEX S.A. (RO); EUROPLASTIC S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.mta.ro/ProiectSistemProtectie/index.html

Abstract:

Project proposal “Vehicle blast protection system - CREWPROTECT”(VBPS) intends to be an innovative technical solution to one of the most pressing problems of the military forces deployed in peace keeping mission or involved in asymmetric conflicts (e.g. Afghanistan and Iraq): IED attacks on vehicles.

IED becomes the most favorite weapon of insurgents in their combat actions and it’s likely to remain the same for some time, as long as the most casualties registered by coalition forces have as cause the IED attacks. More over, specialists consider that the IED attacks will proliferates in future asymmetric conflicts and, as a consequence, their opinion is that IED threat remain the most important aspect in the future generations design of military vehicles.

Being aware of the practical utility of the project the project team, lead by Military Technical Academy, aims to develop a system able to improve vehicle protection level, as is define in STANAG 4965, without being a heavy, complex, computer assisted or expensive solution to the IED problem. The general concept of the solution permits VBPS application to the future models of military vehicles and in modernization/upgrade projects of existing equipments. The system will incorporate two major concepts that may work also independently:

- Mitigation of impulse transfer to the vehicle structure by a granular cooling material layer positioned close to the explosive charge in a flexible coat and,

- Improvement of the floor structure response to blast and shrapnel impact by adding a polyurea layer with improved characteristics (nanoparticles reinforcement) and obtaining a better mach between polyurea and steel layers.

The project idea potential is sustained by both, other researchers work and some preliminary researches done by project consortium members, detailed in project proposal.

The project development includes activities related to scientific literature review, new materials lab synthesis (polyurea recipes), lab tests and mechanical behavior characterization both in static and dynamic, powders (boric acid, aluminum solphate) cooling properties evaluation, field ballistic and blast tests on basic structures and numerical simulations for studied phenomena. The project activities are structured in 8 Work Packages, following the intermediary objectives. For financial and management reasons there are only 4 financial phases.

In order to avoid the expensive activities necessary to prove functionality of full size VBPS solution (1:1 scale) the project coordinator has chosen to finalize the project by building and testing a small scale demonstrator (1:4) of an VBPS designed for protection of a 18 tons Armored Personnel Carrier at IIIb Level (STANAG 4965). Further development of project idea will be done by project industrial integrator in future won contracts.

Project consortium members were chosen in order to cover all knowledge and equipments necessary to finish project with success, reaching all intermediate objectives. They are real interested in the project matter and are from both, research and industry: SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CENTRE FOR CBRN DEFENCE AND ECOLOGY (P1), Polytechnic University of Bucharest (P2), Military Equipment and Technologies Research Agency (P3), STIMPEX SA (P4) and EUROPLASTIC LTD (P5).

The project development implies knowledge, competences and equipments from various research fields: ballistics, detonics, material science, computing science, macromolecular chemistry, thermo-chemistry, composite and nano-materials, giving a multidisciplinary character of the project. For the synthesis of new materials macromolecular chemistry and nanomaterials knowledge are to be use. Evaluation of characteristics and suitability to practical applications require lab equipments and tests related to material science and thermo-chemistry. Field tests and final structure design demand capacity to obtain, measure and compute phenomenon associated to ballistics and detonics.

Environmental and economic benefits provided from PET bottles recycling by unconventional methods Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0042 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO); BETA MEG INVEST SRL (RO); PIGMENTUL SRL (RO)

Affiliation: UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (RO)

Project website: http://www.edinarusen.freewb.ro

Abstract:

The novelty of this project consists in the utilization of unconventional techniques both for the depolymerization process and the subsequent polymerization. As a key feature of this proposal is the obtaining of unsaturated polyesters at a low cost, during a period synthesis declining in Romania, the current users having to import their raw material. The use of microwaves in the case of PET recycling is not mentioned to this date in the literature. The partnership will comprise three teams with clearly establish tasks. Thus, one partner (company) will have the task of collecting the PET wastes, process them and realize the glycolysis in a microwave field environment. The project coordinator (University Politehnica Bucharest) will establish the optimal conditions for the synthesis of the unsaturated polyesters, depending on their respective application. The third partner (company) will obtain the unsaturated polyesters for a pilot scale fabrication. The forth partner (company) will utilize the unsaturated polyester establishing the optimal parameters with the aim of obtaining a final product.In terms of experience, our team has a key point, by having a patent in the field (B. Marculescu, N. Cobianu, Gh. Maciuca, F. Marculescu, M. Vasiliu, V. Posea, S. Vasilescu-''Procedeu pentru obtinerea poliesterilor nesaturati din deseuri poliesterice''-Brevet RSR 73605 (1980) C08G 63/00; Co8J 11/04) and a doctoral thesis.Several notable benefits were generated as a result of this project. This project demonstrates a successful way 1) to strengthen the capacity to recycle plastic waste in Romania, 2) to reduce environmental impacts associated with pollution from new plastics production and incineration of plastic waste and pressure on limited landfill space, and 3) to promote economic efficiency by opening new markets to recollecting, processing, and consuming regenerated plastic.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects