HYDROPHOBIZATION OF POLYSACCHARIDE FILMS USING IONIC BONDING WITH FUNCTIONAL SILICONES

• Grant number: 25/10823-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: November 16, 2025
• End date: December 02, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Henrique Scuracchio
• Grantee: Carlos Henrique Scuracchio
• Visiting researcher: Michael Brook
• Visiting researcher institution: McMaster University, Canada
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Prof. Michael A. Brook (McMaster University, Canada) will visit UFSCar to deepen collaborations on three innovative projects related to sustainable polymers.Project 1 focuses on the ionic bonding of functional silicones to polysaccharide-based films (e.g., pectin, alginate, gelatin) to render them temporarily water-resistant. These materials are promising for packaging and biosensors. Preliminary experiments have shown promising results, and the visit will allow expanded research and the planning of student exchanges between McMaster and UFSCar.Project 2 aims to develop reversible crosslinking methods for natural rubber, replacing sulfur vulcanization with cleavable chemical linkers, enabling controlled degradation and recycling. This project is being finalized for submission to FAPESP and a Canadian funding agency. Prof. Brook's visit will be instrumental in aligning strategies, assessing infrastructure, and building the research team.Project 3, led by Prof. Lucas Staffa, seeks to regenerate PP/EVOH polymer blends using organometallic additives. Prof. Brook's expertise in ionic compatibilization will introduce new strategies for enhancing miscibility and circularity in complex recycled polymers.During his stay, Prof. Brook will deliver lectures at UFSCar and UNICAMP, hold technical discussions with research teams at UFSCar, EMBRAPA, and UNICAMP, visit laboratories, and offer a short course on polymer sustainability. His presence will significantly enhance the Brazil-Canada partnership in cutting-edge research on sustainable and recyclable polymer materials. (AU)