European Open Laboratory on Characterization of Polymer Nanomaterials (EOL-NAPOLYNET)

The European Open Laboratory on Characterization of Polymer Nanomaterials (EOL-Napolynet) was set up during the 2nd stage of the NaPolyNet project. Within the project duration the EOL is available for access for the NaPolynet partners, and it is planned that could be available at European level also for users outside the consortium after the project completion.

MISSION: The mission of EOL is to provide services within the project consortium and all over Europe, which is mainly stressed on the following:
1) Network at European level of Laboratories and Top Experts on characterization of polymer nanomaterials in the field of packaging, textiles and membranes.
2) Make available the latest experimental and theoretical strategies in the field of polymer nanomaterials characterization, standardization and safety.
3) Facilitate transnational access to important and unique measuring techniques/equipment for polymer nanomaterials characterization.
4) Contribute to the training and mobility of young scientists, SME engineers and users of those equipment, this aiming to produce reliable data, to correctly interpret them and to better fulfil the requirements of nanomaterials characterization.
5) Bridge the gap between scientific and engineering approaches towards polymer nanocomposite materials characterization and modelling.

FIELDS OF COMPETENCES:
The EOL-Napolynet works on seven fields of competence, as follows:
1. PROCESSING (Rheology, Processing Control and Particle Size Analysis)
2. STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGY (Structure Imaging, Optical & Diffraction Methods, Surface & Thin Films Characterization)
3. THERMAL ANALYSIS AND FAST SCANNING CALORIMETRY
4. PROPERTIES (Nano-, Micro-, MacroMechanics; Electrical, Dielectric and Thermal Properties, Permeability)
5. MOLECULAR DYNAMICS CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELLING
6. MEMBRANE PROCESSES, OPERATION AND MODELLING
7. STANDARDIZATION & SAFETY

PROCEDURE FOR WORK OF THE EOL DURING THE PROJECT DURATION:
The work of the EOL is made possible by the financial support allocated to the NaPolyNet project. The following procedures have been established:
o Short visits of researchers;
o Exchange of samples;
o Joint publications and/or projects.