Presentation of UP FTPO Research at IRT Forum 2026
The IRT Forum (Innovation, Development, Technology) has long been recognized as one of the most important professional events for Slovenian industry, bringing together representatives of industry, research organizations, and development institutions. This year’s IRT Forum 2026 took place on 8 and 9 June in Portorož and was attended by representatives of the University of Primorska Faculty of Polymer Technology (UP FTPO), teaching assistant Tamara Rozman and Head of the Centre for Cooperation with Industry, Silvester Bolka.
On the second day of the forum, they presented two professional papers focusing on the development and enhancement of recycled polymer materials for demanding industrial applications.
Silvester Bolka presented the paper entitled “Improving the Properties of Recycled PA66 GF15 with Various Additives”, co-authored by Tamara Rozman, Rajko Bobovnik, Blaž Nardin, and representatives of O.P.S. Breznik. The research examined possibilities for improving mechanically recycled PA66 reinforced with 15% glass fibres through the use of various additives, including ground waste from wind turbine blades, polyester thermoset dust, compatibilizers, and lubricating additives.
The results demonstrated that an appropriate combination of additives can significantly influence the mechanical, thermal, and processing properties of the material. Certain formulations exhibited increased stiffness and strength, opening new possibilities for the use of recycled thermoplastic composites in demanding technical applications.
Tamara Rozman presented the paper “Reinforcement of Mechanically Recycled PETG with Thermoset Waste for Injection Moulding and 3D Printing Applications”, co-authored by Silvester Bolka, Rajko Bobovnik, and Blaž Nardin. The study investigated the use of recycled PETG reinforced with ground thermoset composite waste.
The results showed that the developed composite is suitable for both injection moulding and 3D FGF printing directly from pellets. A particularly interesting finding was that, for certain properties, the 3D-printed specimens achieved comparable or even superior performance to injection-moulded parts. The developed material therefore represents a promising solution for large-format 3D printing and the production of technically demanding products.
The presented papers highlight UP FTPO’s commitment to the development of sustainable materials and the principles of the circular economy, while also demonstrating the importance of linking research activities with the current needs of industry.