Polymer evenings

In December 2025, a scientific article entitled "Comparative Role of rGO, AgNWs, and rGO–AgNWs Hybrid Structure in the EMI Shielding Performance of Polyaniline/PCL-Based Flexible Films" was published in the journal Molecules 2025, Volume 30, Issue 24, 4693 (IF=4.6). 

In November 2025, a scientific article entitled "How Method Matters: The Impact of Material Characterisation Techniques on Liquid Silicone Rubber Injection Moulding Simulations" was published in the journal Polymers 2025, Volume 17, Issue 22, 3086 (IF=4.9). The article is the result of joint research work by FTPO, PCCL and MUL, with the participation of authors Maurício Azevedo, Silvester Bolka and Clemens Holzer.

In October 2025, a scientific article entitled "Synergistic Integration of Polypyrrole, Graphene Oxide, and Silver Nanowires into Flexible Polymeric Films for EMI Shielding Applications" was published in the journal Molecules2025, Volume 30, Issue 21, 4221 (IF=4.6). The article is the result of joint research work within the Grinshield project, in which the authors participated: Brankica Gajić, Marija Radoičić, Muhammad Yasir, Warda Saeed, Silvester Bolka, Blaž Nardin, Jelena Potočnik, Danica Bajuk-Bogdanović, Gordana Ćirić-Marjanović, Zoran Šaponjić and Svetlana Jovanović.

At the Faculty of Polymer Technology, our work is strongly focused on sustainable development and the circular economy. With modern knowledge and research, we contribute to the development of materials and solutions that reduce environmental impact and enable longer-lasting use of resources. In this spirit, in 2019 we co-organized the first International Circular Packaging Conference with the Institute for Cellulose and Paper, aiming to connect academia, industry, designers, and brands while fostering partnerships to transform linear packaging supply chains into circular ones.

This year, we successfully held the 4th International Circular Packaging Conference (CPC) at the Rog Center in Ljubljana. The event brought together over 90 participants from 21 countries, attending both onsite and online.

Yesterday, we welcomed a new generation of students to the Faculty of Polymer Technology and together embarked on the 2025/2026 academic year.

Today, September 16, 2025, at the Innovation Day at the Brdo Congress Center near Kranj, our faculty, together with partners Additio, L.V.P., TAB-IPM, and KorX, received a bronze national award for innovation from the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS).

In September, Express Polymer Letters (IF=2.6) published the November issue of the journal, in which we published an article entitled Basalt fibers as a sustainable alternative to glass fibers in the reinforcement of polyamide 6 for gear applications. The authors of the article are Rebeka Lorber, József Gábor Kovács, Andreas Hausberger, Polona Umek, Miroslav Huskić, Aleš Hančič.

In August, Express Polymer Letters (IF=2.6) published the October issue of the journal, in which we published an article entitled Repurposed carbon fibre as a polyamide 66 reinforcement in gear applications: Correlation of composition and properties. The authors of the article are Rebeka Lorber, Janez Slapnik, Borut Černe, Andreas Hausberger and Jan Sumfleth.

I come from Koroška, more precisely from Prevalje, but I currently live in Škofja Loka. I completed my secondary education at the Ravne na Koroškem Gymnasium, where I also graduated.

In August, together with colleagues from the Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, we published an article entitled Additive-Free Multiple Processing of PLA Pre-Consumer Waste: Influence on Mechanical and Thermal Properties in the journal Polymers (IF(2024)=4.9). The authors of the article are Aleksandra Nešić, Rebeka Lorber, Silvester Bolka, Blaž Nardin and Branka Pilić.

I come from Mislinja, a small town near Slovenj Gradec, which is considered the administrative, cultural, and educational center of the Koroška region. That is where I attended a general secondary school, which gave me a broad general education and a good foundation for further study. I developed analytical thinking and prepared myself for the challenges that awaited me in higher education.

On June 4 and 5, 2025, the Faculty of Polymer Technology (FTPO) held a two-day free international conference on composite materials in Slovenj Gradec, bringing together more than 90 participants and experts from academia and industry. Participants from more than ten countries attended the event in person and online.

At the end of my first year of master's studies, I already knew that I wanted to focus my professional career on research in the field of biopolymers. I am excited about this field because it combines advanced approaches to green chemistry, innovations in synthesis, and real solutions to contemporary challenges. Wanting to further my knowledge in an international environment, I started looking for opportunities through the Erasmus+ exchange program. The right opportunity presented itself in Dublin, where I was accepted by the RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland), known for its biopolymer synthesis department.

A scientific article entitled 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱-𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻-𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘-𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 was published in the renowned journal Polymer Composites (Impact Factor: 4.8), published by Wiley. 

On Friday, May 9, 2025, a formal ceremony for the awarding of diplomas and awards by the Faculty of Polymer Technology was held at the Slovenj Gradec Cultural Center.

On March 24, 2025, Springer Cham published a book titled Sustainable Nanocomposites with Green Biomaterials. The editors of the book are Rishabha Malviya and Sonali Sundram. The Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blaž Nardin and Senior Lecturer Silvester Bolka, who are the authors of the chapter "Tailore-Made Sustainable Nanocomposites for Injection Moulding and Fused Granulate Fabrication", also participated in the publication of the book. The book is also available in the library of the FTPO.

On the last day of the MIS 2025 International Industrial Fair, April 11, 2025, our faculty, in cooperation with the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chemical Industry Association – Plastics and Rubber Section, successfully held a major professional event under the slogan "Where Plastic Industry Meets the Future."

My career path began with a secondary school education in chemical engineering, which I obtained in Ruše. I come from Maribor, and when we had laboratory exercises at the Faculty of Polymer Technology (FTPO) during secondary school, they presented the faculty and employment opportunities to us. This inspired me and cemented my decision to continue my studies

Lea Jeriček and Benjamin Podlogar, second-year master's students in Polymer Technology, gained valuable experience at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague in the Department of Polymers from September to December. We invite you to read about their impressions.

We are delighted to share the news that our faculty received the 2024 Quality Apple Award – awards for the best international integration projects for the project Polyflip - student-centered learning using the flipped classroom method. The PolyFlip project is a great example of how good projects are backed by a dedicated team of people who share a common vision. We're super proud of what we've achieved together and really grateful to all our partners for their unwavering dedication and cooperation.

Murska Sobota, October 10, 2024 – Yesterday, the recipient of the prestigious title Factory of the Year 2024 was announced in Murska Sobota, which was won by Siliko from Vrhnika, co-founder of the Faculty of Polymer Technology (FTPO). Siliko, a company engaged in the development and production of technical products made of elastomers, thermoplastics, and silicone, impressed the expert committee and earned this prestigious title. Another company from the circle of FTPO co-founders, Plastika Skaza d.o.o., also competed in the final selection. Last year, the title of Factory of the Year 2023 went to Roto Group, also a co-founder of FTPO, which further confirms that the faculty is supported by leading representatives of the Slovenian economy.

In the week from 10th to 13th September 2024 the 2nd IPPT_TWINN Summer school on Advanced Technologies in Injection Molding took place on the premises of  Faculty of Polymer Technology in Slovenj Gradec (Slovenia).

The renowned international scientific journal Polymer Composites (Impact Factor: 4.8), published by Wiley, published an article entitled Evaluation of load-carrying and wear resistance of carbon-reinforced composite gears for E-Mobility: Short-term versus long-term performance. Among the co-authors of the article is our researcher, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matija Hriberšek. The research was conducted in collaboration with the company Podkrižnik, specialna strojna industrija, d.o.o.

We are pleased to announce that the Special Issue; Towards a Sustainable and Recyclable Future with Wood and Wood-Based Composites under expertise Assist. Prof. Dr. Klementina Pušnik Črešnar and Scientific Assocciate Dr.Olivija Plohl.as the Guests Editors are available.

The special Issue serves as a as a comprehensive platform for the knowledge, research findings, innovative approaches related to Sustainable and Recyclable Future with Wood and Wood-Based Composites.

In December we published a scientific article in the journal “Materials” (IF = 3,748) together with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor. The authors of the article are Rebeka Rudolf, Janez Slapnik in Rajko Bobovnik You can find it (for free) at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/1/133.

Thursday evening, October 13, 2022, was dedicated to the topic of Advanced technologies of hot runner systems in moulds.

As guest we invited Mr. José Dantas, CEO of the Yudo KAM Global Group, responsible for large companies worldwide such as Plastic Omnium, Faurecia, Valeo, Novares, Motherson. Mr. Dantas is passionate for industry and for people. He graduated in mechanical engineering and has 46 years working experience as a mold designer, mechanical engineer and Business manager in several companies for the molding and plastic industries. 

The presented technology is related with latest technology available to produce plastics parts reducing cycle time, improving quality, reducing scrap ratio at same time offer to the user better view of window process. The logic consequences once user access this pack of technology will be less cost to produce their parts offering better arguments to compete in plastic field. There is some technologies that can be applied alone but in some cases can be combined to achieve better results or better performance.

The FTPO polymer evening was attended by more than 30 representatives of various companies, FTPO representatives and students, who had the opportunity to see the FTPO laboratories before the official lecture, and after the lecture, socializing at a banquet.

With these kinds of events, we want to offer current content in the field of polymer technology and thereby maintain a link with the industry.

In September we published a scientific article in the journal Materials (IF = 3,748) together with colleagues from the Dresden University of Technology and the University of Leoben. The authors of the article are Janez Slapnik, Yuanxi Liu, Robert Kupfer, Thomas Lucyshyn, Blaž Nardin, and Gerald Pinter. You can find it (for free) at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/19/6600

Abstract:

This study reports on the development of a novel polymer processing approach that combines low-temperature (LT) processing and fibre direct compounding (FDC) to reduce the thermal stress on thermosensitive components that occurs during compounding and subsequent injection moulding (IM). Composites based on polyamide 6 (PA6) and cellulose fibres (CeF) were prepared using an LT-FDC process and in parallel with a conventional approach using a twin-screw extruder and IM. The morphological, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the prepared samples were investigated using optical microscopy (OM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), colorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests. Composites prepared using LT-FDC exhibited worse fibre dispersion but lower fibre degradation. In comparison to neat PA6, the LT-FDC composites had increased tensile modulus (E_t) and storage modulus (E′) at 120 °C by up to 32% and 50%, respectively, while the tensile strength (σ_m) decreased by 20%.

We are kindly invite you to our Start Circles Workshop: Compostability of polymeric materials, which will be organized on Wednesday, 17th of November 2021, at 13.00, via MS Teams.

The workshop will be led by our Vice-Dean for Education, izr. prof. dr. Irena Pulko.

The workshop is free of charge by prior registration.

Kindly invited.

More info HERE.

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In September, a 4-day training took place at our faculty as part of the Polyflip project, where we are developing and testing the Flipped classroom approach for engineering higher education study programs with partners from 3 countries. The project is implemented within the ERASMUS + Strategic Partnerships program, where our faculty is the initiator and leading partner of the project.

More info about the live Polyflip training HERE.

Visit also an official project webpage.

We successfully completed the first day of the conference on circular packaging. 

Francesca Siciliano Stevens was with us, Director of the European Organization for Packaging and the Environment and lectures by industry experts from global companies (Greiner Packaging, Interseroh, Lidl GB, BSH Home Appliances Group, DS Smith...) and successful small and medium enterprises (LabelProfi d.o.o., MetGen, KraftPal, Bossis Valjevo...).
In the afternoon we were gaining new knowledge in the field of recycled plastics for packaging and testing biodegradability and compatibility, visiting FTPO laboratories and successfull slovenian company LabelProfi, which deals with flexible packaging and labels.

We successfuly concluded with two-day international conference FTPO on the topic of plastic gears (FTPO Conference 2021- Plastics gears), which took place on 17 and 18 June 2021 in Slovenj Gradec. The conference was organized as a hybrid, with participation in Slovenj Gradec and accessibility via the website using the MS Teams application. The conference was a great success, with a total of more than 50 participants from 18 different countries.

A bilateral agreement signed in 2020 with the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering), Republic of North Macedonia, bore fruit this year. In the summer semester of 2021, a master's student from Skopje, Monika Fidanchevska, joined the study process at FTPO.

More info available HERE.

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The interview available HERE.

As part of the Start Circles project, an international virtual conference was held on 3 February 2021, at which the existing R&D competencies in the field of the circular economy were presented, with an emphasis on plastic and wood materials in Slovenia and Austria.

As part of the Polymetal project, we invite you to online workshop "Thermally Conductive Materials & Testing of Thermal Conductivity", which will focus on the question which materials with very high thermal conductivity are already available on the market, in which application areas they can be applied and which new developments are being targeted.

More information at: http://www.polyregion.org/events/

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More info about the cooperation avaliable HERE.

At Faculty of Polymer Technology the composites with thermoplastic matrix and waste biomass are produced.

Check our video presentation, how waste biomass as reinforcement for plastic to make also technical parts, waste paper as biomas was compounded into PE-HD matrix. In this case, the biobased PE-HD was used. On the end of the video presentation also some injection moulded parts are presented. As you can see, our biocomposite, which is biobased, is also suitable for technical parts.

For all additional information we are at your disposal.

The Polymetal is project in the frame of the »Cooperation Programme Interreg V-A Slovenia-Austria«. The main goal of the project is the cross-boarder cooperation, networking and joint R&D of SMEs, R&D institutions from less developed, non-urban areas and one of the leading European home appliances manufacturer on the development of polymer based solutions, which could replace stainless steel or aluminum for design demanding products in different sectors. Project partners are: Gorenje (lead partner), FTPO, MUL, PCCL, Intralighting and Hiebler. The project represents a good example of cross-boarder collaboration of R&D on a demanding technological challenge, which already led to new joint R&D activities, fostered the basis for new products&processes and led to sustainable growth and increased internationalization.

At Faculty of Polymer Technology the composites with addition of high thermal conductivity filler (boron nitride) into thermoplastic matrix (polypropylene) are presented. Check our video presentation where compounding, injection moulding and characterization are presented. As you can see, our composites can achieve high thermal conductivity values.

For all additional information we are at your disposal.