Laboratory for Characterization and Processing of Polymer Materials (LCPP)

The Laboratory for Characterization and Processing of Polymer Materials (LCPP) operates within the Chair of Textile Materials and Design (KTMO) at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor.

At the core of our mission lies the development of advanced functional polymeric materials that address the challenges of modern society. We don’t just create materials – we develop comprehensive, value-added solutions grounded in scientific excellence, interdisciplinary research, and close collaboration with industry.

About us

Our research spans the full spectrum of material development – from in-depth physico-chemical studies of natural and synthetic polymers, their modification and functionalization, to analysis of processing parameters and their influence on material properties and performance. In doing so, we build a vital bridge between science and application. 

We focus on creating smart, multifunctional, and sustainability-oriented polymers and composites, applied across several key fields: 

  • Bioactive and biodegradable packaging that extends shelf life and reduces environmental impact. 
  • Medical applications including advanced textiles and polymer-based devices such as catheters, stents, artificial joints, protective masks, and wound dressings. 
  • Technical and engineering materials with properties like flame resistance, conductivity, self-cleaning ability, and durability under extreme conditions. The latter are based on the horizontal integration of nanotechnologies and biotechnologies as well as the integration and development of advanced circular concepts and sustainability. 

A significant part of our work is dedicated to the development of next-generation functional textiles, featuring UV protection, antibacterial activity, moisture resistance, mechanical durability, and smart features for wearable technologies. These materials are applied in healthcare, sports, agriculture, military, and industrial sectors. 

Equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation and a highly skilled team, our laboratory enables precise material characterization and a fast transition from idea to solution. We also operate a textile testing service, supporting companies in testing, optimizing, and developing their materials.

Our activities are structured around three interconnected pillars:

At the LCPP, we collaborate with partner organizations and companies at various levels. The laboratory's interdisciplinary research team coordinates or participates in a number of international and national research projects that connect us with the best experts around the world.

By combining nanotechnology, biotechnology, and sustainable strategies—such as circular economy principles—we aim to create materials that not only keep pace with technological advancements but actively help shape the future.

Our goal is clear: to develop materials that are sustainable, intelligent, and tailored to the real needs of society.

Areas of work

Pedagogical work

Members of the LCPP participate in the implementation of the pedagogical process within the Chair of Textile Materials and Design and transfer knowledge to students in the fields of advanced textile materials and composites, as well as production and processing technologies.

In addition to educating students, we are actively involved in the implementation of lifelong education and professional training for employees in textile companies. We are also extremely active in the field of education and training of doctoral students.

Scientific research

Activities in this area could be divided into 4 areas or topics:

  • Production of macro, micro and nano structures – layers, -fibers, -particles and composite polymer materials (electrospinning, extrusion, injection printing, rotational coating, 3D bioprinting, wet synthesis)
  • Synthesis of functional nano- and microparticles and preparation of functional colloidal dispersions and delivery systems (polysaccharides, lignin, magnetic iron oxide with different coatings, Ag, ZnO, TiO₂, mesoporous silica, alkaline, e.g. Mg(OH)₂ and other metal particles, polymer particles/capsules with encapsulated extracts or drugs)

  • Surface modifications/functionalisations and finishing with functional agents (polysaccharide-focused polymers, extracts, polypeptides, surfactants,...) -> dry treatment: lithography, plasma treatment and wet treatment: ad (ab)sorption/desorption: rotational coating, dipping, impregnation, spraying, rolling, printing, ...
  • Nanotechnologies: surface modification of nanoparticles as well as functionalization using nanoparticles (antimicrobial, antioxidant, bioactivity, conductivity, catalyticity, protection, controlled release, self-cleaning, antithrombogenic characteristics) and production of nanofibers using electrospinning technique
  • Analyses of surface properties and solid/liquid and solid/gas interactions (goniometry, tensiometry, spectroscopy, charge and zeta potential measurements, etc.)
  • Determination of the presence and quantity of functional groups by titration methods
  • Interaction studies and immobilization of functional (bio)molecules (DNA/proteins, polysaccharides) and cells on (model) surfaces (QCM, zeta potential measurements)
  • Study and optimization of technological processes for the processing and production of polymeric and composite materials with an emphasis on usability/applications
  • Preservation of historical paper and protection of cultural heritage objects
  •  

  • Nanofiber Structures for Medical Applications
  • Active functional packaging
  • Advanced (nano) composite systems for removing pollutants from water
  • Smart patches
  • Functional medical devices
  • Functional Thermoplastic Composite Materials
  • Coated magnetic nanoparticles
  • Functional protective equipment (fireproof)

  • Development of materials and techniques for the protection and preservation of historical textiles and paper
  • Scientific research cooperation within the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science ERIHS

Cooperation with the economy

At LCPP, we cooperate with the economic environment at various levels. We provide professional support to companies, carry out analyses, testing materials and products, prepare expert opinions, studies and transfer our knowledge into industrial practice.

The majority of services for companies are focused on the analysis and testing of textile materials, namely fibers, yarns and flat textiles (fabrics, knitwear and non-woven textiles) in accordance with the applicable SIST EN ISO, ASTM or DIN standards.

In addition to the above, we also perform:

  • textile pretreatment processes (alkaline, acid, mercerization, optical, chemical bleaching),
  • advanced finishing processes (environmentally friendly finishing processes to achieve: fire resistance, antimicrobiality, conductivity, hydrophilicity, etc.),
  • identification of damage to textile materials
  • analyses of surface properties of polymeric materials using electrokinetic and dynamic methods,
  • determination of hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of plastic materials (determination of contact angle, determination of free surface energy and stress),
  • Identification of accessible functional groups of oriented polymers using titration methods.
  • Understanding the interactions and improvement of adhesion in the application of specific agents to different materials (polymeric, inorganic and composites)

A detailed list of the analyses we perform can be found here: OFFER OF ANALYSES/SERVICES.

Partner organizations and companies

  • EPNOE - European Network of Excellence for Polysaccharides,
  • POLIMAT - Center of Excellence for Polymeric Materials and Technologies,
  • AUTEX - Association of Textile Universities,
  • EURATEX - European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing, etc.

  • Inštitut Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenija
  • Kemijski inštitut, Ljubljana, Slovenija
  • Faculty of Polymer Technology, Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia
  • Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
  • Karl Franz University Graz, Graz, Austria
  • University of Leoben (Montanuniversität Leoben), Leoben, Austria
  • University of Technology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
  • Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania
  • Lund University, Lund, Sweden
  • University of Nottingham, Nottingham, England
  • University of Evry-Val-d'Essonne, Evry, France
  • Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
  • ETH – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • LEPMI - Laboratory for Electrochemistry and Physical Chemistry of Materials and Interfaces, Gières, France
  • AIDICO - Institute of Technology for Civil Engineering, Valencia, Spain
  • BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
  • CEMEF - Centre for Materials Design, Sophia Antipolis, France
  • Research Joanneum, Graz, Austria
  • TITK - Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastic Research, Rudolstadt, Germany
  • Innochemtech GmbH Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Nemčija
  • Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • AIMPLAS - Plastics Technological Institute, Valencia, Spain
  • Univerza v Beogradu, Beograd, Srbija
  • University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
  • University of Split, Split, Croatia
  •  

Tosama d.o.o., Perutnina Ptuj d.d., Konus Konex d.o.o., Medex d.d., TT Okroglica d.d., Tik d.o.o., Paloma d.d., Kogal s.p., Silkem d.o.o., Savatech d.o.o., Jata Emona d.o.o., Mondi AG, Tekstina d.o.o., Surovina d.o.o., Kinezika d.o.o., Tanin d.d. Sevnica, Whitebeam d.o.o., Predilnica Litija d.o.o., Svilanit d.o.o., Tekstina d.o.o., Poliplet d.o.o., Slovenske železnice d.o.o., UTG Vodnik d.o.o., UKC Maribor.

Contact

LCPP, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor
Smetanova ul. 17
2000 Maribor
Telefon: +38622207715
Email: lcpp.fs@um.si

Links

About us
Publications
News
Contact
Privacy policy
Cookie policy

© 2025 LCPP. The website was created by OnOff Creative Agency.