Sieć Badawcza Łukasiewicz – Instytut Nowych Syntez Chemicznych (Łukasiewicz - INS) is R&D unit active in the field of chemistry, engineering and chemical technology. We implement effective and innovative solutions for synthesis and inorganic technologies, catalysis, hydrogen technologies, biogas production and the protection of environment. We develop new green research such as biodegradable plastics or supercritical CO2 extraction of plant materials.

One of the Łukasiewicz -INS departments is Biodegradable Plastics Research Group which carries out R&D works in the scope of biodegradable plastics. The major activities refer to biodegradable plastics obtained with the use of plant-based materials or plastic recycling. Within the framework of research, formulas of polymer compositions dedicated to specific applications and processing methods especially in packaging sector are developed.
The laboratory provides services in the scope of processing and analysis of polymers for plastic industry. Our advanced equipment allows us to obtain pellets, extrude plastics, inject shapes and to carry out analysis of thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of plastics.

Equipment for polymer plastics processing:
• A line for extrusion of multilayer film with blowing method or with a flat die in horizontal and vertical configuration (1-, 3- or 5 layers films),
• Plastics granulation line with twin screw extruders,
• Injection moulding machine equipped with shapes for mechanical tests,
• A line for bottle co-extrusion with blowing,
• Two roll mill,
• Hydraulic press,
• Vacuum former,
• High speed mixture, dryers, mills.
Research equipment:
• Analysis of mechanical properties of films and shapes (Testing machine, Charpy impact tester, Elmendorf tear strength tester, Falling dart impact tester),
• Thermal analysis (Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TGA), HDT/Vicat Apparatus),
• Rheological analysis (Capillary rheometer, plastometer),
• Structural analysis (FTIR spectrometer, Gel permeation chromatograph GPC/SEC),
• Determination of water content in granulates with KF method.

The above mentioned equipment enables us to carry out tests of large scale processing under conditions which mirror the real production parameters and it ensures relatively low use of plastics. the research equipment allows carrying out the quality control of the obtained plastics. Therefore, we are the cooperation platform between science and industry.