MSAGroup

Jakub Matusiak and Wojciech Franus from MSAGroup, in collaboration with Elżbieta Grządka and Urszula Maciołek (Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin) as well as Trung-Anh Le (University of Helsinki) and Tan-Phat Huynh (Åbo Akademi University), have addressed this complex question in the latest article, "The interactions between zeolite and two cellulose derivatives: A comprehensive analysis of liquid and solid phase properties," published in the leading journal Carbohydrate Polymers (IF=10.7). The use of cationic and anionic cellulose allowed for the determination of the interactions between polymer macromolecules and zeolite particles. It was observed that the interaction mechanism of these substances is different, and the colloidal and thermal stability of such systems depends on the type and concentration of the selected polymer. The obtained materials, based on zeolite synthesized from an aqueous waste solution after the production of synthetic zeolites from fly ash and biodegradable cellulose ethers, perfectly align with the principles of green chemistry and a circular economy. In the future, these materials may address the needs of the chemical, pharmaceutical, and modern construction industries.

The full text of the article can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122456

The invention of our MSAGroup team entitled "Technology for production of lightweight aggregates using microwave radiation" whose authors are: Franus Małgorzata, Wojciech Franus, Agnieszka Woszuk, Rafał Panek (Lublin University of Technology) and Tomasz Bień (BIKO-SERWIS), won a gold medal at the INNOWINGS 2024 International Exhibition of Inventions (Lublin, 6-7.06.2024). In addition, the Team also received a distinction awarded by the Council of the Lublin District, Polish Chamber of Patent Attorneys for scientific and technical achievements and contributions to the development of technology. The granting of these awards is evidence of effective cooperation between science and industry.

The MSAGroup members including Szymon Malinowski, Agneszka Woszuk and Wojciech Franus in the publication "Anti-aging and rheological performance of bitumen modified with polyaniline nanofibers" presented a novel approach to inhibit the aging processes of bitumen binders, which is one of the main factors negatively affecting the performance of road pavements. The recent paper published in the prestigious international journal Construction and Building Materials (IF=7.40) proves that the application of polyaniline nanofibers (PANI_NFs) for bitumen modification enables inhibition of changes in its physical, chemical and rheological properties occurring due to the aging process. The results presented in the paper are very important for both the road construction sector and society as a whole. The introduction of the developed solution into commercial practice will allow the production of more durable road surfaces. This will have a positive impact on the environment by reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, which is crucial for sustainable development in terms of the latest European Union regulations. For more details, please read: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.136810. This research was funded by National Centre for Research and Development of Poland grant number INNOGLOBO/I/95/NZeolOx/2022.

MSAGroup members Maciej Szeląg and Wojciech Franus, with the participation of Patryk Ruminski (PL) and foreign partners Magdalena Rajczakowska and Andrzej Cwirzen from Lulea University of Technology in Sweden, answered this question in a recent paper titled "Macro- and microstructural evolution of cement paste modified with MWCNTs under thermal shock conditions," published in the Journal of Building Engineering (IF = 6.4). The process of thermal evolution of the microstructure of cement paste, and the influence of MWCNTs on this process, was analyzed in detail using techniques such as mercury porosimetry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Among other things, it was revealed how the portlandite content changes as a function of thermal loading and the amount of non-hydrated portion of the cement at different MWCNT contents. We invite you to read more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710224014876?via%3Dihub

The project titled “MagZEObone: Smart Magnetic Biomaterials Based on Zeolites and ZIFs in Service of Humanity - Multifunctional Bone Healing and Regeneration” has received funding in the Sonata 19 competition. The aim of this project is to develop innovative magnetic biomaterials based on zeolites and zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) as a multifunctional bone healing and regeneration tool. These biomaterials will respond to static magnetic fields to enhance bone tissue regeneration. We aim to develop material solution to the problems of modern biomedicine. Combining the chemistry, biology, engineering and medicine will allow our team to look at the picture from a bigger perspective: synthesizing the novel materials by means of chemical methods, modifying its properties with biopolymers and chosen drugs for a sustained release, optimizing the process parameters of each part of the project, biological characterization, and in the end medical application. Therefore, we will obtain specialized chemical and biological knowledge, that could be useful to solve the real-life problems.

Jakub Matusiak (PI) and Wojciech Franus are involved in the project's implementation. The project partner is Agata Przekora-Kuśmierz from the Medical University of Lublin.

At the INTARG® International Invention and Innovation Fair in Katowice, held May 21-23, 2024, our inventions won the highest jury award. The invention entitled " Lightweight Aggregate Production Technology Using Microwave Radiation" whose authors are: Malgorzata Franus, Wojciech Franus, Agnieszka Woszuk, Tomasz Bień, Rafał Panek, Jarosław Madej won a platinum medal and the TRL Award.

Whereas the invention entitled "Technology Of Ecological Asphalt Mixtures Production With Improved Resistance To De-Icing Salts" whose author team are: Szymon Malinowski, Agnieszka Woszuk, Wojciech Franus and Malgorzata Wisniewska won a gold medal and an award from the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland.

The granting of awards to MSAGroup is proof of the effective cooperation of our Scientists with entities of the business and social community.

A PhD student from our research group, Martyna Janek, M.Sc., completed a 3-month internship (February 19 to May 19) at a renowned foreign institution - Pennsylvania State University (Pennsylvania, USA). The internship was funded by National Agency for Academic Exchange, within the framework of the STER - Internationalization of Doctoral Schools project. During the internship, Martyna conducted research into the potential use of zeolites (in this case, natural zeolite - clinoptilolite) as additives allowing the development of more economically and environmentally sustainable mortar and concrete mixtures produced by 3D printing technology. The effective realization of the work was ensured by the extensive experience of the research group led by prof. Aleksandra Radlińska in the application of novel additives and admixtures for the production of cementitious composites and 3D printing technology. As part of the internship, Martyna was also given the opportunity to acquaint herself with highly specialized laboratory facilities, while the entire stay was an opportunity to strengthen scientific cooperation between the #MSAGroup research group and scientists from Pennsylvania State University.

The project entitled "Preparation for industrial implementation of environmentally friendly mineral-asphalt mixtures using foamed bitumen technology" has been classified for funding in the Proof of Concept (PoC FENG) competition organized by the Foundation for Polish Science. The contest included 235 applications, but only the best 28 projects received funding. Our project aims to utilize large amounts of deteriorated asphalt pavements through developing a procedure and method for homogenizing new types of aging process inhibitors with recycled bitumen. These environmentally friendly materials with selected chemical structure will make it possible to return the original properties of the bitumen binder at a high degree. From the #MSAgroup, in the project implementation will be involved #Agnieszka Woszuk (project manager), #Szymon Malinowski and #Wojciech Franus. Meanwhile, the industrial partner will be the Zieja Company located in Łomża, which has more than 30 years of experience in the field of road construction.  

I am extremely pleased to inform you of the substantive and financial settlement of the project entitled “Fly ashes as the precursors of functionalized materials for applications in environmental engineering, civil engineering and agriculture”. The project was funded by the Foundation for Polish Science within the TEAM-NET programme. We carried it out for 4 years as part of a scientific consortium of Lublin University of Technology (leader), AGH University of Science and Technology and Warsaw University (consortium members). The research work on the project involved more than 50 people at various stages of their scientific careers (students, PhD students, post-docs and experienced researchers). As a result of the project, 52 scientific articles were published in prestigious JCR-listed journals. Two technological solutions developed as part of the project received patent protection from the Polish Patent and Trademark Office. Two individuals have obtained doctoral degrees and another two are in the final stages of their doctoral dissertations. A spin-off company called Demetrius LAB (https://www.demetriuslab.pl/) has been established to provide the services that result from the FUNash project.

To everyone involved in the project, many thanks for your cooperation!!!

Robert Hunek, M.Sc. our new member of the MSAGroup, was the first to start pursuing an implementation doctorate entitled "Experimental and in situ studies of the durability of anti-corrosion coatings applied to a reinforced concrete cooling tower at PGE Energia Ciepła S.A.". The doctoral thesis will be carried out in cooperation with PGE Energia Ciepła S.A. The promoter of the doctoral thesis is Prof. Wojciech Franus, while the role of assistant supervisor will be performed by Dr. Katarzyna Gogacz-Chołuj, Eng. The aim of the project is to obtain anticorrosive seal coatings modified with biodegradable methyl esters and stearic acid of higher fatty acids of plant and animal origin for reinforced concrete cooling towers. We will keep you updated on the progress of our PhD student's work!!!