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Synthesis and coatings

R&D

Our expertise in the chemistry of polymer synthesis enables us to investigate the production of polymers and coatings from monomers and oligomers, with special emphasis on those obtained from green chemistry. In the case of paints and coatings, we focus on coatings with functionalities.

Our lines of work are:

Polymer synthesis and technology

Polymerisation processes.
Synthesis of functional oligomers and sustainable polymers from monomers from chemical recycling or natural resources.
Synthesis of water-based systems (dispersion, emulsion, …).
Synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid polymers.

Design and formulation of coatings and adhesives

Design and formulation of functional and sustainable coatings/adhesives (airbrushing, screen printing, flexography, rotogravure, foulard).
- Water-based, solvent-based and solvent-free systems.
- Radiation (UV) curing systems.
- Dual curing systems (thermal + UV).
- High biogenic or recycled content.
- Biodegradable or compostable solutions.
Coatings with new functionalities:
- Electrical properties.
- Anti-scratch and self-repairing.
- Flame-retardant properties.
- Antimicrobial properties.
- Repellents.

Services

Tests

Equipment

Equipment for the synthesis, functionalisation and characterisation of polymers

We have laboratory-scale reactors and rheometers, chromatography and other laboratory equipment.

Coating/adhesive formulation equipment

We have "cowles" high shear dispersing and mixing equipment equipped with milling basket, three roll mill, "ultraturrax" homogeniser and grind gauge, among others.

Liquid formulation characterisation equipment

We have equipment to measure density, viscosity, coating capacity and contact angle, among others.

Preparation, application and curing equipment

We have equipment for roll to roll deposition, screen printing, spray booth painting, foulard impregnation, as well as thermal and UV curing. UV curing oven.

Dry film characterisation equipment

We have a wide range of coating characterisation equipment, such as mandrels, pendulums, sclerometers, hardness testers, impact testers, combs, crockmeters, thickness gauges, etc.

Major Projects

Novel lignocellulose fractionation process for high purity lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose valorisation into added value products. FRACTION

The aim of this project is to validate and demonstrate the technical, economic and environmental viability of a new lignocellulosic waste biomass biorefinery scheme. GAIKER is working on synthesising bio-polyesters from the bio-based monomers obtained from an innovative biomass fractionation and transformation process, to develop new coatings, adhesives and more sustainable plastic materials for various industrial sectors.

This project received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (JU) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, under contract number 101023202.

Validation of a pilot industrial process to manufacture isosorbide bis(methyl carbonate). VIPRISCAR

The aim of this project is to sustainably, efficiently and competitively manufacture the monomer (isosorbide bis(methyl carbonate) (IBMC) on a large scale and demonstrate its usefulness and added value to the market.

GAIKER is responsible for modifying and functionalising the starting monomer (IBMC derived from isosorbide from renewable sources) to synthesise, formulate and validate new, more sustainable aqueous industrial polyurethane coatings.

This project received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (JU) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, under contract number 790440. The JU is supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Bio-Based Industries Consortium.

New, more efficient, healthier and sustainable polyurethane adhesives and coatings. ARPES

Development of a new range of aqueous polyurethane dispersions (PUDs), and derived adhesives and coatings, with a significant reduction in their impact on health and the environment thanks to new environmentally friendly components.

Research into new materials (composite, graphenic & ceramic) and textiles for professional clothing providing protection against projectiles, the environment, fire and biological risks. MATEX

GAIKER is collaborating on developing functional coatings for protective textiles based on modifying formulations and introducing additives and nano-reinforcements to improve the mechanical, fire and weather resistance of technical garments.

Scientific publications

Would you like to talk to an expert?

Juan Ramón Alonso

Sustainable Composites & Functional Polymers Market Manager