Polymerization engineering and simulation

Control the process for designing the material.

At POLYMAT, we investigate the fundamentals, control, and optimization of dispersed polymerization processes.
From mechanistic understanding to simulation and machine learning, our research lines enable the design of materials with properties tuned directly in the reactor.


The Polymerization Engineering and Simulation area brings together ten independent researchers with complementary expertise in fundamental science, mathematical modeling, and advanced process control to address the complexities of emulsion polymerization and multiphase systems. We study reaction mechanisms, reactor design, online monitoring strategies, knowledge-based machine learning, and multiscale simulations, with the goal of optimizing sustainable, high-performance materials and advanced applications.

Research lines

Fundamentals of dispersed medium polymerization

Coordinator: Nicholas Ballard

Reactor engineering

Coordinator: Jose R. Leiza

Machine Learning for Polymer Development

Bio-based and degradable polymeric dispersions

Coordinator: Miren Aguirre and Aitor Barquero

High Performance Polymers

Coordinator: María Paulis

Multiscale simulations

Coordinator: Fernando Ruipérez

Functional and Hybrid Colloids for Advanced Applications

Coordinator: Radmila Tomovska

Advanced Latex Processing

Coordinator: Edurne Gonzalez

Latest doctoral theses


Kinetic Modelling and Synthesis of AA-co-HPEG Superplasticizers with Controlled Microstructure

Kevin U. Palma Lemus

Supervisión: Dr. Shaghayegh Hamzehlou and Prof. José R. Leiza

22/04/2026
11:00 am

Mechanisms, Kinetics and Control of Oxidation Processes Involving Vinyl and Acrylic Monomers

Aleksandar Sladojevic

Supervisión: Prof. Nicholas Ballard

18/02/2026
10:30 am

Licensing opportunities


No hay oportunidades de licencia disponibles.


News related to the area


Eleven POLYMAT researchers listed among the world’s top 2% scientist in 2026

Eleven members of the POLYMAT research community feature in the 2026 Stanford–Elsevier list: seven in both career-long and single-year impact, and four in single-year impact.

10/10/2026

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Miren Aguirre and Haritz Sardon featured in Elhuyar

POLYMAT researchers Miren Aguirre Arrese and Haritz Sardon share their perspectives on polymer science and sustainability in two interviews published by Elhuyar Zientzia.

08/10/2026

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POLYMAT-EHU welcomes a delegation from the University of Ljubljana in an Erasmus+ Staff Visit

Three representatives from the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at the University of Ljubljana visited POLYMAT-EHU to learn about the centre, its research activities and facilities.

25/09/2026

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