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

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


Master’s Thesis Defences Mark the End of the Academic Year

Master’s thesis defences bring another academic year of research and learning at EHU and POLYMAT to a close.

27/07/2026

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POLYMAT hosts Erasmus+ training visit on biopolymer composite

From 13–17 July 2026, POLYMAT hosted two visiting researchers for an Erasmus+ training visit led by Prof. Radmila Tomovska. The course covered polymer/biopolymer composite synthesis, photopolymerization, and advanced material characterization, laying groundwork for future scientific collaboration.

16/07/2026

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A Special Issue Honoring Prof. José M. Asua’s Career

POLYMAT and EHU present a special issue in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research (ACS) honoring Prof. José M. Asua's retirement, with global contributions spanning process control, monitoring, modeling, scale-up and industrial applications. Coming soon.

13/07/2026

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