Scientific research projects
GA ČR JUNIOR STAR - Catalysts and Methods for Recycling Commodity Polymers
Stella Gonsales, Ph.D.
2026 - 2031
Starter grant Dagmar Procházková: Development of catalysts and catalytic systems for the efficient synthesis of degradable and/or functional polyolefins
Stella Gonsales, Ph.D.
STARP Research on the aging of tires of ground wheeled military equipment
Ing. Drahomír Čadek, Ph.D.
2026 – 2028
UCT team members: Ing. Drahomír Čadek, Ph.D., doc. Ing. Zdeněk Hrdlička, Ph.D., doc. Ing. Antonín Kuta, Ph.D.
The aim of the project is to ensure economical, efficient, and purposeful management of tires, inner tubes, and other rubber wheel components for land-based military vehicles.
This goal will be achieved by:
- conducting research on the degradation of material and functional properties of tires and developing an objective methodology for assessing tire usability based on their aging and storage conditions,
- obtaining experimental data on the degradation of the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of tires,
- designing a certified methodology for the storage and operation of tires for the Czech Armed Forces,
- creating a decision-making tool for determining whether tires should be withdrawn from service or kept in operation.
Using the project’s results will make it possible to predict and effectively evaluate the safety and related usability of tires, and thus determine the necessity of purchasing new ones.
INTER-EUREKA LUE241018
prof. Ing. Jiří Brožek, CSc.
team members: prof. Ing. Jiří Brožek, CSc., Ing. Jonáš Uřičář, Ing. Radka Kalousková, CSc.,Ing. Václava Benešová, Ing. Marie Kolářová
To date, functional textiles are mainly produced on the basis of synthetic fibers (primarily polyester) due to their comparatively low price and excellent properties. However, petroleum-based fibers are associated with negative consequences for the environment. Due to sociological developments, textiles are being used for shorter and shorter periods of time and many are quickly disposed and end up in landfills. During decomposition, textiles based on synthetic fibers are a significant source of microplastics. For Europe alone, the EEA estimates that 13,000 tons of microfibers from textiles end up in surface waters every year (and 8% of total microplastics in oceans). Due to legal regulations and changing customer demands, the need for sustainable textiles and alternatives to synthetic fibers is increasing, but so far these have not been able to reach the required properties for functional textiles. Hence, the project’s main objective is to develop cellulose-based textile products which are be able to compete with and replace fabrics based on synthetic (mainly petroleum-based) fibers. To this end, we aim to modify the properties of cellulose filament yarns and fabrics to suit advanced material applications. HEIQ’s novel class of man-made cellulosic fibres with superior mechanical properties and sustainability as well as without fibrillation will be used as a basis. While the endless multifilaments show tenacity & elongation comparable to petroleum-based multifilaments, functionalization (e.g. flame retardants) remains a challenge and limits the areas of application. The core of the innovation is the development of novel process for finishing of cellulosic fibers/yarns and fabrics. The target area of use is workwear or sportswear of the 1st and 2nd layers, which is the main product range of the company SINTEX. As part of the project, all properties of the developed textiles will be verified (comfort, strength, antibacterial properties, stability in maintenance, etc.) including aging and biodegradability tests.
TN02000033 National Competence Center for industrial 3D printing
Ing. Drahomír Čadek, co-beneficiary
2023 – 2028.
The main objective is to increase the potential of additive technologies through the efficient and environmentally friendly use of raw materials or energy, the development of materials with specific properties and creation of new products, the design of appropriate technologies, and the use of digitalisation enabling a high degree of optimisation. It will be achieved through sub-projects involving at least 26 partners and resulting in at least 80 applied research results with high implementation potential. Another objective is to create a platform using the multiplier effect of interdisciplinary networking of R&D organisations and industrial leaders, which will help the long-term and sustainable development of additive technologies in the Czech Republic, and increase its competitiveness.