The mechanisms for self-healing using disulfides have been clarified. Waterborne coatings that combine strong mechanical properties at the service temperature and are healable at moderate temperatures have been developed. It has been demonstrated that the disulfide bonds play the role of the necessary evil as they are needed for self-healing, but they have significant negative consequences in terms of the mechanical properties of the polymer.
Production of thermoresponsive waterborne adhesives ready to be used as heat seal lacquers.
New graftable ASR surfactants that overcome the limitations of the conventional surfactants have been developed. One patent has been filed.
One important impact of the project has been the training of the recruited researchers that have been exposed to an interdisciplinary (polymer science, chemical engineering, surface science, nanotechnology, advanced polymer characterization...) and inter-sectorial (academic and industrial) program in the multicultural work atmosphere in both institutions. Two of them have already obtained a work contract at BASF. The third one decided to delay her incorporation to corporate life and stay longer in academia.
Furthermore, TRACKWAY project has contributed to strengthen the European Innovation capacity by the involvement of the industrial partner (BASF) and the academic partner (UPV/EHU) in the joint Industrial Doctorate Programme. Definitely, the project has opened the door to more industrial focalized research in the academia, and to a more basic research in the industry, and has been seen as profitable in both institutions. Last, but not least, the promotion of female researchers mainly in industry has also been pursued and achieved in this project.
