Polymer chemistry touches every aspect of our lives, from food packaging and consumer goods, to hi-tech components in machines and devices used within the human and animal body.

The increase in the use of polymers leads to further or different material demands which are met on the fundamental level by the chemistry deployed. Furthermore, there are additional challenges to face in moving to more sustainable feedstocks whilst maintaining or improving desirable properties.

The diversity of uses of polymer chemistry means that a one-size-fits-all approach to representation is not appropriate. HGF has one of the largest chemistry teams in Europe, with many polymer specialists that deal with the vast array of polymer chemistries across the spectrum of uses, whether manufactured via traditional or additive (3D/4D printing) manufacturing methods.

Particular areas of expertise include novel polymers (co-polymers, block copolymers, semi-conductive polymers, biocompatible polymers and biodegradable polymers), polymer compositions and materials (polymer films, membranes, coatings, gels, chewing gum matrices, adhesives, inks, labels, packaging, semiconductors, particles – nanoparticles and microparticles, fibres, printing and composites) and polymer processing and preparation technologies (new and more efficient synthetic routes and associated catalyst technologies, biomaterial processing techniques, casting and coating techniques).