The research is conducted within highly topical research areas and the aim is to produce new knowledge that can be used to develop new products and improved processes. The research programmes are run through co-operation with industry and universities/institutes.

- Long-term properties for polyethylene pipes.

Improvement of knowledge of how the migration of additives and mechanical properties are affected over time in polyethylene pipes used in water and pressure applications. Parties involved: Chalmers/SP/Borealis.
PhD student:   Kristian Thörnblom

- Cross-linking of polyethylene for power cable applications.

Increase the understanding of the links between polymer structures and the cross-linking procedure as well as the properties in the network that have been formed. Used for high-tension cables designed specifically to tolerate high temperatures that arise when high voltages are transported in the network. Parties involved: Chalmers/Borealis.

PhD student Susanne Nilsson.

- Flame-resistant materials for polyethylene cables.

Investigation of the mechanisms which take place during a fire in a halogen-free flameproofing system based on chalk, silicone rubber and ethylenecopolymer. Parties involved: Chalmers/Borealis.

PhD student Linus Karlsson.

- PVC nanocomposites.

Investigation of the potential to modify nanoclay and to get the layers in the clay to divide up evenly (exfoliate) in the PVC matrix. This leads to significantly improved properties with a great deal of strength and heat stability. Parties involved: Chalmers/SP/Hydro Polymers.

PhD student Karin Sterky.

- New softeners in PVC.

Softeners are a much-debated area. This project focuses on producing new softener systems which migrate less than the present systems or preferably not at all. In doing so, the impact on nature and living organisms is reduced. Parties involved: Chalmers/SP/Hydro Polymers.

- Voltage stabilisers for polyethylene for power cable applications.

Investigation of which properties in the stabiliser are most essential to prevent discharges that cause power cuts etc. It is particularly important for the long-term properties of power cables, which are expensive to manufacture/lay. Parties involved: Chalmers.

- Ethylene from renewable raw materials.

 Investigation of whether it is financially and environmentally beneficial to manufacture polymers from biomass. This is a highly interesting area as it is assumed that access to oil, which is the current raw material for polyethylene, will decrease with time. Parties involved: Chalmers.