Katarzyna Kisiel, a second-year PhD student and member of the Chmielarz Research Group, won 3rd place in the nationwide competition for the best Diploma Thesis of the 2023/2024 academic year, organized by the Stowarzyszenie Inżynierów i Techników Przemysłu Chemicznego (SITPChem) in the category of engineering theses.
The awarded engineering project, titled “Synthesis of macromolecular compounds grafted from structural components of wood cel wall”, was carried out under the supervision of Prof. Paweł Chmielarz. The project focused on the optimization of statistical copolymer synthesis via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The developed copolymers can be applied to wood surface modification, significantly enhancing its mechanical and hydrophobic properties, thereby increasing the material’s durability and functionality. Additionally, they represent an innovative concept for vitrimer precursor materials with self-healing and biodegradable properties.
The diploma ceremony took place on December 4, 2025, during the SITPChem “Przemysł Chemiczny” Conference in Warsaw. This achievement highlights both the high level of research conducted within the group and the scientific merit of the thesis, recognized by a jury of experts from the chemical industry.
More information:
https://sitpchem.org.pl/2025/10/konkurs-sitpchem-na-najlepsza-prace-dyplomowa-rozstrzygniety/
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