Changing old polymers for use in new applications

The use of plastics on a daily basis is inherent to modern life. The most produced and utilized family of plastics are polyolefins, which are used in packaging materials, toys, lawn chairs, and extremely strong fibers and ropes. During his Ph.D. research, Simon Houben investigated how the properties of polyolefins can be changed for use in new applications such as water purification, separation of gasses, and in soft robotics.