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Development of Sustainable and Highly Functional Polymer Synthesis and Application Technologies for Future Mobility Regulatory Compliance
KEYWORDKeyword
OBJECTIVE Objective
We aim to establish a sustainable circular polyurethane platform for future mobility by converting waste PET and biomass-derived feedstocks into high-value polyols, designing recyclable PU networks that enable both physical reprocessing and chemical recycling, and advancing them into high-performance materials with flame retardancy and self-healing functionality. Through this integrated approach, the research group seeks to develop core polymer technologies that combine sustainability, recyclability, and industrial applicability for automotive interior, foam, coating, and adhesive applications
INTRODUCTION Director's Message
Hello.
I am Hong Chul Moon, Director of the Sustainable Circular Polymer Research Group.
The future mobility industry is facing a major transition driven by carbon neutrality, circular economy policies, and increasingly strict environmental regulations.
Polyurethane is one of the essential polymer materials used in automotive interiors, foams, coatings, and adhesives, yet many conventional PU materials still rely heavily on petroleum-based feedstocks and remain difficult to
recycle after use.
Our research group aims to address this challenge by developing circular polyurethane technologies based on waste PET and biomass-derived resources.
In close collaboration with KRICT, we pursue an integrated research program spanning feedstock conversion, molecular design, polymer synthesis, recycling-process validation, and application-oriented evaluation.
Through this program, we hope to create a research environment where young researchers can experience the full cycle of sustainable materials research and grow into independent scientists capable of connecting fundamental
polymer science with real industrial needs.
Thank you.
IMPACT Impact
Circular Materials Innovation
This research can contribute to the advancement of national resource-circulation systems by presenting a high-value chemical upcycling route for waste PET. By securing circular polyurethane platform technologies based on recycled and bio-derived feedstocks, the project will support the automotive industry’s transition toward carbon neutrality andcompliance with emerging environmental regulations. The developed materials are expected to expand beyond automotive interiors and foams into coatings, adhesives, electronics, construction, and other sustainable polymer markets
TALENT Ideal Talent
Talent who will lead sustainable materials innovation with strong expertise in polymer science (especially, polymer synthesis), interdisciplinary collaboration skills,
and a commitment to the circular economy.