Valentina SIRACUSA
Keywords
Permeability measurements in a controlled atmosphere (different gases), at different temperatures, in different humidity conditions; Mechanical stress-strain and cyclic measurements; Migration measurements; Accelerated aging tests of polymer films; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of polymeric materials; scale-up studies from laboratory to industrial scale (SuperPro Designer) and cost analysis; Organic synthesis; TGA (Thermogravimetric analysis); DSC (differential scanning calorimetry); FT-IR (Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy); GC (gas chromatography); GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography); UV-VIS (uv-visible spectroscopy); SEM (spectroscopic electron microscopy); Optical Microscopy; Ultramicrotomy; H.NMR; polymerization techniques; polymer blend formation techniques (Brabender Instrument); Color analysis of polymer films
Associate Professor of Chemistry (CHEM06, formerly CHIM07) (6925 citation, Hindex = 40; Scopus, october 2025)
Courses:
- Chemistry for the Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Engineering
- Food Chemistry for the Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology
- Environmental Impact Studies and Certifications for the Master's Degree in Food Science and Technology, University of Bologna
Main research topics:
- Synthesis and characterization of eco-friendly polymers (biodegradable, bio-based) for use in food packaging and engineering
- Structural analysis of polymeric materials.
- Synthesis and characterization of new polymeric materials for biomedical use.
- Studies of the gas barrier properties (permeability) of polymer films under standard conditions, at different temperatures and humidity, after contact with liquids simulating the food environment.
- Preparation and characterization of "eco-friendly" nanocomposites for food packaging and engineering applications.
- Synthesis and characterization of new polyesters containing S-S bridges.
- Recycling of agro-food waste
- Synthesis of polymeric materials from renewable sources (food waste, food industry waste)
- Biodegradation studies
- Environmental impact studies using the LCA methodology (SimaPro software)
- Upgrade studies from laboratory scale to industrial scale using SuperPro Designer software, Cost and environmental impact analyses
- ORCID: 0000-0001-9055-5082
- CINECA IRIS Institutional Research Information System: link al sito
Research on polymeric materials used in the food (food packaging), medical, and engineering sectors, in collaboration with national and international research groups, focused on the development, synthesis, and characterization of innovative materials.
Environmental impact studies (LCA - SimaPro) and scaling-up studies from laboratory to industrial scale (SuperPro Designer).
She coordinates several research projects. In the academic field, his scientific expertise is used for projects and collaborations aimed at disseminating acquired knowledge, both with thesis and doctoral students and with colleagues
She collaborates on research projects aimed at both the development of new materials and scientific dissemination
See Curriculum Vitae for specification
Organization, management, and coordination of national and international research centers and/or groups. Participation in national and international research centers and/or groups.
Participation on journal editorial boards as Editor, Editorial Board Member, and Invited Guest Editor of Special Issues.
Awards and international recognition for scientific activity.
EDITORIAL participation.
Honorary expert as reviewer/evaluator of international proposals, projects, and books.
Affiliation (membership, membership) in academies and scientific societies dedicated to research in the field of chemical and environmental sciences: AICIng - Italian Association of Chemistry for Engineering (AICIng); Italian Chemical Society (SCI); Italian LCA Network Association; Italian Scientific Group for Food Packaging (GSICA); American Chemical Society (ACS).
Participation in national and international conferences and conventions as Speaker, Invited Speaker, Keynote Speaker, Distinguished Keynote Speaker, Chair of Sessions, Scientific Committee Member, and Organizing Committee Member
See Curriculum Viate for details