Ramesh Babu Pdamati and Kona Mondal represented Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the IMPRESS project at the Americas Regional Meeting of the Polymer Processing Society (PPS 2025), held from September 23 to 25, 2025, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The TCD delegation was immersed in a programme that foregrounded sustainability, circularity, and real-world impact across polymer science and engineering.
As part of the technical programme, Kona Mondal delivered an oral presentation on work from the IMPRESS project: “Intercalation of natural antifungal agents with Mg–Al layered double hydroxide improving physicochemical properties of PLA-based composites.” The talk outlined how embedding natural antifungal agents into Mg–Al LDHs enhances the performance of PLA composites, boosting physicochemical stability and durability while adding bioactive antifungal functionality. The approach points to new opportunities in packaging and other applications of sustainable materials, where longer life, safer surfaces, and reduced waste are paramount.
Throughout the event, both Kona and Ramesh engaged with global peers on topics shaping the field: biodegradable plastics, compostable films, and bio-based composites reinforced with agricultural residues; innovative recycling and upcycling, from chemical depolymerisation to compatibiliser-assisted blending; and healthcare innovations such as bioresorbable implants, smart wound dressings, and chitosan-based nanocomposites. Sessions on additive manufacturing (3D/4D printing) highlighted next-generation, responsive composites, ranging from lightweight, cellulose-based EMI shielding to temperature-adaptive biocomposites, while digital innovation took centre stage with AI-driven materials design, machine learning for process optimisation, and advanced modelling tools to speed up translation from lab to market. Applications in packaging and mobility (including PFAS-free coatings, home-compostable films, and agro-fibre–reinforced automotive parts) underlined a shared focus on performance with sustainability.
One of the most energising moments for the TCD team was the Poster Session, where early-career researchers and students showcased inventive, carefully executed projects across sustainable composites, advanced recycling, biomedical applications, and smart materials. The TCD representatives contributed to the session’s success as part of the judging effort and by offering constructive feedback, noting the impressive creativity and rigour on display. By the end, Kona and Ramesh left Guelph with new connections, sharper insights, and actionable ideas, reinforcing how today’s polymer research is not only raising performance but also enabling a more circular, resilient, and environmentally responsible future.
The article and photos were provided by Kona Mondal, Trinity College Dublin.