Evaluation Report Publications of the Academy of Finland 1/11

3.6  Polymers and other organic materials
Polymer chemistry has a long tradition in Finland and many of the evaluated units 
work to some extent in this subfield of chemistry. The influence of wood as a very 
common raw material is seen in many research projects where biopolymers such as 
lignin and cellulose are starting materials for chemical transformations and structural 
elucidations. Such activities are ongoing not only within dedicated polymer units but 
also at organic, biotechnological or engineering laboratories. It is not evident to the 
panel if all activities are ideally placed. 

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Strong and active collaborations between the polymer units and chemical 
companies are beneficial and explain the focus on applied rather than basic research. 
On the other hand, there is some lack of real basic research on biopolymers, which 
should be remedied. The panel recommends more activities towards raw materials as 
energy sources, possibly in the field of biofuels.
The traditional petroleum-based synthesis of polymers, which is very common in 
other EU countries, is a rather small activity in Finland. The units should consider 
strengthening efforts towards basic research on catalysis and new processes on polymer 
production. The investigation of material properties of polymers is historically strong in 
Finland, and more recent endeavours into amphiphilic polymers, polyelectrolytes, 
nanocomposites and other smart materials offer promising prospects. The panel 
recommends activities also towards conducting polymers.
Overall, polymer chemistry in the widest sense is a strong research subfield in Finland 
and contributes considerably to the external funding of the units working in this area and 
to active and vital collaborations with industry on more applied research projects. 
However, basic research on important topics such as catalysis and polymer synthesis is 
less visible. The panel recommends that a clear strategy be developed concerning the 
chemistry research on wood-based biopolymers, relating to the future directions of the 
wood industry in Finland. If the wood industry continues to be an important supplier 
of raw materials, research on biofuels production would be an attractive topic. 
Regardless of the future strategies of the paper and pulp industry in Finland, polymer 
research activities towards petroleum-based polymers should be enhanced.