Overview: Polymers and Composites

The Polymers & Composites (P&C) competence area consists of a strong, innovative team focusing on utilising polymers and fibres as enablers in the fields of drug delivery, tissue engineering, biotechnology, nanotechnology, nonwovens and composites. P&C strives to develop new intellectual property in these fields and to apply it to the benefit of the people of South Africa.

Research areas

Smart Polymers
Innovative research is being conducted at P&C to develop biomaterials that can be used to replace, enhance or treat a diseased or damaged tissue, body part or function. The CSIR’s research in the field of biomaterials primarily focuses on the use of novel polymeric and/or bioceramic materials for application in bone and cartilage replacement, soft tissue bulking, medical devices and cell culturing.

Nonwovens and composites
Focuses on research and development in nonwovens, fibre reinforced composites, biocomposites, biopolymers, nanocomposites and nanofibres for a wide range of applications.

Encapsulation & Delivery
This research area focuses on encapsulation and delivery technology solutions in the food, pharmaceutical and other industries. This includes nanoparticle, nanoemulsion and supercritical fluid-based encapsulation approaches, modified release delivery systems as well as drug targeting.

Research projects

Supercritical fluid-based encapsulation
In a project jointly funded by the CSIR and the IDC, a novel encapsulation technology is being developed for sensitive actives, such as biological molecules (proteins, peptides, DNA, etc.) and probiotics. The technology is successful in providing protection for orally administered actives through the aggressive gastric environment, while providing fast release in the more alkaline intestines. This technology has been patented in several countries.

Bioartificial liver support system
In collaboration with the departments of Internal Medicine and Mechanical Engineering of the University of Pretoria, the CSIR is developing a novel bioartificial system for the support of patients with acute liver failure. The system is patented in several countries and utilises a novel design incorporating a three-dimensional scaffold, an integrated synthetic oxygen carrier and an online monitoring and control system. The oxygen carrier is being investigated for other applications, such as organ preservation.

Flame retardant natural fibre solution for aircraft
The Natural Fibre Reinforced Biocomposites (NATFIBIO) consortium project focuses on the development of natural fibre-thermoset composites for use as secondary structures in aircraft. Through this consortium CSIR researchers have developed a natural fibre reinforced sandwich panel for the interior of Airbus aircraft. For the first time, natural fibre-based panels for aerospace applications were developed using an environmentally benign flame retardant treatment on the natural fibres to achieve FST requirements.