1.

Ion-conducting composite membranes

The patent describes the preparation of an innovative proton conducting polymer membrane for use in fule cells. The innovation is in its composition that is based on a blend of a fluorinated polymer or other highly stable soluble polymers and a complex mixture of organic salts, a heteropoly acid and silica nanoparticles. The functional advantage of the membrane is a high proton conductivity at low humidity or in the absence of water above 100 oC. The patent is important for the production of a new generation of high-temperature proton conducting membranes.

F.32 International patent

COBISS.SI-ID: 3559194

2.

Nanoparticles and nanowires of ZnO with organophilic surfaces and their nanocomposites with poly(methyl methacrylate)

The subject of the patent are nanoparticles and nanowires of zinc oxide - ZnO with organophilic surfaces, synthesized in various diols in the presence para - toluene sulfonic acid (p-TsOH) and their nanocomposites with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), prepared without additional surface modification of ZnO particles. The preparation procedure of nano ZnO proceeds by hydrolysis of the zinc compound in the presence of catalyst, para - toluene sulfonic acid and in various diols.

F.33 Slovenian patent

COBISS.SI-ID: 4139034

3.

Invited lectures at international scientific conferences

The lectures are acknowledgments to the authors for their accomplishments on the field of hyperbranched polymers and nanocomposits with nanoparts of ZnO and verify the distinguished name of programme group in the international scientific field.

B.04 Guest lecture

COBISS.SI-ID: 4198426

4.

Membership in General Assembly of European Polymer Federation and Polymer Division of IUPAC (International union of Pure and Applied Chemistry).

A. Kržan has become in 2009 a national representative to European Polymer Federation (EPF) and was elected to serve as a general secretary of EPF starting in 2010. M. Žigon has been a national representative to Polymer Division of IUPAC in 2008/09 and 2010/11. EPF unites 28 organizations dealing with polymers in 26 European countries. The major purpose of the EPF is to stimulate and coordinate activities in science and technology of natural and synthetic polymers and education in Europe as well as to create and maintain relations with other relevant organizations.

D.03 Membership in foreign/international boards/committees

COBISS.SI-ID: 3927066

5.

Membership in editorial and advisory boards of scientific journals

M. Žigon is a member of Editorial Boards of Acta Chimica Slovenica, International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, and e-journal Chemistry Central Journal, Editor for polymers of the journal Materials and Technology, and a member of Advisory Board of e-Polymers. Her mandate in Advisory Board of Kemija u industriji ended in 2009. M. Kunaver is a member of Editorial Boards of Pigment & resin technology and Surface coatings international, Part B, Coatings transactions.

C.06 Editorial board membership