National Technical University of Athens, Greece
👨🎓Profiles
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stamatina Vouyiouka began her academic journey in Chemical Engineering at the prestigious National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), where she earned both her Diploma Degree and her Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Technology in 2004. Her doctoral research, supervised by Professor Emeritus C.D. Papaspyrides, focused on polyamides solid state polymerization and post-polymerization processes, in collaboration with the Experimental Station of Dupont Textiles & Interiors Inc. in Delaware, USA. This international academic-industrial collaboration laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach in polymer science.
👩🔬 Professional Development and Research Career
Following her Ph.D., Dr. Vouyiouka expanded her research expertise through postdoctoral work (2005–2009) in both CIBA Specialty Chemicals, Germany, and the Laboratory of Polymer Technology at NTUA. In 2009, she was elected Lecturer at NTUA’s School of Chemical Engineering and was subsequently promoted to Assistant Professor in 2014, and to Associate Professor in 2019. She now leads the PolymeReEng group, a vibrant research team focused on innovative and sustainable polymer engineering solutions, reflecting the growing interdisciplinary nature of applied polymer technology.
🔬 Research Contributions and Focus
Dr. Vouyiouka’s research covers a wide range of sustainable polymer processes, targeting environmentally responsible pathways for polymerization, modification, and high-quality recycling of plastics. She has led pioneering work on enzymatic polymerization, solid-state polymerization (SSP), and in situ encapsulation polymerization, particularly for polyamides, polyesters, and bio-based or biodegradable polymers. Her innovative research also spans advanced applications such as controlled release, self-healing materials, and micro/nanoparticle design, contributing significantly to green chemistry and material science.
🌱 Sustainability and Circular Economy Contributions
A core pillar of Dr. Vouyiouka’s research is her contribution to the circular economy through sustainable management of polymeric materials. She explores material eco-design, focusing on biodegradable polymers, recyclable vitrimer systems, halogen-free flame retardants, and natural antioxidants. Furthermore, she investigates advanced recycling strategies such as remelting-restabilization, chain extension, and solid-state polymerization, all aimed at improving the performance and value of recycled plastics.
🤝 Research Collaborations and Projects
With a strong reputation for interdisciplinary teamwork, Dr. Vouyiouka has co-authored and participated in 18 National and European R&D programs, collaborating with multinational academic and industrial partners. Her research outcomes have translated into real-world applications and advanced understanding across academia and industry, underlining her impact on polymer technology development in Europe and beyond.
📝 Scientific Output and Editorial Work
Dr. Vouyiouka’s scholarly contributions include over 60 publications in internationally recognized journals, 5 book chapters, and 2 World Organization patents. She has presented more than 140 conference papers, including 97 at international venues. She co-edited the authoritative book “Solid State Polymerization” (Wiley, 2009) and served as Guest Editor of the MDPI journal Materials, for the Special Issue on Advances in Polycondensates Polymerization Processes, showcasing her thought leadership in the field.
👩🏫 Teaching and Mentorship Excellence
Deeply committed to education, Dr. Vouyiouka teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in Polymer Engineering at NTUA. She has supervised or co-supervised over 75 Diploma, MSc, and Ph.D. theses, including Erasmus+ international research projects. Her students have gone on to receive numerous awards, and she has been formally recognized for her role in guiding outstanding theses at all academic levels, reinforcing her position as a mentor of the next generation of polymer engineers.
🌟 Vision and Future Directions
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stamatina Vouyiouka continues to pave the way for sustainable innovation in polymer science and engineering, aiming to address environmental challenges through eco-friendly technologies, recyclable materials, and advanced functional polymers. Her work bridges fundamental science and industrial application, ensuring a meaningful contribution to both academic excellence and societal progress. As the leader of the expanding PolymeReEng group, she remains at the forefront of applied polymer research, dedicated to shaping a greener future through scientific innovation.
📖Notable Publications
Solid state polymerization
Authors: S.N. Vouyiouka, E.K. Karakatsani, C.D. Papaspyrides
Journal: Progress in Polymer Science
Year: 2005
A review on enzymatic polymerization to produce polycondensation polymers: The case of aliphatic polyesters, polyamides and polyesteramides
Authors: A. Douka, S. Vouyiouka, L.M. Papaspyridi, C.D. Papaspyrides
Journal: Progress in Polymer Science
Year: 2018
Solid state polymerization
Authors: C.D. Papaspyrides, S.N. Vouyiouka
Journal: Wiley
Year: 2009
Accelerated ageing and hydrolytic stabilization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) under humidity and temperature conditioning
Authors: A. Porfyris, S. Vasilakos, C. Zotiadis, C. Papaspyrides, K. Moser, et al.
Journal: Polymer Testing
Year: 2018
Encapsulation of Oregano (Origanum onites L.) Essential Oil in β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD): Synthesis and Characterization of the Inclusion Complexes
Authors: M. Kotronia, E. Kavetsou, S. Loupassaki, S. Kikionis, S. Vouyiouka, A. Detsi
Journal: Bioengineering
Year: 2017