Dr. Maria M. Velencoso

• Studied role of the side reactions of a recipe of conventional semibatch polyether polyol in order to formulate a rigorous mathematical reactor model. • Characterized changes in the polyol properties by international standard techniques.

• Investigated influence of additives for rigid polyurethane foams in order to enhance the thermal insulation properties. • Studied effect of additives on cell gas content and lambda values of the rigid foams.

• Introduced phosphorus compounds in the anionic polymerization process by means of initiation systems or monomers, in order to obtain polyether polyols with flame retardant properties. • Developed a strategy for the synthesis of functional polyols by means of the combination of anionic polymerization with “click” chemistry in order to obtain materials with flame retardant and fluorescence properties. • Evaluated the fire behaviour and thermal stability of polyurethanes.

• Development of polyurethane coatings containing phosphorylated polyols in order to enhance fire-retardancy. • Analyzed thermal stability and time to ignition of the synthesized polyurethane coatings. • Interpreted cone calorimetry results.

• Cross-checked the analytical techniques for polyether polyol. • Preparation of the experimental procedure and set-up for the synthesis of polyols.

Developed skills such as: active listening, clear careful speaking, teamwork, planning, time management and decision making, leadership, ability to motivate others, selling ideas, effective negotiation.

Synthesis and application of phosphorylated polyether polyol as reactive flame retardant. Grade point average: Excellent Cum laude. Grant: Spanish Government: October 2009 - October 2013.

M. Sc. Thesis: Synthesis of phosphated polyols for the manufacture of fire retardant polyurethane.

M. Sc. Thesis: Study of the Aerobic and Anaerobic treatment of leachates from landfills.