History
Research in the field of polymeric materials has a long and dignified history at Tallinn University of Technology. For the most part, R&D has been based on the valorisation of domestic raw materials. In the early years the primary raw material fossil-derived oil shale was the object of research in Estonia. Today cellulose and other components of the lignocellulosic biomass are the most important bio-based, raw materials. Throughout history, learning about polymer materials has also taken place in various forms of education and at various levels of higher education.
1958
A problem laboratory for polymer synthesis is created at the Department of Organic Chemistry of the Tallinn Polytechnic Institute, where, under the leadership of Hugo Raudsepp, the synthesis of epoxy and polyester resins based on the raw materials obtained by oil shale chemistry is studied.
1961
The Department of Organic Matter Technology teaches oil shale technology, pulp and paper technology and plastics technology.
1965
The problem laboratory for polymer synthesis is merged with the Oil Shale Chemistry and Technology Laboratory, as a result of which a Problem Laboratory for Oil Shale Chemistry and Synthesis is created, scientific supervisor Agu Aarna, head of the laboratory Karl Kiisler. Polycondensation resins based on oil shale chemistry and new structural adhesives are being studied. Novel resins find international recognition and are also patented internationally.
1992
The Department of Wood Processing and Light Industry of Tallinn University of Technology, the Problem Laboratory of Oil Shale Chemistry and Synthesis and one part of the Department of Organic and Biochemistry forms the Department of Wood, Polymers and Textiles. The first director of the department is Eduard Piiroja. The department has three chairs: the Chair of Woodworking, the Chair of Polymer Technology and the Chair of Textile Technology. At the department, according to study programs in the technology of materials, wood, pulp and paper, polymers and textiles are taught.
1994
The Department of Wood, Polymers and Textiles becomes the Department of Polymeric Materials. Directors 1994-1996 Eduard Piiroja, 1996-2012 Anti Viikna, 2012-2016 Andres Krumme.
1997
The new bylaws of the Department of Polymer Materials formulate the institute’s goal of teaching and researching the chemistry and technology of natural and synthetic polymeric materials.
2002
Admission to the 5-year diploma program ends and studies begin according to the 3-year bachelor’s and 2-year master’s program. The undergraduate program “Materials Technology” is common to all student chairs of the institute, but still includes specialized subjects. At the master’s level “Materials Technology”, the curriculum includes a specialty in plastic technology.
2013
Based on the master’s program “Materials Technology”, an international curriculum “Wood and Plastic Technology” is created. In 2015, the choice of the main specialty of textile technology will also be added to the curriculum.
2017
Due to structural reform, the Department of Polymer Materials is merged into a new, larger department called the Department of Materials and Environmental Technology. Under the leadership of Andres Krumme, a Laboratory of Polymers and Textile Technology is established at the department. The undergraduate curriculum of “Materials Technology” is updated to its current form.
2023
Two new laboratories are formed from the Laboratory of Polymers and Textile Technology: a Laboratory of Textile Technology under the direction of Tiia Plamus and a Laboratory of Biopolymer Technology under the direction of Andres Krumme.
Biopolümeeride tehnoloogia labor
Materjali- ja keskkonnatehnoloogia instituut
Tallinna Tehnikaülikool
