Senior Researcher at National Institute for Research & Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM Bucharest, Romania
Dr. Zina Vuluga is an esteemed Romanian chemical engineer and senior scientist, currently affiliated with the National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry (ICECHIM). With over four decades of extensive experience in polymer science, she has made significant contributions to the development of polymer composites and nanocomposites. Throughout her prolific career, she has held several leadership roles, including Chief of the Polymer Modification Department and President of the Scientific Council at ICECHIM. Her work spans industrial and biomedical applications, with notable impact in advancing environmental sustainability through innovative materials research.
Profile
Orcid | Scopus
Education
Dr. Vuluga earned her degree in Chemical Engineering in 1980 from the Faculty of Chemical Technology, University “Politehnica” of Bucharest. She continued her academic journey with specialized management training in 1981 and a postgraduate certificate in process modeling and simulation in 1995. She achieved her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 2004 with a dissertation focusing on “Thermoplastic Composites (at nanometre scale),” awarded by the same university.
Professional Experience
Starting her career at ILV Policolor (1980–1982), Dr. Vuluga gained hands-on experience in paint and varnish technologies. Since 1982, she has been deeply rooted in ICECHIM, serving in various capacities such as engineer, team leader, and vice president of the scientific and administrative councils. Between 2012 and 2023, she led the Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites Team. Her work emphasizes the development of hybrid nanocomposites, antistatic and biodegradable materials, and nanofillers for industrial and biomedical applications.
Research Interests
Dr. Vuluga’s research centers on polymer-based nanocomposites, particularly focusing on the development of environmentally friendly materials with high-performance properties. Her areas of expertise include smart and biodegradable composites, bio-based nanostructured materials, collagen-based systems, and renewable nanomaterials. She is also known for her pioneering work in developing “intelligent” hybrid nanocomposites for drug delivery systems and in regenerative medicine applications, particularly bone implants.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Vuluga’s scientific excellence has been widely recognized. She received awards from the Romanian Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI) for her impactful ISI publications and patents. In 2023, she was honored with an honorary diploma by the Romanian Chemical Society on its centennial celebration. Her dedication to research and innovation continues to set a benchmark in her field.
Selected Publications
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Panaitescu D.M., Vuluga Z., et al. “High flow polypropylene/SEBS composites reinforced with differently treated hemp fibers,” Composites Part B, 2019, FI=6.864. Cited by: 63 articles
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Vuluga Z., et al. “Morphological and Tribological Properties of PMMA/Halloysite Nanocomposites,” Polymers, 2018. FI=2.935. Cited by: 51 articles
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Vuluga Z., et al. “Properties of Recycled Polypropylene and Industrial Waste Composites,” Polymers, 2023, 15, 2545. Cited by: 19 articles
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Vuluga Z., et al. “Scratch Resistance of Polymethylmethacrylate Composites,” Polymers, 2021, 13, 3560. Cited by: 42 articles
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Albu M.G., Vuluga Z., et al. “Morphology and Thermal Stability of Bacterial Cellulose/Collagen Composites,” Central Eur. J. Chem., 2014, 12(9). Cited by: 47 articles
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Corobea M.C., Vuluga Z., et al. “Novel Nanocomposite Membranes from Cellulose Acetate and Clay-Silica Nanowires,” Polym. Adv. Technol., 2016. FI=1.823. Cited by: 36 articles
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Panaitescu D.M., Vuluga Z., et al. “Effect of SEBS on Morphology of PP/Organoclay Nanocomposites,” Polymer Bulletin, 2012. Cited by: 29 articles
Conclusion
Dr. Zina Vuluga exemplifies research excellence and leadership in chemical engineering, particularly in polymer and nanocomposite materials. Her holistic contributions—ranging from innovative biodegradable solutions to cutting-edge applications in automotive and biomedicine—highlight her as a leader who bridges academic insight with practical impact. Given her outstanding scholarly output, extensive project management experience, international collaboration, and notable awards, she is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for recognition through the Award Nomination.