Department of Physical Chemistry of Non-Metallic Materials

26/11/2025 - 09:39 AM

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CÁC THÀNH TỰU CHÍNH

+ Function: Organize research, development, training and application activities in the field of non-metallic materials technology (polymers, rubber, glue and other non-metallic materials) to serve socio-economic development and national security and defense.

+ Mission:

Research on decomposition and stability of polymer materials, rubber and other non-metallic materials in different environments, forecasting the working life of the above materials;
Manufacturing high quality and durable polymer blends and composite materials for tropical climate conditions;
Research on nanostructured materials, nanocomposites, biodegradable and environmentally friendly polymers, drug-releasing materials and green composite materials;
Thermal oxidation, photo-oxidation and weathering tests of polymer materials, rubber and other non-metallic materials in thermal oxidation test chambers, weathering test chambers (with the effects of UV rays, heat and humidity, ozone) and at Vietnam tropical climate test stations;
Manufacturing new materials on a small and medium scale, applying them to industrial and daily life fields;
Postgraduate training in science and technology of polymers and non-metallic materials;
International cooperation in the field of science and materials of polymers, rubber and non-metallic materials;
Perform other related scientific and technological services;
Perform other tasks assigned by the Director.

+ Main research directions:

Research on the decomposition and stabilization of polymer, rubber, and other non-metallic materials in various environments, predict their working life.
Research on manufacturing polymer blends, rubber blends, and special composite materials that are durable in tropical climates;
Research on the development of non-metallic nanomaterials, polymer nanocomposites, biodegradable and environmentally friendly polymers, drug delivery materials, and "green composites."

Head of Department contact information:

- Full Name: Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Vu Giang, PhD, Senior Researcher

- Office Address: Room 325, Building A2

- Mobile Phone: 0904710876

- Email: nvgiang@ims.(*) - Note: Replace (*) = vast.ac.vn

LIST OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT / CENTER

No.	Full name and Title	Position	Career employee/ Contract employee	Office addres.s	Email Note: Replace () = vast.ac.vn*
1	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Vu Giang, PhD, Senior Researcher	Head of Department	Career employee	Room 325, Building A2	nvgiang@ims.(*)
2	Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, PhD, Principal Researcher	Deputy Head of Department	Career employee	Room 503, Building A12	ntttrang@ims.(*)
3	Prof. Thai Hoang, PhD, Senior Researcher		Career employee	Room 501, Building A12	thaihoang@ims.(*)
4	Do Van Cong, PhD, Principal Researcher		Career employee	Room 507, Building A12	dvcong@ims.(*)
5	Tran Huu Trung, MSc, Principal Researcher		Career employee	Room 507, Building A12	thtrung@ims.(*)
6	Mai Duc Huynh, MSc, Principal Researcher		Career employee	Room 505, Building A12	mdhuynh@ims.(*)
7	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thuy Chinh, PhD, Senior Researcher		Career employee	Room 503, Building A12	ntchinh@ims.(*)
8	Tran Thi Mai, MSc, Researcher		Career employee	Room 503, Building A12	ttmai@ims.(*)
9	Nguyen Huu Dat, MSc, Researcher		Career employee	Room 505, Building A12	nhdat@ims.(*)
10	Do Quang Tham, PhD, Principal Researcher		Career employee	Room 507, Building A12	dqtham@ims.(*)
11	Nguyen Thi Thai, PhD, Principal Researcher		Career employee	Room 505, Building A12	ntthai@ims.(*)
12	Nguyen Quang Minh, PhD, Researcher		Contract employee	Room 505, Building A12	nqminh@ims.(*)
13	Nguyen Tien Minh, BSc, Researcher		Contract employee	Room 505, Building A12	ntminh@ims.(*)
14	Vu Dinh Hieu, MSc, Researcher		Contract employee	Room 503, Building A12	vdhieu@ims.(*)
15	Nguyen Xuan Thai, MSc, Researcher		Contract employee	Room 503, Building A12	nxthai@ims.(*)
16	Ly Thi Ngoc Lien, MSc, Researcher		Contract employee	Room 503, Building A12	ltnlien@ims.(*)
17	Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh, MSc, Researcher		Contract employee	Room 505, Building A12	ntdlinh@ims.(*)

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Copper core power cable using using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based nanocomposite cable sheath material. The PVC-based nanocomposite cable sheath was enhanced by nano-Al2O3 modified with 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate silane (MPTS) to enhance its insulating and thermal properties. By using a 0.75% by mass concentration of modified nano-Al₂O₃, the material achieved outstanding properties: Dielectric breakdown voltage increased by 1.75 times, reaching 92.01 kV/mm; surface resistivity increased by 177 times, reaching 6.92×1014 Ω/sq; volume resistivity increased by 263 times, reaching 7.38×1014 Ω·cm compared to pristine PVC. Although the production cost for the cable sheath increased slightly due to the addition of approximately 250 grams of modified nano-Al2O3 for every 1000 meters of 6 mm² cross-section cable, the product demonstrates superior economic efficiency. This is attributed to a service life that is three times longer than traditional PVC cables, significantly reducing maintenance and replacement costs during long-term operation. This innovation also contributes to the improved reliability of modern power transmission systems.

Figure 1. 0.6/1 kV two-core insulated power cables, 6 mm² and 10 mm² cross-sections, using modified PVC/n-Al₂O₃ polymer composite material.

2. Emulsion polymer-based coating systems and their application in construction and architecture. By using organic-modified nanosilica, nano-TiO2, nano-Ag, nano-Cu2O, Ag-Zn/zeolite, and OIT additives, a coating system consisting of a primer and an acrylic emulsion-based topcoat was developed. This system exhibits excellent resistance to heat, abrasion, and washout, while effectively inhibiting the growth of bacteria, moss, and mold, meeting the requirements of Vietnamese standard TCVN 8652:2012. The system has been effectively applied in various construction and architectural fields.

Figure 2. Temperarture variation in a test chamber painted with the multi-functional primer and topcoat system, compared to a control chamber, during the testing period from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM on June 27, 2022.

3. Flame-retardant corrugated pipes and weather-resistant corrugated pipes, both based on a HDPE/EVA blend. Owing to the successful treatment and modification of waste gypsum (WG) from the DAP Dinh Vu - Hai Phong factory, using ethylene bis stearamide (EBS) on a pilot scale of 100 kg/batch, both the flame-retardant corrugated pipes and weather-resistant corrugated pipes made from HDPE/EVA blend and modified WC was then fabricated with environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective. (i) Flame-retardant corrugated pipes were manufactured from a HDPE/EVA polymer base containing a combination of modified WG and flame-retardant additives. The product meets the technical requirements of TCVN 7997:2009, demonstrating effective flame-retardant properties with a self-extinguishing time of less than 15 seconds, making it suitable for applications in high-fire-safety environments. (ii) Weather-resistant corrugated pipes were developed using the same polymer base, but with the addition of a stabilization system that includes modified WG combined with HALS and UVA weather-resistant additives. This product has an outdoor service life of over 2 years with negligible color change and stable mechanical properties, meeting the stringent requirements for weather durability and conforming to TCVN 7997:2009 standards.

4. Antifouling Paint. Antifouling paint systems were produced on a 50kg/batch scale, using siloxane and vinyl chloride-vinyl isobutyl ether resins as film formers. These systems contain both nano and micro-additives. Specifically, the reinforcing additives used are organosilane-modified nano-TiO2 and nano-ZrO2 particles. The antibacterial additives include Irraguard B, Iragol, and Rocima, while the antifouling additive is nano-Cu2O. The coatings created from these paint systems possess good mechanical properties, a uniform structure, and excellent resistance to salt spray, UV radiation, and humid heat. They are also resistant to marine bacteria and biofilm formation. The paint systems were tested for their antifouling performance on steel substrates in natural seawater at Vung Oan, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. Results showed that after 21 months of testing in natural seawater, the damaged area was less than 30%, demonstrating that the antifouling capability of the paint system on steel structures exceeds 21 months.

5. Drug delivery based on biopolymers, biomaterials based on collagen, chitosan for hemostatic applications, and bone cement based on hydroxyapatite grafted polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)

To improve the bioavailability and absorption of active agents and pharmaceuticals, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy, our research team has utilized advanced fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, electrospinning, and microemulsion. These methods help develop highly effective drug delivery systems with biopolymer carriers that have strong compatibility with human body fluids. Nano-sizing biopolymers and naturally sourced materials loaded with active agents is a significant step forward. This process increases the solubility and release rate of the drug, enabling controlled release. Ultimately, this boosts therapeutic effectiveness, improves drug absorption for patients, and reduces the required dose and frequency of administration. The biopolymers studied as drug carriers include polylactic acid, chitosan, alginate, carrageenan, collagen (from fish scales), polycaprolactone, and xanthan gum. These polymers can effectively carry a wide range of active agents, such as nifedipine (for cardiovascular disease), lovastatin (for cholesterol reduction), allopurinol (for lowering blood uric acid), chrysophanol (an active agent with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties), and hydroquinone (for malaria treatment). Physical interactions between the functional groups in the polymers and the active agents allow the nanoparticles to operate effectively in various pH environments and control the amount of drug released. In-vivo tests on mice showed that the polymer nanoparticles loaded with active agents did not cause acute or subchronic toxicity at the tested doses. These systems also demonstrated superior efficacy in treating cardiovascular disease, reducing cholesterol, and lowering blood uric acid when compared to control drugs.

Biomaterials based on modified natural collagen fibers, loaded with the active agents ginsenoside Rb1 and golden camellia polyphenol, were successfully created using 3D printing at a laboratory scale. During the 3D printing process, printing parameters—such as sample size, layer thickness, line width, infill density, and speed—were designed based on the desired product shape. The resulting 3D-printed biological membranes have uniform thickness, high mechanical strength, and excellent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hemostatic properties. In addition to using these biological active agents, our research has explored and developed various plant extracts, which have shown promising results when combined with biopolymers for use as hemostatic and wound-healing materials.

Bone cement was also developed and studied. The primary components were vinyltrimethoxysilane-modified hydroxyapatite (vHAP-BC) or PMMA-grafted hydroxyapatite (gHAP-BC), which were compared to pristine hydroxyapatite (oHAP-BC). The setting, flexural, and compressive properties of these bone cements were evaluated according to the ISO 5833:2002 standard. The results showed that the setting temperature of the HAP-modified bone cements (HAP-BCs) decreased from 64.9 to 60.8 °C and the setting time increased from 8.1 to 14.0 minutes as the HAP content increased from 0 to 15% by weight. Both the vHAP-BC and gHAP-BC groups exhibited higher mechanical properties than the values required by the ISO 5833 standard. Electron microscopy images revealed that the vHAP and gHAP nanoparticles were better dispersed within the polymerized PMMA matrix than the oHAP nanoparticles. FTIR analysis indicated polar interactions between the PO₄ groups of the HAP nanoparticles and the ester groups of the polymerized PMMA matrix. DSC charts showed that adding gHAP to the PMMA bone cement at concentrations below 10% by weight could increase the glass transition temperature (Tg) by approximately 2.4 °C.

REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS

Mai Duc Huynh, Tran Huu Trung, Vu Manh Tuan, Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Tran Thi Mai, Nguyen Huu Dat, Do Van Cong, Doan Thi Yen Oanh, Luong Nhu Hai, Vu Dinh Ngo, Nguyen Vu Giang*, The infuence of silane-grafted aluminum oxide nanoparticles on the interfacial interaction phase and electric performance of polyvinyl chloride-based nanocomposite, Polymer Bulletin, 81 (2024) 11145–11171.
Vu Manh Tuan, Nguyen Huu Dat, Mai Duc Huynh, Tran Huu Trung, Do Van Cong, Nguyen Thi Thai, Pham The Long, Luong Nhu Hai, Dam Xuan Thang, Nguyen Vu Giang*, Morphology, mechanical performance and flame resistance of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/polyphenylene oxide (PPO) blends incorporated with halloysite nanoclay and polyphenylene ether-grafted maleic anhydride, Polymer Bulletin, 9/2024.
Thuy Chinh Nguyen, Thi Kim Anh Nguyen, Dinh Hieu Vu, Thanh Thuy Tran, Thi Thuy Trang Truong, Tien Duc Pham, Hoang Thai*, Reuse efficiency yellow phosphorus slag in a combination with copper (I) oxide as a novel antibacterial additive and adsorbent: experimental consideration and modeling, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 12 (2024) 112856.
Tien Dung Nguyen, Thuy Chinh Nguyen, Xuan Thai Nguyen, Thi Kim Anh Nguyen, Thao Linh Bui, Thanh Thuy Tran, Hoang Thai*, Eco-friendly synthesis of hydrotalcite-Ag nanosheets using Areca catechu L. nut extract and its antibacterial activity, Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices 9 (2) (2024) 100678.
Thuy Chinh Nguyen, Phi Hung Dao, Quoc Trung Vu, Anh Hiep Nguyen, Xuan Thai Nguyen, Thi Ngoc Lien Ly, Thi Kim Ngan Tran, Hoang Thai*, Assessment of characteristics and weather stability of acrylic coating containing surface modified zirconia nanoparticles, Progress in Organic Coatings 163 (2022) 106675.
Nguyen Thuy Chinh, Vu Quoc Manh, Thai Hoang*, Kavitha Ramadass, C.I. Sathish, Vu Quoc Trung, Tran Thi Kim Ngan and Ajayan Vinu, Optimizing the component ratio to develop the biocomposites with carrageenan/collagen/allopurinol for the controlled drug release, Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 68 (2022) 102697.
Thai Hoang, Dao Phi Hung, Nguyen Thuy Chinh, Nguyen Anh Hiep, Tran Dai Lam, Vu Quoc Trung, Dinh Thi My Binh. "Method for producing an organic-inorganic hybrid coating system and the coating system obtained from this method with heat-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and antibacterial properties." Patent No. 35923, issued by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam on May 4, 2023.
Nguyen Vu Giang, Thai Hoang, Mai Duc Huynh, Tran Huu Trung. "Method for producing a flame-retardant composite/HDPE/EVA plastic material and the material obtained from this method." Utility Solution Patent No. 3136, issued by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam on February 23, 2023.
Nguyen Thuy Chinh, Thai Hoang, Hoang Tran Dung. "Method for fabricating a hemostatic material based on chemically modified collagen from fish scales." Patent No. 34692, issued by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam on December 14, 2022.
Nguyen Vu Giang, Mai Duc Huynh, Tran Huu Trung. "Process for fabricating an anti-reflection coating and a substrate including the anti-reflection coating." Utility Solution Patent No. 3021, issued by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam on November 24, 2022.

MAIN EQUIPMENT

No.	Equipment	Application	Location	Contact
	PolyLab System Internal Mixer Model: PolyLab OS Origin: Germany	Used for processing polymer, rubber, and polymer composite materials, as well as for determining the rheological properties of materials	Room 508, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Do Quang Tham, PhD
	MiniJet Injection Molding Machine Model: MiniJet Pro Origin: Thermoscientific, Germany	Used to create specimens for tensile strength testing (ASTM D638 standard), IZOD impact strength testing, and more.	Room 508, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Do Quang Tham, PhD
	High-Speed Mixer Model: SHR-100 Origin: Taiwan	Used for high-speed mixing of plastic components, additives, etc., before processing polymer materials	Room 104, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Tran Huu Trung, MSc
	Plastic Pelletizing Extruder Origin: Taiwan	Used for processing polymer and polymer composite materials into pellet form	Room 104, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Tran Huu Trung, MSc
	Dielectric Constant and Dissipation Factor Meter Model: E4980A Origin: Aligent, USA	Used to measure the dielectric constant and dielectric loss	Room 504, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Do Quang Tham, PhD
	Dielectric Breakdown Voltage Tester Model: TIL AII-70 Origin: Russia	Used to measure the dielectric breakdown voltage of plastic and rubber materials.	Room 508, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Do Quang Tham, PhD
	Flammability Tester for Plastics and Rubber Origin: Vietnam	Used to evaluate flammability according to UL 94, DIN, and ASTM standards for plastics and rubber	Room 508, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Do Quang Tham, PhD
	Zwick Universal Testing Machine Model: Zwick Z.2.5 Origin: Germany	Used to measure mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, elastic modulus) of plastic and rubber materials	Room 508, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Tran Huu Trung, MSc
	Melt Flow Indexer Model: MI-40 Origin: Gottfert, Germany	Used to measure the melt flow index and intrinsic viscosity (IV) of plastics	Room 504, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Mai Duc Huynh, MSc
	Plastic Colorimeter Origin: USA	Used to evaluate color changes in plastic, pigment powders, additives, and rubber materials	Room 505, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Mai Duc Huynh, MSc
	Hardness Tester Models: Shore D (HBD 100-0, Sauter) and Shore A (HT-6600A, Huatec, China)	Used to measure the hardness of plastics and rubber	Room 505, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Mai Duc Huynh, MSc
	Pycnometer Sizes: 10 ml, 25 ml, and 50 ml Origin: China	Used to determine the density of plastics and solids	Room 505, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Mai Duc Huynh, MSc
	Rotary Vacuum Evaporator Origin: Germany	Used for the rotary evaporation of organic compounds	Room 506, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Tran Huu Trung, MSc
	Elcometer 1500 Cylindrical Mandrel Bend Tester Origin: UK	Used to measure the flexibility of organic coatings on steel substrates	Room 503, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thuy Chinh, PhD
	Elcometer F510-20T Automatic Adhesion Tester Origin: UK	Used to measure the adhesion of organic coatings on steel and concrete substrates	Room 503, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thuy Chinh, PhD
	IKA ULTRA-TURRAX® Homogenizer Origin: Germany	Used for sample homogenization	Room 506, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thuy Chinh, PhD
	Elcometer 3000 Scratch Hardness Tester Origin: UK	Used to measure the scratch resistance of organic coatings on steel and glass substrates	Room 503, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thuy Chinh, PhD
	Elcometer 1720 Washability and Abrasion Tester Origin: UK	Used to measure the washability and abrasion resistance of organic coatings on steel and concrete substrates	Room 101, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thuy Chinh, PhD
	Centrifuge device Origin: Turkey	Used for sample centrifugation, with a maximum speed of 12,000 RPM	Room 502, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thuy Chinh, PhD
	Film Applicator Origin: Germany	Used to create coatings on glass, steel, and concrete substrates	Room 502, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thuy Chinh, PhD
	Ultrasonic Sonicator Origin: USA	Used for sample dispersion and cleaning labware	Room 502, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thuy Chinh, PhD
	Vernier Caliper Model: CD – 15APX	Used to measure the thickness of plastics, rubber, and metals	Room 505, Building A12, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Hanoi	Mai Duc Huynh, MSc

HIGHLIGHTS
Scientific research, technology development, application and transfer of science and technology products and services; international cooperation and training in the field of materials science and technology and other related fields.

28 + Year of establishment
Established on June 11, 1993
240 + staffs
3 Professors, 9 Associate Professors, 13 Senior Researchers, 80 Ph.
Arwards
First Class Labor Medal