The Department of Applied Chemical Materials was established and developed from the Department of Printing Technology and the Center for Polymer and Composite Materials Research.
The Department is responsible for training human resources and conducting research in the fields of science, engineering, and applied chemical material technologies — with a focus on Printing Engineering and Polymer & Composite Materials Technology.
Within the School of Materials Science and Engineering, the Department plays a key role in providing education in Printing Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Polymer Material Technology, and Composite Materials based on plastics, rubber, and elastomers.
Timeline & Key Milestones
- 1977: The first cohort of Printing Technology Engineering students (Cohort 22) began training at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST).
- 1991: Under Decision No. 990/QĐ-BGDĐT dated April 17, 1991, the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training officially approved the opening of the Printing Technology Engineering program at HUST.
- 2003: The Department of Printing Technology was officially established under Decision No. 2208/QĐ/ĐHBK-TCCB dated October 27, 2003, by Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
- 1987: The Polymer Materials Research Center was established at HUST under the decision of the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training.
- 2023: According to the Resolution of the HUST University Council dated March 29, 2023, the School of Materials Science and Engineering was established, comprising four faculties:
- Faculty of Materials Engineering
- Faculty of Textile – Leather and Fashion Engineering
- Faculty of Electronic Materials and Components
- Faculty of Applied Chemical Materials
Scientific Research
The Department prioritizes research directions that align with societal needs and national and international development strategies. Key focus areas include:
- Eco-friendly printing materials
- Smart and functional printing materials
- Standardization and optimization of printing and packaging production technologies
- Functional polymers
- Polymer composites
- Circular and regenerative materials
Over the past 15 years, the Department’s staff have published more than 600 scientific papers in ISI/Scopus-indexed international journals and leading national journals.
Department members have successfully completed over 70 scientific research projects at various levels, including national-level projects in materials science (e.g., KC02), ministerial-level projects, and more.
Several research outcomes have been applied in practice, such as:
- The design, fabrication, and installation of polymer composite shelters for military aircraft
- The production of water-based printing inks for cement packaging
Numerous patents and utility solutions have been granted to faculty members, such as:
- Patent for “Modified epoxy compounds used as film-forming agents in anti-corrosion coatings”
- Copyright certificate for “Epoxy-laccol coating for protecting equipment used in storing and transporting liquid food”
International Collaboration
With the goal of advancing education and scientific research to an international level, the Department actively seeks partnerships with leading universities and research institutions around the world.
Notable partners include:
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium)
- Chiba University (Japan)
- Kyoto University (Japan)
- Japan Advanced Institute of Sicence and Technology (JAIST)
- Chungnam National University (South Korea)
...and others.
These collaborations focus primarily on academic exchange and joint scientific research, contributing to the Department’s global integration and development.
Alumni & Career Outcomes
Over the past 30 years of training, thousands of undergraduate students and hundreds of postgraduate learners have graduated from the two key programs: Printing Engineering and Polymer and Composite Materials Technology.
Many graduates have continued their studies at the master's and doctoral levels, both in Vietnam and abroad. After graduation, alumni have taken on roles not only in production and manufacturing companies but also in research institutes, universities and colleges, and government agencies.
A significant number of former students now hold key positions in regulatory bodies and leading companies in printing, packaging, plastics, rubber, paints, adhesives, and composite materials industries.
Faculty Members & Vision
The Department currently has 16 lecturers, including 1 Professor, 6 Associate Professors, and 8 PhDs. All faculty members have received training and conducted research exchanges in developed countries and possess extensive experience in both education and scientific research.
Building on a strong foundation in training, research, and technology transfer, the Department of Applied Chemical Materials aims to become a leading unit in developing and educating high-quality human resources in the fields of printing, packaging, polymer materials, and polymer composites. The Department is committed to meeting the country’s growing demand for skilled professionals and contributing to the creation of innovative products for the printing industry, packaging technology, plastics, rubber, and elastomers.
