Tarmo Tamm, Professor of Materials Engineering
Applied Materials Research Group
Our research group investigates the structure-property relationships of materials to understand how the origin of raw materials and their processing influence final functionality. Simultaneously, we focus on process development and scaling, assisting companies in transitioning laboratory-scale solutions into real-world industrial processes. Through active collaboration with both the private and public sectors, we provide practical, science-based solutions that enhance the innovation capacity and sustainable development of Estonian industry.
The core focus of our research group is the creation and study of efficient, environmentally friendly solutions. This includes the valorisation of secondary raw materials and cellulose-based waste. We develop bio-based composites, functionalised cellulose-based materials, and other sustainable alternatives to traditional polymers. New materials are essential for reducing dependence on primary raw materials and meeting increasing environmental requirements. Our role is to develop science-based, scalable, and industrially applicable solutions by combining expertise in chemistry, materials science, and engineering.
1. Valorisation of Secondary Raw Materials:
We research and develop solutions that transform waste—including natural and synthetic polymers and mineral residues—into new resources for creating products with higher added value.
2. Development of New Lignocellulosic Materials:
Our focus is on the functionalisation of cellulose and other bio-based components, composites, and new material applications, with an emphasis on the circular economy and environmental sustainability.
3. Investigation of Structure-Property Relationships:
We examine how the composition, structure, and "history" of materials influence their properties, and determine the necessary adjustments to achieve desired performance characteristics.
4. Process Development and Scaling:
We develop and refine technological processes that can be safely and efficiently transferred from the laboratory to industry, supporting companies in the adoption of new materials and product creation.
5. Applied Research Collaboration with Industry:
We provide companies with problem-based and evidence-based analysis, including process and material diagnostics, defect investigation, formulation development, and material suitability assessments within real-world production environments.
We are a team of researchers, PhD candidates, Master's students, and engineers with expertise in materials science, chemistry, and engineering. We contribute to applied materials science through research, development, and the creation of practical solutions. Explore our diverse expertise below:
ETIS
Professor of Materials Engineering,
Programme Director for Engineering and Technology,
PhD (Inorganic Chemistry)
[email protected]
Professor Tarmo Tamm researches and develops new sustainable material solutions aimed at improving industrial processes. His primary focus is on the relationships between material structure and properties, as well as the interaction between materials and living organisms.
Prof. Tamm coordinates the research group’s activities, scientific work, and industry partnerships to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and real-world applications.
Expertise: functional materials, polymers and composites, materials characterisation, industrial collaboration, and industrial technologies.
ETIS
PhD (Inorganic Chemistry)
[email protected]
Urmas contributes practical and technological expertise to the research group, directing material development, testing, and industry collaboration—primarily within the field of mineral and structural materials. In addition to his long-standing experience in electrochemistry and the study of material surface properties, he supervises students at various academic levels.
Expertise: industrial material solutions, concrete and mineral chemistry, structural materials, electrochemistry (including electrochemical corrosion), optical microscopy, SEM/EDX, product development, and technological consultancy.
ETIS
PhD (Molecular Design)
[email protected]
Kaido specialises in the modelling of chemical and biological properties and contributes to the research group’s development of freshness sensors based on natural extracts. Additionally, he supports industrial collaboration, grant applications, and project management.
Expertise: computational chemistry, QSAR/QSPR modelling, nanotoxicology, in silico risk assessment, chemical physics, and predictive toxicology.
ETIS
PhD (Chemistry)
[email protected]
Anna-Liisa develops eco-friendly technologies that transform textile waste into new functional materials. Her work focuses on the valorisation of post-consumer and industrial waste to provide sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.
Expertise: sustainable material technologies, bio-based materials, textile waste valorisation, synthesis and characterisation of nanoporous carbon materials.
ETIS
PhD (Physical Engineering)
[email protected]
Ingrid researches the structure and functionality of silicone and cellulose-based materials. Her work focuses on developing eco-friendly production methods for porous and elastic structures, as well as exploring the interactions between these materials and living organisms to facilitate their industrial application.
Expertise: structural engineering, chemical modification, silicone chemistry and elastomer recycling, porous materials and elastic foams, valorisation of cellulose waste.
Tauri supports the research group with his engineering expertise, developing manufacturing and testing technologies, mechanical solutions, prototypes, and systems that enable research to be effectively implemented within industry.
Expertise: manufacturing methods, mechanics, automation, IoT, CAD/CAM, quality management, process optimisation, root cause analysis, industrial robotics, lean manufacturing, the electronics industry, and testing procedures.
ETIS
MSc (Materials Science)
[email protected]
Hans Priks carries out interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science and bioengineering, focusing on engineered living materials (ELMs) and bioelectrochemical systems. His work aims to develop sustainable biomanufacturing solutions and integrate biological systems with functional materials for environmental and energy applications.
Expertise: biomanufacturing and bioprocesses, living materials, bioelectrochemical systems, integration of biological systems into materials, sustainable technology development, and functional material design.
ETIS
MSc (Materials Science and Technology)
[email protected]
Karl Jakob focuses his research on transforming cellulose-based waste into new functional materials. He develops methods for the chemical and mechanical recycling of materials to create durable, viable solutions that perform in real-world conditions, rather than just in the laboratory.
Expertise: prototyping, process optimisation, scaling up, testing, synthesis, chemical modification, analysis, modelling, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
ETIS
MSc (Materials Science and Technology)
[email protected]
Siim specialises in the study of concrete, ceramics, and alkali-activated materials. He combines fundamental research in materials chemistry with practical manufacturing, 3D printing, casting technologies, and industrial collaboration to develop applicable and reliable solutions.
Expertise: concrete and construction chemistry, cement chemistry, alkali-activated materials, construction foams, mix design, material casting, 3D printing, equipment prototyping, production scaling, multiscale analysis, and standardised testing.
ETIS
MSc (Materials Science and Technology)
[email protected]
David researches the preparation of reversibly cross-linked polymers and cellulose derivatives to provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials and to understand their structure and functionality.
Expertise: biopolymers, cellulose, microscopy, electron microscopy, DSC analysis, CAD, and 3D printing.
ETIS
MSc (Technology of wood, plastics and textiles)
[email protected]
Liis is an industrial PhD student and Product Development Manager at KIUD Technologies. She is developing a new process technology that transforms textile waste into durable, non-woven sheet materials. Her doctoral research links fibre-level behaviour with manufacturing parameters to ensure material stability, scalability, and environmental sustainability.
Expertise: non-woven materials, fibre characterisation, mechanical recycling, thermomechanical bonding, and polymer-fibre microstructure.
Master's Student (chemistry),
BSc (Materials Science and Technology)
[email protected]
Lisette focuses on the chemical modification of polymers and the characterisation of their properties to create engineered living materials.
Expertise: living materials, organic synthesis (including microwave-assisted synthesis), polymer chemistry, NMR and IR spectroscopy.
