Milica BALABAN

Associate Professor, PhD in Chemistry

Head of the Chemistry Department

Research field: Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry

A professor of organic chemistry with a PhD in the field of polymer chemistry focuses on the synthesis and characterization of thermoplastic polymers. In recent years, as part of international collaboration, she has been involved in the development of polymer additives and modified polymers for various applications, as well as structural characterization methods and environmental chemistry problems. She participates in numerous national and international projects in the fields of materials science, including recycling, “principles of green chemistry”, food packaging materials and more. Professor Balaban invests great energy and enthusiasm in popularizing chemistry and science especially among younger generations. She is actively involved in projects related to innovation and improvement of all educational levels.

Office: 46
Phone: +387 51 300 830
Е-mail: milica.balaban@pmf.unibl.org

Consultation: Tuesday 14.30-15.30

ACADEMIC CAREER

University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Science

2019 – present: Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry
2019 – present: Academic Coordinator for International Cooperation
2015 – present Head of Chemistry Department
2014 – 2019 Assistant Professor in Organic Chemistry
2006 – 2014 Teaching Assistant
1999 – 2006 Assistant
1997 – 1999 Research Assistant University of Belgrade Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy (IHTM) Department of Chemistry, Belgrade, Serbia

COURSES

Organic chemistry 1
Organic chemistry 2
Spectroscopy of Organic Compounds
Theoretical Organic Chemistry
Multimedia Resources for Teaching Chemistry
Organic Chemistry Didactics

EDUCATION

2013 Doctor of Chemical Sciences (University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry) Synthesis, structure and properties of segmented poly(urethane-urea-siloxane)s Advisors: Prof. Jasna Djonlagić and Prof. Vesna Antić
2006 Master of Chemical Sciences (University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry) Synthesis and characterization of thermoplastic elastomers based on poly(butylene terephthalate) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) Advisor: Prof. Jasna Djonlagić
1997 B.Sc. in Chemistry for research and development (University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry)

PROJECT AND GRANTS

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

RM@Schools-4: Raw Matters Ambassadors at Schools 4.0 EIT RawMaterials

RIS RESTORE Evaluation of Red Mud Tailings in the Region of East and South-East Europe. EIT RawMaterials

ESEE Education Initiative. EIT RawMaterials

Mechanochemistry for Sustainable Industry CA 18112 COST Association

RAISESEE – Raw Materials Students Internships in East South/ East Europe EIT RawMaterials

Blow-UP – Balkans Waste to Products: transfer of NoI model to Balkan area: de-siloing new waste-derived raw materials and developing new applications EIT RawMaterials

NATIONAL PROJECTS

Synthesis and characterization of siloxane block copolymers with self-healing potential, coordinator

Development of new polymer additives for high performance hybrid solar cells, coordinator

Synthesis and characterization of biocompatible and biodegradable thermoplastic elastomers based on poly(L-lactide) and poly(dimethylsiloxane), coordinator

Synthesis, structure and properties of polymeric materials (Republic of Serbia)

SCHOLARSHIPS AND EXCHANGES

Postdoctoral research study – University of Tokyo, Matsumae International Foundation Grant in 2019

Bilateral exchange between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Slovenia – Development of new polymer additives for different applications (2019–)

Erasmus+ Key Action 1 (STU Bratislava, Slovakia) (2020–2023), Coordinator

FEATURED PUBLICATIONS

K. Kim, J. Han, S. Maruyama, M. Balaban*, I. Jeon: Role and Contribution of Polymeric Additives in Perovskite Solar Cells: Crystal Growth Templates and Grain Boundary Passivators. Solar RRL 5:2000783 2021 (IF: 8.582) https://doi.org/10.1002/solr.202000783
I. Samelak, M. Balaban, M. Antić, T. Šolevic-Knudsen, B. Jovančićević: Geochromatographic migration of oil pollution from a heating plant to river sediments. Environmental Chemistry Letters 18:459-466 2020 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-019-00937-2
B. Stojanović, Lj. Radović, D. Natić, M. Dodevska, G. Vraštanović-Pavičević, M. Balaban, Z. Stojanović, V. Antić: Migration of bisphenol A into food simulants and meat rations during initial time of storage. Packaging Technology and Science 33:75-82 2020 https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.2485
M. Balaban, V. Antić, M. Pergal, D. Godjevac, I. Francolini, A. Martinelli, J. Rogan, J. Djonlagić: Influence of the chemical structure of poly(urea-urethane-siloxane)s on their morphological, surface and thermal properties. Polymer Bulletin 70:2493-2518 2013 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-013-0968-2
M. Balaban, V. Antić, M. Pergal, I. Francolini, A. Martinelli, J. Djonlagić: The effect of polar solvents on the synthesis of poly(urethane-urea-siloxane)s. Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society 77:1457-1481 2012 https://doi.org/10.2298/JSC111025056B
B. Stojanović, Lj. Radović, D. Natić, M. Dodevska, G. Vraštanović-Pavičević, M. Balaban, S. Lević, T. Petrović, V. Antić: Influence of a storage conditions on migration of bisphenol A from epoxy-phenolic coating to canned meat products. Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society 84:377-389 2019 https://doi.org/10.2298/JSC181015100S
M. Balaban, M. Pergal, D. Manojlović: Thermoplastic Copolyester Elastomers, Their Structural Diversity and Applications. Polyester: Synthesis, Types and Applications, Materials Science and Technologies edited by Haley Olsen, Kobe Levine, 07/2018: chapter 1: pages 1-55; Nova Science Publishers Inc. New York ISBN: 978-1-53614-096-5
M. Pergal, M. Balaban, D. Stanković, B. Peković: Poly(Dimethylsiloxane) Modified Polymers: Synthesis, Structure and Physical Properties. Advances in Chemistry Research. Volume 43, Edited by James C. Taylor, 01/2018: chapter 1: pages 1-80; Nova Science Publishers Inc. New York ISBN: 978-1-53613-078-2
M. Pergal, M. Balaban: Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate): Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties. Polyethylene Terephthalate: Uses, Properties and Degradation, POLYMER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY edited by NAOMI A. BARBER, 06/2017: chapter 1: pages 1-102; Nova Science Publishers Inc. New York ISBN: 978-1-53611-991-6
M. Pergal, M. Balaban: Synthesis and structure-property relationships of biodegradable polyurethanes. Biodegradable Polymers: Recent Developments and New Perspectives, Edited by Geraldine Rohman, 05/2017: chapter 5: pages 141-190; IAPC Publishing ISBN: 978-953-56942-5-0, DOI:10.5599/obp.14.6
M. Pergal, M. Balaban, B. Dojčinović, D. Manojlović: Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites. Thermoplastic composites: Emerging Technology, Uses and Prospects, Edited by Elizabeth Ritter, 01/2017: chapter 1: pages 1-60; Nova Science Publishers Inc. New York ISBN: 978-1-53610-727-2
M. V. Pergal, M. Balaban, J. Nestorov, G. Tovilović-Kovačević: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers. Polyurethanes: Properties, Uses and Prospects, Materials Science and Technologies edited by Frederick L. Hope, 01/2016: chapter 2: pages 17-89; Nova Science Publishers Inc. New York ISBN: 978-1-63484-129-0

OTHER

Member of the Serbian Chemical Society
Member of the „Improving STEM skills in Republika Srpska, B&H“ project team
Member of the Curriculum Advisory Team (CAT) and Quality Education through the Curriculum Reform project – OSCE Mission
External quality reviewer in higher education (international review of four PhD Chemistry programs)
Organizing committee of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the National Science Festival Chemistry STEM trainer for pupils and high school students
Coordinator of the working group for self-assessment and self-evaluation report at the Chemistry Department, UNIBL
Ad-hoc Reviewer (Polymer Bulletin, Environmental Chemistry Letters, Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society, RSC Advances, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry…)
Member of the steering and programme committees (European Meeting on Environmental Chemistry, International Circular Packaging Conference, EnviroChem…)