From the laboratories of the Faculty of Chemistry to bulletproof vests. Paulina Dmowska-Jasek, PhD, has gained knowledge that allows her to firmly step on the ground - also in the ballistic products industry. Here's what the work of an adjunct at the Institute of Security Technologies "MORATEX" looks like.
You work as an adjunct at the Institute of Security Technologies "MORATEX". What do you do?
First of all, I implement R&D projects on various research topics. I work on new innovative technological solutions in the field of individual protection means, body protection including ballistic vests, but also hybrid composite technologies. The scientific position I hold differs significantly from academic work at the university, because I work mainly conceptually, i.e., I do not personally test the solutions I have designed but supervise their "development" from the creative concept, through the verification of assumed properties, to the development of the final product.
What aspects need to be considered to design a bulletproof vest?
To correctly design an insert for a bulletproof vest, you need to answer the question of what the future user is exposed to - a bullet from a short gun, a long gun, or maybe a knife stab... A "brainstorming" session of cooperative and creative people is necessary. At this stage, we also cooperate with other research units and entrepreneurs. I personally deal with the design of ballistic inserts, i.e., the so-called "heart" of a bulletproof vest, but I also cooperate with teams designing other elements of the vest, such as fabric covers. In the Ballistic Testing Laboratory, which is in our Institute, shots from firearms or knife strikes are made at the ballistic shields we have designed, which is supposed to reflect real threats.
You completed your doctoral studies at the Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology at the Faculty of Chemistry. How does this education help you in your work?
I started thinking about doctoral studies during my student internships, which I did at the Polish Academy of Sciences. That's where my love for polymer materials began. I did my doctorate in the team of Prof. Władysław Rzymski and I mainly dealt with the development of new, unconventional elastomer mixtures, including for the production of seals, tires or car wipers. I also gained a wide knowledge about various polymer processing technologies, especially elastomers, which I now successfully use in my professional work.
The Institute of Security Technologies "MORATEX" was not your first place of work. As a graduate of environmental protection at the Faculty of Chemistry, you previously worked in a company producing car chemistry...
Yes, I was employed at Chemipack Sp. z o.o. as a technologist, my duties included, among others, verifying the composition of manufactured car chemistry products. I learned what exactly goes into the composition of windshield washer fluid or coolant. It was a great opportunity to learn how to use the knowledge gained from studies in the industry. I even learned how to make car chemistry fluids at home.
You work in an industry that is mainly used by men. Were there many of them at the university as well?
Yes, one of them even became my husband. But I must clearly emphasize that studies at a technical university are not only for men. In the team I currently work with, there is a predominance of women with technical education, from our University of Technology. For me personally, a huge advantage of studying at PŁ is the large number of laboratory classes and internships, which makes it much easier to use the theoretical knowledge gained in the industry in the future. Studies at PŁ develop to a large extent the ability to think analytically and logically, which is very important during work in almost any profession.
Interviewed by: Dr. Aleksandra Pawlik
Graphics: Filip Podgórski
Photos: Institute of Security Technologies "MORATEX".
The Institute of Security Technologies "MORATEX" is a research institute that has been operating in Lodz for over 60 years. The main goal of its activity is to develop modern constructions and technologies of textile technical products, composite products and their implementation into industrial practice.