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Prof. Branka Vojnović, Ph.D.

Function

Head of the Department of Applied Chemistry

Department

Department of Applied Chemistry

Personal data

  • Place and date of birth: Zagreb, July 31, 1970.


 Web links


 Academic education

  • 1989 -1995: B.Sc, "Catalytic action of conductive polyaniline" Faculty of chemical engineering and technology, University of Zagreb, Croatia, menthor: prof.dr.sc. Ljerka Duić
  • December 1999: M.Sc. in Technical sciences - Textile Technology - Textile Chemistry, Faculty of textile technology, University of Zagreb, Croatia, Thesis title: Optimization of analytical methods for the determination of heavy metals in dyes, mentor: prof.dr.sc. Ljerka Bokić
  • December 2004: PhD thesis in Technical sciences - Textile Technology - Textile Chemistry, Faculty of textile technology, University of Zagreb, Croatia, Thesis title: Characterization of heavy metals in textile finishing processes, mentor: prof.dr.sc. Ljerka Bokić


 Employment and titles

  • 1995 - 2005. young scientist, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb
  • 2005-2006. senior assistant, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb
  • 2006-2012. Assistant professor,  Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb
  • 2012-2017. Associate professor, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb
  • 2017- present Full professor, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb

 

Teaching activity

Undergraduate university study "Textile Technology and Engineering":

  • Textile Chemistry
  • Textile Industry Wastewater
  • Physico-chemical methods in textile restoration
  • Introduction in Sustainable Engineering

Undergraduate professional study "Textile, clothing and footwear technology":

  • Ecology in the leather and footwear industry

Graduate university study "Textile Technology and Engineering":

  • Industrial waters and wastewater
  • Analytical procedure parameters

Doctoral study "Textile Science and Technology":

  • Wastewater chemistry in the textile industry
  • Analytical measurement system

 

Mentorship

Bachelor's degree works:

  1. Seitz Ines, Ion chromatography in water analysis of the textile industry; undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb,15.7.2009.

  2. Gujić Nikolina, Removal of heavy metals from textile industry wastewater using natural zeolites; undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 24.9.2010.

  3. Magdić Dubravka, Heavy metals in the textile industry, their toxicity and determination; undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 24.9.2010.

  4. Matić Maja, Determination of chromium in wastewater; undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 5.10.2012.

  5. Kuran Renata, Metal ions in water and their removal; undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 18.9.2013.

  6. Savić, Luka, Removal of metal ions from textile industry wastewater; undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 13.9.2016.

  7. Gabriela Vanja, Nitrogen inorganic compounds, their determination and its removal from textile industry wastewater, undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2019.

  8. Ivica Bekavac Basić, Determination of total suspended particles in natural and wastewater,  undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2019.

  9. Ivona Pranjić,  Biochar - a sustainable material for removing pollutants from the wastewater of the textile industry,  undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2020.

  10. Karmela Wolf, Sustainable technologies in textile industry wastewater treatment,  undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2020.

  11. Paško Samodol, Spectrophotometric determination of iron in water for textile industry processes, undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, Sveučilište u Zagrebu Tekstilno-tehnološki fakultet, 9.2020.

  12. Anamarija Petričko, Removal od Reactive Black 5 dye using coagulation and flocculation processes,  undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2020.

  13. Antonija Ivezić, Removal of reactive dye "Everzol Black B" by adsorption process in the presence of increased salt concentration, undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2021.

  14. Patricia Grgečić, Determination of oxygen content in wastewater after washing of textiles,  undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 14.9.2022.

  15. Nina Leto, Comparison of two volumetric methods of chloride determination in natural and waste waters, undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, (immediate supervisor Petra Mihovilović, mag. chem.), 12.9.2023.

Bachelor's degree works (professional study):

  1. Ruganec Jelena, Chromium concentration in the leather as an assessment of ecological criteria; undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 10.7.2012.

  2. Kos Marta, Development and management of waste in footwear production; undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 10.7.2012.

  3. Vurušić Ivana, Establish ecological criteria for the award of the eco-label for footwear, undergraduate thesis - Undergraduate University study, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 30.9.2016.

Final master works:

  1. Vujasinović Ivona, Development of a method for the determination of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate by liquid chromatography; graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 11.7.2011.

  2. Iskerka Barbara, Migration of metal ions from textile children's toys; graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 30.10.2012.

  3. Gujić Nikolina, Validation of the method for the spectrophotometric determination of chromium (VI), graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 30.10.2012.

  4. Martina Đurinec, Determination of chromium (VI) in solutions after extraction of skin samples, graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 12.2018.

  5. Ivona Šašković, Influence of activated carbon surface modification on adsorption of Reactive Black 5 dye; graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2019.

  6. Patricija Ljevar, Effect of metal ions on fluorescent properties of optical brighteners and UV absorbers for textiles; graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, Sveučilište u Zagrebu Tekstilno-tehnološki fakultet, 9.2019.

  7. Katarina (Lučić) Krnjić, Contribution to the development of methods for the determination of microplastic particles released in the process of washing textile materials, graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2020.

  8. Tomislav Strmečki, Characterization of polyester textile washing effluents, graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2020.

  9. Ivica Bekavac Basić, Separation of particles from wastewater after washing of polyester textiles, graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 9.2020.

  10. Ivona Pranjić, Characterization of effluents and filter cake after washing of polyester textiles, graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 7.10.2022.

  11. Karmela Wolff, Characterization of particles from wastewater after washing cotton/PES fabric, graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 7.10.2022.

  12. Kristijan Jergović, Development of a spectrophotometric method for the determination of chitosan in aqueous solutions, graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, (immediate supervisor Petra Mihovilović, mag. chem.), 20.10.2023.

Graduation theses (graduate study, preBologna studies)

  1. Kozina Ana, Validation of spectrometric determination of phosphate in wastewater; graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb 4.7.2006. - immediate supervisor

  2. Kozina Maja, Determination of phosphate in detergents; graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 4.7.2006. - immediate supervisor

  3. Breko Bojana, Identification of metal ions on historical textiles; graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb 31.3.2010.

  4. Majdak Ivan, The binding of silver ions on natural zeolite; graduate thesis, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, 26.10.2010.

Works awarded by Rector of University of Zagreb:

  1. Jelena Hačko, Slavica Andrić: Development of a spectrophotometric method for determination of total chromium in wastewater of textile and leather industry - the paper received the Rector's Award

2 mature works.

 

Research activity

  • Scientific area: Technical sciences; Scientific field: Textile Technology; Branch: Textile Chemistry


 Areas of special research interest

  • Determination of micro quantities of metal ions in textiles, which includes the development of analytical methods and their validation, the issue of preparation of samples of textile materials, textile auxiliaries, and wastewater of the textile industry;
  • Managing the Quality Systems; Quality assurance of analytical laboratory; Accreditation;  Metrology in the analytical chemical system; 
  • Research and possibilities of removing metal ions and other pollutants from drinking, natural, and wastewater using natural zeolites; migration of metal ions into the environment
  • Development of sustainable methods of textile industry wastewater treatment
  • Characterization of microplastic particles in wastewater

 

Scientific-professional work

  • 19 original scientific papers
  • more than 30 scientific papers in conference proceedings with international peer-review
  • 6 scientific papers in conference proceedings with a domestic review
  • more than 40 abstracts from domestic and international scientific conferences
  • 2 professional work papers in domestic journals
  • more than 20 reviews of original scientific papers, conference papers, projects

 

List of key scientific papers

  • Z. Grabarić, Lj. Bokić, B. Stefanović, Determination of Iron in Raw Materials, During Fabric Processing and in Wastewaters of the Textile Industry, Journal of AOAC International 82 (1999) 3, 683-688
  • B. Stefanović, Lj. Bokić, I. Soljačić, Heavy metals in textile dyes, their determination and toxicity, Tekstil 48 (1999) 12, 615-623
  • Lj. Bokić, B. Stefanović, M. Turalija, Determination of copper in dyes and on dyed textile material, Tekstil 50 (2001) 3, 101-106
  • B. Stefanović, Lj. Bokić, R. Podgajski, Determination of lead in textile industry wastewater, Tekstil 54 (2005) 8, 384-389
  • B. Vojnović, Lj. Bokić, M. Kozina, A. Kozina, Optimization of the analytical procedure for the determination of phosphates in laundry detergents and wastewater, Tekstil 56 (2007) 3, 147-157
  • K. Margeta, B. Vojnović, N. Zabukovec Logar, Development of Natural Zeolites for Their Use in Water-Treatment Systems, Recent Patents on Nanotechnology 5 (2011) 2, 89-99
  • B. Vojnović, K. Margeta, M. Šiljeg, Š. Cerjan-Stefanović, Lj. Bokić, Application of natural zeolites in environmental protection, Sigurnost: časopis za sigurnost u radnoj i životnoj okolini 55 (2013) 3, 209-218
  • T.Pušić, I.Soljačić, B.Iskerka, B.Vojnović, Investigation of iodine number of cotton fabric after washing, Tekstil 63 (2014) 1-2, 40-47
  • K.Višić, B.Vojnović, T.Pušić, Problems of wastewater disposal and treatment - legal regulations, Tekstil 64 (2015) 3-4, 109-121
  • Ivana Bonić, Andrea Palac, Ana Sutlović, Branka Vojnović, Mario Cetina, Removal of Reactive Black 5 dye from Aqueous Media using Powdered Activated Carbon – Kinetics and Mechanisms, Tekstilec, 63 (2020) 2, 151-161 DOI: 10.14502/Tekstilec2020.63.151-161

  • Tihana Dekanić, Tanja Pušić, Ivo Soljačić, Branka Vojnović, Julija Volmajer Valh, The Influence of Iron Ions on Optical Brighteners and Their Application to Cotton Fabrics, Materials, 14 (2021), 17; 4995, 14 doi:10.3390/ma14174995 

  • . Vojnović, M. Cetina, P. Franjković, A. Sutlović, Influence of initial pH value on the adsorption of Reactive Black 5 dye on powdered activated carbon: kinetics, mechanisms and thermodynamics, Molecules 27 (2022), 4; 1349, 12 doi:10.3390/molecules2704134, ISSN 1420-3049  (WoSCC) JCR/SRJ: (Q2/Q1, IF 4,927/0,705)

  • T. Pušić, B. Vojnović, M. Čurlin, I. Bekavac, T. Kaurin, K. Grgić, K. Šimić, Z.Kovačević, Assessment of Polyester Fabrics, Effluents and Filtrates after Standard and Innovative Washing Processes, Microplastics 1 (2022), 3; 494-504; doi:10.3390/microplastics1030035

  • M. Čurlin, T. Pušić, B. Vojnović i A. Vinčić, STEM Approach in Assessment of Microplastic Particles in Textile Wastewater, Tehnički vjesnik, 29 (2022), 5, 1777-1781; doi.org/10.17559/TV-20220121153959

  • N. Dimitrov, M. Čurlin, T.Pušić, B. Vojnović, Application of GC/MS Pyrolysis for Assessment Residues of Textile Composites after Filtration of Washing and Rinsing Effluents, Separations 9 (2022), 10, 292; doi.org/10.3390/separations9100292

  • T. Pušić, B. Vojnović, M. Čurlin, I. Bekavac, T. Kaurin, K. Grgić, K. Šimić, Z. Kovačević, Assessment of Polyester Fabrics, Effluents and Filtrates after Standard and Innovative Washing Processes, Microplastics 1 (2022), 3; 494-504; doi:10.3390/microplastics1030035

  • T. Pušić, B. Vojnović, S. Flinčec Grgac, M. Čurlin, R. Malinar, Particle Shedding from Cotton and Cotton-Polyester Fabrics in the Dry State and in Washes, Polymers, 2023 (2023), 15; 3201-3217. doi:10.3390/polym15153201

  • T. Kaurin, M. Čurlin, A. Šaravanja, B. Vojnović, T. Pušić, Design of Chitosan-Polyester Composites to Reduce Particulate Contamination of Washing Wastewater, Water, 15 (2023), 13; 2418, 13. doi: 10.3390/w15132418

Projects (leader)

  • Eureka E! 4208 PUREWATER “Natural zeolites in Water Quality System” coordinator: Institute of Chemistry Ljubljana, head: prof.dr.sc. Venčeslav Kaučič; partner: Faculty of Textile Technology, the leader in front of the TTF project team: Branka Vojnović (1.5.2008.-1.1.2012.) http://www.eurekanetwork.org/project/id/4208

Projects (collaborator)

  • young scientist on the project “New methods for textile finishing” (project leader: Ivo Soljačić, PhD, full professor, project funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Croatia, 1995).
  • young scientist on the project "Ecologically favorable processes of textile finishing and quality" (project leader: Ivo Soljačić, PhD, full professor, project funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Croatia, 1996 - 2001.
  • young scientist on the project “0117012 Ecological processes of textile pretreatment and care (project leader: Ana Marija Grancarić, PhD, full professor, project funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Croatia, 2002 - 2006.
  • Collaborator on the bilateral project "Ecological textile finishing" (project leaders: Ivo Soljačić, PhD, Prof. TTF, Zagreb; Vera Golob, PhD, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, Maribor, 1997 - 1999.
  • Collaborator on the bilateral project “Use of ion chromatography to monitor the effect of wastewater treatment using activated zeolites” (project leaders: Štefica Cerjan - Stefanović, PhD, Full Professor (FKIT, Zagreb) and Milko Novič, PhD, (Chemical Institute, Ljubljana), 2004 - 2005.
  • Collaborator on the bilateral project "Ecology of dry cleaning and washing" (project leaders: Tanja Pušić, PhD, Prof. TTF, Zagreb; Sonja Šostar-Turk, PhD, University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering) (2003- 2005)
  • Research associate on the project: "117-1171419-1382 Ethics and ecology in textile breeding and care", (leader. Prof. emeritus. Ivo Soljačić), Project of the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, (20.12. 2006. -31.12. (2013))
  • Associate on the ecological project related to the national project "Ethics and ecology in textile breeding and care", (leader. Prof. Ljerka Bokić, PhD), Project funded by the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency, (2006 - 2007). )
  • Collaborator on the bilateral project "Introduction of chemothermic washing processes in hospital textile laundries" (project leaders: Tanja Pušić, PhD, Prof. TTF, Zagreb; Prof. Sonja Šostar-Turk, PhD, University of Maribor, Faculty of mechanical engineering) (2006-2007)
  • Collaborator on the bilateral project "Interaction of surfactants in detergent solutions" (project leaders: Tanja Pušić, PhD, Prof. TTF, Zagreb; Prof. Barbara Simončič, PhD, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, (01/01/2010 - 31/12/2011)
  • Collaborator on the bilateral project "Natural zeolites in water nanotechnology" (project leaders: Karmen Margeta, PhD, FKIT, University of Zagreb; Nataša Zabukovec Logar, PhD, Institute of Chemistry Ljubljana, (1.1.2010. - 31.12.2011. )
  • Research Associate on the project: FP7-SME-2007-2, 217809, Sustainable Measures for Industrial Laundry Expansion Strategies (SMILES): Smart Laundry - 2015 ”(Croatian leader: Prof. Tanja Pušić, PhD), FP7 project (1.9. 2008.- 31.12.2011.)
  • Project Associate: FP7-REGPOT-2008-1: Unlocking the Croatian Textile Research Potentials (T-Pot); (leader: Prof. Sandra Bischof Vukušić, PhD), FP7 project (2009-2012)
  • Research Associate on the project: IP-11-2013 ADVANCETEX "Advanced textile materials by targeted surface modification", (leader: Prof. Sandra Bischof, PhD), Research project of the Croatian Science Foundation (September 1, 2014 - August 31, 2018) .)
  • Research associate on the project: HR.3.1.15-0026 "Development of qualification standards and undergraduate study programs at the Faculty of Textile Technology", (leader: Assoc. Prof. Marija Vesna Potočić Matković, PhD), the project is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and MSES (2015 - 2016)
  • Research Associate on the project: IP-2020-02-7575 InWaShed-MP "Estimation of the release of microplastic particles from polyester textiles in the washing process", (leader: Prof. Tanja Pušić, PhD), Research project of the Croatian Science Foundation (1.2.2021. - 31.1.2025)
  • Collaborator on Erasmus+ Programme (ERASMUS) - Addressing Skills Gaps in the European Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear Industries, Emphasizing Equality, Innovation, and Resilience - AEQUALIS4TCLF (ERASMUS-EDU-2023-PI-ALL-INNO); 2024 - 2027 (48 months)

Work in scientific and professional associations

  • Croatian Engineering Association - a member of the Registration Committee (engineering card)
  • Croatian Society of Chemical Engineers,
  • Croatian Textile Engineering Association - currently a member of the Education Board
  • Croatian Zeolite Association - currently a member of the Court of Honor of the Croatian Zeolite Association
  • Croatian Society of Leather and Footwear - currently a member of the Supervisory Board
  • Assessor of the Croatian Accreditation Agency for the accreditation scheme testing laboratories according to HRN EN ISO/IEC 17025 for the field of chemical, analytical testing, environmental testing, sampling and for environmental samples - air, water, soil and waste and mineral fertilizers

Functions at the Faculty of Textile Technology

  • Since 2009 - team leader for the establishment of a quality management system at the Faculty of Textile Technology according to the standard HRN EN ISO 9001
  • From 2009 to 2011 - member of the Quality Management Committee of the Faculty of Textile Technology
  • From 2011 to 2016 - member of the Quality Management Committee of the Faculty of Textile Technology
  • Since 2019 - Vice President of the Quality Management Committee of the Faculty of Textile Technology and representative for the quality management system according to the standard HRN EN ISO 9001
  • From July 2008 - September 2012 - Head of the Department of Applied Chemistry
  • From the academic year 2012/2013 - April 2017 - Vice Dean for Teaching
  • From 2012 to 2017  - member of the Council of the doctoral study Textile Science and Technology,
  • From 2014 to 2017 - Chair of the Teaching Committee
  • From 2017 until today - member of the Teaching Committee
  • From 2014 until today - Commission for study programs, leader or member
  • From 2017 until today - member of the Publishing Office
  • from September 2022 until today - Head of the Department of Applied Chemistry


 Acknowledgments and rewards

  • June 1994, Rector's Award for the work "Investigation of the electrocatalytic action of polyaniline electrodes in electrochemical reactions" (mentor: Prof. Ljerka Duić, PhD)

  • University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology, ACKNOWLEDGMENT for the introduction of a quality management system according to ISO 9001: 2008, Zagreb, June 2010

  • University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology, ACKNOWLEDGMENT for systematic contribution and development of TTF, Zagreb, September 2012

    Prof. Branka Vojnović, Ph.D.