The Division of Materials Chemistry is a center of excellence in the materials science. The scientific team of this Division makes a significant effort to help with its knowledge to the overall economic development of Croatia. Main research activities are financially sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Education, and Sports. There are also numerous activities in co-operation with sundry industries, hospitals, state institutions and faculties.

The Radiation Chemistry and Dosimetry Laboratory, founded in 1958, focused on two avenues of  research: (a) investigation into fundamental mechanisms of the interactions of ionizing radiation and matter, and (b) investigation of the possibilities to apply biological and chemical effects of irradiation. On the basis of own investigations two chemical dosimeters were developed, one for low and the other for high doses. We are measuring the natural radiation background on numerous locations in Croatia, as well as the exposure of medical professionals and patients to irradiation in medical uses of radiations.

These measurements provided a quantitative basis for the development of radiation protection in Croatia. Further research in radiation chemistry of polymers, such as radiation crosslinking and radiation grafting of polymers, as well as radiation polymerization and co-polymerization in general, has attracted considerable international interest.

The Laboratory for Synthesis of New Materials has focused its scientific activities on metal oxides, oxide glasses and zeolites. Systematic investigation of metal oxides started in the early 70s during a search for desirable colloidal metal (hydrous) oxide particles as carriers of short-lived radioisotopes, which were used in the diagnosis of malignant diseases. Current investigations involve magnetic oxides such as spinel-, hexagonal- and garnet ferrites. We are also studying mechanisms of the formation of various metal oxides such as ZrO₂, HfO₂, SnO₂, TiO₂, WO₃, Rh₂O₃, V₂O₅ and Nb₂O₅. Special attention is focused on the synthesis of nanosized oxide particles with superior properties for applications in advanced technologies. We have a strong background in the investigations of oxide glasses, glass-ceramics and corrosion processes of different materials.

Further investigations in the chemistry of zeolites started with the synthesis of zeolite-A for application in the detergent industry. Many properties and behaviour of zeolites, which found important applications as ion exchanges, molecular sieves, absorbents, catalysts, food supplements, etc., can be anticipated on the basis of knowledge of mechanisms and kinetics of critical processes and their interdependence.

The Laboratory for Precipitation Processes was founded in 1968. Apart from precipitation systems under equilibrium conditions, the investigation of kinetics and mechanisms of precipitation processes and their quantitative elaboration started. Among the precipitation processes most attention is given to nucleation, crystal growth and dissolution, aggregation of crystals and the transformation of thermodynamically unstable forms into stable ones. Extensive investigations of calcium phosphates, oxalates, carbonates and sulphates have been carried out.

The field of metallic materials has always played an important role in the research activities of the Laboratory for Solid State Chemistry. It has a long tradition, and was started within the Department of Structural and Inorganic Chemistry at the very beginning of the Rugjer Bošković Institute. The first work was related to semiconducting materials, followed by a period of intensive research into nuclear fuel materials. Current research is mainly focused on the reactions of intermetallic compounds with hydrogen or oxygen. These materials can be used as catalysts for hydrogen or oxygen, e.g., for storage of hydrogen as an ecologically acceptable source of energy, in rechargeable Ni(MH) batteries, where metallic hydride (MH) replaces toxic cadmium, etc.

The use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics for measuring p450 induction of fish enzymatic system will provide new insights into the interaction and pharmacokinetics of these medicines. This research will provide a better scientific understanding of the natural and anthropogenically-induced processes that influence the structure and function of the biological system of the living organisms in water.