Non-factorizable ribbon Hopf Algebras

Abstract

Building on the work of Nenciu we provide examples of non-factorizable ribbon Hopf algebras, and introduce a stronger notion of non-factorizability. These algebras are designed to provide invariants of $4$-dimensional $2$-handlebodies up to 2-deformations. We prove that some of the invariants derived from these examples are invariants dependent only on the boundary or on the presentation of the fundamental group of the 2-handlebody.